Next Project? On Ogham

Having re-entered the realm of various divination methods like bones and Nordic runes, it shouldn't surprise me to encounter the Ogham system again.

Years ago, my mom got me a simple book of Ogham and its meanings, but it was more an art book that really went into no depth at all. Oghams have always presented to me as more of a challenge than other systems, due to the similarity between the symbols, so I've never gotten into them deeply. But then I remember: I'm the girl who memorized Morse Code, another alphabet with boggling similarity between letter symbols, at age eight.

After seeing a couple of beautiful sets of Ogham divination sticks online, I thought maybe it's time to take up the craft again, preferably by making my own set. I've found that hands-on doing is one of the best ways to learn or memorize something.
Altogether now --- divination intensive!!!!

I've discovered some slight differences in interpretations from the Internet, so it'll be up to me to choose the most viable, reliable, or widely embraced meanings insofar as they work for me, when creating my set and learning each Ogham rune.

A traditional set has 20 sticks, a more modern type has 25, and it is the modern addition that seems to have the most differing intetpretations. Some attribute the five added runes to the five vowels in Latin when the two languages made contact.

A 25-rune Ogham set

Not Ogham, but a beautiful set of divining sticks and one way to practice Runemal

One method of divining with Ogham

Almost immediately after it occurred to me to make my own set, the idea of finding sacred sticks from each actual tree came to mind. Of course, I'm not the first to do this by any means, as these photos show. Some trees are also harder to find on this side of the pond; my Ogham set of this variety may need to be completed upon my journey back to Britain!

But the practice of not only learning the meanings and runes of Ogham, but also growing closer to the spirit and significance of each type of tree, appeals to me. It may also help strengthen my already much-improved bond with my father, who has a passion for all types of trees.

Some really lovely sets have the leaf of each particular tree inscribed on the sticks, or staves, along with the rune. I may do this, not only because it's within my ability, but because doing so would help me both memorize the runes and connect with each tree.

Long or short, shaved bare or with bark on, ornate or simple, Ogham stave sets come in all types, depending on what speaks to your magick the most:

I might make a set like these too, just for kicks . . . or should I say sticks? I like experimenting with different sets and how they feel.

Little black tips! ♡

A nice set of short chips more like your typical set of Nordic runes. And look at the nice box they come in.

Ogham is thought to be Ireland's oldest written script. More about the history of this ancient alphabet can be found here:

 https://www.historytoday.com/story-ogham

 https://www.claddaghdesign.com/history/origins-of-ogham/