"Very wrathful was the Vine,
Whose henchmen are the Elms."

To see the complete version of the poem from which the
above lines are taken, click on the pentacle symbol below

In the cool Celtic climate, the GrapeVine required much care in order to bear fruit and became symbolic of sacred knowledge and spiritual initiation, as well as a symbol of sensuality and emotions. The Vine of the Ogham Alphabet is the GrapeVine. Sacred to the deities, grapes were (and are still) used in the making of wine, allowing those who indulge to speak with truth...at least as they perceive it to be...and to release inhibitions. Wine was also once used to stimulate prophecy in the seers by allowing such sages to reach deep within their inner selves, with intuition acting as their guide.

Unlike the other Ogham trees and shrubs, the Vine is a more cultivated species. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the Vine has been known and propagated in the British Isles for a very long time. The distinctive fruits and foliage of this hardy and long-living plant appear frequently on Bronze Age artifacts. Within the Ogham, the Vine is known as the "Weaver," given its tendency to entwine around others, often linking two together. To the Celts, this was indicative of the need to understand the importance of respect toward the options and actions of others. A determined shrub, the Vine is often found in hard-to-reach areas, leaving a delicate and beautiful path in its wake. The fruit of the Vine has long been known to release inhibitions and loosen tongues, thus allowing those who partake of its harvest to speak more freely. It is, however, easy to fall victim to the Vine's intoxicating nature. Noah, the biblical patriarch, is said to have planted a vineyard on Mount Ararat after the flood, later becoming intoxicated when he partook of the fermented beverage. Evidence suggests that the Vine existed prior to the appearance of man and the first traces of the cultivation of Vines for winemaking purposes would appear to be around 2000 B.C. in Sicily.

The GrapeVine is a very ancient plant which can grow to be as long as 115 feet. Its name is derived from viere, which means "to twist" and it has been recorded to have lived for as long as 600 years. This climbing shrub, with its simple leaves and greenish flowers, was once found in open woodlands and along the edges of forests, but is most commonly seen today in cultivation, with an industry and agricultural discipline devoted solely to the care of the Vine and production of its wine. The wild GrapeVine has unisexual flowers on separate plants which must be pollinated by insects. Only the female plant produces fruit which, when ripened and dried, is commonly referred to as the Raisin. Grape sugar is chemically different from other sugars since it enters the circulatory system without any action of the saliva. The seeds and leaves of the Vine have been used for astringent purposes and were once employed to cure dysentery in Cattle.

There are two distinct types of Vine individuals (a division which relates to all Celtic Tree Signs). The "new moon" character is associated with the first two weeks of a sign and the "full moon" character is associated with the last two weeks.

The "new moon" Vine individual is more inclined to openly express his or her emotions but often has trouble in coming to terms with certain aspects of life. Such a person is, however, enthusiastic by nature and very supportive of any partner. The "full moon" Vine individual is possesed with a wonderful ability to forgive with true compassion, but somewhat more difficult to comprehend than his or her "new moon" counterpart and is more prone to over-indulge the sensuous Vine nature.

In general, Vine individuals are discriminating, authoritative and set high personal standards. They appear cool and detached but are secret romantics who can be sensitive, vulnerable and self-critical. Keenly perceptive, they have an eye for detail and possess a refined aestetic taste. With an oddly dual personality, Vine people can be joyful and exuberant one moment and driven to tears the next. Their emotions tend to run on high, despite their outward appearnce of calm when facing danger or opposition. Instinctive organizers, Vine individuals are drawn to public service careers. They are kind, gentle, creative and good socializers...people who adore both theater and music. However, they have a propensity at times toward over-indulgence. Simple people who require a great deal of mental and emotional security in order to feel content, Vine individuals are not usually highly ambitious in their pursuits but do have a strong sense for survival. It is important that Vine people learn to balance both sides of life...the sowing and the reaping.

Vine individuals have a tendency to procrastinate, which must be overcome in order to avoid becoming lost in worry and negativity. Although their emotions run at a high level and they are, by nature, very sensual, Vines tend to display a reserved exterior and are possessed of a serenity in spirit. While Vines generally help to create harmony and stability, they can become rather parasitical...or even totally dependant...on the good nature of others. As sweethearts, Vine people are passionate in character, but their dual nature often makes a marriage difficult to sustain. They possess an earthy quality which some people find extremely attractive while others will find them to be aloof. Refined individuals with a good sense of humor (provided such humor is not too coarse), Vine people can be easily hurt by lack of consideration from others. Always ahead of the field when it comes to contingency plans and one of the Celtic Zodiac's instinctive organizers of life, it is a great mistake to underestimate the character of a Vine individual.

Physical Goal: To sense at a deep level that it is necessary to act in a certain way at any given moment in order to deal with an issue...to allow intuition to be the guide.

