Celtic Tree Astrology: History, Myths & Growing Guide 2025

Okay so here’s the deal with Celtic tree astrology. You’ve probably seen those charts online matching your birthday to a specific tree, right? Maybe someone told you that ancient Celtic druids used this system thousands of years ago.

Well… not exactly.

Turns out the whole “Celtic tree zodiac” thing was invented in 1948 by a British poet named Robert Graves.[1] Like, he literally made it up. And then later admitted it was “a crazy book, and I didn’t mean to write it.”[2]

But here’s the thing – I’m not writing this to tell you it’s all nonsense and you should forget about it. Because honestly? Even though it’s not ancient, the system has gotten pretty popular, and there’s actually something kind of cool about connecting with trees based on when you were born. Plus most of these trees are genuinely native to Britain and Ireland, so there IS a real cultural connection there.

What I’m gonna do is give you the straight facts about where this comes from, what the actual historical evidence shows about Celts and trees, and then – the useful part – detailed info on how to actually grow each of these 13 trees. Because whether or not you believe in tree astrology, these are beautiful plants that have real meaning in Celtic culture.

So yeah, this is gonna be long. But if you want the real story plus practical gardening advice, keep reading.

The Real History (Sorry to Burst the Bubble)

What Robert Graves Actually Did

In 1948, Graves published The White Goddess and laid out this whole calendar system connecting 13 trees to lunar months.[1] He based it on the Ogham alphabet – these are those vertical line markings you see on ancient Irish stones.

The problem? Actual Celtic scholars have pretty thoroughly debunked his interpretation.

Professor Damian McManus from Trinity College Dublin (he literally wrote THE academic textbook on Ogham) found that only about 5-6 of the original 20 Ogham letters were definitively tree names – birch, oak, hazel, ash, and maybe pine and whitethorn.[3] The rest were named after other stuff, or the tree associations came way later in medieval manuscripts.

Professor Ronald Hutton (University of Bristol) calls Graves’ work “a fantasy upon a forgery.”[2] Celtic historian Peter Berresford Ellis says the fabrications have become “an almost insurmountable barrier to any serious study” of actual Celtic beliefs.[4]

Pretty harsh, right?

What We Actually Know About Celts and Trees

But here’s where it gets interesting – even though the zodiac is modern, Celts DID genuinely venerate trees. That part’s real and backed up by actual evidence:

Ancient written sources:

• Strabo (1st century CE) described Drunemeton, a sacred oak grove where Celtic assemblies happened[5]
• Pliny the Elder wrote about Druidic mistletoe rituals on oak trees[5]
• Multiple Roman writers mentioned Celtic sacred groves called nemeton

Archaeological evidence:

• Actual nemeton sites found across Celtic Europe[6]
• The Irish word bile referred to sacred tribal gathering trees
• Tree remains in ritual contexts at Celtic sites

Legal evidence:

• Irish Brehon Laws classified trees hierarchically[7]
• “Noble trees” (airig fedo) like oak, yew, and ash had legal protection
• Cutting down certain trees carried serious penalties

The Coligny Calendar: This bronze tablet from 2nd century France shows the actual Celtic calendar – a lunisolar system with 12 months plus intercalary months.[8] Makes ZERO mention of trees.

So Celts respected trees, had sacred groves, and encoded some tree names in their alphabet. They just didn’t have a birthday-based tree zodiac system. That’s the Graves invention.

Why Does This Matter for Gardeners?

Because if you’re gonna plant your “birth tree,” you should know what you’re actually connecting with. These are mostly native British and Irish species that genuinely meant something to Celtic cultures. That’s real. The specific birthday assignments? Modern interpretation.

Think of it like… modern astrology isn’t ancient Babylonian astronomy either, but people still find meaning in it. Same deal here.

The 13 Trees: Quick Reference

Here’s your chart so you can find your tree fast:

The Trees: What They Actually Are and How to Grow Them

Alright, let’s get into the practical stuff. For each tree I’ll give you the traditional meanings (from modern interpretations), the real botanical info, and actual growing advice.

Birch (December 24 – January 20)

Traditional meaning: New beginnings, purification, renewal

The actual tree: Silver birch (Betula pendula) is one of the first trees to colonize cleared land – hence the “new beginnings” association actually makes sense ecologically.

