Celtic dictionary: Vine

September 2- September 29 - "Moon of Celebration"

Because it is a plant that requires constant attention and caring, the Vine has came to be regarded as the symbol of spiritual initiation and sacred knowledge. Sacred to the deities, the fruit of the Vine, the grapes (more precisely the wine made out of them) was the mark of speaking the truth and releasing all inhibitions. Remember the Romans' "in vino veritas". Prophets used wine to stimulate and enhance their visions and reach the deep inner selves. In the Ogham alphabet, the Vine is also known as 'The Weaver', because of its tendency to entangle others, bringing two together. To the Celts, this symbolized the importance of respecting others and their opinions.

Once growing in open woodlands or at the rims of forests, the Vine is recorded to sometimes live for as long as 600 years. Only the female Vine produces the fruit, that, when ripe, can be dried and turned to Raisins. The Vine's leaves and seeds were once used as astringents and also to cure dysentery in Cattle.

The Vine 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 obviously goes to the last two weeks of the respective sign.

The 'new moon' individual is prone to openly assert emotions, but sometimes has difficulty in coping with certain aspects of life. The 'new moons' are, nevertheless, very enthusiastic and sympathetic of their partners. The 'full moon' characters are endowed with the rare quality of forgiving with compassion, but have the deficiency of sometimes becoming more than lenient with themselves.

Overall, the Vines like to adopt a cool and discrete appearance, even though deep down they are sensitive, frail and often self-critical, because they like to set high personal standards. They have refined tastes and possess a strong sense of observation when it comes to details. The mood of the Vine individuals can quickly change, from cheerful and effervescent, to depressed and downcast. Although apparently calm when faced with danger or opposition, deep inside their emotions run on high. Declared aficionados of theater and music, the Vines are good socializers. Sadly, they have a predilection to become over-indulgent and are not too ambitious. The Vine characters must learn to control and balance their dual personalities in order to feel content.

Much inclined towards idling, the Vines must avoid getting lost in worries and negativity. Their placid exterior and apparent serenity usually hide a very sensual and emotional person. Although passionate as lovers, the Vines are difficult to cope with in a marriage, due to their split personality. Very good organizers of life, they must be offered the right amount of consideration, or they can be easily hurt.

The Vine characters must sometimes allow intuition to act as their guide, as they have the tendency to think too much and act too little. They must learn to trust their senses as well as their reason.

The Ogham symbol that is associated with the Vine is Muin.

The lucky gemstone of the ones born under this sign is the Emerald, a very expensive sparkling-green jewel, sometimes more valued than the Diamond. It is the symbol of immortality, devotion and true affection. The owner of this gem is supposed to be given the gift of eloquence. Legend has it that if an Emerald is offered to the lover, its color will start to fade when the love withers.

The flower of the Vine is the Valerian, often referred to in modern times as 'herbal Valium' (the similarity of names is purely coincidental). Also known as 'Stink Root', due to its pungent smell (somewhere between rotten cheese and a wet dog), extracts from the root of the Valerian was once used as sedatives to relief insomnia. However, repeated usage may lead to the appearance of 'night terrors' (a parasomnia sleep disorder). The Valerian is a perennial plant, usually found in wet soil, the likes of marshy thickets, streams and ditches.

The celestial body associated with the Vine is the planet Venus ('Gwena').

The Hazel deity is Branwen, daughter of Llyr (God of the Sea), known as the Goddess of Love and Sexuality.

Three animals are the representations of the Vine: the Lizard, the Hound and the White Swan. The Lizard was the symbol of the unseen planes of materialization, where things are constantly changing shape and pattern. They were one of the few reptiles that the Druids considered useful, and travelers that encountered Lizards were warned to take heed of all actions taking place around and below them. The Hound was always regarded as friend and defender, always a loyal and brave companion. Undeworld Hounds were supposed to give chase to the guilty and punish them. Symbol of beauty and grace, the White Swan portrayed the divinity of the Gods, and the sign of the Autumn Equinox, a time of balance between the quotidian and the supernatural. The Swan also facilitated the interpretation dreams.

There are also other lesser influences for each sign of the Celtic zodiac. These influences can be traced by the specific date of birth within the major sign. In the case of the individual born under the sign of the Vine, there are five influences, similar to the 'ascendants' in the European zodiac:

 

September 2 - The Pine

September 3 - September 12 - The Weeping Willow

September 13 - September 22 - The Lime

September 23 - The Olive

September 24 - September 29 - The Hazel

 

The approximate equivalent of the Vine sign in the Western/European zodiac is the Libra (September 23 - October 22).