Vine

Muin (MUHN, like “foot”)

Muin
The Letter

Vine
The Tree ~ Vine ~ finemain
Tenth Consonant

Hand
Place on the hand
The Base Joint of the Thumb

Color ~ Mbracht ~ Variegated, speckled

Amethyst
Stone ~ Amethyst 

Titmouse
Bird ~ mintan ~ Titmouse

Goddesses ~ Danu and the Muses

Spiral
Symbol ~ Spiral

Message ~ Inspiration
Note ~ High g
Planet ~ Venus
Word ogham ~ Love, esteem, trickery, communication, strongest of powers, path of the voice, back of na ox, affection of man
Flower essence ~ Honeysuckle

Muin is the tenth consonant. In Celtic countries there was a ban on eating blackberries - "because of the Fairies." It is a Tree of Joy, exhilaration and wrath.
The vine is also called Bramble in Britain as vine is not native.  It is the Vine of Dionysus, the bringer of visions.  It is the coming of autumn and the decline of growth that leads to winter sleep.  Season includes Autumn Equinox, fruiting of the dream world in the introspective "sleep" of the turn of the year.

Vine is a symbol of the intertwining of the conscious and unconscious mind.  It is a sign of liberation from inhibitions.  It is a gentle and systematic release from the constraints of logic and rationality.  Muin is divine inspiration and channeled creativity.  Vine tells you that the inner key to your problems awaits an inspired solution.  The truth is shining from within and from beyond.  You are challenged to follow your intuitive instincts. 

Botanical Information
Blackberry Common Names ...
Bramble, Cloudberry, Dewberry, Goutberry, High blackberry, and Thimbleberry
Blackberry is a trailing perennial plant; the slender branches feature sharp, prickles.  The leaves are finely hairy, each bearing three leaflets.  The white, five-petaled flowers appear from June to September.

It grows in dry or sandy soil, along woodland edges, in hedge rows, and along roadsides.

Blackberry leaves and roots are a long-standing home remedy for cholera, anemia, and for regulating menses, diarrhea, and dysentery.  Prolonged use of the tea is also beneficial for enteritis, chronic appendicitis, and stomach upset.  It is said to have expectorant properties as well. The fruit and juice are taken for anemia, and using a standard infusion, can be applied externally as a lotion, reported to be good for psoriasis and scaly conditions of the skin.

 “I am a hill of poetry
I have been a spotted snake on the hill
I am a skilled artist” 

Of this moon Amergin sings, "I am a hill of skilled ones.”Those who followed a creative path in early Ireland were called “people of skill."  This included those who attended Bardic schools and learned to apply their skills to the service of their tradition.  As a result, their tradition was enriched and grew through their sharing with each other.  They compared ideas and techniques and learned by doing as those who preceded them. Their teachings and ways are carried forward today in groups such as ours.
The Bards held regular assemblies where they recited their poetry, shared their art and held captive those who sat and listened and also scrutinized by those considered more learned than they.

This was done during the Harvest season since the energies that go into making public a finished work of art are quite similar to the processes of reaping and storing of crops.

All living creatures are preparing for the coming season of death, storing food, paring down, or traveling to warmer regions.  We who are human often imitate them on a deeper level, by sharing the results of our creative and which serves as food for the soul.

Of course, there are many different types of creative activities in a human community, and many different ways in which they may be shared.

As the moon waxes, we gather what we have learned well that we can speak of clearly, and get ourselves ready to once more be blown by the same wind that breathed the creative spirit into us during the Ash Moon and now show the results of that creativity. On the Full Moon we will open ourselves to a full sharing of our innermost dreams and aspirations with others, enjoying the spirit of community under the light of the Full Moon, knowing the fullness of our many blessings.

And finally, as the moon wanes we hold to ourselves this inner richness gained from the sharing. 

I AM A HILL OF POETRY

Hey the gift, Ho the gift,
Hey the gift of the living.

Queen of the dawn, Queen of the clouds,
Queen of the planet, Queen of the star;
Queen of the rain, Queen of the dew,
Queen of the well, Queen of the sky;
Queen of the flame, Queen of the light,
Queen of the sphere, Queen of the globe;
Queen of the elements, Queen of the heavens,
Queen of the moon, Queen of the sun.

On the earth, in the air, Through the fire, by the water,
I am ECSTASY, the Vine moon’s daughter
© Chris Carol 1979