Mental Goal: To allow the senses to open in order to speed inner development...to learn how to place trust in the senses when they are acting strongly instead of constantly using reason.

Spiritual Goal: To open the inner self in order that all signs and omens may be harvested and gathered...or at least as many as is capable of understanding.

Amergin Verse: "I am a Hill of Poetry"

Ogham Association: Muin

Polarity: Androgynous

Color: Variegated or Multi-Hued

Class: Chieftain

Letter Character: "M"

Month: August...tenth month in the Celtic Ogham. August was the month in which the Lughnassadh Festival was held...a time when the Celts began to bid farewell to the Sun God and welcome the Lunar Goddess. Named for the Roman Emperior Augustus Ceasar and originally called August Sextilis, August was also a time when thanks were given for the start of the harvest.

Alias: "Moon of Celebration"

Magickal Properties: Dependent upon the type of Vine:

Blackberry: Prosperity and Protection
Blueberry: Spirituality and Dream Magick
Grape: Fertility, Inspiration, Prosperity and Binding
Thistle: Courage, Protection and Strength

Some Famous Vine People: Queen Elizabeth I, Greta Garbo, Stephen King, Heather Locklear, Gwyneth Paltrow, Adam Sandler and Will Smith

Gemstone: The Vine gemstone is the Emerald, a sparkling-green precious stone of the Beryl group, its color caused by small amounts of chromium and enhanced by traces of iron. One of the most expensive jewels, the Emerald is, in some instances, more valued than the Diamond, with the highest quality stones being a transparent grass-green. The first Emeralds came from the Egyptian desert near the Red Sea and it is believed that Cleopatra made gifts of this gem to her favorite ambassadors...while Julius Caesar collected Emeralds for their great curative powers. The Emerald is a symbol of constancy and true affection, as well as signifying immortality and faith. It was once believed that serpents would be blinded if they looked upon an Emerald, while the Incas and the Aztecs worshipped it as a sacred stone. Its name is derived from the Greek word Smaragdos, which means "green stone" and it was highly prized by the Ancients as the gemstone of love and rebirth. It is said to give its owner the gift of eloquence.

Many ancient races considered the Emerald as a stone of the Gods. The Mohammedians also thought it possessed godly powers and a rough Emerald inscribed with a verse of the Koran was a talisman of immortality. A highly-polished Emerald was once believed to have the power of restoring failing eyesight and Nero, while watching the gladiators in the arena, would use an Emerald to lengthen his vision. It was formerly used in the treatment of inflamed eyes...made into a lotion by being steeped in water or sometimes crushed and powdered first. In Greek mythology, Hermes composed a tablet carved from a giant Emerald as a gift for Aphrodite. It was one of the sacred stones used in the Breastplate of the High Priest and, in the Book of Revelations, Emerald is said to compose the throne of God. The Holy Grail is reputed to have been carved from a huge Emerald which fell from Satan's crown upon his banishment from Heaven and it has also been suggested that Jesus Christ used an Emerald bowl at the Last Supper. In Hebrew lore, Emeralds were one of the four precious stones given to Solomon. Legend states that if an Emerald is given by one lover to another, it will pale and grow dull when the love between them fades.

Flower: The flower of the Vine is the Valerian, also known as the common or garden Heliotrope and often referred to in modern times as an "herbal valium." Its other aliases include "Phew" (due to its rather offensive odor), "All-Heal," "Stink Root" and "Capon's Tail." Its name derives from the Latin valere which means "to be well." Extracts from the root system of the Valerian have been used for centuries in order to help people relax and get to sleep. Traditionally, extracts from the root have been used as a sedative to aid in the relief of insomnia, anxiety and some types of pain and nervous conditions. It has an opposite effect on felines (and rats), causing drunk or wild behavior similar to the effects of Catnip. Valerian thrives best in wet soil and may be found growing along marshy thickets, ditches or streams. It is a hardy perennial, sometimes reaching as high as five feet, with a single stem which is covered with hairs. The flower clusters (which range in color from white to pale pink, blue or lavender) bloom in umbrella-like formation from June to September and the medicinal root is best harvested in the Fall. According to early German folklore, the Pied Piper of Hamlin charmed both rats and children with the hypnotic Valerian root in addition to his entrancing music. In the Middle Ages, Valerian root was used as a spice and even as a perfume, in addition to being a medicine, and during the Second World War, shell-shock and "bombing neurosis" were treated with Valerian.

Celestial Body: The celestial body associated with the Vine is the planet Venus ("Gwena"), named for the Roman Goddess of Love, Beauty, Springtime and Flowers.

