The ancient Celtic calendar is based on a lunar schedule and contains thirteen months in the year. In modern paganism, we united the lunar phases with the Gregorian calendar to give us a definitive time period.
The Celtic Tree Months are based on the Ogham alphabet and each month corresponds to a sacred tree. The trees are associated with deities, elements, healing, and certain areas of magic.
We offer this overview and have a longer article on each tree month (most of them!) for you to dive deeper into that tree’s magic and wisdom.
Grove of birch trees
Birch Moon: December 24 - January 20
To get the year started we have Birch or Beithe, which is the first tree of the Ogham alphabet. Beithe (pronounced ‘bey’) is the Gaelic word for birch and means inception or existence.
She stands tall and straight. This feminine-looking tree is associated with water as she often grows along creeks and rivers. Native Americans used her bark for canoes.
The birch tree symbolizes the cycle of life, fertility, rebirth, and regeneration. After a forest fire, the intrepid birch trees are one of the first to grow back. During Birch Month, we celebrate the Winter Solstice and look towards the growing light.
Read more about the Birch tree, Birch Magic, and a New Years Resolution Spell in our article CELTIC TREE MONTH BIRCH: DECEMBER 24 - JANUARY 20
Rowan berries
Rowan Moon: January 21 - February 17
The month of Rowan is associated with power, success, and travel. During Rowan, we celebrate the holiday Imbolc and honor the Goddess Brigid. In fact, is often referred to as the “White Month” to honor Brigid as the bride.
The rowan tree is associated with protection and guardianship and can grow fifty feet tall. The berries form a natural cluster that reminds us of the womb and the shape of a pentagram is found on the stalk of the berries.
The rowan tree is honored in Norse paganism as the first woman was born of Rowan and this tree saved Thor by helping him escape from the underworld.
For this month we give you instructions to make a Rowan Charm. CELTIC MONTH OF ROWAN: JANUARY 21 - FEBUARY 17
The beautiful ash tree in fall
Ash Moon: February 18 - March 17
The Celtic Month of Ash celebrates the strength and power of the ash tree. The Celtic name is Nion (pronounced Knee – un). Irish people immigrating to the USA, carried bits of ash wood in their pockets to save them from drowning in case they fell overboard while on their ocean journey.
Ash is a wonderful wood to use to make a witch’s besom or broom. While you may not use your broomstick as a mode of transportation, the besom is still an important and potent tool for ritual magic.
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The Nordic Tree of Life, Yggdrasil, is a giant Ash Tree. Yggdrasil is the center of the universe and contains the nine worlds. Odin’s spear is made of Ash.
In our article on the Ash Tree, we give instructions on Making a Besom. CELTIC MONTH OF ASH: FEBRUARY 18 - MARCH 17
Alder catkins come out in early spring before the leaves.
Alder Moon: March 18 - April 14
During the Celtic month Alder, we celebrate Ostara and usher in spring as it symbolizes rebirth and resurrection. Alder or Fearn (pronounced fa-rin)in Gaelic is another tree connected with the element of water.
Irish creation myths tell of how the first man was actually made from alder wood. Alders are natural leaders renowned for their confidence and ability to focus on tasks, carrying the tree’s best attributes.
Alder flowers are often used in Fairy Magic.
Alder is a wonderful wood to use for wands and flutes. Listen to an alder flute in our article Celtic Month of Alder
The graceful feminine willow tree
Willow Moon: April 15 - May 12
The Celtic Month Willow celebrates the powers of harmony and resilience that this graceful mystical plant embodies. In Gaelic, the month of Willow is referred to as Saille, (pronounced Sahl-yeh) and it is the fifth month in the Ogham tree calendar.
The willow is often associated with the Triple Goddess and Brigid as well as moon goddesses Morrigan and Danu. Young suitors and artists would carry a twig of willow to pay respects to the Crone goddess.
In this month, magic is lunar, strongly water-aligned, and feminine. Willow is, after all, the Tree of the Moon, and it's the Moon that controls the tides and determines our months.
Check out our article on this month's Celtic Month of Willow: April 15 - May 12
Washington Hawthorn flowers in spring
Hawthorn Moon: May 13 - June 9
The Hawthorne tree month is an exciting time that embraces fire, male energy, and fertility. The days are longer and it is a symbol that summer is upon us.
