Botanical Oracle: Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna
When learning the meaning off something, I always try to associate the word with another word, symbol, or an acronym to remember its properties. In this case, the letter H in Hawthorne is a gentle reminder that this is a heart herb.
Known for centuries to help support the cardiovascular system, Hawthorne (Crataegus monogyna) has been studied in the areas of hypertension and blood pressure issues. It has also been clinically studied for its significance in improving mental health issues like depression, ADHD, mood swings, menopause and more. Hawthorne has also been researched to support antioxidant therapy and cancer prevention.
Although much more research needs to be done, it is important to note that if you are on any heart medication and you decide to use Hawthorne as part of your medical therapy, you should consult with the practitioner that prescribed your heart medication, as there could be interactions and contraindications between your medication and Hawthorne therapy.
The Hawthorne plant is a bright flowing plant, whose berries are mainly used in jams, jellies, and syrups, but the berries, leaves, and flowers can be also used in herbal products. In folklore, this tree is considered a portal to two other worlds. It makes sense then why my Botanical Oracle deck would pair Hawthorne with the word Sacred.
Think about it, what is more, sacred than your heart? Your physical heart you need to beat to be alive – without it, you simply wouldn’t be alive. It’s a sacred organ. From a spiritual and metaphysical aspect, what is sacred in your life? Relationships? Material possessions? Your pets?
How do you treat something that is sacred? You nourish it. Protect it.
For me, it's my children. I can never imagine my life without them, nor would I know who I was without them. As you reflect today on this card, think about what are the most sacred things in your life? Are you nurturing them? If not, perhaps this card is trying to give you a reminder to focus on what is sacred in your life – whether that’s your body or mind, or those around you, take time to nourish those sacred things in your life.
Pulling a Botanical Oracle card every day, and pulling one especially for you once a week, has become a sacred ritual for me. I grow each time I reflect on the card pulled, and I hope that you find some growth along the way, too. Comment below what you find sacred in your life and how you keep it safe.
If you would like to make this a daily ritual for yourself, too, check out Siolo Thompson’s Hedgewitch Botanical Oracle cards here.
