Third Aicme-the Muin Aicme
Vine-Muin-pronounced ‘muhn’ or ‘min-ye’. This Ogham few represents intoxication, the loosening of inhibitions and the truth which comes out as a result, work or harvest completed, which is followed be a celebration. The advice here could be to ‘Speak your truth, even if your voice is shakey.’ Or it could be warning: ‘Guard your tongue, especially if you’re intoxicated.’
Ivy-Gort-pronounced the way it’s spelled, this Ogham few represents tenacity, survival, ruthlessness, growth, ill-treatment, restriction, exploitation, breaking barriers, and the ability to thrive in hostile conditions. The advice here could be to ‘Be persistent. Learn how to thrive in difficult situations. You have the power to succeed. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’
Reed-NgEtal-pronounced ‘nyeh-tl’ or ‘nyay-tl’. This Ogham few represents cleansing, purging, medicine, healing, or sweeping away negativity. The advice here could be ‘A cleansing may be needed in this situation. Find the eye of the storm. Work for harmony, unity and reconciliation in the aftermath.’
Blackthorn-Straif-pronounced ‘strahf’ or ‘straf’. The Ogham few represents strife, adversity, damage, either physical or emotional, a thorny experience, the compulsion of fate, or no choices are available but unpleasant ones. The advice here could be to ‘Persevere. Take charge of your destiny with singleness of purpose. Choose the seemingly best option available, however poor an option it appears.’
Elder-Ruis-pronounced ‘rweesh’ or ‘reesh’. This Ogham few represents shame, anger, regret, humiliation, and karma, but also completions and endings, followed by new beginnings. The advice here could be to ‘Flow in the direction of where Universe seems to be nudging you. Put regret and shame behind you, resolve to do better, then walk away with your head held high. Onward and upward.’
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.