Celtic Zodiac
​
​
​​
The Celtic Zodiac of the animals is an astrological system based on Celtic tradition that assigns animals and trees to the months of the year. Unlike the Western Greek Zodiac, which is based on stellar constellations, the Celtic Zodiac is based on the cycles of nature and the connection to the earth.
In this system, each month is associated with an animal and a sacred tree. The animals represent different characteristics and energies, while the trees symbolize virtues and qualities.
​
Below is a list of the Celtic Zodiac of the animals. As we can see animals and trees are very important, but there are some signs that do not have animals but has others' myths.​
​​
-
Deer / Beth (Dec 24 – Jan 21) / Birch
-
Dragon / Louis (Jan 22 – Feb 18) / Rowan Tree
-
Mermaid / Nion (Feb 19 – March 18) / Ash
-
Hawk / Fearn (March 19 – April 15) / Alder
-
Sea Serpent / Saille (April 16 – May 14) / Willow
-
Calyx / Uath (May 15 – June 12) / Hawthorn
-
Horse / Duir (June 13 – July 9) / Oak
-
Lion / Tinne (July 10 – August 6) / Holly
-
Salmon / Coll (August 7 – Sept 2) / Hazelnut
-
Swan / Muin (Sept 3 – Sept 30) / Vine
-
Fairy / Gort (Oct 1 – Oct 29) / Ivy
-
White dog / Ngetal (Oct 30 – Nov 27) / Reed
-
Raven / Ruis (Nov 28 – Dec 23) / Elderberry
The Celtic Lunar Year
Delving into the mystical world of Celtic Astrology, we find an ancient system deeply rooted in the natural world and the cycles of life. Originating from the Celtic people who inhabited the British Isles and parts of Western Europe, Celtic Astrology offers a unique perspective on the cosmos and our place within it. Unlike the more widely known Western Astrology, which is based on the movement of the planets around the sun, Celtic Astrology is tied to the cycles of the moon and the sacred trees that were central to the Celts’ spiritual beliefs.
The Celts were a nature-loving civilization, and their astrological system reflects this connection to the earth and its elements. They believed that the trees, in particular, held great wisdom and power, and their lunar calendar was organized around the 13 sacred trees that make up the Celtic Tree Zodiac. Each tree sign is associated with a specific time period, personality traits, and spiritual symbolism, offering guidance and insight into the lives of those born under its influence.
​
The Celtic Tree Zodiac is based on the idea that each person is born under a particular tree sign, which is determined by the time of year they were born. This sign is believed to influence a person’s personality, characteristics, and destiny.
​
The Celtic Tree Zodiac is divided into 13 signs, each of which is associated with a particular tree. These signs are Birch, Rowan, Ash, Alder, Willow, Hawthorn, Oak, Holly, Hazel, Vine, Ivy, Reed, and Elder.
​​
​​
The Celtic Tree Zodiac is an important aspect of Celtic Astrology. It is based on the Celtic Tree Calendar, which is a lunar calendar that divides the year into 13 lunar months, each named after a tree. Each tree is associated with a particular time of the year and has its own meaning and symbolism.
​
The Celtic Tree Zodiac is based on the idea that each person is born under a particular tree sign, which is determined by the time of year they were born. This sign is believed to influence a person’s personality, characteristics, and destiny.
​
The Celtic Tree Zodiac is divided into 13 signs, each of which is associated with a particular tree. These signs are Birch, Rowan, Ash, Alder, Willow, Hawthorn, Oak, Holly, Hazel, Vine, Ivy, Reed, and Elder.
​
- The Birch tree is the first tree of the Celtic Tree Zodiac and is associated with new beginnings and purification. People born under this sign are said to be adventurous, creative, and full of energy.
​
- The Rowan tree is associated with protection and is said to bring good luck. People born under this sign are believed to be sensitive, intuitive, and creative.
​
- The Ash tree is associated with strength and stability. People born under this sign are believed to be ambitious, confident, and natural leaders.
​
- The Alder tree is associated with balance and harmony. People born under this sign are believed to be caring, compassionate, and good listeners.
​
- The Willow tree is associated with intuition and emotion. People born under this sign are believed to be sensitive, empathetic, and artistic.
- The Hawthorn tree is associated with love and protection. People born under this sign are believed to be romantic, loyal, and protective.
