Celtic Zodiac Signs
The Celtic Zodiac is based on a thirteen-month lunar calendar which was
devised by ancient Druids. The
oldest preserved Druid calendar dates
back to the 1st century BCE.
But over time, and with the collision of Celtic culture and Roman
culture, the Celtic Zodiac months
have matched dates in our modern Gregorian calendar.
Celtic Astrology associates months with
trees, rather than stars. So
each sign is a tree or plant the Druids observed in their environment.
Listed by month, here is a brief
examination of each Zodiac tree and its traits.
December
24 – January 20: The
Birch Tree
Ambition is the key word for those born into Birch. Enthusiasm, energy,
drive, and big ideas all apply. Often others get caught up in the
Birch's pursuit of dreams. It doesn't
hurt that Birch people are also strong, calm leaders. Add wittiness and
charm and Birch people are born
to succeed, if only they
harness their natural talents.
January
21 – February 17: The
Rowan Tree
The Rowan is the philosopher. Always a keen thinker, often with
creative and revolutionary ideas, Rowan people are sometimes
misunderstood by others who can't relate to
the deep thoughts Rowan people contemplate. This may cause social
shyness in Rowan people, but
inside they are filled with
excitement about their ideals. This inner excitement can be subtly
infectious.
February
18 – March 17: The Ash
Tree
Ash is artistic through and through. Thinking outside the box,
imagination soaring, and easily inspired, expression comes easily to
Ash people. Sometimes they seem moody when
introspective, but often they
enchant people around them. Yet Ash people rarely care what others
think of them. Poetry and theology are two strong areas for Ash.
March
18 – April 14: The Alder
Tree
Forget off-the-beaten path; Alder people forge all new paths of their
own. They're intense leaders and socially charming, magnetic to those
around them. They tend to have
many friends and be open-minded, mingling effortlessly with everyone.
Confidence is a key word,
as is motivation. Alder's drive leads them to hate waste, so efficiency
is important in business and projects.
April
15 – May 12: The Willow
Tree
The Willow is governed by the moon, and the most mystical of signs.
Willow people are marked by heightened intuition, even psychic
abilities. Extreme intelligence is
common. Willow's intuitive nature grants patience, since Willow people
have much insight and perspective
into people and situations.
Willow people may be a fountain of knowledge and can use their
perceptiveness to blossom.
May
13 – June 9: The Hawthorn
Tree
Hawthorn is marked by contradictions. Outwardly Hawthorn people can
seem simply ordinary, but inwardly they have wild passions and creative
impulses. This allows
Hawthorn people to blend well in any situation, adapting as needed,
while still retaining the “hidden” drive. Hawthorn
people are
extraordinary listeners and givers of advice, and know how to use humor
well.
June
10 – July 7: The Oak Tree
As a strong tree, the Oak gives its people strength. Oak people channel
this strength to help others who may not be so strong, or may need
assistance. Oak people like to right
wrongs. They are generous with their time and energy and like taking
care of others. Oak people are
deeply optimistic. They also have need for control and live
by
the adage “a place for
everything and everything in its place.” Stability is key.
July
8 – August 4: The Holly Tree
Holly is the “royalty” of trees, signifying power
and regal nature. Holly people are not afraid of challenges and
stumbling blocks, and can be stubborn in their goals.
They are noble and determined, and compassionate to others. High
intelligence and ease of achievement
can give young Holly people
temptation to do things at bare minimum, leading to laziness.
August
5 – September 1: The
Hazel Tree
Born to another tree full of intelligence, Hazel people are natural
students. Incredible memory is often associated with Hazel. Hazel
people love facts and figures; the act of “due
diligence” is applied to all things. Hazel people are
sticklers for rules, but more to maintain control and balance with
others and
their environment than to adhere to rules themselves.
September
2 – September 29: Vines
Like vines twist and turn unpredictably, Vine personalities are always
in chaotic flux. Indecision is a major issue for Vine people. Vine
people have strong empathy and therefore find it almost impossible to
choose sides or a particular course of action when necessary. Vine
people have very refined taste and may lead expensive lifestyles, or at
least make their lifestyle look expensive even on a budget. They are
considered by others to be classy.
September
30 – October 27: Ivy
Vine
Ivy is all about survival. As it is a stubborn and long-lasting vine,
so too are Ivy people stalwart and bound to succeed –
eventually.
Loyalty is a strong Ivy trait.
Because Ivy is associated with the waning sun, a lot of
obstacles
are thrown at Ivy people, but they are equipped
to cope. Although Ivy people
tend to be quiet they are far from shy, and can shine at any social
event regardless of what they are going through in life.
October
28 – November 24: The
Reed
Reed people are storytellers, true bards of their time. Whether it's
gossip or a good yarn, Reed people love to hear and tell tales. They
also come into possession of many
secrets because of an innate ability to cut to the core of all matters,
and to see through the masks people wear. Sometimes this talent leads
Reed people to be manipulative, but this is balanced by a love of truth
and a sense of honor.
November
25 – December 23: The
Elder Tree
Freedom is the greatest love of Elder people. They can appear to others
as reckless and too carefree, but feeling and expressing free nature is
important to Elder people. They enjoy thrills and are not content to
let life pass them by. But another aspect is a philosophical mind, like
the Rowan. Elder people can be sometimes too honest, unintentionally
hurting when they intend to help. A need to help others is also present
in them.
