Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 1

OGHAMS;

LETTERS INSCRIBED IN STONE

“THE BETH- LUIS- NION”

New Age Druidic periodicals

 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 2

Abstract

I set out to put down on paper the knowledge and methodology of the Oghams (Oh- Uhms) and their
original usage. It is my intent to see them from my Ancestors eyes in the way they saw and used them from day
to day. Since the Oghams are described only briefly at best in just a few poems, songs, and on some 500 stones
across the United Kingdom, the information is not much. This treatise will start with background history and
move onto just the usage for divination sake. The following pages will show what is known and highlight both
what has remained constant and what has been changed over the ages.
There has been much printed and conjectured over the past 100 years, and some has meaning in the
modern age that it did not in the age where these sticks were first used. It is my intent to go back to when they
were first used and see how and why so we can use them in a similar way today.
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 3

Oghams: LETTERS INSCRIBED IN STONE

Introduction
How old are the Oghams?
The story in the Book of Ballymote says that Ogma son of Elathon (600 BCE) devised the Ogham script for
“noble eyes and not for use by animal herders and low people”. This is probably a translational error by the later
Christian Monks in that it was invented by people of learning (called the “Aes Dana” or the Gifted Ones). It
also refers to Ogmios the Deity as having been the inventor of the Ogham scipt. The problem here is the word
“Ogmios” is a Gallic spelling rather than an Irish and so probably another translational error.
The Oghams can be dated from over 500 stones ranging between 350 AD to 700 AD and are scattered
across the British Isles all signifying either burial locations or village boundaries. Since the inscriptions on
many also included Latin translations, they provide both a date and a way of translating what was said. This was
extremely helpful since no other translations exist in anything from that period.
The Auraicept Na n‟Eces (Scholar‟s Primer) provides translations as well as a list of many other “Ogham
tracts” and can be found on its own and also transcribed into the Book of Ballymote. Unfortunately both of
these documents bear the burden of having been transcribed in the 11th century.
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 4

Where are they found and what were they being used for?
The Oghams were found primarily on boundary stones and burial markers all across Wales, Ireland,
Scotland and England. The use was simple; “Here lies Alan, son of Aengus” (Allain macOengais) or “Here is
the border between Cardiff and Avebury, cross with good intentions or bear the consequences”. Burial markers
were not many since it took a great deal of effort to dig a huge hole, find an appropriate boulder, move and
place it next to the deceased person and then have a stone cutter properly mark it. Because of the effort, it can
be assumed that any Ogham burial marker is for a person of some fame or money (or both). The Boundary
Stones are much more frequent and are not something from just the United Kingdom. Boundary Stones existed
as far back as the Tribes of Israel and served a similar purpose; to warn intruders that they were crossing into
“protected lands”. Boundary stones were the resting site of powerful magicks summoned and placed to protect
the perimeter of villages. They did not need to be marked as such since everyone knew what the stones were for
and so the markings were simply to tell you what village you were entering, the protecting Deity was assumed
to be in residence of the stone itself. The Greeks called these boundary markers „Omphallos”, the Romans
called them “Mundis”, and the Tribes of central Europe referred to them as “Stopja Stones” and many of these
stones can still be found today. These Boundary stones were seen by everyone as „Magical Inscriptions‟ to
protect the village beyond, and would curse upon any who stepped past them intending any harm upon the
villagers.
The Oghams themselves were inscribed by the people who knew how to read them, and this was limited
to the more educated for many reasons. Most Celtic tribes people were not literate since not everything needed
to be written down. The Celtic belief (also a Druidic belief) was that “writing something down diminished it”.
People were expected to memorize vast amounts of knowledge that pertained to their craft or specialty. Many of
the tribe‟s people were fluent in more than one language since the tribes were migratory and traded heavily with
other nearby tribes and nations. Latin and Greek were both common among the Celts as a trade language since
both Greece and Rome traded for Celtic weapons and tools made of iron and steel (the Celts discovered it first).
Although many say that the Oghams are older than 300 CE, no proof has been found that dates the
Oghams any earlier and so the Oghams are from the same approximate age as the first Runes begin to appear.
Some say they are connected, but this is also without proof as no Runes have been discovered next to Oghams.
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 5

Why did they change over time, and what changed?

The Oghams were used as a written language as well as a divination method from the start and
corresponded to letters and sounds in the Gaelic language of the time. These twenty letters (Feda) were grouped
into four sets (Aicme) with three being consonants and one being vowels. Certain sounds that were commonly
made as well as pronunciations had letters. The Gaelic language has always been a living language in that it
changed over time with the influx of new people and the domination of other people. Many of the words and
ways of pronunciation changed with the massive influx of the Angles, Saxons, Danes, Jutes, and Kents in the
early 6th century. To accommodate the new words and consonants five new letters were added (the “Forfeda” or
the “Extra letters”). Since the Oghams had already been used for several hundred years as a divination system,
these letters were only to be used for writing and were never intended for augury.
The Celtic methods and thinking was that people should be able to remember what was necessary in
their life. As with any other way, methods of remembering things were invented so that simple sayings or
repeating sounds could be used to attach other more intricate meanings to. The Oghams were used for just that
method in the Auriacept na eCes (Scholars Primer). Since the Ogham was an alphabet, and everyone was aware
of it, and each Aicme had five letters just like a person‟s hand; five „things‟ could be assigned to it for
memorization. Thus the “King Ogham”, “Fish Ogham”, Castle Ogham”, “Color Ogham”, “River Ogham” came
into being. These were not divination methods but rather a system to help student remember important things in
their education (Hence the name “the Scholars Primer” or Auraicept Na n‟Eces). Some modern people have
taken these to be divination markers and so the Ogham Augury meanings have taken a turn.

What makes them different than any other divination method?