- The Oak tree is associated with strength and endurance. People born under this sign are believed to be determined, hardworking, and dependable.
​
- The Holly tree is associated with protection and courage. People born under this sign are believed to be strong-willed, independent, and brave.
​
- The Hazel tree is associated with wisdom and creativity. People born under this sign are believed to be intelligent, curious, and innovative.
- The Vine tree is associated with joy and celebration. People born under this sign are believed to be social, outgoing, and fun-loving.
- The Ivy tree is associated with growth and determination. People born under this sign are believed to be ambitious, determined, and resilient.
​
- The Reed tree is associated with adaptability and flexibility. People born under this sign are believed to be resourceful, versatile, and able to adapt to change.
​
- The Elder tree is associated with transformation and renewal. People born under this sign are believed to be wise, intuitive, and spiritual.
The Celtic Tree Zodiac is an important part of Celtic Astrology and is still used today by many people who are interested in this ancient tradition. Understanding your tree sign can provide insight into your personality, strengths, and weaknesses, and can help you to live a more fulfilling life.
Birch
birth
- the achiever -​
​
If you were born under the energy of the Birch you can be highly driven, and often motivate others they become easily caught in your zeal, drive and ambition. You are always reaching for more, seeking better horizons and obtaining higher aspirations. The Druids attributed this to your time of birth, which is a time of year shrouded by darkness, so consequently you are always stretching out to find the light. Birch signs (just like the tree) are tolerant, tough, and resilient. You are cool-headed and are natural-born rulers, often taking command when a situation calls for leadership. When in touch with your softer side, you also bring beauty in otherwise barren spaces, brightening up a room with you guile, and charming crowds with you quick wit. Celtic tree astrology Birch signs are compatible with Vine signs and Willow signs.​​
​​​​​​animal
golden eagle, white stag​​​​​​
gemstone
rock crystal
​​
​
​
​
​
December 24 – January 20
Rowan
attraction
- the thinker -​
​
Celtic tree astrology recognizes Rowan signs as the philosophical minds within the zodiac. If you were born under the Rowan energy, you are likely a keen-minded visionary, with high ideals. Your thoughts are original and creative, so much so, that other’s often misunderstand from where you are coming. This sometimes makes you aloof when interacting with others as you feel they wouldn’t understand where you are coming from anyway. Nevertheless, although you may appear to have a cool exterior, you are burning within from your passionate ideals. This inner passion provides inner motivation for you as you make your way through life. You have a natural ability to transform situations and people around you by your mere presence. You are highly influential in a quiet way and others look to you for your unique perspectives. Rowan pairs well with Ivy and Hawthorn signs.
​
​
​animal
crane, green dragon
​​​​
gemstone
peridot​
​
​
January 21 – February 17
influence
- the enchanter -​
​
Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Ash are free thinkers. Imaginative, intuitive, and naturally artistic, you see the world in water-color purity. You have a tendency to moody and withdrawn at times, but that’s only because your inner landscape is in constant motion. You are in touch with your muse, and you are easily inspired by nature. Likewise, you inspire all that you associate with and people seek you out for your enchanting personality. Art, writing (especially poetry), science, and theology (spiritual matters) are areas that strongly interest you. Others may think you are reclusive, but in all honesty, you are simply immersed in your own world of fantastic vision and design. You are in a constant state of self-renewal and you rarely place a value on what others think about you. Ash signs partner well with Willow and Reed signs.​
​animal
seal, seahorse, seagul
​​
gemstone
coral​
​
​​​​​
​
February 18 – March 17
a challenge
- the trialblazer -
​
If you are an Alder sign within the Celtic tree astrology system, you are a natural-born pathfinder. You’re a mover and a shaker, and will blaze a trail with fiery passion often gaining loyal followers to your cause. You are charming, gregarious and mingle easily with a broad mix of personalities. In other words, Alder signs get along with everybody and everybody loves to hang around with you. This might be because Alder’s are easily confident and have a strong self-faith. This self-assurances is infectious and other people recognize this quality in you instantly. Alder Celtic tree astrology signs are very focused and dislike waste. Consequently, they can see through superficialities and will not tolerate fluff. Alder people place high value on their time, and feel that wasting time is insufferable. They are motivated by action and results. Alder’s pair well with Hawthorns, Oaks or even Birch signs.​
animal
bear, fox, hawk
​
gemstone
ruby​
​
​​​​​
​
March 18 – April 14
wisdom
- the observer - ​
​
If you are a Willow sign, you are ruled by the moon, and so your personality holds hands with many of the mystical aspects of the lunar realm. This means you are highly creative, intuitive (highly psychic people are born under the sign of the Willow) and intelligent. You have a keen understanding of cycles, and you inherently know that every situation has a season. This gives you a realistic perspective of things, and also causes you to be morepatient than most tree signs. With your intelligence comes a natural ability to retain knowledge and you often impress your company with the ability to expound on subjects from memory. Willow Celtic tree astrology signs are bursting with potential, but have a tendency to hold themselves back for fear of appearing flamboyant or overindulgent. It is your powers of perception that ultimately allow your true nature to shine, and what leads you to success in life. Willow signs join well with the Birch and the Ivy.
