Celtic Tree Alphabets
Mystic Signs and Symbols of Ogham and Coelbren
2nd Edition
Published on 12. September 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-1-64411-748-4 (ISBN)
Description
A guide to the ancient wisdom of the Ogham and Coelbren symbols as well as Celtic tree lore
Emerging from the sacred forests of ancient Britain and Ireland, the Celtic tree alphabets known as Ogham and Coelbren are symbolic systems that encapsulate the ancestral spiritual wisdom of the British Isles, including Druidic teachings and ways of thinking. Like the trees of old growth forests, for which they are named, these ancient symbols represent the voices of elemental powers and speak to the inner, untamed part of the human soul, offering the possibility of deep psychic transformation.
Presenting a wide-ranging exploration of Celtic tree lore and tree alphabets, Nigel Pennick examines the Ogham tree alphabet of Ireland and west Britain as well as the Bardic secret alphabet of Wales known as Coelbren. He explains how ancient tradition maintains these symbols were a gift from the wilderness and were created by Ogma, the God of Speech and Poetry. He explains how, like Norse Runes, each Ogham character is a meditative symbol in its own right, embodying a creative energy available to all. He provides a full explanation for each character of the Celtic tree alphabets and their historic variants, including each symbol's corresponding trees, colors, birds, cryptic codes, and esoteric inner meanings. He details the correspondences and cosmologies contained within the Oghams and Coelbren and explores the practice of Ogham cryptography as well as their use in spiritual invocation, divination, and symbolic art. He also discusses ceremonies that aid in reconnecting with nature and the wilderness, such as "maying" and greenwood marriages, and the use of magical binding knots and colors in Celtic tradition.
This handbook for learning Ogham and Coelbren also offers a comprehensive understanding of the ancient Celtic worldview, allowing you to apply their wisdom in modern life.
Emerging from the sacred forests of ancient Britain and Ireland, the Celtic tree alphabets known as Ogham and Coelbren are symbolic systems that encapsulate the ancestral spiritual wisdom of the British Isles, including Druidic teachings and ways of thinking. Like the trees of old growth forests, for which they are named, these ancient symbols represent the voices of elemental powers and speak to the inner, untamed part of the human soul, offering the possibility of deep psychic transformation.
Presenting a wide-ranging exploration of Celtic tree lore and tree alphabets, Nigel Pennick examines the Ogham tree alphabet of Ireland and west Britain as well as the Bardic secret alphabet of Wales known as Coelbren. He explains how ancient tradition maintains these symbols were a gift from the wilderness and were created by Ogma, the God of Speech and Poetry. He explains how, like Norse Runes, each Ogham character is a meditative symbol in its own right, embodying a creative energy available to all. He provides a full explanation for each character of the Celtic tree alphabets and their historic variants, including each symbol's corresponding trees, colors, birds, cryptic codes, and esoteric inner meanings. He details the correspondences and cosmologies contained within the Oghams and Coelbren and explores the practice of Ogham cryptography as well as their use in spiritual invocation, divination, and symbolic art. He also discusses ceremonies that aid in reconnecting with nature and the wilderness, such as "maying" and greenwood marriages, and the use of magical binding knots and colors in Celtic tradition.
This handbook for learning Ogham and Coelbren also offers a comprehensive understanding of the ancient Celtic worldview, allowing you to apply their wisdom in modern life.
Reviews / Votes
"Nigel's clear understanding of the Gaelic Ogham and British Coelbren, complete with his wonderful illustrations, makes this book a deep delight for everyone exploring the Celtic realms." * Caitlin Matthews, coauthor of The Lost Book of the Grail * "Another well-researched and capably written volume from Nigel Pennick's busy pen, Celtic Tree Alphabets does a fine job of communicating the history and lore of the Irish Ogham and Welsh Coelbren scripts. Highly recommended to anyone interested in Celtic traditions." * John Michael Greer, author of Coelbren: Traditions, Divination Lore, and Magic of the Welsh Bardic A * "Nigel Pennick's latest study of the history and symbolic meaning of the Irish Ogham alphabet and the Welsh Coelbren is the result of years of research and spiritual practice. The elemental powers of the associated trees, birds, and colors described by the author establish connections between the inner world of the soul and the forces of nature. This work on Celtic spirituality has the potential to open many doors for the reader." * Patrick McFadzean, author of Vastu Vidya: Studies in Indian Geomancy * "This book is a treasure trove of detail on Celtic scripts sourced directly from original texts. Systematically presented, it is enriched with tales of folklore practices and archival discoveries that debunk popular myths. Beautifully illustrated with original artwork by the author." * Prudence Jones, coauthor of A History of Pagan Europe * "Celtic Tree Alphabets delves into the Ogham through a fascinating exploration of Irish history and mythology, drawing from authentic historical texts. Nigel Pennick skillfully navigates the origins of the Ogham, delving into the deities of the sacred forest, Celtic tree lore, and Welsh Bardic scripts. Additionally, he examines Coelbren, the Welsh 'Bardic alphabet' attributed to Bard Iolo Morganwg. In his latest work, Pennick makes complex knowledge accessible and engaging, offering readers a wealth of information to explore." * June Kent, editor of Indie Shaman magazine * "I have no critiques of Celtic Tree Alphabets and would recommend this book to anyone looking to learn the Ogham, anyone interested in Celtic spirituality, and anyone pursuing a Druid path. Because of this, I give Celtic Tree Alphabets: Mystic Signs and Symbols of Ogham and Coelbren a 5 out of 5. It's an amazing book and I believe there are many people out there who would benefit from reading it." * The Modern Merlin, PaganPages.org *More details
Edition
2nd Edition, Revised Edition of Ogham and Coelbren
Language
English
Place of publication
Rochester
United States
Publishing group
Inner Traditions Bear and Company
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
34 b&w illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 225 mm
Width: 147 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
318 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-64411-748-4 (9781644117484)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
07/2024
2nd Edition
Simon + Schuster LLC
€12.85
Available for download
Person
Nigel Pennick is an authority on ancient belief systems, traditions, runes, and geomancy and has traveled and lectured extensively in Europe and the United States. He is the author and illustrator of more than 60 books, including The Pagan Book of Days, and is an accomplished traditional musician and craftsman. He lives near Cambridge, England.
Content
Acknowledgments
Preface
Celtic Tree Alphabets, Ancient and Modern
1 The Irish Tree Alphabet
2 Meanings of the Ogham Feadha
3 Ogham Cryptography, Gall Ogham, and the Gaelic Alphabet
4 Deities of the Sacred Forest
5 Celtic Tree Lore of Birch, Thorn, and Oak
6 Welsh Bardic Scripts
Postscript
Through Woods to Wisdom
Appendix 1
Ogham Correspondences
Appendix 2
Classification of Celtic Tree Types
Appendix 3
The Bardic Hierarchy
Glossary of Terms
Bibliography and Resources for Further Study
Index
Preface
Celtic Tree Alphabets, Ancient and Modern
1 The Irish Tree Alphabet
2 Meanings of the Ogham Feadha
3 Ogham Cryptography, Gall Ogham, and the Gaelic Alphabet
4 Deities of the Sacred Forest
5 Celtic Tree Lore of Birch, Thorn, and Oak
6 Welsh Bardic Scripts
Postscript
Through Woods to Wisdom
Appendix 1
Ogham Correspondences
Appendix 2
Classification of Celtic Tree Types
Appendix 3
The Bardic Hierarchy
Glossary of Terms
Bibliography and Resources for Further Study
Index