Gort
Gort teaches us of support: how we support and how we are supported. That isn't just about practicalities of life, but emotional care, cooperation, sharing, trust, and as such she provokes us to see more clearly where competition is bringing out selfishness and ego, envy and insecurities. Ivy speaks of ambition, however mundane or spiritual, personal or tribal, but reminds us that we are not alone: how do we help or hinder each other? She inspires us work hard, to be willing and determined to improve, but never lets us forget how easy it is to fall. (ERO)
Oghams of Morann Mac Main: sweeter than grasses, cornfield
Oghams of Mac ind Oic: size of a warrior
With deep green leaves, Ivy grows prolifically and sinuously through the branches of other trees, and can cling remorselessly to any form of support. It offers a honey like nectar when it flowers and is often covered with insects on flowering, and its berries are a rare treat for birds in the depths of winter. Thus can Ivy be seen to offer support and nurturing to those who need it. Yet at the same time it has an air of menace and tenacity that can threaten and even kill a tree around which it clings. So Ivy can support us but can also restrict and bind us. This is an Ogham to treat with some caution, asking for assistance and support when we need a way through to finding a sense of attachment and community, but also where we retain a sense of our own freedom, not succumbing to its innate desire to overcome all obstacles at any cost. (CC)