Discover my new series following the wheel of the year: starting with Rowan

I love to read almanacs and learn about the changes each season and I want to share my version: Polly had a Dolly’s Almanac.

I am basing my almanac around the Ogham calender, which has 13 phases, and is a key part of my leaf baby range. Each phase starts with the new moon so look out for my emails.

Each lunar cycle I will be sharing about the tree of the month and activites to do together as a family.

So without further ado… this month’s phase is Rowan!

Ogham: Rowan (Luis)
21st January - 17th February

Whilst researching Ancient Britons and Celtic Druids, the British poet Robert Graves, proposed the idea that the moon cycle was linked to one of the sacred Celtic trees from the early medieval Ogham alphabet.

Those born under the Rowan tree may find their character corresponds to its nature. What do you think?

“Sometimes great things come in the smallest forms, and so it is for Rowan. You can light up any situation if you choose, though you prefer a quiet and solitary life. You are able to persevere and succeed in situations few others can even imagine. Your resistance is legendary. Your spirit provides solace and protection to others. Compatible with Ivy and Hawthorn.”

The Tree Almanac, Dr Gabriel Hemery

Dendrology: Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

Search out a rowan tree using these clues.

Although it is January, making it tricky to identify trees,  look out for the bark which is smooth and silvery grey. There maybe a few of their distinctive orange-red berries left but the birds do love them! Growing to a height of 15m, they are often smaller and in gardens and urban verges. Did you know they can live for up to 200 years?

Folklore

“Rowan the survior, shy and small”

• The rowan was widely used in witches charms of all sorts.
• A cross made with rowan wood and tied with red thread was said to protect against witches.
• Rowan has other names including quickbeam and the witch.
• A witch-wand, used for metal divining, was made of rowan.
• Wine made from the rowan berries was said to give the drinker the gift of second sight.
• Cream was stirred with rowan twigs to stop any lurking witches curdling it!

Upcoming dates  for this phase

January

23rd - 25th RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch - join in here

25th Burns Night (Scottish traditional)

25th St Dwynwen’s Day (Welsh Valentines Day)

February

1st Imbolc and St Brigid’s Day

2nd Candlemas

14th Valentine’s Day

17th Shrove Tuesday (pancake day)

Activity: Valentine’s bird biscuits

Did you know that before Christian times we still celebrated love at this time of year? If we look around at nature we can see the birds are choosing their mates and beginning to pair up! Why not give them a helping hand with these love biscuits?

Find all the instructions at my blog.
How to : Valentine's bird biscuits

If you’ve read this far thank you, I hope you enjoyed it. 

Best wishes

Lydia