The Path of the Rose and Thorn

The primary current of ‘The Rose and Thorn Path’ appears in a variety of Witchcraft traditions and systems (even those not based upon its composition). However It should be noted that ‘The Rose and Thorn Path’ doesn’t identify itself as a form of Traditional Witchcraft, or as any sort of offshoot. However, the similarities are sometimes striking nonetheless.

The focus of ‘The Rose and Thorn Path’ is firstly on a spiritual botany as opposed to the common idea of the Witch-as-Herbalist. The Rose Witch, then, stands in the center of the Greenwood holding the Mortar and Pestle that wields the green forces. Here, such magics are gathered, shaped, and blended by the Witch- then released into the world by rite and by spell. But the practices themselves are more an etheric alchemy than they are the more traditional practice of material or magical herbalism and their combination.

The rooted concepts are based upon the idea that our ancestors sensed something sentient and unseen in the green world around them which possessed a mindful presence- one that could be persuaded to aid people if given appropriate enticement (most commonly through offerings). Physical plants are certainly used within the system, then. But they are viewed largely as connections and conduits to nonmaterial reality, and the beings within it that are reachable through them; what is predominantly sought in ‘The Rose and Thorn Path’ is contact and communication with the various Spirits of the Green.

Often these are Spirits that are attached to specific plants, who are treated as allies and companions of all who venerate the verdant places, who offer up the mysteries of the Greenwood to those who seek their alliance. Other Spirits that dwell within the Green Realm are often sought out as well, however- but these spirits do not readily make themselves available to those who seek them. Nor are they naturally predisposed to a benevolent relationship with humankind despite their veneration.

This is where the concept of He of the Deep Wooded Places and the Thorn-Blooded Queen arise- along with other beings of the Green Crossroads. But the primary difference between ‘The Rose and Thorn Path’ and Traditional Witchcraft, however, is that these beings- while sometimes sharing similarities- have no lore associated with Lilith, Cain, or anything related to the culture from which such elements of Traditional Witchcraft seemingly originate.

On ‘The Rose and Thorn Path’, there are three primary thorns: [X] (TBD), Locust (Robinia) Thorn, and the Rose (Rosa) Thorn. These appear as the tips on the Trident of the Inner Mysteries, which symbolizes the empowered quest of the true seeker. To wield the trident is to master the elements of one's own nature and character, which have been purified by the Way of the Thorn Path. In this light, the trident symbolizes the self in the center flanked by the duality of transformative forces.

The Rose itself is a symbol of the inner mysteries of Witchcraft.

A red rose symbolizes the mysteries as they reside in Nature, within the living things. The white the Otherworld and the mysteries hidden in secret places.

The thorns of the rose represent the challenges and the dedication required to fully grasp the enlightenment of the rose.

And when a single rose appears with white petals in the center of the red ones, this represents the mysteries joined together within a singular reality- as well as symbolizing the mysteries of ‘The Rose and Thorn Path’ as a whole.

There are very old tales about obstacles and barriers to the Hidden Places. In order to arrive in any of these secret lands, a quest must be undertaken; effort is always required, and the doorways never open to those who merely daydream. They remain sealed to those with closed minds, hardened hearts, and doubtful spirits. Thorns often appear as symbols of challenge in these tales of transformation, and are frequently markers of endurance or sacrifice in order to achieve what is desired.

The Rose teaches that thorns penetrate into the inner places, and can be ladders to enlightenment; to reach for the blossom, and in the process be pierced by thorns, is to be transformed in mind, body, and spirit. Fully embracing the roots of the Rose and Thorn Path, then, requires trusting in a magical process of transformation- one that proves entirely worthy of that trust. And to hold the sacred rose is to stand as one who has been tested by thorns.