Article: Metaphysical Properties of Hawthorn: History, Uses, and Rituals
Metaphysical Properties of Hawthorn: History, Uses, and Rituals
Greetings, magical beings! Today, we're diving into the rich history and mystical properties of Crataegus Laevigata, commonly known as Hawthorn.
This sacred tree, known by many names such as Mayflower, Thorn Apple, and Whitethorn, has been revered across cultures for its powerful protective, healing, and enchanting qualities. Let’s explore the magical correspondences, legends, and practical uses of this incredible plant.
Correspondences with hawthorn
- Planet: Mars, Venus, Mercury
- Deities: Olwen, Blodeuwedd, Cardea, Hymen, Hera, Mary, Flora
- Element: Air & Fire
- Parts Used: Berry, Leaf, Thorn
OTHER NAMES
- Mayflower
- Thorn Apple
- Maybush
- Hagthorn
- Maytree
- Whitethorn
Historical and cultural significance
- Ancient Greece: This plant was sacred to Cardea, the Death Goddess, who wove spells with her Hawthorn wand.
- Rome & France: Hanging a Hawthorn branch over a baby’s cradle was considered good luck.
- Fairy Offerings: Offering milk, cream, or whiskey under a Hawthorn tree on May Day, Midsummer, Halloween, or the full moon at midnight invites fairy blessings.
- Witch Lore: Belief held that witches could transform into Hawthorn trees.
- Decorative Uses: Hawthorn wreaths and garlands adorned with red and green ribbons bring good luck.
- Protection: Charms made of Hawthorn wood protect from lightning and storms, and the plant itself protects and blesses the home.
- Child Protection: Placing Hawthorn in a child's room stops nightmares and blesses the child with intelligence and health.
- Fairy Attraction: Burned in incense to attract fairies and planted in gardens to ensure a healthy harvest.
- Funerals: Burned to lift the soul from the body to the heavens.
- Weddings: Used in bridal hair or bouquets to symbolize love, fidelity, and erotic desire.
- Christian Symbolism: Linked to the crown of thorns worn by Jesus.
- Celtic Tradition: Symbolizes the balance of duality.
- Chinese Culture: Represents transformation and rebirth.
Folklore and magical uses
Protection: Folklore warns of bad fortune for those who cut or remove a Hawthorn tree. Used to protect homes and ensure good luck.
Beauty & Youth: Blossoms collected to create garlands; branches kept by young women to maintain youth and beauty.
Aphrodisiac & Celibacy: Useful in love spells; promotes celibacy when placed under a mattress.
Fairy Wishes: Petitions written on ribbons and tied to a Hawthorn tree are carried to the fairy realm, where fairies can choose to aid the wishes.
Heart Healing: One of the most powerful herbs for heart healing, both spiritually and physically. Heals broken hearts, removes emotional blockages, and reduces anxiety.
Transformation: Represents new beginnings, longevity, beauty, resilience, and self-expression.
Wands: Wands made from Hawthorn wood contain great power.
rituals and uses
Hawthorn Baby Blessing Charm Bag Spell
Ingredients: Small drawstring bag, dried Hawthorn berries, rose quartz, amethyst, lavender, chamomile, bay leaf, lavender essential oil.
Instructions: Combine ingredients, set intention, place near the baby’s crib for protection and blessings.
Hawthorn Berry Funeral Incense
Ingredients: Dried Hawthorn berries, rose petals, lavender flowers, myrrh resin, frankincense resin, sandalwood powder, cedarwood essential oil.
Instructions: Mix ingredients, burn on charcoal disk, visualize lifting the spirit to the heavens.
Hawthorn Berry Threshold Wash
Ingredients: Dried Hawthorn berries, distilled water, apple cider vinegar, lavender essential oil, rosemary essential oil, lemon essential oil, sea salt.
Instructions: Prepare infusion, mix ingredients, apply to doorways and windowsills for protection and purification.
Magical properties
Protection: Protects against theft, storms, and negative energy.
Healing: Spiritual and physical heart healing, reducing anxiety, and balancing mood.
Success & Good Fortune: Enhances bravery, control, communication, creativity, and spiritual grounding.
Fairy Magic: Attracts fairies, promotes fertility, and ensures a healthy harvest.
Interesting facts
Hawthorn and Plague: Associated with death due to the triethylamine chemical released by its flowers, similar to the smell of decaying flesh, thought to transmit the plague.
Mayflower: Named after the Hawthorn flower; ships named Mayflower were connected to optimism and protection from evil spirits.
Health Benefits: These sweet, tart and tangy berries are known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cardiovasular disease, antioxidants and digestive enhancing properties. Helping with bloodflow and healthy blood pressure.
Food & Drink: For centuries, people have enjoyed these berries in various forms, but the most popular have been as wines (usually a dessert wine), vinegars, jams, biscuit cookies and teas.
Feel free to share your experiences and any additional rituals or uses you find helpful! You can email our magical shop at info@mysticsoulritualshop.com, or message me on Instagram-- follow our IG @mysticsoulritualshop
Harness the magical properties of Hawthorn to protect, heal, and enchant your life. Whether using it in charm bags, incense, or threshold washes, this sacred plant offers a wealth of mystical benefits.
Is a Hawthorn plant better inside or outside for protection?
Referring back to our Folklore section, Hawthorn is full of protection. Whether decor (such as wreaths), charms or the tree itself, Hawthorn offers protection as well as good fortune.
Caring for a Hawthorn plant in the home or planted outside front or backyard both serve for protection. Allowing the tree to grow and root on your property has (in folklore) that magick to protect home and property. Note, Hawthorn is also known for fertility as well, so if you are looking to start a family or grow yours, a Hawthorn plant inside home or bedroom might be just the addition you are looking for!
Author: Elise
Elise is the owner and creative behind Mystic Soul with over two decades of experience using Magick and studying Metaphysics. Trained in Priestessing, she emphasizes the importance and application of discernment when doing personalized rituals.
