"The unbeloved Whitehorn,
Who wears the same suit."

To see the complete version of the poem from which the
above lines are taken, click on the pentacle symbol below

The Hawthorn was a symbol of psychic protection due to its sharp thorns. It was also generally seen as a tree which brought good luck to the owner and prosperity to the land upon which it stood. It belongs to the trilogy of sacred Irish trees (the other two being the Oak and the Ash). Faery spirits were believed to dwell in Hawthorn hedges, which were planted as protective shrubs around fields, houses and churchyards. The Hawthorn was once thought to offer psychic protection to the traveler. The twigs would frequently be used as a curative for depression and the powdered seeds used to cure gallstones. Often used for walking sticks and to make fires, the Hawthorn also formed the Maypole around which the Celts would dance at Beltrane...the onset of Summer. The Hawthorn was associated with both the sacred and the unlucky (some holding the belief that it was from the Hawthorn that the crown of thorns used at the Crucifixion of Christ was made, for example). To destroy this tree was to incur great peril to the individual who was responsble for such an act. The Hawthorn was embodied in the character of the chief giant Yspaddaden in a Welsh romance of Kulhwch and Olwen. As a guardian figure who attempts to protect the virginity of Olwen, he is felled and the blooms of Summer soon open. Thus, the Hawthorn symbolized the advance of Summer and the defeat of Winter. In ancient times, young girls would rise at dawn in order to bathe in dew gathered from Hawthorn flowers, thus ensuring their beauty for the coming year. The blossoms, especially the white variety, were also used to decorate halls and worn as crowns by maidens in wedding ceremonies. The Celts believed the Hawthorn could assist in releasing negative and/or blocked energy held within.

According to some Arthurian sources, Nimue trapped the besotted Merlin in a Hawthorn tree, where his voice may be heard to this very day, but perhaps the most famous Thorn tree was at Glastonbury (the site of Glastonbury Abbey), which is said to have sprouted from the staff of Joseph of Arimathea and reputed to have blossomed only on Christmas Day. The original tree is believed to have been felled during the English Civil War...although Hawthorn Trees may still be found around the Abbey, which are said to be the cuttings of the ancient original.

Associated with the Goddess Brighid, the Hawthorn is connected to the Festival of Beltrane...a time when the branches of the tree are pruned or blossoms removed to symbolize the beauty of the journey and make way for new growth. Thus, a synmbolic representation of shedding the old in order to give ground to the new. It is considered unlucky to take the tree, branches or blossoms into the home for fear that a member of the Fae may be residing therein. The Hawthorn is one tree which has managed to breach the divide between Paganism and Christianity...the thorns worn by Jesus Christ being one example of this transition.

The wood from the Hawthorn provides the hottest known fire. Its leaves and blossoms are often used to create a tea which aids in relieving anxiety, loss of appetite and poor circulation. The Hawthorn is a small tree that grows with a dense, many-branched and twisted habit. Due to its impenetrable growth, it is used chiefly for hedging. The origin of the word derives from the Anglo-Saxon "haegthorn," which means "hedge-thorn." It is also known as Whitehorn and May. Whitehorn originates from the contrast of the smooth, grey bark with the powdery black bark of the Blackthorn. May is derived from the month of the tree's flowering when the blossoms are used to form garlands on houses and maypoles for Mayday. The thickets of the Hawthorn bear prickles which provide it with an excellent defense system. Hawthorns have many species throughout Europe and not always easy to differentiate. All are thorny shrubs of the Rose family which usually bear white or pink flowers. The Hawthorn is common in abandoned fields and along the edges of forests.

There are two distinct types of Hawthorn individuals (a division which relates to all Celtic Tree Signs). The "new moon" character is associated with the first two weeks of a sign and the "full moon" character is associated with the last two weeks.

