Celtic Moon Months

The Moon has been worshipped for centuries, and its powerful effect on the natural world is seen as proof of its magical powers. The moon is more than just something pretty to look at. It effects weather patterns, creates tides and influences earthquakes. The human body is 80% water, and women are especially attuned to the Moon. A lunar month is about 28 days long, the same length as the average menstrual cycle. The Moon is linked with madness and transformation, the legend of the werewolf being connected to the full moon. It is thought that more people suffer mental illness during a full moon.

The Moon is humanity's oldest calendar, and on which Celtic Astrology was based. Evidence of ancient peoples keeping time by the phases of the moon have been found carved into rocks and cave walls the world over. The famous tree calendar of the Celts was such a timekeeping device. Each moon phase was assigned a corresponding tree, each tree being sacred to either feminine energy and to the Goddess, or to masculine energy and to the God.

The Druids, whose culture is thought to stem as far back as 500 BC, believed the tree spirits, known as dryads, symbolises the spiritual nature of humans, exemplifying the subconscious mind, emotions, and connection with the Divine. This idea applied to any tree with a strong aura around it. They also believed that certain trees had a healing influence on humans, and that the human race originally descended from the trees. From this ancient respect for the power of trees came the expressions 'touch wood' and 'knock on wood'. This system has strong parallels to traditional Astrology, although some believe this method is closer to Vedic Astrology.

Trees span generations while their branches, trunk and roots span Heaven and Earth. They all have particular qualities according to their growing habits. Tree magic can be absorbed by taking flower remedies or by hugging or sitting under a tree. The Druids believed that each tree had particular magical qualities, and they encoded these mysteries in a secret shamanic alphabet, known as the Ogham, the origin of which is ascribed to Ogma, the Celtic God of Poetry.

B - Beth, Birch Month
L - Luis, Rowan Month
N - Nion, Ash month
F - Fearn, Alder Month
S - Saille, Willow Month
H - Huath, Hawthorn Month
D - Duir, Oak Month
T - Tinne, Holly Month
C - Coll, Hazel Month
M - Muin, Vine Month
G - Gort,Ivy Month
Ng - Ngetal, Reed Month
R - Ruis, Elder Month

The herbal and health information provided in this feature is intended as historical information only. The historical uses are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should always seek professional care.