Reed: Ngetal

The names of the Celtic tree months come from some of the letters of the Ogham. The Ogham is an ancient alphabet believed to have originated in the 4th century (possibly as early as the 1st) in what is now the southwest region of Ireland. 

The Celtic month of Reed, September 5 - October 2, is associated with:

Ogham: Ngetal – (nyettle, ing-tal) represents direct action. For the ancient Celts, "reed" was often a common plant called broom, which was used to make a besom, or broom for practical and spiritual cleaning. It is similar to Straif, in that it helps us recognize and clear negativity.

This ogham asks us to clean house: release stagnant energy, habits or patterns. It encourages us to closely examine relationships or situations and adjust our personal boundaries accordingly. This is the time to rid ourselves of clutter--both emotional and physical. 

One of the most difficult things for me to relearn in adulthood has been healthy boundaries. I don't need to constantly check on the emotional state of my loved ones or colleagues in order to understand my own emotional state. I don't have to say yes just because someone asked. No is a complete sentence (one of my favorites). I've probably mentioned this in past posts, but I love the boundaries I've seen people setting with their employers, coworkers, and clients/customers. 

One person suggested telling people what you will do, rather than asking them to not do something. The example was "they keep emailing me after work hours and on the weekends, and then getting upset when I don't answer right away. I've asked them to stop but they do it anyway." The solution offered was an autoreply or message on the contact page that says, "Emails will be answered as soon as possible during work hours M-F 9am - 5pm."

One of my game changers was creating a set time that my phone goes into "sleep mode," meaning the screen turns grayscale, no calls, texts, or notifications are allowed through until my alarm goes off in the morning. I have a short list of people who can still contact me even during those hours, and my phone allows emergency communications through. I had a relative who used to call me at all hours, in a heightened state of upset and would dump their trauma without asking if I was awake and emotionally available for their problems. For a long time, I had a difficult time saying no, and they knew it. The sleep mode helped me take the first steps toward healthier boundaries with that person. Eventually, I realized that I needed to end that connection, but only after my new boundaries were repeatedly disrespected and ignored. It was really hard, but now I find myself recognizing those same potential behaviors/patterns much earlier in new connections.

I love the anecdote I read awhile back about a woman who was forced to return to the office, despite having worked from home for nearly a year during the pandemic. The company demanded that "Work needs to happen at work. Absolutely no working from home anymore." When her boss kept emailing and texting her outside company hours while she was at home, she became frustrated by the double standard and ignored all the messages. The next day, the boss demanded an answer and she replied, "You said no working from home." HAHAHAHA

So, let us all take inventory, find our "stuck" places and clear the clutter in our minds or physical spaces, and set clear boundaries. 

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: 

Virgo 2024
Libra 2024
Reed September 5 – October 2
Blackthorn September 5 – October 2
Reed: Ingwaz
Reed: Red Jasper
Reed: Owl
Celtic Tree Months