Keywords
Comfort, Fertility, Happiness, Intellect, Intuition, Wealth

Historical Background and Folklore
Legend says that the Tuatha De Danann brought vine with them to Ireland and that it is not native to the British Isles. The nature of Celtic interlacing design work would seem to indicate their interest in the plant and most likely imported it to the isles when they migrated from the Continent.

At various times in the Christian era there were prohibitions against eating blackberries. One reason was “because of the fairies”; another was that after September First the “devil got into them”.
Like ivy, vine grows in a spiral, which is a symbol of the Mother Goddess. It is one of the sacred woods for a sabbat fire in which it represents joy. The full moon of September is called the wine moon in some traditions and rituals include wine made from blackberries. Imbolg is Brigid’s sabbat and blackberry wine or juice is used in ritual.

Ogham Character: Muin – Letter: M
Rune Character: Thorn – Letters: Th
Rune Character: Wunjo/Wyn – Letter: P
Dates: September 2 - 29 (Celtic tree calendar)
Bach Flower Remedy: dominance and inflexibility
Miscellaneous: deeper levels of consciousness; south; sabbats: Beltane, Imbolg, Lughnasadh, Mabon/Autumn Equinox

© Llewellyn - Whispers from the Woods

For more information, refer to the full text in Whispers from the Woods.