Celtic Tree Calendar

In Celtic culture, trees play a large part in astrology and the zodiac. Just like with the star signs the tree calendar spans across different months and is aligned to the cycles of the moon. Each lunar month is ruled by its very own UK native tree. This is also tied in with the old Ogham alphabet and each tree has a corresponding letter. Read more about the Celtic Tree Calendar below and find out what your Tree Zodiac is.

The trees that make up the calendar form a part of our Ancient Wisdom Tree Range and they make truly special birthday gifts to send for each month. Many people have never even heard of a tree zodiac and will be delightfully surprised when they find out their sign when they open their gift on their birthday.

Our native trees are the best gifts for the person who has everything, not only that but they are eco-friendly and will last a lifetime. We can’t think of a better reason to send someone a tree on their birthday, can you?

Tree Zodiac Signs

Birch: Dec 24th - Jan 20th | Rowan: Jan 21st - Feb 17th | Ash: Feb 18th - Mar 17th | Alder: Mar 18th - Apr 14th

Willow: Apr 15th - May 12th | Hawthorn: May 13th - June 9th | Oak: Jun 10th - Jul 7th | Holly: Jul 8th - Aug 4th | Hazel: Aug 5th - Sept 1st

Vine: Sept 2nd - Sept 29th | Ivy: Sept 30th - Oct 27th | Reed: Oct 28th - Nov 23rd | Elder: Nov 24th Dec 23rd


The Celtic Tree calendar starts on Christmas Eve bringing us to the very first tree, the Birch.


Birch Tree: December 24th - January 20th

  • Ogham Letter: Beith (B)
  • Symbolic Meaning: New Beginnings, Growth, Renewal, Rebirth, Adaptability
  • Ruling Planet: Venus
  • Ruling Elements: Air & Water
  • Season: Spring & Autumn
  • Corresponding Star Sign: Capricorn

The first lunar month of the Celtic Tree Calendar is the Birch Tree. Known as the ‘Lady of the Woods’, birch tree holds deep feminine connections making it a symbol of rebirth and fertility. Its elegance in the woods is made known by its delicate, peeling silvery-white bark.

The leaves from the tree can be brewed into a tea that is used to treat many infections and remove excess water from the body. This tree doesn’t just hold magical energy but practical, medicinal properties too.

Placed at the centre of the Beltane Festival or May Day as it is now commonly known, people will dance around the May Pole made from Birch to bring a fruitful harvest in the following year.

The lunar month of birch is a fantastic time for starting new creativity and projects. Whether that involves a new job or adventure - this is the month to do it! 

Read more about the Birch Tree Symbolism.

Birch Tree Zodiac

Just like the birch tree itself, those born under this sign have high ambitions, they are driven and will strive to grow wherever they can. Born at the darkest time of the year they are always reaching towards the light, easily inspiring those around them. Cool headed and natural born leaders but in touch with their softer side bringing beauty where it’s needed the most.

Birch signs are well matched with Vine and Willow signs.

 


Rowan Tree: January 21st - February 17th

  • Ogham Letter: Luis (L)
  • Symbolic Meaning: Courage, Protection, Connection
  • Ruling Planet: The Sun
  • Ruling Elements: Fire
  • Season: Spring & Autumn
  • Corresponding Star Sign: Aquarius / Pisces

The second lunar month is ruled by that of the Rowan Tree. Another tree associated with a powerful, feminine connection, the small, deciduous rowan is praised for its beauty and hardiness. A strong symbol of courage, protection and connection.

The rowan tree can take root almost anywhere it wants but prefers to grow and thrive in greater heights giving it the name of the ‘Lady of the Mountain’. Even though it looks delicate, up here it will thrive in harsh conditions and always come out stronger on the other side.

The Rowan is deeply rooted in psyche and philosophy. It is thought to open the mind, improve psychic powers and inspire those who come into contact with it.

The tree has a positive presence and its protective abilities are used to keep evil spirits at bay. Branches of the rowan were hung around doors to keep those inside safe from wrongdoings.

The Celts thought that the rowan berries possessed magical powers. The bright red berries are a sign of protection. Red being the most protective colour. They are a great source of vitamin C and were used to treat scurvy.

Find out more about Rowan Tree Symbolism here.


