Post by wren on Oct 1, 2006 13:25:53 GMT -5
What is the Purpose of Ogham Spiritual Genealogy?
What’s in a name?
What’s in a name?
More than we normally imagine. Within each word, names included, is the essence of the thing that it names. This essence is completely independent of language. Names put words on ideals so that human minds can quickly comprehend the essence of the thing. In the case of a person, this label is the name.
Familiarization with the essence of a thing leads to the forgetting, at least temporarily, the essence of the thing. By calling its name, its essence flashes through us, normally so quickly that we don’t even notice it. All ideals and all essences have an energy, a purpose, a destiny. All ideals and all essences have methods that they employ in order to manifest their energy and fulfil their destiny. All ideals and all essences, by performing their roles achieve results, or by the lack of performing their roles, fail to achieve their intended results.
Since this all holds true for names of people, it makes sense for us to examine our names. Thus, we can “remember” our purpose, our roles, and hopefully achieve our intended results. That is the purpose of Ogham spiritual genealogy – to remember who we are.
What is the Ogham?
Trees were sacred to the Druids. Each kind of tree has its own spiritual and magical qualities. Druids used these as symbols for certain things, qualities, or aspects. In the tree Ogham each letter in the Ogham was assigned to a tree. The creation of the Ogham, by the God Ogmios, was not without method. By assigning each character to a tree, this character came to represent the qualities of the tree. The Ogham is a way for us to understand these qualities, to feel these qualities, to return to these qualities. Each character is, in principle, a naming of the essence of that tree. The cumbersome method of writing and reading the Ogham aids us in slowing down enough to “remember” that which is in each of us – the sacred qualities of the trees.
How does it Work?
Ogham spiritual genealogy starts by writing the name in the Ogham script. Certain positions in the word or name contain the so-called prime letters, which have higher importance, or weight, and some contain the minor, or supporting, letters. Each letters tree is examined in terms of its spiritual, magical, or other qualities and depending on its position in the word or name, its meaning is “read”.
These readings can stand on their own, but when compared to the other letters in other positions of the word, a complete picture of the essence of a thing can be determined.
While each reading is personal, it is also universal. Everyone who is named Thomas will have basically the same reading. The ideals and principles though that are shown in the reading will manifest themselves differently in each Thomas’ life. Each Thomas will react differently to the same situation, again causing more divergence in the manifestation of the principles and ideals in their lives. What is important for each Thomas is how the reading fits into their life, into their manifestation, what can be learned, which obstacle has been overcome, which still need to be addressed, what does the results mean to them personally and to the people around them.
The Adventure, the Threshold, the Elixir
I have labelled the Prime Letters “The Adventure”, The Threshold”, and “The Elixir”.
The Adventure - is the first letter of the word or name. This shows the persons potential in life. The role that one is meant to play in life. It can be compared to Destiny.
The Threshold - is the second prime letter that is to be found in the middle of the name. If a name has an even amount of characters, the inner group of two will be examined, first individually, and then as a whole. The meaning of the Threshold is twofold, showing us at once the challenges that need to be overcome in life, and the methods that one must employ in order to achieve the intended results of the Adventure. Indeed, challenges often lead us to the proper method and they can be viewed as one and the same.
The Elixir - is the intended results of the Adventure, the effects of destiny fulfilled. It is the last letter in the word or name.
The Minor Letters
The minor letters are in all other positions of the word or name. They can be used to support the prime letters. By reading and understanding the minor letters, a better understanding of the entire reading can be achieved.
The minor letters support the primary letter that it is closest to, such as in Michelle where the “M”, “HE” and the “E” are the primary letters, the “I” will support the “M”, the “C” and the “L” the “HE”, and the “L” the “E”.
In some short names, such as John, there will be no minor letters.
Types of Ogham Spiritual Genealogy
One of the most powerful uses of Ogham word divination is the analysis of ones name. Where the analysis of a word for an ideal, such as honesty or faith, can offer insight on how one can achieve an ideal, the analysis of ones name provides insight to which ideals one should strive for.
