"And the Ivy
At his prime."

To see the complete version of the poem from which the
above lines are taken, click on the pentacle symbol below

The power of the Ivy lies in its ability to cling and bind, making it a potent symbol of determination and strength to the Druids. Ivy has been known to strangle trees and was once a portent of death and spiritual growth. Being evergreen in nature, the Ivy represented the perennial aspects of the human psyche. The Celts associated Ivy with their Lunar Goddess, Arianrhod, and their ritual to this deity marked the opening of the portal to the OtherWorld...or the Dark Side of the Moon. This door symbolized an entrance to the Realm of Faery and thus, the Ivy was representative of the mysterious and the mystical. Ivy was once carried by women for good luck and used to aid in fertility. When used correctly, it was said to heal headaches, muscle cramps and assist in the art of prophecy. Ivy was symbolic of the journey of the soul and the spiral toward to the self. It encouraged assistance toward others in their search so that they, in turn, might offer assistance. Considered to be powerful indeed by the Celts because of its ability to kill even the mightiest Oak, the Ivy has a tendency to create dense, inpenetrable thickets in the forest. It was regarded to be much more powerful than the Vine and rather sinister in nature.

Ivy can grow, spread and flourish under many conditions...cultivated land and wasteland...light or near darkness...fertile soil or upon rubble and stones. It will push its way through tiny cracks and crevices to reach the light and is strong and difficult to destroy. Since ancient times, the Vine and the Ivy have been regarded as enemies. If the Vine, through intoxication, released prophetic powers, then the Ivy, in contrast, was a means of communicating with inner resources, bestowing upon an individual the ability to see through the eyes of the soul and beyond the everyday world. The ancients held the Ivy in high esteem. Its leaves formed the poet's crown as well as the wreath of Bacchus (Roman God of Wine), to whom the plant was dedicated...possibly because it was once believed that to bind the brow with Ivy leaves prevented intoxication.

Not botanically considered to be a tree but rather a form of Vine, the Ivy must depend upon a host for support. The plant is an evergreen and bears leaves which are dark green and somewhat waxy in texture. It can grow to be 100 feet long in Beech woods and around human habitations, where it is widely planted as ground cover. The Ivy has thin tendrils that attach themselves to surfaces and are strong enough to penetrate bricks and plaster. Its greenish flowers appear on short, vertical, shrubby branches. A member of the Ginseng family, the Ivy can grow in such profusion upon its host that the host tree smothers and dies. The berries of the Ivy can be used for medicinal purposes, but are poisonous if taken in large quantities. A powder made from the dried leaves and berries can be used to clear a stuffy head and was once believed to be a curative for a hangover. Roman agriculturists once recommended Ivy leaves as cattle food, but they are not relished by Cows...although Sheep and Deer will sometimes eat them during the Winter. The broad evergreen leaves of this plant afford shelter to Birds during the cold months and many species choose to build their nests in Ivy, preferring it to other shrubs. Ivy is extremely hardy and can live to be a great age. Its one-time medicinal virtues are not very highly regarded today, but it is much valued in the modern world as an ornamental covering for unsightly buildings. Ivy is said to be the only plant which will not make walls damp.

There are two distinct types of Ivy individuals (a division which relates to all Celtic Tree Signs). The "new moon" character is associated with the first two weeks of a sign and the "full moon" character is associated with the last two weeks.

The "new moon" Ivy individual is a rather radical thinker...something akin to the Rowan individual...but with a more artistic temperament. Such people, however, do have a tendency to be somewhat indecisive and their success rate has a propensity to swing between two extremes which will set the pattern of life accordingly. The "full moon" Ivy individual radiates a successful image all the time, even while suffering a reverse of fortune. These people are generous providers, but can be shrewd when it comes to their financial resources and income. The "full moon" Ivy individual can also be extremely manipulative and liable to use any position of power in a ruthless manner. As a result, this individual often becomes involved in disputes and litigations.

