Reed Moon: October 28 - November 23
Reed signifies the 12th month of the Celtic Tree Calendar, the time of the year when the veils between the worlds are thinnest.
The Reed Moon was called Negetal, pronounced nyettle by the Celts, although today can be referred to as the Elm Moon by modern Pagans.
Reeds are associated with the dead and the Underworld. It is used to make wind instruments, like flutes or panpipes, and at this time of year, it’s said their haunting sounds can be heard when the souls of the dead are being summoned to the Underworld. This is a time for divination and scrying. If you're going to have a séance, this is a good month to do it, as are magical workings related to spirit guides, energy work, meditation, celebration of death, and honouring the cycle of life and rebirth.
Reeds, or rushes, as they are also known, are more closely related to grasses than trees. They are included in the Tree Calendar as a gateway to the Otherworld. Reeds grow in muddy waters, their roots reaching deep into the unknown, symbolically linking the Underworld with our World above.
In Egypt, the durable, strong fibres were employed for many important practical uses. Not only paper, but also cloth and sails were created from them, whilst the hollow stalks could be bundled and used for thatching and for building light structures such as Reed boats or effigies of the Gods.
Correspondences –
Stone: Black Obsidian
Colour: Crimson
Bird: Geese, Kingfisher
Deity: Coventina, Morrigan, Rhiannon, Manannan Mac Lir, Poseidon, Pwyll
Folk Names: Sweet flag, myrtle grass, norfolk reed
Folk uses -
Reed was used as a floor covering, for roofing, and as a room deodorizer.
The powdered root was used as an insecticide against fleas.
Soaked in fat the stalks made a cheap alternative to candles.
They have used for arrow shafts and writing pens.
It is believed that the Pied Piper's magical flute was made of reed, and Pan's flute may also have been made from reed.
Red was used to treat eye problems.
Dreaming of Reed means not all your friends are true. Handling them in dreams mean that you may be deceived in business.
Magical uses –
Transformation, strength, divination, psychic development, ancestor workings, balance, harmony.
Sources –