The Holly (also known as "Bat's Wings" and "Christ's Thorn" among others) was thought to repel enemies and warriors would carry cudgels and fashion spear shafts made of its wood. As a symbol of good luck and good fortune, the Holly was the evergreen twin of the Oak in Celtic mythology and was often referred to by the name "Kerm-Oak." As the Oak ruled the light part of the year, thus did the Holly rule the dark. The Holly also represented the eternal, ever-green aspects of Mother Earth. With Ivy and Mistletoe, the Holly was regarded as a potent life symbol by virtue of its year-long foliage and Winter fruits. Holly wood was also formerly one of the three timbers used in the construction of chariot wheel shafts. The ancient name for the Holly was "Holm" and, with the coming of Christianity, it became known as the Holy Tree...symbolic of the Crown of Thorns.

The Holly was particularly sacred to the Druids who instructed folk to take it into their homes during Winter in order to provide shelter for the Elves and Faeries during cold weather. It was said that to keep even one leaf inside after Imbolc (a MidWinter celebration also known as Candlemas) would bring about misfortune. In Ancient Rome, gifts of Holly were given during the Saturnalia celebration and the use of its branches as Yule decorations was common to many cultures. The image of the Holly King is familiar to most people and has been personified as the Ghost of Christmas Present in several celluloid versions of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." By tradition, a Holly branch should never be cut from the tree but instead, must be pulled off. It is considered unlucky to cut or burn Holly, but it is thought to be lucky to hang a small branch remaining from the Yule celebrations outside the house. This is said to protect against lightning and ensure good fortune.

To the Druids, the Holly was regarded as a strong and protective herb, guarding against evil spirits, short-tempered Elementals, poisons, thunder and lightning. The notion of protection against lightning is based upon the fact that the spikes of Holly leaves act as miniature conductors, granting immunity to the tree. It was also believed to be especially favored by the Sun. As a magickal herb, the Holly bestowed wisdom and courage and was considered to be useful in dream magick. According to lore, if a young girl gathered nine leaves from the "she-holly" at midnight on a Friday and then tied them into a three-cornered handkerchief using nine knots, she might dream of her future husband by placing the handkerchief beneath her pillow. A variation of this spell dictated that the leaves had to be collected in silence and bound in a white cloth...again using nine knots. This, when placed under the pillow, was said to make dreams come true. It was once thought that if the smooth leaves of the "she-holly" were brought into the house first during Yule, then the wife would rule the household during the approaching year. If the "he-holly" with its prickly leaves were brought in first, then the husband would rule. It was also once believed that if a man carried a Holly leaf or berry upon his person, he would become attractive to women. One old custom associated with the Holly was to place pieces of candle on the leaves, light the candles and then float them in a tub of water. Each person would then make a wish upon their leaf. If the candle remained lit, then the wish was said to come true. According to Pliny, Holly wood when thrown in the direction of any animal would compel that animal to obey. Medicinally, the Holly was used during meditation to calm the mind and body.

In Christian lore, the Holly miraculously grew its leaves out of season one Winter night in order to hide the Holy Family from Herod's soldiers. One variation on an ancient legend also states that it was the tree from which Christ's crucifix was made, all of the trees of the forests refusing the defilement of the cross by splintering into tiny fragments at the touch of the axe, the Holly alone behaved as an ordinary tree, allowing itself to be cut and formed into a cross.

The Holly tree (of which there are well over 150 species) can grow (albeit very slowly) to be as high as fifty feet and is native to most of Central and Southern Europe. Its white, star-shaped flowers bloom in the Spring and it bears shiny red berries in Autumn which last throughout the Winter season. The leaves of the Holly are shiny, dark green in color, elliptical in shape and have spiny points. In order to produce berries, both a male and a female tree are required. Only the female tree produces berries which, although lovely to look at, are poisonous. Given its evergreen nature, the Holly represented immortality and was one of the Nine Sacred Woods used in Need-Fires (the others being Oak, Pine, Hazel, Juniper, Cedar, Poplar, Apple and Ash). In ancient Irish lore, it was also listed as one of the Noble Trees of the Grove (along with Birch, Alder, Willow, Oak, Hazel and Apple). The Holly tree has a fine white wood which was once used in the making of inlays and for walking sticks as well as riding crops. Its leaves are a favorite food among deer and sheep during the Winter months. The wood of the Holly is hard, compact and beautifully white in color, being susceptible of a very high polish.

There are two distinct types of Holly individuals (a division which relates to all Celtic Tree Signs). The "new moon" character is associated with the first two weeks of a sign and the "full moon" character is associated with the last two weeks.

The "new moon" Holly individual is more inclined to become involved with the dreams and ambitions of others by providing both financial and emotional support. While this is indicative of an unselfish and sympathetic nature, it can lead to a blind optimism which may be personally damaging. The "full moon" Holly individual is more committed to his or her own dreams and amibitions. Such people are likely to become the founding members of societies or business corporations while still retaining a sense of history and tradition. The "full moon" Holly individual, however, is frequently hypersenstive to personal criticism and may be forced to retreat periodically from the world.