Native range: Throughout British Isles and most of Europe

Growing it:

• Size: Gets to about 20m tall × 4-10m spread, so this is for larger gardens
• Zones: 2-7 (super cold hardy)
• Light: Full sun (6+ hours)
• Soil: Not picky – handles poor, sandy, or acidic soil just fine
• Water: Likes moist but well-drained; established trees handle some drought
• Key features: That distinctive white peeling bark, diamond-shaped leaves, yellow autumn color

Varieties for smaller spaces:

• ‘Fastigiata’ – columnar form
• ‘Tristis’ – weeping variety
• ‘Karaca’ – compact for small gardens

Honest assessment: Beautiful tree but short-lived (30-50 years usually). Susceptible to bronze birch borer in some areas. The white bark is stunning though, especially in winter.

Rowan / Mountain Ash (January 21 – February 17)

Traditional meaning: Protection from enchantment, psychic insight

The actual tree: Sorbus aucuparia was planted near houses in Scotland and Ireland to ward off evil, which is probably where the “protection” symbolism comes from.[9]

Native range: Throughout British Isles (especially Scotland), all over Europe

Growing it:

• Size: 10-15m tall × 4-7m spread
• Zones: 3-7
• Light: Full sun to light shade
• Soil: Moist, humus-rich, slightly acidic
• Water: Consistent moisture, especially when young
• Lifespan: Can live 200+ years
• Key features: Pinnate leaves (9-17 leaflets), creamy-white May flowers, bright red/orange berries that birds go crazy for

Varieties:

• ‘Sheerwater Seedling’ – more compact
• Sorbus cashmiriana – white berries if you want something different

Honest assessment: One of the best small trees for wildlife. The berries are technically edible but super bitter unless cooked with sugar. Birds love them though, which is the point.

Ash (February 18 – March 17)

Traditional meaning: Connection between worlds, transformation

The actual tree: Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is the third most common tree in UK.[10] In Norse mythology (not Celtic but close enough geographically), Yggdrasil the world tree was an ash.

Growing it:

⚠️ Important: Ash dieback disease (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) is devastating ash populations across Europe and UK.[10] Check local regulations before planting.

• Size: HUGE – 25-40m tall × 20m spread
• Zones: 4-8
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, fertile, likes limestone/calcareous soil
• Water: Regular when young, drought-tolerant once established
• Lifespan: 250+ years normally
• Key features: Pale grey bark, pinnate leaves (7-13 leaflets), winged seeds called “keys”

Varieties:

• ‘Pendula’ – weeping form
• ‘Jaspidea’ – golden ash

Honest assessment: This is a tree for large properties only. And honestly with the disease situation, you might want to consider a different tree. Sad, but that’s reality right now.

Alder (March 18 – April 14)

Traditional meaning: Foundation, support, balance

The actual tree: Black alder (Alnus glutinosa) is the only Alnus species native to UK.[11] It fixes nitrogen in soil which enriches the ground – hence “foundation” symbolism makes botanical sense.

Growing it:

• Size: 20-30m tall × 4-10m spread
• Zones: 3-7
• Light: Full sun to semi-shade
• Soil: The wetter the better – thrives in waterlogged conditions where most trees would die
• Water: Loves constant moisture
• Key features: Rounded glossy leaves, distinctive small woody “cones” that stick around, nitrogen-fixing root nodules

Where to use it: Perfect for boggy spots, pond edges, stream banks. Roots stabilize soil like nobody’s business.

Varieties:

• ‘Imperialis’ – deeply cut leaves
• ‘Aurea’ – golden foliage

Honest assessment: Underused tree. If you have a wet spot in your yard where grass drowns every winter, this is your answer. Plus it enriches the soil for free.

Willow (April 15 – May 12)

Traditional meaning: Intuition, dreams, flexibility (literal and metaphorical)

The actual tree: White willow (Salix alba) bark contains salicin, which is where aspirin comes from.[12] Ancient peoples chewed it for pain relief, so the healing association is historical.