Rowan Tree Zodiac

People born under the Rowan Tree are quietly influential and aloof. They are idealists and individuals, often feeling misunderstood. They have the natural ability to transform a situation making those around feel comfortable but don’t be fooled by their calm, collected demeanour as inside they are burning bright with a passion for change. They’re diplomatic and great listeners, always respecting others beliefs making them great leaders. It is the philosophical sign in the Celtic zodiac.

Rowan signs pair well with Ivy and Hawthorn.

 


Ash Tree: February 18th - March 17th

  • Ogham Letter: Nion (N)
  • Symbolic Meaning: Master-ship, Growth, Power
  • Ruling Planet: The Sun & Neptune
  • Ruling Elements: Water & Fire
  • Season: Spring & Autumn
  • Corresponding Star Sign: Pisces / Aries

The third Lunar month is ruled by the Ash Tree. A large, relentless species that roots penetrate deep into the Earth. It’s strongly associated with the vertical link between otherworldly realms such as the underworld, middle earth, and the spiritual world. This gives it the status of the ‘World Tree’.

This tree that is linked to otherworldly realms is also medicinal, especially when it comes to treating childhood ailments. In Celtic Lore the tree is given the name of “Cradle of Life” and from it, remedies could be created that would cure children of their illnesses.

Part of the ash is used in protective rituals due to the energies believed to be held within the tree. Its leaves are thought to bring love and affluence.

Ash Tree Zodiac

Ash signs are empathetic, compassionate and very creative. They are in tune with nature and others around them and often look upon the world with an artistic perspective. They do well in careers of creativity. They constantly strive for self-growth and renewal they think freely without much care for what others may think of them. They are viewed as introverts but are often just immersed in their own world and people are intrigued with their enchanting personality.

Ash signs pair well with Willow and Reed signs.

 


Alder Tree: March 18th - April 14th

  • Ogham Letter: Fearne (F)
  • Symbolic Meaning: Release, Shield and Foundation, Determination, Discrimination and Inner Confidence, Healing, Protecting, Peaceful, Passionate Royalty
  • Ruling Planet: Mars
  • Ruling Elements: Fire & Water
  • Season:
  • Corresponding Star Sign:

The fourth moon in the calendar is ruled by the Alder tree. The Alder makes up a part of the birch family and is commonly found growing near wetlands, rivers and streams. Its roots are able to improve the pH of the surrounding soil giving life back to poor soil conditions.

The cutting down of an Alder Tree was once a punishable act and it was believed if you felled one, the fairy that dwells within its branches would burn your house in revenge.

The tree has many magical influences and was thought to help people to face up to things that may have been avoiding. It was also believed that it could take you the fairy realm. Alder can be used with spells to help with business and academia.

The bark from the Alder Tree was used to treat inflammation and the heated leaves were said to help with chronic skin conditions.

Alder Tree Zodiac

Those born under the Alder sign are straight to the point, they etch paths in the land for others to follow. They will always chase their dreams and work hard to reach their passions. They believe strongly in themselves and have the self-confidence that others love to be around. They are energetic and do not tolerate time wasting. Alder signs can get on with almost anyone and are fun to be around, people often feel motivated to get up and do things when they are around.

Alder signs are compatible with Hawthorn, Oak and Birch.

 


Willow Tree: April 15th - May 12th

  • Ogham Letter: Saille (S)
  • Symbolic Meaning: Fertility, Flexibility, New Life
  • Ruling Planet: Moon
  • Ruling Element:
  • Season: Summer & Winter
  • Corresponding Star Sign: Taurus / Gemini

It’s the Willow tree that rules the fifth month in the calendar. The tree thrives in wet boggy areas and can often be found planted next to areas of water.

Willow has deep roots with spirituality and psychic ability with specific links to the lunar realm. The strong association with the moon comes from the trees love for water.

It’s a symbol of fertility and new life, a willow branch can be planted in the ground and from it, a new tree will grow in its place. Willow trees are flexible, the branches can be contorted in ridiculous ways without any signs of snapping, this makes it a popular wood to use in weaving and wickerwork.

When it comes to medicinal values, the willow has many healing properties. The bark could be used as a treatment for cold and flu and young twigs from the tree were once be chewed in aid of pain relief.

Willow Tree Zodiac

People born under the Willow sign seem to understand the world around them a little more than others. They are very in tune with their psychic side and their personality is ruled by the moon.

