Fourth Aicme-the Ailim Aicme
Silver Fir-Ailim-pronounced ‘ahlm’ or ‘al’yem’. This Ogham few represents ‘high views and long sight’ that is, heightened consciousness and a greater perspective. It is elation, wonder, enthusiasm, awe, pain, poignancy, and fear; peak experiences. The advice here could be to ‘Take the high road. Look at the big picture.’
Gorse-Ohn-pronounced ‘uhn’ or ‘on’. This Ogham few represents a gathering together of sweetness and value, things are coming together for your benefit, or in support of a goal you seek. It can also represent attraction, sexuality, sensuality, passion, health & vitality. The advice here could be to ‘Be grateful, but also remember to share the abundance. Good things are coming and you deserve it.’
Heather-Ur-pronounced ‘oor.’ This Ogham few represents a mature relationship and its consummation, homemaking, also accepting or conquering one’s ‘shadow’ side, which could stand in the way of love. This could also represent contact with the spirit world and the healing this can bring. The advice here could be to ‘Open up to a more realistic ideal of love. Accept and make peace with your shadow side. The spirits offer you connection and healing.’
Aspen-Eadha-pronounced ‘eh-yuh’ or ‘ayda.’ This Ogham few represents fears, doubts, very long odds and beating them, testing, a rite of passage. Mustering one’s confidence, courage & warrior-spirit; resolution. The advice here could be to ‘Be courageous. You can endure and overcome obstacles. It looks like a long-shot, but you might actually end up winning this thing.’
Yew-Ioho-pronounced ‘ee-yoh’ or ‘yoho.’ This Ogham few represents death, endings, exits, transition, and change. Something is fading, withering or dying, to be followed by a re-birth or a renewal. A new element is approaching. The advice here could be to ‘Embrace change. If something is dying, understand that it is time for this to happen. Keep in mind every ending is followed by a new beginning.’
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.