Celtic Tree Lore - The Astrology of Vine

or those who are born under the Celtic tree sign of the Vine,(September 2nd through 29th) they often have unpredictable and changeable personailities. They can be indecisive and full of contradictions. This is often due to the fact that they see both sides of a story and can emphazise with each side equally. They have trouble choosing sides because they see the good points from both sides.

There are areas where one born under the sign of Vine is quite sure. Such areas include food, wine, music, and art. Vine signs are known for their good taste. Luxury seems to agree with this sign. Many times such people have the “Midas touch” for changing things from drab to dramatic.

This sign is charming elegant and maintain a level of class which usually gives you a group of friends. You are often the center of attention due to your class and poise. Vine signs pair well with Willow and Hazel signs.

Celtic Tree Lore - Vine in Mythology

n Greek mythology Dionysus is the god of nature and the god of wine and inspiration. He was also the god of ecstasy and his cult was one of the mystery religions. It was said that it was Dionysus who first produced wine from the fruit of the vine. He is also known for spreading the art of how to tend the grapes properly.

His nature reflected very much the nature of wine. On one had he could bring joy and unbelievable ecstasy. On the other hand he could bring unthinkable rage which often led to brutality.

Dionysus was the son of Zeus and Semele. Semele was a mortal. It was said that Zeus came to Selmele one night invisible. She recognized her experience only as that of a divine presence. She knew she was a lover of a god, yet she did not know which god it was. It was Hera (Zeus’s wife) who eventually confronted Semele disguised so that she would not be identified. She convinced Semele to see who her lover really was. When Zeus came to her once again, Semele made him promise and swear on the River Styx that he would reveal himself. Because of his love for Semele, he could not deny her request, although he knew that what would happen to her. When he revealed himself to her, she instantly was struck dead due to the fact that she was mortal and could not stand to see him in all his glory. Zeus then took their unborn son Dionysus from her womb and sewed him into his thigh until he was ready to be born. When the time came, Dionysus was born from Zeus’s thigh perfectly formed. He was known as the twice born god associated with death and rebirth.

Dionysus wandered the world and was accompanied by his maenads who actively encouraged his worship and what became known as cult. The maenads were wild women often flush with wine. Their shoulders would be draped with fawn skins and they carried with them wands made of hazel tipped with pinecones. No temples were erected to Dionysus, instead they worshipped in open and free in the woods. It is here they would worship until they reached states of frenzied ecstasy.

When Dionysus is depicted he wears a crown of ivy and is usually covered with vine leaves and grape, an image similar to the Green Man.

Celtic Tree Lore - Medical and Magical Uses of Vine

ictures of grapes were once drawn or painted on garden walls as a symbol to promote fertility in one’s garden. It was also thought that if one at grapes or raisens that this act would increase fertility.

Intoxication from wine was thought to be the possession of the self by the spirit of the vine. It is often used in spells for grounding, working with the faery realm and reaching deeper levels of consciousness.

Dreaming of blackberries or grapes on the vine are said to speak of abundance to come. If the vine has green leaves it means one will have success soon. If you are walking through a vineyard in your dreams it indicates coming prosperity.

When it comes to medical used of vine there are many. A common cure for burns was to dress the wound with nine bramble leaves which had been dipped in spring water. Each leaf had to be dipped three times to make it work. The Greeks used blackberries as a remedy for gout . They were also used to treat insect bites, sore throats and teeth issues. The bark and root of the blackberry is still used for their astringent properties.

In reference to grapes the medicinal uses are even more. Grape juice is said to have restorative powers that aid well in cases of exhaustion and anemia. The cuttings of the grape vine in spring can be boiled with sugar into a syrup and then taken. This syrup is good for pregnant women and their longings.

The grape is also a good source of laxative and diuretic. Fasting using grape juice and grapes has been suggested by naturopathes to help with chronic diseases.

Celtic Tree Lore - The Month of the Vine

hursday, September 2nd marks the beginning of the Celtic tree month of Vine which runs through September 29th. The Vine welcomes the completion of the harvest and the coming of the end of the Celtic year.

It is said that Tuatha De Danann were the ones who first brought vine with them to Ireland. Although it is not necessarily considered a tree any plant with woody stems were considered a tree by the Celts. Although most associated the vine with that of grapes, it can also refer to brambles/blackberry vines. Wine was and still is produced from blackberries as well as the grape.

At one time, picking and or eating blackberries on or after October 10 was not allowed. This was due to a belief that they were poisonous because the devil had spit upon them. This belief came about prior to the calendar change in 1752. At this time October 10th was known as St. Michael’s Day. It was St. Michael who was said to have thrown the devil out of heaven and into a blackberry thicket.

The name of the vine comes from the latin word “viere” meaning to twist. This name describes how the vine grows. The vine grows in a spiral, which of course is the symbol of the Mother Goddess. The Vine is also one of the sacred woods for a sabbat fire and represents joy.

Vines are long living and have been important to man since the beginning of civilization. The same is true with the fruit of the vine. Fossilized leaves, seeds, and stems of the grapevine have been found throughout the northern hemisphere. Some are believed to be 40 million years old. In France there are still living vines which are said to be over 400 years old today.