Celtic Tree Calendar - The Reed Moon

October 28 thru November 23rd -   The Reed Moon was called Negetal by the Celts and is sometimes referred to as the Elm Moon by today more modern pagans. Reed is often used to make wind insturments.  It is thought that their haunting sounds can be heard when a soul is being summoned to the Underworld. During the Reed moon is an excellent time to do forms of divination and scrying as well as any magic related to spirit guides, energy work, meditation, celebration of those who have passed before and also honoring the cylce of life and rebirth.

I hope you had the opportunity to go out last night and enjoy the Moon in all her glory.  She was as beautiful as ever here.  The warm evening lent itself to a beautiful time to sit outdoors under her glow and enjoy oneself.  I sat my latest set of runes under her light for the night to charge them with her energy. 

Celtic Tree Lore - The Astroloty of Reed/Broom

hose born under the sign of the Reed (October 28 through November 24) are known as the Secret Keepers. They are known to dig deep inside to the real meaning of things to eventually discover the truth that is hidden beneath layers of distraction.

The Reed is one who has no problem getting to the heart of a matter to find its true core. They love a good story and be easily drawn in by gossip, scandals, legends and lore. These characteristics can also make the Reed an excellent historian, journalist, detective, or archeologist.

The Reed love people because they represent a diversity of meanings for them to interpret. The Reed have an ability to enourage people to open up and talk to them telling them things that they may not tell others. Although at times they can be a bit manipulative, they have a strong sense of truth and honor.

Reeds are practical people who enjoy making themselves useful to others. They will often be found organizing charity or other events. They love to use their hands and are not afraid to get them dirty. Others are attracted to them for their artistic abilities and their imagination.

Reed people join well with other Reeds as well as Ash or Oak signs.

Celtic Tree Lore - The Mythology and Folklore of Reed/Broom

he Reed or Broom has always been associated with music, mainly because of its use in the making of pipes and flutes. The Greek God Pan for example played a Reed pipe. In mythology we know the story of Pan and Apollo who entered into a contest with one another to determine who could play the sweetest music. Pan played his panpipes while Apollo played his lyre. Pan was chosen as the winner which in turn angered Apollo who in his rage turned Pan into half man and half goat.

Pan is thought to be the offspring of Hermes. He was thought to haunt the woodlands, hills and mountains. Pan was known for dancing through the woods playing his pipes. He was somewhat of a lusty leader of the satyrs and loved nothing better than to chase nymphs. He was often associated with Dionysus for this reason. Pan’s symbol was the phallus and of old he was invoked for the fertility of flocks or an abundant hunt.

In folklore the Pied Piper of Hamelin also played a magical tune on a pipe made from reed. It was this song that was said to rid a town of a plague of rats. It was said that in 1284 the Pied Piper was hired to rid the town of Hamelin of a plague of rats. He walked through the streets playing a magical tune on his pipe. When the rats heard the music they would follow him. The piper then led the rats all the way to the banks of the river Weser where all the rats fell into the water and drowned. The town council then refused to pay the piper for his work.

The piper then walked the streets again only this time he played a different tune. On hearing the music he played, all the children in town began to follow him as he led them out of town and into the foothills of the mountains. They were led to a secret entrance into the mountains where they entered and vanished never to be seen again. After this disappearance the spirits of the piper and the children are to forever haunt the town of Hamelin.

Celtic Tree Lore - Reed/Broom - Magical and Medicinal Uses

s a healing herb, Broom has been around for some time. It was well known to the ancients and can be found in early writings of Virgil (70-19 BC). In a passage from John Gerard’s Herbal of 1597 it states. “The decoction of the twigs and tops of broom doth cleanse and open the liver, milt, and kidnies”.

Henry VIII used to drink a water infusion made from the flowers of Reed/Broom. He believed it acted as a guard against his overindulgences. Reed/Broom is often recommended in herbal remedies for bladder and kidney afflictions. Broom juice in large doses can disturb the stomach and bowels and is therefore more often used with other diuretics, rather than used alone. A word of caution: regardless of what you may read, specialized advice should be sought out in the use of Reed/Broom. Experimentation is not an alternative to be considered when dealing with any herb that is considered toxic.

In regards to magical uses of Reed/Broom ritual wands are often made of it. Sweeping the ground with Reed/Broom will clear the area of any unwanted influences. Earlier last month I used my home made broom which sits next to my front door to sweep my house as I did my cleansing.

In older times, Reed/Broom was hung in the house to keep all negative energies out. An infusion was also sprinkled throughout the house when needed to help detour poltergeist activity. Reed/Broom is most often used to expand awareness; journeys to other realms, soul retrieval, rituals to bring harmony to ones life, protection of the home, and balancing ones energies.

Celtic Tree Lore - Reed and/or Broom

eginning October 28th and continuing through November 24th we celebrate the Celtic Tree Month of Reed. Reed actually is more of a shrub like plant and in some places (such as England) is better known by its folk name “Scotch Broom”. Entwined in this period is the Celtic New Year or Samhain (October 31). What better representation than the broom. The Reed symbolizes purification, protection, and fertility. Wands made of reed were often symbols of authority.

Reed or broom is a densely growing shrub plant and is indigenous to England and the temperate regions of Europe and northern Asia. It is often found in abundance on sandy heaths and pastures where it grows wild. Once established, Reed can grow to a height of over 8 feet. The stems are mostly leafless yet some leaves can grow around the base.

The flowers of the Reed are very fragrant and about ¾ inch long. Their color can range from light yellow to orange with crimson wings. They bloom from April to July and occur on plants as young as 2 years old. However they are far more abundant on plants of 4 years or more. Bees are usually attracted to the Reed’s flowers yet not because of their sweet taste. They enjoy the abundance of pollen found there.

The broom seldom grows large enough to furnish useful wood, but when its stems acquire a sufficient size it is beautifully veined and being hard provides valuable material for veneering. It is most commonly used for making brooms, brushes, and basketwork.

Reed was best known for its use as roofing for homes. Thatch roofs used to be cheap and plentiful. It was a perfect insulator to keep homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

The Astrology of the Ash Tree

or those born under the sign of the Ash (February 18 - March 17) many of the same attributes that are associated with the sign of Pisces apply.  Imaginative, intuitive, and naturally artistic, as well as withdrawn and moody at times.  Such people are said to be in constant touch with their inner muse and are easily inspired by the nature around them.  Often called the Enchanter because of their inspirational personality, people are comfortable in their presence and actually seek them out.  People born under this tree may at times be thought of as recluse and hermit like however this is usually not so.  It is just a result of their deep immersion into their creative vision and development.  Such people are usually in a constant state of self renewal and put little if any value into what others may think of them.  Ash signs are said to partner welll with those born under the Willow and the Reed.