Moonstone New Age

Hazel (Coll, Corylus avellana)

5th August-1st September

 The Hazel is known as the messenger of the gods.

Its symbol is the Salmon.  Hazelnuts were known as Knowledge in its most intense form, from where the saying in a nutshell is derived.  In Celtic myth Fin the hero received knowledge from the Salmon.  The eating of the salmon was said to give knowledge in many cultures.  The tree is one of healing and magic. In ancient Irish law chopping down a hazel tree carried the death penalty. 

'Three unbreathing things paid for only with breathing things.
An apple tree, a hazel bush, a sacred grove.'

Astrologically, the hazel is associated with mercury, the messenger of the gods.  Mercury carries a hazel staff with two ribbons wrapped around it like a snake giving us the healing symbol - The Caduceus.  Forked hazel wands are used to divine water. they were also used to divine justice in England up until the 17th century when they were used to determine guilt in murder or robbery trials.  Hazel also makes a very good  wand and is a popular choice for witches. Hazel can teach us pliancy, communication and wisdom.

GAELIC
The August to September period is known as EDRINIOS - The Arbitration Time in the Coligny Celtic Calendar.

AUGUST - an Lunasdal. The first of August is the Irish festival of Lugh, the harvest festival.

SEPTEMBER - an t-Sultainn. Sultar means fattening, this is the time of harvest ripening. The September moon is called - the gealach an abachaidh, the moon of ripening.

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