The Ogham sticks are different in both their meanings and usage, but bear striking resemblances to both
Runes and Tarot. Since Augury (Cleomancy in this case) is a very personal thing, the Oghams simply give the
reader another option for a tool to be used. The symbols are easier to remember since they are 1-5 notches in
one of only four patterns; up, down, diagonal, and straight through. Other than this, the thought process behind
the Oghams are exactly the same as any other method; “Beith” (Birch) is read the same as the Rune “Beorc” or
the Tarot “The Fool”. It is a card of new beginnings and all the difficulties and excitement involved in that
event.
How do we use and interpret the Oghams?
Very little is known with certainty about the Ogham sticks since the Celtic thought was that “anything
important should be memorized rather than written down”. We know that there were twenty „Feda‟ and that
they were inscribed upon wood (Birch is mentioned but other woods could be used). We know that the stick
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 6

were “thrown onto a cloth and read for their meanings”. Other than that, the rest is left to our imaginations. We
know that the sticks were used and that the phrase “casting of lots” was what the monks wrote about. This is
known as „Cleomancy‟ and referred to a great number of things that could be „cast‟ and also in the manner of
that casting.

To attempt to make sense of this I went back to the same time period and looked at other versions of this
method of divination. Too many people immediately point to the Runes and that method and so I chose to look
at that method last only because it is so well explored already. Since the Insular Celts and Mainland Celts were
almost completely assimilated by the Roman Empire and then over printed with Christianity it was hard to see a
purely “Celtic way of looking at things”. What I did notice however was a general feeling among the Romans
and Greeks to use what they found around them to their advantage, especially if it “worked”.
That brings me to the Roman practice of Sortes and the eventual Sortes Sanctorum and Sortes
Conviviales. “Sortes” or the casting of lots in Roman times was to throw stones, small tablets, or pieces of
wood into either a deep narrow urn or a small shallow bowl of water. If tossed into an urn it was immediately
followed by someone reaching into the urn to pull out a few lots and then toss them lightly onto a piece of cloth
or wooden tray. The “tossing‟ was seen as the users will being imbued into the items, the tossing was seen as
the release so the Deities could put their influence upon them and the landing was of course the result. The
Sortes Conviviales is best seen now as the “Fortune Cookie” you receive after the meal at a Chinese restaurant.
Whatever is used, these same three components must be present; Owners willpower, Deities influences,
and Final outcome. The Final outcome is usually the hardest to determine so often times there were markings
on that final cloth to help determine things. Any markings or patterns have to be announced out loud first and
repeated until an understanding is clear to all. Simple things such as “Yes”, “No‟, and “Ask again later”….
“Before”, “After” and “Now”…. “Left”, “Right”, “Center”. The Celts mostly did things in three‟s and so the
Ogham sticks would have likely followed that pattern as well. If there is anything with a seeming “Duality”
look harder and you will discover a “Third” lurking directly in between the two. The Celts felt that the
“Tweens had power” and so a threshold was usually at least a powerful as what was inside and what was
outside… after all the doorway was preventing the two from mixing.
The Ogham were written about beginning in the 4th century and referenced places and things that may
have existed back as far as maybe the 5th century B.C.E. Since the Irish Language (Gaelic or the language of
the Gaels) dates back in Ireland to roughly the time when the Celts invaded the island the Oghams cannot be
any older than this time. The etchings are said to be because it is easier to make such cuts in stone and wood
which is where we find all of the inscriptions publicly today. The few books we have (Book of Ballymote and
Book of the Dun cow for example) illustrate them in some sections and refer to them in others.

As a divinatory system the Books refer to practices as if the reader should recognize the missing
pieces of the tale. They speak of "casting the sticks" but do not detail anything beyond that. What is known
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 7

mostly is that only the first four Aicme were used for Divination (according the Auraicept Na n‟Eces or the
Scholars Primer). What we also know is that the Ogham were used for a certain time as a memorization tool.
Evidently enough of the people understood the sequence of the letters so that other important things could be
attached to them in that same sequence.

Methods of Divination;
I keep them in my crane bag until I need them. I pull all of the first four Aicme out and toss them into
some kind of container. The person with the question then reachs in and pulls three sticks out tossing them
lightly onto a black cloth with a Triquetra printed on it for example. The sticks are then read by which "arm"
the sticks are closest to. Each arm of the Triquetra stands for something; “Left, Right, and Center”.

Land- What is beneath and grounding me Past- Something recent influencing the question
Sea- What is around me and centering me Present-The situation at hand
Sky- What is above me and I strive for Future-Where the current situation is likely to go

Negative- influences that hinder the situation Confusion- What stops me

Positive- influences that help the situation Balance- What is around me and centering me
Neutral- influences that can be modified Creative Force- What do I need to do overall

Abred- How do the Shining Ones feel? Masculine- What actions should I take?
Ceugant- How do my Ancestors feel? Feminine- How can I nurture this situation?
Gwynedd- How do the Spirits of the Land feel? Crowning- Is this Goal attainable?

Ogham sticks were “cast as lots” which means they were drawn blindly and tossed lightly no more than
a few feet away. In order to do this the ground has to have something to offer friction such as a cloth or an
area with edges such as a bowl, a dish, a platter, or a tray. The choosing of the sticks had to be easy and yet
hidden so using a small bag for carrying purposes does not fulfill the role of choosing them. A larger bag or
a box or simply fanning them out and closing your eyes before choosing them should work well.

It is a personal choice whether you use the fifth Aicme or not but remember they were not originally
intended for divination. The fifth Aicme was introduced as the Gaelic language began to change with the
influx of Anglo-Saxon and Germanic as well as Norse words and usage. I personally do not use them as my
connection to the Ancestors is set prior to these people interacting with the Irish.

Sacred Woods, Chieftain Trees and Otherworld Trees all indicate something in the readings just as
Major Arcana and „Face cards” in the Tarot do. Sacred Woods were gathered twice a year by the villages in
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 8

preparation for the Fires of Beltane. Having more of the Sacred Woods can mean that you are seeing either
a buildup in the interaction with your „tribe‟ (your community or the people you „hang around with‟).
Having more Chieftain Trees would possibly mean that you have some „Big Influences‟ in your life possibly
indicating the „Mortal Powers you are familiar with are influencing your situation” (Your Boss or someone
that has an influence over your work or school perhaps). Having more Otherworld Trees can mean that
„Power beyond your Control are influencing your situation” (Weather, everything happening at once so you
have to choose one thing over another, or just pure Luck; Good or Bad).

