Fifth Aicme-the Koad Aicme
This aicme, many Ogham-readers don’t use. It appears to be a late addition to the Ogham alphabet, which could be why many don’t use it. Certainly the fews in this aicme are very different from the rest of the Ogham alphabet:
Grove-Koad-pronounced ‘co-ahd.’ This Ogham few represents a sacred grove, or any sacred place, a retreat, a gathering of knowledge or collected wisdom, such as in a school, college, university, library, or book shop. The advice here could be to ‘Visit a sacred place or someplace where the collective knowledge of humanity resides. The answer to your question could be here, or perhaps just restoration for your spirit.’
Spindle-Oir-pronounced ‘oor.’ This Ogham few represents sweetness, delight, sudden intelligence or insight. Making one’s utmost effort & completing a task for the pleasure of it. The message here could be to either ‘Do your best at this job, and finish what you start, for that will bring you great satisfaction’ or ‘You will suddenly receive information, or arrive at a sudden insight about something, which will bring feelings of sweetness and delight in its wake.’
Honeysuckle-Ulleand-pronounced ‘oo-lun.’ Associated with a bird called the Lapwing, this Ogham few represents secrets, things hidden, seeking the truth, and the ability to identify defensive distractions as such. The advice here could be to ‘Be suspicious when someone creates a scene—they could be trying to distract your attention from something they desperately don’t want you to see.’
Beech-Phagos-pronounced ‘fah-gus.’ This Ogham few represents old knowledge, old writing, or the wisdom of elders. The advice here could be to ‘Consult old sources of information or wisdom. The answer to your current problem could very well be found there.’
The Sea-Mor-pronounced ‘moor.’ This Ogham few represents hidden knowledge, hidden depths, inherited resources, the lunar, the feminine, all matters maternal. Roots; travel. The advice here could be threefold. Either to ‘Look below the surface of things, for things are not as they appear; something is hidden from your view’, or ‘Draw on your inner resources’, or ‘Keep in mind that a good parent gives you both roots and wings.’
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.