In general, Holly individuals are practical, capable and steadfast in the face of adversity. Being cautious, logical and efficient, they possess a good business sense, but prefer to assist rather than lead. In relationships, Holly people are supportive, protective and possessive. Holly individuals have a tendency to strive for perfection, which often leads to loss of confidence and direction. They exhibit a large amount of personal integrity and tend to influence things a great deal, but usually behind the scenes. Their word is literally their bond and honor is their guiding principle. The weak point of the Holly individual is sensitivity to personal criticism...his or her need for constant affection and attention can make the Holly demanding in a close relationship. There may also be a tendency to exhibit a miserly attitude. Not known to be risk-takers until all the facts have been gathered, the Holly individual possesses the ability to solve difficult problems through the use of simple logic.

Holly individuals are attracted to banking and insurance. They are strong-willed and make for trustworthy friends with a great reserve of physical endurance. Down-to-earth people, they usually possess much spiritual contentment. The Holly individual tends to be a collector of artifacts and has an excellent eye for a "good deal." As a mate, the Holly person is affectionate...although often overly-protective...not inclined to wander and frequently marries a childhood sweetheart. Hollies also make for tolerant and very supportive spouses and tend to have a number of close friends of both sexes. Although sometimes appearing to lack a sense of humor, this is chiefly due to the dislike of the Holly individual to laugh at the expense of another. Holly people can be reclusive and all require a quiet place of their own in which to take respite from the huge responsibilities they usually place upon themselves.

Physical Goal: To learn that challenges may be overcome with unity and concerted effort, provided the cause is just.

Mental Goal: To train and learn daily.

Spiritual Goal: To cultivate dynamic and instinctive intuition in order to respond to fast-moving situations...to accept the reality of "here and now."

Amergin Verse: "I am a Battle-Waging Spear"

Ogham Association: Tinne

Polarity: Feminine

Color: Dark Grey

Class: Peasant

Letter Character: "T"

Month: June...the eighth month in the Celtic Ogham. The original name for this month was Junonius in honor of the Great Mother Goddess, Juno who presided over Marriages and Childbirth. Thus, June is considered a lucky month in which to be wed.

Alias: "Moon of Encirclement" and "Moon of Polarity"

Magickal Properties: Protection, Prophecy, Animal Magick and Sexual Magick

Some Famous Holly People: Sandra Bullock, Harrison Ford, Henry Ford, Tom Hanks, Arnold Schwartzeneggar, Martha Stewart and Patrick Stewart

Some of the oldest examples of human jewelry contained Carnelian. The greatest myths associated with the Carnelian originate from Egyptian culture, where its power was so revered that it was one of three (the other two being the Turquoise and the Lapis Lazuli) used most often in Egyptian jewelry. The Goddess Isis is said to protect the dead with a Carnelian Amulet named "Thet." After being soaked in Aknhami flower water on a Sycamore plinth and placed on the body of the deceased, Isis would grant the person protection from harm while moving through the AfterLife. The gem also appears in Hebrew mythology...Aaron's breastplate included a Carnelian stone. Buddhists in both China and India created amulets inlaid with Carnelian and other semi-precious stones, ascribing to them powers of protection and employing them in many rituals. In some parts of the Middle Eat, Carnelian is said to represent the Hebrew Tribe of Reuben and Phillip the Apostle. To some Muslims, it is known as "The Mecca Stone," belief being that Allah would grant all the desires of the wearers of the stone. One famous historical Carnelian was the octagonal-shaped seal worn by Napoleon I, Napoleon III and the Prince Imperial. When the Prince was killed in South Africa by the Zulus, the seal was taken from his body and has never been recovered.

Flower: The flower of the Holly is the Meadow-Sweet (also known as Bridewort, Queen of the Meadow, Pride of the Meadow and Meadsweet), a late Summer flowering perennial plant with fern-like foliage and delicate creamy-white flowers which blossom from June until almost September. It grows profusely along streams, pond edges and wet meadowlands. The blossoms have a delightful sweet fragrance and make an ideal base for pot pourri. It is one of the best known wild flowers and, together with the Water-Mint and Vervain, was one of the three herbs held most sacred by the Druids. Medicinally, Meadow-Sweet is valuable as an astringent and diuretic, frequently used in affections of the blood. However, it should not be taken by persons sensitive to aspirin (salicylate). It is said to be particularly effective in the treatment of heartburn and stomach ulcers, as well as an aid in the relief of sore joints and muscles. The name of the plant has its origin not in the word "meadow," but in "mead-wort" due to the flowers of a similar species once being used to flavor mead or honey-wine. The nectar of the Meadow-Sweet is a particular favorite of Bumblebees and Spring Azure Butterfly caterpillars. White-tailed Deer often feed on the twigs. Its leaves were once used as a tea and to make a tonic treatment for intestinal ailments. The plant itself was formerly strewn across the floors of homes. Meadow-Sweet belongs to the genus Spiraea of the Rose family. In Celtic mythology, Meadow-Sweet was used (together with Oak and Broom) by Gwydion and Math in the creation of Bloddeuedd as a wife for Llew Llaw Gyffes, a story which is found in The Mabinogion.

