The 13 tree signs of the Celtic Zodiac are said to be derived from Druidism, a religion that believes trees provide a sacred place for spirits to reside. Animal symbols and tree alphabets are also assigned to each sign to give greater meaning and understanding of the Druid horoscope symbolism.
Celtic Zodiac History and Origin
The druids didn't leave a written record of their teachings, which makes the history and origin of the Celtic tree zodiac controversial among scholars. In her book, Celtic Moon Signs, Helena Patterson begins with a fascinating history of how Celtic priests founded their 13-month lunar zodiac on the astronomical knowledge and religious beliefs they encountered and absorbed during their many travels through the ancient world. However, acknowledged authorities on Celtic history and culture say that today's Celtic "tree alphabet" zodiac was a creation of poet Robert Graves in his 1948 book, The White Goddess. They state it has little to do with the astrology that was practiced in pre-Christan Celtic society.
The 13 Celtic Zodiac Signs
In the Celtic tree zodiac, each of the 13 tree signs bestows specific characteristics and traits to those born under the sign. Each tree is thought to have certain magical qualities whose mysteries come from the Celtic Ogram, an ancient Irish shamanic alphabet.
1. Birch Tree (December 24 - January 20)
The birch tree is the first sign in the Celtic astrological cycle and represents new beginnings. Those born under this sign are achievers, who patiently pursue their goals and never give up until they have attained their objectives. Birch tree people make great leaders. As a symbol of strength, the birch tree is resilient and adaptive to its environment. It is used in magical undertakings, such as creating a besom (broom). It's also used for medicinal purposes, such as a cure for fevers or as a diuretic.
Alphabet Beth
The birch tree is represented by the tree alphabet B known as Beth (Beith). This letter of the alphabet stands for new beginnings or rebirth through purification.
Stag or Deer Animal Symbol
The animal symbol for Birch people is the Stag (male) and Deer (female). This Celtic animal symbol is imbued with ESP (Extrasensory Perception), highly intuitive and a true Empath.
2. Rowan Tree (January 21 - February 17)
Those born to the rowan tree sign are known as the thinkers. The rowan tree bestows the energy of creativity and originality. The ability to envision all possibilities aids the person in their earthly journey. With this analytic mind, this sign can see situations with a 360° perspective. It is a symbol of protection and planted at gate entrances or by doorways to ward off evil. The tree is also associated with death and rebirth. Rowan trees were used to fuel funeral pyres as a symbol of the never-ending cycle of death, rebirth, death. Runes were made from the rowan tree.
Alphabet Luis
The rowan tree is represented by the letter L known as Luis. It is the symbol of protection, great blessings, and uncanny insights. The message is to always trust your own instincts when challenged or threatened.
Cat Animal Symbol
If you have the rowan tree as your astrological sign, then these attributes are reinforced by your animal symbol, the cat. You may easily have nine lives. At the very least, you will land on your feet in circumstances where others would fail. Other characteristics include fiercely independent, self-reliant with a mischievous nature.
3. Ash Tree (February 18 - March 17)
The ash tree is symbolic of the connection between the three worlds, underworld, earth and the spiritual word. It is appropriately called the World Tree or Tree of Worlds. The ash tree is firmly rooted and able to span the distance between these words. It is also a metaphor for the past, present and future. Encompassing all, the ash tree is a symbol of growth and expansion and reaching greater heights. It's a symbol of protection, especially as a guardian of children. Those born under this sign are enchanting with an ethereal air that makes them endearing yet also very protective.
Alphabet Nion
The ash tree is represented by the alphabet N known as Nion or Nuin. This alphabet symbolizes the ability to travel between worlds and reminds that every living thing is connected.
Snake Animal Symbol
The Celts viewed the snake as a symbol of health and rebirth. The snake is able to see past the veil that separates worlds. It bestows the gift of intuition and the uncanny ability to see beyond the surface of all matters and make connections others miss.
4. Alder Tree (March 18 - April 14)
The alder tree sign is one of originality and insight. This person is a true trailblazer. The alder tree bestows a sense of self-confidence and self-trust that motivates the person to follow the beat of their own drum in all things. Venturing into unknown waters is a thrill and challenge this sign will quickly meet without a second thought.
Alphabet Fearn
The alder tree is represented by the alphabet F known as Fearn. Able to survive bogs and other watery environments, the alder grows harder when exposed to this type of watery climate. If removed from the water, the alder loses its strength.
