Compiled by Sue Bagust

LUIS

Luis, the Rowan tree, is the symbol for people born between 21 January [am Faoilleach] and 17 February [an Gearran]. The Rowan is a tree of high magic, from which potent charms are made and necklaces of rowan berries with red thread were worn for protection by Highland women. Rowans were planted near doors and gates to ward off evil and were thought to guard the gateway to the spirit world. The personality opposites for Rowan are Spiritual/Fanatical. Aloof, detached Rowan people are secretly idealistic, progressive thinkers with strong spiritual principles. They are original thinkers, impatient with restrictions and enjoy change.

The Tarot equivalent is the Hierophant. Their planet of influence is Uranus. The traditional Zodiac association for this sign is Aquarius. The animal symbol is the dragon. The dragon symbolises inspiration and imagination. Rowans need an outlet for their powerful imagination or they can become restless and quarrelsome.

The Gaelic word for the Rowan is the letter L-Luis, which also means flame, hand, branch, mantle or pure. This can then be traced to the Rowan's close association with the goddess Brigid. The Festival of Bride falls on the eve of 1st February, and is one of the cycle of festivals celebrated by the Celts. The time of Brigid, the Goddess of Fertility and Inspiration, is the celebration of the fire of illumination, the impulse of inspiration, of healing and creative energy. Brigid was the daughter of the Dagda, called “the poetess” She was also known as the triple goddess of Fire, Poetry and the Forge.