CELTIC

An ancient system, the 13 trees of the Druid Zodiac were brought forward as they were
seen imbuing distinct and important sets of qualities. These entities known as trees (but
also inclusive of plants) were highly revered by the Druids, as was all of nature, and they
were intrinsically linked to both the ancient Ogham alphabet as well as to the archetype
and cycle of the lunar months. This combination of Tree (skills/qualities/patterns), Rune
(sound/vibration/meaning), and Time (cycle/rhythm/pattern) reflect the distinct fields of
energy that are here to be expressed through your Soul Print and life journey.
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You are The Ash.

Written by Erin Scott

If born under the time of The Ash,

you are imprinted with its qualities.
How the Ash tree functioned and
expressed itself was observed by the
Ancients through all the human-
knowledge pathways (the mind, the
emotions, the senses, and intuition);
thus its wholeness was understood.

The Ash tree produces winged seed-

pods known as keys that ripen in
autumn. Perhaps these winged
elements were at least part of the
reason why the Ash was considered a sacred chieftain tree to the Druids, one that provided keys
to the world of spirit and that bestowed both connection and protection. Indeed, the Ash
represented the link between the inner and outer worlds. Prone to lightening strikes, the Ash was
known to court the flash.

The Ash is a fast-growing tenacious tree, maturing quickly and producing dense wood that is both
tough and pliable. Its root system grows in such a way as to create numerous surface roots and it is
not unusual for the Ash to shoot new growths from an otherwise dead trunk: Ash stump spouts
are often cultivated.

From Celtic Radio: In Norse legend, it was an Ash which spanned the Universe...with its roots in Hell
and its boughs supporting the Heavens, and [with] Earth at its center. In Celtic lore, the Ash
connected the three circles of existence...Abred, Gwynedd and Ceugant...which may be
interpreted as the Past, the Present and the Future, or as Confusion, Balance and Creative Force.
There was no hell in Celtic beliefs...only continual rebirth as passage was made from circle to circle
until the Land of the Blessed was finally reached.

As one encoded with Ash, you inherently contain all of its qualities, patterns and expressions. Some
of your gifts and growth edges include dualistic qualities of both the Dreamer and the Pragmatic,
curiosity, adaptability, intelligence and a quick wit, being gregarious and communicative, an
artistic and creative skill and capacity for genius, a mystical nature, deep compassion, sensitivity
and intuition, healing tendencies, a spiritual foundation, a propensity to be easily overwhelmed,
and an inherent tendency toward gullibility and being influenced by others. When the whole of
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these qualities and patterns are recognized, accepted and allowed to express and evolve
naturally, you are optimally aligned with your intrinsic authentic nature. Your journey is always
inextricably linked to evolving the balanced expression of each.

About The Ash

The Ash details below are sourced from Druidry.org

The Ash tree has always been given mystical import and character, frequently being associated
with healing and enchantment. In Celtic literature, there are many references to the Ash tree, but
in particular it is associated with the Welsh Magician-God Gwyddion, who bears an Ash
staff/wand, a symbol of healing and especially transformation and empowerment in matters of
destiny. As such, in the Mabinogion, the magic of Gwydion is concerned with tricking Arianhrod to
give the young Llew his arms which she had previous sworn never to do, having placed a Geis (or
conditional curse or fate) upon him. Gwydion used his powers of enchantment and transformation
to create a phantom army fleet of ships which then tricks Arianhrod into giving Llew his arms, and
thus removing the Geis upon his destiny. Llew is later said in the myth to rest as an Eagle in an
Ash Tree.

Ash was often used for spear shafts or handles for weapons. Hence Ash can be also seen to be
checking the powers of peace as above in the Word Ogams of Morann Mac Main. In this sense,
application of force to destiny may bring peace through resolution of a conflict - which would be
seen as healing. The English name Ash may have been derived from the Anglo-Saxon word Asec
which is the name for a ritualistic spear. The name Nuin or Nin, literally means letters in the Celtic
languages.

