Hawthorn: Stag

By S.F. Skyheart - March 21, 2024

Each of the Celtic trees correlates with an animal symbol. The Celtic month of Hawthorn, March 21 - April 17, is associated with:

Animal: Stag

Stag is another name for a male deer, or buck, so I've looked into the meaning of both stag and deer from different trusted sources.

In the Ted Andrews' Animal Wise Tarot, the DEER is depicted on the Page of Four-Leggeds (pentacles in traditional tarot), bringing new studies and pursuits. All of the ensuing changes will be for the better. This is a time of good news and opportunities, likely to come as an invitation from someone (a page card is often a messenger). The antlers deer grow are symbolic of antennae, representing higher perception and indicating the importance of trusting our own instincts when making decisions about our pursuits. When Deer appears, connect with the child within, and be gentle with yourself as your new adventure begins.

According to The Celtic Astrology oracle deck, STAG embodies high ideals and aspirations. It is majestic, idealistic, and radiant. Stag is the noble soul of the forest itself. If you carry Stag energy, you are likely highly ethical, respected for your integrity, and need a sense of purpose to feel fulfilled. In Celtic symbolism, the appearance of a White Stag is an omen for a life-altering adventure. Stag represents magickal and earthly power that supports persistence to triumph over adversity.

In The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit oracle deck, DEER is loving, intuitive, graceful, Mother energy. It represents the feminine aspects of Earth energy, available to all regardless of gender, but is especially potent in new parents. During the first few days they are fully present, nurturing, and calm. Their inner beauty radiates and a sense of grace calms the room. Deer personalities affect others in this way, drawing them toward a quiet tenderness. Drawing the deer card may portend a birth, or a situation that calls for absolute gentleness and compassion.

DEER/STAG: This may be your sign to stop being too self-critical, or listening to negative critics who lack the courage to chase their dreams. It feels like the last few years have really knocked us around, shaking up whatever felt "normal" and routine. Personally, finding my way again has required me to listen to my inner child, and more specifically, my inner teenager. I've mentioned in previous posts that I returned to visual art last year, and that I create while I listen to a playlist of songs from my high school years. In this artistic endeavor, I'm rediscovering the freedom of mistakes, and I'm releasing my inner critic. (Man, she can get loud sometimes!) There's almost always a point in my process where a family member walks through the room and I exclaim, "I hate this," and they tell me, "you always say that." Hahaha!

Another big lesson for me over the last few years has been about trusting my instincts and intuition, both when it's time to leap and when it's time to quit.

LEAPING: I love the skydiving example that Kyle Cease uses about deciding to take a leap. The scariest moment is not really the leap. It's the moment BEFORE you leap for the first time. You're in the plane deciding if you should do it, you're terrified. Once you jump, there's nothing but your heartbeat and the present moment, and "OMG I DID IT!"

QUITTING: Whenever I've ignored my gut, it has led to me trying to force a situation by sheer will and hyper-focus, or being in a situation where someone else is trying to force me to fit their box. I bought into "hustle culture" and "never give up" mindset until it BURNED. ME. OUT. Then I realized knowing when to quit can be amazing. I'm not saying give up on your dreams or give up on life. I'm saying reconsider your current path. A real gut-check. If it's never fun, always feels like an uphill battle, and you're exhausted (emotionally and/or physically) from it, what's the point? Your dream may require hustle, but that hustle needs to feel in alignment with your heart. What's the corny saying? It's the journey, not the destination.

Do what lights you up,
Sadie

Please note: Some people start the tree calendar with Birch in January, which follows the solar calendar. However, I learned them in an older tradition, which aligns with the 13-month lunar calendar. It's up to you to discern what feels right for you, of course.