HAWTHORN is also known as Witches Tree. Along with the Oak and Ash, when growing naturally together these three will make a natural place where fairies can easily be seen. A grove comprised of those three trees is believed to be the perfect habitat for fairies, and an excellent place to catch sight of them. Pixie Pears is another name for hawthorn berries.
Hawthorn was once used to decorate May poles. At one time hawthorns were believed to be Witches who had transformed themselves into trees. Witches have long danced and performed their rites beneath the thorn. Hawthorn has long been used to increase fertility. Because of this power it is incorporated into weddings, especially those performed in the spring. Call on the Goddess Áine or the Goddess Brigit while holding a hawthorn branch or wand of hawthorn to increase fertility. Fishermen should carry some hawthorn and call on the Gods Manannan and Lír if fishing at sea, or Nechtan if fishing inland.
The leaves are placed beneath the mattress or around the bedroom for this purpose. Worn or carried it promotes happiness in the troubled, depressed, or sad. Call on the Goddess Grian to bring some sunshine and happiness into your life.
Hawthorn protects against lightning, and in the house in which it resides, no evil ghosts may enter. It is also powerful for protecting against damage to the house from storms. In the past most Witch's gardens contained at least one Hawthorn hedge.
GETTING TO BUTTERDEAN & OTHER ACCESS INFORMATION Butterdean Wood is approx 750m south of the A199 at Gladsmuir. You can access it from six formal entrances. The majority of visitors come from the north (East Lothian Council own this bit of the wood) where there is a car park (at the wood’s main entrance off the unclassified road from Gladsmuir to Liberty Hall.) This ELC owned car park has space for 5-6 cars. There is a network of waymarked trails; one short circular walk through the eastern broadleaved section of the wood and a further longer circuit, taking in the coniferous area of the woodland.These can get muddy after heavy rain. Nearest public toilet – Haddington, Neilson Park Rd. (9am-8.30pm Summer & 9am-6pm Winter). Please check www.eastlothian.gov.uk for opening times and facilities. Nearest bus stop – A199 – Gladsmuir, approximately 0.75km to the north. Further information about public transport is available from Traveline – www.traveline.org.uk or phone 0871 200 2233.