Hawthorn

Of the sixth moon Amergin sings, "I am a beautiful flower" or "I am a beautiful one among flowers". The flower is, of course, the Summer Maiden, the form that the Land-goddess takes during the season that begins on Beltane.

We have seen how in the world of myth, she was given a body made of flowers, and we have ourselves assisted in creating that body ritually on our plane.

The Lady of Fire-in-Water, the virginal creatress, now transforms herself. Her floral nature speaks of sexual union and fertility. The Rising Energy triumphs and unites with the Land, this Flower Maiden, and throughout the natural world this is echoed as flowers bloom and birds nest, and the forest puts on its living, breathing canopy of green.

This month is, in many respects, the high point of the year, the long-awaited time of fulfillment. Something of a honeymoon for us, for we have no spiritual obligation in this season except to enjoy the vivifying power of triumphant the light's fullness.

The Land takes on its most beautiful aspect, and the contemplation of that beauty both strengthens and inspires us, motivating our imagination with new forms.

Right now we need only to be, to glory in the energy that fills us so perfectly: the time for concentrated action will return soon enough (the Flowers, one must note, can also refer to the medicinal plants that have begun to grow in this season, but are to be harvested next month).

As the moon waxes we make ourselves pleasantly aware of the vibrant green face the Land now wears, the countless flowers, so varied in shape and hue, blooming all around us, affirming the diversity and adaptability of life, and appealing to a craving for such diversity in our own experience.

On the Full Moon all this beauty and freshness come together in the shape of the Flower Maiden, to whom we can now relate personally as the source of the aesthetic and sensual pleasure that keeps us involved with the things of this world.

And as the moon wanes our pleasure will not be waning, but we will let ourselves be carried, in a spirit of thankfulness, on the great green tide of growth, absorbing some of its energy as we go.

I AM FAIR OF FLOWERS

I am fair of flowers,
Blossoming today,

Scent of women's sweetness,
Sprig of magic May.

Snowdrop white in beauty,
First of all the flowers,
Winter cannot bow thee,
Nor the darkness hours.

Sunlike shines the crocus
In the lengthening hours,
Wind and rain caress thee
Through the springtime showers.

Crimson bloom the roses
Fragrant past belief,
Scent the summer breezes
Bringing sweet relief

Fairest of all flower,
Crown our roundelay,
Scent of women's sweetness,
Spring of magic May.

On the earth, in the air, Through the fire, by the water,
I am BEAUTY, the eighth month's daughter

© Chris Carol 1979. © 1948, 1966 by International Authors N.Y.

The sixth tree of the year. It is also called whitethorn. Huath takes its name from the month of May. It is considered an unlucky tree. The Greek Goddess, Maia, under the name of Cardea, cast spells with hawthorn. In Welsh mythology, hawthorn appears as Yopaddaden Denhawr, father of Olwen (She of the White Track) or White Goddess. In Ireland it is considered to bring great peril if you kill one. It is the tree of enforced chastity. Turks used hawthorn branches as an erotic symbol as blossom. To the men, it had a strong scent of female sexuality. (White Goddess)

First of the four spirit trees as they have thorns to catch spirits. Clooties or spirit cloths are hung from the bushes in deference to the spirit world. The White flowers are taken for a crown for the May Queen, the fairy queen, ruler of reproductive cycle. Must not be brought into house for it invites death. (Fruits of the Moon Tree)

Magical properties: gender - masculine, planet - Mars, element - fire, deities - Cardea, Flora, Hymen. Powers- fertility, chastity, fishing magic, happiness, protects against lightning. Sacred to fairies. (Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs)

Hawthorn suggests cleansing, a need for the removal of that which weakens you, the need for self-denial and self-sacrifice, which will lead to general improvement in life. It warns possibly of a streak of bad luck or missed fortunes. It suggests restraint, keeping to yourself. This is a period of mental activity as a prelude to manifestation. It may be a period of isolation and loneliness, but from this will come the strength needed to overcome any misfortune. There will be some disruption in the normal flow of life. The challenge of the Hawthorn is the tendency to rush ahead too quickly. There is a need for patience. This is enforced inactivity leading to opportunity. You may be secretly sabotaging your own efforts due a lack of self-esteem or self-worth.