Along with ash and oak, the hawthorn is part of the triad of sacred trees and home to the fae. It was called Huath by the ancient Celts and was pronounced Hoh-uh.
The Hawthorne tree represents the three phases of the goddess. It is represented by Mars and Venus and is nicknamed the marriage tree.
In our Hawthorn blog, we have an easy-to-do protection spell. Celtic Month of Hawthorne: May 13 - June 9
The mighty oak tree
Oak Moon: June 10 - July 7
The “Father of the Woods” is the powerful and strong protector, the oak tree. A keystone species in the woods because its of such value to wildlife and other plant species.
The oak tree is so powerful it often survives lighting strikes and storms- making it the perfect tree for Zeus and Thor. Many militaries use the oak as their symbol.
Oaks produce acorns that have powerful magic of their own and bring good fortune to those that carry them. Meditation done under an oak tree is most productive.
Read more about the Celtic Month of Oak in our blog.
Holly
Holly Moon: July 8 - August 4
The Holly King wins the battle with the Oak King and our days begin to grow shorter. We celebrate the Summer Solstice and Litha.
The Celts call this month called Tinne, pronounced chihnn-uh, and it is symbolized by masculine energy and protective powers. Holly is also thought of as a happy plant and one that brings good fortune.
During Saturnalia, the Ancient Romans gave boughs of holly as gifts. During Holly, we celebrate the Lammas and Lughnasa holidays.
Learn how to make a Pet Protection Spell Jar in our article on Holly.
The beautiful hazel tree flowers in fall/winter
Hazel Moon: August 5 - September 1
The Celtic Month of Hazel or Coll, which means the life force inside you, symbolizes wisdom, creativity, and knowledge.
This is a great month to work on your divination skills. Hazel is a great wood to use when dowsing and also wands.
Read our article on the month of Hazel here.
Vine Moon: September 2 - September 29
The Month of Vine means harvest time! We celebrate the Autumn Equinox and Mabon. This month is a bit of the opposite with happiness and anger, joy and rage, with an emphasis on creating balance. A good month to look inward. Dragon Magic is often begun during this month of introspection.
English ivy climbing up a tree
Ivy Moon: September 30 - October 27
Ivy, also known as Gort, is the eleventh month in the Celtic Tree Calendar. It is represented by the Ogham letter G ᚌ [ɡ] Ivy is resilient, strong, and persistent. It is a good plant to assist you in prophesy or divination.
Ivy is the female counterpart to the male holly plant. Its leaves point upwards and represent moving forward with our lives.
While ivy is not a tree it still has an important place among the other months of the year. Ivy is a vine that depends on trees and other structures to support it.
Ivy was dedicated to the Roman God Bacchus. Poets and philosophers as well as Bacchus wore a crown of ivy. Bacchus was known for his revelry and ivy was believed to cure intoxication. Celtic Lunar Goddess, Arianrhod, Goddess of Reincarnation, fertility, and childbirth.
To learn more about Ivy and get step by step instructions for a House Protection spell read our article Celtic Month of Ivy: Sept 30 - Oct 27
Reed Moon: October 28 - November 23
The Month of Reed symbolizes wisdom, adaptability, and change. Reeds are flexible and that is beneficial as this month often brings changes. Reed reminds us that winter is near and we must prepare.
This month is a great time for ancestor work and divination.
There is a focus on creating music - reeds make great wind instruments.
Elder Moon: November 24 - December 23
Called Ruish (pronounced roo-esh)by the Celts. A time for celebrations and New Year rituals. We celebrate Yule.
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Author, Erik Olsen, recently graduated from college with a degree in Anthropology. While in school he completed an internship with the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History which led him to his current museum position.
Erik desires to be a Viking when he grows up and has worked in Outdoor Adventure leading hikes and rafting trips. A solitary Wiccan, Erik writes about Wicca, Norse religion, and making altars.
The birch tree symbolizes starting over, fertility, rebirth, and regeneration. In fact, birches are one of the first trees to grow back after a forest fire.
Birch or Beithe, is the first tree of the Ogham, the Celtic tree alphabet. Beithe (pronounced ‘bey’) is the Gaelic word for birch and means inception or existence.