Each individual is born with a purpose, a goal, a destiny that they are meant to achieve during their lifetime. Analysis of a persons first name will offer insight to what this purpose is.
Just as each person has a destiny, so does each and every family line. Where an individuals destiny is achievable during their lifetime, the destiny of a family line is a huge undertaking that will ultimately change humanity. The destiny of a family line is meant to enable the evolution of humanity to the next level of spiritual energy. Normally, the destiny of a family line is made up of all of its member’s personal destinies. Each individual member of the family plays their part in the reaching or missing of the family’s purpose. An understanding of the relationship between these two can aid the individual by making clear what his or her role is, and showing signposts to the gifts that the family bestows on them to aid them on their quest.
The Reading
To take a reading, each prime letter is examined in the light of the Ogham meaning for that letter. The meaning of the aspect or quality of the specific tree is then examined in the position it is found - the adventure, the challenge, or the elixir. How does the aspect of the particular tree effect ones “destiny”, present challenges and solutions, how do the aspects of the tree symbolize effects and outcomes of the previous two. As explained below, relationships between the letters play a key role, much as the position of cards does in Tarot readings.
First Name Spiritual Genealogy
-----------------------------------------------------
The first name spiritual genealogy takes only the first name into account. With this reading, one can gain a personal understanding of ones purpose in life, the obstacles one is or will be facing as well as the method to overcome these obstacles, and the intended results of the ones life.
Last Name Spiritual Genealogy
-----------------------------------------------------
The last name spiritual genealogy shows the purpose, methods, and results of an entire family line.
First and Last Name Spiritual Genealogy
--------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the first of the complex readings. The first and last name reading will give both the personal and family line reading as described above, but by comparing the two readings, the individuals contribution to the family’s purpose can be determined, as well as the support of the family to the individual.
Marriage Spiritual Genealogy
--------------------------------------------------
By comparing the last name readings of a married couple, relationships to the two families can be discovered. How do they compliment and support one another’s destiny, where do they challenge one another? The same can be done for the first name of both partners.
Examining Relationships
A number of relationships between certain prime letters arise during these readings. By examining the relationships, a comprehensive picture of ones essence can be gained. It is interesting to note the Pythagorean Triad of the beginning, middle, and end – the middle being the means to join to opposites the beginning and the end.
Some questions to ask during the examination of these relationships include:
Where are there similarities between the Adventure and the Threshold? Between the Adventure and the Elixir? Where are there contradictions? Contradictions are oftentimes difficult to comprehend, but can be extremely insightful. Usually the help of a minor letter is required.
In the case of a first and last name reading – what relationship exists between the Elixir of the first name and the Adventure of the Last name? This shows what the individual can bring to the family.
What relationship exists between the Elixir of the last name and the adventure of the first name? This can show how the family can support the individual. These two relationships are the strongest in the first and last name readings, but examining the relationships between all the prime letters can provide valuable insights. Also, by comparing the first names of two family members, one can learn how one can help the other.
In examining the relationships between prime letters or between first and last names, there are two kinds of relationships: complimentary and contradictory.
Complimentary: In a complimentary relationship, the qualities and aspects of the letters are essentially the same. This can indicate harmony and peaceful relations, or simply a much more pronounced manifestation of these qualities in the person or family whose name is being analyzed.
Contradictory: In a contradictory relationship, the qualities and aspects of the letters are in direct or indirect opposition of each other. An example would be in a first name reading spiritual or esoteric qualities are found, while in the last name reading, more pragmatic, scientific, or closed mindedness is found.
Contradictory relationships normally indicate change. Such as the spiritual individual bringing these qualities to a more pragmatic family. Change can be positive, bringing things more into balance or harmony. However, as we know, change can be painful. It can threaten ones status quo, it can be frightening, it can lead to strife. It is important to deal with contradictory readings with respect and caution.
