Hawthorn: Medicinal Ally & Sacred Guardian
Hawthorn is one of my most cherished plant allies — a sacred tree full of wisdom, a nurturing spirit, and messenger of the Otherworld. This beautiful guardian tree has been worshiped, worked with, adored, and even feared across the centuries. I hope this introduction to Hawthorn starts you on your journey of working with Her. Here is a summary of the medicinal uses, folklore, and occult associations of this nourishing tree.
Meet Hawthorn
Irish: Sceach gheal
Ogham: Huagh
Gaelic: Sgitheach
Latin: Crataegus monogyna
Keywords: The Otherworld, the Underworld, death, the fae, the Sidhe, protection, Bealtaine, Mars, blood, heart centre, grounding, steady, 8, 9, Samhain, a circulation aid, Mother Goddesses, Water, used in magic for love spells, prosperity work, fertility magic, Sidhe communication, and connection to the Otherworld.
Hawthorn is often called the May tree. This is because this tree blooms in the month of May, or Bealtaine. The pale green leaves of this hedgerow tree are some of the first to appear in spring — providing one of the first sources of medicinal aid at the start of the year. Hawthorn erupts into a beautiful mass of white and pale pint blossoms in May which provide a supportive habitat for a range of bugs and birds.
Throughout the wheel of the year, Hawthorn provides us with an abidance of medicinal, herbal and nutritional support. In spring we have the leaves, in late spring we have the blossoms, in autumn we have the nourishing berries, known as 'haws'. This sacred tree has long been a source of folk medicine for the heart — both emotional aid for our spirits, and medicinal aid for the cardiovascular system. Modern medicine has now connected this long-known link between hawthorn, the cardiovascular system, and long term heart health. Something our ancestors knew well.
Folklore & Mythology
Here are some common folk beliefs surrounding the Hawthorn tree:
Hawthorn branches hung above a door were believed to protect from evil spirits rather than incurring their wrath.
In Ireland, Hawthorn is associated with faeries and a gateway to the faerie worlds/Otherworld.
Across Ireland and Scotland, it is considered extremely bad luck to cut down or harm this tree. It is said the fae will curse you as this is their tree. “This belief has survived into modern times. It is not unusual in Ireland to see old, gnarled hawthorn trees standing alone in the middle of fields after every other tree and bush has been removed. Even in the modern scientific world of intensive farming, there are people who don’t want to test their luck by cutting down a hawthorn.” In 2009 there were numerous sightings of an ancient ghost thought to reappear in Tyrone after the felling of a fairy tree.
Considered to be protection against vampires, evil eye, and ill-intentioned spirits
The ancient Greeks and Romans used hawthorn in marriage and birth ceremonies. It was associated with the goddess Cardea, and was used as a symbol of the home.
In Christian tradition, hawthorn is associated with the crown of thorns worn by Jesus and the wood that made the staff of Joseph of Arimathea
In Serbia, it was reputed to be a good wood for the stakes used for impaling vampires
It is said in England that Women rose at dawn to bathe in dew gathered from hawthorn flowers to ensure their beauty in the coming year, as the old rhyme goes: The fair maid who, the first of May, Goes to the fields at break of day, And washes in dew from the hawthorn tree, Will ever after handsome be.
Across Britain, the hawthorn was associated with love and springtime, as the warm weather of May would bring couples together under the sweet blossoms of this special tree
In ancient Greece, Hawthorn was associated with love and marriage. Crowns of this tree were worn by brides as decorative headwear and a hawthorn branch would be used as a wedding torch
It is also said that the blooms of the Hawthorn have been used in spells for fertility and happiness with the blossoms deemed to be highly erotic to men
“Thomas the Rhymer, the thirteenth century Scottish mystic and poet met the Faery Queen by a hawthorn from which a cuckoo was calling. She led him into the Faery Underworld for a brief sojourn. Upon reemerging into the world of mortals he found he had been absent for seven years. Similar themes are common in Celtic mythology.”
