celtic meaning hawthorn ogham meaning

Celtic Meaning Hawthorn Tree

Last Updated on January 18, 2021 by Avia

Celtic Meaning Hawthorn Tree in the Celtic Ogham

Exploring Celtic Meaning and Hawthorn Meaning in the Druid Ogham: The Celtic meaning of the hawthorn tree deals with balance and duality. The hawthorn is full of contradictions, none of which went unnoticed by the soul-minded Celts.

In May, the hawthorn is in its glory with strikingly beautiful blossoms. These are nestled tightly among the hawthorn’s large and lethal looking thorns.

Here we see the first of several juxtapositions, giving this tree/shrub its colorful reputation in history.

A fitting quote for the personality and symbolic meaning of the hawthorn tree might be this…

“Do I contradict myself?

Very well then, I contradict myself.

I am large.

I contain multitudes.”

~Walt Whitman
celtic meaning hawthorn tree meaning ogham meaning
Celtic meaning hawthorn tree meaning ogham meaning

Excellent herbalists and botanists, ancient Celts understood the superior medicinal value of hawthorn leaves and blossoms. However, it was considered a bad omen to bring its branches inside the home. This is largely due to the smell of cut branches was much the same as decaying flesh (indeed, the chemical components are the same). Here we see life-giving aspects as well as associations of death within the same symbolic tree.

Further, the hawthorn is imbued with male energy, yet it is historically a symbol of fertility and associated with the female goddess aspects (mother, maiden, crone).

What do all these contradictions mean? The hawthorn is a standing testament to the idea of duality; it is a perfect depiction of the concept of yin and yang.

The Celts understood the power of balance. They also knew that what could not be attributed to specific outcomes (as sometimes evident in the dance of contradictions played out by the hawthorn) indicated a great source of magic. In other words, that which cannot be explained contains immense power.

The hawthorn is to be respected in all its diversity and duality. It is a symbol of the union of opposites, and serves as a message for us to be more accepting of the unconventional.

Click here to learn about the Hawthorn Sign of the Celtic Zodiac (on this site).

Click on the leaves below for more Celtic meaning of trees…

celtic meaning of trees
celtic meaning of trees

Bloom & Grow More With These Flower & Tree Resources From Amazon

listening to nature for answers

Symbolic Guidance From Nature

There is no greater or more diverse source for symbolic meanings than what can be derived from Nature. Our natural environment is the symbolic “jackpot” that holds deeper meaning about who we are and our life path. Get more about guidance from nature here.

Celtic tree astrology signs

Celtic Tree Astrology

Celtic tree astrology is based on the ancient idea that the time of our births is pivotal to the formation of our personality and behavior. The spiritually savvy Celts, particularly the druids were expert observers. Over time, they recognized that a child born within a certain season would develop certain qualities.  Get your Celtic tree astrology sign here.

Whats-Your-Sign.com (WYS) is a trusted Etsy affiliate & Amazon Associate. We also promote certain products we've tested and approved. As such, the website features sponsored products for Amazon or Etsy or other afiliates. Should you make a purchase from a link on this website, WYS may receive a small commission. This website also hosts advertisements. Please see our policy page for further information. Thank you for your purchases, as it contributes to keeping this website online and running.