The "new moon" Hawthorn is more impulsive than his or her "full moon" counterpart and bears a stronger sensual nature. On the other hand, the positive traits of these individuals are extremely consolidating once they have decided upon a course of action. The "full moon" Hawthorn has a distinctly different approach to all things and is much more difficult to "pin down" regarding personal relationships or any type of committment. The positive traits of the "full moon" Hawthorn is linked to a wider vision which can open the "locked doors" of the mind.

In general, Hawthorn individuals are charismatic, creative and full of innovative ideas. Being multi-talented people, they possess an ability to adapt easily to any change in circumstances. They have personal qualities which are akin to those of the ancient Celtic Bards and Druids, often excelling in the performing arts. They also have a gift for influencing others while still remaining sympathetic. Lively and spontaneous with good communication skills, the Hawthorn individual has an abundance of self-confidence and makes for a great leader. They are honest and sincere as friends, given their natural sympathy and ability to be good listeners. There is a tendency, however, toward a volatile temper and bursts of anger. The Hawthorn person is adept at devising the most brilliant of plans and schemes. Generally, the great strength of the Hawthorn comes from knowledge regarding the weaknesses of adversaries or any opposing force. However, the Hawthorn individual is not a ruthless character, merely a clever strategist.

Hawthorn individuals often participate in a variety of sporting activities. They possess a sharp sense of humor which is brimming with innuendo...a talent which frequently attracts them to writing and journalism. Due to the Hawthorns low bordeom threshold, they frequently have trouble forging a permanent relationship. However, they do make wonderful parents who cannot be fooled by their "clever" offspring and often lead a colorful and exciting lifestyle. Easily bored, they crave mental stimulation and challenges. With a desire to try a "little bit of everything," the Hawthorn person often seems to be almost ageless in appearance and character.

Physical Goal: To work upon the physical condition and betterment of self...to engage in exercise and maintain a healthy diet.

Mental Goal: To open the mind to self-imposed ignorance and false facts. Thoughts should be free-flowing and the mind should be cleansed.

Spiritual Goal: To learn that through the most dire of problems, the spirit will create new and unexpected strengths.

Amergin Verse: "I am Fair among Flowers"

Ogham Association: Huatha or Uath

Polarity: Masculine

Color: Purple

Class: Peasant

Letter Character: "H"

Month: April/May. April is the sixth month in the Celtic Ogham. It is a favorite month among poets as it is said to tell of the coming of Spring and, thus, considered to be the month of love. Its name originates from Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love and in the old Roman calendar, it was known as "Aprillis." May, the month of the female Hawthorn, is the seventh month in the Celtic Ogham. Its name originates from Maia, the Roman Spring Goddess whose divine powers encouraged the growth of crops.

Alias: "Moon of Restraint," "Moon of Hindrance" and "Summer Moon"

Magickal Properties: Fertility, Peace, Prosperity, Cleansing, Protection and Chastity

Some Famous Hawthorn People: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Bob Dylan, John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Liam Neelson, Florence Nightingale, Sir Lawrence Olivier, Brooke Shields and Queen Victoria

Gemstone: The Hawthorn gemstone is the Topaz, a common, semi-precious, transparent gemstone that has been used in jewelry making for centuries. It has a hardness just below the Diamond and the Ruby. Valued since ancient times as a powerful healing agent, the Topaz is said to aid in affairs of the heart and lend a gentle nature to its owner, as well as possessing magical and occult powers. The golden-brown to yellow color is classic but often confused with the less valuable Citrine. The Blue Topaz (frequently confused with Aquamarine) is rarely a natural stone, instead being produced by irradiating and then heating clear crystals. The name may have derived from the Sanskrit word "tapas," which means "fire," but it is more likely that its name originated from the Island of Topazos in the Red Sea where the gem was originally found. ("Topazios" means "to seek.") In ancient times, the figure of a Falcon was carved upon a Topaz in order to ensure the goodwill of kings, princes and magnates. The Egyptians believed that the yellow (or tawny) Topaz gleaned its golden glow from the mighty Sun God, Ra, which made it a very powerful amulet offering protection from harm to the faithful. The Romans associated the Topaz with Jupiter, their own God of the Sun. Legend states that the Topaz could dispel enchantment and improve eyesight, while the Greeks, who called it the "Stone of Strength," believed it had the ability to increase stamina and bestow invisibility upon its wearer in times of emergency. The gem was also thought to strengthen intellect, bestow courage and drive away sadness. It has been called the "Stone of Fruitfulness, Faithfulness and Good Cheer." It was once thought that the Topaz could change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink and its mystical medicinal powers (which included curing asthma, hemorrhages and insomnia, among a multitude of other ailments) waxed and waned with the phases of the Moon. Perhaps the most famous Topaz is a giant specimen, first thought to be a Diamond, which is set in the Braganza Crown of Portugal.

