The Ogham alphabet is also called the ‘Celtic Tree Alphabet’ as each letter is assigned a tree or plant name and each tree has its own symbolism.
- A is for Ailm (pronounced ‘A-lum’) It is associated with Elm, Fir and Pine
In Celtic Mythology, the Elm is related with death and the transition into the Underworld. Fir tree’s associated with the healing of an inner soul.
- B is for Beith (pronounced ‘BAE-yh’) It is associated with Silver Birch
In Celtic Mythology Birch is known as ‘The Lady of the Woods’ and it represents new life and rebirth, change, new beginning, femininity, grace, protection, family…
- C is for Coll (pronounced ‘Col’). It’s associated with Hazel
In Celtic Mythology Hazel is associated with wisdom, knowledge and creativity.
- D is for Dair (or Duir) (pronounced ‘Dahr’). It’s associated with Oak
In ancient Celtic tree lore, the Oak is associated with strength, resilience and self-confidence.
Celtic symbol – Dara Celtic Knot, usually represents the root system of an ancient Oak. Like other Celtic knots, the Dara Knot is made up of intertwined lines with no beginning or end.
- E is for Eadha (pronounced ‘EH-ga’) It’s associated with Aspen
Aspen is a symbol of endurance, courage and the overcoming of obstacles.
- F is for Feàrn (pronounced ‘Fyaarn’) and it’s associated with Alder
In Celtic mythology, Alder is often associated with strenght, protection, determination and confidence. It is believed to have the ability to protect people in time of danger.
- G is for Gort (pronounced ‘GOR-ht’) and is associated with Ivy
Ivy is often associated with prosperity and growth, and it is believed to be a bringer of good fortune, particularly to women.
- H is for Huath (pronounced ‘HOO-er’) and is associated with Hawthorn
In Celtic Mythology the thorns of the Hawthorn are often associated with cleansing, protection and defence, although the stem of the Hawthorn is seen to bring bad luck if brought into the home.
- L is for Luis (pronounced ‘LOO-sh’) associated with Rowan
The Rowan Tree is often associated with humanity, perseverance, life, blessings and protection against enchantments and magic. Celtic druids believed that women were forged from the Rowan tree (as men were forged from the Ash tree) and so the Rowan symbolises the fragility of life, motherhood, birth, blood, protection, and survival.
- M is for Muin (pronounced ‘MOO-n’) and is commonly associated with the Vine, but also with the Bramble
Muin is a symbol of inward journeys and life lessons learned.
The Vine is a symbol of both happiness and wrath and is connected to prophecy and truthful speaking. The Bramble is most commonly associated with Devil and it was said that the Celts didn’t eat Blackberries as the Devil had spat on them. The association with Satan is also present in Christian mythology, where it was said that when Satan was banished from the Kingdom of Heaven, he fell in to a patch of brambles and cursed them as they pierced him. Goats are one of the few animals that eat brambles, and they are traditionally associated with Satan in Christianity, perhaps adding to the negative associations of the Devil with Brambles.
- N is for Nuin (pronounced ‘NOO-n’) and is associated with the Ash tree
The Ash tree has long been a symbol with wisdom, knowledge, and divination. Celtic druids also believed that men were forged from the Ash tree (and women from the Rowan) contributing to its association with masculinity, strength and rebirth. In a number of legends, the Ash is connected to the gods, and considered sacred.
- O is for Onn (pronounced ‘OH-n’) and is associated with Gorse
In Celtic Mythology, Gorse was thought to provide protection against misfortune and was also associated with resilience, optimism, as well as with the Sun, light, and fire.
- P is for Peith Bhog (pronounced ‘Payh fvog’) and is associated with Downy Birch
In Celtic Mythology birch was traditionally associated with birth, love and purity. Birch was often placed over cradles to keep the young safe from evil spirits and bundles of birch twigs were used to drive out the spirits of the old year.
- R is for Ruis (pronounced ‘Roosh’) and is associated with Elder
Elder symbolises protection, transformation, regeneration and rebirth. Elder is often representing endings, transitions and maturity in terms of the awareness that comes with experience. In Celtic folklore, Elder is said to provide protection against malevolent faeries, witches and the Devil. Traditionally, it was said that the best protection for a home was obtained by having a Rowan tree by the front door and an Elder tree at the back door.
- S is for Suil (pronounced ‘Sool’) and is associated with Willow
Willow trees were an important part of Celtic Mythology and it was associated with knowledge, optimism, adaptability and spiritual growth.
- T is for Teine (pronounced ‘TEEN-uh’) and is associated with Holly
As an evergreen, Holly was connected with immortality and a symbol of fertility and regeneration. Felling an entire Holly tree was said to have brought bad luck.
- U is for Ur (pronounced ‘OohS’) and is associated with Heather
Heather symbolises luck, healing, passion and generosity, with flowers that are full of nectar and so attractive to bees, which are themselves seen as messengers between the spirit world and the mortal realm.
The Celts often referred to heather as a plant of attraction, romance and intoxication.