In general, Ivy individuals have great personal stamina and a wealth of talents that can bring personal honors and public recognition. Such people are generally colorful characters with a unique style which is all their own. Restless by inclination, Ivy people are nonetheless sociable and good-natured. Cheeful, expansive and magnetic, they easily win friends and dislike offending others. Although frequently indecisive, Ivy individuals are far from weak-willed and will tackle difficult tasks with infectious optimism. They also possess a sharp intellect which is matched only by their sense of humor...however, their personal doubts and fears can manifest into strange dreams and personal encounters. Blessed with profound artistic flair, Ivy people tend to be greatly valued as friends.

On the more serious side, Ivy people have a quiet type of faith and a belief in the natural balance of things. Extremely loyal, they are capable of accepting responsibility for their own actions. They tend to attract people who have little or no morals and should keep that in mind when making new friends. Ivy individuals usually make for poor students...they simply are not "book learners" and garner knowledge better by way of experience. They also have a propensity to not be very lucky people. Romantically, the Ivy person is very sensitive but seems to fall in and out of love at the drop of a hat. When in love, Ivy individuals lean strongly toward being the "clingy" type, but they make generous and caring parents. It is important that Ivy individuals not get too caught up in the problems of others or they are prone to suffer disappointment and betrayal.

Physical Goal: To link with others.

Mental Goal: To recognize that the group unconscious does have an influence...to absorb, go inward and learn about the self.

Spiritual Goal: To enter into the group mind with joy and assist others in their spiritual journey so that they will, in turn, offer assistance...to learn that all is intertwined.

Amergin Verse: "I am a Ruthless Boar"

Ogham Association: Gort

Polarity: Masculine

Color: Sky Blue

Class: Chieftain

Letter Character: "G"

Month: September...eleventh month in the Celtic Ogham. September is said to have originated from the word "Septem," which means "seven," being the seventh month in the oldest Roman calendar. It is the first month of Autumn's rule and a time when the Druids celebrated their Festival of Alban Elued...bidding the Sun God farewell, while thanking him for the harvest.

Alias: "Moon of Buoyancy" and "Moon of Resilience"

Magickal Properties: Healing, Protection, Cooperation and Exorcism

Some Famous Ivy People: Hilary Clinton, Mahatma Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, Sigourney Weaver, Oscar Wilde and Kate Winslett

Gemstone: The Ivy gemstone is the semi-precious Opal, also known as the "Queen of Gems" and "Gem of Hope." A member of the Quartz family with a very high water content, it is a brittle, heat-sensitive, silicon oxide stone which often shatters or cracks when it is cut or polished. If given as a lucky or love stone, such shattering was once considered to be a sign of extreme bad fortune. The flashes of color come from natural silica spheres which create light interference. Due to its delicate nature, Opals are usually worn only as pendants and earrings. The modern name of the gem is derived from three ancient sources: the Sanskrit upala (which means "precious stone"); the Latin opalus; and the Greek opallios (which means "to see a color change"). It is unique in the world of jewels, having little color of its own, yet shining with the radiance of all the other gems. In the Nineteenth Century, the Opal became to be considered a stone of bad luck...especially if worn by those not born in the month of October. The only exception to this was the Black Opal, which has always been believed to bring its owner good fortune. The origin of the unlucky superstition is unknown. Early races credited the Opal with magical qualities and traditionally, the Opal was said to aid its wearer in seeing possibilities. It was believed to clarify by amplifying and mirroring feelings, buried emotions and desires. It was also thought to lessen inhibitions and promote spontaneity.

