Ogam: The Celtic Oracle of the Trees: Understanding, Casting, and Interpreting the Ancient Druidic Alphabet [Paperback]

Paul Rhys Mountfort (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2002

A comprehensive and practical guide to the ancient oracle based on the alphabet of the Druids.

• Describes the symbolism and mythology of the 20 "tree letters" and their magical correspondences.

• Includes instructions on how to make your own Ogam divination sticks, cast the oracle, and perceive omens.

• Provides historical background and bibliographic references to the Druidic mythology ruling this 1,500-year-old oracle.

The ancient Ogam alphabet is a magical and mysterious script, the Celtic equivalent of the runes that can teach us about our fate and future. Named after woodland trees, Ogam's 20 "tree letters" all have unique wisdom to impart that is linked to figures and themes from Celtic mythology.

The author addresses three major areas in this book: Ogamlore, the history of this 1500-year-old oracle of the Celtic Druids; Ogamfews, the meaning of the individual tree letters, their magic, characteristics, folklore, and related stories; and Ogamcasting, the practical art of Ogam divination, which includes spreads, castings, and how to create your own Ogam set. With these tools of ancient Celtic wisdom, readers will receive insights and guidance on how to maneuver through life's questions and challenges. 

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Gardeners will revel in the rich folklore surrounding these plants. The author explains the origins of the Ogam tree alphabet and the letters associated with each of the plants known by the Druids." (
BellaOnline, March 2009 )

About the Author

Paul Rhys Mountfort is a writer, researcher, and workshop leader specializing in oracles and the Celtic and Norse traditions. He is currently completing his doctoral dissertation, Oracle-texts: The Western Tradition. Active in the Wiccan and Celtic pagan community, he lives with his partner and son on Waiheke Island, in the Hauraki Gulf of Auckland, New Zealand. 

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Destiny Books; 2nd Printing edition (August 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892819197
• ISBN-13: 978-0892819195
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #671,766 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #66 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Druidism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A well rounded complete look at Ogam, January 4, 2003

By 

M. H. Kiss (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ogam: The Celtic Oracle of the Trees: Understanding, Casting, and Interpreting the Ancient Druidic Alphabet (Paperback)

I give this book 5 stars because in my mind it is the most well rounded book on Ogam and Ogam divination available today.

Mr. Mountfort puts forth a scholarly study of Ogam including history of, his interpretation of, making of, and casting of Ogams.

What struck me the most about this book was his painstaking effort to link for us the individual meanings to thier corresponding myths. Along with this he also at no time gets bogged down in the dogma of right and wrong when it comes to interpretations and makes it clear that the study of Ogam is an ongoing evolution and today's reality may very likely change as time progresses. What is important is that IT WORKS!

Lastly, he takes us through the recent revival of Ogam and gives us his views on modern publications pertaining to Ogam.

All in all, an interesting informative read.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good and well researched, September 29, 2006

By 

Siobhan Olaoghaire Sannes "Art Does Not Apolo... (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ogam: The Celtic Oracle of the Trees: Understanding, Casting, and Interpreting the Ancient Druidic Alphabet (Paperback)

This is the most accessible and available of the few ogham (or ogam) books out there. It is luckily very good and well researched. Working through this book will put you on the path of mastery of this tool. It includes in depth interpretations and a number of useful spreads.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Excellent Intro to Ogam!, September 1, 2006

By 

BibliophilePagan (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ogam: The Celtic Oracle of the Trees: Understanding, Casting, and Interpreting the Ancient Druidic Alphabet (Paperback)

I went into this book knowing very little about the Ogam alphabet- just some simple associations with each letter from other books I've read that mentioned it in passing. But the Pgam is explored thoroughly and in-depth in this book- it definitely inspired me to start making my own set and using it as a divination tool! The books begins with a section explaining some of the history and mythology of the Ogam alphabet, citing a variety of sources for the best coverage. The author then goes on to describe each few, which is the best part! The fews are described in terms of word ogams, mythology, botany of the associated tree, and more. The last section directs you into a practical use of the wealth of knowledge the author provided. I would heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in the Ogam, beginner or experienced! Great read!