​​
​animal
adder, hare, sea serpent
​
​
gemstone
moonstone
​
​​
​
​
​
April 15 – May 12​
transformation
- the illusionist -​
​
Hawthorn signs in Celtic tree astrology are not at all what they appear to be. Outwardly, they appear to be a certain persona, while on the inside Hawthorn’s are quite different. They put the term “never judge a book by its cover” to the test. They live seemingly average lives while on the inside they carry fiery passions and inexhaustible creative flame. They are well adjusted and can adapt to most life situations well – making themselves content and comforting others at the same time. You are naturally curious, and have an interest in a broad range of topics. You are an excellent listener, and people seek you out as an outlet to release their burdens. You have a healthy sense of humor, and have a clear understanding of irony. You tend to see the big picture, and have amazing insight – although you typically won’t give yourself enough credit for your observations. Hawthorn signs match up nicely with Ash and Rowan’s.​
animal
bee owl
​
​
gemstone
topaz
​
​​
​
May 13 – June 9
strength
- the stabilizer -
​
Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Oak have a special gift of strength. They are protective people and often become a champion for those who do not have a voice. In other words, the Oak is the crusader and the spokesperson for the underdog. Nurturing, generous and helpful, you are a gentle giant among the Celtic zodiac signs. You exude an easy confidence and naturally assume everything will work out to a positive outcome. You have a deep respect for history and ancestry, and many people with this sign become teachers. You love to impart your knowledge of the past to others. Oak signs have a need for structure, and will often go to great lengths to gain the feeling of control in their lives. Healthy Oak signs live long, full, happy lives and enjoy large family settings and are likely to be involved with large social/community networks. Oak signs pair off well with the Ash and Reed, and are known to harmoniously join with Ivy signs too.​
​
​
animal
wren, otter, white horse
​
gemstone
diamond
​
​
​​​​
June 10 – July 7​
Holly
permanence
- the ruler -
​
Among the Celtic tree astrology signs the Holly is one of regal status. Noble, and high-minded, those born during the Holly era easily take on positions of leadership and power. If you are a Holly sign you take on challenges easily, and you overcome obstacles with rare skill and tact. When you encounter setbacks, you simply redouble your efforts and remain ever vigilant to obtain your end goals. Very seldom are you defeated. This is why many people look up to you and follow you as their leader. You are competitive and ambitious even in the most casual settings. You can appear to be arrogant but in actuality you’re just very confident in your abilities. Truth be known, you are quite generous, kind and affectionate (once people get to know you). Highly intelligent, you skate through academics where others may struggle. Because many things come to you so easily, you may have a tendency to rest on your laurels. In other words, if not kept active, you may slip into an unhealthy and lazy lifestyle. Holly signs may look to Ash and Elder signs for balance and partnership.
​
​
animal
cat, unicorn​
​
gemstone
carnelian​
​
​
​
​
​
​
July 8 – August 4
perceptive
- the knower -​
​
If you are born under the energy of the Hazel, you are highly intelligent, organized and efficient. Like the Holly, you are naturally gifted in academia, and excel in the classroom. You also have the ability to retain information and can recall, recite and expound on subjects you’ve memorized with amazing accuracy. You know your facts, and you are always well informed. This sometimes makes you appear like a know-it-all to others, but you can’t help that; you’re genuinely smart and usually know the right course of action because of your impressive knowledge base. You have an eye for detail, and like things to be “just so.” Sometimes this need for order and control can lead to compulsive behaviors if left unchecked. You have a knack for numbers, science and things that utilize your analytical skills. You like rules, although you are typically making them rather than playing by them. The Celtic tree astrology sign of Hazel joins harmoniously with Hawthorn and Rowan’s.