Flower: The flower of the Hawthorn is the Wood Sorrel, a small perennial plant with heart-shaped, three-part leaves (akin to those of the Shamrock or Clover) which often fold together. Thus, it is sometimes called the "prayer plant" and may be the "true Shamrock" by which Saint Patrick demonstrated the Trinity to the Ancient Irish. The white flowers are bell-shaped with a dash of blue. Despite its name, the plant is not related to Sorrel but is closely related to the Geranium family. Wood Sorrel grows in moist, shady spots within woodland areas or beside hedges, and flowers from mid to late Spring. Its medicinal qualities include strengthening a weak stomach, staying vomiting and reduction of fever. The juice of the plant may be used as a gargle for mouth ulcers and infusion of the leaves (somewhat sour in taste) used to make a lotion which is beneficial for relief of skin infections. Excessive or prolonged administration of Wood Sorrel as a medication, however, is not recommended and can be injurious if prescribed injudiciously. During the time of King Henry VIII, the Wood Sorrel was held in great repute as a pot-herb and salad green. Its name probably derived from the Old French surele and earlier from sur, which means "sour."

Celestial Body: The celestial body associated with the Hawthorn is the planet Vulcan. Claimed to have been observed by a French medical doctor and amateur astronomer named Lescarbault on March 26, 1859, Vulcan may be the closest planet to the Sun, being nearer to that star than Mercury. In 1878, two American astronomers claimed to have also seen Vulcan which, for the most part, would be lost in the glare of the Sun given its position. However, since that time, the planet has not been observed and its actual existence remains the subject of speculation. Vulcan was the lame Roman God of Smiths and Metal-Workers.

Deity: The Hawthorn deity is Govanna (also known as Govannan or Goibnui). Equated to the Roman God Vulcan, Govanna was the Blacksmith God...custodian of celestial fire and higher powers of the mind. The weapons made by Govanna were deadly in their aim and his armor unfailing in its protection. It was said that those who drank from his sacred cup need never fear old age or infirmity. To the Irish Gaels, Govanna was known as "Goibniu" or "Great Smith." In this capacity, he belonged to the triad of craftsmen with Luchtaine the Write (God of Carpenters) and Credne the Brazier (God of Bronzesmiths). Goibniu forged all weapons for the Tuatha De Danaan and his ale bestowed the Tuatha with invulnerability. He was also known as the provider of the Fled Goibnenn, a sacred feast associated with brew-crafting and the designated God of Jewelry-Making, Fire, Metalwork and, not surprisingly, the art of Brewing.

Also associated with the Hawthorn is the Summer Flower Maiden named Olwen (also known as Olwyn). A daughter of the King of Giants, Ysbadadden Penkawr, her name means "the golden wheel." She was also called the "Lady of the White Tracks" or "White Footprint" due to the legend that wherever she walked, the trefoil plants commonly called Shamrocks would spring from the ground. The hero Culhwch (first cousin to King Arthur) was one of Olwen's suitors. He engaged in a mythic journey to find Olwen's father, who knew he was doomed if the marriage between Olwen and Culhwch took place. In this portion of the myth, Olwen represents the May Queen...a partner to the new sacrificial God who usurps the old one. Olwen was also said to have had adventures in faeryland after she was captured by horse-riding faeries. She was rescued by her father after a year and a day of captivity. In lore, May Queens are often linked to the Kingdom of the Fae.