Celestial Body: The celestial body associated with the Holly is the planet Earth ("Abred"), named for the ancient Greek Earth Goddess, Gaea. She was called Terra Mater or "Earth Mother" by the Romans.

Deity: The Holly deity is Danu (also known as Dana or Anu), the Goddess after whom the Tuatha De Danaan were named and the Mother Goddess of Irish mythology. Her divine children (which included the Dagda, Dian Cecht, Ogma, Llyr and many others) were the Gods and Goddesses who ruled Ireland prior to the arrival of the Milesians. Danu was also usually considered to be the equivalent of the Welsh Goddess, Don. Despite her preeminent position, Danu remains a vague figure and does not otherwise play a prominent part in either Irish or Welsh folklore, due to the possibility that monks from the Fifth Century onward greatly underplayed the original role of this Goddess in their compilations. Danu is often associated with universal wisdom, magic, the creation of the cosmos and world, the seasons, life-giving rain, the primordial essence of nature and sacred groves, and nature's fertility and bounty. Danu was remembered in Celtic tradition on Beltane (May 1) when worshippers carried torches up hills as part of a ritual that included the purification of cattle and sheep and the blessing of the Earth for new crops. Danu's totem animal was the Mare, which appears to equate her with the Gallo-Roman Goddess Epona and many other female Celtic deities. The "Cult of Anu" was particularly associated with Munster and two hills in County Kerry are, even to this day, still known as Da Chich Anann ("The Paps of Anu").

The Holly is also sacred to Lugh, Irish God of Medicine, and to Habondia, the Celtic Goddess of Abundance, Plenty and Prosperity, who was demoted to a "mere witch" in medieval English folklore.

Animals:

The Cat - Many Celtic legends pictured the Cat as a ferocious and evil creature. However, that may have been because Cats were untamed during the time of the Druids. It was a potent totem animal of several clans and Caithness, named after the Clan of the Catti, is one example. In Irish lore, Finn mac Cumhail was said to have fought a clan of "cat-headed" people...most probably Celts who wore cat skins on their helmets. The Cat was thought to be a strong protector, especially when facing a confrontational situation.

The Unicorn - A mythic animal with the body of a white horse, the legs of an antelope and the tail of a lion which sported a single horn upon its forhead, the Unicorn was a symbol of purity, strength and supreme magickal power. It taught that every action is creation. Thus, every day should be made to count. It also aided in understanding the relationship between physical and spiritual realities. In Celtic lore, the Unicorn represented a Horse sporting a horn that resembled a Flaming Spear...another of the symbols associated with the Holly. The symbol of the Flaming Spear was connected to the month of Tanist because the Celtic "T" was shaped like a barbed spear. Both the Holly and the Oak were symbolic of the Summer Solstice when the White Horse of the Oak became the Unicorn of the Holly in transformation.

July 8-July 14: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Fir, whose motto is "To Watch Over Every Birth" or "The Mysterious." Fir individuals have extraordinary taste, dignity and sophistication. They love anything that is beautiful, but tend to be somewhat moody and stubborn. Though somewhat egotistic, Fir individuals nonetheless care deeply for those close to them. They are usually quite modest, very ambitious, talented and industrious. Fir people tend to make many friends...and equally as many foes...but are very reliable in character. Reserved about everything that affects them closely, Fir individuals tend to take refuge beneath the facade of prosperity, with a paradoxical need to feel free and protected at the same time.

July 15-July 25: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Elm, whose motto is "Noble Attitude." Elm individuals are usually pleasantly built and are fond of tasteful clothes. Their demands are modest and they are practical by nature. There is a tendency to be unforgiving of those who make mistakes, but they are otherwise cheerful. With a desire to lead, the unconventional Elm individual dislikes being given orders, but does make for an honest and faithful partner. With an inherent dislike of selfish people and those who "follow the pack," the ideals of Elm people lean strongly toward justice and tolerance. Although Elm individuals are prone to make decisions on behalf of others, they are nonetheless noble-minded and generous with a good sense of humor. Those who fall under the jurisdiction of the Elm detest being labeled...even if that label be a flattering one.

July 26-August 4: Those born between these two dates also fall under the lesser influence of a secondary tree...the Cypress, whose motto is "Song of Resurrection" or "The Faithfulness." Cypress individuals are strong, muscular and adaptable, taking what life has to offer. Content and optimistic, Cypress people crave money and acknowledgement and hate to be lonely, although they are prone to pursue independence. They are passionate individuals, with a love which is difficult to satisfy, but are nonetheless faithful. Cypress individuals have a tendency to be quick-tempered, unruly, pedantic and careless. They often possess a biting irony and a certain taste for sarcasm, acquired by virtue of their tendency to bravely undergo the hardest of blows and thereby learn how to free themselves from the burdens of life.