The Druidic College

If you were to see a Hawthorn in the Springtime— All her branches adorned with snow white and dark pink blossoms— Looking like rays of a star. You would know as our Ancestors knew, This wild looking tree with her dense intertwining branches And fiercely armed with short sharp spines Has the power to protect and is the doorway to the Otherworld.

If You were to take hold within your hands, A mass of hawthorn flowers that weight down her branches, And You pressed them against your face, You would be blessed with its rich evocative scent, That permeates the air. And You would know, That the Hawthorn is a tree of great magickal powers; And if You would turn to listen to the voices of the ancients, You may even gain knowledge of what could be Of this magickal, inspiring tree.

If ever you were to see a Hawthorn in Autumn— All her boughs crowned with shiny red berries— Awaiting the attention of birds, who love them, So they may scatter the seeds upon their flights,
And you would know, Deep in your bones, As our ancient Ancestors knew The Sacred Fire that inspires all life of the Earth.

And if you studied the books that you should, You would gain knowledge and discover That this tree is sacred to the Goddess, Who is especially esteemed by the Ancients, Who some call Blodeuwedd, and other call her Blanchefleur, Who was created from nine kinds of spring flowers; Hawthorn, oak, broom and meadowsweet, Along with five other flowers from specific trees and plants.

And you would also know that Blodeuwedd was created As a consort for the Celtic Sun-God, Llew Llaw Gyffes It is Blodeuwedd who the May Queen represents When she is dressed in blossoms at the Mayday festivities. And because she is made of nine different blossoms, You would also know and understand these deep mysteries, As the ancient Crones knew,
That Blodeuwedd is regarded as a nine-fold Moon Goddess.

And you would also learn that no wood burns more readily Than the Hawthorn, even when green, Furthermore, you would know it is the hottest firewood, better even than oak. And the ancients used Hawthorn wood fires for their ovens. And they carried Hawthorn to have resistant against storms at sea And lightening on shore, And you might learn yourself, to take Hawthorn into your home And placed in your attic, to bring protection against spirits, ghosts and storms.