Holly

Element: fire

Planet: Mars

Powers: protection, anti-aging, luck, dream magic, masculine, energy, strength.

Use With: dandelion or thistle for strength, and thistle or tobacco for protection. Crystals frequently used with Holly include hematite, jet, onyx, and topaz.

Rituals, Holidays, and Celebrations:

A very good herb for protection, holly guards against lightning, poison, and evil spirits. Planted around the home it protects its inhabitants from mischievous sorcerers. Hanging a sprig of holly inside your house or planting bushes outside ensure good luck and safety to your family. When thrown at wild animals, holly makes them lie down quietly and leave you alone, even if you don’t hit them with the plant. Holly water (infused of distilled) is sprinkled on newborn babies to protect them.

Holly is also carried to promote good luck, especially by men, since the holly is a “male” plant. (Ivy is the corresponding plant for women.) it is also hung around the house for good luck at Yule.

After midnight on a Friday, without making a sound, gather nine holly leaves, preferably from a non-spiny plant (one that has smooth leaves). Wrap these up in a white cloth using nine knots to tie the ends together. Place this beneath your pillow, and your dreams will come true.