OOC | Ogham Calendar & Celtic Astrology
so this should be a bit of a fun alksjdflkjsdlfjasf but i was reading up on the ogham calendar for ~another project but for obv reasons all i could think of was lfr lakjsdflkjsdjfdf bc *drum roll* i found out there's like basically a ~celtic astrology~ related to trees!!!!!!!1 and accordingly i lost my entire mind <3333333
ok so ogham was the ancient celtic alphabet, with each letter symbolizing a sacred tree. each tree had its own magics and associations annnnd this alphabet formed a lunar calendar, so effectively, they had 13 ~months (its not really like that but also it kinda is you feel me asdjfkjdsjf) corresponding w the wheel of the year and its sacred holidays and all of that jazz! since each of the thirteen ~months corresponded to a letter which itself corresponded to a tree with its own magics/personality/associations, we get...celtic astrology! laksjdfkljdsf also there ~is a bird and also random animal component, and i say we go absolutely bananas ;D imma need to do more research but i got too excited and thought id just toss this out here for you all to see!
note: there is apparently quite a bit of heated debate in scholastic circles abt all of this, so def take w a heaping grain of salt!
okie dokie so!! CREDIT TO ALL ARTISTS idk who made all of these unfortunately!!!!! but i do got some visual aids!
[ "Celtic astrology is one of the oldest in the world, primarily used by the natives of Central European nations. The Celts were highly conscious of their environment and imbibed nature in their religion and symbols. Consequently, their astrology is also divided into Celtic tree signs and Celtic animals signs, and both aim to navigate what a person’s personality is like." ] [ "* Note: Celtic Druids did not determine Sign based on the actual date of birth but rather by the date of conception. For example, if you were born three weeks before the scheduled date, you need to add these three weeks to the actual date of birth, in order to figure out the appropriate Sign." ] the phrasing of that confused me at first, but basically how it works is your 'birthdate' is considered to be a full 9 months after conception, whether or not you were ~actually born on that day
for our purposes, im just going to assume that characters were born ~exactly 9 months after conception~ but obv don't feel tied to that (and it also makes a great excuse if these don't ~quite fit but smth close ~does ;DDDD)
[ "Celtic astrology follows a lunar calendar composed of thirteen moon cycles, each associated with a specific sacred tree. According to Druidic belief, the tree connected to a person’s birth moon influences their personality, strengths, and destiny." ]
so since we know all the og malconaire girls' bdays for sure, i thought this post would largely focus on them, but there're some variants i noticed so first set of trees is from [ this ]
Willow ~ The Observer
(April 15 to May 12)
Calm, Intuitive, Sympathetic
You are naturally honest, generous, and compassionate, someone who values sincerity over drama and gravitates toward love, peace, and inner calm. With a sharp intellect and deep emotional insight, you have a unique ability to understand both people and the greater mysteries of life. Your grounded, realistic outlook helps you navigate the world with quiet confidence.
Known for your kindness and unfailing courtesy, you move through life with a gentle presence, never seeking to offend and always striving to uplift. At the same time, you possess a sharp wit and a wonderfully mischievous sense of humour that brings joy to those lucky enough to share your company. People feel at ease around you, comforted, entertained, and inspired.
You are most compatible with Birch and Ivy, who resonate with your balance of heart, wisdom, and lightness of spirit.
Rowan ~ The Thinker
(January 21 to February 17)
Intelligent, Highly influential, Patient
You are a clear-sighted visionary who sets high standards for yourself and pursues your goals with quiet determination. While you may appear calm and composed on the outside, there’s a strong inner drive that fuels your creativity and guides you forward. Your ideas are original and imaginative, often setting you apart from others, and sometimes even intimidating those who sense your potential.
Though you project strength and confidence, those who know you well see your patient, kind, and caring nature. You have a remarkable ability to influence your surroundings, often improving situations and uplifting others with your quick thinking and steady presence.
People are naturally drawn to you, not through loud charisma, but through a quiet, magnetic energy that speaks volumes. You are most compatible with Ivy and Hawthorn, who reflect your balance of resilience and insight.
Holly ~ The Ruler
(July 8 to August 4)
Confident, Noble, Leader
You are seen as respectable and noble, qualities that reflect how you feel on the inside as well. Naturally confident in your abilities, you step into leadership roles with ease. Challenges rarely faze you, and even when setbacks occur, you respond with renewed determination to reach your goals.
Focused and driven, you maintain your sense of purpose even in the most relaxed environments. Once others get to know you, they discover your generous, kind, and warm nature.
