1. IRISHFIRESIDE E-NEWSLETTER
The Ancient Celtic Tree of
Life
by Kat Behling
Trees have a special significance
in popular Irish lore. Although
there are actually seven noble
trees in Celtic mythology: oak,
apple, alder, birch, hazel, holly and
willow - each with its own spiritual An image representing
meaning - it is the oak that is the Tree of Life in
considered to be the most wise Celtic Knotwork
and sacred.
The Yew Tree
Many a tale has been spun around the mighty oak. Some The yew is the longest lived
say if you fall asleep under the mystical tree, you may of all trees. Speculation that
awaken to find yourself among the faerie people. Heroic and some churchyard yews,
wise spirits were said to have sheltered among its bark and especially on the north side
leaves, giving the oak the title, “The Lord of Truth”. Its leaves of churches in Ireland, are
have long symbolized courage and an oak leaf worn at your that of Celtic antiquity due to
breast and touching your heart was believed to protect the the early religious practice of
wearer from deception. Likewise, the acorn carries magical building foundations on old
properties of its own. It was believed carrying an acorn in pagan sites.
ones pocket was to protect oneself from storms and evil
intent, while carrying three acorns as charms was to invoke
youth, beauty and attainment upon its owner. The eve of January 31st
marks the Festival of Imbolc

2. In pre-Christian Ireland, trees were – the coming of spring. Each
believed to be a sacred threshold, day getting slightly longer
bridging the gap between the upper than the one before as
and lower worlds. With its branches winter’s tight grip slowly lets
reaching toward the heavens and go. Gentle rays of sun are
its roots lying firmly in the ground, it cast down upon the earth,
was considered to be a link buds emerge and flowers will
between heaven, earth and the “other world”. A symbol of soon bloom. Imbolc is the
beauty, resurrection and immortality, trees are prominent in season of rebirth: a time for
popular pre-Christian motifs such as crosses and illuminated living things to re-emerge
manuscripts, its intricate from the introspection of
knotwork symbolizing the interconnectedness of these three winter to the fresh hope of
worlds. spring. As Cailleach, the
goddess of winter hardened
To the ancient Celts, not only did the tree represent the the earth with her hammer at
eternal cycle of seasons – birth, life, death and renewal – the beginning of winter,
trees were a source of earthly sustenance: a bearer of food, Brigid, the goddess of spring
a provider of shelter, fire and weapons and regarded as is believed to make it soft
living, magical beings. Without trees, life would have been again.
quite difficult. During times of war, one of the greatest
triumphs over an enemy was to cut down their sacred tree,
their foundation of strength and support.
January Birthdays
Countless Irish superstitions revolve around the lore of trees
January Flower
and the belief that they were messengers to the gods. In
Carnation
many legends, trees guarded sacred wells, many of which
can be found as you drive through the Irish countryside January Birthstone
today. Known as “Rag Trees,” they are adorned with Garnet
personal belongings – hankies, ribbons, bits of clothing and
trinkets left behind by persons seeking solace to their pleas The traditional color
for love, healing and prosperity. associated with January’s
birthstone is a deep red and
Spiritual Meanings of Common Trees was a popular gem in
Victorian jewelry.
Throughout the ages, the

3. Many of these meanings are meaning of its color has
associated with Christian, represented many aspects of
Judaism and other religions life: social, religious, biblical
today. Christ’s cross is believed and Christian symbolism
to have been of oak, while “the reflected in the color red.
tree of life” holds special The symbolic meaning of red
prominence in the teaching of is “fire” and is associated
God’s creation in the Kabbalah. with power and importance.
Some believe the Kabbalah The garnet is associated with
“tree of life” corresponds to the “tree of life” mentioned in the truth, friendship and insight.
Book of Genesis, its mystical meaning adapted by many
“By her who this month was
pagans as well. The custom of holly and mistletoe has
born
become identified with Christmas and the apple with the
No gem save garnets shall
story of Adam and Eve.
be worn
Alder – courage and perseverance They will ensure her
Apple – beauty, innocence and youth constancy
Beech – stability True friendship and
Birch – birth, energy and spontaneity fidelity.”
Cedar – protection from harm
Elm – the dark side of the psyche
Fir – change and objectivity
Hazel – wisdom and creativity
Hawthorne – divine secrets
Holly – eternity and good fortune
Ivy – mystery
Mistletoe – birth and rebirth
Oak – the soul, sacrifice and understanding
Pine – continuation and hardiness
Sequoia – longevity
Willow – death and enchantment
Yew – rebirth and change
Copyright (C) 2007 Corey Taratuta All rights reserved