Celtic dictionary: Hawthorn

May 13 - June 9 - "Moon of Restraint"

Due to its sharp thorns, the Hawthorn was regarded as the symbol for protection. Along with the Oak and the Ash, it is considered a sacred tree, bringing good luck and prosperity to its owner. Faeries were believed to be living inside the Hawthorn hedges, planted around houses and fields as protective measure. As curative plant, it was used against depression and gallstones. At Beltane, the festival that announced the beginning of Summer, the Hawthorn was used as Maypole. To fall a Hawthorn was considered a bad omen, incurring danger to the one responsible for such an act. The white blossoms of the Hawthorn were used to adorn the crowns worn by maidens at their weddings. The Celts considered it unlucky to bring the blossoms of the tree inside their homes, for fear that a Fairy may be living inside those.

The medicinal uses of the Hawthorn are quite varied, its leaves and blossoms being used in relieving poor appetite and circulatory problems. Hawthorn wood is known to supply the hottest fire. It can be found in abandoned fields and at the rims of forests and it is grown as protective hedge, due to its thorns and prickles, that provide a very good natural defense system.

The Hawthorn person can be of two distinct types. And it is as such with every tree in the zodiac: a first type called 'the new moon', related to the first two weeks of the sign, and 'the full moon' that obviously goes to the last two weeks of the respective sign.

The 'new moon' individual is somewhat impulsive and emanates a strong sensuality. There are a lot of positive traits in a new moon that get strongly rooted in once he or she has decided upon the clear course of action. The 'full moon' tends to approach things in a different manner than the 'new moon' counterpart. That is why it is rather difficult to categorize a person belonging to this group in what personal relationships and commitments are concerned. The positive aspect of this is that due to this open-mindedness, it can be very easy for a full moon to discover the hidden doors of the mind.

Overall, the Hawthorn character is known for being charismatic and governed by creativity and innovative ideas. Their strong sense of adaptability allows them to deal with change easily. Like the Druids of old, the Hawthorns excel in the performing arts. Good orators, funny and spontaneous, their confidence makes them very popular characters and it's not uncommon that they make very good leaders. Even though they might get ill-tempered or burst in anger at times, the Hawthorns are usually honest and sincere friends and very good listeners. Like a versed chess player, the Hawthorn's strength comes from paying a great deal of attention to the weaknesses of the adversaries or enemies. However, this does not turn him or her into a ruthless warrior, but merely into a good strategist.

The energetic lifestyle of the Hawthorns drives them into taking part in various sporting activities. They can make excellent writers and journalists thanks to their keen sense of observation and sharp sense of humor. Relationship-wise, Hawthorn individuals have difficulty with settling in a long-lasting relationship. Still, they make very good parents and enjoy living exciting and alert lives. Boredom can be a handicap to the Hawthorn individual, hence the need for continuous challenges.

Hawthorns should get involved in sporting activities as often as possible and carefully watch their diet. They must learn that new strengths come from the spirit whenever dire situations are confronted and overcame.

The Ogham symbol that is associated with the Hawthorn is Huatha.

The lucky gemstone of the ones born under this sign is the Topaz, a golden-brown to yellow, transparent, semi-precious gem. It was supposed to be a healing stone, being able to cure asthma, hemorrhage and insomnia, possessing magical and occult properties. The Topaz could drive away sadness and give courage to the owner. Also, it presumably changed color in the presence of poisoned drink or food.

The flower of the Hawthorn is the Wood Sorrel, also called the 'prayer plant'. Its leaves resemble those of the Clover (or Shamrock). The Wood Sorrel can be found in shady places in the forest or beside hedges, in full flower during the second half of Spring. It can be used medicinally to strengthen a weak stomach and reducing fever. A lotion made from its leaves is beneficial against skin infections.

The celestial body associated with the Hawthorn is planet Vulcan, allegedly the planet closer to the Sun than Mercury. The existence of this planet is subject for speculation.

The Hawthorn deity is Govanna, the Blacksmith God, caretaker of celestial power and higher powers of the mind. Legend has it that those who drank from Govanna's sacred cup were protected from old age and infirmity. The weapons and armor made by this god were believed to be infallible. Govanna was also the God of Jewelers, Fire and the art of Brewing (he was the provider of Fled Goibnenn, a festival associated with brew-crafting).

Two animals are the representations of the Hawthorn: the Bee and the Owl. The Bee was associated with honey and mead (a drink made from honey). It represented the busy, hard-working creature that stopped at nothing to perform its task and defend its home. The Owl, like all the birds in Celtic mythology, was the guide through the Otherworld. Thanks to its keen sight, it was believed to help in uncovering the liars and the deceitful. A universal symbol of wisdom and patience, Hawthorns should be guided by the Owl since they are rather short-tempered and tend to engage in hasty actions without paying too much thought to the final result of their enterprises.

There are also other lesser influences for each sign of the Celtic zodiac. These influences can be traced by the specific date of birth within the major sign. In the case of the individual born under the sign of the Hawthorn, there are four influences, similar to the 'ascendants' in the European zodiac:

 

 

May 13 - May 14 - The Poplar

May 15 - May 24 - The Chestnut

May 25 - June 3 - The Ash

June 4 - June 9 - The Hornbeam

The approximate equivalent of the Hawthorn sign in the Western/European zodiac is the Gemini (May 21 - June 21).