Ogham alphabet meanings. The ancient Ogham Alphabet a complete
guide to the 20 sacred trees and their magickal, spiritual, and medicinal uses.
About The Ogham Alphabet
Learn the Oghams spiritual and magical meanings. There are 20 trees in this ancient Ogham alphabet and each tree has a letter, bird, colour, meaning, and divination interpretation associated with it.
Other correspondences include how it is used for medicinal and magical purposes. Click on runes below to read entire ogham meanings. The Word Ogham is pronounced OH-yam.
Several of the runes stones still remaining have running around their edge a different alphabet from the runic, but one which still uses short, straight lines. This is the Ogham alphabet. Just like Odin, Ogma is credited with having invented the Ogham script. This method of writing seems to have begun in Ireland, spreading to Wales, Scotland, and parts of southern England.
The Ogham forms a sacred system, as well as hidden coded messages which only people of the order understood. The Ogham glyphs were carved around the edge of a stone in order to immortalize a hero, or carved on trees as posters. It is certain that the Druids used the Ogham letters, and again it is interesting to note that Druid teachings of the time were passed on by word of mouth, like those of the Qabalah and of the runes.
I personally have used both oracles for many years, my heritage and passion for the Ogham has been thriving from a small child. I would play in the dirt with stick drawing lines and patterns, later as an adult, I came to realize I was drawing the old ancient Celtic alphabet.
Ogham Alphabet Meanings
The ogham written letters consist of four sets of five characters. The first five (B L F S & N) are represented by a singular upright stroke with 1 to 5 horizontal strokes from B to N, to the right of the line.
Ancient Celtic Fews: The next set (H D T C Q) Have vertical strokes left of the upright line. M G NG Z and R cross the line on the diagonal and the vowels Ea Ou Ia Ui and Ae are also diagonal but stop at the line. Related: Ogham Free Oracle Reading >
Ogham Prayer
Deep within the centre of my being may I find peace
Silently within the centre of the grove may I share peace
Calmly within the greater circle of mankind may I radiate peace
May there be peace throughout the whole world.
Ogham Divination
Birch Tree Ogham Meaning
Astrology Birth: December 24th – January 20th
Beth: Letter B
Animal: Cow, Pheasant
Colour: White
Spiritual Meaning Birch Tree
Birch Tree is associated with the white goddess in her triplicity.
When we are lost in the forest the shining silver branches of the
Birch light the way and give us guidance on our path. The very
word birch has derived a root meaning bright or shining. Continue reading >
Rowan Tree Ogham Meaning
Birth: January 21st – February 17th
Luis: Letter L
Animal: Unicorn, Bear, Duck
Colour: Grey and Red
Spiritual Meaning Rowan Tree
Rowan protects the home, animals, and children, it is also a
protector of our spirit.“Rowan is the ancient enchantress
who holds all creation in her circle of light.” Continue reading >
Alder Tree Ogham Meaning
Astrology Birth: March 18th – April 14th
Fern: Letter F, V
Animal: Red Fox, Ram, Stallion, Gull
Colour: Crimson
Spiritual Meaning Alder
Alder – sometimes known as the Goddess tree –
is another protective tree, only this time it is protection
of the heart and the watery excess of emotion.
It was used in battle in ancient times and
known as the very battle-witch of all woods. Continue reading >
Willow Tree Ogham Meaning
Birth: April 15th – May 12th
Saille: Letter S
Animal: Hare, Cat, Hawk
Colour: All Bright Colours
Spiritual Meaning Willow Tree
Willow this totally feminine plant is all those watery
things to do with emotions, feeling, sensitivity, vision,
intuition and divination. The unconscious, Lunar Tides
and the ebbs and flow of magic. Continue reading >
Ash Tree Ogham Meaning
Astrology Birth: February 18th – March 17th
Nuin: Letter N
Animal: Snake, Snipe
Colour: Green
Spiritual Meaning Ash
The Celtic association with Ash is with Maeve – the Irish goddess of sovereignty,
or land goddess. In Greek mythology, Zeus is said to have created
humans from the ash trees, Yggdrasil was the cosmic ash uon which Odin
hung for nine days until he discovered the rune stones. Continue reading >
Hawthorn Ogham Meaning
Astrology Birth: May 13th – June 9th
Huatha: Letter H
Animal: Dragon, Goat, Night Crow
Colour: Purple
Spiritual Meaning Hawthorn
Hawthorn, maiden pure of heart, Waits in dread desire at the door
to the other world, Events that will transpire. Continue reading >
Oak Tree Ogham Meaning
Astrology Birth: June 10th – July 7th
Duir: Letter D
Animal: White Horse, Lion, Salamander, Wren
Colour: Black, Dark Brown
Spiritual Meaning Oak Tree
Oak Solid protection, Magical strength, security, truth.
The crossing of boundaries between one place and the next.
Ability to see the invisible or be invisible. Inner knowledge. Continue reading >
Holly Ogham Meaning
Birth: July 8th – August 4th
Tinne: Letter T
Animal: War Horse, Starling
Colour: Dark Grey
Spiritual Meaning Holly
The Holly King. The word holly means holy It symbolises the tenacity of life.
As male energy, it is symbolic of the vigour to fight with balance and unity.