Growing it:

• Size: 25m tall × 10m spread
• Zones: 4-9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Moderately fertile, deep
• Water: Loves moisture to wet conditions
• Key features: Grey-brown deeply fissured bark, narrow silvery-grey leaves, flexible branches

⚠️ Warning: Extensive aggressive root systems. Do NOT plant near buildings, septic systems, or underground pipes. Seriously, they’ll find any water source and clog it up.

Varieties:

• ‘Tristis’ – golden weeping willow
• ‘Britzensis’ – bright orange-red winter stems

Honest assessment: Beautiful tree but needs space and the right conditions. Great near ponds or large water features. Small gardens should skip this one.

Hawthorn (May 13 – June 9)

Traditional meaning: Fertility, purification, sacred to fairies

The actual tree: Crataegus monogyna is THE classic British hedgerow plant.[13] The “May blossom” traditionally marked the start of summer. Lone hawthorns were believed to be fairy trees and cutting them down was bad luck.

 

Growing it:

• Size: 6-15m tall × 6m spread
• Zones: 4-8
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Any – literally grows in chalk, clay, sand, whatever
• Water: Once established, drought-tolerant
• Key features: Deeply lobed leaves, sharp thorns, creamy-white fragrant flowers, red haws (berries)
• Wildlife value: Supports 149+ insect species; berries feed thrushes and blackbirds[13]

Varieties:

• ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ – pink double flowers
• ‘Crimson Cloud’ – red flowers with white center

Honest assessment: Probably the toughest British native tree. Great for hedging, wildlife, four-season interest. The thorns are no joke though – wear gloves when pruning.

Oak (June 10 – July 7)

Traditional meaning: Strength, endurance, nobility

The actual tree: English oak (Quercus robur) is THE most common UK tree.[14] The word “druid” possibly comes from dru-wid meaning “oak-knower.”[5] This one genuinely was sacred to Celts – that part’s documented.

Growing it:

• Size: 30-40m tall × 30m+ spread – this is a HUGE tree
• Zones: 5-8
• Light: Full sun to light shade
• Soil: Deep, moist, well-drained, fertile
• Water: Regular when young
• Growth rate: Slow
• Lifespan: 800+ years (seriously)
• Key features: Grey deeply furrowed bark, lobed leaves, acorns on long stalks
• Wildlife value: Supports 400+ insect species – THE keystone species for British wildlife[14]

Note: Trees don’t start producing acorns until 25-30 years old.

Varieties:

• ‘Fastigiata’ – columnar cypress oak (narrower)
• ‘Concordia’ – golden oak

Honest assessment: If you have a large estate and want to leave a legacy for your great-great-grandchildren, plant an oak. If you have a normal suburban yard, admire them in parks instead.

Holly (July 8 – August 4)

Traditional meaning: Protection, luck, resilience

The actual tree: English holly (Ilex aquifolium) is one of the few native British evergreen hardwoods.[15] The red berries in winter made it symbolically important for midwinter celebrations way before Christianity adopted it.

Growing it:

• Size: 10-25m tall × 4-8m spread
• Zones: 6-9
• Light: Full sun, partial shade, OR full shade (unusually versatile)
• Soil: Any well-drained soil
• Water: Regular when young, drought-tolerant after
• Growth rate: Slow
• Lifespan: 300+ years
• Key features: Glossy dark green spiny leaves, bright red berries (on female plants only)

Important: Holly is dioecious – you need BOTH male and female plants for berries. Most nurseries sell them in pairs.

⚠️ Caution: Berries are poisonous to humans. Also considered invasive in Pacific Northwest USA (though not in its native UK).

Varieties:

• ‘J.C. van Tol’ – self-fertile, fewer spines
• ‘Golden King’ – gold-margined leaves (ironically, this one’s female)

Honest assessment: Excellent hedge plant, great for wildlife, looks good year-round. Just accept you’ll get poked when pruning it.

