MISTLETOE

Mistletoe or as it is called by its Latin name Viscum album is a partially parasitic plant and can be found among the branches of trees, particularly hardwood trees such as apple, oak and lime, living off their available water and nutrients. The parasites roots enter the bark of the tree, and can cause the branches to deform and contort. Although it is rare for mistletoe to cause the death of a tree. Birds are the main propagators of mistletoe, they spread the plants seed from tree to tree

Mistletoe was used by the Druid priesthood in a very special ceremony held around five days after the New Moon following winter solstice. The Druid priests would cut mistletoe from a holy oak tree with a golden sickle. The branches had to be caught before they touched the ground. In the Celtic language, Mistletoe means "All Heal". The ancient Celts believed Mistletoe possessed miraculous healing powers and held the soul of the host tree.

The priest then divided the branches into many sprigs and distributed them to the people, who hung them over doorways as protection against thunder, lightning and other evils. The folklore, and the magical powers of this plant, blossomed over the centuries. A sprig placed in a baby's cradle would protect the child from faeries. Giving a sprig to the first cow calving after New Year would protect the entire herd.

Although many sources say that kissing under the mistletoe is a purely English custom, there's another, more charming explanation for its origin that extends back into Norse mythology. It's the story of a loving, if overprotective, mother.

The Norse god Balder was the best loved and the most beautiful of the gods. He is worshipped as the pure and radiant god of innocence and light. His snowy brow and golden locks seem to radiate beams of sunshine which gladdens the hearts of gods and men, by whom he is equally beloved. The god of light is well versed in the science of runes, which are carved on his tongue. The only thing hidden from Balder's radiant eyes is the perception of his own ultimate fate. His mother was Frigga, goddess of love and beauty. She loved her son so much that she wanted to make sure no harm would come to him. So she went through the world, securing promises from everything that sprang from the four elements, fire, water, air, and earth, that they would not harm her beloved Balder.

Loki, a sly, evil spirit, found the loophole, which was mistletoe. He made an arrow from its wood. To make the prank even nastier, he took the arrow to Hoder, Balder's brother, who was blind. Guiding Holder's hand, Loki directed the arrow at Balder's heart, and he fell dead.

Frigga's tears became the mistletoe's white berries. In the version of the story with a happy ending, Balder is restored to life, and Frigga is so grateful that she reverses the reputation of the offending plant making it a symbol of love and promising to bestow a kiss upon anyone who passes under it. www.candlegrove.com

Mistletoe as a Herb

DESCRIPTION: European Mistletoe is an evergreen, semi-parasitic plant found on the branches of deciduous trees. Roots growing from the yellow-green, forked stem penetrate through the bark into the wood of the host. The leaves are opposite, leathery, yellow-green, and normally obovate.

FLOWERING PERIODS : Pale yellow or green flowers appear from March to May, the female developing into sticky white berries which ripen from September to November.

PROPERTIES : Cardiac Diuretic Stimulant Vasodilator

USES : European Mistletoe acts on the circulatory system, first raising blood pressure and then lowering it below the initial level and speeding up the pulse. At times in the past, it has been used for arteriosclerosis. It also
stimulates glandular activity related to digestion, relieving many diverse problems traceable to faulty digestive processes. The tea can be used as a wash for chilblains and leg ulcers and made into a compress for varicose
veins. Mistletoe is an all-purpose herb

CAUTION -: Large doses have a detrimental effect on heart action. Also, eating the berries can be dangerous, especially for children.

MAGICAL USES
Long used for protection against lightning, disease, misfortune of every kind, fires and so on, it is carried or placed in an appropriate spot for these uses. The leaves and berries are used. Mistletoe is placed in cradles to protect children from being stolen by fairies and replaced with changelings.
A ring carved of mistletoe wood will ward off sicknesses when worn and the plant will cure fresh wounds quickly when carried (do not apply to the wound).
Mistletoe is also carried or worn for good luck in hunting, and women carry the herb to aid in conception. It has also been utilised in spells designed to capture that elusive state of immortality, and to open locks.
Laid near the bedroom door, mistletoe gives restful sleep and beautiful dreams, as it does when placed beneath the pillow or hung at the headboard.
Kiss your love beneath mistletoe and you'll stay in love. Burned, mistletoe banishes evil. Wear it around your neck to attain invisibility.

RITUAL USES
As is well known, the druids revered the mistletoe, especially when found growing on an oak. It was cut on Midsummer's day, or else when the Moon is six days old. One stroke of a gold sickle was used to cut the herb, and it wasn't allowed to touch the ground.
Call on Brigit when using for health and fertility
Call on Flidais when using for passion and lust, also for hunting
Call on Macha for fertile crops and livestock
Call on Aengus Mac Óg for love rituals
Call on Dagda and Manannan for protection and exorcism.

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