The Month of Reed falls between Samhain and the darkening days leading to winter. It is a time of introspection, endings, and transformation — the moment when the old year dies and the seeds of the new year rest quietly in the earth. The reed (or sometimes the broom or arrow reed) represents adaptability, communication, and the connection between life and death.
Reeds are flexible and that is beneficial as this month often brings changes. They also remind us that winter is near and we must prepare.
It’s Ogden letter. was originally Ñ (Ngetal: Reed). Interestingly no Irish or English words start with the Ng sound. At a later date, the letter Peith, Peit, Pethboc (Beith-bhog, soft B) was added for the P so occasionally you will see this letter with Reed.
Reeds
Reeds grow in wet, liminal spaces — along the edges of rivers, marshes, and lakes. These borderlands are sacred in Celtic thought, existing between the realms of land and water, mortal and spirit. Because reeds thrive in such shifting terrain, they symbolize flexibility, resilience, and communication between worlds.
Native reeds are found all over the world however many species have “traveled” and become invasive species. This has led to some confusion among scientists as they may look very similar.
The common reed (Phragmites australis syn. Phragmites communis) is a grass that grows quite tall and has hollow stems. Humans have used it to make a number of things. The Ancient Egyptians and later the Celts used reeds to make paper and pens. It symbolizes death and healing as reeds were used to make arrow points and tools for healers.
Reeds are constantly dealing with change and the need to adapt to their environment. During this month we must work to bend but not break.
Uses For Reeds
The reed plant was very useful in the home. Reed became a protective covering as it was widely used as a thatch for roofs. In addition, reed mats provided decoration, comfort, and cleansing to the home.
Reeds make wonderful instruments. Both flutes and bagpipe pipes were made of reeds.
The Greek god Pan carries a reed flute.
REED correspondances
Ogham Letter: Ngetal (N)
Symbolic Meaning: Adaptability, Clarity, Communication, Divination, Meaning, Security
Ruling Planet: Pluto (yes, poor Pluto is actually a star) and the moon
Ruling Elements: Water
Season: Fall
Corresponding Star Sign: Scorpio
Gender: Masculine and Feminine
Language of Flowers meaning: reeds symbolize complaisance, intelligence, and frailty.
Stone: Green Jasper, Turquoise
Colors: green
Bird: Owl and Goose, as well as Lapwing, Ruffled Grouse
Deity: Arawyn, Hecate, Rhiannon, Pwyll, and Odin
“The family of Reeds, watch over the wetlands
Standing-tall sentries of rivers, lakes and ponds
blessed by the omnipresent hands
of our dear Goddess, who cares for them all:
her reeds, rushes and cattails
which thrive along swamps.
The Celts have long honored
these most unique of plants
which make music in the wind
and most gracefully bend.”
Celtic Symbolism
Adaptability and Strength: Reeds bend with the wind but do not break. This reminds us to remain flexible when life’s changes test us.
Truth and Expression: The hollow stem of the reed can be shaped into flutes and pipes, transforming wind into music. Thus, reeds represent the power of voice, storytelling, and honest communication.
Protection and Purification: In old traditions, reeds and rushes were used to thatch roofs and make mats for sacred spaces. They offered both physical and spiritual shelter.
Transformation and Death: Growing in water, reeds also connect to the Otherworld, symbolizing the passage of the soul and renewal after endings.
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Samhain
The month of Reed includes the holiday Samhain which celebrates the dead. During the end of October, the veil thins and we connect easily with our ancestors.
Read my article on Samhain here.
Deities Associated with Reed
Several Celtic deities and mythic figures share the reed’s qualities of adaptability, transformation, and communication between realms:
Brigid (Bríde, Brígid): The goddess of poetry, healing, and crafts, Brigid embodies the reed’s connection to voice and inspiration. Her crosses were traditionally woven from reeds or rushes and hung in homes for protection and blessing.
Manannán mac Lir: The god of the sea and guardian of the Otherworld, he guides souls across the waters between life and death. The reed’s watery habitat aligns with his domain and its role as a bridge between worlds.
The Morrigan: As a goddess of fate, death, and transformation, the Morrigan’s presence is felt strongly during this dark season. The reed’s association with endings and renewal resonates with her cycles of destruction and rebirth.
Danu: The mother goddess and source of life, Danu’s essence flows in rivers and streams. The reed, nourished by her waters, serves as a symbol of her nurturing yet ever-changing nature.
Hecate: Greek goddess of witchcraft, night, and the moon. We celebrate her on November 16. Read my article on Hecate’s Night.
Chalchiuhtlicue: The Aztec goddess of flowing water, rivers, lakes, and storms, who is the patron of the Reed trecena. She is also associated with youthful beauty, ardor, childbirth, and motherhood.
