[Weekly Choice] Hawthorn

Hawthorn

Latin name: Crataegus monogyna

Other names: Whitethorn, Mayflower, May Tree,

Hawberry, Thornapple.

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Word ogham of:

Morainn:

‘Condál cúan’

means: pack of wolves, or pack of hounds.

Cuchulain:

Ansam aidche. I .huath

means: Most difficult night, hawthorn

Oengus:

Bánad gnúisi

means: Whitening or blanching of the face.

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Lore and Legend

Hawthorn is one of the peasant trees according to Brehon law. Hawthorns are always connected to the faeries, and are considered highly sacred in many communities across Britain and Ireland of the most famous tale involving the hawthorn is that of Thomas the Rhymer, who met the Queen of Elfland beneath a hawthorn tree. Because of its connection with faeries, severe penalties are thought to be imposed on anyone who violates the tree in any way, and it is often associated with periods of testing and challenge. Its dual nature, of flowers and sharp thorns, relate it to traditions of the triple goddess who is seen as both beautiful and kind, as well as cruel and harsh. For this reason, a solitary hawthorn has often been considered a trysting place. Hawthorns are also often guardians of sacred springs and wells, demanding

the very best behaviour from all mortals who are in their presence. It is this quality that is the reason for its association with the festival of Belt-

ane (1st May) as it flowers during this season and is traditionally used as the crown of the May Queen, the personification of the goddess.

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Correspondence:

Festival: Beltane

Goddess: Blodeuwedd and Creiddylad, Queen of Elfland

Colour: Pink

Gemstone: Rose Quartz

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Spells use: marriages and betrothals, love spells, attraction spells, improving woman’s self-image and self-esteem, giving men courage in love, as a gift for faeries, protection for animals and the beds of children and pregnant women, help shelter and protect from lightning, protect sailors at sea,

Medicine use:

Mucilaginous - berries

Astringent - leaves

antioxidant

nutritious

cardiotonic

cardioprotective

diuretic

It is an adaptogen and tonic specific to the circulatory system. Used for hypertension, hypotension,

haemorrhoids, congestive heart failure, etc. Most chronic heart diseases will be affected by the use of this herb, all nervous disorders and heart-related issues, both physically and emotionally. Dried and crushed hawthorn berries, made into a tea or decoction, with honey added is a good gargle for sore throats and infections, as well as easing kidney inflammations or diarrhoea. Hawthorn flowers are used to heal facial blemishes, as well as improve one’s sense of worth and inner beauty.

Emotional:

It Will aid in healing a broken heart, opening the heart and protecting the heart. Wonderful for people who have problems with giving and receiving love. Magically washing in hawthorn flowers steeped in water improves one personal image of oneself, and taken together, practical steps and magical ones can be par-

particularly useful for those with low self-esteem, or teenagers who may feel awkward or unattractive as they move through puberty.

As a vibrational essence:

the hawthorn lends courage through difficult-

ties, and creates movement through stuck emotions or repressed desires, instilling fresh emotional energy. It opens the heart to pleasure and intimacy and helps individuals lose fears of commitment. It lends energy to become grounded and more present, manifesting a primal life force.

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Divination:

As an ogham, the hawthorn suggests a challenge, in both positive and or difficult ways, but also a surge in energy rise to the test. It questions

your worthiness, and even if you fail, you will be nearer your goal than before, because the hawthorn leaves you changed, transformed to something more real more honourable, and more capable than you were. It

shows you the truth of your heart. This may not always be pleasant but it is always worthwhile. It encourages you to consider your boundaries

and to ensure you are respecting the boundaries of others are well as your own in equal measure. It can signify love, union, and connection with the goddess if your heart is ready.

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From my own perspective:

Hawthorn tree seems to have double energy - for both being protective but also challenging. It can help heal or it can hurt if we don't use its magic properly. It is a very feminine tree for me - it shows a woman on both ways - she can be soft in nature and very beautiful caring and lovely - but at the same time she will show her dark side when she is hurt - trying to bring revenge and destroy, but she will also protect the ones she cares for. All of that can be found in the Hawthorn tree. The protective side and beautiful side seems to be perfectly balanced here. Why then do we have a challenging side in this tree as ogham mentioned? Because very often we aren't balanced enough to connect with its energy. It trigger's your dark side, it triggers your fears so you can become whole again. So you will become stronger. It makes you face everything you keep ignoring in order to bring out your true beauty.

*Created based on my own knowledge and books:

Sacred Tree: Medicine and Magic by Erin Smith, MS, CCH

CELTIC TREE MAGIC by Danu Forest*