Animals:

The Bee - Usually mentioned in connection with honey and mead (which was made from honey), the Bee is an industrious, single-minded creature when performing a task and fearless in defense of its home.

The Owl - These birds were most often associated with the Crone aspect of the Goddess. The word "cailleach" in Scottish-Gaelic means "owl." Often a guide to and through the Underworld, the Owl is a creature of keen sight in darkness, as well as being a swift and silent hunter. The Owl aids in unmasking those who would deceive or take advantage. Being a symbol of wisdom and patience, Hawthorn individuals need to be guided by the Owl since they are often short on patience and tend to engage in hasty actions which can sabotage their best efforts.

The symbol of the Chalice is also associated with the Hawthorn, being representative of divine secrets and everlasting life.

May 13-May 14: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Poplar, whose motto is "Overcome Doubt" or "The Uncertainty." Poplar individuals have a decorative appearance but tend lack self-confidence. They are prone to mature very quickly and assimilate things equally as quickly. Displaying courage only when absolutely necessary and hostile only toward extremists, the narrow-minded or hotheads, Poplar people prefer the goodwill of others and pleasant surroundings. This individual can be somewhat choosy, is often lonely and may harbor great animosity toward others. Artistic by nature, they are good organizers who lean toward philosophy. Reliable in almost any given situation, Poplar people cherish their friends and surround them with love. They take partnerships very seriously but are inclined to be generous only toward those who are generous in return. The life of a Poplar individual is made of judicious transactions and all manner of exchanges. If the Poplar perceives a warm and friendly atmosphere, then the heart and spirit opens...if not, then he or she will withdraw.

May 15-May 24: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Chestnut, whose motto is "In Quest of the Truth" or "The Honesty." Chestnut individuals usually possess unusual beauty and a tendency to be overly-critical of themselves. With no desire to impress and with an inherent distaste for falsehoods, Chestnuts are blessed with a well-developed sense of justice. They are vivacious by nature and very diplomatic, but tend to be sensitive in company and easily driven to irritation...which can be indicative of a lack of self-confidence. Chestnut people will sometimes act superior but basically feel as though they are misunderstood. They are prone to love only once in their lives and often experience great difficulty in finding a partner.

May 25-June 3: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Ash, whose motto is "Always Aiming Higher" or "The Ambition." Ash individuals are uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive and demanding. They do not care for criticism, can be egosistic and love to "play with fire." Ambitious, intelligent and talented, Ash people are prone to allow the brain to rule the head, but they do take partnerships very seriously. It is important to an Ash individual that he or she maintain personal identity, freedom and independence. Nonetheless, Ashes make for trustworthy mates who are faithful, prudent and reliable. Ash people probably care more about the future than those born under any other jurisdiction and are concerned about making progress. If they set themselves a target which requires committment, then they are willing to give up many things in order to reach that goal. At the peak of glory, Ash individuals often prove to possess a genuine greatness and they will undertake tremendous efforts in order to help others.

June 4-June 9: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Hornbeam, whose motto is "Monument of Loyalty" or "The Good Taste." Hornbeam individuals possess a cool beauty and exquisite taste. Although Hornbeams are concerned about their appearance, they are far from egotistical. They like their reasonable and disciplined lives to be as comfortable as possible. Hornbeam people look for kindess and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, though they are seldom happy with their own personal feelings. They are prone to mistrust and are never sure about the decisions they make, although they are the most conscientious characters. There is a tendency for Hornbeams to shoulder the responsibility for mistakes of others, it being more important in their eyes to promote tolerance and maintain harmony rather than respect rigid rules which demand a scapegoat.