28 October - 24 November
In the Irish Tree Lore calendar, the month from the 28th October – 24th November is represented by the Reed. The Reed was a plant highly regarded in ancient times. It was seen as a protector, (used in thatching) and as an implement of death as it was also used in the making of weapons. Growing by rivers and marshy places, it’s long roots which grew beneath the water, were viewed as delving into the Otherworld. Therefore, it is fitting that this is associated with this period in which the festival of Samhain occurs (now commonly known as Halloween). This was a time when the veil between this life and the next, became transparent and spirits could walk the earth. Indeed, in the Irish language, Samhain is the name given to the month of November. Here we see the fires of the festival alight on the hills while the departed make their way on the road, possibly to the thatched house where a place at the table may have been set to welcome the dead of loved ones. In the water we see the shadows of those before, a homage to the “Bog men” of Ireland, those who died in ancient times and preserved in many Irish bogs. The Ogham (ancient Irish writing) for Reed is three diagonal lines from upper left down to the right.
Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna