Mistletoe Magic

Mistletoe has always been seen as the true magical feminine partner to holly's masculine. Occasionally however mistletoe has been referred to as masculine due to the fact that the white berries are symbolic of semen, whilst the red berries of holly represent menstrual blood.

Regardless of which gender, if any, you prefer it does not detract from the fact that the Druids considered mistletoe to be a gift from the Gods and as such it was highly revered and handed out to the community during religious ceremonies where it was referred to as 'all heal'.

Today its healing properties are recognised by homeopaths as it is used in the treatment of certain cancers. It is also a protective plant and if worn around the neck, is said to confer invisibility!

From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'

Striking a Balance

As we look to bring seasonal greenery into our homes I will explore the myth and legend behind holly, ivy and mistletoe in the next 2-3 blogs.
An old Saxon tradition states that if you bring more 'he' holly into the home (without berries) then the man of the house will rule during the coming year, but if you have more 'she' holly (with berries) then the woman will rule for the following 12 months. Perhaps what we should all strive for is a balance between the two for sexual and emotional harmony?
Read more in 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'

The Oak Moon

The new crescent is now visible in the night sky. This is the Celtic Oak Moon which takes us up to and beyond the Winter Solstice. This was an appropriate name for the December moon as it was the time that the symbolic battle between the oak and the holly kings took place and the oak king won, signifying the return to the light.

Oak trees were sacred to the Celts as many of their religious ceremonies were carried out in oak lined groves. This Moon completed the Celtic lunar cycle and personified strength, stamina, life, death and rebirth.

From 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

Ivy

Ivy is traditionally the feminine partner to holly, although some schools of thought take the opposing view and consider it to be masculine, due to its white berries which are said to be symbolic of semen.

Ivy is thought to be protective in nature and if grows on the walls of a house, those inside will be kept safe from misfortune. My Mum's name was Ivy and she certainly went out of her way to keep us all safe from harm.

In times past it was considered unlucky to bring more ivy than holly into the house at Yuletide, however, this was probably due to the fact that patriarchal society wanted more masculine plants in the home rather than feminine. Balance again, I feel is the key to harmony.

Read more in 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'

Sacred Holly

There has been much debate about whether holly represents the masculine or feminine principal. One school of thought considers it to be masculine because of its prickly nature and see the red berries as being symbolic of the sacrificial God spilling his blood upon the fields. Another school of thought considers it to be feminine, and that the red berries symbolise the menstrual blood of the Goddess.

The Saxons however, recognised that holly could represent both the male and female principal. They called holly without berries 'he' holly and holly with berries was referred to as 'she' holly. If more 'he' holly than 'she' was brought into the house, then the husband would rule the home for the following year, whilst if more 'she' holly was present then the wife would be in charge.

Perhaps we should all aim for a little of each in order to bring balance and harmony this winter solstice.

From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'