Gort - Ivy Development-Tenacity

"I have been a boar upon the hills ruthless and red, roving"
"I am a boar ruthless and red"
I fled as a bristly boar seen in a ravine

 

Tree: The Ivy is an extremely hardy plant and can grow to a great age. When this happens, the trunk can be as wide as a foot in diameter. The Ivy is a tree of development and transformation, starting as a small, weak, herb-like plant, which grows into an enormously thick, woody, serpentine tree. The plant will grow out in all directions, climbing up any vertical surface and out over all flat planes in a tenacious manner. These tenacious vines are said to strangle trees, so Ivy may be seen as the bringer of death. But its evergreen leaves stay on the plant throughout the winter when other broad-leaved plants loose theirs. The Ivy is especially seen as a sign of femininity in Celtic areas.  Hedera Helix A climbing wine having smooth, shiny, evergreen leaves, small yellowish flowers and black berries. The muse Thalia (A muse having originally no particular function but who ended up presiding particularly over comedy and light verse) was described as having a wreath of ivy on her temples. Because ivy folds tightly around its support plant it has been held as a symbol of faithful love and friendship. Also because ivy continues to grow even on dead trees, it has been seen as a symbol of the life of a soul after it has left the mortal body.

Expression: The clinging growth of the Ivy Vine, its power of binding, and its glossy leaves link it to the life and death mysteries of the swan-feathered maidens of Celtic myth. These maidens are symbolic of the Divine self which binds every person to the Otherworld. This binding can often be seen as a type of strangling when the powers of the Otherworld are in their darker aspects. It tests and strengthen humans who encounter it. There is a fierce and determined power in the Ivy. It gives the boar-like tenacity to apply the will to do difficult and intricate work. The Ivy is a sign of determination and tenacity of the self.

Divination: In divination, Gort indicates a period of testing that will lead to personal development. Tenacity, bravery, and strength will be needed to get through a stormy phase. There are perhaps some gains to be had in connection with it. Success will prevail despite these problems. Through this ordeal, you may forge a closer link with the divine self, and come to know immortality. These difficult times will lead to a strengthening of your personality. However, this path is also fraught with pitfalls. There may be those who are envious of your accomplishments. Seek the best of guidance in what you do in matters touched by the Ivy Ogham. It gives you the ability to eventually come out of the situation as the victor.

The Challenge of the Ivy Ogham is a lack of tenacity or perseverance in the face of adversity. There may be a lack of courage and strength leading to pessimism, defeatism, or a loss which may lead to a breakdown. Keep focused on your true goals. There is the danger of falling into ruts of negative psychological behavior. Seek the original and unique. Difficulties make this a turbulent and testing period of your life. Do not to get caught up in the tools of the transformative process. Remember that the tools are not the ends, but only the means to give rise to something emerging from the depths of your psyche.

Gort in The Fifths

Mide, Center: Gort in Focus is Development.
Your personal development is in focus right now. Through tests, trials, and challenges, you will come to a better understanding of your own personality.

Seis, South: Gort in Fire is Improvement.
You need to learn, or be aware of, everything in your environment and everything within you. Once you learn how and why you act and behave the way you do, you can begin improving those aspects of your personality that you feel are not positive.

Fis, West: Gort in Water is Attainment.
What you need to do to regain balance and harmony is to use tenacity and inner strength in the face of adversity. You have what it takes to attain your goals, you just need to tap into those inner resources.

Cath, North: Gort in Earth is Evolution.
The development that has culminated is about to manifest in an evolution of your personality. You will come to an important decision concerning your life, love, and happiness.

Blath, East: Gort in Air is Victory.
When tenacity is applied to conflict and battle, victory is usually the outcome. You have the strength to overcome obstacles, and it is time to learn how to tap that strength.

Celtic Zodiac Information

The "new moon" Ivy individual is a rather radical thinker...something akin to the Rowan individual...but with a more artistic temperament. Such people, however, do have a tendency to be somewhat indecisive and their success rate has a propensity to swing between two extremes which will set the pattern of life accordingly. The "full moon" Ivy individual radiates a successful image all the time, even while suffering a reverse of fortune. These people are generous providers, but can be shrewd when it comes to their financial resources and income. The "full moon" Ivy individual can also be extremely manipulative and liable to use any position of power in a ruthless manner. As a result, this individual often becomes involved in disputes and litigations.

In general, Ivy individuals have great personal stamina and a wealth of talents that can bring personal honors and public recognition. Such people are generally colorful characters with a unique style which is all their own. Restless by inclination, Ivy people are nonetheless sociable and good-natured. Cheeful, expansive and magnetic, they easily win friends and dislike offending others. Although frequently indecisive, Ivy individuals are far from weak-willed and will tackle difficult tasks with infectious optimism. They also possess a sharp intellect which is matched only by their sense of humor...however, their personal doubts and fears can manifest into strange dreams and personal encounters. Blessed with profound artistic flair, Ivy people tend to be greatly valued as friends.

On the more serious side, Ivy people have a quiet type of faith and a belief in the natural balance of things. Extremely loyal, they are capable of accepting responsibility for their own actions.

September 30-October 3: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Hazel, whose motto is "To Be The First" or "The Extraordinary." Hazel individuals are charming, undemanding and often extremely understanding...they know how to make a good impression. Hazels are also active fighters for social causes. They are akin to pioneers, but with a competitive mind which can consume much of the Hazel energy. It is important that Hazels do not tire themselves out by trying to remedy too many faulty situations. Being honest and tolerant, with a precise sense of judgment, they are usually popular people, but can make for moody and capricious partners. Those born under the jurisdiction of this tree are said to have been conceived during the shortest or longest nights of the year and the number 9 is said to be particularly lucky for such individuals.