I am currently studying the druid ogham or tree script and I like it very much. I have not delved much into the magical applications of it but I have found other uses as well. First the divination aspect. Having studied the rune futharks I have noticed similarities in the meanings between the two but their are also differences. However this is to be expected given the difference in the cultures from which these two systems derived. Secondly I have found that the ogham and the other systems can be used to teach life lessons and to put these lessons into perspective. For instance. If you group the ogham together into their various elemental associations we come to five sets of five runes each representing the five elements. I took the first set of five representing the element of air Beith, Luis, Fearn, Gaille, Nuin and examined the meanings of them against the background of my life and the lessons I needed to be taught. They started to fit perfectly. For example the first ogham Beith Means being beginning and purification. It's divination meaning is Beginnings, new possibilities, potential, renewal and rebirth. A favorable sign in most matters but their may be discomforts. This fit into my life at the time and led me to a few lessons that hit me making the divination seemingly come true. This process can be done with other systems and can teach a lot about the self.
Re: Pot. uses of Ogham By: 0Ambrosia1 / Knowledgeable
Post # 4 Jun 23, 2012
There is no true historical basis for Ogham being the writing system of the druids or a magical script. This is because we almost every inscription of Ogham we have found has been on a boundary marker not a religious item or text.
With that said I'm not downing the idea of finding a way to use Ogham magically but I am allowing others to know that there is no basis or history behind it.
Personally I use Ogham to write on certain votive offerings. It is very compact and can be written beautifully giving the item a very earthy feel.
Re: Pot. uses of Ogham By: changedcynic / Beginner
Post # 5 Jun 23, 2012
No I agree completely, It was used in medieval times and acts more like a latin cypher. However it was also an early system of writing in gaelic so that can give it some magical power. I think that age and obscurity can help any lenguage act in a "magical" way
Re: Pot. uses of Ogham By: changedcynic / Beginner
Post # 6 Jun 23, 2012
Except for the no history part, inscriptionshave been found dating from the 4th to 7th century A.C.E. which makes that claim kind of silly. They were also placed on tomb stones I believe.
Despite the lack of history that may or may not support the connection of the druids with the ogham it is still a taught practice of modern druid's even today. Now from my studies and strictly speaking from what I have read the futhark as well as the ogham were never used as anything beyond a divination and writing tool by early cultures. Their magical use is a fairly new concept but it's logic is sound. Symbols hold meaning, idea, and thought. All the things that are a part of magick. Therefor they can hold magical energy. Runes, Ogham, any script that you come across can do the same thing. So they can be used for that. Divination if you want to get technical is done by feeling the energy attuned to the symbol, stone, card whatever. That is why when you first begin to use systems of divination they say it is a good idea to use your own tools because they become attuned to you and your energy. All these of course are my opinion and not proven fact. Decide on your own as with all things.