Strong and protective, clear wisdom and courage. Continue reading >
Hazel Ogham Meaning
Astrology Birth: August 5th – September 1st
Coll: Letter C
Animal: Salmon, Crane
Colour: Brown
Spiritual Meaning Hazel
Hazel All the knowledge of the arts and sciences were bound up
with the eating of these nuts, and of the salmon who ate them,
some say it may be associated with the lost initiations
once undertaken in the Bardic grade. Continue reading >
Apple Tree Ogham Meaning
Quert: Letter Q
Animal: Unicorn, Hen
Colour: Green
Spiritual Meaning Apple
Apple Tree of eternal life, Wholeness, trust, abundance, integration,
regeneration, vitality, fertility, health. The Druids recognised
it’s powerful transformation qualities. Continue reading >
Vine Ogham Meaning
Astrology Birth: September 2nd – September 29th
Muin: Letter M
Animal: Lizard, titmouse
Colour: All
Prophetic Vine – spiriting toward inspiration.
Spiritual Meaning Vine
Vine Unleashes heartfelt inspiration.
Blackberry, the fruit of the prickly vine.
Prophesies evoked from strongest wine. Continue reading >
Ivy Ogham Meaning
Astrology Birth: September 30th – October 27th
Gort: Letter G
Animal: Bore, Swan
Colour: Baby blue
Spiritual Meaning Ivy
Ivy, a spiral of revelation
Search for self-brings transformation. Continue reading >
Broom / Reed / Fern Ogham
Astrology Birth: October 28th – November 24th
Ngetal: Letter N, G
Animal: Dog, Rat, Goose
Colour: Emerald Green
Spiritual Meaning Broom
Broom to make a clean sweep today
Start fresh, clear space and open way. Continue reading >
Blackthorn Ogham Meaning
Straif: Letter Z
Animal: Wolf, Black Cat
Colour: Purple
Spiritual Meaning Blackthorn
Blackthorn is one of the Eight Chieftain Trees in the Ogham.
Its name Straif means strife – and is said to be the ‘increaser of secrets.
Guard your secrets well. Blackthorn has cleansing qualities. Continue reading >
Elder Tree Ogham Meaning
Astrology Birth: November 25th – December 23rd
Ruis: Letter R
Animal: Badger
Colour: Red
Spiritual Meaning Elder Tree
Elder is a fitting tree to follow Blackthorn as it’s meaning is transformation,
Death and regeneration. It has one of the strongest reputations for
fairy and witch superstitions and magical protection of all the Ogham trees. Continue reading >
Elm Tree Ogham Meaning
Ailim: Letter A
Animal: Piebald, Lapwing
Colour: Light Blue
Spiritual Meaning Elm Tree
Elm. Vulnerability, sensibility, empathy, creativity.
The Scots Pine is placed at the Winter solstice in the
Ogham Calendar with its twin the Yew tree. Continue reading >
Furze Ogham Symbols And Meanings
Ohn: Letter O
Animal: Cormorant, Rabbit
Colour: Gold
Spiritual Meaning Furze
Furze Industry, protection, vibrancy, independence intelligence, passion,
sexuality. Due to its prickly nature, it is also a tree of protection. Continue reading >
Heather / Mistletoe Ogham Meaning
Ur: Letter U
Animal: Bee, Lion, Skylark
Colour: Purple
Spiritual Meaning Heather
Heather Passion, generosity, healing, success, spiritual growth,
connections with the spirit world. Lovers and consummation. Continue reading >
Aspen Tree Ogham Meaning
Edad: Letter E
Animal: Dove
Colour: Silver
Spiritual Meaning Aspen Tree
Aspen is associated with conquering fear. It’s the very name
‘Populs tremella’ (the trembling Poplar) hints at its nature,
as Aspen quivers with the slightest breeze,
always on the move, a way of shielding oneself. Continue reading >
Yew Tree Ogham Meaning
Idad: Letter I
Animal: Eaglet
Colour: Dark Green
Spiritual Meaning Yew
The meaning of Yew is rebirth, which is quite fitting for
the last traditional tree of the Ogham Alphabet. It means the completion of a cycle
marking the ending of one phase and the beginning of the next. Continue reading >
Ogham Divination Meanings
Forfeda Ogham Meaning
The Forfeda is the final supplementary aicme which
was a later addition – introduced around the 4th Century.
They represent Greek dipthongs; sounds felt to be missing
from the original alphabet. oe-oi / ui-ua / ia-io / ae / p. Continue reading>
Spindle Ogham Meaning
Ogham Letter: OI or OE
English: Spindle
Celtic: Oir
Latin: Euonymus europaeus
Spiritual Meaning Spindle
Spindle A sudden positive change in one’s life.
Thunder and lightning, Sudden revelations. Continue reading >
Honeysuckle Ogham Meaning
English: Honeysuckle – also known as Woodbine.
Celtic: Uilleand
Latin: Lonicera periclymenum
Astrology: Mars in Cancer.
Spiritual Meaning Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle hidden secrets and desires. Proceed with caution.
Whereas Ivy – with its inward spiral spins its way to inner knowledge. Continue reading >
Gooseberry Ogham Meaning
Ogham Letter: IA or OI
English: Gooseberry
Celtic: Iphin
Latin: Ribes uva-crispa
Astrology: Venus.
Spiritual Meaning Gooseberry
Gooseberry, Generations, sweetest of wood/life,
most wonderful of taste, divine influences. Continue reading >
Beech Tree Ogham Meaning
Ogham letter : ae
English: Beech
Celtic: Eamancholl
Latin: Fagus sylvatica
Astrology: Saturn
Element: Air, Earth.
Spiritual Meaning Beech Tree
Beech Tree Magic and ancient knowledge revealed.
Letting go of fixed ideas. Learning from the past. Continue reading >
Guelder Rose Ogham Meaning
Ogham letter: P
English: Guelder Rose, Water or Swamp Elder
Celtic: Peith
Element: Water
Spiritual Meaning Guelder Rose
Guelder Rose Horizon? Day of Creation?
Birth – Death – Rebirth. Continue reading >