The Ogham sticks have a „direction‟ and the direction that they point can mean something as well. If a
question is asked about a person in the room and the sticks point to them it can mean that that stick is meant
to be as aspect of the person it is pointing to.

Finally, the use of a cloth can organize your casting of lots in that the sticks are not drawn in order but
rather land closest to the outcome. For example you can use a triquetra where each arm signifies something;
Left would be “Past”, Right would be “Future”, and the Top would be “Present”. Three sticks are drawn
and tossed onto the cloth with the closest stick to each arm being that answer. Direction of the stick could
indicate a connection to the other two sticks so that what is happening in the Past (if that stick did not point
to the other two) would be taken to mean that the Past is just a past even and is not still affecting the present
or future.

The best thing to do is to simply start “tossing sticks” and to get a feel for what you want them to do.
Since absolutely nothing was ever written down about how to do this, there is no “Right” and “Wrong”
beyond the use of the Fifth Aicme. There was absolutely nothing written down about the Trees figuring into
a Calendar or a time measurement system other than a few holidays and what woods were to be utilized on
those holidays.

One Last Suggestion;

HAVE FUN…!!!

Here's a definition of Ogham in Irish (Irish Gaelic):

Ogham a thugtar ar an aibítir a bhí ag na Ceiltigh in Éirinn fadó.
Faightear inscríbheanna Ogham ar chlocha seasta nó galláin.
(The ancient Irish Celts had a form of writing called Ogham.
The surviving examples of Ogham are on large standing stones.)

Cuireadh grúpaí stríocanna nó poinc ar imeall ingearach na clocha.

(Letters were formed by inscribing groups of dashes or dots on a vertical edge of the stone or gallán.)

Ainmneacha a bhíodh ann de ghnáth.

Tá feiche litir san aibítir agus léightear ó bhun go barr í.
(They usually held the name of a person.
The ogham alphabet contains twenty letters and is read from the bottom up.)
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 9

The Ancient Celts said that the Druids had what were referred to as “The Three Illuminations” and that

these methods for augury and divination throughout the Druidic training. The Imbas Forosna (Imoss Four ohs

na) or „Manifestations that enlighten‟. Some say that the Druids would place their palms upon their foreheads to

discern the secrets of the world around them. This is also known as „Palm Wisdom‟ and could have been the

position that Druids would put themselves into as they cast lots to determine the future. Some assumptions of

this method is that something would „manifest‟ so it could be said that the Druid would have a „sudden

inspiration‟. Some form of sacrificial offering was performed prior to this method and so St. Patrick forbade its

use.

The Teinm Laida (Tenem Loyda), or „Understanding through Poems‟. Some say this was the reading

aloud of prose in order to get into a trance-like state while others simply say the wisdom was either in the poetry

itself or alluded to by reading through it. Some few have even suggested that it is the reading of poetry and

using the words themselves as a sort of cypher (pointing blindly as you ask a question and opening your eyes to

the word or phrase you pointed to). This was also known as „chewing the hazel nuts of wisdom‟ and „cracking

the marrow of wisdom‟. One technique has been said to be the repetition of poetic prose over and over again

thus creating a heightened mental state. Some form of sacrificial offering was performed prior to this method

and so St. Patrick forbade its use.

The Dichetal do Chennaib (Dikitul doe Kennay) or „Illumination through Song‟. This was something

that appeared to “just happen” as no preparatory methods were discussed. The assumption here is that the Druid

would burst into “automatic writing” or “automatic speaking” as a topic would open up. It is suggested that they

might do this while in song, but could also have meant ritual chanting or a poem set to music. Perhaps it was

simply the loss of concentration while singing so that your subconscious mind free associates and inspiration

strikes. After the other two “illuminations” were banned, it is also possible that the Teinm Laida was combined

with this method. Since no form of sacrificial offering was performed, St. Patrick approved its use.
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 10

Anything will do in order to set the mood, and I have tried many things. Included below is my poem for

your use so you can concentrate upon these phrases and let slip the bounds of the world around you. I

consider this to be a form of Imbas Forosna myself; chant the song and lose yourself in the rythyms.

Three sticks are drawn into the light

…drawn one at a time with your second sight

One for the Past that’s not quite gone

…still in the shadows yet lingering on

One for the Here and Now between

…part of the past only partly not seen

One for the thing that longs to be

…partially hidden from all that we see

Three sticks are drawn into the light

…returned to the darkness and hidden from sight

Mark Bailey, February 2011

I hope this helps you in your travels and your adventures.

 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 11

Aic Ogham Name Tree Simple Meaning

Beginnings
Birch New Starts, Initiations, Projects;
Beith Live your Life
A Major step forward, Crossing
a Threshold, Fires of Beltaine
Enjoy your life
(BETH)
“Tree Clears away bad things in Life
Punishment cane, teachers staff
between Worlds” Color- „A Being‟ –or- „To Be‟ (exist)
Beath White “Charm–vs-Evil when burned”
B Beth
Sacred Wood Animal-
Your first step on the Journey
of a lifetime
Beithe
Chieftain Tree Cow

Rowan Insight Inscribed Elm Wand wards

Elm or Quicken against evil/ malevolence, use
for powers of foretelling
Luis “Tree
Protection thru
Knowledge,
Berries when cut have a
pentagram inside it
(LWEESH)
“Fid Na n‟Druad” (Tree of the
(LOO’SH) of Life” Color- Druids), “Rowan tree and red

L Learn Red, Grey thread”= Charm –vs- Evil

What you know will protect
Sacred Wood Animal- you from the falsehoods of
First Aicme

Otherworld Tree Unicorn, Bear others forever

Strength Hearth, Home, Strong

Alder
Fearn
Foundations White wood &
Physical and Blood Red sap “Cursing
(F’ YARN) Moral Strength Wand”= Alder (fey wand)
(FAIR-n) “Tree Hollow twigs tied together=

