The Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn – May 13th to June 9th.
The Tree
The origin of the word Hawthorn comes from the Anglo-saxon “Haegthorn” which means hedgethorn. This tree grows to the size of a large shrub, it is because of this that it popular as a hedge plant in England. It has dense branches that grow in twists and turns which makes it almost impenetrable. It also grows some pretty nasty thorns. The wood is similar to apple and burns hot. The new growth on a hawthorn is reddish and in May it sports white flowers and later in the season red berries both of which have medicinal properties. This tree has a very long life span and has been known to reach 250 yr old. The hawthorn was often called the May Tree because its fragrant white flowers bloomed in May just in time for Beltane. These flowers were used for decorating maypoles and homes for the holiday.(this custom must have come later because as you will see this tree is a good guy/bad guy tree). The flowers were also used for weddings by the Greeks and Romans who considered them lucky. On the other end of the scale the Europeans said the hawthorn was unlucky and associated with witches.
As I said good tree/ bad tree ( pretty flowers but nasty thorns) and the Irish Brehon word for this tree means “harm”.
Autumn Berries by James Haggerty/freeimages.com
In Healing
In healing, the flowers, leaves and berries are used. A tonic made from the berries is said to help water retention in diabetics. The leaves and flowers can be made into a tea that helps anxiety, poor circulation, asthma, arthritis, loss of voice and rheumatism.
In Myth & Magic
In ancient times hawthorn had a double reputation. The Greeks and Romans considered them lucky while the Europeans said the hawthorn was unlucky and associated with witches. In time the flowers were used for decorating maypoles and homes for the Beltane. One interesting superstition is that the month of May is considered to be unlucky for weddings and is said to be the main reason that June weddings are so popular.
Hawthorn blossom 1 by Jonathan Ogilvie/ freeimages.com
The flowers were used by the Greeks and Romans who considered them lucky at weddings. In mythology, the hawthorn plays a roll in the romantic welsh tale of Kulhwch and Olwen. It embodies the protector of Olwens virginity, a giant called Yspaddaden. The giant is slain as the spring flowers (hawthorn) open which symbolizes summer defeating winter and the turning of the seasons. In other lore, the erotic scent of the hawthorn blossoms is said to enhance fertility and promote chastity. The ancient Turks called it ‘the scent of woman” and was considered an erotic symbol.
As a protective plant hawthorn was used to protect the home from lightning and negative entities and the ancient Romans believed that children were protected from evil spells if it was placed in their cradle. it could grant wishes and could be found guarding sacred wells and crossroads.
Hawthorn has long been considered a witches tree and is part of the sacred triad of oak, ash and thorn (the three realms/ maiden, mother, crone). It is also a favorite of fairies which makes it very unlucky to cut one down or harm it in any way.
To dream of pink hawthorn flowers means happiness, but if they are white it means money. If you dream of the tree itself it means harmony among friends. As a magical name Hawthorn is perfect for witches of either sex.
Hill Fort Hawthorn 3 by John evans/freeimages.com
Hawthorn People
Hawthorn people are full of great ideas and tend to be multi talented innovators. These people may also be performers in an artistic format, much like the Bards of old. They also make shrewd business people and have little patience with folks who do not take their work seriously. They can also be very protective of family and anyone they consider family.
Correspondences
Magical Properties: fertility(both male and female), protection (the thorns), prosperity, binding and cleansing, fishing magic, chastity and fairy magic.
Also Known As: May Bush, Whitethorn, Bread and Cheese Tree, Mayflower, Tree of Chastity, Gaxels
sources: the crystal forest controversical.com dutchie.org The New Book of Magical Names, Phoenix McFarland Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster Tree Totem.com
Good Morning Beautiful Souls, grab a cup of your favorite morning brew and start things off with “Today’s Inspirations”. I hope you find something here that will make you feel good or help you on your path today.
