Birch Moon
December 24 - January 20: The Birch Moon is a time of rebirth and regeneration. As the Solstice passes, it is
time to look towards the light once more. When a forested area burns, Birch is the first tree to grow back. The
Celtic name for this month is Beth, pronounced beh. Workings done in this month add momentum and a bit of
as healing and protection. Tie a red ribbon around the trunk of a Birch tree to ward off negative energy. Hang
Birch twigs over a cradle to protect a newborn from psychic harm. Use Birch bark as magical parchment to keep
writings safe.
Honored on February 1, at Imbolc, Brighid is a fire goddess who offers protection to mothers and families, as
well as watching over the hearthfires. This is a good time of year to perform initations (or, if you're not part of a
group, do a self-dedication). Known by the Celts as Luis (pronounced loush), the Rowan is associated with
astral travel, personal power, and success. A charm carved into a bit of a Rowan twig will protect the wearer
from harm. The Norsemen were known to have used Rowan branches as rune staves of protection. In some
countries, Rowan is planted in graveyards to prevent the dead from lingering around too long.
Ash Moon
February 18 - March 17: In the Norse eddas, Yggdrasil, the world tree, was an Ash. The spear of Odin was
made from the branch of this tree, which is also known by the Celtic name Nion, pronounced knee-un. This is
one of three trees sacred to the Druids (Ash, Oak and Thorn), and this is a good month to do magic that
focuses on the inner self. Associated with ocean rituals, magical potency, prophetic dreams and spiritual
journeys, the Ash can be used for making magical (and mundane) tools -- these are said to be more productive
than tools made from other wood. If you place Ash berries in a cradle, it protects the child from being taken
away as a changeling by mischevious Fae.
Alder Moon
the water, bridging that magical space between both heaven and earth. The Alder month, called Fearn by the
Celts, and pronounced fairin, is a time for making spiritual decisions, magic relating to prophecy and divination,
to be used in Faerie magic. Whistles were once made out of Alder shoots to call upon Air spirits, so it's an ideal
wood for making a pipe or flute if you're muscially inclined.
Willow Moon
April 15 - May 12: The Willow moon was known to the Celts as Saille, pronounced Sahl-yeh. The Willow grows
best when there's lots of rain, and in northern Europe there's no shortage of that this time of year. This is a
tree associated with healing and growth, for obvious reasons. A Willow planted near your home will help ward
away danger, particularly the type that stems from natural disaster such as flooding or storms. They offer
protection, and are often found planted near cemeteries. This month, work on rituals involving healing, growth
of knowledge, nurturing and women's mysteries.
Hawthorn Moon
May 13 - June 9: The Hawthorn is a prickly sort of plant with beautiful blossoms. Called Huath by the ancient
Celts, and pronounced Hoh-uh, the Hawthorn month is a time of fertility, masculine energy, and fire. Coming
right on the heels of Beltane, this month is a time when male potency is high -- if you're hoping to conceive a
child, get busy this month! The Hawthorn has a raw, phallic sort of energy about it -- use it for magic related to
masculine power, business decisions, making professional connections. The Hawthorn is also associated with
the realm of Faerie, and when the Hawthorn grows in tandem with an Ash and Oak, it is said to attract the Fae.
Oak Moon
June 10 - July 7: The Oak moon falls during a time when the trees are beginning to reach their full blooming
stages. The mighty Oak is strong, powerful, and typically towering over all of its neighbors. The Oak King rules
over the summer months, and this tree was sacred to the Druids. The Celts called this month Duir, which some
scholars believe to mean "door", the root word of "Druid". The Oak is connceted with spells for protection and
interview or business meeting; it will be bring you good luck. If you catch a falling Oak leaf before it hits the
ground, you'll stay healthy the following year.
July 8 - August 4: Although the Oak ruled in the previous month, its counterpart, the Holly, takes over in July.
July 8 - August 4: Although the Oak ruled in the previous month, its counterpart, the Holly, takes over in July.
Tinne, pronounced chihnn-uh, by the Celts, who knew the potent Holly was a symbol of masculine energy and
This evergreen plant reminds us all year long about the immortality of Nature. The Holly moon was called
firmness. The ancients used the wood of the Holly in the construction of weapons, but also in protective magic.
Hang a sprig of Holly in your house to ensure good luck and safety to your family. Wear as a charm, or make
Holly Water by soaking leaves overnight in spring water under a full moon -- then use the water as a blessing
to sprinkle on people or around the house for protection and cleansing.
inside you". This is the time of year when Hazelnuts are appearing on the trees, and are an early part of the
harvest. Hazelnuts are also associated with wisdom and protection. Hazel is often associated in Celtic lore with
sacred wells and magical springs containing the salmon of knowledge. This is a good month to do workings
related to wisdom and knowledge, dowsing and divination, and dream journeys. If you're a creative type, such
as an artist, writer, or musician, this is a good month to get your muse back, and find inspiration for your talents.
Even if you normally don't do so, write a poem or song this month.
Vine Moon
September 2 - September 29: The Vine month is a time of great harvest -- from the grapes of the
Mediterranean to the fruits of the northern regions, the Vine produces fruits we can use to make that most
wondrous concoction called wine. The Celts called this month Muin. The Vine is a symbol of both happiness
and wrath -- passionate emotions, both of them. Do magical workings this month connected to the Autumn
Equinox, or Mabon, and celebrate garden magic, joy and exhilaration, wrath and rage, and the darker aspect of
the mother goddess. Use the leaves of the Vines to enhance your own ambition and goals. during this month.
The month of Vine is also a good time to get balanced, as there are equal hours of darkness and light.
September 30 - October 27: As the year comes to a close and Samhain approaches, the Ivy moon rolls in at
the end of the harvest season. Ivy often lives on after its host plant has died -- a reminder to us that life goes
on, in the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth. The Celts called this month Gort, pronounced go-ert. This is
a time to banish the negative from your life. Do workings related to improving yourself, and placing a barricade
between you and the things that are toxic to you. Ivy can be used in magic performed for healing, protection,
cooperation, and to bind lovers together.
Reed Moon
October 28 - December 23: Reed is typically used to make wind instruments, and this time of year, its haunting
sounds are sometimes heard when the souls of the dead are being summoned to the Underworld. The Reed
Moon was called Negetal, pronounced nyettle by the Celts, and is sometimes referred to as the Elm Moon by
modern Pagans. This is a time for divination and scrying. If you're going to have a seance, this is a good month
to do it in. This month, do magical workings related to spirit guides, energy work, meditation, celebration of
Elder Moon
November 25 - December 23: The winter solstice has passed, and the Elder moon is a time of endings.
Although the Elder can be damaged easily, it recovers quickly and springs back to life, corresponding to the
approaching New Year. Called Ruish by the Celts (pronounced roo-esh), the month of Elder is a good time for
workings related to creativity and renewal. It is a time of beginnings and endings, births and deaths, and
rejvenation. Elder is also said to protect against demons and other negative entities. Use in magic connected to
Faeries and other nature spirits.
Celtic Tree/Moon Calender