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Gorse
Keywords
Divination, Fertility, Hope, Prosperity, Protection
Historical
Background and Folklore
Because of its bright yellow flowers, gorse has been associated
with the sun. As it begins to bloom around the time of the Spring
Equinox, its yellow flowers seem to welcome and amplify the strengthening
sunlight. Gorse’s densely-packed, prickly branches can be
used as brooms to symbolically clear away winter. The day before
the equinox is sometimes called the Day of Gorse. It is used at
Lughnasadh to honor Lugh whose decline accelerates in August.
Folklore from various countries indicates that it was effective
against fairy mischief. As it was used on Walpurgis night, April
30th/Beltane Eve, it became associated with warding-off evil, especially
that perpetrated by witches. The sweeping away of winter at the
Spring Equinox was equated to sweeping away evil influences. It’s
still customary to throw some gorse onto a Beltane fire. |
Gorse attracts large numbers of bees because it is one of the earliest
flowers in the spring. Since the Neolithic period (9,000-7,000 B.C.E.)
bees have been associated with the Great Mother Goddess as provider
of nourishment and fertility. This, along with being an evergreen,
has given gorse a connection with the Goddess.
Associations
Element: fire
Energy: masculine
Goddesses: Áine, Arianrhod, Grainne
Gods: Bel, Dagda, Frey, Lugh, Jupiter, Thor
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Zodiac:
Aries
Celestial Bodies: Mars, Sun
Colors: gold, yellow
Ogham Character: Ohn/Onn – Letter: O
Bach Flower Remedy: hopelessness and despair
Other Associations: attract money; connect with the Divine; protection
against negativity; root chakra; the underworld; sabbats: Beltane,
Lugnasadh, Ostara/Vernal Equinox
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© Llewellyn - Whispers from the Woods
For more information, refer to the full text in Whispers from
the Woods.
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