You are most compatible with Ash and Elder.
Reed ~ The Inquisitor
(October 28 to November 24)
Compassionate, Truthful, Curious
You have a natural gift for uncovering hidden truths, digging beneath surface distractions to reveal deeper meaning. Guided by a strong sense of integrity and honour, you are a trusted confidant - people instinctively open up to you, knowing their secrets are safe in your hands.
At the same time, you’re drawn to stories, gossip, and scandal, thriving on the intrigue of human nature. This unique balance makes you exceptionally well-suited to roles like journalism or detective work, where your talent for peeling back layers and getting to the heart of a matter truly shines. Your sharp intellect is undeniable, but it’s your compassion and unwavering loyalty that leave the strongest impression.
To the ancient Druids, any tall plant with a woody stalk held the spirit of tree energy. The reed, prized for both its resilience and elegance, was honoured with a sacred place in the Ogham - the mystical alphabet of the Celts.
You are most compatible with Oak and Ash.
from [ this ] site we get a few more associations
April 15 - May 12 Willow/The Observer: Creative, intuitive, intelligent, learner, shiny star.
animal guardians: Adder, Hare, Sea Serpent
gem: Moonstone
Jan 21 - Feb 17 Rowan/The Thinker: Progressive thinker, creative, original,keen visionaries, morale.
animal guardian: Green Dragon
gem: Peridot
July 8 - August 4 Holly/The Ruler: Noble, leader, succesful, brave.
animal guardians: Cat, Unicorn
gem: Carnelian
October 28 - November 24 Reed/The Leader: Willpower, history-lover, learner.
animal guardians: Hound, Owl
gem: Jasper
from [ this ] site we see other animal guardians crop up, including descriptions from [ here ]:
The Bull zodiac sign imbues its natives with patience, strength, and loyalty. Bulls in Celtic folklore are symbols of wealth and societal power. They are also immortalized in the Elder Futhark rune, Uruz. Individuals with the Bull zodiac sign are naturally talented but slow-moving. They are loveable and kind, but can quickly lose their temper if this disposition is wrongly assumed to be a weakness. They can be stubborn about their ways and don't feel the need to impress anyone. They are quite honest and humble in this regard.
The Cat, or Feline, zodiac sign imbues its natives with intuition, curiosity, and self-reliance. Cats in Celtic folklore are both revered and feared. They are believed to be shape-shifters and to have the ability to communicate with the otherworld. They are also commonly associated with witchcraft. Individuals with the Cat zodiac sign love learning about new things but do not like to be bothered or have people pry into their business. They are also very quick-witted and intelligent.
The Horse zodiac sign imbues its native with power, drive, and passion. Horses in Celtic folklore were either noble steeds and companions of warriors or were kelpies who dragged unsuspecting victims to the bottom of a lake or ocean as a meal. Individuals with the Horse zodiac sign are naturally charismatic and strong and can be very stubborn about their ideas and ideals. They are also loyal and possess an untamed beauty to them.
The Wolf zodiac sign imbues its natives with passion, loyalty, and ambition. Wolves in Celtic folklore were associated with the moon and were symbols of intuition, wisdom, and the hunt. Individuals who have this zodiac sign are excellent team players and believe in honor and pride. They can be fearless or courageous. They are also very particular about their ways, routines, and social circle.
and, from [ this ] site, alternate trees which, intriguingly, are actually the very ~[ same tree ] for three of them, since its apparently the tree of the four big holidays of the year...except, for some reason, it pops up 5 days ~into august rather than starting august 1, so aoife gets her own?? so everyone gets poplar, except aoife who gets cypress:
Poplar Tree- Celtic Tree Zodiac Sign
Strong keywords: Rapid growth, Honesty
Weak keywords: Loneliness
Tree variants: Elecampane (Horse-heal)
Birthday:
1 February – 10 February
1 May – 10 May
5 August – 14 August
1 November – 10 November
Meaning: Poplar is a very important tree in Celtic mythology. In our tree circle, poplar occurs four times, always after the Celtic holidays of Samhain, Imbolc, Beltin and Lugnasad.
Characteristics and personality: Person who was born under the rule of Poplar learns fast and understands quickly. Just like Poplars, people born during the time of their rule are direct and straightforward. They often have artistic talents and a sense for beauty. Most of these people are closely connected with nature and they feel better in rural areas than in towns and cities. It is no exaggeration to say that they understand nature much better than most other people.
