Keywords
Authority, Control, Protection, Strength, Truth

Historical Background and Folklore
Blackthorn has been used since the Neolithic period (9,000-7,000 B.C.E.) for medicine and food. Its fruit, sloes, are used most notably to make sloe gin. The black bark and sturdy wood makes it an attractive walking stick. It has also been used for divining rods.

Along with hawthorn, blackthorn has been used for hedges to keep animals out of orchards and gardens. Perhaps because of its medicinal and physical attribute of protection, blackthorn was used to ward-off evil spirits on Walpurgis.

Walpurgis is said to have originated with the Vikings as their celebration of spring in late April. As Christian and Pagan traditions became entangled, it became muddled with Valborgsmäss, which honored a revered 8th century German abbess on May Eve and commemorated her sainthood. As Christian influence grew and the drive to convert people from Paganism intensified, Walpurgis became an event to drive out witches and evil spirits.

Other Being/Character: faeries
Zodiac: Aries, Scorpio
Celestial Body: Saturn
Colors: dark purple, gray, white
Gemstones: agate, bloodstone
Ogham Character: Straif – Letters: St, Z, SS
Rune Character: Thorn – Letters: Th
Rune Character: Wunjo/Wyn – Letter: W
Date: April 30
Other Associations: fate and other powers that must be followed; Walpurgis; winter; south; sabbats: Imbolg, Samhain; Celtic shrub tree

© Llewellyn - Whispers from the Woods

For more information, refer to the full text in Whispers from the Woods.