I’ve finally arrived at Ogham Ten!!! Honestly I’m surprised I’ve gotten this far, but here I am again with La Croix in one hand and goldfish in the other. I’m working on this one a little sooner than usual as I’ll be out of town and not sure I’ll get to it on time. We’ll see how this goes. Lately, I’ve had a lot more writing projects, and keeping up with them has been a journey in itself. Anyway today we meet Luis. No not you Louis, stay in your corner.

Attributes and Associations

Luis. Luise. LOO-Shuh or LWEE. Luis means Rowan. Luis is derived either from luise “flame” or from lus “herb”. Its Proto-Indo-European root was either leuk- ‘to shine’ or *leudh- ‘to grow’. Its phonetic value is l. The Auraicept na n-Éces glosses the name as cairtheand “mountain-ash”, “rowan”. In the Bríatharogam the verses associated with Luis are: lí súla – “lustre of the eye”, carae cethrae – “friend of cattle” and lúth cethrae – “sustenance of cattle”. Here we have another ogham, or fiodh (FIH-yuth) the individual letter (I’m learning as i go along here) that brings information on protection. Specifically, defence, protection, and sanctuary. Rowan wood is often used in wards against evil, and signals that appropriate measures have been taken for safe-keeping.

Rowan itself, is a fast growing tree that takes root in high elevations and lively valleys. In the autumn it bears edible fruit for all creatures, and although considered a smaller tree, it can grow to heights of fifty feet in its elder years. Rowan wood has many similarities with hazel wood. Both are heart woods with a similar texture and coloring once the bark is removed, both need the same amount of seasoning time, both feel the same when carving and sanding.There are many practical uses for Rowan, including bow-making, tool handles and eating vessels such as bowls and plates. Rowan also has many spiritual uses, although most abundantly for protection magick. Some of these uses and meanings are blessings, centering, dedication, expression, grounding, imagination, insight, luck, music, poetry, quickening, and strength. Brigid bears a strong patronage with Luis, and elves and dragons encircle.

The Contract

Luis comes and places her hand upon my brow. Everything will be alright. She has always been there, and will always be there, as any companion of Brigid would be. She shows us that we should be conscious of the hurt and pain out in the world, but we can prepare for it, and look for ways in which Luis is protecting us. We should thus take the time to understand the danger that is lurking around us, and take steps to nullify it with the resources we have, while we have time. Rowan is planted in sacred sites, and placed above doorways for protection. Meet openly with Luis, reestablish your defenses, and remain calm, and carry on.

This week’s drawing is Saille.