Hazel (August 5 – September 1)

Traditional meaning: Wisdom, creativity, divination

The actual tree: Common hazel (Corylus avellana) nuts were associated with wisdom in Irish mythology. There’s a whole legend about the Salmon of Knowledge eating hazelnuts.[16]

Growing it:

• Size: 5-12m tall × 3-8m spread (usually multi-stemmed shrub)
• Zones: 4-9
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Any moist well-drained soil, loves chalk
• Water: Regular moisture
• Key features: Heart-shaped hairy leaves, long yellow catkins (Jan-Apr), edible hazelnuts
• Can be container grown – good for small gardens

Varieties:

• ‘Contorta’ – corkscrew/Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick
• ‘Red Majestic’ – purple leaves

Nuts: To actually get nuts, you need:

• Cross-pollination (2+ varieties)
• Protection from squirrels (good luck with that)
• Patience (3-4 years until production)

Honest assessment: One of the most practical “Celtic” trees. Can grow it in a reasonable space, get actual food from it, looks good. The squirrel battle is real though.

Vine / Grape (September 2 – September 29)

Traditional meaning: Celebration, ecstasy, wrath (it’s complicated)

The actual tree: Wait, it’s not a tree. Grape (Vitis vinifera) is a climbing vine. Also it’s NOT native to British Isles – Romans introduced it for wine production.[17]

Some scholars think the original “Vine” month might have referred to native brambles/blackberries (Rubus fruticosus) since grapes aren’t Celtic. But Graves used grape, so that’s what stuck.

Growing it:

• Size: 15-30m climbing vine
• Zones: 6-9
• Light: Full sun essential
• Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich, neutral to alkaline
• Water: Regular, consistent
• Support: Needs sturdy trellis, arbor, or fence

Varieties for UK climate:

• ‘Boskoop Glory’ – hardy dessert grape
• ‘Müller-Thurgau’ – white wine grape

Honest assessment: Growing grapes in UK is possible but tricky. You need a south-facing wall and luck with the weather. Or just buy wine like normal people.

Ivy (September 30 – October 27)

Traditional meaning: Resilience, determination, connection

The actual tree: Also not a tree. Common ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen climber native throughout British Isles.[18]

Growing it:

• Size: 20-30m climbing, or indefinite ground cover
• Zones: 5-11
• Light: Part shade to full shade (unusual)
• Soil: Fertile humus-rich soil, but adapts to basically anything
• Water: Regular moisture
• Key features: Evergreen lobed leaves (juvenile) or unlobed (adult), black berries Nov-Jan
• Wildlife value: Critical late-season nectar source, vital winter bird food[18]

⚠️ Caution: Invasive in parts of North America. Berries toxic to humans. Can damage buildings if it gets under siding.

Varieties:

• ‘Glacier’ – white-margined leaves
• ‘Goldchild’ – gold-edged

Honest assessment: Great for wildlife, evergreen coverage in deep shade. Just keep it controlled and away from structures.

Reed (October 28 – November 24)

Traditional meaning: Adaptability, music, hidden depths

The actual “tree”: Common reed (Phragmites australis) isn’t a tree either – it’s the tallest native non-woody plant in UK.[19]

Growing it:

• Size: 2-4m tall, spreads indefinitely via rhizomes
• Zones: 3-10
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Shallow water or wet soil
• Key features: Round hollow stems, large purple panicles becoming grey/feathery
• Wildlife value: Critical habitat for rare birds (bittern, marsh harrier, bearded tit)[19]
• Uses: Premium thatching material (Norfolk reed), water treatment

⚠️ Warning: VERY invasive if not contained. Only plant in dedicated pond/wetland with barriers.

Honest assessment: Unless you have a large pond or wetland area, skip this one. It’s beautiful but too aggressive for most gardens.

Elder / Elderberry (November 25 – December 23)

Traditional meaning: Regeneration, transformation, protection

The actual tree: Elder (Sambucus nigra) was both respected and feared in folklore. Cutting it required asking permission from the Elder Mother spirit. The wood was never burned indoors.[20]

Growing it:

• Size: 6-10m tall × 6m spread
• Zones: 4-8
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moderately fertile, moist
• Water: Regular moisture
• Growth rate: Very fast
• Key features: Pinnate leaves (smell bad when crushed), creamy-white fragrant flower clusters, glossy black berries

Uses:

• Elderflower cordial (pick in June)
• Elderberry wine/jam/syrup (berries MUST be cooked – raw ones mildly toxic)

Varieties:

• ‘Black Lace’ – dark purple cut leaves
• ‘Aurea’ – golden leaves

Honest assessment: One of the best dual-purpose trees – beautiful AND useful. Grows fast, handles neglect, feeds wildlife, gives you ingredients. Basically perfect.