They are popular because they are able to see things from different angles and they never really care about money. They are also skilful diplomats in interpersonal relationships. In critical situations, their unbelievable courage may unexpectedly appear and they will start defending their ideas with great vigour and confidence even though they know that they cannot win the argument.
These positive qualities are sometimes balanced by loneliness and a sense of abandonment, because due to their high moral expectations they do not usually have many true friends. This can sometimes lead to anger and bitterness. Even in their love life they are not always happy and their dream of having a big and closely-knitted family hardly ever becomes true. However they can usually hide their dissatisfaction or sadness very well and their closest friends may not even know about what troubles them.
Cypress Tree- Celtic Tree Zodiac Sign
Strong keywords: Tolerance, Sociability
Weak keywords: Laziness
Tree variants: Hawthorn, Juniper, Camomile
Birthday:
23 January – 31 January
25 July – 4 August
Characteristics and personality: People born under the rule of Cypress are tolerant, resourceful and faithful. However, they are also quite lazy and inclined to oppress the weak in their surroundings. They have the ability to endure the adversity of fate, which does not break them; on contrary, they learn from the experience. The nature of people born under the rule of Cypress is very rare, because they are able to intensively enjoy everything that life brings. These people have a strong will to find a solution to a problem even if it means their discomfort. Perhaps that is why they do not lose their head, goodwill and hope that things will get better, even in the worst situations.
Just like cypress trees, these people like the Sun and they cannot stand any restrictions on their personal freedom. If you force them to live in confined conditions, whether in a physical or spiritual sense, they will soon become grumpy and they will make life miserable even for the greatest optimists around them. They do not like being alone and they avoid solitude. They prefer spending time in their family circle or with good friends. They need both, their family and friends, in order to be happy in their lives. Cypress people are popular because their presence has a calming effect on other people.
These people love nature, they like to wander around and they are very keen travellers. Their main interest is getting to see new places and learning about the customs of the people living there. People born under the rule of Cypress just want to be happy. They are not really interested in anything else; they do not attach special importance to success in life or to material values. They are therefore not successful traders, politicians or entrepreneurs. The most suitable profession for them is a job that requires constant contact with people, but where they can also work independently and nobody limits their vigour and enthusiasm. They are very good tour guides, truck drivers and pilots, for example. Their career, however, is not sky-high, because they are not making a very good effort to climb up the career ladder. On the contrary, they carefully avoid everything that can cause a problem that may disturb their happiness.
Cypress people are daydreamers and they let their life take its natural course. They organise their lives only in case of extreme inevitability and with great self-denial. The biggest obstacle of their journey to happiness is their effort to avoid any challenging and stressful situations. They do not realize that in life it is sometimes necessary to stand up for yourself and take risks, otherwise it is not possible to move forward.
Cypress people are not good managers because they tend to be too bossy and procrastinate when a problem has to be solved. They are strict and uncompromising with their subordinates. They usually lack organizational talent so their efforts often lead to confusion, chaos and quarrels, in which everybody accuses everybody else.
They behave the same way in their marriage; sometimes they require a submissive subordination and boundless devotion from their partner. If their current partner cannot or does not want to give it to them, they will break up with them and find another partner without mercy. In love, they are wild and sensual. They will change many romantic partners before they find a person who will conform to them. But once they find the right person, they love them with all their heart. In that case, they are faithful to them until the day they die.
Cypress people are just as healthy as their tree, which is strong and beautiful. As they get older they may become hypochondriacs under the influence of other people. They may start looking for diseases that everybody has at that age.
also it had no meaning listed for cypress, and didn't really go into the meaning of poplar, tho it claimed to, so your girl shall supply them
In Celtic tree lore, the Poplar tree, or Eadha (white poplar), symbolizes uncertainty and is associated with growth, strength, and visualization. The Poplar is also connected to hope, revival, and creativity. Historically, its wood was used to make durable shields for protection against harm, while its quivering, "whispering" leaves made it a "talking" tree.
Poplars are fast-growing and hardy, symbolizing growth, strength, and the ability to adapt and thrive in various environments. Due to their fast growth and ability to flourish, they represent hope and the promise of new beginnings.
The long, flattened leaf stems cause the leaves to rustle with even the slightest breeze, earning it the name "talking tree" or "whispering tree."
In ancient times, the Poplar was used for making shields to provide protection from injury and death in battle.
Eadha is the Celtic name for the Poplar, representing the earthy and material aspects of life.
