Species: Prunus spinosa.
Ogham: Straif (ST), a `Chieftain Tree'.
Astrological Rulers: Saturn & Mars.

Blackthorn, threshold dweller. Mother Wood, Dark Crone Wood. Fairytales across Europe potent Blackthorn as a tree of ill omen. A Chieftain tree in Ogham, Blackthorn has the most sinister reputation in Celtic tree lore, linked with death, warfare and wounding. Associated with the Morrigan and the Cailleach.

Blackthorn has long been associated with Witches and the Craft. A sacred tree to the crone aspect of the Goddess. Black rod, a Blackthorn wand utilised to cause harm. In South Devon folklore Witches carried Blackthorn walking sticks in pursuit of much mischief. Thorns of this tree are known as pins of slumber, employed to pierce poppets in the ritual of cursing.