The Modern Interpretations: Personality Traits

Okay so we’ve covered the history and the botany. But part of the appeal is the personality descriptions, right? So here are the modern trait interpretations. Take them as seriously (or not) as you would horoscopes.

Birch (Dec 24 – Jan 20): Fresh starts, pioneering spirit, resilience. Birch people supposedly are good at beginning new projects and adapting to change.

Rowan (Jan 21 – Feb 17): Protective, insightful, humanitarian. Rowan people are said to be passionate about causes and good at seeing the bigger picture.

Ash (Feb 18 – Mar 17): Connections, imagination, free-spirited. Ash people supposedly have rich inner lives and artistic tendencies.

Alder (Mar 18 – Apr 14): Foundation, confidence, trailblazing. Alder people are described as natural leaders who pave the way for others.

Willow (Apr 15 – May 12): Intuitive, creative, patient. Willow people supposedly have strong intuition and lunar connections.

Hawthorn (May 13 – Jun 9): Paradoxical, adaptable, passionate. Hawthorn people are said to be complex with many layers.

Oak (Jun 10 – Jul 7): Strength, nurturing, protective. Oak people supposedly are the “strong ones” others lean on – stable and dependable.

Holly (Jul 8 – Aug 4): Noble, achievers, competitive. Holly people are described as ambitious with high standards.

Hazel (Aug 5 – Sep 1): Wisdom, intelligence, detail-oriented. Hazel people supposedly are good with facts and knowledge.

Vine (Sep 2 – Sep 29): Enthusiastic, changeable, indulgent. Vine people are said to be the life of the party but can overdo it.

Ivy (Sep 30 – Oct 27): Survivor, determined, loyal. Ivy people supposedly are incredibly resilient and hold on through anything.

Reed (Oct 28 – Nov 24): Truth-seeking, powerful, secretive. Reed people are described as having hidden depths and strong intuition.

Elder (Nov 25 – Dec 23): Wisdom, transformation, freedom-loving. Elder people supposedly are old souls who value independence.

Again – this is all modern interpretation, not historical Celtic tradition. Enjoy it if you want, but don’t take it as ancient wisdom.

Actually Planting Your Birth Tree: Practical Advice

 

Alright so you’ve found your tree. Here’s how to not kill it.

Step 1: Make Sure It’ll Actually Work

Before buying anything:

Check your zone: Use the USDA hardiness zone map or UK equivalent. If you’re zone 5, don’t try to grow something rated zone 8.

Measure your space: That cute sapling becomes a 40m oak eventually. Make sure you have room for mature size. Trees too close to buildings cause foundation issues, root damage, and shade problems.

Assess your soil: Clay? Sandy? Alkaline? Acidic? Most trees adapt somewhat but starting with compatible soil helps.

Look at light: “Full sun” means 6+ hours direct sun. “Partial shade” means 3-6 hours. “Full shade” means less than 3. Don’t fudge this – trees planted in wrong light struggle forever.

Consider wildlife: Do you actually want birds eating berries and pooping seeds everywhere? Bees visiting flowers? These are features, not bugs, but know what you’re signing up for.

Step 2: Buy From Reputable Sources

Native tree nurseries are better than big box stores. You’ll get:

• Actually native stock (not overseas cultivars)
• Better quality
• Expert advice
• Proper labeling

Online specialists are fine too. Just check reviews.

Step 3: Timing

Bare-root trees: Plant November through March when dormant. Cheaper and establishes well.

Container-grown: Plant any time except frozen ground or extreme heat. Spring and autumn are easiest.

Step 4: Planting Process

Dig the hole:

• Width: 2-3 times the root ball diameter
• Depth: Same depth as root ball (not deeper!)
• Rough up the sides so roots can penetrate

Prep the tree:

• Soak bare-root trees in water for 2-4 hours
• Remove container carefully
• Tease out circling roots gently

Plant it:

• Set at same depth it grew in container/nursery
• Backfill with original soil (don’t add compost to planting hole)
• Tamp down gently to remove air pockets
• Water thoroughly

Mulch:

• 2-3 inches organic mulch around tree
• Keep mulch 6 inches away from trunk (prevents rot)

Stake if needed:

• Only if very windy site or top-heavy tree
• Remove after one growing season
• Stake low and loose

Step 5: First Year Care

This is critical – most tree deaths happen year one.

