Reed 2024

By S.F. Skyheart - September 5, 2024

According to the Celtic Tree Calendar, the period from September 5 to October 2 is associated with two trees, Reed and Blackthorn.

Reed is a broad, common term for tall grasses and grass-like plants found in wetlands, such as pampas grass, bamboo, cattails, papyrus sedge, rushes, and more. Rushes are found all around the world. Although these tall grasses prefer wet soil, some seedlings can live for up to 50 years, lying dormant in droughts. Reeds are a basic food for many animals, and are used as bedding and nesting material for many birds and mammals. There are several domesticated grasses that are closely related, referred to as "cereal crops" such as maize (corn), wheat, rice, and millet, but for the purpose of this post, I'll mostly discuss the wild plants that grow in marshy areas. Humans have used reeds, rushes, and sedges to weave baskets and matts (Japanese tatami and Indian ), build roofs (thatch), make paper (papyrus), and as food, early medicine, and animal feed.

It is interesting to first note that reeds evolved to grow in wet areas and to survive drought, so the first message is be adaptable. If the wind blows, be flexible enough to sway but stay rooted. If there's a dry spell, conserve your energy. If the water rises, do your best to keep your head and stay grounded.

I have fond memories of picking cattails along a marsh that was near my elementary school. They seemed magickal, popping up along the water, and a little dangerous to get without falling in. Pretty and a little odd, they often hid how deep the water might be, or even that there was water at all, until our sneakers were wet. The second message is find time to play, especially in safe spaces where you can freely be you.

The ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians was incredible. They took something as ordinary as Nile grass to make papyrus, one of the first forms of paper, turned the softer parts of the plant into tampons, and used the woody stalks and stems for utensils, baskets, incense, fuel, medicine, food, and even wove them into boats. The final message is take direct action. Use your creativity to problem solve and invent a new way forward for yourself. Be sure to consider all angles of a situation when seeking solutions--maybe it seems like "ordinary grass" but there are likely multiple possibilities awaiting your discovery.

Do what lights you up,
Sadie

About the author

S.F. Skyheart

Author of The Recollection of Trees book series. Fifth generation intuitive. Kitchen witch. she/her.

My blog is meant for inspirational and entertainment purposes only.

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