Trees can act as portals to the world of nature spirits and assist in shamanic journeying.
That is exactly why the spirit of hawthorn is significant in the world of witchcraft.
This Th-HERBS-day, we honor hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna).
It’s a member of the rose (Rosaceae) family and an important tree to have around for practicing shamans and witches.
Hawthorn is among one of the most sacred of trees to serve as a spiritual gateway in Paganism.
Its spirit is uplifting, protective, happy, passionate, present, and philanthropic.
The lore of this tree spans from the ancient Druids and Vikings to the Greeks and Romans.
It has an affinity to the Beltane Sabbat and brings blessings to all who truly appreciate and show gratitude for this season.
Folklore has often depicted the hawthorn as a gateway for the Fairy Queen and dew from its leaves was believed to preserve youth and beauty.
Hawthorn is an old sacred tree to the Fae and is part of the tree fairy triad: Oak, Ash, and Thorn.
If you plan to tap into the inspiring energy of Aries, hawthorn is one of the highest elevated forms of Mars to work with.
The History of Hawthorn
People used to think hawthorn was an evil herb in the Middle Ages.
They thought that if you brought hawthorn into your home, someone would soon die.
It seems that everything was considered evil in the Middle Ages-especially if they were tied to Pagan traditions.
However, this belief that hawthorn brought omens of death most likely stems from its smell of decay when it is cut down.
People once believed that witches lived in these trees and that it was bad luck to cut them down.
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed the hawthorn was a symbol of happiness and hope.
Maypoles were often decorated with hawthorn during Beltane and were used to bless weddings.
It was placed in bouquets and laurels to invoke its joyful energy and bless newlyweds with love and fertility.
Romans used to place small branches of hawthorn into their baby’s cradles because they believed it warded off evil spirits.
In medicine, studies have shown that hawthorn can assist with cardiovascular health.
According to a study mentioned in Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, hawthorn has been shown to directly act on the heart.
It has also been shown to dilate blood vessels, assist with irregular heartbeat, and angina.
The haws (fruit), of hawthorn, were used to make jams, syrups, and jellies.
They can be eaten raw and their leaves were used to make hedge wine (wine made from fruits other than grapes).
Hawthorn Witchery and Spirit
Ancient druids regarded trees as sacred and much of their ancient shamanic practices incorporated them into their seasonal rituals.
Hawthorn aligns to the Beltane Sabbat or the peak of spring in the Wheel of The Year.
Many witchcraft practitioners refer to this seasonal celebration as the union of the God and the Goddess.
This lore comes from the observation of the fertile Earth and the return of the Sun bringing life and hope all over again for a fruitful season.
It has a powerful presence that emotes confidence, wisdom, happiness, and guardianship.
Ruled by Mars, this green spirit often grows in liminal spaces, serving as a gatekeeper between our world and the world of nature spirits.
Much respect should be given to the hawthorn as this wise gatekeeper comes into contact with many entities as they pass in and out of realms.
If it has been cut down or feels that it has been disrespected in any way, it will open portals that allow malicious entities to pass and target your energy.
Hawthorn is the embodiment of highly developed Mars energy, but it will always carry with it that streak of violence.
Mars once ruled both Aries and Scorpio, so hawthorn also carries Scorpio’s vengeful traits from this time.
So not only will you feel the wrath of fiery Aries anger when it is offended, but you will feel the prolonged vengeance of Scorpio’s sting.
It is usually not a good idea to work with it too much during the winter months.
It has a focus on guarding the gates between the worlds that are meant to be closed off during these darker, colder seasons.
However, it is generally on the more positive side of the Mars spectrum and will always present its higher vibrational traits when spring arrives.
Holding respect while humbly asking for its assistance is always the best approach when attempting to work with hawthorn.
Offerings are always a surefire way to open a connection to the tree and maintain that connection with this old tree spirit.
It’s usually more than happy to assist in opening roads of opportunity and blessing you with the strength and passion to take on your path.
Hawthorn’s Energetic Properties
This list of hawthorn’s properties is an extremely helpful guide to assist you in spell crafting and rituals.
The energy of the herb is heightened when planned carefully with corresponding days, seasons, zodiacs, etc.
Here are 18 energetic properties associated with hawthorn:
1. Planet: Mars
2. Zodiac Sign: Aries, Scorpio
3. House: 1st and 8th
4. Element: Fire
5. Gender Energy: Masculine
6. Chakra: Manipura/Solar Plexis (Yellow)
7. Archangel: Cameal
8. Deity: Ares (Greek), Thor (Norse), Laran (Etruscan)
9. Sabbat: Beltane
10. Season: Spring
11. Day: Tuesday
12. Body: Head, External Sex Organs, Muscular System, Face, Left Ear, Sense of Taste, Bladder
13. Rune: Fehu, Uruz
14. Numerology: 9
15. Fae: Salamander
16. Major Arcana: The Emperor, The Tower, Death
17. Minor Arcana: Wands
18. Cartomancy: Diamonds
Cultivating Hawthorn
Hawthorns are adaptable and can grow in a variety of different environments.
They naturally thrive in plant hardiness zone 3 and are generally found in deciduous woods.
You will find the best success starting your hawthorn from seed.
Although, if you are planning to transplant, be sure it is still quite small.
Smaller hawthorns have higher survival rates when transplanted during their smaller stages.
This is so it has enough time to adapt to the new soil and establish its roots without the chances of putting it into shock.
Hawthorns are highly susceptible to pest issues, so try planting other herbs nearby, like eucalyptus to ward off threatening invaders.
When pruning hawthorn, Scott Cunningham’s The Secret Craft of the Wise Magical Herbalism suggests always pruning from east to west.
As a rule of thumb, be sure to always do your pruning during the decrease of the moon.
Happy Th-HERBS-day!
