Tree Ogham

 

 

Capturing the Symbolism of Native Irish Trees

Trees, in addition to their nutritional and economic value, also have ritual and symbolic significance.

 The medieval manuscript, The Scholar’s Primer (Auraicept na nĒces), points out that ogham should be read by starting at the bottom of the script, like threading on the roots of a tree and then climbing upwards from there, as one reads.

 Trees were protected under Brehon Law. The Celts believed trees, deeply embedded in our culture, had healing and magical power and they were characterised by varied emotion.

It is hoped that this art from, Tree Ogham Haiga, will help in our journey to restore and revive our traditional respect for and love of trees.

Each of the letters of Ogham was given a tree name, most probably, as an aide- memoire.

The native Irish trees that are linked to the letters of the Ogham alphabet are:

  • Birch
  • Rowan
  • Ash
  • Alder
  • Willow
  • Hawthorn
  • Oak
  • Holly
  • Hazel
  • Bramble/Vine
  • Ivy
  • Reed
  • Elder
  • Blackthorn
  • Apple
  • Scots Pine
  • Furze/Gorse
  • Heather
  • Aspen
  • Yew