Ash cannot be mentioned without making reference to its related symbolism as the World Tree,
which spans between worlds vertically from the waters of Annwn ( the lower world ), Abred ( this
world ), Gwynvid ( Upperworld ) and finally into Ceugant. In this manner it symbolises the Cosmic
Axis of the universe, as the central column or conduit spanning through the many levels of realms
and realities. In this sense, it could be seen as the spine or backbone of the universe, or the central
column of the tree of life, with many branches leading into the upperwordly realms and many
roots in the lower worlds. Symbolically, it is interesting to consider our own incarnations as individual
leaves upon this tree - the leaf that falls and returns to the roots to nourish the tree, in terms of the
cycles of death and rebirth.

The symbolism may have come about due to the height of the Ash tree - typically they grow up to
one hundred and fifty feet tall and due to its large root structure is a well-spaced out tree. It is one
of the last trees in the year to leaf. All these factors may have combined in the imagination of the
ancients of Europe to associate this tree in particular with the Cosmic Axis.

In the Norse mythology the Ash tree is known as the Yggdrasil and associated with the God Odin
who is similar in some respects to the Celtic Gwydion. In order to obtain the Futhark Runes, Odin is
said to have hung himself upon the Yggdrasil and received the Runes in his trance. As such,
attuning to the World Tree in this fashion can bring gifts of blessing and inspiration. The World Tree is
also said to have three roots: an air root, a water root and a root in Hel (i.e. the Otherworld ). For
fans of Lord of the Rings, the Wizard Gandalf is said also to bear an Ash staff.

In The Dictionary of Symbols, Chetwin gives the explanation of the Cosmic Tree: Cosmic Tree - may
have preceded the idea of Cosmic Man. It is related to the ridge pole of the world, over which the
beautifully embroided star-spangled sky is thrown. It is related to the world axis and is a symbol of
Union.

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In the Book of Druidry, Nuinn mentions the association of the Ash and Yggdrasil: The ash tree, with
its wide embracing form, especially as the Umbrella tree, played in the north part of Europe
something of the same part that the bo-tree played in India: it was the Great Mother, eventually
the Cosmic World-Ash Yggdrasil.

The Ash was seen as the feminine counterpart to the All-Father tree, the Oak: in these two trees,
the oak and the ash, the concepts of the All-Father and the all-embracing World Mother, found
the widest lodging. They are still found by many to be deeply symbolic and meaningful.

There have been archaeological Druid finds of Ash wands carved with spirals in Wales which
provides evidence of the powers of the Ash, suggesting that it was revered and employed by the
Druids.

Thus the Ash tree is associated with positive enchantment and application of will to destiny, which
in many cases represents a healing process as the individual comes into contact with the truth of
their own identity and the shamanic wound.

In terms of Astrological associations correlating to the Ogam wheel of the year (as put forth by
Graves in the book The White Goddess) - the Ogam Calendar - Ash corresponds to the energies
and season of Pisces which is the month of March. Some also attribute the tree to the Water
element and others the Air Element. Others associate the tree with the planetary forces of the Sun
or the Sun in Sagittarius in particular. Ash trees bud in March-April time which may explain its
approximate placement in the Ogam Calender. The fruit of the Ash tree, the keys, can be pickled
and eaten in accompaniment with salads. The Ash tree comes into full bloom in May time and is
known as The Venus of the Woods.

There is also much folklore and natural magic associated with powers of Ash. The traditional
Witches broom or Besom was also traditionally made of an Ash staff, together with Birch twigs and
Willow bindings. Interestingly, it is thought that the Besom represented the Hieros Gamos or sacred
wedding of energies as in the Wiccan Great Rite and was used in the form of shamanic flight.
Hallucinogenic mixtures may have been smeared upon the handle, to be absorbed through the
skin of the hands/wrists, whilst the Shaman/Witch danced around with the pole between the legs,
as if 'Riding' the broomstick into the otherworld, to gain perception of other realms and converse
with spirits of the otherworld, this being a form of Astral Projection or Shamanic flight. Indeed the
Ash staff used for the main handle may have been so employed because of its association with
the World Tree or Yggdrasil, since travelling between the worlds in the shamanic flight could be
seen as travelling via the Cosmic Axis into the upper and lower worlds. It is possible that some
surviving traditions of Celtic Witchcraft may have been the remnants of the teachings of the Druid
Ovates, as postulated by Philip Carr-Gomm in Druidcraft.

