Celtic Tree Alphabets - 2nd Edition by Nigel Pennick (Paperback)

About the Book

"Originally published in the United Kingdom in 2000 by Capall Bann under the title Ogham and Coelbren: Mystic Signs and Symbols of the Celtic Druids."

Book Synopsis

A guide to the ancient wisdom of the Ogham and Coelbren symbols as well as Celtic tree lore

- Provides a full explanation for each character of the Celtic tree alphabets and their historic variants, including each symbol's corresponding trees, colors, birds, cryptic codes, and esoteric inner meanings

- Explores the use of Celtic tree alphabets in spiritual invocation, divination, and symbolic art as well as the practice of Ogham cryptography

- Explains how, like Norse Runes, each Ogham character is a meditative symbol in its own right and offers the possibility of deep psychic transformation

Emanating from the spiritual traditions of Celtic antiquity, Ogham is best known as a "tree alphabet." It is a symbolic system that encapsulates the archaic skills and wisdom of ancient Ireland and Britain and is important in contemporary Druidry. Studying the Oghams enables us to engage with ancient ways of thinking and gain access to the elemental powers that speak to the inner nature of our being, the wildwood in our hearts.

Presenting a wide-ranging exploration of the Ogham tree alphabet, Nigel Pennick explores the traditional lore of the Celtic trees and their relationship to ancient, mythic beings from whom their understanding was legendarily derived. Each Ogham character is a meditative symbol in its own right, embodying a creative power available to all. Pennick provides a full explanation for each of the Ogham letters along with correspondences from historic Irish sources and considers their use in ciphers, spiritual invocation, divination, and symbolic art. He also discusses ceremonies that assist in reconnecting us with nature and the wilderness, including "Maying" and greenwood marriages and the use of colors and magical binding-knots in the Celtic tradition. Also included is a chapter on the little-known Coelbren y Beirdd, a cryptic system devised for the use of Bards and Druids.

This handbook for learning Ogham and Coelbren offers a comprehensive understanding of the ancient Celtic worldview, allowing you to apply their wisdom in modern life.

Review Quotes

"I have no critiques of Celtic Tree Alphabets and would recommend this book to anyone looking to learn the Ogham, anyone interested in Celtic spirituality, and anyone pursuing a Druid path. Because of this, I give Celtic Tree Alphabets: Mystic Signs and Symbols of Ogham and Coelbren a 5 out of 5. It's an amazing book and I believe there are many people out there who would benefit from reading it."-- "The Modern Merlin, PaganPages.org"

"Celtic Tree Alphabets delves into the Ogham through a fascinating exploration of Irish history and mythology, drawing from authentic historical texts. Nigel Pennick skillfully navigates the origins of the Ogham, delving into the deities of the sacred forest, Celtic tree lore, and Welsh Bardic scripts. Additionally, he examines Coelbren, the Welsh 'Bardic alphabet' attributed to Bard Iolo Morganwg. In his latest work, Pennick makes complex knowledge accessible and engaging, offering readers a wealth of information to explore."-- "June Kent, editor of Indie Shaman magazine"

"Another well-researched and capably written volume from Nigel Pennick's busy pen, Celtic Tree Alphabets does a fine job of communicating the history and lore of the Irish Ogham and Welsh Coelbren scripts. Highly recommended to anyone interested in Celtic traditions."-- "John Michael Greer, author of Coelbren: Traditions, Divination Lore, and Magic of the Welsh Bardic A"

"Nigel Pennick's latest study of the history and symbolic meaning of the Irish Ogham alphabet and the Welsh Coelbren is the result of years of research and spiritual practice. The elemental powers of the associated trees, birds, and colors described by the author establish connections between the inner world of the soul and the forces of nature. This work on Celtic spirituality has the potential to open many doors for the reader."-- "Patrick McFadzean, author of Vastu Vidya: Studies in Indian Geomancy"

"Nigel's clear understanding of the Gaelic Ogham and British Coelbren, complete with his wonderful illustrations, makes this book a deep delight for everyone exploring the Celtic realms."-- "Caitlín Matthews, coauthor of The Lost Book of the Grail"

"This book is a treasure trove of detail on Celtic scripts sourced directly from original texts. Systematically presented, it is enriched with tales of folklore practices and archival discoveries that debunk popular myths. Beautifully illustrated with original artwork by the author."-- "Prudence Jones, coauthor of A History of Pagan Europe"

About the Author

Nigel Pennick is an authority on ancient belief systems, traditions, runes, and geomancy and has traveled and lectured extensively in Europe and the United States. He is the author and illustrator of more than 60 books, including The Pagan Book of Days, and is an accomplished traditional musician and craftsman. He lives near Cambridge, England.