Tree Medicine and Magic - The Hawthorn

From May Flowers to Thorns of Harm and Protection

Jan 31, 2009

The flowering hawthorn tree yields berries used for cardiac problems and wood and thorns used in protective as well as harmful magic.

The hawthorn tree or May tree, as it is sometimes called, is capable of growing over 40 feet in height but is usually cut back into bushes. The branches have a gnarled, knotty appearance. It has a long history of being used in malevolent and protective magic as well as in natural healing.

It earned the May tree moniker because of the white blossoms that bloom fully in May in northern climates. These flowers later become red berries that can be used for healing purposes.

Hawthorn Tree in Natural Medicine

Hawthorn has traditionally been used as a digestive aid. The fruit of the tree especially has been used for cardiac problems. Young leaves are used much like other greens in salads and on sandwiches.

In Chinese medicine, hawthorn fruit is categorized as the herb that relieves food stagnation, a term which covers a variety of digestive ailments. In this system, it is used to treat the middle burner region of the body which covers the stomach, spleen and liver areas. Other uses are for circulatory problems, postpartum pain and absent menstruation.

Hawthorn Tree in Celtic Lore and Magic

Hawthorn trees have been known to grow on or near sidhe (faery) mounds and sacred sites including wells. Superstitions have permeated folklore warning against cutting down the hawthorn trees or ill luck will follow those who do. It was also believed to be bad luck to bring hawthorn into the house.

The hawthorn's flowering in May has come to symbolize the May Queen, recognized mainly by goddess-centered religions as the goddess at her most fertile. Its energy is warm and energetic, but it also has a sinister side.

According to author Erynn Rowan Laurie in Ogam: Weaving Word Wisdom, hawthorn was used chiefly in magic for cursing. It has an association with the Irish ogam alphabet letter h-Uath which she assigns keywords such as despair and terror. In Celtic lore, this thorny tree could cut physically and metaphorically in sharp deeds and words that could harm the enemy.

Conversely, what can cause harm can also protect. Thus, the hawthorn is used in protective magic. Hawthorn leaves, bark, thorns, and dried blossoms and berries can be used in talismans and sachets to be worn on the body or placed near the area or person to be protected. Wands made from the branches are powerful focusing tools in rites of protection.

Keeping in mind the double-edged sword quality of this tree, the magician would be wise to meditate on the exact purpose of the rite and how it is to be performed before attempting magic with hawthorn.

The copyright of the article Tree Medicine and Magic - The Hawthorn in Pagan/Wiccan Practice is owned by Patricia Deneen. Permission to republish Tree Medicine and Magic - The Hawthorn in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.