Blessings, Cat
_________________________
May Events & Holidays
May 22 New Moon at 10:38 am PST/ 11:38 am MST/ 1:38 pm EST
May 25 Memorial Day (USA)
____________________________
Come rambling awhile through this exquisite weather
Of days that are fleet to pass,
When the stem of the willow shoots out a green feather,
And buttercups burn in the grass!
-Edgar Fawcett (1847-1904)
___________________________
Spirit Library: Perseverance Is Needed (a message from Kate Spreckley)
The call for change and transformation will ultimately have an exceptionally positive impact on all areas of our lives, but may well be challenging and difficult in the moment. The shifts occurring now are initiating profound awakenings that will generate a more effective arrangement of our world.
ThoughtCo: How To Properly Dispose of Ritual and Magic Tools
Sometimes, for whatever reason, you may decide that you have a ritual tool you no longer need. Perhaps you’ve got three athames too many, or someone has gifted you with a new chalice and you’re tired of the old one, or maybe that deck of Tarot cards just doesn’t speak to you the way it used to.
MBG: 8 Fun Ideas For Tapping Into The High-Vibe New Moon In Gemini
Ready for a rebrand or an image refresh? The 2020 new moon on Friday, May 22 (at 1:38 PM EDT) wants us to think about the messages we’re sending out to the world.
Ruled by chatty Mercury, Gemini is the star sign that governs communication, friendship, and local affairs. Begin putting your feelings and ideas into words
1. A male superhero represents a super intellect; thus to dream of seeing Superman, Batman, Spiderman, or whoever indicates that your mind is particularly sharp right now, and if there is a project you’re working on that requires a quick, agile, and insightful intellect, this is the time to concentrate primarily on it. Female superheroes such as Wonder Woman or Supergirl indicate a heightened supportive mind – and thus the dreamer’s intuition is operating at a very high level. Therefore at this time the dreamer should definitely believe in his or her hunches and go with them – no matter what the intellect tells you.
2. If the dreamer encounters both male and female superheroes, then both faculties of his mind are especially sharp right now. Use your intellect, but when in doubt, follow your heart.
3. If the superhero or heroine is flying, or performing a rescue, then your mental and/or intuitive faculties will save you from an uncomfortable situation.
astrology.com
____________________________
Wise Woman Herbal Ezine: Hawthorn and the Celebration of the May: A Series… Crataegus: A Generative Genus by EagleSong Gardener
Hawthorns have been a focus in my herb crafting for close to 3 decades. Three threads weave through my life that made an apprenticeship with the generative genus, Crataegus, inevitable. First, my descent from a maternal lineage of farm folk in the Welsh and English hedge medicine tradition.
EarthSky News: Young moon, 2 planets May 23, 24 and 25
At evening dusk – May 23, 24 and 25, 2020 – find an unobstructed horizon in the direction of sunset, and watch for the young moon, plus the planets Mercury and Venus, to pop out into the deepening twilight. From many places worldwide,
________________________ Patheos-Pagan: The Importance of Ritual
My life started to fall apart at the turn of the New Year, a bit before the corona virus was even on the radar where I live. Everything has changed, swiftly, in the months that have followed. I learned a long time ago to never fall for the allure of certainty, because precious few things are certain.
Pagan Playlist: Clannad – Robin (The Hooded Man) (Official HD Video)
___________________________
Inner Journey:
MAKE TIME TO PLAY
“If we fail to nourish our souls, they wither, and without soul, life ceases to have meaning…. The creative process shrivels in the absence of continual dialogue with the soul. And creativity is what makes life worth living.”
— Marion Woodman
Stress, fear, negativity, too much to do and doing things for others at the expense of our own needs — these all stifle our innate creativity. Relaxation, fun, meditation, and going after our dreams all get the creative juices flowing. Soul is always creative, always fresh and new.
How can you create more space in your life to allow the soul’s energy out to play?
“I learned… that inspiration does not come like a bolt, nor is it kinetic, energetic, striving, but it comes to us slowly and quietly and all the time, though we must regularly and every day give it a little chance to start flowing, prime it with a little solitude and idleness.”