People born under the Poplar tree sign are often seen as ambitious, creative, and possessing strong intuition. Poplars can be sensitive to their surroundings, and those connected to this tree may have sensitive characters. A core association with the Poplar is uncertainty, a sense of not knowing what is coming next.
The cypress tree is not a primary or widely documented symbol in traditional Celtic traditions, with the Celtic Tree Calendar featuring other trees like the Oak and Ash. However, the cypress appears in some modern interpretations of Celtic Tree astrology, where it represents faithfulness, passion, and a preference for peace. The tree's strong association with mourning in classical and European cultures likely contributes to its placement in some Celtic-inspired symbolism, while its evergreen and tall nature also connect it to themes of eternity and resilience.
In this [astrology] context, the cypress is linked to serenity, new life, and adaptation, and individuals with this tree sign are said to prefer peace and avoid conflict. The tree is also a symbol of faithfulness, passion, and a quick temper in other interpretations of Celtic tree astrology.
The tree's ability to remain green year-round symbolizes continuity and immortality. Its distinctive tall and narrow shape is seen as pointing heavenward, representing the soul's journey or spiritual ascent. Its ability to live for centuries contributes to its symbolism of enduring spirit, even linking it to the Greek myth of Cyparissus, who became a tree to mourn his pet stag.
[ this ] site talks a bit more abt ~alternate animal totems:
Adder
April 15 - May 12
Transformation, Healing,
Life Energy.
Resourcefulness, Strong interest in family.
Excellent
memory.
Drawn to natural methods of healing.
Healing, magic, shape
shifting and initiation.
Crane
January 21 - February 17
Secret Knowledge, Eccentric,
Patien,t
Clever with
specialized skills and talents,
Progressive outlook on life. Sense
of the evolving spirit.
Sensitivity to the other world, traveling,
Cat
July 8 - Aug. 4
Creative,
Sensual,
Nobility
Strong sense of personal
integrity and a firm set of values,
Loyal and trustworthy.
Deep devotion
to family. Affectionate.
Owl
October 28 - November 24
Wise,
Changeable, Detached at times,
Powerful presence Personal magnetism ,
Highly imaginative , Passionate,
and a bit more abt those alternate trees as well, listing slightly different dates:
Poplar
The Uncertainty
Feb. 4 to 8,
May 1 to 14,
Aug. 5 to 13
Looks very decorative,
no self-confident behavior,
only courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings,
very choosy,
often lonely,
great animosity,
artistic nature,
good organizer,
tends to philosophy,
reliable in any situation,
takes partnership serious.
Cypress
The Faithfulness
Jan. 25 to Feb.
July. 26 to Aug.4
Strong, &muscular,
adaptable,
takes what life has to give, happy content,
optimistic,
needs enough money ,
needs acknowledgement,
hates loneliness,
passionate lover which cannot be satisfied,
faithful,
quick-tempered,
unruly,
pedantic and careless.
Walnut Tree
The PassionApr.21 to Apr.30
Oct.24 to Nov.11
Unrelenting,
strange and full of contrasts, often egoistic,
aggressive,
noble,
broad horizon,
unexpected reactions, spontaneous,
unlimited ambition,
no flexibility,
difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired,
ingenious strategists,
very jealous and passionate,
no compromises.
more on the additional animal totems!
In Celtic lore, the hare is a mystical and sacred animal symbolizing fertility, abundance, and the moon, with connections to the Otherworld and shapeshifters. Hares were respected for their speed and nocturnal activity, and they were associated with goddesses like Eostre. Seeing a hare could be a sign of good fortune or, in some traditions, a warning or even a harbinger of death
Celtic sea serpent figures represent the power and mystery of nature, with ancient folklore telling of huge, serpentine monsters that inhabited rivers, lakes, and the ocean. The symbolism of these beings is multifaceted, often embodying transformation, chaos, and a connection to the ancient past. In Celtic mythology, sea serpents like the Oilliphéist in Irish and Scottish folklore are often monstrous, great beasts that symbolize chaos, the primal forces of nature, and remnants of the pagan world. These creatures are associated with the depths of lakes and rivers and sometimes seen as ancient entities that shaped the landscape, such as carving the River Shannon, or were fought by early heroes and saints.
In Celtic culture, there isn't a distinct concept of a "green dragon," but the general Celtic dragon symbolizes power, wisdom, protection, and a deep connection to nature and the Earth's energies.
Green, as a separate symbol, represents nature, healing, prosperity, and spiritual connection.
