Straif
Blackthorn as Ally
Straif is a powerful ally, and like any other she can offer skills that are in our best interest or not. Growing into an impenetrable thicket, blackthorn teaches us of boundaries, of how to balance solitude with connectedness, conviction with learning, perseverence with regeneration. She is beauty and brutality, secrecy and sexuality, guiding us on deep inner journeys, an occasional light in the darkness of mystery and despair. (ERO)
Oghams of Morann Mac Main: strongest of red
Oghams of Mac ind Oic: increasing of secrets
Often to be found on the edge of more wooded areas, and with long sharp spiky thorns set into dark hard wood, Blackthorn makes an impenetrable obstacle. It has white flowers in spring, which appear before the leaves show themselves, and in autumn is covered in dark blue – almost black – berries (sloes) which are used to make Gin.
Blackthorn represents difficult situations, obstacles that we have to face, and the potential to wound either physically or with the words we use or are aimed at us. Yet there are times when, if we find ourselves being wounded that we may be able, with respect and honour, to retreat into our own Blackthorn thicket, to find the protection we desire while we regroup and muster our strength. Here we may find a way to create a transition into coping with the thorns, the arrows and swords that are aimed in our direction, whether deliberately or otherwise. There is a sense of a warning of depression with Blackthorn – and for me Gin can quickly evoke that mood! - one where we must take our time and be kind to ourselves as well as others to avoid unnecessary harm and wounding. This is a tree to be used carefully and cautiously. (CC)