Fern of Shields” Color-

Crimson
Charm against flooding or for
Calling the Wind Keeps things
F Fernd
Fernn
from falling down
Stand steadfast and resolute
Sacred Wood Animal-
Red Fox, in your convictions
Ram, Stallion

Intuition Drink deeply of the wisdom of

Willow thru dreams the Earth, Link with the Earth &
Moon Charm –vs- Disease
Saille Accessing
“Smoke of the Willow”=
(SALLY)
(SHAiLuh)
“Tree Deep Wisdom
Celtic burning sagebrush,
Take a deep breath and let what
of Thirst” is outside enter into your core
Saille Color-
S Suil Sorcha (fiery)
Don‟t ignore the knowledge
around you
Sacred Wood Animal-
Stand still and soak in the
wisdom of the Ages
Hare, Cat
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 12

Yggdrasil; the World Tree,

Peace
Ash Bringing everything together
Niun The Whole is
again; Spirit World-Physical
World link- “Cosmic Ash”
(N’ YIN)
(NEE-uhn) “Tree greater than Charm against Magic, Power
its parts over Fire & Water, “Maw of the
Nion
of Magic” Spear, Shaft of the Broom”
Nin Color- Connects Abred-Gwynedd-
N Nuin Sacred Wood
Clear Green Ceugant / Past-Present-Future
You are more than just the
Nùin
Chieftain Tree Animal- sum total of all that you know
Snake and all that you owe.

“Festine Lente” (Make Haste

Hawthorn Restraint Slowly) Cut Twigs are given to
hÚath Cleansing and
“live in Hope”; Charm –vs-
Illness Never cut this tree down,
(OO-ah) “Tree Patience Nothing is ever free (“the
(OO-ah-huh)
of Faeries” Thorn”), Purple rags tied to
Huath Color- branches Bards Tree of Satire

H Huathe
Uath Sacred Wood
Purple the “May Tree”
Go out and gather in the
Animal- spring to bring back joy and
Otherworld Tree Dragon, Goat light into your household

Protection
Doors= Oak & Mistletoe
Oak (Drualas) entwined Thor‟s Tree,
The Doorway Strength, Boundaries,
to Undertaking
Duir Winter Solstice;
Second Aicme

(DOO-r) “King Color-

Tree of the Oak King;
Ability to „see invisible things‟
of the Forest” Black, Druids taught under the
Daur Dark Brown branches of the Oak Tree
D Dair
Dur Sacred Wood Animal-
From a tiny Acorn grows the
mightiest of trees
White Horse,
Chieftain Tree Lion,
Salamander

Balance
Protection –vs- Lightning &
Holly Right
Thunder, Self-Protection,
Balance in Life,
Tinne overcoming
Wrong
Leaves always green;
Summer=soft, winter=hard
(T’ YIN-uh) “Tree Summer Solstice;
(CHIN-yuh)
of Balance” Color- Tree of the Holly King

T
Dark Grey Fatherhood, Paternity, and the
Teine
“Good Fight” A Very Potent
Animal- Symbol of Life
Cow Justice will always prevail
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 13

Intuition
The number “9” (or “3 by 3” )
Hazel thru Creativity, Poetry, Divination,
knowledge Knowledge, Wisdom, Insight,
“Chewing Hazelnuts for wisdom
Coll “Tree Wand of and insight”;
(CALL) of the Well Knowledge “Well of Segais ringed by 9
(CULL)
of Knowledge” Hazels, Salmon of Knowledge

C Call Color-
Brown
eats falling Hazelnuts”
Hazel Wands were used for
Sacred Wood divination and wisdom
Animal- Meditation, Wisdom, and
Salmon Mediation

Beauty
“Silver Branch with bells” (Apple
branch) = big announcements
Quert Apple
Right choices
over many
Apple core= pentagram
(K’ YERT) options
(KWAIRT) Emain Abhlach (Isle of Avalon or
Isle of Apples or Glastonbury‟s
Cert “Tree Color- Orchards)
Q
Green
Ceirt of Avalon” Natural Beauty enhanced and
Quiert prolonged through blending
Animal- with nature
Unicorn

Prophecy
Vine Candor, Joy, and Harvest Time;
“The Vernal Equinox”;
Relax and Openness Mead is made of this
Muin “Vine
Speak plainly and is the fruit of Celebration;
(MOON) This governs the Festival of
(MUHN) of the Color- Lughnassadh
Mbnacht
Orchards”
M Moon “Variegated” Sometimes things are hard to
cultivate but worth it overall”
Animal- Lizard
Third Aicme

Changes in Career, Drive,

Progress Ambition, Innate Persistence;
Take care to avoid ruthlessness
Ivy Change in or of getting lost
Gort direction
“The Second Harvest”
Others may become jealous of
(GORT)
“Strongest Color-
your achievements
“Enemy of Holly”
G Gart
of all Trees” Skyblue “Growth requires change”
In small quantities anything is
Animal- good, but some things are
Boar bad in great numbers
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 14

Unity “The Broom” Cleaning, and

Reed
nGéatal “Preservation
Sweeping away “Harmony
(Ne Yay Tul)
(Broom) between You & the World”
of Knowledge” Spiritual Wisdom, writing,
(NYEH-dl)
poetry, music, harmony
Getal “Tree Color- Maintaining and Restoring order
Grass Green
nGeadal of Scribes”
nG (n)Gétal Animal-
When the time is right it is
time to change
nGedal Dog, Stag, Rat

Strife Life out of Control, Destiny, Fate

“Wyrd” Web of Fate „Druids
Staff Wood” A Sign of Bad
Straif Blackthorn Life is both
Good and Bad Luck Witches „Black Rod‟
(STRIFE) “Tree of Walking Sticks &
(STRAHF) Shillelaghs” Sloegin is flavored
“Tree Color-
ST Straiff
of Punishment
Bright Purple
with this fruit.