— Brenda Ueland
“I lived in solitude in the country and noticed how the monotony of quiet life stimulates the creative mind.”
— Albert Einstein
higherawareness.com
_____________________________
A Note from the Universe
A question from your friend The Universe:
Just how much time do you spend thinking big?
I mean really, really BIG?
Good, very good! Because that’s exactly how much of “it” you’re going to get!
__________________________________ Magical Correspondences for Friday
Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers and Heart Incense: Strawberry, Sandalwood, Rose, Saffron and Vanilla Planet: Venus Sign: Libra and Taurus Angel: Ariel Colors: Green, Pink, Aqua Herbs/Plants: Pink Rose, Ivy, Birch, Heather, Clematis, Sage, Violet and Water Lilly
Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald and Jade Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmarosa, Rose, Yarrow Friday belongs to Venus, and its energies are warm, sensuous, and fulfilling. Efforts that involve any type of pleasure, comfort, and luxury, as well as the arts, music, or aroma (incense and perfume), works well on this day. As Venus lends its sensuous influences to the energies of this day, use it for any magical work that deals with matters of the heart.
_________________________ Daily Wisdom May 22, 2020
Thinking
“To have ideas is to gather flowers. To think is to weave them into garlands.”
-Anne-Sophie Swetchine, 1869
I love this! We gather ideas all the time, yet if we do nothing with them, they whither and die like flowers do over time. But if we take the time to do something with them, something creative, organized, and original – then we are taking our ideas to a new level, where they live on and bring extended benefits to the world! It’s the “what if” the “how” and the “why” that gets our juices flowing
-Lissa Coffey
coffeytalk.com
_________________________________
Daily Tarot: The Chariot
It may start out as an ordinary day but a situation may arise that uncovers talents that you had no clue you had. Be adaptable and be willing to say, “Yes, I’ll give that a try,” rather than automatically saying, “Well I’m not sure. I’ve never done that before.” Be positive, optimistic, and sure of yourself. It’s the perfect day to learn something useful and profitable as well as exciting.
astrology.com
___________________________
About Cat’s Morning Bits: These daily posts are reblogged from various email newsletters that I receive each day.
The Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn, May 13th to June 9th.
The Tree
The origin of the word Hawthorn comes from the Anglo-Saxon “Haegthorn” which means hedge thorn. This tree grows to the size of a large shrub, it is because of this that it is popular as a hedge plant in England. It has dense branches that grow in twists and turns which makes it almost impenetrable. It also grows some pretty nasty thorns. The wood is similar to apple and burns hot. The new growth on a hawthorn is reddish and in May it sports white flowers and later in the season red berries both of which have medicinal properties. This tree has a very long life span and has been known to reach 250 yr old. The hawthorn was often called the May Tree because its fragrant white flowers bloomed in May just in time for Beltane. These flowers were used for decorating maypoles and homes for the holiday. (this custom must have come later because as you will see this tree is a good guy/bad guy tree). The flowers were also used for weddings by the Greeks and Romans who considered them lucky. On the other end of the scale, the Europeans said the hawthorn was unlucky and associated with witches. As I said good tree/ bad tree ( pretty flowers but nasty thorns) and the Irish Brehon word for this tree means “harm”.
In Healing
In healing, the flowers, leaves, and berries are used. A tonic made from the berries is said to help water retention in diabetics. The leaves and flowers can be made into a tea that helps anxiety, poor circulation, asthma, arthritis, loss of voice, and rheumatism. In Myth & Magic
In ancient times hawthorn had a double reputation. The Greeks and Romans considered them lucky while the Europeans said the hawthorn was unlucky and associated with witches. In time the flowers were used for decorating maypoles and homes for the Beltane. One interesting superstition is that the month of May is considered to be unlucky for weddings and is said to be the main reason that June weddings are so popular.
