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Sinister Yet Helpful: A Celtic Tree Paradox
Ancient Celts considered the elder tree bad tempered. They used the poisonous sap of the twisted yew tree to make their arrows more deadly. And they thought ivy was sinister. Why, then did they consider these trees inspirational, beneficial, and even protective?

Christine Dorman
Jan 177 min read


Facing the Darkest Day with Celtic Hope
The darkest day is coming. Winter solstice 2025, December 21st, will be the shortest day of the year with the fewest hours of daylight. Find out what Celtic folklore and spirituality can teach us about facing life’s darkest days with hope.

Christine Dorman
Dec 15, 20252 min read


Celtic Trees for Autumn, Halloween, and Samhain
Which Celtic tree rules during autumn? There’s more than one, and the trees, their characteristics, symbolism, and magical influence may surprise you!

Christine Dorman
Oct 13, 20258 min read


Tree Folklore for a Celtic Spring
Spring is here! At least on the Celtic calendar. Discover the trees and folklore of a Celtic Spring.

Christine Dorman
Feb 3, 20258 min read


Winter Solstice: the Darkest Day’s Celtic Hope
The Winter Solstice is the darkest day and the longest night. Sounds grim. But from a Celtic perspective, it's a symbol of hope.

Christine Dorman
Dec 15, 20245 min read


Celtic Herbs for Lughnasa
Celebrate the ancient Celtic fire festival with the magic of herbs.

Christine Dorman
Aug 3, 20247 min read


The Magical Trees and Flowers of Beltane
Find out about the trees, flowers, magic, and folklore associated with the Celtic fire festival of Beltane (May 1st).

Christine Dorman
Apr 27, 20246 min read


A Magical Celtic Spring
Spring is here and it's bursting with Celtic magic. Find out more in today's post.

Christine Dorman
Mar 22, 20246 min read


Celtic Folklore Woven into Winter
Some things we associate with Christmas, such as mistletoe and holly, actually have their roots in ancient Celtic folk practices for winter.

Christine Dorman
Dec 16, 20236 min read


Celtic Cycle of Life Trees: Birch, Elder, and Yew
Trees are highly symbolic in Celtic folklore. Today’s post explores three trees associated with the Celts’ belief in life, death, & rebirth.

Christine Dorman
Dec 16, 20225 min read


Christmas Decorating and Celtic Folklore: A Surprising Connection
What do holly and ivy, mistletoe, and trees ablaze with lights have to do with ancient Celtic folk practices? Read today’s post to find out!

Christine Dorman
Dec 2, 20225 min read


Celtic Trees Arise! Cad Goddeu and Celtic Symbolism
In the 6th century Welsh poem, "Cad Goddeu," trees come to life--and so does the symbolism of Celtic folklore.

Christine Dorman
Nov 11, 20227 min read


The Complicated Celtic Elder in Folklore and Modern Medicine
The Druids said the elder tree had a bad-tempered spirit, hostile to children. Still, Celtic folklore associates the tree with protection.

Christine Dorman
Dec 10, 20213 min read


Celtic Tree Symbolism
Celtic culture sees signs in all aspects of nature and finds powerful symbolism in trees.

Christine Dorman
Sep 10, 20217 min read


A Celtic Spring of Flowers, Folklore, and Food
Spring is here! Celebrate the return of color and flowers with a bit of food and Celtic folklore.

Christine Dorman
Mar 26, 20215 min read


Beware the Tree Spirit: Celtic Folklore about Trees
At night, the willow walks, follows strangers, and mutters after them. Read this post to discover more Celtic tree lore.

Christine Dorman
Jan 1, 20215 min read


Mistletoe: A Touch of Celtic Magic at Christmas
Kissing under the mistletoe is a favorite Christmas tradition but, in Celtic folklore, this evergreen is good for more than stealing a kiss.

Christine Dorman
Dec 25, 20204 min read


Holly and Evergreens for a Celtic Christmas
Evergreens, such as holly and aspens, used as Christmas decorations, are also an important part of Celtic folklore.

Christine Dorman
Dec 11, 20204 min read


Celtic Tree Signs: Secrets of the Reed and Wolf
Those born under the Celtic Tree Sign of the Reed (Oct 28-Nov 24) love mysteries. They can be enigmatic themselves & as strategic as a wolf.

Christine Dorman
Nov 6, 20203 min read


Celtic Tree Signs: Ivy and the Butterfly
Those born under the Celtic Tree Sign Ivy (Sept 30-Oct 27) are attractive & charming. And they thrive no matter what life throws at them!

Christine Dorman
Oct 2, 20204 min read
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