Celtic Month of Reed: October 28 - November 23

The month of Reed symbolizes wisdom, adaptability, and communication with the ancestors. Reeds are flexible and that is beneficial as this month often brings changes. Reed reminds us that winter is near and we must prepare.

The druids used it to make paper and pens. It symbolizes death and healing as reeds were used to make arrow points and tools for healers.

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

The common reed (Phragmites australis syn. Phragmites communis) is a grass that grows in wet marshy areas. They get quite tall and have hollow stems. They have been very useful to humans in making a number of things.

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.

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.

REED ASSOCIATIONS

• 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:

• 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.”

— Poem on Reeds -Scott B Stewart

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.

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.

Check out my YouTube channel!

Celtic Month of 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.

Spell 3: Abundance and Prosperity

Ingredients:

• Reed seeds (preferably harvested at the proper time)

• Small clay pot

• Potting soil

• Water

Instructions:
1. On a sunny day, gather your materials outside.
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!

Author, Ame Vanorio, is our founder, an environmental educator and a great lover of trees and herbs!