Straiph
Z Straith and Strife” Animal-
Wolf, Toad,
Anything that is bad can also
be good, but you have to work
at it.
Black Cat

“Tree of Healing and

Change Transformation” Timelessness
Elder White blossoms and Red
Berries Cut branches always
Change and
grow back
Ruis “Tree Transition
Sudden Anger, Righteous
(ROO’SH)
(RWEESH)
of Regeneration” Color-
Retribution, and the Healing of a
friendship afterwards
R Blood Red
Do not burn this Tree
Otherworld Tree Animal-
Badger
Look for the Good in Life

Power
Silver Fir Elevated Consciousness,
(White Fir) Taking the Loftiness of Vision Higher
Perspective
Ailm High Road
Fourth Aicme

Sometimes it is easier to look

(AL Yem) “Tallest Color- down upon the situation and
(AHL-m) Pale Blue navigate the best path to your
& Straightest destination
Ailim of Trees”
A Falm
Animal-
Red Cow
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 15

Wisdom
Abundance, Fertility, and
luxurious Growth There is
The
Furze, always plenty to go around
gathering What you have a lot of that
Onn or Gorse and use of seems to be never-ending
(OWN) knowledge Tripping over things hidden in
(UHN)
“Luxurious the underbrush

O Oir Carpet Color-

Yellow Gold Do not become lost in the
Shrubbery” gathering of knowledge
Animal-
Rabbit

Magnificent Love, Relationships, Intimacy

Act on your Dreams
Heather Obsession
An emotional shroud hanging
Úr “Fragrant Emotional over one that does not listen to
their dreams and visions
(OO-r) healing
Carpet
Ura Red Heather= Passion
Shrubbery”
U ùr
Color-
Purple
White Heather= Composure
(A Protection from Passion)

Animal- From Dreams comes Passion,

Bee, Lion from Passion comes Strength.

Endurance
Never give up on yourself
The Path of Courage
Eadha Poplar
The “Tree of Shields and Courage”
(AY Duh) Mastery of You will endure and succeed
(EH-yah) Fear
Courage never stands alone for
Eabhadh “Faerie Tree” very long, you will always find
Color- others that will stand by your
Eadad
E Eadhadh]
Silver, Red side even if they are new friends
Edad Animal- Feel the Fear but do it anyway
White Mare

Immortality
Yew Death & Rebirth
Iodha Ancestral
“Transformation & Rebirth”
Yew Wands used for divinations
(EE-duh)
(EE-yoh)
“Tree Inheritances “Trees of Longbows, Cemeteries
of Life” and Holy Grounds”
Idad Color-
We gather „round the
I Idho
Íodhadh Sacred Wood
Dark Green
Ancestors to listen, learn, and
watch over them
Animal-
Spider
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 16

Ancient
Knowledge South
Ébad Sacred Grove
(EHV-uh)
Color- Where the students go to
“Grove Green
Éabhadh
of many find their teachers
ea, Ebad
Trees” Animal-
(ch / k) Eubh Squirrel

Inner Peace
Spindle East
Óir Color-
(Oh Ear) “Small White
What is always sought
oi very hard Animal-
Oir Owl after and rarely kept long
Tree”
(th)
Ancient
Wisdom North
Added (Fifth) Aicme

Honey
Uilleann Suckle Color- Wisdom spreads like the
Pale
(Yew Lynn)
Yellow
scent of a fragrant tree,
ui Uilen
“Visions once smelled everyone
and Dreams” wants more
(io, ph) Animal-
Mouse

Illumination
Pine
Ifín Gooseberry
Center
(Ee Feen) Color-
Blue Green Nothing tastes better than
Iphín “Trees
ia Pine
the knowing of a thing
of Heroes” Animal-
Peine Cat
(p / pe)
Pine Cones= “Tree Eggs”
Guidance
from the West
Past
Emancoll Witch Hazel
The groan of those in need
(Ay Man Cole)
Color- draws those with the skill
“Tree Orange
Eamhancholl to alleviate the problem
ae of Learning”
Phagos
(x / xi) Animal-
Deer
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 17

☼“Chieftain Trees”
These Trees were rarely allowed to be cut down due to their majesty and significance. Villages
often sought out big strong examples of these trees in order to fashion their new village around.
These often became the “Tree of the Center” in the middle of the village.

∆“Otherworld Trees”
These Trees were considered to be „thresholds between worlds” and were not to be harmed for
fear of angering those who dwell within. As with anything in the „Otherworld‟, these trees are the
thin part of the Veil separating us from essentially an anti-matter reaction. Harm these trees and
you will invoke the return of this harm from beyond the Veil upon you.

☻“Sacred Trees”
These Trees were the nine trees that lit the Fires of Beltane (BaelTinne) on the 1st of May. The
King of Tara would have these gathered and two large bonfires erected. Just prior to nightfall on
the 30th of April (and again on 31 October) all fires and lights would be extinguished all across
Ireland. The King would light his two fires and then as other people saw them lit, they would light
theirs as well.

First Aicme; First Fifth- (Bríatharogam)

Letter Meaning Morainn mac Moín Maic ind Óc Con Culainn

féochos foltchain glaisem cnis maise malach

ᚁ B Beithe 'Birch'
"withered foot/hair" "greyest of skin" "beauteous eyebrow"

The silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) is the most common tree in much of Europe. It grows up to 100 feet
high, and is often found in sandy soils. It is one of the first trees to grow back in an area after a mature forest is cut;
this is its symbolic connection with new beginnings and opportunities. Formerly covering the whole of the United
Kingdom, it is a graceful and slender tree with a characteristic white bole. Beithe, has two meanings in Irish; "Being,"
(as in “to be”), and "A Being." (as in an entity) Children's cradles were made of Birch, and the inner bark provides a
pain reliever while the leaves can be used to treat arthritis. Axe handles were also made from Birch. On the Isle of
Man, off the west coast of Scotland, criminals were 'birched' to purify them and to drive out evil influences. Teachers
staffs were made of these.

