Irish runes, also known as Ogham, are an ancient Celtic writing system that dates back to the fourth century. The word "Ogham" comes from the Old Irish word "ogam," which means "furrow" or "track." The system consists of a series of lines or notches carved onto stone or wood. Each rune in Ogham represents a letter of the Irish alphabet, and they are grouped into four sets, known as "aicmí." Each aicme contains five letters, except for the fourth one, which has only one. These letters are derived from the Old Irish word that corresponds to the sound each letter represents.
Depending on the context, each Ogham letter or Fid can take on a different meaning. While we do provide suggested meanings below, we strongly encourage you to study the original source materials and develop your own 'kennings' for each of the Feda ('letters') of the Ogham.
It has become a commonplace of Irish scholarship to regard all the Irish letter-names as names of trees and no other aspect of Irish letters has contributed more to the derailment of a serious study of the history of Ogam than this. A Bríatharogam which translates as word ogham , the plural of which is Bríatharogaim is a two word kenning, a poetic tool of memorising and understanding, which explains the meanings of the names of the letters of the Ogham alphabet.
These letters are derived from the Old Irish word that corresponds to the sound each letter represents. Each rune also has a corresponding meaning or symbolic association. These meanings can vary slightly depending on the source, but there are some common interpretations.
Ogham Symbols and Their Meaning – A List
The ancient Celts didn’t have a written language, but they had a mysterious set of sigils known as the Ogham. These sigils were used to represent certain trees and shrubs, and eventually developed into letters. Let’s take a closer look at the significance of ogham both as an alphabet and as magical sigils.
For example, the first aicme of Ogham is associated with trees, and each rune represents a specific tree. The most commonly known meaning of the first aicme is as follows: - Beithe (Birch): New beginnings, purification - Luis (Rowan): Balance, protection, and healing - Fearn (Alder): Guidance, protection, and adaptability - Sail (Willow): Intuition, dreams, and emotions - Nion (Ash): Transformation, connection to the world tree The second aicme is associated with shrubs and plants and has meanings like fertility and growth. The third aicme corresponds to objects, and its runes have meanings such as creativity, craftsmanship, and knowledge. The final aicme represents abstract concepts like time, movement, and personal power. It is important to note that the meanings of Ogham runes can differ slightly based on personal interpretations or regional variations. Some modern practitioners of Ogham also associate the runes with divinatory or magical properties. The study of Ogham has fascinated scholars and Celtic enthusiasts for centuries. The ancient Irish runes provide a fascinating glimpse into the language and beliefs of the Celtic people and continue to inspire and intrigue those interested in Irish culture and spirituality..
Reviews for "Irish Rune Meanings and Interpretations: A Comprehensive Guide"
- Mary Jane - 2 out of 5 stars - I found this book to be quite disappointing. The author barely scratches the surface when it comes to explaining the meanings of Irish runes. I was expecting a comprehensive guide, but instead, I got a brief overview that didn't provide much detail. The book also lacked organization, making it difficult to navigate and find specific rune meanings. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a thorough understanding of Irish runes and their significance.
- John Smith - 1 out of 5 stars - I regret purchasing this book. The content is poorly researched and lacks credibility. I found several inaccuracies that made me question the author's knowledge of Irish runes. The explanations provided were confusing and often contradictory. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacked any sort of engagement. Save your money and look for a more reputable source if you're genuinely interested in understanding Irish runes.
- Sarah Thompson - 2 out of 5 stars - As an enthusiast of ancient symbols and their meanings, I was excited to explore the world of Irish runes. However, this book didn't live up to my expectations. The information provided was limited and left me wanting more. I found myself searching for additional resources to gain a better understanding of the topic. The lack of depth and thoroughness made it difficult for me to appreciate the significance of Irish runes. If you're looking for a comprehensive guide, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
- David Brown - 2 out of 5 stars - I found "Irish runes and meanings" to be a disappointment. The content felt rushed and lacked the necessary research. It seemed like the author was more interested in compiling random facts rather than providing a deep understanding of Irish runes. The explanations were vague, and it felt like crucial information was missing. Overall, the book fell short in delivering the insight I was hoping for, and I feel there are better resources out there on this topic.