Yaupon Holly / Tinne is the eighth letter of the Ogham alphabet, sacred to Mars and the element of Fire, associated with courage, protection, and the Sword of Truth. The North American Yaupon Holly stands in for the European Holly of Celtic tradition — evergreen, fierce, and fire-bright. The cardinal, sacred bird of Holly, flies through the composition in red, the color of Mars. The Ogham stave for Tinne appears in gold at the right. The word COURAGE, written into the painting, calls on Holly's gift: the strength to act with a fortified heart.