Oak is the Celtic Tree for the period from 10 June to 7 July. This month is a time of power, protection, and grounding
Oak trees are an image of endurance, vigour and sturdiness. Picture your favourite oak tree – they’re so upright and strong, right?! Our ancestors associated it with the king of the Gods.
In the Celtic Tree Calendar the Oak month is the midpoint of the year, which marks the highest point of the sun. Oaks also have a generous and compassionate side - the mighty trees provide a home for thousands of species, while their acorns not only provide food for wildlife, but also for livestock - and, with a little tinkering (soak in water for up to 10 days to remove tannins, then roast) even provide sustenance for people.
Oak wood is one of the most valuable hardwoods. It is extremely dense, strong and durable and has thus been much used in building and construction. Ships were built with oak wood, and railway sleepers were made from it, not to mention heavy duty furniture. Even submerged in water it is virtually indestructible, which is why most of Britain's ancient oaks have been sacrificed to build the Navy and merchant fleets, back in the era of the great sea voyages.
Sadly, ancient oaks, let alone ancient oak forest has become a rare sight indeed in Britain.
All parts of the oak – wood, bark, leaves, acorns and gall nuts – have traditionally been used in medicine since ancient times. Oak bark is one of the most powerful astringents in the herbal materia medica, probably due to the high tannin content.
An infusion can be used externally and internally to treat many ailments from digestive problems to rheumatism.
In magical terms, acorns are a symbol of fertility and an amulet of Oak can be used for fairness and protection.
Attributes of Those Born Under the Celtic Tree Sign Oak
Those born under the Oak sign are enterprising with far-reaching vision. They are determined, self-motivated, enthusiastic and responsible. They make natural leaders with the ability to attract and inspire others. They remain calm during a crisis and are not easily swayed by opposition. Cheerful and optimistic by nature, they do not give up easily and are unafraid to speak the truth (often regardless of the consequences!).
There are two Oak characters. Those born in the new moon phase - the first two weeks of a sign and those in the full moon phase - the last two weeks.
Those born in the first two weeks are more likely to take financial risks and may make commitments that are hard to keep. New moon oaks possess strong natural powers of leadership and the ability to rise above greed. Full moon oaks are more flamboyant by nature and may be a little glory-seeking!
However, here is a creative person with a generous spirit and a keen sense of survival.
Animal Correspondences
Wren, Otter, White Horse
Keywords
Justice-seeking, confident, positive
Your Strengths
Nurturing, generous and helpful
Your Rune
The Celtic Ogham for Oak has the name 'Duir', which means 'door' and represents the threshold between the seasons.
