VINE MOON
2nd September - 29th September

The vine is a long-lived climbing shrub cloaked in large lobed leaves and clusters of small green or whitish flowers. The fruit or grape consists of a watery fleshy pulp containing stones, encased in a soft skin. Grapes are differentiated by their skin colours, which range from pale green or yellow to red, purple or black. Some varieties are even multicoloured. The stem of old vines can reach a considerable size in warm climates, and planks up to 15 inch’s across have been cut from them, but this is highly unusual. In Burgundy there are vines said to be 400 years old and over.

In modern days the juice of the grape is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly iron. It provides a source of instant energy and is ideal for convalescents. The grape is laxative and diuretic and despite its sugar content it is not fattening. Fasting except for grape-juice and grapes has been recommended by naturopaths to clear many chronic diseases. Grapes are used in the treatment of poor blood circulation, low blood pressure, anaemia, liver congestion and skin blemishes

Brambles form a complex group known as Rubus fruticosus aggregate, containing around 320 individual ‘species’ known as microspecies. These varieties are very difficult to tell apart. All brambles are sprawling woody perennial shrubs, with thick prickly stems that are able to take root at their tips. They grow up to 2 m or more tall. The leaves have toothed edges and bear prickles on their undersides. The flowers tend to be creamy white with splashes of pink, and the unmistakable blackberries are a deep purplish-black when ripe. Microspecies differ on the basis of certain morphological features, including the density and arrangement of the prickles, and general growth form.

In Celtic astrology, the vine is often linked with grapes, although this fruit is not native to Ireland. Because of this, it is thought that the Druids used the native blackberry or bramble vines for their tree alphabet instead. They connected the twining of the vine plants to their beliefs in the spiralling growth of life energy. Both plants represent forces of vitality and life. Like the grapevine bramble vines are associated with joy and exhilaration, and other types provide wine and food. Blackberries, the fruit of the thorny bramble vines, were also believed in Celtic tradition to be the fruit of the fairies. The vine deities association with Pan, who is often portrayed as a spirit of nature and a mischievous nymph, also provides a link form the bramble vine to fairies.

Through its associations with nature, the underworld and reincarnation, the deities associated with the vine are numerous, and include: Dionysus, Bacchus, Hathor, Venus, Branwen, Aphrodite, Apollo and Osiris. Its gender is feminine. Its planet ruler is the Moon with strong associations to the Sun. Its element is with Water, and its magickal associations promote: Fertility, Death and Rebirth, Garden Magick, Money, Mental powers and Freedom of Spirit.

The Druids chose the swan as the Druidic animal of Vine in the Celtic Tree Ogham. This links the plant to the goddess Etain, the ruling deity of the vine. Also associated with the month of the Vine is the Tit-mouse and the snake; the colour is variegated; and the gemstone is amethyst.

A myth described Amethyst as a nymph who loved the wine god. When he scorned her, Amethyst withered and hardened into a stone that would always oppose the effects of wine. Purple stones were credited with the ability to keep drinkers sober no matter how much wine they consumed.

Astrologically vine people love tradition and are happiest returning to places where they have had good times in the past. They care about nature and the preservation of the natural world, and will risk life and limb in its defence. They are simple people and usually not highly ambitious in their own pursuits. Vine people are kind, gentle and creative and sociable. They are instinctive organizers and are drawn to public service careers. They require a great deal of mental and emotional security to feel content. They are easily hurt by lack of consideration from others

Grapevine Facts

Latin name: Vitis vinigera
Vine family: Vitaceae a species of woody vines, anchored family in the ground with long, strong roots while the stem spirals upwards through reaching tendrils.
Leaves: The shape of the large leaves from four to five lobes.
Flowers: Small, green and white.
Fruit: Grapes, most commonly harvested for making wines.

Bramble Vine Facts

Latin Name: Rubus fruticosus
Vine family: Rosaceae, a species of thorny, scrambler vines. It grows rapidly and has prickly stems.
Leaves: Small, dark green with serrated edges.
Flowers: Small, pink and white.
Fruit: Blackberries that can be used for making potent fruit wines, or jams.

Back