Meanings of the Ogham Fews
First Aicme-the Beith Aicme
Birch-Beith-pronounced ‘beh’ or ‘be-yeh’. This Ogham few represents fresh starts, beginnings. It could be that a housecleaning, either literal or figurative, is called-for here. This few is associated with cleansing, purifying, clearing away clutter, also childbirth, since it is associated with beginnings.
Rowan-Luis-pronounced ‘lweesh’ or ‘loo-sh’. This Ogham few represents protection against dangers of every kind—spiritual, magical or physical. It represents defense, sanctuary, and taking precautions. It also represents control of the senses.
Alder-Fearn-pronounced ‘fair-n’ or ‘fyarn’. This Ogham few represents prophecy, inspiration, and the protection which comes from following good advice. It can also represent laying a good foundation for the achievement of your goals.
Willow-Saille-pronounced ‘sahl-yuh’ or ‘sal’ye’. This Ogham few represents feelings, intuition, dreams, imagination, flexibility, lunar rhythms, the feminine principle, but it also warns of the possibility of deception.
Ash-Nuin-pronounced ‘nee-un’ or ‘nyin’. This Ogham few represents change, growth, transformation, fate, destiny, options, possibilities, potential, the larger reality. The advice here could be to ‘Put your inner guidance into action. Walk your talk.’
Hands down the best explanation for Ogham I’ve found. It was extremely helpful and I’m happy to have found your site.
I tried to keep the Ogham lesson as factual and uncomplicated as possible, while still doing some justice to the subject. I’m glad you find my site helpful!
I would like to suggest another well researched, more scholarly reference for your readers, “Ogham: The Secret Language of the Druids, by , Rev. Robert “Skip” Ellison. This book was instrumental on helping me with a basis for my divination practice. It is nice that the book is available in both paperback and Kindle versions.
Ellison, Rev. Robert “Skip”. Ogham: The Secret Language of the Druids.
Tuscon, Arizona: ADF Publishing. Copyright 2008, 2014. ISBN:
097656811X ISBN13: 978-0976568117 (Kindle ASIN B00J2EIO26)
“This solidly researched guide to Ogham, the traditional alphabet of Irish poets and loremasters, belongs on the bookshelf of anyone interested in Celtic traditions or modern Druid spirituality. Ellison deserves high praise for a readable and practical introduction to the intricacies of Ogham lore.” — John Michael Greer, author of The Druid Magic Handbook
Rev. Skip Ellison has been a member of Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF) since 1990 and has served on its Mother Grove since 1992. He has held several positions including Chair of the Clergy Council, past Chief of the Magician’s Guild, and is an Archdruid Emeritus of ADF. Rev. Ellison can be reached at: sellison@twcny.rr.com, and his web site can be viewed at http://www.dragonskeepfarm.com.
There is also a free app for Android phones in the Google App Store, Oghamantis, by Rob Henderson, based on this work. (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=oracle.ogham) I find this app to be quite useful, as it enables me to have both the Ogham and a quick, if abbreviated, reference with me any time I have my phone. I still prefer the staves I prepared using the wood of the trees each few represents, but for a quick reference it’s hard to beat.