'Flame' lí súla carae cethrae lúth cethrae

ᚂ L Luis
or 'Rowan' "lustre of the eye" "friend of cattle" "sustenance of cattle"

The rowan, or mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia L.) thrives in poor soils and disturbed areas. In some parts of
Europe, rowans are most commonly found around ancient settlements. Rowans flower in May. They grow to 50 feet
and are members of the rose family (Rosaceae). The rowan has a reputation as a protector against enchantment.
Rune staves, (sticks upon which runes were inscribed,) were cut from this tree. Rowan wood was also used to divine
for metal, as hazel twigs are used for water. Along with several other trees, the rowan played a central role in Druid
ceremonies. Sprigs of rowan were hung over the main door of the house, and often worn to ward off enchantment or
"the evil eye." In Wales, rowans were planted in churchyards to watch over the spirits of the dead.
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 18

airenach fían comét lachta dín cridi

ᚃ F Fern 'Alder'
"vanguard of warriors" "milk container" "protection of the heart"

The alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) is a very ancient tree that has grown in the British Isles for thousands of years.
This tree is easily recognized by its regularly spaced branches and its conical shape. Like the willow, it is a water-loving
tree. The timber is oily and water-resistant, and is often used for under-water foundations. Parts of Venice and many
medieval cathedrals were built on alder foundations. The common alder is found along lowland rivers, where it grows
with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy
flooding. In protected areas they may grow to 65 feet tall. Alders are members of the birch family (Betulaceae).
Legend says that Bran the Blessed used his body to span the river Linon, forming a bridge to protect his followers
from the flooding waters, as alder wood does when used as a building foundation.

lí ambi lúth bech tosach mela

ᚄ S Sail 'Willow'
"lifeless pallor" "sustenance of bees" "beginning of honey"

The willow in the Ogham stands for the female and lunar rhythms of life. It is water-seeking, with a preference for
damp, boggy areas, river banks, or low-lying meadows. It is an imposing tree, with a thick trunk covered by dark gray,
heavily ridged bark. Its spreading branches create a very full shape, and its leaves are long and slender and covered
with silver hairs that give the whole tree a shimmering appearance. The willow is sacred to the moon goddess. The
willow was also used as a protection against damp diseases.

costud síde bág ban bág maise

ᚅ N Nin 'Branch-fork'
"establishing peace" "boast of women" "boast of beauty"

The world tree is an ash, or is known as "The Cosmic Ash." It appears in Norse mythology as Yggdrasil (or the tree of
Odin.) The ash tree has deeply penetrating roots and tends to sour the soil, which makes it hard for any other plants
to grow around it. Its branches are thick and strong - in Norse mythology, it spans the universe, with its roots in the
lower world and its branches supporting the heavens. In Celtic cosmology it connects the three circles of existence -
Abred, Gwynedd, and Ceugant - which are sometimes interpreted as the past, present and future (or as confusion,
balance and creative force.) The ash can grow to one hundred and thirty feet high. This tree has distinctive black
buds and its seeds grow in bunches, each with a long, thin wing. It grows in all climates, but tends to do best in soil
that is rich with lime. Its white wood is excellent for burning, and was often used for oars, ax handles, and was a
favorite of the Celts when making spears.

Second Aicme; Second Fifth- (Bríatharogam)

Letter Meaning Morainn mac Moín Maic ind Óc Con Culainn

'Horror' or condál cúan bánad gnúise ansam aidche

ᚆ H Úath
„Hawthorn‟ "packs of hounds" "blanching of faces" "difficult at night"

The Hawthorn is the female tree often known as May, as it is closely associated with the tradition of 'maying,' or riding
out on a spring morning and gathering hawthorne boughs laden with white flowers. These fragrant white blossoms
were used to decorate the halls, and worn as crowns by maidens in wedding ceremonies. Young girls rose at dawn to
bathe in dew gathered from hawthorn flowers to ensure their beauty in the coming year. "The fair maid who, the first
of May, Goes to the fields at break of day And washes in dew from the hawthorn tree, Will ever after handsome be."
The Hawthorn is a rather small tree that grows with a dense, many branched and twisted tangle. Due to its
impenetrable growth, it is mainly used for hedgerows, and the origin of its name comes from the Anglo-Saxon
'haegthorn,' meaning hedge-thorn. It is also known as whitethorn. Its bark is smooth and gray and its wood is used
to make maypoles for Beltane. Its leaves can be used to make tea, and it is said to be good for people with cardiac or
circulatory problems. It is also a remedy for emotional distress or long term nervous conditions. Its juice can be used
in the treatment of asthma, rheumatism, arthritis, and laryngitis.
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 19

grés soír slechtam soíre

ardam dosae
ᚇ D Duir 'Oak' "handicraft of a "most carved of
"highest tree"
craftsman" craftsmanship"

The oak was a central tree to the Druids, and is the king of the forest. Our modern English word "door," comes from
the Gaelic word 'duir' - the word for solidity, protection... and the mighty oak tree. Oak groves were sacred to the
druids. The oak tree has always protected Britain, by providing wood for the building of ships, and as boundaries
between one area and another. Ovates, Bards, and Druids preached under their branches, gaining strength from their
strength. The oak is associated with the celebration of Beltane, the spring Fire Festival of fertility and renewed
growth. . The month of May is one of celebration, and the rebirth of life and living things. Besides providing strong
timber for building, the oak's bark produces tannin, which was used extensively in the leather industry for tanning raw
hides. The oak is one of the longest living trees in the forest, often living for seventy to eighty years, even after being
struck by lightning. Acorns can be used to make a powerful antiseptic, and the juice from crushed oak leaves can be
applied directly to wounds for the same purpose. A gargle made from the inner bark is useful to relieve sore throats
and a decoction of the outer bark can help relieve severe fever symptoms.

