The Celtic tree calendar is aligned to the cycles of the moon,
Therefore it consists of 13 months,
Each of them which is represented by a different type of tree.
It is also tied to the Oum alphabet,
With each tree having a corresponding letter.
Even though the Gregorian calendar is the most widely used today,
Many Neopagan and Druidic practices continue to utilize and celebrate the Celtic tree calendar.
Accordingly,
With the Gregorian calendar having only 12 full moons,
Fixed dates for each month are often observed in Neopaganism.
Each tree is associated with a different deity and element,
And all of them are considered sacred.
The month of Birch is December 24th through January 20th.
It corresponds with Venus and the elements of water and air.
As Birch is typically the first tree to grow back,
This time celebrates rebirth and regeneration.
Magically,
Birch is used in protective workings to keep negative energies at bay.
The month of Rowan is January 21st through February 17th.
It corresponds with the sun and mercury and the element of fire.
Rowan is associated with the Celtic goddess Brigid.
As such,
This is a time when the home and hearth are celebrated.
The month of Ash is February 18th through March 17th.
It corresponds with the sun and Neptune and the elements of water and fire.
A symbol of power,
Ash is widely used in making magical tools,
Such as wands and besom handles.
The month of the Alder is March 18th through April 14th.
It corresponds with Neptune and the elements of water and fire.
The Alder moon falls during the spring equinox and the Sabbath of Ostara.
Alder is commonly associated with fairy magic.
The month of the Willow is April 15th through May 12th.
It corresponds with the moon and the element of water.
Willow is known as the tree of witches,
And it is associated with healing and protection.
The month of the Hawthorne is May 13th through June 9th.
It corresponds with Mars and Venus.
Also associated with fairies,
It is commonly believed to attract the fae,
And it is associated with purification and fertility.
The month of Oak is June 10th through July 7th.
It corresponds with Jupiter and Mars and the element of water.
A symbol of strength and endurance.
It is also commonly used in spells for protection and good fortune.
The month of Holly is July 8th through August 4th.
It corresponds with Mars and Saturn and the element of fire.
It is also known for protection and good fortune.
With its abundance at this time of year,
Holly reminds us of nature's resilience.
The month of the Hazel is August 5th through September 1st.
It corresponds with Mercury and the element of air.
Hazel inspires both enchantment and wisdom,
And hazelnuts are believed to have creative magical properties.
The month of the Vine is September 2nd through September 29th.
It corresponds with Venus.
Vine represents transformation and endurance,
And is celebrated at the time of the autumnal equinox.
The month of the Ivy is September 30th through October 27th.
It corresponds with the Moon.
Living on long after its host plant,
Ivy reminds us of the never-ending cycle of birth,
Life,
Death,
And rebirth.
It is commonly used for healing and protective magic.
The month of the Reed is October 28th through November 24th.
It corresponds with Pluto.
Magical workings with spirit guides and life cycles are often associated with the Reed.
It symbolizes security and clarity.
The month of the Elder is November 25th through December 23rd.
It corresponds with Saturn and the element of water.
The Elder can recover quickly if damaged.
Therefore,
It is a symbol of regeneration.
It is widely used to ward off negative energies and connect with fairies.
Those of you who follow the Wiccan Wheel of the Year will notice similarities between the tree moons and the Wiccan Sabbaths.
Both calendars,
Or wheels,
Rotate in tandem,
So to speak,
While each lends something special and enjoyable to the celebration of the seasons.
They can be easily integrated with one another,
Or followed separately.
If nothing else,
The Celtic Tree Calendar provides us with yet another tangible opportunity to explore the changing seasons and the wonders of nature.
