Ogham Tuesday: Hawthorn

There are hundreds of species of Hawthorn that thrive in a wide variety of conditions. Some are native to my area! They are shrub trees, with thorny branches and scraggly shapes in the landscape, blooming with flowers pollinators go bonkers for, and producing edible berries (though I’ve never tasted them).

Hawthorn makes a natural and protective hedgerow. Small birds and wildlife seek shelter under its branches as protection from predators, especially birds of prey and critters too big to get through the thorns. In my head, Hawthorn is the “brambly hedge” Peter Rabbit hid under. 

Traditionally, it’s considered bad luck – instant death! – to cut down a Hawthorn. In the British Isles, you’ll see a lot of them “holding court” in the middle of fields where farmers have simply plowed around them. They carry a lot of protection magic. 

Seeing Hawthorn in a reading can indicate the presence of a real threat, but draws your attention to your personal responsibility in the situation. If this tree is a shield, and you want it to project you, then you need to work WITH it. Stay inside your own boundaries! Move slowly and don’t push too hard at any obstacle. 

I remember being a passenger while my father drove through a neighborhood with a lot of four-way stop signs. He kept rolling through them. After a few of these, I asked him if he saw the signs. His response was, “Those are just there to slow me down.” YES, dad. That’s exactly the fucking point. 

Anyway. That’s Hawthorn for you. It’ll put up the stop sign, but it’s up to you to stop and look around before proceeding. The tree can’t protect you from yourself, you know? 

Keywords include: Obstacles, hostile, discipline, delay, protection, barrier, forced, caution, boundaries, discomfort, hedging, sturdy, shelter, respect, risk, self-inflicted, restriction, intrusive, waiting

Guidance might be: 

• Take some time to slow down and check your course. Re-engage with care. 

• Be patient about something taking longer than you want. It’ll work out in its own time.

• Pay attention to boundaries and make friends with the consequences of violating them – whether it’s for yourself or others. 

Cautions and questions might be:

• Am I contributing to my own defense or thwarting my own safety?

• How might I take the long way ‘round this problem? If I rush, I might miss something critical or make an error that undermines my goals. 

• Do I need to get some distance from this problem?

What connections do you see? 

Blessings,

Nicole

~ Nicole (Nikki, sometimes Saffron Hare) is founder and general manager at Nine Fires Press. Her Druidic practice has included solitary, small-group, and congregational worship, with a focus on liturgy and seership. She is studying for her Master Gardener certification, rehabbing an underground home in the Midwestern US ,and loves to fall in love with bad ideas.