Hawthorn
Huath
(Obstacles)
Huathe Pronounced: hOO-uh
Huathe corresponds to the letter H in the Ogam alphabet and is associated with the Hawthorn tree. The symbol represents the cleansing, protection and fertility.
Status: Peasant-tree
Element: Fire
Gender: Masculine
Celtic Sixth Month: April
Celtic Sixth Month: April
Powers: Huathe creates a sacred space for protection, cleansing and creation.
Keywords: Cleansing and chastity, protection, obstacles, obstructions, purity, compensation, female sexuality, the power of magical sexuality, inner journeys, intuition and happiness.
Deities associated: Flora, Olwen, Blodeuwedd, Hera, Cardea and Hymen (god of marriage), Maia, Belenus.
Interesting Spiritual Information: The Hawthorn is also known as the May Tree and White Thorn. Wands made from hawthorn are of great power. It represents cleansing and chastity, it brings protection from the inner magical realms. It also is about sitting in a state of restraint and keeping yourself to yourself. A time for reflection before setting out on physical activity. Spiritual fertilization is needed within this time. The Fey (Earth Spirits/Fairy Folk) especially are drawn to hawthorn as they see it as sacred.
Folklore: In Celtic Lore, the hawthorn trunk was used for carving inscriptions. It has been said that it can heal a broken heart. According to Gaelic folklore, the hawthorn marks the entrance to the otherworld and is strongly associated with the fairies. Thomas the Rhymer met the Faerie Queen under a hawthorn tree and ended up staying with her in the Underworld for seven years. They are also found close to holy wells and pilgrims would often tie strips of cloth to their branches as part of their healing ritual (this is still done today at sacred sites).
Interesting Spiritual Information: The Hawthorn is also known as the May Tree and White Thorn. Wands made from hawthorn are of great power. It represents cleansing and chastity, it brings protection from the inner magical realms. It also is about sitting in a state of restraint and keeping yourself to yourself. A time for reflection before setting out on physical activity. Spiritual fertilization is needed within this time. The Fey (Earth Spirits/Fairy Folk) especially are drawn to hawthorn as they see it as sacred.
Ogam Healing: Being (Mindfulness); Clarity; Cleansing; Chastity; Clearing obstacles or obstructions in your way; Courage; Fertility; Happiness; Inner journeys; Insomnia; Intuition; Nerves; Protection; Purity; Self-love; Female sexuality; Female: the power of magical sexuality; Peacefulness; Appetite loss; Nausea; Stress relief used as a sedative; Restlessness, anxiety, AD(H)D; Anxiety; Congestive Heart Failure; Heart Failure; Coronary artery disease; Elevated blood lipids…
More Medical information and in-depth healing suggestions can be found in my book The Beginners Book of Ogam Tree Healing, or by attending one of my workshops.
Notes: The hawthorn is one of the three sacred fairy trees of Britain; oak, ash and thorn. Where all three grow it is said one may see fairies. It marks a magical barrier. It brings a testing to those who wish to pass it.