Water:

• First month: 2-3 times per week if no rain
• Months 2-12: Once per week if dry
• Deep watering better than frequent shallow

Don’t fertilize: Trees in native soil don’t need it. Fertilizer encourages weak growth.

Don’t prune: Unless removing damage, let it grow naturally first year.

Protect from damage:

• Fencing if deer browse
• Tree guards if rabbits/voles
• Cage if you have dogs

Step 6: Long-Term Care

After first year:

Water: Only during extreme drought once established.

Prune: Late winter when dormant. Remove dead/damaged wood, crossing branches, stuff growing toward center.

Mulch: Refresh annually but keep away from trunk.

Pest problems: Monitor for specific issues (ash dieback, oak processionary moth, etc.). Healthy trees fight off most problems naturally.

What We Still Don’t Know

Some honest gaps in the research:

Which trees were actually most sacred to Celts? Oak, yew, and hazel show up most in sources, but regional variations probably mattered. We just don’t have detailed records.

Did different Celtic groups venerate different trees? Almost certainly yes, but specifics are lost.

What were the actual Druidic practices? Roman writers described some stuff, but Druids transmitted knowledge orally. It died with them.

How were Ogham tree names actually used? We know they existed, but the full context of how they functioned is unclear.

The academic study of Celtic history is ongoing. New archaeological finds still happen. Our understanding keeps improving. The tree zodiac itself might be modern, but the cultural importance of trees to Celtic peoples was absolutely real.

If You Just Want a Native British Tree

Look, maybe you don’t care about birth dates or modern mysticism. Maybe you just want a beautiful native tree that supports wildlife and connects to British/Irish heritage. That’s totally valid.

Best all-around native trees for average gardens:

• Hawthorn – toughest, best wildlife value, fits most spaces
• Rowan – beautiful flowers and berries, reasonable size, cold hardy
• Hazel – produces food, manageable size, works in partial shade
• Elder – fast growing, dual-purpose (wildlife + human use)
• Holly – evergreen, year-round interest, slow but long-lived

Best for large properties:

• Oak – ultimate wildlife tree, legacy planting
• Birch – fast growing, beautiful bark
• Ash – (if disease risk acceptable in your area)

Best for wet sites:

• Alder – THE wet soil specialist
• Willow – beautiful but needs space

Avoid unless you have special conditions:

• Ivy – can damage buildings
• Reed – too invasive for most gardens
• Vine – not native, tricky climate requirements

FAQ

Is the Celtic tree zodiac historically accurate? No. It was created by Robert Graves in 1948. However, the individual trees did have genuine significance in Celtic cultures, just not as a birthday-based zodiac system.

Did Celts actually use a tree calendar? The Coligny Calendar (actual Celtic calendar from 2nd century) was lunisolar with 12 months and made no reference to trees.[8] The tree calendar is a modern invention.

What about the Ogham alphabet and trees? Real thing, but only 5-6 letters were originally tree names.[3] Medieval scribes expanded the tree associations centuries later. It wasn’t a calendar.

Which trees are actually native to Britain and Ireland? All except vine/grape, which Romans introduced. Reed, ivy, and willow aren’t trees but are native. So 12 of 13 are genuinely native plants.

Can I actually grow these trees? Most of them, yes. Oak, ash, and birch need large spaces. Hawthorn, rowan, hazel, and elder work in average gardens. Check zones for your area.

Do the personality descriptions have any basis? None whatsoever. They’re modern invention, similar to newspaper horoscopes. Enjoy them if you want, but they’re not based on anything historical or scientific.

What trees were actually sacred to Druids? Oak is most documented in ancient sources.[5] Yew and ash also appear frequently. But specific practices varied by region and are poorly recorded.

Is this cultural appropriation? That’s complicated. If you have Celtic heritage, you’re connecting with that. If you don’t, you’re engaging with a modern system created by a British poet that’s become part of contemporary neo-pagan practice. Most Celtic revivalism is actually modern interpretation anyway, since so much was lost. Use your judgment.

