Hazel: Kaunaz
Each of the Celtic trees correlates with a Rune. Runes are a twenty-four letter alphabet, originating with Germanic tribes as early as the 2nd century. Runic glyphs were carved or etched into bone, wood, leather, jewelry, tools, weapons, and stone. Norse and Viking runic artifacts dating as far back as the 9th century have been found in several Northern European and Scandinavian countries, Russia, Turkey and North America. Notably, runes found in Canada and the United States pre-date Columbus by several hundred years, so he was definitely not the first visitor.
The Celtic month of Hazel, June 13 - July 10, is associated with:
Rune: Kaunaz (aka Kano)
This is the Rune of Opening. It renews clarity and dispels darkness that may have clouded your life in recent months. Kaunaz opens us to the gratitude of receiving gifts and the joy of giving without expectation or attachment.
It offers protection for new endeavors by shedding light on what is no longer of importance or significance. Just like the mutualistic relationships Hazel has with the flora and fauna of its ecosystem, Kaunaz signals a mutual intimacy or vulnerability within relationships--a new awareness and appreciation for each other (or with oneself).
There is a practical side of Kaunaz, which is this: only give that which you do not need in return, and know that you will receive in the same spirit. For example, if a friend asks to borrow $20, and you can afford to do so, you give it to them without expectation that they must repay it. If they do repay it, no biggie. If not, your friendship isn't ruined over it. Of course there are boundaries, and we don't give repeatedly to someone who only takes. But if we can allow ourselves to live in the space of "I trust life to provide my needs and wants in the perfect timing," then this detached gift can only return to you with the same grace. It opens us up to welcome blessings and abundance.
It is especially on my heart this month to convey that Hazel, and all of its correlations, are representative of self-acceptance, self-love, and self-appreciation. Genuine feelings of "I really am special. I love myself. I'm allowed to take up space, no matter the opinions of other people. I'm whole, exactly as I am, and it is safe to receive love, help, or kindness from others."
Do what lights you up,
Sadie
Please note: Some people start the tree calendar with Birch in January, which follows the solar calendar. However, I learned them in an older tradition, which aligns with the 13-month lunar calendar. It's up to you to discern what feels right for you, of course.
See also:
Gemini 2024
Cancer 2024
Hazel June 13 - July 10
Hazel: Coll
Hazel: Amethyst
Hazel: Turtle
Apple June 13 - July 10
Heather: Day before summer solstice
Midsummer 2024
Celtic Tree Months
Author of The Recollection of Trees book series. Fifth generation intuitive. Kitchen witch. she/her.