The Hawthorn Moon

The **Hawthorn moon** runs from the **13th of May** to the **9th of June** and is the sixth month in the Tree Calendar.

Alternatively known as the Haw-moon, Hawberry moon, Thorn-apple moon, Whitethorn moon,
May-blossom moon, Flower/Blossom moon or Cloutee moon while its Gaelic name is 'an ré seach-gheal'.

The Hawthorn moon is sometimes mistakenly translated form its ogham name of 'h'Úath', or 'Húath' instead of seach-gheal.

**Symbolism of the Hawthorn Tree**

The Hawthorn tree is used to create
barriers and natural fences, symbolically it marks
the boundaries between land and spiritually or the world of the living and spirit.
This tree is known as the 'lone-bush' and is feared in Ireland as cutting it down brings terrible
retribution from the Sí who are especially associated with the Hawthorn. The lone-bush is a Hawthorn tree growing by itself.

This tree was marked out for its flowering in time during May and is also the most common tree next to wells which has ribbons known as 'cloutee's' tied onto them. It is also associated with the maypole topped with a
garland of flowers, it may have older connections to the bíle or Celtic-totem.

Its scent is of
decomposition and eroticism giving it a dual symbolism in
Ireland.

This shows, in the context of the Tree Calendar, the
May-Queen (Queen of the May and Summertide) which the Oak-king (summer) must
fight the Holly-King (winter) a battle that takes place every year, it is only used in the Tree Calendar.

**Nature of the Hawthorn Person**

The Hawthorn is ruled astrologically by
Mercury and inwardly by Venus.

They are strong willed individuals with a
strong  romantic side. Some symbols of
the rose applies to the Hawthorn such as the 'flower and thorn' symbolism.

This
the most energy filled and vibrant signs of the Celtic tree moons and Hawthorn people tend
to be shrewd, sensual and arduous being expressive people.

With
such a strong personality they can overwhelm the more quite signs being passionate and sometimes promiscuous. They have great confidence and
can be a protective loving partner.

The Hawthorn person is bright, outgoing and can make friends
easily, but if you cramp their style or not let them grow and express
themselves they can become closed up and defensive. Although the thorns of this
tree show the ‘thorny’ nature of this personality the flowers show love and
sexuality.

Hawthorn
people know how to take things to the extreme but also like to live life to the
full. The Hawthorn person knows how to go after and get what they want. With
confidence and energy they are always ready to shine and show off their
talents. To them it
can be a case of ‘my
way or no way’, they make their own rules to go by.

Hawthorn people in their negative aspect can be
real bullies and want everything to go there own way. The saying ‘*clear boundaries makes for*
good neighbors*’* applies to them, they are unafraid in
difficulties.*.*

They wont back down and admit when they are in the
wrong and sometimes forget to recognize the efforts of others. They can be very
vengeful and will not forget any wrongs that are done to them.

**Keywords**: Cheerful,
popular, wise, changeable, sensual, assertive, perceptive, talkative, agile mentally and physically,
magnetic, self-contained, astute, power, beauty, sexuality, strong-personality, distinguished, open-minded, vitality, brave, industrious, discrimination,
dignified, amiability, beauty, wise, love, joy, paradoxically
innocence, hope, optimism, authority, the power of attraction, seduction, and sexual, sexual freedom,. **Can be:** every rose has its
thorns, dominating, fickle,
anxious, rude, gullible, stubborn, lack stability and perseverance.

**Associations**

**Fixed-planet**: The Hawthorn-tree is ruled by Mercury. Its secondary
ruler is Venus giving a Venerable personality.

**Opposite Signs**: Ivy and Birch

The Hawthorn
overcomes the Birch but is overcome by the Ivy

**Gemstone**: Green-gemstones, Planets gemstone: Emerald

**Genus**: Crataegus

The Hawthorn (L.
crataegus monogyna, Irish. seach gheal) is the tree most often used to
represent this month. This tree is also known as the Common Hawthorn

**Image/Symbols**: A flower, thorn or fang, May-pole

**Ogham few**: hUath (filial-fear/awe - respectfulness)