Flower

Coltsfoot

The name of the Coltsfoot is derived from Farfarus, an ancient name of the White Poplar, the leaves of which bear some resemblance in form and color to those of the plant. The tufts of silky hairs which adorn the seeds of the Coltsfoot are often used by Goldfinches to line their nests and legend states that in former days, this material was often employed by the Highlanders to stuff mattresses and pillows.

Gemstone

Diamond

This is also known as the "King of Crystals" and "Stone of Invulnerability." It represents strength, virtue, bravery and insight, bringing these fine attributes to its wearers. It is the symbol of purity and innocence and is considered luckiest when worn on the left side of the body.

Animal

White Horse - A popular totem animal of the Celts, the Horse was considered to be a faithful guide to the Otherworld. It symbolized stamina, endurance and faithfulness and was sacred to the Goddess Epona. Even today, the White Horse is regarded as sacred and protected by gleaming brasses which ward off the "evil eye." In Scotland, Kelpies would transform themselves into Horses in order to lure the traveler into their realm. Although predominantly connected with Goddess figures, the Horse is also a solar creature which suggests the finding of balance between the male and female. Both the Oak and the Holly were symbolic of the Summer Solstice when the White Horse of the Oak became the Unicorn of the Holly in transformation.

The Wren - Celtic King of the Birds, the Wren symbolized wit and sublety. Sacred to the Druids, the musical notes of the cunning Wren were used for divination. As with many other birds, the Wren was considered to be a messenger from the deities. Legend states that the Wren once competed with the other birds for supremacy and answered the challenge of the Eagle to race toward the Sun. When the Eagle could fly no higher, the Wren, which has been nestling within the Eagle's feathers jumped upon the back of the Eagle and flew a few inches higher prior to proclaiming himself King of the Birds, and thus humiliating the Eagle. The Wren fell under the particular protection of Taranis, Celtic God of Thunder.

Polarity: Masculine

Color: Black or Dark Brown

Class: Chieftain

Planet: Jupiter

Letter Character: "D"

Ogham Association: Duir

Deity

Dagda, The Oak deity is Dagda, the Father of All Gods, also known as the "Good God" and the Irish Lord of the Land. Ancient with grey hair, Dagda was grounded and simple in every way. He is usually depicted as wearing a brown, low-necked tunic, a short hooded cloak and horse-hide boots with the hairy side outward. Dagda possessed a cauldron known as the "Undry," which came from Murias...one of the four mythical cities of the Tuatha De Danaan...and which provided food to all according to the merits of the individual. According to legend, nobody ever left the "Undry" unsatisfied. Believed to be very fond of porridge, the Dagda was said to consume large bowls of it. As "Lord of the Land," the Dagda was a valiant defender who performed great deeds in the battle between his family, the Tuatha and the Fomors...native Gods of Ireland. He was said pull after him a giant wheel on which rested his eight-pronged war club...a weapon so huge that it would take eight mortal men to lift, while the wheel itself would leave a deep furrow in the ground. During times of peace, the Dagda would play his living harp, also known as the "Oak of the Two Cities" or "Hand of Fourfold Music." As he played, the music would cause the seasons to process in order...Spring to Summer...Summer to Autumn...Autumn to Winter...and Winter again to Spring. The wife of the Dagda was Boann, Goddess of the River Boyne, and their son, Angus mac Og, was the Irish God of Love. Eventually driven underground following the conquest of Ireland by mortal humanity, the Dagda became the new King of the Tuatha De Danaan. His final resting place is said to be a small barrow near the River Boyne. This barrow has never been excavated.

Famous Oaks

Tim Allen, Courtney Cox, Tom Cruise, Helen Hunt and Princess Diana