'Iron Bar' or trian roith smiur gúaile trian n-airm

ᚈ T Tinne
“Holly” "1/3 parts of a wheel" "marrow of charcoal" "1/3 parts of a weapon"

Holly is male, and symbolizes paternity and fatherhood, and the fight. With the Ivy and the Mistletoe, the Holly has
always been regarded as a potent life symbol, both for his year-long foliage and for his winter fruits. Concealed within
the verses of the "song of Amergin," chanted by a chief Bard as he landed on the shores of Ireland, is the line "I am a
battle-Waging spear" Holly wood was generally used for spear shafts. The old name for Holly is Holm, preserved in
such names as Holmsdale, Surrey. With the coming of Christianity, the Holly became the Holy tree (“crown of thorns”).

caíniu fedaib carae blóesc milsem fedo

ᚉ C Coll 'Hazel'
"fairest tree" "friend of nutshells" "sweetest tree"

The hazelnut, in Irish legend, was the fruit of wisdom, and was eaten by the salmon swimming in the pool of life. Thus
the hazel is associated with meditation, wisdom and mediation. Hazel branches were also used for divination because
of their pliancy and affinity for water. The hazel tree reaches 30 feet in height, but is often cut back. The nuts can be
ground up and used to sooth sore throat and head cold symptoms. The dry skin covering the nut can also be ground
up into a powder and used for the relief of heavy menstrual flows.

'Bush' or clithar baiscill bríg anduini dígu fethail

ᚊ Q Cert
'Apple' "shelter of a lunatic" "insignificant person" "dregs of clothing"

All apple trees are descended from the crab apple, which was likely the tree mentioned in the tree Ogham, as it grew
wild in the British Isles and across much of Europe during the time of the Druids. The apple represents choice. The
wood of the apple tree is good for both burning and carving, and poultice made from roasted for boiled apples
removes burn marks from the skin, and eases inflamed eyes. It is also known to be good for the bowels and for
sufferers of asthma and other lung ailments. The Apple when cut reveals a pentagram if cut laterally across the seeds.
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 20

Third Aicme; Third Fifth- (Bríatharogam)

Letter Meaning Morainn mac Moín Maic ind Óc Con Culainn

'Vine', or
tressam fedmae árusc n-airlig conar gotha
ᚋ M Muin 'Ruse/Trick'
"strongest in exertion" "slaughter" "path of the voice"
or 'Love;'

The grape vine governs the festival Lughnassadh. The fruit of the vine, the grape, can be used for many purposes: to
make wine, calm coughs and distraught nerves, and aid in digestion. The leaves can be used (if boiled,) as a lotion for
sore mouths, and as a poultice for inflammations. They are good for skin conditions, and a decoction of the leaves is
often used as a treatment of kidney or bladder stones. This was very hard to cultivate in Briton and that connotation
can be said of the vines as well.

'Field' or milsiu féraib| ined erc sásad ile

ᚌ G Gort
“Ivy” "sweetest grass" "a place for cows" "sating of multitudes"

The ivy is not considered a tree and belongs to the evergreen family, but depends on a host tree for support. It's
leaves are deep green and rather waxy, and it has thin tendrils that attach themselves to surfaces, and are strong
enough to force their way into bricks, cracks, and plaster. Ivy can grow in such abundance on a host tree that it
smothers the tree and actually kills it. Ivy berries can be used for medicinal purposes, but can be poisonous if taken in
large quantities. A broth of fresh leaves can be used to cleanse sores or wounds. A powder made from dried leaves
and berries can be used to clear stuffy heads, and is also believed to be a cure for hangovers. The Ivy was considered
to be a very powerful tree to the Celts because of its ability to kill even the mightiest Oak tree. Because of its tendency
to create dense, impenetrable thickets in the forest, it is seen as more powerful than the vine, and rather sinister in
nature.

'Slaying' or lúth lego étiud midach tosach n-échto

ᚍ GG Gétal
“Broom” "sustenance of a leech" "physicians cloak" "beginning of slaying"

The broom is a wide, bushy shrub that grows in abundance in the British Isles, and blooms in yellow pod-shaped
flowers. It can grow to seven feet in height, and its stem can grow very thick and strong. Its branches are often dried
and used as brooms (as the name suggests,) and a decoction of young branches and seeds can be used to treat
malaria, gout and painful joints. It is also a good diuretic. Oil drawn from the stems (by heating them over and open
fire,) can be used to treat toothaches, and for the removal parasites such as lice. Traditionally the Celts were a
nomadic people. They camped on one place throughout the cold winter months, and would break camp in the spring
when the first yellow blooms appeared on the broom. Thus the Reed can be said to cause a change in location as well
as a cleansing of an area.

tressam rúamnai
'Sulphur' or mórad rún saigid nél
ᚎ Z Straif "strongest reddening
“Blackthorn” "increase of secrets" "seeking of clouds"
(dye)"

The blackthorn is more of a shrub than a tree, and grows in dense, impenetrable thickets, often a nesting site for
birds. It is covered with sharp thorns, has white, red-tipped flowers, and small oval leaves. It is the traditional wood of
the Irish shillelagh, and is also used to make walking sticks. The fruit of the blackthorn bush are deep purple berries
known as sloeberries. These berries ripen only after the first frost, and are used to make jam, and to flavor the
famous sloe-gin. It is a good astringent and can be used to stop bleeding, both internally and externally. The leaves
can be boiled into a decoction and used as a treatment for laryngitis and tonsillitis.
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 21

'Red' or tindem rucci rúamnae drech bruth fergae

ᚏ R Ruis
“Elder” "most intense blushing" "reddening of faces" "glow of anger"

In popular Celtic folklore, it was believed that it was unlucky to use Elder wood for a child's cradle, but that only Birch
wood should be used to symbolize purity and new beginnings. The elder tree can grow to thirty feet in height, and is
covered with a light brown bark with deep ridges and groves. Its leaves are broad and oval in shape, and it has a tiny
white flower with five petals and a sweet scent. In autumn it is covered with bunches of black berries which are used
to make wine and jam. Rich in vitamin C, a tea from the flowers is also used for the treatment of coughs and sore
throat. Boiled leaves can be used in a mixture for the relief of pain in the ears. A distillation made from the flowers is
used a skin cleanser, a cure for headaches and treatment for the common cold. The bark can be dried and used as a
laxative.

