Brambles in Celtic Mythology

Brambles in Celtic Mythology

Brambles have been enjoyed by Celtic cultures for centuries. They were well known and loved as a food source and for their healing properties, but they also had a darker association, with evil and the devil.

Hawthorn in Celtic Mythology

Hawthorn Trees in Celtic Mythology

Also known as the Fairy Tree, the Lonely Bush, and the Queen of May, the Hawthorn is an interesting tree in Celtic Mythology. It was celebrated for its incredible beauty and its ability to support life, yet deeply feared and respected, for it was said to be homed to fairies who would curse any who harmed it.

Celtic Mythology Aspen

Aspen Trees in Celtic Mythology

Aspen in Celtic Mythology was known as the shield tree, being well known for providing both spiritual and physical protection. Aspen form huge, interconnected colonies which can live for thousands of years, and the unique shape of the leaves creates a whispering sound in a breeze, which the Celts believed was the souls of their ancestors communicating.

Gorse in Celtic Mythology

Gorse in Celtic Mythology

Also known as Furze, Gorse is a fast growing member of the Pea family, with sweet smelling bright yellow flowers. In Celtic Mythology, Gorse was thought to provide protection against misfortune and was associated with resilience, optimism, and with the Sun, light, and fire.

Fir Trees in Celtic Mythology

Fir trees in Celtic Mythology

Fir trees in Celtic Mythology represent Truth, Honesty, Strength, hope, and Wisdom. Fir trees featured in many Celtic traditions which have been carried over in to modern European culture.

Willow Trees in Celtic Mythology

Willow Trees in Celtic Mythology

Willow trees are important in the creation story of Celtic Mythology, and were thought of as sacred because they grow mostly on riverbanks and lochsides, which held special spiritual significance in Celtic culture.

Alder Trees in Celtic Mythology

Alder trees in Celtic Mythology and what they represent

Alder trees feature often in Celtic Mythology and Folklore. They are said to be home to fairies, they are the symbol of Bran in Welsh Mythology and are most often associated with water, secrecy, nature, bad luck, spirituality, and balance.

Celtic Mythology Rowan Tree

Rowan Trees in Celtic Mythology

Rowan trees are a sacred tree in Celtic culture, and are still worshipped and revered in Celtic countries around the world today. The tree symbolises the fragility of life, motherhood, birth, blood, protection, and survival.

Birch Trees in Celtic Mythology

Birch Trees in Celtic Mythology

Known as the White Lady of the Forest, Birch trees are distinctive, beautiful trees found in forests across Europe and hold considerable significance in Celtic mythology. In Celtic Mythology, Birch represents femininity, grace, purity, family connections, protection, healing and new life.

Celtic Tree of Life

The Celtic Tree of Life Symbol and what it represents

Also known as Crann Bethadh, the Celtic Tree of Life is an ancient symbol of Celtic Mythology. A stylised representation of an old Oak or Ash tree with deep roots and high branches forming a circle, often adorned with Celtic knotwork.

Celtic Five-Fold Symbol

The Celtic Five Fold Symbol and what it represents

The Celtic Five Fold is a religious symbol found in Celtic Mythology, and in other cultures around the world. Also known as a Borromean Cross, it is comprised of five rings, arranged as four outer rings bound together by one central ring.