Birch is one of the first trees to grow on bare soil

and has come to symbolize fertility, healing and

rebirth. The tree itself was used for almost

everything from canoes to producing sugar and

represents that which is needed for everyday

living. It is known for its protective healing

abilities and is used to drive out evil spirits and

as protection from the faery folk.

B

The Rowan is also known as the mountain ash

and the witchtree (because of the pentagram

that can be found at the base of its berries). It

has always been regarded as an aid for

protection against evil charms and enchantment.

It is believed that if it is planted at the gate of

your garden it will ward away evil spirits, if used

as a walking stick it will protect the traveller from

evil and guide him home safely. In addition it is

associated with astral travel, vision and healing.

The berries and leaves are dried and burned as

incense to invoke spirits, familiars, spirit guides,

and the elements.

L

The Alder is an unusual tree, it is waterloving

yet is also highly combustible, making it very

sacred as it combines the elements water and

fire. Because of its fierce flame it is sometimes

known as the warrior tree, its symbolism being

that of strength, tenacity and determination.

Because of its resistance to water it can be used

to hold water elementals and negative spirits.

Dyes can be made from its bark, flowers and
twigs, one of which was red which the druids

used to dye their faces during rituals.

F

The Willow is regarded as feminine and is

closely associated with the moon and water. It is

seen as a melancholic tree representing sadness,

it is believed sitting underneath it will soothe the

emotions and banish depression and sadness. In

addition it was associated to love, healing,

rhythms, and the gaining of eloquence,

inspiration, growth and skills. It is said to protect

from enchantment.

S

Ash also referred to as Yggdrasil in Northern

Europe and known as the world tree was very

sacred to the druids. Its main symbolism being

that of stability as it links the inner and

otherworlds. It is used in spells that require focus

and strength and is often used to banish mental

strife. It is said that if you put its leaves under

your pillow it will induce psychic dreams.

N

Ogham inscriptions

• X MAQQI Y (X son of Y)

• X MAQQI MUCOI Y (X son of the tribe Y)

• X MAQQI Y MUCOI Z (X son of Y of the tribe Z)

• X KOI MAQQI MUCOI Y (here is X son of the tribe Y)

• X MUCOI Y (X of the tribe Y)

• X MAQQI Y MAQQI MUCOI Z (X son of Y son of the tribe Z)

• Single name inscriptions with no accompanying formula

word

• AMN X MAQQI Y (Name X son of Y)

• ANM X (Name X )

• X AVI Y (X descendant of Y)

• X MAQQI Y AVI Z (X son of Y descendant of Z)

• X CELI Y (X follower/devotee of Y)

• NETTA X (nephew/champion of X)

The Drumconwell Ogham

Stone

Ogham stones near Baile Mhic Íre

(Ballymakeery)

Cork, Ireland

Ogham Stone Craig, Co Tyrone,

Ireland

Archaeological Sites

Around Rylane