Spiritual Wellbeing: Understanding the Magic of the Reed Moon (Celtic Tree Moon No. 12)
As the wheel turns to the Reed Moon, a hush falls over the world. The veil thins, and the whispers of ancestors grow louder, calling us to pause, reflect, and reconnect. This is the moon of mystery, of shadow work, and of weaving protection into our lives. It invites us to journey inward, to listen closely, and to embrace the wisdom that comes from the unseen.
Reed: A Call to the Ancestors
The reed, known as Ngetal in the Celtic Ogham alphabet, carries the vibration of protection and the letter ‘ng’. This humble yet powerful plant has long been used to call upon the spirits of the dearly departed, offering guidance as we traverse our personal winters. Its haunting melodies, when played through wind instruments like recorders or whistles, are said to summon ancestral spirits, urging them to walk beside us in times of need.
Shake the dust from your recorder, blow through its hollow stem, and let the reed guide you into the mysteries of the underworld.
Reed Moon: Keeper of Secrets
We rest under the protection of the Reed Moon, a time of deep introspection and spiritual grounding. The reed itself is a mystical being: its roots submerged in watery depths, whispering ancient truths, while its tall, straight stems reach skyward, connecting earth to heaven.
The Reed Moon represents order out of chaos. It teaches us to stand tall in the face of emotional turbulence, to face our shadows with truth and courage, and to rise reborn from our trials—just as reeds die in autumn and return in spring, stronger than before.
The Many Gifts of the Reed
Reeds are no ordinary plants; they are nature’s healers, builders, and protectors. During the Reed Moon, we can connect to their magical properties, both practical and symbolic:
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Roots of Resilience: Reeds bind the soil along riverbanks, holding firm against erosion. Their strong roots remind us to stay grounded as we weather life’s storms.
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Nature’s Tools: From writing quills to musical instruments, from woven mats to sturdy roofs, reeds have long been a source of creativity and protection. Their straight, true stems even made them a Celtic choice for arrows, symbols of precision and purpose.
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Healing Allies: Reeds have long been used medicinally to treat ailments such as fevers, digestive disorders, and respiratory issues. A compress of reed leaves soothes infections, while its cooling stems calm feverish heat. Even reed oil, extracted from heated stems, was once a remedy for toothaches and parasites.
Reed Moon Personalities
Born under the Reed Moon? Then your spirit carries its magic. But as with all gifts, there are shadows to balance the light.
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New Reed Mooners (birthdays during the first half of the cycle) are bold and commanding. They are natural leaders but can be impulsive and direct, stirring powerful alliances—and enmities.
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Full Reed Mooners (birthdays in the second half) are more subtle and introspective. They dream of other paths and possibilities, but their tendency to drift can sometimes compromise their sense of purpose.
Both carry the ability to see clearly through complexity, making them imaginative leaders. Yet beware of jealousy—it is the thorn in the reed that must be tempered to maintain balance.
Magical Protection with Reeds
Feeling the need for protection during this shadowy season? Call upon the reed’s ancient power.
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Create a Reed Cross: Weave reeds into a small cross and place it over doorways, windows, or even your car’s rear-view mirror to shield yourself and your space from negative energy.
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Align with Reed Symbols: Work with Pluto, the ruling planet of the Reed Moon, to explore transformation and rebirth. Hold jet or black obsidian crystals to ground your energy, and call on the vibrant spirit of the dandelion, Reed’s flower ally.
Reed’s Holistic Wisdom
The Reed Moon encourages us to align our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves. Just as reeds weave protection for the creatures of the wild, we, too, must weave protection and nourishment into our lives.
During this moon, ask yourself:
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What truths am I ready to face?
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How can I create structure in my chaos?
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What wisdom do my ancestors wish to share with me?
Take time to withdraw from the outer world, dive into your shadows, and reconnect with the strength of your roots. As the reed dies and returns each year, so too can you release what no longer serves you and rise again, renewed and aligned with your highest self.
A Note from the Oily Witch
At this time of year, I encourage you to embrace the Reed Moon’s transformative magic. Whether through ceremony, holistic self-care, or exploring the gifts of natural medicine, this is your moment to protect, heal, and align.
Let’s journey together into this sacred moon’s mysteries. My workshops and courses on Astrology, Witchcraft, and Holistic Healing are designed to guide you through this process. Learn how to craft your own protection spells, deepen your connection to the earth’s rhythms, and uncover the secrets of natural wellbeing.