Fourth Aicme; Fourth Fifth- (Bríatharogam)

Letter Meaning Morainn mac Moín Maic ind Óc Con Culainn

ardam íachta tosach frecrai tosach garmae

ᚐ A Ailm 'Pine'?
"loudest groan" "beginning of an answer" "beginning of calling"

The silver fir, from the family 'Abies,' is a variety of pine that grows in the mountainous regions on the upper slopes
overlooking the lower forests. Firs are known to grow to tremendous heights. Two silver firs planted by the Duke Of
Argyll in the early seventeenth century stood until recent times, and reached heights of 124 and 130 feet. The wood
from fir trees is used in the making of furniture, and because of the straightness of the trunks, was used in the making
of ship masts. It is a source of turpentine, resin and tar, and a tea made from the shoots can be used as a protection
against urinary tract and kidney infections. At one time, much of Scotland was covered with these great trees, but
now only small patches of them remain.

féthem soíre lúth fían

'Ash-tree' or congnaid ech
ᚑ O Onn "smoothest of "[equipment] of warrior
“Furze” "wounder of horses"
craftsmanship" bands"

The furze is a yellow-flowering shrub that grows profusely on the open moors and hillsides of Great Britain. It blooms
year around, although it’s densest bloom is in the spring and early summer. Its flowers are rich in pollen and nectar,
and give off a strong sweet honey/coconut scent. They are a favorite of honey bees. A decoction can be made of the
flowers for the treatment of jaundice and to cleanse the kidneys of stones and obstructions.

'Earth' or úaraib adbaib sílad cland forbbaid ambí

ᚒ U Úr
“Heath” "in cold dwellings" "propagation of plants" "shroud of a lifeless one"

Heather is often connected with death and completion in the Celtic tree Ogham, but its name, Ur, means 'new.'
Heather is the symbolic gateway linking the earth with the spirit world. Heather is a rather twisted gnarled plant that
grows profusely on the moors and heaths of Scotland. It blooms in small purple, red and blue flowers, which are
favored by bees for their pollen. As a medicinal, it is used chiefly as a treatment of nervous disorders and cardiac
palpitations. It can also be used to treat menstrual pain and migraine headaches. Bees make a distinctive honey from
its pollen, and the Picts used heather to brew a potent ale. Its roots and stems are used to make rope, thatch for
roofs, and brooms.
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 22

érgnaid fid commaín carat bráthair bethi (?)

ᚓ E Edad „Aspen‟
"discerning tree" "exchange of friends" "brother of birch" (?)

Of all the trees of the Celtic tree Ogham, the white poplar is most concerned with earthly and material aspects of life.
Used by the ancients to make shields, it is believed to have the power to protect from death and injury. Poplars are
often referred to as the 'whispering' or 'talking' trees, and in Irish Gaelic, as 'Crann Critheac', the quivering tree. The
long flattened leaf stalks grow in such a way as to make a noise with every breeze that passes through the leaves.

lúth lobair (?)

sinem fedo caínem sen
ᚔ I Idad 'Yew-tree' "energy of an infirm
"oldest tree" "fairest of the ancients"
person" (?)

The yew tree lives the longest of all of the trees of the Celtic Tree Ogham. They are often found in cemeteries, but
may be far older than the cemetery itself. The Crowhurst Yew in Surrey is believed to be at least 1,600 years old.
Research work by dendrochronologists indicates that some yew trees in British churchyards may be as ancient as four
thousand years old! This longevity is achieved through the style of growth. The yew's branches grow down into the
ground to form new stems, which grow to become trunks of separate but linked growth. In time, the central trunk
becomes old, but a new tree grows from within the decay, and is indistinguishable from the original growth. Thus the
yew tree represents age, rebirth and reincarnation - the birth of a new soul which springs from ancient roots. The
average yew tree grows to fifty feet in height. It is an evergreen with dark green needles (light underneath) and bears
a bright red fruit containing a single seed. Female flowers are green and small, as contrasted to male flowers which
appear on different trees and are slightly larger and yellow in color. The needles bark and sap are extremely poisonous
and has no medicinal uses.

Forfedha; Additional phonetics- (Bríatharogam)

Letter Meaning Morainn mac Moín Maic ind Óc Con Culainn

cosc lobair
snámchaín feda caínem éco
ᚕ EA Ébad Aspen "[admonishing?] of an
"fair-swimming letter" "fairest fish"
infirm person"

sruithem aicde
'Gold' or lí crotha
ᚖ OI Óir "most venerable
„Spindle‟ "splendour of form"
substance"

'Elbow' or túthmar fid cubat oll

ᚗ UI Uillenn
„Honeysuckle‟ "fragnant tree" "great elbow/cubit"

'Thorn' or milsem fedo amram mlais

ᚘ IO Iphín
„Gooseberry‟ "sweetest tree" "most wonderful taste"

'Twin-of- mol galraig

Eman- lúad sáethaig
ᚙ AE hazel' or "groan of a sick
choll "groan of a sick person"
„Witch hazel‟ person"
 Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 23

Bibliography
Calder, George. Auraicept Na N'Eces (The Scholar's Primer). London, England UK: Translated from
and earlier script, 1917.
Graves, Robert. "The White Goddess: A Historical Grammar of Poetic Myth." Faber and Faber, 1946.
Matthews, Caitlin. Celtic Wisdom Sticks. St. Paul MN USA: Llewellyn Publications, 2001.
McColman, Carl. 366 Celt. Upper Saddle River NJ USA: Prentice Hall, 2005.
Miller, Liberty. Oghams; an Introduction. 2001. 2011 <http://ogham.lyberty.com/oghamintro.html>.
Old, Spirit of. Spirits of Old. 2005. 2011 <http://www.spiritofold.co.uk/divination/ogham.htm>.
Rowan, Laurie Erynn. Ogam; Weaving Word Wisdom. Stafford England UK: Megalithic books, 2009.
Unknown, Author. Book of Ballymote. Dublin, Ireland UK, 1381.
Webster, Richard. Omens, Oghams, & Oracles. St. Paul MN USA: Llewellyn Publications, 1995.
Oghams; Letters inscribed in Stone 24