In some traditions, Witches were said to live inside Ash trees, in the Germanic traditions there was
the Askafroa or wife of the Ash who was an evil spirit said to do much damage. To appease her it
was said to be necessary to make a donation to her on Ash Wednesday. In the Greek Hellenic
traditions the Melai Nymphs were said to dwell within Ash trees, and it is suggested there was
associated sacred rites in this traditions.

In the essay The Initiatory Ceremonies and Priesthood from the text Druidism: The Ancient Faith of
Britain, Dudley Wright (quoting Forling, in Rivers of Life) speaks of the Ash as being particularly
holy in these isles and part of Pagan initiation. He states an ancient world wide belief in which to
pass through clefts of rocks or trees had the symbolism of being born again. A folk practice was
recorded in Suffolk, England in 1834 where an Ash tree is split longitudinally and a baby was
passed through the hole three times. The tree was then bound up and if the tree successfully
healed itself - all was to be well with the child in life. The practice was also recorded in several

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other counties for the purpose of healing Hernias in small children and was performed either at
midnight or dawn.

In terms of the Sacred Druid alphabet the Ogam, Ash was included in the first Aicme or Series of
Ogams as a Chieftan tree. There are several arrangements of Ogams - some attribute the Ash to
the Five branched ogam (BLF arrangement) whilst others attribute it to the three branched ogam
(BLN arrangement). Typically, the Ash more frequently appears in the texts as the five branched
Ogam, which may follow since appearance of clusters of Ash leaves would symbolically look more
like the five branched Ogam.

Ancient Ireland was said to have five sacred trees in the Dindesenchas, the Lore of Places; three of
these sacred trees were ashes: Daithi, Eo Munga and Tortie. Unfortunately, during Roman-Christian
times these trees were felled and lost.

In terms of Natural Magic, small crosses of ash wood carried upon the person were said to prevent
them from drowning whilst at sea. The use of Ash Keys is generally thought to be protective against
negative sorceries. Ash Wands are thought to have been used for the raising and directing of
healing energies and enchantments. Ash leaves placed under the pillow before sleep were
thought to bring prophetic dreams or were placed in water containers since it was thought the
leaves fought off illness.

Another use of the tree was for the curing of lameness, swellings in cattle and general pains -
which were thought to be caused by a shrew running over them. Thus a shrew would be thrust
deep into a hole bored in an Ash tree, and plugged up. It was then thought that any animal or
person who was brushed or asperged with leaves from that particular tree would be cured. In
Richmond Park in London, in the mid-19th century such a shrew ash was widely visited with the
intention of healing children of whooping cough and other ailments.

It was also a folklore tradition that Snakes could not bear to be near an Ash tree or a wood cut
from an Ash. In Irish folklore if shadows were cast upon crops by Ash trees, it was though the crops
would be ruined. At many of the sacred wells in Ireland, Ash stumps have been found, which
suggest its association with healing/wishing well and well dressing traditions.

Ash trees were also thought in northern England to cure rickets and warts. One Celtic tradition
states that Ash trees originated in the underworld Annwn or in the underworld sea realm, Tethys.

The Facts from Nature

Know the Qualities of your Tree
The Ash Tree details below sourced from the 2020site.org

Appearance of the Tree

Size is an important factor when identifying an Ash tree. The tree's size varies dramatically between
species. For example, while the Velvet Ash tops out at 30 feet, the White Ash can tower up to 120
feet.