Fox Animal Symbol
The fox is known to be cunning and clever. It's difficult if not impossible to outsmart a fox. This symbol is one of quick-thinking and can also be a trickster.
5. Willow Tree (April 15 - May 12)
The willow tree is symbolic of a poet and someone who observes life around them. A resilience to adversity, the willow tree grows but can bend without breaking when necessary. This sign provides a well-spring of strength coupled with unwavering determination to ensure success in whatever obstacles or challenges must be met or undertaken in life. The willow is used medicinally as a pain-killer. Modern scientists discovered the willow produces salicylic acid, the pain-killer ingredient found in Aspirin.
Alphabet Saille
The willow tree is represented by the letter S known as Saille in the Celtic culture. Learning to be flexible is the lesson this alphabet gives to willow tree signs.
Cow Animal Symbol
The cow or bull animal symbol for the Willow Tree sign brings specific traits, such as stubbornness and loyalty. The bovine gives an optimist outlook to almost every challenge and obstacle the willow sign must face in order to evolve.
6. Hawthorn Tree (May 13 - June 9)
The meaning of the Hawthorn tree is a mixed bag of good and bad fortune. Known as the Holy Thorn, it was from a hawthorn that the thorny crown placed upon Jesus, the Christ's head was made. This sign is the great illusionist since you never know what is going on behind the mask presented to the world. This sign is adaptable and can be whatever is required by the circumstances. Freedom is the one thing this sign will never forfeit.
Alphabet Huath
The alphabet for the hawthorn tree is H and stands for Huath, or Uatha. Fertility and protection from harm are both bestowed to hawthorn signs.
Seahorse Animal Symbol
Celtic lore attributes great power and force to the ocean. The tiny seahorse is able to maneuver through the sea currents with finesse and amazing gracefulness. This makes the seahorse a powerful symbol for hawthorn signs. Seahorse magic bestows financial acumen and an infallible memory.
7. Oak Tree (June 10 - July 7)
The mighty oak has been written about and touted for its strength. The oak tree sign does that and more. It acts as a stabilizing force in the person's life. The druids held the oak tree as a sacred living emblem of their existence. The oak is symbolic in its uses for spells, wealth and durability. The over-harvesting of the highly prized oak tree led to much of the deforestation of Scottish lands.
Alphabet Duir
The alphabet for the oak tree is D for Duir. Strength and self-reliance are two traits associated with duir.
Wren Animal Symbol
The tiny wren is a symbol of high energy and industrious nature. This animal symbol brings purpose and activity to the oak tree sign that fortifies its strengths.
8. Holly Tree (July 8 - August 4)
This is the sign of royalty and prestige. Those born under this sign are blessed with grace and a highly dignified personality and presence. People look up to this sign as a leader and example of the best qualities most people strive to achieve. These natural abilities carry this sign into realms of power and influence. Holly boughs were used to decorate doorways and windows to ward off evil spirits. It was believed that fairies lived in holly trees, so branches were cut and brought into the homes to provide winter warmth for the fairies.
Alphabet Tinne
The alphabet for the holly tree is T for Tinne or Teine. This is the symbol of immortality and legacy. The saying that a home is your castle is a truism for this alphabet letter.
Horse Animal Symbol
The horse is a strong and regal creature. Its grace often belies its power. The horse is a magnificent animal and gives the holly tree sign great stamina, willpower and sometimes is headstrong (stubborn) in achieving its goals. The horse can be reined in, but it takes a delicate hand to tame this magnetic and high-energy animal.
9. Hazel Tree (August 5 - September 1)
The hazel tree sign is one of wisdom and knowledge. This is both formal education and an innate intuitive knowing. A multi-faceted personality, this sign has depth and dimensions afforded by what they know and continue to learn. In the Celtic lore of magic found in nature, the hazel tree is associated with stories of magic wells or springs.
Alphabet Coll
The alphabet letter C (Coll or Call) represents the hazel tree. Coll means the energy or life force that resides deep inside you. The Chinese call this energy chi. It is connected to the intelligent universal energy that created all life.
Salmon Animal Symbol
There is no animal quite as determined as the salmon that literally swims upstream to achieve its genetic imperative to spawn. This same type of commitment to achieving a goal is found in hazel tree people.
10. Vine Tree (Sept. 2 - Sept. 29)
The vine tree is the symbol for balance in life. Those born under this sign always seek to restore balance in life. The yin and yang of all things is a lifetime mandate. When balance is restored, harmony is ushered in. This is the ideal of a vine tree sign. In seeking this balance, the person recognizes the delicate balance of beauty in all areas of life.
