Nuin/Cherry-Ash (First Aicme)
Nuin/ Cherry-Ash
᚛ᚃ᚜
Cherry:
Blossoms of pink and white,
falling amongst the walks
moving tapestry's of beauty,
loving nature as we love another.
Ash:
My life I make whole,
through works divine.
with my knowledge and strength.
I claim my new self.
Pronunciation: NOO-un
Sound Value: N
Tree(s): Cherry or Ash depending on school of thought
Keywords:
Cherry
Love, romance, desire, emotions, harmony
Ash
Shape-shifting, transformation, growth, fate, possibilities, potential, cycles, expanded reality
Kennings:
Word Ogham of Cu Chulainn: “Flight of beauty, that is, a weaver’s beam”
Elemental attribution: Air
Calendar attribution:/ February 18th - March 17th
Secrets of the Fid:
Cherry:
The word Nuin translates as ‘branch-fork’ which is indicative only of a tree/bush. Because of this we must rely on the three Bríatharogam for some indication of what tree it should actually be. The three word-oghams in Irish are: Costud Síde, Bág Ban, and Bág maise which is then retranslated as "staple enjoyment" or ‘supply of the otherworld,’ ‘boast of women,’ and ‘boast of beauty’ respectively. While rather vague, they indicate a connection with the "otherworld,(Fairy)," femininity and beauty. Cherry traditionally possesses these qualities but Ash does not.
It's also worth noting that in the European traditions, when it shows up, Cherry typically does not often show as a tree of power. We see this in “Celtic Myth and Legend” by Charles Squire, where the Battle of Godeu is described, and in this battle with Hades, while many trees fought valiantly (oak, hawthorn, heather, holly) many others, including the Cherry, did not fare so well, and were broken during the battle. This battle is told in the “Book of Taliesin” as well. It's also of note that when we take a look at other cultures we see that Cherry’s power is tied to love, emotions, and romance, something that is consistent both from Europe as well as from folk magic here in the U.S.
Ash:
Nuin has ties to the Deity Gwyddyon, who is a shape-shifter and sorcerer who oversees the process of transformation and manifestation. Life is a cycle of constant change from a state to another, fraught with adversity and conflict which forces us to grow into the next stage. Nuin as Ash is also linked to one's Wyrd, and how there are infinite possibilities to get to the end of the line.
Nuin is our counselor, asking us to observe our past and be introspective so that we may be better prepared for the future to come. Nuin is also the challenger of creativity and imagination. While wands are connected to Nuin, they are not the only magical tool, and Nuin challenges us to use our tools and abilities to manifest and design the life we want.
Divinatory meanings upright:
Cherry:
Cherry encourages us to find the sweetness and grace in every moment of our life, and to feel it in our heart. Now is a time to renew past friendships and release old wounds as we acknowledge the impermanence of life. Something new is coming forward in our life that will bring unexpected joy.
Ash:
Ash represents connection and transformation; relationships in a larger context. Events may be more than they appear.
Divinatory meanings reversed:
Cherry:
Potentially reflecting a moment of temporary stagnation, or resistance to the natural ebb and flow of life, Cherry tree reversed hints that you might be holding tightly to the past, rushing your growth, or turning a blind eye to new beginnings.
Ash:
Ash warns of Isolation and self-containment, separated from what is going on, both good and bad. Boredom and lack of initiative may blind you to presented opportunities.
Source for Cherry Tree info:
https://thedruidsgarden.com/2019/06/23/sacred-tree-profile-cherry-prunus-serotinas-magic-mythology-medicine-and-meaning/*
https://druidry.org/resources/a-re-evaluation-of-the-ogham-tree-list