Problems in Ogham Spiritual Genealogy
Names with an Even Amount of Letters (No Threshold)
As described above, names such as John have no exact Thresholds. In this case, a grouping of the two middle letters are to be examined. In this case, “oh”. These two middle letters will be first examined individually and then, based on the relationship between the two, a composite Threshold will be reached. Usually, such readings are much clearer as there are two sets of information, which however, can also lead to more confusion.
Missing Letters
There are two ways to deal with the letters missing in the Ogham alphabet. Take the name James for example. There is no “J” in the Ogham. In Irish, the equivalent for James is Seamus. Substituting the Irish for the English (in this case the “S” for the “J”) is one possibility. The other is to take the nearest minor letter and read it as if it were a major letter.
Normally, I initially use both methods in a reading, and rely on the minor letters and the rest of the reading to provide more clarity.
Sample First Name Analysis - Richard
The Adventure
--------------------
The call to adventure shows your potential in life and the role you should fulfil in your life. It is comparable to destiny. Your Call to Adventure is indicated by the Elder. The Elder is associated with the 13th month of the Celtic Tree Calendar – November 25th – December 21st, the winter solstice which is the shortest day of the year. The Elder is known as the “Elder Mother” and the “Queen of Herbs”.
The Elder is associated with death and rebirth, which is appropriate for the winter solstice, which is the simultaneously the death of the old light and the rebirth of the new. Elder is also associated strongly with magic, being used to undo evil spells, which can also be viewed as a regeneration of light.
It was believed that the crone aspect of the Goddess, the Elder Mother, resided in the Elder, and thus it was believed that the Elder was very powerful in medicinal values, indeed, it is said the Elder can cure all of mans ills.
The Elder teaches lessons of initiation - death, acceptance, and rebirth. It reminds us that we will leave a legacy on this earth and should tend this legacy while here, to be sure to leave one of value to those that follow behind us.
Being your Adventure prime letter, the Elder indicates that throughout your life, you will be initiated, or in other words, suffer symbolic deaths and rebirths, into spiritual or esoteric paths. By going through periods of extreme pain, you will be forced to put aside learned behaviours and learn new ones. By going through this initiation you will leave a legacy to others who go through similar initiations. Your example could help others on their way to healing of their deep spiritual wounds. This death and rebirth process can also manifest itself in change of circumstances, not necessarily brought on through pain, but by external pressures. Indeed some deaths are painful, some are peaceful, yet inevitable.
The Threshold
------------------
The Threshold represents guardians, or challenges that you will encounter in your quest to fulfil your adventure. The Threshold also offers invaluable advice and methods that you should use during your journey. Understanding your Threshold can provide valuable insight on how you should live your life. Your Threshold is represented by the Hawthorn, also known as the “may Tree”. The Hawthorn represents the 6th month of the Celtic Tree Calendar, May 13th to June 9th.
The Hawthorn is symbolic of procreation. The flowering of the Hawthorn is an initial fulfilment of the promise of birth given at the winter solstice. The Hawthorn is also said to be a doorway to the realm of the spirit, to the otherworld, and is believed to help send prayers along their way to the Divine. Due to these beliefs, pagan ceremonies often involved the Hawthorn, and were performed by a Hawthorn. In an attempt to stop these practices, early Christianity prohibited these, and often cut down Hawthorns.
Legend has it that Joseph of Arimathea had a staff of Hawthorn that he struck in the ground at Glastonbury, that whence forth flowered in May and again around Christmas.
Being your Threshold Tree, the Hawthorn offers many lessons and promises much aid. The relationship of the qualities of the Hawthorn with those of the Elder are mostly complimentary –which is emphasized greatly by the Hawthorn at Glastonbury flowering in May (the Hawthorns month) as well as in December (the Elders month). This shows that rebirth, or change, is possible at any time, even when it is least expected. The Hawthorn reminds you to not hinder or stop the birth. Avoid denial and escapism. Don’t be afraid of the change, for the Hawthorns blossoms will surely be a welcome sight.