Alphabet Muin
The alphabet letter M for Muin represents the vine tree. Those born under this sign have the gift of prophecy. As truth-speakers, this sign is compelled to tell it like it is, regardless how tactless it may be.
Swan Animal Symbol
The graceful swan never falters or stops when presented with obstacles or challenges. It continues on its path, unhampered by those around it or circumstances. The beauty of the swan can be found in each person and may not just be from outward appearances. The true beauty of the inner self is the real prize.
11. Ivy Tree (September 30 - October 27)
This woody plant sign starts out slowly in order to gain its footing. Once certain of its surroundings, the ivy takes root and begins by taking baby steps. Once firmly rooted, the plant takes off. Those born under this sign don't fully commit until they are certain of their footing. Once they are, though, they are all in and will do whatever it takes to see that they reach their goals.
Alphabet Gort
The ivy tree is represented by the Celtic letter G for gort. This letter defines the rapid growth, as well as the carefree and abandonment ivy, takes once it has firmly rooted itself.
Butterfly Animal Symbol
The fluttering butterfly is a symbol of survival and transformation. The caterpillar morphs into a beautiful butterfly that appears to have a light-hearted and carefree life. This comes from its strong drive to endure, regardless of the hardships it must face and overcome.
12. Reed Tree (October 28 - November 24)
The reed is a very versatile plant since it was used as thatch for houses and carved to make a flute and other musical wind instruments. This same versatility is bestowed to those born under this Celtic tree sign. The ability to take something in raw form and refine it to usefulness is just one of many talents of those born under the sign of the reed. Finding resources and usefulness often lead to careers where these skills are a necessity.
Alphabet Ngetal
The alphabet letter for reed tree is N and stands for ngetal or nGeatal. The meaning encompasses healing to health and strong ties to family.
Wolf Animal Symbol
The wolf is a powerful animal symbol. It can either be part of a pack or venture out on its own as a lone wolf. You possess the self-confidence needed to have an independent life. By choice, you may decide it is easier and safer to run with a pack than it is to travel alone through life.
13. Elder Tree (November 5 - December 23)
Known as the judgment tree, the Druid priests came to conclusions and judgments while standing underneath elder trees. Those born under this sign often tend to be judge and jury, but attempt to be fair and balanced in the process. There is an innate love and desire for justice. Nature holds a special reverence with a love for hiking and being outside, enjoying the beauty and bounty of the natural world. The need to protect the weaker is strong, along with a desire to be of service to others.
Alphabet Ruis
The elder tree is represented by the alphabet letter R for ruis. The signal of an ending is always offset by the ability to rejuvenate. The elder energy is one of knowledge gained through experiences and shared with the next generation.
Falcon Animal Symbol
The falcon or hawk is a symbol of soaring to great heights and having the ability to see things that most people either overlook or can't reach far enough to see. This all-seeing wisdom guides the falcon in its travels. It has a keen sense of direction and stays on course as long as the wind is favorable. The falcon can give an elder sign the direction needed to achieve goals and life's purpose.
Druid Horoscope Compatibility
With 13 tree signs, you can find the best signs for Celtic zodiac compatibility. The listings in the chart below match your sign with the two compatible Celtic tree signs most suitable for a harmonious pairing.
| Zodiac Tree Sign | Compatible | Compatible |
| Birch | Vine | Willow |
| Rowan | Hawthorn | Ivy |
| Ash | Reed | Willow |
| Alder | Birch | Oak |
| Willow | Birch | Ivy |
| Hawthorn | Ash | Rowan |
| Oak | Reed | Ash |
| Holly | Elder | Ash |
| Hazel | Hawthorn | Rowan |
| Vine | Willow | Hazel |
| Ivy | Oak | Ash |
| Reed | Ash | Oak |
| Elder | Holly | Alder |
Birch Tree Compatibility
As a Birch tree, you crave affection, but you're reserved, slow to commit, and may not marry until later in life, but once committed, it's for a lifetime. Vine could be the perfect mate for you because they have a discreetly controlled, passionate nature that you'll find attractive and fascinating, and like you, they are workers.
Rowan Tree Compatibility
If your sign is the Rowan Tree, you need a certain amount of space and freedom. You can't be rushed into a relationship. Still, you can be a surprisingly romantic and tender lover when you meet the right person. Hawthorn can be an excellent partner for you because they like to talk; you like to listen, and you both have curious minds. This is a match based on friendship.
