In some folk traditions, thorns were the nails of the Earth itself, weapons fashioned by the land to wound what would harm it. Farmers planted honey locusts along fence lines not only to keep out animals, but to keep the devil's foot from crossing the field.
-Of Smoke and Soil, via Instagram
Thorny shrubs and brambles have long and storied mythological and folklore origins. Sleeping Beauty's wall of brambly roses. The spindle and the needle. Rapunzel's prince blinded by the thorny hedge girdling the tower. In all of these stories, thorns embody the balance between beauty and defense. In Celtic stories, both the blackthorn & hawthorn are considered thresholds to the Otherworld, fiercely guarded by fairies. The hedgewitch who can only be accessed by crossing the brambly hedge that marks the boundary between civilization (the known world) and the deep, dark, and dangerous woods beyond (where unkown dangers & potential death lurk). These stories collectively tell us that life has teeth and to mind your boundaries.
The thorn symbol has long represented strength, resilience, and the protective power of nature. In nature, thorns serve as a natural defense mechanism, protecting plants from harm and ensuring their survival. Have you ever seen the thorns on a honey locust or a trifoliate orange? They're vicious and copious - it's even said that a hedgerow of trifoliate orange can stop a moose! Our thorny plant allies stand as living barriers, both in the physical sense and a spiritually symbolic one.
Our Thornwood bars feature mesmerizing green-gray swirls topped with a dramatic black and white swirled top. We've scented this one in a one of our most beloved woodsy blends! An enchanting blend of orange zest and muddled blackberries, accented by spicy clove and cinnamon and the spicy/sweet twang of anise. The unexpected, yet exhilarating, sharp contrast of black spruce in the heart of this scent casts us deep into the shadows of the forest. The smooth finish of sandalwood, musk, and vetiver offers comfort and balance. Moody & magnetic!
Approx 4-4.5oz bar
Handcrafted soap will continue to evaporate water and lose weight over time. This makes for a finer, harder, and longer lasting bar.
Ingredients: Distilled water, Coconut oil, Hi-oleic Sunflower oil, Olive oil, Sodium hydroxide*, Shea butter, Avocado oil, Mango butter, Kokum butter, Castor oil, Fragrance, Citric acid, Sodium lactate, Titanium dioxide & Mica
*None remains in final product
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.