They are intuitive and have deep roots within otherworldly realms, in particular, the lunar realm. Willow signs are intelligent and highly creative however do not like showing this side of their personality in fear of seeming arrogant or over the top.

Other signs find them mysterious and hard to get to know but once they are friends, willow signs are fiercely loyal and great at keeping secrets. They have a realistic outlook on life giving them much more patience than other signs.

Willow signs are compatible with Birch and Ivy signs.

Find out more about Willow Tree Symbolism here.


Hawthorn Tree: May 13th - June 9th

  • Ogham Letter: Huathe (H)
  • Symbolic Meaning: Purification, sacred marriage and male-female unity
  • Ruling Planet: Mars & Venus (Vulcan)?
  • Ruling Element:
  • Season: Spring & Autumn
  • Corresponding Star Sign: Gemini / Cancer 

The Hawthorn Tree rules the sixth month of the Celtic Tree Calendar. It’s a tree of contradictions and opposites, it pulls together the complete idea of duality and oppositions.

The tree has strong links to male energy, however, it is symbolic of fertility and it also deeply rooted in female deities. This balance and unity of male and female energies gave this tree the name the “marriage tree”.

The Hawthorn is sacred and its thorny branches produce an abundance of foliage and blossoms that have healing properties thought to circulatory disorders and high blood pressure.

Hawthorn Tree Zodiac

Those born under the sign of the Hawthorn are a paradox and are not at all what they seem at first glance. Seemingly quite average on the outside but inside is burning bright with a creative passion. They are quick witted with an excellent memory making them knowledgeable about a wide variety of topics. They can adapt to almost any situation and will more often than not be able to see the bigger picture making them great listeners and ones to go to in a time of need.

Hawthorn signs pair well with Ash and Rowan.

 


Oak Tree: June 10th - July 7th

  • Ogham Letter: Duir (D)
  • Symbolic Meaning: Wisdom, Nobility, Strength, Intuition, Caring
  • Ruling Planet: Jupiter & Mars
  • Ruling Element: Water
  • Season: Summer
  • Corresponding Star Sign: Cancer / Leo

The oak is a sign of strength and rules the seventh month in the calendar. The large imposing tree is known to the Celts as the “Father of the Woods”. Oak trees can easily live for hundreds of years and are honoured for their nobility and wisdom.

The tree produced green lobed leaves and little acorns that are loved by wildlife. The bark used for its healing properties would be brewed into a tea to treat digestive issues.

Oak is held in high esteem to the Celts its ability to attract lightning showing the great nature of its power. Read more about oak tree symbolism and meaning.

Oak Tree Zodiac 

Those born under the Oak sign are strong with deep connections to their history and ancestry. They love to pass their knowledge on to others and are often become a voice for the voiceless. They have caring personalities making them wonderful friends to have. They enjoy being around family and friends and will often live long happy lives surrounded by the ones they love. They require stability in their lives but have an optimistic outlook and exude a confidence that people are drawn to.

Oak signs are most compatible with Ash, Reed and Ivy signs.

 


Holly Tree: July 8th - August 4th

  • Ogham Letter: Tinne (T)
  • Symbolic Meaning: Protection, Strength, Optimism
  • Ruling Planet: Earth
  • Ruling Element:
  • Season:
  • Corresponding Star Sign: Cancer / Leo

The well respected Holly Tree rule the eighth moon. It is a symbol of peace and goodwill and it rules through the winter months with beauty and grace.

In the same way, oak attracts lightning, holly repels it so was often planted around dwellings as a protective measure against it. This is the reason Holly is seen to have such protective qualities.

Holly leaves were brought into the home due to their brightness and beauty when everything else is dormant for the winter. It was also thought that they would provide shelter for Fairies in the cold.

Holly Tree Zodiac

Holly is a tree of noble status those born under the sign are natural born leaders and are drawn to careers in power. They will face any challenge head-on and overcome them with ease and skill. Some see holly signs as arrogant. As things tend to come very easily to holy signs they can slip into lazy habits if their minds and lifestyles are not challenged often. When people once get to know them they realise their self-confidence is well earned and that they are actually very kind and generous in their demeanour.

