Hawthorn~

I've been working with a new Plant lately. It is one that I have not had the chance to really get to know before. In herbalism it is used internally to strengthen the Heart and so it is used to help individuals who have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. This is the wonderful Hawthorn Berry. It can be made into teas, tinctures and put into capsules for consumption. I also use it in my own magical practice. Since Hawthorn has beautiful red berries and thorns it has the protective qualities of a Fire herb. Also, to note, it increases circulation concerning the heart-blood, this is very much fire. Hawthorn is very protective of home and health. One of my favorite things to do for protection of home and body is to make a strong tea of Hawthorn Berries, drink a small cup of the tea with honey for health, and put the rest in a spray bottle with a bit of Vinegar (white or apple, its up to you!) Then I mist the doors and windows of the house so that no negative energies enter.

Hawthorn is associated with many deities and has much lore behind it that goes back thousands of years. One Goddess is Cardea, a Goddess of Door-hinges (responsible for the opening and closing of doors), Her plant is the Hawthorn to which she hung over the doorways/windows of children in the home for protection. Arbutus is added for the healing of children, which is added to a red cloth hung over the window, also containing Hawthorn.

Hawthorns' Month is May, this is when it first begins to blossom (historically, global climate shifts have changed this a bit) so it has long been associated with Beltane and fertility rituals. It is said that if you bathe your hands in the floral essence of Hawthorn Blossoms in the month of May, you will learn to be a good (or even better) craftsmen.

The burning Bush from the Bible, was a variety of Hawthorn. Again this goes back to fire, in fact fire with a divine message. The Hawthorn has spirit within it, what does it say to you?