The Oghams Forfeda
For the entries of the five Forfeda, or extra letters, I have opted to list them all in one post due to them having a much less fully developed symbolism in the Irish sources, and their sound values range all over the phonetic map; and to be frank we just don't have as much attested kennings and workings with them. The majority of this post is from the “The Druidry Handbook: Spiritual Practice Rooted In The Living Earth” by John Michael Greer.
You'll also notice the similarities of the layout to the other entries as well. That's because the handbook is laid out in a way that just speaks to me and was already similar to my personal note taking style and it just really fits with how I wanted to deliver the information. I wholeheartedly recommend checking the book out yourself for the rest of the awesome info it contains.
P.S.
The difference in names from the infographic within the Aicme's post and the different names here may seem confusing at first; but once you read through you'll notice that all the alternate names line up correctly.
KOAD
᚛ᚕ᚜
(pronounced “KO-ud”)
A Fid of central balance and infinite possibility.
Tree: A grove containing all trees.
Alternate name: Ebhadh (pronounced “EV-uth”)
Alternate tree: Elecampane
Sound value: Ch
Elemental attribution: Spirit of Spirit
Calendar attribution: The whole cycle of the year
Upright divinatory meanings:
Complexity, the presence of many factors; possibility; capacity for freedom.
Reversed divinatory meanings:
Confusion and bewilderment; there may be too many factors at work to allow successful prediction.
➖
OIR
᚛ᚖ᚜
(pronounced “OR”)
A Fid of fate, sudden change, and the unexpected.
Tree: Spindle
Alternate name: Tharan (pronounced “TAR-ann”)
Sound value: Th
Calendar attribution: Imbolc, 2 February
Upright divinatory meanings:
Radical transformation, the flash of the lightning bolt; sudden change, illumination or destruction, set in motion by forces outside the situation.
Reversed divinatory meanings:
Patience and preparation; the path before you is slow and cannot be hurried; wait for outside forces to act.
➖
UILLEAND
ᚗ
(pronounced “ULL-enth”)
A Fid of secrets hidden and revealed.
Tree: Honeysuckle
Alternate name: Peith (pronounced “PETH”)
Alternate tree: Water Elder
Sound value: P
Elemental attribution: Air of Spirit
Calendar attribution: Belteinne, 1 May
Upright divinatory meanings
Secrets and revelations, the influence of the subtle and seemingly insignificant; small causes with large effects; insight into the nature of the situation.
Reversed divinatory meanings:
The situation is not what it seems; hidden factors are a source of complications; the information you need is not available to you.
➖
PHAGOS
ᚘ
(pronounced “FAH-gus)
A few of learning and guidance.
Tree: Beech
Alternate name: Iphin (pronounced IFF-in)
Alternate tree: Gooseberry
Elemental attribution: Water of Spirit
Calendar attribution: Lughnasadh, 1 August
Upright divinatory meanings:
Knowledge and lore, learning, study, education; the wisdom of the past as a guide to the present and future.
Reversed divinatory meanings:
Ignorance; lack of attention to existing knowledge; failure to learn from experience.
➖
MOR
ᚙ
(pronounced “MOHR”)
A Fid of beginnings, endings, and the influence of outside forces.
Alternate name: Emancoll (pronounced “EM-un-coll”); coll crossed
Alternate tree: Witch hazel
Sound value: X
Elemental attribution: Earth of spirit
Calendar attribution: Samhain, 1 November
Upright divinatory meanings:
Unexpected change, the arrival of a new influence; the effects of destiny.
Reversed divinatory meanings:
Sudden endings and disruptions, the dissolution of the familiar.
We have now made it through the Aicme's and the Forfeda. Next to come is how do we actually use all this info? Is it similar to Runes or charms? That answer is yes but no. Good thing there will be another post.