It's December, the Winter Solstice is approaching and midwinter is almost here.
The Tree Of The Winter Solstice is Holly and what a beautiful tree it is.
Holly-llex aquifolium
There are many species of Holly. The best known one is llex paraguayensis from Brazil, also known as Yerba Mate" . For this article we are using llex aquifolium.
Holly is found in the hedgerows and gardens all over Europe. It is slow growing, tolerates shade well, is often found in the under story of woods and loves growing by Oak tress.
The Leaves harden with spikes at the tips in the winter to keep the deer and other animals from eating them. It flowers in June.
In Irish/Gaelic it is called Tinne
Strongest protection herb, gives clear wisdom and courage, dream magic and it's element is fire. The flower of goodwill, tree of restored direction
Evergreen, native to central and southern Europe
The Holly and the Ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The Holly bears the crown
The Holly has an association with Winter Solstice that goes back many hundreds of years. During the Roman festival Saturnalia, which was December 17th -23rd, branches of Holly were exchanged as a symbol of health, happiness, a symbol of joy and goodwill.
The Holly was/is a tree of good omen, its evergreen leaves symbolizing life a midst the apparent death of winter. The potent life force in the depths of darkness, symbolizes everlasting life. In the days of Pliny (born 23 AD or 24 AD, died in 79 AD) Holly was considered a tree of protection. If planted near a house or hung over the door, it defended the place and its habitants from poison, evil spirits, lighting and witchcraft. Men carried it for good luck (women carried Ivy). Holly water was sprinkled on newborn babies for protection. Also it was used by the Druids to decorate their huts in winter. This made it a suitable dwelling for the spirit of the woods. Holly is the 8th tree on the Ogham and at one time the Irish Chieftains considered it sacred and was Illegal to cut down.
In the Celtic Tree Ogham, it represents restored balance and direction, represents unconditional Love and increased detachment from emotional turmoil. Ruled by Mars it provides the raw energy to get things done. The wisdom of the Holly brings balanced power that will guide us towards positive action. Holding on to any type of negative emotions greatly weaken your life force. Holly encourages you to communicate and express your feelings to bring things out in the open and helps you find a possible resolution with a loving outlook. This in-turn will bring transformation and restored direction.
Holly Homeopathic: Ilex
Used for catarrhal problems, inflammatory, eye symptoms, pain in the spleen, diarrhoea with mucus and intermittent fevers.
Herbal Remedy
WARNING - The berries are mildly poisonous to children. They may cause vomiting and diarrhea. For Adults a few ripe berries have be eaten as a strong purgative to clear the body of unwanted waste or toxins.
Leaves: No stained or bug eaten ones
Collect in May and June, put ina brown paper bag to dry.
Used for: colds, catarrh(excess mucus in the nose or throat), as an expectorant, for persistent coughs, useful for urinary tract infection, to prevent kidney stones, can be used to eliminate toxins from the body and taken hot it will encourage sweating and bring down fevers. As a diuretic it helps relieve fluid retention and has been long used for arthritis, gout and rheumatism.
Make an infusion (tea), and drink.
Flower Essence:
Holly is for people who have emotions that are out of control. Like, feelings of hate, jealousy, envy, thoughts of revenge and resentment. Maybe one feels they have lack of love in their life or within themselves. People who have become oversensitive or are always finding fault with others, could use the help of Holly Flower Essence. Holly will help open the heart and unites one with divine love. It helps with negative out of control emotions by helping them come to the surface, and aids them with the ability to communicate and to restore balance. The Holly Flower Essence brings positive vibes to their life force, helping them move beyond the negative emotions, reaching the place where love and respect reside, so they can feel love again and respect others.
More on Holly:
https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/holly-28.html
More information on plants of Winter Solstice:
https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/winter_solstice...
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