Deity: The Vine deity is Branwen, also known as "Fair Bosom," sister of Bran the Blessed and wife of the Irish King Mathowch. Branwen was the daughter of Llyr, Lord of the Sea and literary ancestor of Shakespeare's King Lear. Otherwise called "Venus of the Northern Seas," Branwen was one of the three matriarchs of Britain and the Welsh Goddess of Love, Sexuality and the Sea. Not surprisingly, she is often equated with the Greek Goddess Aphrodite. Branwen encompassed the doom of both the Irish and the Britons when her brother Bran invaded Ireland in order to rescue her from the degradation she experienced at the hands of a vengeful court. Branwen is said to have died of a broken heart during the war between Wales and England, which began with an insult delivered at Branwen's wedding feast which Branwen believed had been her fault. The insult had, in fact, been the deliberate act of Evnissyn, a jealous courtier who thrived on malicious mischief.

The Vine is also sacred to Etain, wife of Midir, Irish Lord of the UnderWorld, and to the Tuatha De Danaan, Gods of Light and Goodness.

Animals:

The Lizard - One of the few reptiles recognized as being helpful to the shaman, the Lizard symbolized the shadowy plane of manifestation where events were constantly changing in shape and pattern. It was believed that to see a Lizard during a journey warned travelers to be alert to all below-the-surface activities which might be taking place around them.

The Hound - Always held in high esteem as a friend and protector, this loyal animal which offers guidance, is also known as the "Fearsome Battle Hound" and features in many Celtic myths. The Ogham poem "Cad Goddeu" was said to have been recorded in part by the Whelp, a name which refers to the Dog or Hound. The UnderWorld Hounds, such as the Welsh Cwn Annwn which belonged to Arawn, were always portrayed as being white with red ears. It was the job of the UnderWorld Hounds to run down and punish the guilty. In general, Hounds were representative of tracking skills, the ability to scent a trail and companionship.

The White Swan - A symbol of grace and beauty, representing the radiant divinity of the Gods who were believed to retreat to their underground citadels during the Autumn Equinox. The White Swan is also associated with the White Ghost or the White Phantom known as Gwenhwyvar. To the Celts, the Autumn Equinox was a time when the light eventually relinquished its hold to the darkness, representative of balance between the mundane and the supernatural...the mortal and the immortal. A mystical bird who figures in several Celtic folktales, the feathers of Swans were often used in the ritual cloaks of the Bards. Connected chiefly with music and song, the Swan also aided in the interpretation of dream symbols, transitions and spiritual evolution.

September 2: Those born on this date also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Pine, whose motto is "Father of Wisdom" or "The Particular." Pine individuals are very robust and active, and also tend to be cautious, provident and hard-working people. They are idealists, being trustworthy and practical by nature. They love agreeable company and know how to make life comfortable without being selfish...if Pine individuals have a benefit, it will almost always reflect on those around them. They make for good companions, though not always overly-friendly to those they do not know. Pine people fall in love easily, but with a passion which is prone to burn out quickly. They have a tendency to give up without much struggle and may suffer many disappointments in life.

September 3-September 12: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Weeping Willow, whose motto is "Nothing Unknown" or "The Melancholy." Willow individuals are extraordinarily attractive and very empathetic...but filled with melancholy. They adore anything beautiful and tasteful and possess an inherent desire to travel. Both psychologically and intelluctually, Willows are flexible and adaptable, blessed with a tolerance which allows them to identify with the most diverse of people. Practical-minded, Willow individuals are able to remain calm during "hustle and bustle." Being restless and capricious dreamers, Willow people are not always easy to live with, often demanding by nature. Honest with good intuition, Willows nonetheless frequently suffer greatly in matters of the heart before they find an anchoring partner.

September 13-September 22: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Lime (whose motto is "The Doubt") or the Linden (whose motto is "Protector of the Oak Trees")...dependent upon the source. Lime individuals are said to be inclined to accept in a composed fashion whatever life hands to them. They detest fighting, stress, laziness and idleness. Limes are relenting people who will often make sacrifices for their friends. They possess many talents but lack the tenacity to make those talents blossom. Lime people can be somewhat jealous and complaining by nature, but are very loyal individuals. Linden individuals are said to love life. No matter how much such people may try to convince themselves that everything is perfect, they cannot help but wonder why their ideas and dreams are more beautiful than reality. Extremely imaginative, Linden people tend to look at the world through "rose-colored glasses." This is an ideal that they are often able to convey to those around them who may then also view life in a more beautiful manner.

September 23: Those born on this date also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Olive, whose motto is "Friend of Wisdom." Olive individuals love the Sun, warmth and kind feelings. They are reasonable, well-balanced individuals who tend to avoid aggression and violence. Tolerant and cheeful characters, Olives possess a sense of justice and are calm, sensitive people who are empathetic, free from jealousy and strive to ensure that harmony prevails. Olive individuals love to read and enjoy the company of sophisticated people. However, the accommodating attitude of Olive people can jeopardize them in a cruel world and they are liable to easily follow any current fashion.

September 24-September 29: 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.