The Blackthorn

Among the Celts, this sacred tree was considered a portent of challenges ahead, but with the promise of improvement once we push through those challenges. The druids recognized that portents struggle intuitively in the formation of the blackthorn tree's growth. This tree has some wicked thorns that are ominous looking at best. When cut by these thorns the human flesh can turn septic quite rapidly.

In Autumn, the blackthorn turns a sulfurous yellow and when these leaves drop they expose a contorted body. This mangle imagery brought the concept of strife and suffering to the Celtic mind. These visual observations made the blackthorn a symbol of the spiritual life we shrink back from. When the blackthorn showed itself in oracle practices, it could be considered as a portent of war, illness or discouragement. It was a sign to get ready and brace yourself.

On the contrary, the Celts observed that this tree produced some of the sweetest berries among the sacred tribe of trees. However, these berries were at their most succulent after a hard frost. Again, we see symbolism of strife, but in this light we are shown that the blessing comes after the challenge. 

The blackthorn shows us that our very best fruits will come after major trials, setbacks, and tribulations. We we would do well to keep this in mind as we are in the midst of our challenges; we will come out on the other side better and sweeter than we were before.

Nature Connection:

• The blackthorn is a message that preparation is often the best solution for any difficulty. When we encounter the blackthorn in our experiences, it is time to honor the bounty we already have, and take practical measures to tie up any loose ends we might trip over in the future. The message of the blackthorn should not be observed as gloom. Rather, it can be a message of opportunity if we embrace our experiences as an avenue for growth.