Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants - Juliet Diaz 2020

Blackthorn Prunus spinosa
A Compendium of Plants

ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES

awareness, protection, shadow work

Also known as sloe, fairy tree, and “dark mother of the woods,” blackthorn is a member of the rose family whose small fruits appear similar to blueberries. They have a tart astringent flavor and are often used to infuse gin; they can also be made into jam or wine. Her thorns are serious, and so blackthorn makes a good cattle-proof hedge. The thicker stems are quite sturdy and useful as walking sticks.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

A syrup made from the berry can help treat a sore throat, and gargled to help stop a cough. The flower can be applied directly to the skin to treat a rash, and a tea made of blackthorn can help calm the stomach, though it also acts as a strong diuretic, making it good for detoxing if you’re careful.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES

Along with making for a good walking stick, the strong wood also serves as a powerful wand. In Irish folklore, blackthorn is so precious, she has her own fairy tribe dedicated to her. Called the Launatsidhe, they curse those who try to cut wood from the blackthorn between the holy days of Samhain and Beltane. You can burn the dried wood or thorns to banish negativity, or keep a dried berry or thorn in a gris-gris or charm bag for protection or as an aid to overcoming adversity. Blackthorn is a gateway to the unseen, and can help you stay aware of all that we don’t see in our day-to-day lives.

PLANT WISDOM

Blackthorn is at her most powerful when you are working with her for protection against evil, creating boundaries with others, the unseen, and the self. She helps us confront our own darkness, so that we are able to see right through the shadows to what lurks within—so much so that she is used for exorcisms. She is Queen of the Underworld, and it is best to partner with her in shadow work, healing deep trauma, and getting over fears of one’s own gifts. Sit by her or simply hold a piece of her while meditating or doing Magical workings. If you wish for her to show up in your dreams, place her over your head before going to sleep.