The green dragon combines these concepts to represent the ultimate protector of nature, a conduit to the healing power of the Earth, and a symbol of great wisdom and balanced power.
in celtic folklore, a fae cat was known as Cait Sìth, a supernatural, magical being, often a large black cat with a white spot on its chest, known for guarding the Otherworld and souls. The Cait Sìth possesses abilities such as foretelling the future and can act as a trickster or a protector, bestowing blessings or curses depending on the treatment they receive, such as leaving milk out on Samhain for good fortune. The creature is also sometimes believed to be a witch capable of transforming into a cat, a myth potentially linked to the "cat has nine lives" proverb.
In Celtic belief, the cat totem symbolizes a deep connection to the mystical Otherworld, protection, mystery, and intuition. The legendary Cait Sith (or Cat Sidhe) embodies otherworldly guardianship, and can bring blessings of abundance or curses of misfortune depending on how it is treated. The cat's independent nature, silent grace, and ability to see the unseen makes it a powerful spirit guide, encouraging self-reliance, wisdom, and a connection to hidden knowledge.
In Celtic mythology and particularly in Scotland, the unicorn symbolizes purity, innocence, power, and wild freedom, representing the untameable and proud spirit of the Celtic people. It is Scotland's national animal, first appearing on their royal coat of arms in the 12th century, with chained unicorns on the shield symbolizing the power and ability of Scottish kings to tame even the wildest creatures.
In Celtic lore, the owl is a symbol of wisdom, stealth, and keen perception. It was believed that the owl could see into the future and the past, offering guidance to those who sought its insight. The Celts revered the owl for its ability to navigate through both physical and spiritual darkness, making it a powerful guide for those on a quest for deeper truths.
Celtic Hounds represent loyalty, courage, devotion, and protection in Celtic history and mythology. They symbolize the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, acting as guides for souls. Prominent in the Book of Kells and Irish legends like the tale of Cú Chulainn, these sacred dogs were highly respected companions, guardians, and even served as a symbol of honorable warriors.
GEMS (there's not a lot of confirmed info abt this but we've got some!)
moonstone -- Celtic folklore holds that moonstone embodies the mysteries of the night and the spirit world. It was believed to guide travelers and protect them during nocturnal journeys, serving as a beacon of hope in dark times.
peridot -- The vibrant green of peridot resonates with Celtic reverence for nature. In a Celtic Spiral, it represents life’s cycles of growth and prosperity.
notably, peridot was not largely available in the british isles, coming from places like egypt, meaning it required great wealth to obtain. sadly, its meaning has been lost, but some gems which may have had related meaning are other green stones, which they deeply valuaed. some which were native to the area include: Often called "Ireland's national gemstone," connemara marble comes in many shades of green and is deeply connected with Irish heritage. serpentine: This light green stone was used by ancient peoples and was believed by some ancient cultures to aid in rebirth and renewal. hag stones: While not always green, these natural stones with holes have rich folklore and are found on beaches in Celtic regions. They were believed to offer protection and allow one to see supernatural beings.
carnelian -- A favourite of the Celts, Romans, and Egyptians, carnelian was associated with courage, vitality, and strength. Warriors wore carnelian beads into battle for protection and victory, and appear to have symbolized courage, vitality, and protection
jasper -- While limited specific records survive regarding ancient Celtic beliefs, modern interpretations link Jasper to concepts important in Celtic traditions, including grounding, courage, and a connection to the natural world. As a gemstone often used in jewelry, its meaning is also tied to Celtic symbols and mythology. Jasper is considered an elemental Earth stone with constant, slow energy. Its grounding properties would have resonated strongly with the Celtic people's reverence for nature and spirituality. As a protective talisman, Jasper was believed to absorb negative energy and shield its wearer from harm. This made it valuable for warriors, travelers, and those seeking spiritual defense. Red Jasper, in particular, was known as the "warrior's stone" and a symbol of endurance. It was believed to boost vitality, stamina, and physical strength.
In general, Jasper is known as the "supreme nurturer" and is associated with healing and emotional stability. Different colored Jaspers are linked to various healing properties. For example, Green Jasper can restore harmony to the emotional body. For some varieties, such as Picture Jasper, the stone was believed to aid in seeing into the mystic "otherworld," a concept significant in Celtic lore
anyway!! there's a ton here, and the stuff tied to the ogham alphabet year is def way more reliable than some of the other stuff which is reconstructed and adds modern stuff, etc, but!! i thought it was all interesting for ~our purposes and wanted to include it as a result <3
i also thought that maybe this was perhaps a calendar used in malconaire when it was its own country? but yeah who knows!!