Hawthorn Thorns for purification, cleansing, fertility, and protection

Hawthorn, Whitethorn, Quickthorn, Thornapple, Hedgethorn, Gentle Bush, Lone Thorn. Crataegus monogyna and related species.

Throughout Europe its name is often a variation on “haw”, ‘hedge’ or “white” followed by throne. In Swedish it is Hagthorn (pronounced hog thorn), in German Weißdorn (white thorn). 

In the Ogham, the Celtic tree alphabet, it is Huath (ho’ah, ooh’ah)

It has been – and still is – associated with purification, cleansing, fertility and protection of the sacred.

Its thorns are a reminder that there is protection to the vulnerability of feeling into heart wounding and having a sensitive, open heart.