“The hawthorn is an ancient tree, steeped in the magic of the land, its white blooms a veil between the worlds of mortals and the fairies.”
Jeanette Winterson
Hawthorn is the infamous ”fairy tree” or tree of the Sídhe. A medicine of the Heart and a guardian of the otherworld, it is without a doubt one of the most widely revered trees in Ireland and the Gaelic tradition…
Known as Huath in the ancient Ogham, pronounced ”Hoo-ahh” even saying it’s name evokes a sense of relief and heart opening. It is known more recently as ”Sceach Geal” which means ”bright thorn”.
Hawthorn is a tree which almost every single Irish person understands as something not to be messed with. It is said that we have an ancient contract with the land, which states that we would never cut down a Hawthorn, especially a lone standing one or one as part of a fairy fort or ”rath”. Is this just superstition? There are stories of roadways being diverted to avoid the cutting down of a Hawthorn tree. There are stories of houses burning down after one was cut down. Do we need to be afraid of this tree and those little folk who may dwell amongst it?
I do not believe fear is helpful in assisting us with connecting to the land – actually it has the opposite affect. I feel that we should have respect and an awareness of the power that a tree like the Hawthorn may yield – however, not allow that awareness to turn into fear, which may prevent us from connecting with it at all! From my own experience with interactions with the Sídhe, they have only ever mirrored my energy or behaviour. When I have been unconscious or not fully respectful, they have mirrored that back to me, perhaps taking something, or I would feel confused or uncomfortable. Otherwise, I have always felt so welcomed and blessed by the Sídhe – especially those who dwell around the Hawthorn.
Huath – a heart medicine is here to show us how to live in love, generosity, whilst also maintaining boundaries with those around us. The Hawthorn offers its beautiful blossoms and berries (which are physically and energetically amazing heart medicines) whilst also bearing very strong thorns, which quite clearly say ”don’t mess with me”.
Usually found standing guard at the entrance of sacred places, Hawthorn marks the entrance between this world and the otherworld. They are the guardians that say ”you are entering a sacred space”.
Hawthorn is a tree of magic, and healing. Related to the heart, it is an amazing healer of grief and can assist in supporting the removal of ”thorns” in the heart. When journeying with Hawthorn for prolonged periods, it can reveal hidden layers of repressed emotions and things that need to be brought to the surface within our relationships. Hawthorn is the elder that holds space for us, the Grandmother or Crone that we always wanted and needed to be there for us.
A powerful ally for these times indeed. Here are some ways I’d recommend to tune in with the Hawthorn:
-Find a Hawthorn tree that calls to you – it could be close to where you live, or somewhere that is dear to your heart.
-Approach the tree with respect, (it is wise to bring offerings of some description, for example, oats, herbs, honey, milk, well water etc). Stand about a metre away from the tree. Ask the tree permission to approach it and if it feels right, go closer and make your offering.
-Introduce yourself, state your intention (i.e I am here to connect with your medicine/essence, or I would like to forage some blossoms, etc)
-Sit with the tree, meditate, perhaps chant ”Huath”. Do what you can to attune to it’s energy and feel what it is like to be with this ancient wisdom keeper.
-Perhaps foraging some blossoms or berries to make a brew or a tincture. Journey with this tree throughout the seasons, visit it regularly.
Remember, relationships are built over time, with energy and care.
BeannachtaÍ
Aoife
Aoife Ní hEochaidh is a daughter to the Land of Éire. Devoted to inspiring & healing cultural identity, land and ancestral relationship. Aoife is an herbalist, musician, ceremonialist, writer, student and guide of tradition. You can read more about here here and find her on instagram at @aoifededanann.
Aoife Ní hEochaidh is a daughter to the Land of Éiriú.
Devoted to inspiring & healing cultural identity, land and ancestral relationship. A voice of the land. Aoife is a herbalist, musician, ceremonialist, writer, apprentice and guide of beloved ways of her native land.
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