CELTIC TREE ASTROLOGY
MUIN/VINE - September 2 - September 29
Characteristics
The Vine Tree - Vine people have an oddly dual personality. One minute they can be joyful and exuberant and the next minute be in tears. Their emotions run on high and yet they appear cool as a cucumber when in the face of danger or opposition. They are instinctive organizers and are drawn to public service careers. Vine people are kind, gentle and creative and good socializers. They do however lean towards overindulgence at times. They require a great deal of mental and emotional security to feel content. They are simple people and usually not highly ambitious in their pursuits. Their most important lesson is to learn to balance both sides of life, the sowing and the reaping. They are passionate lovers but their dual nature often makes marriage difficult to sustain. They have an earthy quality that some people find extremely attractive while others will find them aloof. They are refined people with a good sense of humr as long as it isnt too coarse. They are easily hurt by lack of consideration from others.
Flower
Valerian
The valerian is often referred to in modern times as an "herbal valium." Its name derives from the Latin valere which means "to be well." Extracts from the root system of the Valerian have been used for centuries in order to help people relax and get to sleep. Traditionally, extracts from the root have been used as a sedative to aid in the relief of insomnia, anxiety and some types of pain and nervous conditions. In the Middle Ages, Valerian root was used as a spice and even as a perfume, in addition to being a medicine, and during the Second World War, shell-shock and "bombing neurosis" were treated with Valerian.
Gemstone
Emerald
One of the most expensive jewels, the Emerald is, in some instances, more valued than the Diamond, with the highest quality stones being a transparent grass-green. The first Emeralds came from the Egyptian desert near the Red Sea and it is believed that Cleopatra made gifts of this gem to her favorite ambassadors...while Julius Caesar collected Emeralds for their great curative powers. Legend states that if an Emerald is given by one lover to another, it will pale and grow dull when the love between them fades.
Animal
The White Swan - A symbol of grace and beauty, representing the radiant divinity of the Gods who were believed to retreat to their underground citadels during the Autumn Equinox. The White Swan is also associated with the White Ghost or the White Phantom known as Gwenhwyvar. To the Celts, the Autumn Equinox was a time when the light eventually relinquished its hold to the darkness, representative of balance between the mundane and the supernatural...the mortal and the immortal. A mystical bird who figures in several Celtic folktales, the feathers of Swans were often used in the ritual cloaks of the Bards. Connected chiefly with music and song, the Swan also aided in the interpretation of dream symbols, transitions and spiritual evolution.
The Hound - Always held in high esteem as a friend and protector, this loyal animal which offers guidance, is also known as the "Fearsome Battle Hound" and features in many Celtic myths. The Ogham poem "Cad Goddeu" was said to have been recorded in part by the Whelp, a name which refers to the Dog or Hound. The UnderWorld Hounds, such as the Welsh Cwn Annwn which belonged to Arawn, were always portrayed as being white with red ears. It was the job of the UnderWorld Hounds to run down and punish the guilty. In general, Hounds were representative of tracking skills, the ability to scent a trail and companionship.
Polarity: Androgynous
Color: Variegated or Multi-Hued
Class: Chieftain
Planet: Venus
Letter Character: "M"
Ogham Association: Muin
Deity
Branwen
The Vine deity is Branwen, also known as "Fair Bosom," sister of Bran the Blessed and wife of the Irish King Mathowch. Branwen was the daughter of Llyr, Lord of the Sea and literary ancestor of Shakespeare's King Lear. Otherwise called "Venus of the Northern Seas," Branwen was one of the three matriarchs of Britain and the Welsh Goddess of Love, Sexuality and the Sea. Not surprisingly, she is often equated with the Greek Goddess Aphrodite.
Famous Vines
Tolstoy, Queen Elizabeth I, Greta Garbo, Adam Sandler, Will Smith, Stephen King, Gwyneth Paltrow, Heather Locklear