The Opal is an historically treasured gem and 6,000 year old Opal artifacts have been found in Kenyan caves. However, most are believed to be approximately 60 million years old (or more) and generally date back to the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed the earth. The early Greeks believed the Opal bestowed powers of foresight and prophecy upon its owner while in Arabian folklore, it is said that the stone fell from heaven in flashes of lightning. To the Romans, it was considered to be a token of hope and purity. Legend states that one Roman Emperor offered to trade one-third of his vast kingdom for a single Opal and that the Roman Senator Nonius chose exile rather than surrender a large Opal to Marc Antony. It has been said that the beauty of the Opal is the combination of the beauty of all other gems. In the Middle Ages, the Opal was known as the "eye stone" due to a belief that it was beneficial to eyesight and blonde women were known to wear necklaces of Opal in order to protect their hair from losing its color. Some cultures thought the effect of the Opal on sight could render the wearer invisible. Needless to say, it was thus a popular item among thieves. Opals were set into the crown jewels of France and Napoleon gave Josephine a beautiful example of this stone containing brilliant red flashes which was called "The Burning of Troy." It was a favored gem of Queen Victoria who often gave them as wedding presents. The Opal is the Patron Stone of actors and performers.

Flower: The flower of the Ivy is the Woody Nightshade, a vine-like plant also known as Bittersweet, Felonwort (meaning "The Felon's Plant"), Scarlet Berry, Violet Bloom, Mad Dog's Berries, Blue Aversion and Blue Hate. It belongs to the Solanaceae, an immense family of plants which includes Belladonna, Hensbane, Potato, Tomato, Peppers and Tobacco. Its generic name Solanum is derived from Solor which means "I ease." The leaves of the Woody Nightshade bear a certain resemblance to those of the Belladonna, being purple...but its berries are red instead of black (as are those of the Belladonna). This perennial, shrubby plant with its woody base is native to Europe and Asia, being commonly found in almost every English hedgerow. The flowers, usually bluish-purple in color, bloom all Summer in loose, drooping clusters on short stalks. The plant was so named by the ancient herbalists in order to distinguish it from the Deadly Nightshade. Shepherds once hung Woody Nighshade around the necks of their flocks as a charm against the "evil eye" and a necklace of its berries was found in the tomb of Tutenkahmun, the Boy-King. Tradition dictated that if placed on the body, Woody Nightshade would dispel the memories of old loves and former sweethearts. There are few ailments for which Woody Nighshade has not been recommended at one time or another, including a remedy for rheumatism, fever and inflammatory diseases of every nature. To a certain degree, its berries have proven to be poisonous to children but seem to be thoroughly enjoyed by birds with no ill effects.

Celestial Body: The celestial body associated with the Ivy is the "Moon Veiling Persephone" or the planet Persephone itself, which is believed by some astronomers to exist just beyond Pluto. In Greek mythology, Persephone was the wife of Hades, Lord of the UnderWorld.

Deity: The Ivy deity is Arianrhod whose name means "Silver Circle." She is also known as "Star Goddess," "Full Moon Goddess" and "Virgin Goddess of Reincarnation," among others. Her palace was called "Caer Arianrhod," otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis. She was Keeper of the Silver Wheel of Stars...a symbol of time and/or karma. This wheel was also known as the "Oar Wheel," a ship which carried dead warriors to Emania, the Moon Land. Arianrhod is sometime depicted as a weaver, linking her to lost myths of creation and magickal practices. Daughter of the great Welsh Goddess Don, Arianrhod is said to be useful in helping females find their own feminine power.

A second deity associated with the Ivy is Rhiannon, the "Great Queen" who was Goddess of Birds and Horses, as well as Enchantments, Fertility and the UnderWorld. Unjustly accused of destroying her newborn son (who had been kidnapped by a nameless Fiend), Rhiannon is compelled to assume the shape of a Horse until her son is unexpectedly returned to her. In her role as a Death Goddess, Rhiannon would sing sweetly enough to lure all those within hearing to their doom. Another legend suggests that Rhiannon was the mistress of three marvellous Birds whose song could wake the dead and lull the living to sleep. Because of her association with Horses (she first appears in myth mounted upon a White Horse), Rhiannon is often equated to Epona, the Roman-Gaulish Horse-Goddess.

