It's hard to believe but the month of August has crept upon us with lightening speed!
August is the eighth month of the current Gregorian calendar and the third month of Summer's rule. It has derived its name from Augustus (Augustus Caesar).
The traditional birthstone amulets of August are the peridot and the sardonyx; and the gladiolus and the poppy are the month's traditional flowers.
August is shared by the astrological signs of Leo the Lion and Virgo the Virgin, and August 5th continuing through September 1 is the Celtic month of the Hazel tree. The Hazel is considered a tree of knowledge especially in Ireland. The nuts from the Hazel are considered to be a symbol of great mystical wisdom and there are 15 different species of the Hazel tree. The fruit beared from it is the filbert nut or hazel nut as it is more commonly known. To fell this tree was considered a crime and was punished by death. Bearing close affinity to the element of water, the Hazel twigs were favored by water-diviners and it was believed that the mushrooms that grew on this tree could help a person recover lost items.
If you are born under this sign, you are wise and have the ability to communicate ideas, making you capable of transforming the thoughts and opinions of others. Hazels are rational and organized people. They tend to be cool and reserved though may become paranoid and suffer headaches if their mental energies are not properly channeled. Hazels are loving but often overindulgent with spouses and children.
The Hazel person can be of two distinct types, and it is as such with every tree in the zodiac: a first type called "the new moon", related to the first two weeks of the sign, and "the full moon" that goes to the last two weeks of the sign.
The "new moon" individuals embark themselves in a quest to seek out knowledge. Their inquisitive natures can, however, turn them into impertinent and deceitful characters.
The "full moons" are more communicative and cordial in their temperament. They have a tendency to become public figures or teach arts to people. A "full moon" Hazel has a strong sense of honesty, but may become a bit too critical in attitude. If Hazels do not express their creativity, they can become irritable and moody.
The lucky gemstone of those born under this sign is the Amethyst, its colors ranging from pale lilac to deep purple. This gem is the symbol of sincerity and peace of mind and is said to improve memory, provide immunity to poison and, if placed under a pillow, assures good dreams. For the Amethyst to work at its best, it should be set in gold or silver jewelry.
9th Moon of the Celtic Year - (Aug 5 - Sept 1) Latin name: European hazel - corylus avellana; American Filbert - corylus americana.
Celtic name: Coll (pronounced: Cull). Coll means "life force within you".
Folk or Common names: tree of Wisdom, Lamb's Tails Tree, Collo or Coslo (Gailic), The tree's name shares a common root with the walnut tree and its nut, or cnu and hnot in Europe and Nux in latin.
Parts Used: Nut, leaves, branches, wood.
Hazel can be used as a drainage remedy and can help restore elasticity to the lungs. Hazelnuts, of course, can be eaten, and are a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, copper, protein and fatty acids. The nuts can be powdered and be mixed with mead or honeyed water to help a cough.
Magical History & Associations: The bird associated with this month is the crane, the color is brown, and the gemstone is band red agate. The Hazel is associated with the element of air, the planet of Mercury, the day of Wednesday, and is sacred to Mercury, Thor, Artemis, Fionn, Diana and Lazdona (the Lithuanian Hazelnut Tree Goddess). Hazel wood is one of the nine traditional firewoods that is part of the Belfire that the Druid's burned at Beltane - it was added to the fire to gain wisdom.
It is often associated with sacred springs, wells and salmon. Celtic legend tells of a grove of Hazel trees below which was a well and a pool where salmon swam. These trees contained all knowledge, and their fruit contained the knowledge and wisdom in a nutshell. As the hazelnuts ripened, they would fall into the well where they were eaten by the salmon. With each nut eaten, the salmon would gain another spot. In order to gain the wisdom of the Hazel, the Druids caught and prepared the salmon.
Fionn, the young man stirring the pot in which the salmon were cooking, accidentally burned his thumb with the boiling stew. By reflex, he put his thumb into his mouth and thus ingested the essence of the sacred feast and he instantly gained the wisdom of the universe.
Hazel also has protective uses as anti-lightning charms. A sprig of Hazel or a talisman of two Hazel twigs tied together with red or gold thread to make a solar cross can be carried as a protective good luck charm. The mistletoe that grows on hazel protects against bewitching. A cap of Hazel leaves and twigs ensures good luck and safety at sea, and protects against shipwrecks. In England, the Hazelnut is a symbol of fertility - a bag of nuts bestowed upon a bride will ensure a fruitful marriage.
The Hazel is a tree that is sacred to the fey Folk. A wand of hazel can be used to call the Fey. If you sleep under a Hazel bush you will have vivid dreams. Hazel can be used for all types of divination and dowsing. Until the seventeenth century, a forked Hazel stick was used to divine the guilt of persons in cases of murder and theft. Hazel twigs or a forked branch can be used to divine for water or to find buried treasure.