Reed Magic
In the Ogham, the ancient Celtic alphabet and divination system, Reed is represented by the symbol Ngetal (Ng). It signifies direct action, clarity of intent, and communication with purpose. When this symbol appears in divination, it often encourages us to cut through confusion and express ourselves honestly.
Divination meanings for Ngetal (Reed):
You are being called to speak your truth and stand firm in your convictions.
This is a time to cleanse and release old patterns that no longer serve you.
You may be standing at a threshold — a moment of change or transformation — and must move forward with courage and clarity.
In magical practice, reeds and rushes are often used in:
Protection charms and house blessings — woven into crosses, mats, or knots.
Water magic and scrying — for reflection, emotional healing, and communication with the spirit world.
Writing and poetry spells — invoking inspiration and eloquence.
Divination
Scrying, energy work, and connecting with ancestors are all powerful divination skills to practice this month.
Gather reeds during the fall and place them in a tall vase in your bedroom to enhance passion. If you are in need of protection place them in the living room.
Place reeds on your altar to connect with your ancestors.
Use six pieces of reed the same length to make a pentagram.
Write a poem and honor the Druids and/or Odin
In ancient Scotland, a broken reed was a bad omen and represented a familial betrayal.
Reed Zodiak
People born in this month are alluring to others and have strong personalities. They like to dig in and figure things out. They do well in careers in archaeology, detective work, and journalism.
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Reed Spells
Spell 1: Protection and Harmony
Ingredients:
Fresh reed
White candle
Glass bowl of water
Instructions:
1. Find a quiet space where you will not be disturbed.
2. Light the white candle in front of you, representing purity and clarity.
3. Take the fresh reed in your hands and close your eyes, grounding yourself.
4. Visualize a circle of protection forming around you, glowing with white light.
5. Hold the reed above the flame of the candle and pass it through the smoke, saying:
With the power of the Celtic Reed,
I invoke this spell, protection I need.
May harmony surround me, both day and night,
Shielding me with love, and preventing all strife.
6. Dip the reed into the glass bowl of water to cool it down.
7. Extinguish the candle and take a few deep breaths.
8. Keep the reed with you as a symbol of protection and harmony throughout the Celtic Month of Reed.
Spell 2: Calling upon Spirits
Ingredients:
Dried reed leaves
Yellow candle
Charcoal disc
Mortar and pestle
Instructions:
1. Find a peaceful area where you feel connected to nature.
2. Crush the dried reed leaves in a mortar and pestle, releasing their essence.
3. Light a charcoal disc and place it in a heatproof container.
4. Sprinkle the crushed reed leaves onto the lit charcoal, allowing the smoke to rise.
5. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, focusing on your intention to connect with spirits.
6. Whisper the following incantation:
Celtic Reed, I call upon thee,
Grant me passage to the realm unseen.
Spirits of old, voices unknown,
Your wisdom and guidance I wish to be shown.
7. Sit quietly and receptive, ready to receive any messages or signs from the spirits.
8. Thank the reed and the spirits for their presence, and when done, safely extinguish the charcoal disc.
A Dumb (Silent) Supper is a great way to get in touch with your ancestors.
Spell 3: Abundance and Prosperity
Ingredients:
Reed seeds (preferably harvested at the proper time) from such plants as the common reed.
Reed plant - you can also purchase reed plants such as
Small clay pot
Potting soil
Water
Instructions:
1. On a sunny day, gather your materials outside. You can start seeds or pot a transplant purchased from a nursery. Fun plants such as papyrus and cattails can be purchased.
2. Fill the small clay pot with potting soil, leaving a few inches at the top.
3. Sprinkle the reed seeds over the soil, envisioning abundance and prosperity filling your life.
4. Cover the seeds gently with a thin layer of soil.
5. Water the pot thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moist but not overly saturated.
6. Place the pot in a sunny area where it will receive ample sunlight.
7. Each day during the Celtic Month of Reed, water the pot and speak the following words:
Reed of the Celts, bring abundance to me,
Prosperity and success for all to see.
As you grow, so shall my fortune rise,
Blessed by the magic of the Celtic skies.
8. Care for the reed plant, nurturing it as you nurture your intentions for abundance and prosperity.
Remember to always use spells with intention, respecting the natural cycles and the energy of the plants you work with. May the Celtic Month of Reed bring you blessings and empowerment on your spiritual journey!
Living the Reed Month
The Month of Reed invites us to listen more deeply — to nature, to our inner selves, and to the quiet voices of spirit. It is a time for releasing what has ended, setting intentions for renewal, and honoring the thin veil between worlds that remains open after Samhain.
You might celebrate this month by:
Weaving a Brigid’s cross or reed charm for protection.
Meditating near a body of water to release grief or fear.
Journaling or writing poetry to express hidden emotions.
Practicing acts of renewal — cleaning, decluttering, or restoring balance in your home and life.
Author, Ame Vanorio, is our founder, an environmental educator and a great lover of trees and herbs!