The Bottom Line

Here’s my take after diving into all the research:

The Celtic tree zodiac as presented online is NOT an ancient Celtic practice. It’s a 1948 creation by Robert Graves that’s become popular through modern neo-paganism and New Age movements.

BUT: The trees themselves ARE genuinely significant to Celtic cultures. Most are native. Many were documented as sacred or important. The connection between Celtic peoples and trees is real – just not in the specific zodiac format.

So if you want to plant your birth tree, go ahead. You’re connecting with:

• A beautiful native species (probably)
• A tree that had genuine cultural significance to Celtic peoples
• A growing tradition that while modern, has meaning for lots of people now
• Something living that’ll outlast you and benefit wildlife

That’s worth doing even if the system itself is newer than your grandparents.

Just don’t tell people it’s ancient when it’s not. Be honest about the history. Then plant the tree, enjoy it, and let it become whatever it means to you personally.

And hey – even if you’re not into the mystical side at all, these are mostly excellent native trees that support wildlife and look beautiful. That’s reason enough to plant them.

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Sources

[1] Laznik, Ž., & Trdan, S. (2018). Irish Traditions: Birthstones, Zodiacs and Celtic Tree Astrology. https://irishtraditionsonline.com/birthstones-zodiacs-and-celtic-tree-astrology/

[2] Brearton, F. (2004). Robert Graves and The White Goddess. Proceedings of the British Academy, 131, 273-301. https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/documents/2018/pba131p273.pdf

[3] McManus, D. (1991). A Guide to Ogam. Maynooth Monographs 4. An Sagart: Maynooth. Available at: https://archive.org/details/guidetoogam0000mcma

[4] Ellis, P. B. (2002). A Brief History of the Druids. Robinson Publishing. Available at: https://archive.org/details/briefhistoryofdr0000elli

[5] Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Sacred grove. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_grove

[6] Irish Myths. (2024). Celtic Sacred Trees: The Role of Trees in Druidic Rituals and Irish Mythology. https://irishmyths.com/2024/06/21/celtic-sacred-trees/

[7] Folklore Thursday. Top 5 Trees in Celtic Mythology, Legend and Folklore. https://folklorethursday.com/legends/top-5-trees-in-celtic-mythology-legend-and-folklore/

[8] Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Ogham. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogham

[9] Deepdale Trees. (2012). Sorbus aucuparia – Rowan or Mountain Ash. https://www.deepdale-trees.co.uk/trees/2012/07-Sorbus-aucuparia.html

[10] Woodland Trust. Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) – British Trees. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/ash/

[11] Woodland Trust. Alder (Alnus glutinosa) – British Trees. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/alder/

[12] Royal Horticultural Society. Salix alba | white willow. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/97712/salix-alba/details

[13] Royal Horticultural Society. Crataegus monogyna | common hawthorn. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/4775/crataegus-monogyna/details

[14] Missouri Botanical Garden. Quercus robur – English Oak. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280706

[15] Woodland Trust. Holly (Ilex aquifolium) – British Trees. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/holly/

[16] Silvotherapy. (2024). The Gaelic Tree Alphabet. https://www.silvotherapy.co.uk/gaelic-tree-alphabet

[17] Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Vitis vinifera. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitis_vinifera

[18] Woodland Trust. Ivy (Hedera helix) – British Wildflowers. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/wild-flowers/ivy/

[19] Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Phragmites. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phragmites

[20] Royal Horticultural Society. Sambucus nigra | common elder. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/16391/sambucus-nigra/details

Additional Research Sources:

Thomas, P. A., et al. (2016). Biological Flora of the British Isles: Fraxinus excelsior. Journal of Ecology, 104, 1158-1209.

Royal Horticultural Society Plant Profiles (various species)

Plants For A Future Database (pfaf.org) – Edibility and medicinal information

Wikipedia – Ogham, Celtic neopaganism, individual tree species

Celtic Studies Resources – Digital Medievalist

British Hardwood Tree Nursery – Growing information

Alba Trees – Native UK tree cultivation

For region-specific growing advice, consult your local native plant society or agricultural extension service.