The flowers were used by the Greeks and Romans who considered them lucky at weddings. In mythology, the hawthorn plays a roll in the romantic Welsh tale of Kulhwch and Olwen. It embodies the protector of Olwens virginity, a giant called Yspaddaden. The giant is slain as the spring flowers (hawthorn) open which symbolizes summer defeating winter and the turning of the seasons. In other lore, the erotic scent of the hawthorn blossoms is said to enhance fertility and promote chastity. The ancient Turks called it “the scent of woman” and was considered an erotic symbol.
As a protective plant hawthorn was used to protect the home from lightning and negative entities and the ancient Romans believed that children were protected from evil spells if it was placed in their cradle. it could grant wishes and could be found guarding sacred wells and crossroads.
Hawthorn has long been considered a witches tree and is part of the sacred triad of oak, ash, and thorn (the three realms/ maiden, mother, crone). It is also a favorite of fairies which makes it very unlucky to cut one down or harm it in any way.
To dream of pink hawthorn flowers means happiness, but if they are white it means money. If you dream of the tree itself it means harmony among friends. As a magical name, Hawthorn is perfect for witches of either sex.
Hawthorn People
Hawthorn people are full of great ideas and tend to be multi-talented innovators. These people may also be performers in an artistic format, much like the Bards of old. They also make shrewd business people and have little patience with folks who do not take their work seriously. They can also be very protective of family and anyone they consider family.
Correspondences
Magical Properties: fertility(both male and female), protection (the thorns), prosperity, binding and cleansing, fishing magic, chastity, and fairy magic. Also Known as May Bush, Whitethorn, Bread, and Cheese Tree, Mayflower, Tree of Chastity, Gaxels
Compiled and written by Cat from the following sources:
the crystal forest
controversical.com
dutchie.org
The New Book of Magical Names, Phoenix McFarland
Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham
Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster
Tree Totem.com
Good Morning Beautiful Souls, grab a cup of your favorite morning brew and start things off with “Today’s Inspirations”. I hope you find something here that will make you feel good or help you on your path today.
Blessings, Cat
_________________________
May Events & Holidays
May 10 Mother’s Day
May 13 Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn begins
May 14 Moon in 3rd Qtr. at 7:02 am PST /8:02 am MST/10:02 am EST
May 18 Victoria Day (Canada)
May 22 New Moon at 10:38 am PST/ 11:38 am MST/ 1:38 pm EST
May 25 Memorial Day (USA)
____________________________
In May, when sea-winds pierced our solitudes,
I found the fresh Rhodora in the woods,
Spreading its leafless blooms in a damp nook,
To please the desert and the sluggish brook.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82)
___________________________
Spirit Library: Reflect & Accept (a message from Kate Spreckley)
Light is illuminating the earth igniting within us a renewed sense of purpose and passion. We are being asked to consciously recommit to our purpose and to let go of anything that may be holding us back from building a new, sustainable future
The moon is, in terms of distance, the closest heavenly body to earth. We can see it in the sky for three weeks out of four, and for thousands of years, people have used its light to guide them in the dark. In addition to the personification of the moon as deity, there are all kinds of fascinating legends and myths associated with the moon and its cycles.
If you’ve already memorized your astrology chart, calculated and recalculated your numerology life path, and perfected your tarot pull, reading palms might be your next form of divination and character assessment. Here’s what you need to know to do a basic palm reading on yourself or a friend.
1. If the dreamer is concerned about safety, security, and financial affairs, this dream could reflect those fears. Whether the fear – that someone in some way is going to rip you off – is real or not depends on the circumstances and other symbols in the dream.
2. If the dreamer is looking for love, this could represent a warning: The dreamer could meet and fall for someone fascinating, but who has an agenda of his or her own and could end up breaking the dreamer’s heart.
astrology.com
____________________________
Wise Woman Herbal Ezine: Hawthorn and the Celebration of the May: A Series… A Hawthorn Love Potion by EagleSong Gardener
I enjoy tending several hawthorns in the hoop of life I travel each year. The hawthorns are among my favored allies because of their persistence, sense of humor and down right tenacity.
