Ogham name: Ngetal
Full moon: 19th November
Planetary ruler: Pluto
Deity: Pwyll
Druidic animal: Hound
The Druids believed that the reed was a tree because of its dense root system. Cut
reeds were used as pens and in wind instruments and so symbolised wisdom and scholarship.
There is actually very little known about the energy of the reed, perhaps because
it encourages us to keep secrets. It grows strongly from water and as such has long
standing connections with the other realm and with the Fae. The Celts believed that
water was the doorway to the underworld, that it's reflective surface would reveal
glimpses of the other realm to anyone who knew how to look for them. The reed appeared
to grow from the water, and so was always reflected. This lead to the plant being
used to make tools such as pens and paper, and musical instruments. Tools connected
with bard-ship and scholarly learning, as it was believed that these abilities were
given to a chosen few as gifts by the Gods. Reeds were also used widely in basketry
and according to Welsh legend the bard Taliesin was found as a baby floating in a
reed basket. The reed moon reminds us to keep secret that which has been done to
change the pattern of the web. To remain silent and just trust that things will work
out in the pattern they have been woven.