Holly signs are a perfect match for Ash and Elder

 



Hazel Tree: August 5th - September 1st

  • Ogham Letter: Coll (C)
  • Symbolic Meaning: Uniqueness, Intuition, Knowledge, Divination
  • Ruling Planet: Mercury
  • Ruling Element:
  • Season:
  • Corresponding Star Sign: Leo / Virgo

Hazel Tree Zodiac

Those born under the Hazel moon have friendly personalities and find it easy to talk to anyone. They are naturally organised and efficient with a great eye for detail. They are well gifted in the form of academia with their high intelligence and amazing ability to recall information with incredible accuracy. People tend to mistake them for know-it-all’s however they just make sure they are well informed and that they know their facts before they speak. They have a knack for numbers and science so are drawn to careers in this.

 


Vine: September 2nd - September 29th

  • Ogham Letter: Muin (M)
  • Symbolic Meaning: Reward, Growth, Transformation, Opportunity, Endurance
  • Ruling Planet: Venus
  • Ruling Element:
  • Season:
  • Corresponding Star Sign: Virgo / Libra

Vine Zodiac

Those born under the Vine sign are empathetic creatures, they often sit on the fence but are always able to see both sides of every story. This makes them indecisive and unpredictable. They love spending time with loved ones and will always be there for others in a time of need. Though very interchangeable in their life they know what they enjoy from their distinctive taste in food and wine to their interest in the finer things such as the arts and music.

Vine signs are compatible with Willow and Hazel signs.


Ivy: September 30th - October 27th

  • Ogham Letter: Gort (G)
  • Symbolic Meaning: Growth, Regeneration, Love, Opportunity
  • Ruling Planet: Moon
  • Ruling Element:
  • Season:
  • Corresponding Star Sign: Libra / Scorpio 

Ivy Zodiac

Just like the Ivy can grow despite harsh conditions, those born under this sign are survivors, they face challenges with the strength of their emotions. They make loyal friends and are very giving making them likeable to many different people. When it comes to accepting help from other holly signs tend to keep quiet in times of inner turmoil choosing to suffer in silence than to speak out. Despite this, they go about their life with grace and wit making them charming to others.

Ivy signs pair well with Oak and Ash.


Reed: October 28th - November 23rd

  • Ogham Letter: Ngetal (N)
  • Symbolic Meaning: Security, Expression, Clarity, Meaning
  • Ruling Planet: Pluto
  • Ruling Element:
  • Season:
  • Corresponding Star Sign:

Reed Zodiac

Those born under the Reed sign have strong and alluring personalities that people tend to be attracted to. They are curious fellows they are known to delve deep trying to discover the truth and will not just take things at face value. They are drawn to careers in investigation such as detective work and journalism. They can be manipulative when they need something but have a strong sense of truth and their actions are never malicious. They are good at keeping secrets.

Reed signs pair well with other Reed signs but are also compatible with Ash and Oak.


Elder Tree: November 24th - December 23rd

  • Ogham Letter: Ruis (R)
  • Symbolic Meaning: Rebirth, regeneration, death, magic
  • Ruling Planet: Saturn
  • Ruling Element: Water
  • Season: Winter
  • Corresponding Star Sign: Sagittarius

The Elder Tree rules the thirteenth moon and makes up the final month in the Celtic tree calendar. It’s one of the most magical trees and is a symbol of both death, regeneration and magic.

It is thought to house the spirit of the Elder Mother who will both harm and protect those around her. Use the tree selfishly without permission and you will be greeted with bad omens. Plant a tree by your home or hang the branches by your door to grant good fortune and ward away evil spirits.

The deep link to regeneration comes from how broken branches can easily take root and regrow. The rebirth of a new tree. A symbol of the end that takes us back to the beginning in a cycle of life and death.

Many parts of the elder tree are favoured for their medicinal properties and were used in herbal medicine to treat and cure many ailments. The high content of vitamin C in the berries for coughs and colds and the flowers used for skin cleansers and lotions.

The month of Elder is perfect for trying something new and challenging, something you may never have done before. It is the darkest time of the year but be ready for the new and be open to change that may come your way.

Elder Tree Zodiac

Those born under the elder tree are thoughtful and empathetic with a philosophical mind. They have a caring persona and are considerate of others but will be brutally honest if the situation calls for it. They have a wild and extroverted personality and tend to seek out thrills wherever they can, however, others sometimes view them as withdrawn and more of an outsider.

Elder signs are compatible with Alder and Holly signs.