Animals:

The Boar - Important to the art and myths of the Celts, the Boar (once common throughout the British Isles) was known to be cunning and ferocious. The battle horn of the Celts sported the figure of a Boar's head, their shields were decorated with engravings of the Boar in warfare, and figures of this animal were mounted upon their helmets. The Boar was said to lead the Celts in battle and show direction for their warriors. The skin of the Boar was also believed to heal wounds. One legendary Boar was Orc Triath owned by the Goddess Brigit. In Arthurian tales, the Boar known as "Twrch Trwyth" was one of Arthur's most terrible foes. The White Boar of Marvan was said to inspire its master with the ability to write music and poetry.

The Goose - As with most birds in Celtic lore, the Goose represented prophetic knowledge, bloodshed and skill. Traditionally symbolic as messengers and servants of the Gods, they could be portents of either good or evil, bringers of luck, omens of death or sacrificial animals. The interpretation of the flight patterns, habits and songs of birds were all methods by which knowledge of future events might be told or unfortunate circumstances avoided. Celtic monks used the Wild Goose as a symbol of the God Spirit and, in Roman times, it was noted that Britons would not eat the flesh of the Goose. Bones of Geese have been found buried in the graves of Iron Age Celtic warriors.

The Butterfly - Symbol of faery faith, the Butterfly was believed by many cultures to be the souls of the dead and the keepers of power. Traditionally, no negative energies were said to be experienced in any area of the Otherworld where Butterflies could be found. They were symbolic of the freedom from self-imposed restrictions and the ability to regard problems with greater clarity.

September 30-October 3: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Hazel, whose motto is "To Be The First" or "The Extraordinary." Hazel individuals are charming, undemanding and often extremely understanding...they know how to make a good impression. Hazels are also active fighters for social causes. They are akin to pioneers, but with a competitive mind which can consume much of the Hazel energy. It is important that Hazels do not tire themselves out by trying to remedy too many faulty situations. Being honest and tolerant, with a precise sense of judgment, they are usually popular people, but can make for moody and capricious partners. Those born under the jurisdiction of this tree are said to have been conceived during the shortest or longest nights of the year and the number 9 is said to be particularly lucky for such individuals.

October 4-October 13: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Rowan, also known as "The Service Tree," whose motto is "A Delight for Birds" or "The Sensitivity." Rowan individuals are full of charm, cheerful and talented without being egotistical. They like to draw attention and basically love life...even its complications. Somewhat restless, Rowans are both dependent and independent. They constantly strive for approval from others and detest loneliness. Rowans possess excellent taste, are artistic, passionate and emotional, with a burning desire to create a better and more beautiful world. Rowan people make for good company but find it hard to forgive what they perceive to be transgressions.

October 14-October 23: Those born on this date also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Maple, whose motto is "Combative Angel" or "Independence of Mind." Maple individuals are far from ordinary and never completely satisfied with standard replies. They admire those who clearly assert themselves and rise eagerly to any challenge. Maple people are full of imagination and originality, inclined to stand out in a crowd due to their willpower and sense of committment. Though appearing shy and somewhat reserved, they are truly ambitious, proud and self-confident. Maples hunger for new experiences and have a desire to impress. They enjoy what is unknown, strange and even hostile. The inherent Maple need for independence often clashes with the need to be surrounded by a community. With a tendency to be nervous, Maple people have many complexities. They possess excellent memories and easily learn new things. The love relationships of Maple individuals tend to be complicated affairs.

October 24-October 27: Those born on this date also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Walnut, whose motto is "Looking for a Homeland" or "The Passion." Walnut individuals are unrelenting, considered somewhat strange by many and full of contrasts. Often egotistical, Walnuts are aggressive and noble with a broad horizon. They are unexpected and sponteneous in their reactions with little or no flexibility. Walnut people possess unlimited ambition and can make for difficult and uncommon partners. Not always liked but often admired, the Walnut individual is an ingenious stategist, who is very jealous and passionate by nature and rarely given to compromise. Walnuts will accept and endure a multitude of troubles in order to satisfy the desire for pleasure. An uncompromising character, the Walnut individual will undertake a project with inexhaustible perseverance and once in love, tends to love until death.