Each
of the ogam characters has a specific place on the left
hand, the consonants are positioned on the fingers themselves
whereas the vowels are at the base of the fingers. The
consonants are representative of the different lunar
months whilst the vowels represent the solar cycles.
Five has always been seen as a sacred number traditionally
associated with the goddesses and the changing cycles.
It is seen as the number which represents the variety
and colour of our three dimensional space representing
our senses and the five elements: earth, air, fire,water
and the soul, these in turn correspond with the seasons.
The five tree vowels are known as the "Sweet Cauldron
of the Five Trees" which are represented in Robert
Graves' poem.
Finger
Ogam was used as a form of divination, the left hand
was held over either an object or a person and meditated
upon. Where ever a vibration or tingle is felt this
signifies the answers and circumstances regarding the
question.
More commonly known as the ring finger
and for marriage, alchemists believed it was directly
connected to the heart and mixed all their compounds with
it.
Finger
Part
Tree
Meanings
Willow
Willow
teaches us that through flexibilty balance and harmony can be
achieved with the present situation. It is seen as being more
powerful at night as it is ruled by the lunar phases.
Hazel
Hazel
is the wood traditionally used to make divining rods, this speaks
of being able to find things out. Hazel is telling us to look
to our inner intuition and listen to the advice which is being
communicated to us.
Blackthorn
Thorn
signifies power in both the visible and invisible worlds,
it gives the strength needed to resist and defeat adversity.
it also aids in protecting against supernatural influences.
Poplar/Aspen
Widely
used for divining, along with the silver fir, it is closely
associated with hope, loss of hope and death. it speaks of asserting
mind over body in the hope of overriding destiny and death.