I travel the highways and byways of the Snoqualmie, Skykomish and Snohomish rivers for most of my herbal interplay now days. Settling into this triad of rivers and the medicine found here is an ongoing exploration in a layered, well-lived life.
Today’s DIY: How to Grow Ginger in Containers And Get a Huge Harvest
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Elephant Journal: 8 Mantras for the Days when we’re just Not Okay.
There are days when you wake up and you don’t feel like doing anything.
Nothing makes you happy and you just don’t know the reason behind feeling like this.
MNN: ‘Rebel botanists’ use sidewalk chalk to help people connect with nature
When Sophie Leguil hits the streets near her home in London, she’s armed with sidewalk chalk. The French ecologist and botanist is one of an army of “rebel botanists” working to identify the little-known and underappreciated wild plants that grow along the sidewalks and curbs of cities throughout Europe.
Tonight, look outside in the evening and learn a phrase useful to sky watchers. The phrase is: follow the arc to Arcturus, and drive a spike (or speed on) to Spica. You can use this phrase in any year.
________________________ Patheos-Pagan: Following Nature’s Rhythm To Lavender Cookies
Spring has made it to Michigan!
Well, I live in modest hope that consistent warmer temperatures are in my near future. The sun made a grand appearance after several weeks of rain and chilly temperatures which even by Michigan standards are unusual by this point in May.
Pagan Playlist: The Hobbit (Part 3): ‘Lament For Thorin’ by Eurielle (Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien) – Lyric Video
___________________________
Inner Journey:
Give yourself free time
“What is it that makes all of us end each day with the sense that we have not lived our time, but have been lived, used by what we do?”
— Jacob Needleman
How can you free up more time for yourself?
All of the great masters counsel that we need time daily for solitude. And if our journey in life is to become more aware of who we are, then surely we need some free time each day to explore our inner landscapes and uncover our passions.
What activities can you cut out of your life to give you more growing room?
“Life is made up of moments, small pieces of glittering mica in a long, stretch of gray cement. It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won’t happen. We have to teach ourselves how to make room for them, to love them, and to live, really live.”
— Anna Quindlen
higherawareness.com
_____________________________
A Note from the Universe
There once was a time in your very own planet’s history, long, long ago, when the earth was truly a paradise. The diversity of life was as mind-boggling as it was spectacular. Flowers sprang up in impossible places. Birds and their songs filled the air over every continent. Snow, fog, showers, or sunshine added sometimes shocking and unexpected beauty to every setting. Animals were loved as family members. And complete strangers smiled and waved to one another, as it was everyone’s natural instinct to be kind, to give, and to love.
__________________________________ Magical Correspondences for Friday
Magickal Intentions: Love, Romance, Marriage, Sexual Matters, Physical Beauty, Friendship and Partnerships, Strangers and Heart
Incense: Strawberry, Sandalwood, Rose, Saffron and Vanilla
Planet: Venus
Sign: Libra and Taurus
Angel: Ariel
Colors: Green, Pink, Aqua
Herbs/Plants: Pink Rose, Ivy, Birch, Heather, Clematis, Sage, Violet and Water Lilly Stones: Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Pink Tourmaline, Peridot, Emerald and Jade
Oil: (Venus) Cardamom, Palmrosa, Rose, Yarrow
Friday belongs to Venus, and its energies are warm, sensuous, and fulfilling. Efforts that involve any type of pleasure, comfort, and luxury, as well as the arts, music, or aroma (incense and perfume) works well on this day. As Venus lends its sensuous influences to the energies of this day, use it for any magical work that deals with matters of the heart.
_________________________ Daily Wisdom May 8, 2020 Fortune
“To be thrown upon one’s own resources, is to be cast into the very lap of fortune; for our faculties then undergo a development and display an energy of which they were previously unsusceptible.”
-Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
Sometimes something we see as misfortune at the time can turn out to be one of the best things that has ever happened to us. Maybe it’s a wake-up call – something that spurs us on to achieve. Whatever it is, we have to have faith that all of the resources we need we already have. We can do anything
-Lissa Coffey
coffeytalk.com
_________________________________
Daily Tarot: The World
You may not expect or even want it, but today you will be properly acknowledged and even honored for a skill, talent, or accomplishment. Your big heart will also be appreciated. Some sort of public reward is possible, if only in the form of praise, which can be transformed into something more tangible later. If not seeking validation or kudos, be on the alert because it’s coming. You’ve earned it!
astrology.com
___________________________
About Cat’s Morning Bits: These daily posts are reblogged from various email newsletters that I receive each day.
The Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn: May 13th to June 9th.
The origin of the word Hawthorn comes from the Anglo-Saxon “Haegthorn” which means hedgethorn. This tree grows to the size of a large shrub, it is because of this that it popular as a hedge plant in England. It has dense branches that grow in twists and turns which makes it almost impenetrable. It also grows some pretty nasty thorns. The wood is similar to apple and burns hot. The new growth on a hawthorn is reddish and in May it sports white flowers and later in the season red berries both of which have medicinal properties. This tree has a very long life span and has been known to reach 250 yr old. The hawthorn was often called the May Tree because its fragrant white flowers bloomed in May just in time for Beltane. These flowers were used for decorating maypoles and homes for the holiday.(this custom must have come later because as you will see this tree is a good guy/bad guy tree). The flowers were also used for weddings by the Greeks and Romans who considered them lucky. On the other end of the scale the Europeans said the hawthorn was unlucky and associated with witches.
As I said good tree/ bad tree ( pretty flowers but nasty thorns) and the Irish Brehon word for this tree means “harm”.
In Healing
In healing, the flowers, leaves and berries are used. A tonic made from the berries is said to help water retention in diabetics. The leaves and flowers can be made into a tea that helps anxiety, poor circulation, asthma, arthritis, loss of voice and rheumatism. In Myth & Magic
In ancient times hawthorn had a double reputation. The Greeks and Romans considered them lucky while the Europeans said the hawthorn was unlucky and associated with witches. In time the flowers were used for decorating maypoles and homes for the Beltane. One interesting superstition is that the month of May is considered to be unlucky for weddings and is said to be the main reason that June weddings are so popular.
The flowers were used by the Greeks and Romans who considered them lucky at weddings. In mythology, the hawthorn plays a roll in the romantic welsh tale of Kulhwch and Olwen. It embodies the protector of Olwens virginity, a giant called Yspaddaden. The giant is slain as the spring flowers (hawthorn) open which symbolizes summer defeating winter and the turning of the seasons. In other lore, the erotic scent of the hawthorn blossoms is said to enhance fertility and promote chastity. The ancient Turks called it ‘the scent of woman” and was considered an erotic symbol.
As a protective plant hawthorn was used to protect the home from lightning and negative entities and the ancient Romans believed that children were protected from evil spells if it was placed in their cradle. it could grant wishes and could be found guarding sacred wells and crossroads.
Hawthorn has long been considered a witches tree and is part of the sacred triad of oak, ash and thorn (the three realms/ maiden, mother, crone). It is also a favorite of fairies which makes it very unlucky to cut one down or harm it in any way.
To dream of pink hawthorn flowers means happiness, but if they are white it means money. If you dream of the tree itself it means harmony among friends. As a magical name Hawthorn is perfect for witches of either sex. Hawthorn People
Hawthorn people are full of great ideas and tend to be multi talented innovators. These people may also be performers in an artistic format, much like the Bards of old. They also make shrewd business people and have little patience with folks who do not take their work seriously. They can also be very protective of family and anyone they consider family.