​
​
animal
crane, salmon
​​
gemstone
amethyst
​
​​
​
August 5 – September 1
Vine
discernment
- the equalizer -​
​
Vine signs are born within the autumnal equinox, which makes your personality changeable and unpredictable. You can be full of contradictions, and are often indecisive. But this is because you can see both sides of the story, and empathize with each equally. It is hard for you to pick sides because you can see the good points on each end. There are, however, areas in your life that you are quite sure about. These include the finer things of life like food, wine, music, and art. You have very distinctive taste, and are a connoisseur of refinement. Luxury agrees with you, and under good conditions you have a Midas touch for turning drab into dramatic beauty. You are charming, elegant, and maintain a level of class that wins you esteem from a large fan base. Indeed, you often find yourself in public places where others can admire your classic style and poise. Vine signs pair well with Willow and Hazel signs.
​
​
animal
lizard, hound, white swan
​
​
gemstone
emerald
​
​​​
​
​​
​
September 2 – September 29
perseverance
- the survivor -
​
Among other cherished qualities of the Ivy Celtic tree astrology sign, most prized is your ability to overcome all odds. You have a sharp intellect, but more obvious is your compassion and loyalty to others. You have a giving nature, and are always there to lend a helping hand. You are born at a time of the waning sun so life can be difficult for you at times. This sometimes seems unfair because it appears that obstacles are coming at with no prompting on your part. Nevertheless, you endure troubling times with silent perseverance and soulful grace. Indeed, Ivy signs have a tendency to be deeply spiritual and cling to a deep-rooted faith that typically sees them trough adversity. You are soft spoken, but have a keen wit about you. You are charming, charismatic, and can effectively hold your own in most social settings. Ivy signs are attracted to the Celtic tree astrology sign of Oak and Ash signs.
​
​
animal
boar, butterfly, goose
​
gemstone
opal
​
​
​​
​
September 30 – October 27
leadership
- the inquisitor -​
​
Reed signs among the Celtic tree astrology signs are the secret keepers. You dig deep inside to the real meaning of things and discover the truth hidden beneath layers of distraction. When there is a need to get to the heart of the matter, most certainly the Reed sign will find the core. You love a good story, and can be easily drawn in by gossip, scandals, legend and lore. These tendencies also make you an excellent historian, journalist, detective or archaeologist. You love people because they represent a diversity of meanings for you to interpret. You are adept at coaxing people to talking to you, and sometimes you can be a bit manipulative. However, you have a strong sense of truth and honor so most of your scheming is harmless. Reed people join well with other Reeds, Ash or Oak signs.
​​
animal
hound, owl
​
​
gemstone
jasper​
​
​
​
​
October 28 – November 24
protection
- the seeker -​
​
Elder archetypes among Celtic tree astrology tend to be freedom-loving, and sometimes appear to be a bit wild to the other signs of the zodiac. In younger years you may have lived life in the fast lane, often identified as a “thrill seeker.” At the time of your birth the light of the sun was fast fleeting and so you take the same cue from nature. You are often misjudged as an outsider as you have a tendency to be withdrawn in spite of your extroverted nature. In actuality, you are deeply thoughtful with philosophical bent. You also tend to be very considerate of others and genuinely strive to be helpful. These acts of assistance are sometimes thwarted by your brutal honestly (which you openly share solicited or otherwise). Elder Celtic tree astrology signs fit well with Alder’s and Holly’s.
​
​
animal
badger, black horse, raven
​
gemstone
jet​
​
​
​
November 25 – December 23
Sacred Festivals in Celtic Culture
​
The Celtic culture is rich in traditions and beliefs, and one of the most important aspects of their spiritual practices were the sacred festivals. These festivals were celebrated throughout the year, marking important moments in the cycle of nature and the seasons. In Celtic astrology, the festivals are closely connected to the zodiac signs and the symbolism of the Celtic tree calendar.
​
The festivals were celebrated with great reverence and were an integral part of the Celtic way of life. They were a time for feasting, storytelling, and honoring the gods and goddesses of the Celtic pantheon. Many of these festivals have been adapted and incorporated into modern Pagan practices, and are still celebrated today.
