Holly is an evergreen, has masculine energy, and is symbolic of immortality. Said to repel lightning strikes it was often planted near homes. Thor, the Norse God of Thunder and Lightning, is also associated with Holly.
It is notably the wood used in Harry Potter’s wand which is good for those with a spiritual quest that requires protection.
The month Tinne, as called by the Celts, fell around the holiday of Lughnasa. We often associate evergreen Holly with winter and the Yule Season because during the summer solstice, the Holly King defeats the Oak King and the days start to get shorter.
The Holly Tree
Holly is a large family with both evergreen and deciduous varieties that grow around the globe in many different climates. Hollys produce bright red berries that are popular with birds. However, some varieties are toxic to humans and pets.
The leaves are eaten by several butterfly and moth species notably the Holly Blue. The holly blue butterfly is found throughout North America and Europe and is the national butterfly of Finland.
Holly has been traditionally popular with farmers who planted it as a hedge. Today it is commonly used as an ornamental and in wildlife gardens.
Holly wood is very strong and was often used for making weapons such as spears. In addition, it was used in chariot wheels.
Holly is not used as often in wands. A holly wand may select a witch whose on a spiritual or physical quest. It holds strong protection magic.
Correspondences
Ogham Letter: Tinne (T)
Symbolic Meaning: Optimism, Protection, Strength,
Ruling Planet: Mars and Saturn
Ruling Element: Fire
Season: Summer
Corresponding Star Sign: Cancer / Leo
Crystals: Carnelian, Bloodstone, Ruby
Birds: Cardinal, Starling
Animals: bull, horse, unicorn
Plants: fresh fruits, bilberries, meadowsweet, roses, wheat
Color: Red
Day: Thursday
Tarot: Hanged Man
Lughnasa
The holiday Lughnasa is the Celtic start of the harvest. This Gaelic celebration occurs around August 1st in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
We also refer to this holiday as Lammas. However, Lammas is a Wiccan sabbat. During the conquering by Christians, the Celts were forbidden to celebrate Lughnasa and they reformed it into a Christian holiday where bread was baked to celebrate the harvest.
Wiccans have adopted the best of both Lughnasa and Lammas and bake bread in the shape of a deity or make bread offerings to a chosen deity.
Lughnasa celebrates the God Lugh. Not only was this a time to celebrate the crops but it was a time for games and contests. Athletic competitions were quite popular.
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The famous Tailteann Games were played as a way to honor the dead. The games started by honoring the dead through songs and chants led by Druids. Secondly, they would tell stories that emphasized their laws around a massive bonfire.
The next several days would be physical competitions including long jump, running, spear throwing, swimming, and horseback riding.
Craftspeople would gather to show off their wares and it was a popular time to get married.
Lughnasa was also a time to visit wells as was Imbolc and Beltane. A Holy or Clootie well was a sacred place to local villages. Water is necessary for life and these wells had special prominence.
Lughnasadh traditions are still kept alive in Great Britain, some such as Reek Sunday have been Christianized. This pilgrimage up Croagh Patrick Mountain is in honor of St. Patrick but dates to the original pagan Tailteann Games.
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Holly in the Zodiac
People born in this 8th month are natural leaders and feel protective of their families and followers. They are often drawn to politics, banking, or other leadership roles. Celtic chieftains often wore a holly wreath.
Holly people have great self-confidence which may be viewed as arrogance. However, they are often hiding generous and thoughtful personality traits. In addition, they may be very sensitive to criticism.
Holly is about balance and people born in this month prefer to examine the pros and cons when making a decision. They enjoy problem-solving and logic.
Holly gets along well with Ash and Elder and are supportive friends.
Decorate your altar with fresh fruits and wheat, green and red candles, holly berries and sweets.
Holly Magic
Holly offers great protection magic. This is a great month to do spells to protect the home.
Plant at least two holly bushes by your home. Holly plants are male and female. You need two so they can cross-pollinate and make berries.
Bring sprigs of hollies into the home in winter to offer a safe place for the Fae during the cold.
Holly is helpful in providing balance especially when you are feeling conflicted. Holly understands your negative feelings. The holly leaf spikes represent suffering but also cleansing and renewal.
Holly is also helpful in love. If a single woman gathers nine leaves from the female holly plant at midnight, ties them into a white cloth using nine knots, and places them under her pillow, she will dream of her future partner.
The berries make great ingredients in love spells and for female sexuality. Place three holly berries on your altar during a love spell.
This month is a good one to do spells for animals.
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Pet Protection Spell Jar
Holly is good for protection magic and so this month I wanted to do a pet protection spell.
Spell jars, or witches bottles, are easy to make and keep all the ingredients in one container. That way the magic continues to grow and get stronger.
Check out this spell and others on Other Worldly Oracle
Ingredients:
Mason jelly jar with lid
A pinch of your pet’s hair, a feather, or shute - depending on the species. Take one that has naturally fallen off the body
Choose one or two protection crystals such as Tiger’s eye, black tourmaline, or citrine.
3 sprigs of protective herbs such as rosemary, cloves, cinnamon, chili powder, or sage
a photo or belonging of your pet such as a toy or piece of bedding/blanket
paper and pen
Method:
Cleanse your jar and workspace
Write down your intention. For example, “keep my pet healthy and safe from harm. (Your chosen deity) empower this protective charm.”
Say it out loud and place it in the jar.
Add each ingredient, one at a time, to the jar.
Each time you add an ingredient state your intention
Place the lid on the jar.
Hold the jar and visualize your pet safe and happy.
Say “So mote it will be”
Place the pet protection spell jar in a meaningful location.
To learn more about the Celtic Months you can read my article 13 CELTIC TREE MONTHS
Author, Ame Vanorio, is the founder of Celebrate Pagan Holidays and an Environmental Educator.
I love plants and as a pagan, they are deeply integrated into my spiritual practices. Walks in the woods, vegetable gardens, and rooms filled with herbs and succulents.
Yule holds such a special place among pagans. Our ancestors yearned for the light of spring and the warming of the earth.