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Fern (fur-n) is the thrid fíd in the ogham alphabet. It is associated with only one tree, the alder tree. Historically, the alder tree was used to make shields, bowls, and buckets. In Ireland, we would probably see the common or black Alder, (Alnus glutinosa). It is a hardy species that can grown on sheltered mountainsides, lake shores, and wet, sandy soils. The fid is written with one vertical line and three perpendicular lines across, only on the right side. I have included a picture of the fíd at the bottom of this post for you to see.
The word fern is related to the Welsh word gwern(en) that points to the Alder tree. The letter for fern is V as well as F. The word oghams, phrases that are connected to each fíd, include the following:
When we look back at The Ogham Tract, we can see how these phrases come into play.
Airinach Fian, i.e., shield of warrior-bands, i.e., shield for fern, f, with him owing to their redness in the same respect: or because the alder, the material of the shield was from fernae given to the Ogham letter which has taken a name from it. Airenach Fian, i.e., shield, that is fern, f, with him. The Ogham Tract 1
It is important to recognize the value of milk and cattle in ancient Ireland. Warriors in Ireland, even Kings, were cattle-lords. This means that it was their responsiblitiy to protect the cattle they had and, in turn, protect the livelihood and lives of their people. Cattle raids were a very common activity, and the Táin Bó Cúailnge, Cattle Raid of Cooley, is one of the most famous. Connecting the warrior aspects of this fíd to the protection of cattle, shields, and bowls will help later on when we look at the divinatory meaning of this fíd.
The Alder Tree itself is indigenous to Ireland and is found in many places throughout Europe. They tend to be deciduous trees, though there are some exceptions. Their leaves are alternate, simple, and serrated. The flowers are what we call catkins, long pieces of string-like material with small flowers attached. The male catkins are longer than the female catkins, and both can grow on the same tree. They are commonly gound by water, though they can grow on mountains and in sandy soil.
According to some sources, the catkins of some alder species can actually be eaten and may be rich in protein. They are reported to have a bitter, unpleasant taste, though they are more useful for survival than anything. Note: Please don’t eat the leaves of a tree if you are not 100% certain they are edible. Alder bark also contains an anti-inflammatory chemical called salicin which is then metabolized in the body to make salicyclic acid. Some Native American cultures used red alder bark to treat poison oak and other skin irritations.
According to Weaving Word Wisdom by Erynn Rowan Laurie, this fíd is connected with all manner of protection, but it is heavily connected with those that protect using a manner of force, like police or fire fighters, or those that act as shields for others, like political protestors placing themselves in harm’s way or eco-activists chaining themselves to drilling equipment.
“Fern is also a fid that implies emotional shelter and protection. The warrior protects what is loved, and the container protects what is held within it. The word ogam “protection of the heart” powerfully links this fid with emotional strength and guarding yourself or others from potential emotional harm.” Weaving Word Wisdom by Erynn Rowan Laurie
This is also a fíd that can change depending on any other surrounding feda. For example, if it is paired with a more difficult fíd like Ceirt, it may be a warning to guard yourself against manipulation and abuse. If it is surrounded by more positive feda, it can suggest that you are emotionally protected, your emotions are hidden, or you are sheltered in a space where you feel safe.
Here are some keywords I’ve come up with in my studies for Fern in regard to divination.