Reed
Keywords
Growth, Harmony, Healing, Loyalty, Protection, Unity, Will
Historical
Background and Folklore
Reed does not seem prestigious enough to be considered a tree but
to the early people of the British Isles it was extremely important
for warm, dry homes. Nowadays, a thatched roof is a luxury of country
charm but “thatch” used to be cheap and plentiful. It
was a perfect insulator to keep homes warm in winter and cool in
summer. Thatch is excellent for keeping out rain, sleet and snow,
as well as insects and vermin. Depending on the type of reed, a
thatched roof can last anywhere from 15 to 75 years. Norfolk Reed
is considered the best.
In addition to thatching for the roof, peasants in the Middle Ages
used reeds for the walls of their homes. The timber framework was
filled in with “wattle and daub”, woven reeds that were
covered in a plaster usually made by mixing mud, dung and straw.
The dirt floors were usually covered with reeds, straw and grasses
to minimize the dust and occasional animal dung—one of the
peasant’s two-room cottages was usually shelter for livestock.
In addition to a floor covering, reed and especially the sweetly
aromatic sedge, served as a room deodorizer. |
A number of plants vie for attention as the pipes used for the Greek
god Pan’s musical instrument—reed is one of them. However,
Pan is associated with woodlands not wetlands where reeds thrive and
may not fit the story. There has also been speculation that the Pied
Piper of Hamelin played his magical tune on a reed flute. Today reed
is used for woodwind instruments. Other uses included arrows shafts
and writing pens.
Associations
Element: air, earth, water
Energy: feminine and masculine
Goddesses: Coventina, Morrigan, Rhiannon
Gods: Manannan Mac Lir, Poseidon, Pwyll
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Other
Being/Character: Cu Culhainn
Zodiac: Pisces
Celestial Bodies: Mars, Pluto
Color: pale green
Gemstones: jasper, aquamarine, green chrysoprase
Ogham Character: Ngetal – Letters: Ng
Dates: October 28 - November 24 (Celtic tree calendar)
Miscellaneous: expanded awareness; journeys to other realms; soul
retrieval; direction of purpose; south; La Fal (the stone of destiny);
sabbat: Samhain
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