Hawthorn trees that grew naturally, not planted by human hands, are regarded with the most fear and superstition. These trees are thought of as homes for the fae, associated with those unseen beings from the other world. It is said that they mark the place where the fae would assemble at night and play ethereal music to abduct any beautiful human who took their fancy.
The Fae can destroy the crops, livestock, health, fortune or luck of anyone they take a dislike to, or anyone who had wronged/disrespected them. Across Ireland it is common to avoid any way of insulting the Fae and these beliefs have been held for centuries.
Associations in Christianity
Studies reveal that the Hawthorn tree was held in high regard concerning spiritual, nutritional and medicinal properties across the Celtic Isles, and the tree most representative of the struggles the Christian Church had in suppressing Pagan beliefs and celebrations Hawthorn was connected to. The Hawthorn is often seen as a tree which brings good luck to the owner and prosperity to the land where it stands.
“In Kilkeady Co. Limerick, the Hawthorn tree is associated with St Ita. It is said that the Hawthorn tree that stands there sprung from a thorn which St Ita plucked from the hoof of a Donkey. As a result all of its thorns are pointed downwards.”
“The Glastonbury Thorn is a type of Hawthorn found in England and Palestine. The tree is said to have been brought to England by Joseph of Arimathea. Wherever Joseph travelled preaching the word of God, he carried a staff which he acquired in Palestine. Legend tells us that he visited the Isle of Avalon in Somerset which at one time was surrounded by water. Tired from travelling he sought rest and sat down upon “Weary – All Hill”, now called “Worrall Hill”. It is said that when Joseph stuck the staff into the ground it took root and a Hawthorn tree grew. The tree was seen as sacred and reputedly only blossomed on Christmas Day.”
“International studies also reveal that there was some belief in connecting the thorny Hawthorn with the Crown of Thorns used in Christ’s crucifixion. Consequently people were reluctant to bring any part of the tree into a house , especially the flower, for fear of someone in the house dying. The Hawthorn is often to be found guarding Wells and Springs , and its beautiful flowers are said to help prayers reach Heaven.”
Medicinal & Herbal Uses
Actions: Cardiotonic, cardioprotective, antioxidant, collagen stabilizing, mild astringent, hypotensive, antiarrythmic, diuretic, hypotensive, anti-ischemic, positively-inotropic, antioxidant.
Parts Used: Berries, flowers, leaves
Allies of Hawthorn:
We often find that hawthorn is combined with other heart supporting herbs, but we also see hawthorn paired with nerviness, along with herbs for energetic and emotional heart support.
Motherwort: a nervine and hypotensive
Crampbark: “hypotensive by antispasmodic quality on the smooth muscles of the vasculature”
Lemon Balm: nervine and mildly hypotensive
Rose: an emotional and energetic remedy for matters of the heart
In Herbal Medicine, hawthorn berries have been used to treat heart and circulatory disorders, migraines, menopausal conditions, angina and insomnia. These berries contain Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C.
Hawthorn also contributes to the natural food chain. The leaves can be used with for magic, medicine and food. The blossoms are used in infused brandy to make a delicious liqueur. Berries are used to make food, jams, ketchups, medicines and more. The wood and bark is used for torches and high quality fire wood — however many places think twice before doing so due to folklore.
These are some of the health benefits that the Celts and Gaels believed the hawthorn provided:
Heart Health: Hawthorn is renowned for its cardiovascular benefits. It may improve blood circulation, strengthens the heart muscles, and regulates blood pressure. It is said that the berries can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Digestive Aid: The hawthorn berry has been used as a digestive tonic, promoting healthy digestion and relieving symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and stomach cramps.
Anxiety & Sleep Disorders: Hawthorn has calming properties that help reduce anxiety and stress, as well as promoting restful sleep. It acts as a natural sedative, aiding in the treatment of insomnia and may help with nervous disorders.
Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory: The high antioxidant content in hawthorn berries help to combat oxidative stress which protects the body against free radicals and may reduce inflammation.
Diuretic & Kidney Support: Hawthorn has diuretic properties, promoting urine production and assisting in the elimination of toxins. It is said to kidney function and may help prevent UTI’s.
Skin Conditions: Hawthorn medicines have been used topically to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
A word of caution at this point however – always consult with your healthcare professional when evaluating any of these medicinal remedies.
“Oh! come to see me, when the soft warm May .
Bids all my boughs their gay embroidery wear,
In my bright season’s transitory day,
While my young perfume loads the enamoured air.
Oh, come to see me, when the sky is blue,
And backs my spangles with an azure ground.
While the thick ivy bosses clustering through,
See their dark tufts with silvery circlets crowned.
Then be the Spring in all its pomp arrayed,
the lilac’s blossom, the laburnum’s blaze,
Nature hath reared beyond this Hawthorn glade
No fairer alter to her Maker’s praise. ”
Occult
Summary of Uses in Occult & Magic:
Protection from supernatural threats
Connecting with the Otherworld
Honouring sacred places
Mars spell work
Hawthorn is considered by many to be a masculine tree associated with Mars and fire.
Hawthorn is sacred to many who practice indigenous or Pagan traditions. One must always ask permission before foraging or taking any blooms. springs, berries, or cuttings from this tree — or face the ill effects of disrespecting the fae. It is best to leave an offering when working with Hawthorn — you can read a previous blog post on offerings here.
Hawthorn sprigs are traditionally placed around doors and windows to block people from entering your home in an astral state; and used in bedrooms to protect the wearer in the astral realm. Sacred hedgerow that usually includes Hawthorn is said to protect land and homes from bad energy and evil spirits. Wearing Hawthorn is said to protect you when walking through enchanted or ancient woodlands.
Heart: Hawthorn is known for its energetic support of the heart — be that processing grief, connecting to loved ones who have passed, working with ancestors, opening the heart centre in a supportive way.
Emotional Well-being: The blossoms and leaves of hawthorn are used in herbal teas or tinctures to ease emotional distress and promote calmness.
Protection Spells: Hawthorn is used in protection spells, charms, or amulets to ward off negative energies, evil spirits, and hexes.
Love & Attraction: Hawthorn can be incorporated into love spells or rituals to attract love, enhance romantic relationships, or foster harmonious connections.
Divination: Hawthorn branches, berries, or leaves are sometimes used in divination practices, such as scrying or dream interpretation.
Why might you want to work with the sacred Hawthorn?
connecting to and working with ancestors
working with spirits from The Otherworld
facing heart ache, grief, anxiety, or loss
working with the energy of the Crone
new beginnings, burning down the old ways
protection from evil and ill-intentioned spirits
protection from the Evil Eye
honouring the sacred hedgerow
building a connection to sacred Celtic land
winter medicine, combating oxidative stress, and reducing inflammation
improved circulation, strengthen heart muscles, improve skin conditions due to antioxidants
Hawthorn Magic: Apothecary Offerings
Foraged and handpicked from the sacred hedgerow in The Lake District, Albion.
References & Further Reading:
Darwin, T. (1996) The Scots Herbal: the plant lore of Scotland. Mercat Press.
Fife H. (1994) Warriors and Guardians: native highland trees. Argyll Publishing.
Frazer, J. (1993) The Golden Bough: a study in magic and religion. Wordsworth.
Mabey, R. (1996) Flora Britannica. Sinclair-Stevenson: London.
Milliken, W & Bridgewater, S (2004) Flora Celtica: plants and people in Scotland. Birlinn: Edinburgh.
Paterson, J.M. (1996) Tree Wisdom. Thorsons: London.
Vickery, R. (1995) A Dictionary of Plant Lore. Oxford University Press: Oxford.
