Goddess~A~Day

Bawming the Thorn (England)

Nemetona

Themes:  Wishes; Protection; Joy; Fairies; Magic; Luck; Nature

Symbols:  Hawthorn (or trees in general)

About Nemetona:  In Romano-Celtic regions, Nemetona guards groves of trees with a special protective presence that marks the area as a sacred site.  Within this space, the soul is hushed and calm, becoming one with nature and the goddess.  Nemetona's name means "shrine," giving new depth of meaning to William Cullen Bryant's poetic phrase "the groves were God's first temples."

To Do Today:  This ritual takes place around this time of year in Appleton, England.  It is an occasion for the community to gather together and decorate a hawthorn tree in the center of town.  Local people believe this was a spot of ancient pagan worship, which is highly likely since hawthorns are sacred to both witches and fairykind.  In magic traditions, carrying hawthorn ensures happiness and promotes good luck (not to mention bearing a bit of Nemetona with you).  Wherever the oak, ash, and thorn grow together is a very magical spot filled with Nemetona's power, and one that will be visited regularly by fairies!

To commune with Nemetona, you need go no farther than the nearest tree.  Give it a hug!  Sit beneath the tree and meditate on its strength, its connection to the earth, and the roots that keep it sure.  Accept this security as a gift from Nemetona.

By Patricia Telesco~From "365 Goddess"