Other notable traits of the Ash tree include:

Branches: One of the most unique characteristics of the Ash tree is its branches which grow
opposite each other on the limbs. This trait occurs very rarely in nature and is shared
exclusively among Ash trees, Maples, Dogwoods and Horsechestnuts.
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 Leaves: The leaves of the Ash tree are compound, which means they grow on a long stem
that is attached to a twig. Each stem contains several small oval leaflets that make up the
compound leaf. The size and number of the leaflets vary among Ash trees, though most
feature five to 13 leaflets which measure between three to five inches long.
Fruit: The fruit of the Ash tree is known as samaras. Similar in shape to an insect wing,
samaras contain the tree's seeds and are covered with a thin, protective membrane. The
elongated Samaras, which measure about one to two inches long, hang off the Ash tree
until they fall to the ground in late summer and early autumn. Light brown samaras are only
found on female Ash trees. Meanwhile, the male tree forms flowers, but the blossoms are so
tiny and inconspicuous, they are barely recognizable.

Ash Tree Types

The Ash tree, from the genus Fraxinus, has more than five-dozen different types of Ash trees
growing around the world. However, not all of types of the deciduous tree are suitable for
landscaping purposes.

Among the most popular types of Ash trees are:

White Ash: The White Ash tree is the largest of all the species. It can reach heights
exceeding 100 feet and sprout a leaf canopy that stretches up to 70 feet wide. The popular
shade tree features some of the earliest changing fall foliage in a variety of colors, including
red, purple, yellow and orange.
European Ash: This type of rounded Ash tree is relatively easy to care for. It grows to about
75 feet with a canopy that is equal to or greater than its mature height. The European Ash
sports very dark green leaves in the summer and has little or no fall color.
Green Ash: This deciduous broadleaf Ash tops out at about 60 feet. It is prized by
landscapers for its glossy, green leaves in the summer and its stunning yellow leaves in the
fall. The Green Ash is prized for its shading ability and is often seen on city streets.

In addition to being attractive trees, the Ash is also hardy. Most species live up for 100 to 250 years
when exposed to proper growing conditions.

Where the Ash Grows

While Ash trees can be found around the world, they are most predominant in the United States,
particularly in:

New England
New York
Massachusetts
North Carolina
South Carolina
Florida
Alabama
Louisiana
Texas
Oregon
Kansas
Colorado

White Ash and Green Ash are commonly found from New England to northern Florida and
westward to the Great Plains, while Blue Ash grows in the Midwest. Western Ash species include
Texas Ash, Velvet Ash, and Oregon Ash.

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Regardless of what region it grows in, the Ash tree needs full sun and damp, fertile soil to thrive.

Popular Uses

Most people don't realize that the Ash tree is part of the olive family. As such, the tree produces oil
that is chemically similar to olive oil. This oil can be heated and used to alleviate stomach ailments.

Other popular uses for the Ash tree include wood products such as:

Baseball bats
Tool handles
Hockey sticks
Canoe paddles
Bowls
Snowshoes
Guitar bodies

In ancient civilizations Ash wood was used to make furniture and boats. In addition, ash tree wood
is a prime choice for crafting bird houses.

Interesting Facts about the Ash

While Ash timber has a litany of commercial uses, it can also be used in the home for
smoking meat. The White Ash and European Ash are top picks for smoking wood.
The tree has other interesting facts associated with it including:
Ash was commonly used to construct carriages in the early 19th Century.
Early aviators used Ash tree wood to craft airplanes.
The Morgan Motor Company of Great Britain still manufactures sports cars with frames
made from Ash timber.
In Norse mythology, the first man was formed from an Ash tree.
Irish folklore claims that shadows cast on fields from Ash trees would damage crops.
In England, some believe Ash bark can cure warts.

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With nature recognized as the teacher and informer, the Druids lived according to three
foundational beliefs: 1) remembering and honoring the ancestors as well as the past, 2)
understanding nature and the universe so to access its power, and 3) discovering the
connection between material reality and the spiritual realm.

According to ancient Greek and Latin writers, the Celts were advanced in astronomy and
they were respected, especially by the Greeks, for their interpreting information from the
stars. Hippolytus, in the first century CE, using an earlier source, wrote that the ancient Celts
prophesied the future from the stars by ciphers and numbers. Jill Stefko

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