Ash Tree Compatibility
As an Ash tree, you're a private person who can bewitch or charm the opposite sex. Of all the signs, you must be the most careful in choosing a partner. You share an emotional rapport with Willow. This could be an intense relationship that caters to the needs and desires of both.
Alder Tree Compatibility
As an Alder tree, you're a solo person who's passionate, emotional, and impulsive, but also brave and loyal. Partnering with a Birch tree could be very rewarding because they provide a stable influence and emotional and financial security.
Willow Tree Compatibility
As a Willow tree, you're highly creative and emotionally vulnerable. But you're also self-contained and steady and tend to attract weaker partners you can look after and indulge. You will find Ivy people very attractive, which could lead to an ideal romance and lasting relationship.
Hawthorn Tree Compatibility
If your sign is the Hawthorn tree, communication on all levels is a strong character trait, and you need to feel "at one" with yourself and your partner. Once mature, you can be an incredibly romantic partner. You'll have an excellent rapport with a Rowan who shares your need to communicate.
Oak Tree Compatibility
As an Oak tree, you are protective and nurturing with a gentle, loving, and highly sensitive nature hidden behind a tough exterior. But with the right partner, you're both loyal and sensitive to their needs. You share a mutual rapport with Ash trees. This could create an ideal romance and a fulfilling relationship for both parties.
Holly Tree Compatibility
As a Holly tree, you have a confidant, ambitious, and stylish manner and have a social, playful, and loyal nature. However, you can also be prickly and impetuous, which can sometimes cause problems. Your best match is likely to be an Alder tree. They are also ambitious and loyal. Although there could be clashes in temperament, your loyalty to one another will keep the relationship stable.
Hazel Tree Compatibility
If you're a Hazel tree, you're a communicator and knowledge seeker with an unobtrusive manner. Your best match could be a Hawthorn because you share common traits. They are also good communicators and interested in learning.
The Vine Compatibility
As a Vine, you're very selective in your choice of a long-term partner and inclined to take your time before making a commitment. Willow people rate high on your list of possible partners because, like you, they have the same sensual nature and sexual appetites.
The Ivy Compatibility
As an Ivy, you have profound passions and emotions and can be a bit clingy, jealous, and possessive in a relationship. You should have a great rapport with an Ash because they can meet you on your own terms. This is especially favorable for forming a lasting relationship, along with a strong friendship.
The Reed Compatibility
If you're a Reed, you have a self-preservation instinct, a complicated emotional nature, and are cautious. Finding the right partner could be problematic, but the Oak could be a good match. They are both highly emotional and sensitive to their partner's needs, but also protective and nurturing.
Elder Tree Compatibility
As an Elder, you have a freedom-loving outlook on life and are always looking for greener pastures. Making personal commitments is something you're inclined to steer away from. You should get along well with a Holly because they're a kindred soul view life in much the same way as you do.
Unlocking Celtic Astrology Symbolism
To unlock the mysteries of Celtic astrology, it's important to understand the two premises of Druid spirituality of reincarnation and cellular memory. By unlocking past life knowledge, you can then build upon the knowledge you've accumulated from many lifetimes.
Tree Spirits
Druidism respects nature and your place within the world. The Celts believed in energy and that all living matter had energy. This belief stretched beyond the physical world into the supernatural world. Druidism espoused the ideology of creating a balance between opposites. This oneness is symbolized by the joining of male and female energies.
Tree Alphabet
The trees' energies are said to be revealed through the Tree Alphabet. The Ogham (commonly pronounced Oh-m) glyphs are the only written form left by the Druids. The alphabet is assigned to a different tree for each of the twenty letters (a series of markings).
Celtic Astrological Animal Symbols
In Celtic astrology, the animal symbols depict the conscious mind. When the animal symbols are used in conjunction with the tree signs, a bridge is formed between the conscious and subconscious mind. In Western Astrology, the animal zodiac would correlate to the rising sign.
How to Work With Your Sacred Birth Tree
Grow your own birth tree from a sapling, learn its properties, and make it your spiritual ally. With their roots spanning as deep and far as its branches, all Celtic trees are a symbol of the shamanic journey. Meditate on your tree, invoke the indwelling tree spirit and use your journeying skills to connect with the wisdom of your birth tree.
Using Celtic Astrology
Celtic astrology is another form of divining with a cultural flair. If you choose to use Celtic tree signs as oracles for your subconscious mind and to uncover past lives, you will experience a new level of understanding and self-discovery.