The procreation associated with the Hawthorn reminds you of your obligation to your legacy. This should be passed onto your children or others that learn from you – in essence a procreation of lessons learned in your initiations and rebirths. The Hawthorn urges a healthy attitude to sexuality, sex and love should not be suppressed.
The Hawthorn promises a doorway for contact to the realm of spirit as a vehicle to fulfil your adventure. This shows that frequent use of prayer and meditation is an essential part of your life’s quest.
The Elixir
-------------
The Elixir represents the desired outcomes of your adventure, the effects of your destiny. Your Elixir is represented by the Oak. The Oak is the 7th month in the Celtic Tree Calendar, June 10th – July 17th.
The oak is strength in faith. It symbolizes protection, hospitality, endurance, and prosperity. The oak is upright, tolerating no dishonesty or cowardice. It also has associations with the creation of the human race in Greek mythology. The Oak is believed to be a doorway for the sky Gods to reach down to the human world, and is used as a medium for interpreting the will of God. Mistletoe, when found on Oak is an embodiment of the male procreative force. The Oak has many protective symbolic associations, such as the legend of King Arthur’s round table being a single slab of Oak, or Charles II of England taking shelter from enemies in an Oak. In many pagan traditions, the Oak is a magical tree and is used in celebrations, especially the solstices. The summer solstice is the time of the Sacred Marriage between heaven and earth, and the rebirth of crops.
There could hardly be a more auspicious symbol for your Elixir tree. The complimentary relationships to your Adventure and your Threshold are many. Your Adventure is one of initiations, leading to a spiritual life, the Hawthorn is a doorway to the Gods; the Oak a doorway from the Gods to you. The Oak seems to be a gentle, but obvious, reminder to heed the lessons of the Hawthorn. And if you do, your prayers will be heard and answered. Your legacy, both physical and spiritual, will be well protected, will bear prosperous fruit, and as offspring, an upright and enduring way of life for many.
Relationships of Note
----------------------------
In your First Name reading, there are many complimentary relationships. This shows a strong manifestation of the qualities involved in these relationships.
The solstices figure quite prominently in this reading. The Adventure (Elder) is the tree of the winter solstice, and the Elixir (Oak) is the tree of the summer solstice. The Threshold (Hawthorn) blossoms at the winter solstice, which shows a strong connection between your Adventure and your Threshold. This could indicate that your Adventure will be fulfilled despite your efforts to avoid it. This could also indicate that when you need it most, the doorway to the realm of the spirit is there and open for you; a reminder that, in times of turmoil, you need not go it alone. Also the Oak being the tree of the Summer solstice, which is the time of the Sacred Marriage – fulfils the urge of the Hawthorn to procreate, and the promptings of the Elder to leave a legacy.
Your legacy plays a central role in your reading – the Elder reminds you of the certainty of death, and of the need for a legacy. The Hawthorn speaks of procreation which indicates a recipient for your legacy, and the Oak speaks of protection of a clan or nation. The Oak also can be symbolic of the male procreative force.
Your Threshold and Elixir Trees represent the 6th and 7th month accordingly. The one follows in the footsteps of the other – the Elixir from the Threshold. This indicates the effectiveness of prayer and meditation, as well as procreation taught by the Hawthorn. This shows that the results of your labours will be seen relatively quickly.
The reading shows that you have a strong communication with the Spirit. Both doorways are present: Hawthorn: Man to God; Oak: God to Man
Summary of Your First Name Analysis
In short, your purpose is to be confronted with death and rebirth, in order to pass on a legacy of wisdom gleaned from lessons learned. Through contact with the spiritual realm and procreation either physically or spiritually, you are to be a simple teacher, whose personal lessons will lead to a death and rebirth on a much larger scale, and have a wide reaching impact and change the world for many.
This is borrowed from someone and I have not yet given it a try... ~wren~