Ogam: The Celtic Oracle of the Trees: Understanding, Casting, and Interpreting the Ancient Druidic Alphabet

Description

A comprehensive and practical guide to the ancient oracle based on the alphabet of the Druids. - Describes the symbolism and mythology of the 20 tree letters and their magical correspondences. - Includes instructions on how to make your own Ogam divination sticks, cast the oracle, and perceive omens. - Provides historical background and bibliographic references to the Druidic mythology ruling this 1,500-year-old oracle. The ancient Ogam alphabet is a magical and mysterious script, the Celtic equivalent of the runes that can teach us about our fate and future. Named after woodland trees, Ogam's 20 tree letters all have unique wisdom to impart that is linked to figures and themes from Celtic mythology. The author addresses three major areas in this book: Ogamlore, the history of this 1500-year-old oracle of the Celtic Druids; Ogamfews, the meaning of the individual tree letters, their magic, characteristics, folklore, and related stories; and Ogamcasting, the practical art of Ogam divination, which includes spreads, castings, and how to create your own Ogam set. With these tools of ancient Celtic wisdom, readers will receive insights and guidance on how to maneuver through life's questions and challenges.

Paul Rhys Mountfort is a writer, researcher, and workshop leader specializing in oracles and the Celtic and Norse traditions. He is currently completing his doctoral dissertation, Oracle-texts: The Western Tradition. Active in the Wiccan and Celtic pagan community, he lives with his partner and son on Waiheke Island, in the Hauraki Gulf of Auckland, New Zealand.

Gardeners will revel in the rich folklore surrounding these plants. The author explains the origins of the Ogam tree alphabet and the letters associated with each of the plants known by the Druids.-- "BellaOnline, March 2009"