​
Here are some of the most important sacred festivals in Celtic culture:
Samhain is the most well-known of the Celtic festivals, and is celebrated on October 31st. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark half of the year. It is believed that on this night, the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is thinnest, and the spirits of the ancestors can be honored and communicated with. It is a time for divination and introspection, and is often associated with the zodiac sign of Scorpio.
​
Imbolc is celebrated on February 1st, and marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It is a time for purification and renewal, and is associated with the goddess Brigid. It is a time for lighting candles and fires, and for making offerings to the goddess. It is often associated with the zodiac sign of Aquarius.
​
Beltane is celebrated on May 1st, and marks the beginning of the summer season. It is a time for celebrating fertility and the abundance of nature. It is associated with the god Belenus and the goddess Flora. It is a time for dancing around the maypole and for making offerings to the gods and goddesses of fertility. It is often associated with the zodiac sign of Taurus.
​
Lughnasadh is celebrated on August 1st, and marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time for giving thanks for the abundance of the earth, and for honoring the god Lugh. It is a time for feasting and making offerings to the gods and goddesses of the harvest. It is often associated with the zodiac sign of Leo.
​
The winter solstice, celebrated on December 21st, is the shortest day of the year and marks the beginning of the return of the sun. It is a time for celebrating the rebirth of the sun and the return of light to the world. It is associated with the god Apollo and the goddess Cailleach. It is often associated with the zodiac sign of Capricorn.
​
The summer solstice, celebrated on June 21st, is the longest day of the year and marks the peak of the summer season. It is a time for celebrating the power of the sun and the abundance of nature. It is associated with the god Lugh and the goddess Aine. It is often associated with the zodiac sign of Cancer.
​
The spring equinox, celebrated on March 20th, marks the balance between the darkness of winter and the light of spring. It is a time for celebrating new beginnings and the renewal of life. It is associated with the god Eostre and the goddess Ostara. It is often associated with the zodiac sign of Aries.
​
The autumn equinox, celebrated on September 22nd, marks the balance between the light of summer and the darkness of winter. It is a time for giving thanks for the abundance of the earth and for preparing for the coming winter. It is associated with the god Mabon and the goddess Modron. It is often associated with the zodiac sign of Libra.
​
-
Samhain: The Celtic New Year
-
Imbolc: The Festival of Light
-
Beltane: The Celebration of Fertility
-
Lughnasadh: The Festival of Harvest
-
The Winter Solstice: The Rebirth of the Sun
-
The Summer Solstice: The Celebration of Light
-
The Spring Equinox: The Balance of Night and Day
-
The Autumn Equinox: The Season of Gratitude
References and More Resources
​
Celtic Zodiac
The Celtic zodiac is based on the cycle of the moon with the year divided into 13 lunar months, each associated with a tree considered to be sacred.
Celtic Astrology | CrystalWind.ca
​
Celtic Astrology: The Lunar Calendar and the Sacred Festivals
Steeped in mysticism and ancient wisdom, the Celtic Lunar Calendar is a fascinating aspect of Celtic Astrology. This unique calendar, based on the cycles of the moon, played a significant role in the lives of the Celts, who were deeply connected to the natural world and its rhythms. The Celtic Lunar Calendar consists of 13 months, each corresponding to a specific tree and its associated zodiac sign. The calendar begins with the month of Birch, which starts on December 24th, and ends with the month of Elder, which concludes on December 23rd.
Celtic Astrology: The Lunar Calendar and the Sacred Festivals - Knowledge Voyager
​
Astrology: Celtic Symbols and Irish Astrology
Irish Astrology, also referred to as Celtic Tree Astrology, is the astrological system practiced by the ancient Irish. It is based on a Druid symbol system and not on any of the traditional systems such as Western, Chinese or Vedic astrologies.
Astrology: Celtic Symbols and Irish Astrology – Apanache
​​
Celtic Zodiac of the Animals. Meet his 13 Mistical Signs
Each animal and tree of the Celtic Zodiac has its own symbolism and associated meaning. People born under certain animals are believed to have specific characteristics and traits related to that animal.
â–· Celtic Zodiac of the Animals. Meet his 13 Mistical Signs
​