2004 Ogham Reading

 

Basic Reading
Oak	Past & Present - the Door Duir You have come from the position of stability and are seeing things with clarity now. The oak is the seventh tree of the Ogham, and its symbol is a door. Strong and enduring, it can both open to allow passage, and close to prevent movement and to protect. For this reason, the oak symbolizes strong and appropriate boundaries.
Ash	Current Challenge - Linkages - It is best to accept the challenge, face it squarely. The situation is a part of a wider whole, and your life is a part of a larger pattern. Remember that your actions are a part of a larger pattern, and affect all the others within it- make your decisions with this in mind.
Heather	Final Outcome - Dreams and luck Seeds will know germination, things will be illuminated, and you shall know blessings. Look back and remember the dreams you have had. Have they been lost in the details of everyday life? There may be ways to bring them into the present. You have enjoyed some good luck in the past; while it may not have lasted, remember that it can certainly come again!

 

 

Advanced Reading	NORTH (Battle)
	Reed Rest
WEST (Knowledge)	CENTER (Sovereignty)	EAST (Prosperity)
Blackthorn Testing	Holly Steadfastness	Silver Fir Originality
	SOUTH (Harmony)
	Ivy Attainment

 

Reed

Knowledge and preservation

It is wise to plan now to preserve that which you value. Care taken soon can prevent much future damage. It may be helpful to learn more about the situation- from books, or from other people. Or, perhaps, you will enter a time of study.

While not a tree in our modern definition, reed- the thirteenth of the Ogham trees- has a woody stem which fits an ancient definition of a tree. Reeds were used for many things in ancient times: pens, paper, measurement, roofing thatch, and floor coverings, among other uses. The reed, then, symbolizes knowledge and scholarship, and preservation in general- of physical goods, as a roof preserves the household, and of knowledge, as writing makes the words of those far from us available to us.

Color:

Grass green 

Animals:

Dog, Stag, and Rat

Bird:

Goose

Fir

Objectivity

You have seen the situation clearly in the past, although this vision may have been more recently clouded by immediate circumstance. Try to remember both the details of this clear vision, and the way in which you were able to see things objectively; it is usually helpful to blend an objective with a personal view of matters.

The fir is the sixteenth Ogham tree and the first of the fourth grouping, ususally considered to be the vowels. (Some scholars consider this tree to be the elm.) The fir is the tallest native tree, and it grows on hills and mountains, which add to its height. This is why the fir symbolizes objectivity and perspective, a distance that aids one in seeing clearly.

Color:

Pale blue

Animals:

Red Cow

Bird:

Lapwing

Ivy

Progress and tenacity

You will have the persistence to successfully pursue the goals you set. Choose them wisely! It might be easy to be distracted, too, which can slow your progress; be aware of this as you move forward.

Ivy is the twelfth of the Ogham trees. It is persistent when faced with poor conditions for growth, and survives almost all hardships. For this reason ivy symbolizes both the progress towards a goal, and tenacity when faced with difficulties in this pursuit. A risk associated with it is a lack of judgement or discrimination; it is wise to determine whether a goal is worth pursuing before putting one's energies in that direction.

Color:

Sky blue

Animal:

Boar

Bird:

Mute swan

 

Blackthorn

Strength in adversity

A time of difficulty may be approaching. Prepare for it, both yourself and the tools you will need. Your preparation could prevent it altogether, and will certainly help you to cope with it! And remember that you have the strength you will need to survive, and even triumph- and to enjoy the peace that will come afterward.

The blackthorn or sloe tree has tough wood, long thorns, and small edible fruits. It is the fourteenth tree of the Ogham. It is used for walking sticks and shillelaghs, as a hedging plant, and its fruits can be used to flavor beverages. Blackthorn symbolizes both adversity, and the ability to be strong in it and to overcome it.

Color:

Bright purple

Animals:

Wolf, Toad, and Black Cat

Bird:

Thrush

 

 

Holly

Creating balance

You are called upon to act, either to create balance or to preserve it. it is time to act with strength and vigor, but only in the service of justice. And in so doing, you will prevail.

The eighth tree of the Ogham is usually considered holly, although historically cypress is also associated with it. Holly is masculine, symbolizing both fatherhood and the ability and willingness to fight for justice and redress wrongs, renewing balance.

Color:

Dark grey

Animal:

War Horse

Bird:

Starling