Correspondences
Magical Properties: fertility(both male and female), protection (the thorns), prosperity, binding and cleansing, fishing magic, chastity and fairy magic. Also Known As: May Bush, Whitethorn, Bread and Cheese Tree, Mayflower, Tree of Chastity, Gaxels
Sacred Stones: topaz, amethyst
sources: the crystal forest
controversical.com
dutchie.org
The New Book of Magical Names, Phoenix McFarland
Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham
Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster
Tree Totem.com
A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease.
John Muir
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Photo by Plamen Radev: freeimages.com)
The Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn
May 13th to June 9th.The Tree
The origin of the word Hawthorn comes from the Anglo-saxon “Haegthorn” which means hedgethorn or thorny hedge. This tree grows to the size of a large shrub, although it can reach 30 feet, and is popular as a hedge plant in England. It has dense branches that grow in twists and turns which makes it almost impenetrable. It also grows some pretty nasty thorns. The wood is exceptionally hard and fine grained, and burns quite hot. The new growth on a Hawthorn is reddish and in May it sports white flowers and later in the season red berries both of which have medicinal properties. This tree has a very long life span and has been known to reach 400 years old. The Hawthorn was often called the May Tree because its fragrant white flowers bloomed in May just in time for Beltane. These flowers were used for decorating maypoles and homes for this holiday.
This tree has a dual reputation. To the Greeks and Romans the flowers were lucky and used for weddings. However, the Europeans associated the Hawthorn witches and was therefore unlucky. The Irish Brehon word for hawthorn means “harm” and centuries ago in Asia the flowers were not brought into the home as they were associated with death.
In Healing
In healing, the flowers, leaves and berries are used. A tonic made from the berries is said to help water retention in diabetics. The leaves and flowers can be made into a tea that helps anxiety, poor circulation, asthma, arthritis, loss of voice and rheumatism. (Remember, always consult your doctor before adding any herbs to your regimen)
In Myth & Magic
In mythology, the Hawthorn plays a roll in the romantic welsh tale of Kulhwch and Olwen. It embodies the protector of Olwens virginity, a giant called Yspaddaden. The giant is slain as the spring flowers (Hawthorn) open, which symbolizes summer defeating winter and the turning of the seasons. In other lore, the erotic scent of the Hawthorn blossoms is said to enhance fertility and promote chastity. The ancient Turks called it ‘the scent of woman” and was considered an erotic symbol.
Because of it’s nasty thorns it is believed that the “Crown of Thorns” worn by Jesus at the Crucifixion was made from Hawthorn branches.
The Hawthorn was used to protect the home from lightning and negative entities, and the ancient Romans believed that children were protected from evil spells if it was placed in their cradle. It could grant wishes and could be found guarding sacred wells and crossroads.
Hawthorn has long been considered a witches tree and is part of the sacred triad of Oak, Ash and Thorn (the three realms/ maiden, mother, crone). It is also a favorite of fairies which makes it very unlucky to cut one down or harm it in any way.
To dream of pink Hawthorn flowers means happiness, but if they are white it means money. If you dream of the tree itself it means harmony among friends. As a magical name Hawthorn is perfect for witches of either sex.
Hawthorn People
People born during this month are full of great ideas and tend to be multi talented innovators. These people may also be performers in an artistic format, much like the Bards of old. They also make shrewd business people and have little patience with folks who do not take their work seriously. They can also be very protective of family and those they consider family.
Correspondences
Magical Properties: fertility(both male and female), protection (the thorns), prosperity, binding and cleansing, fishing magic, chastity and fairy magic.
Also Known As: May Bush, Whitethorn, Bread and Cheese Tree, Mayflower, Tree of Chastity, Gaxels
This page may be shared with others as long as no changes are made, and ALL credits, links, photos and copyrights remain intact. Cat’s Bits graphics are created by and copyrighted to LBolotin/Cat 2007-2017
Sources for this article are:
sources: the crystal forest
controversical.com
dutchie.org
The New Book of Magical Names, Phoenix McFarland
Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham
Flower and Tree Magic, Richard Webster
Tree Totem.com
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