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(Viscum album or Phoradendron flavascens) Aslo known as Birdlime, Devil's Fuge, Golden Bough, Holy Wood, Witches Broom, Wood of the Cross Druids revered the Mistletoe, especially when found growing on an Oak.
Caution: Never handle mistletoe where children might swallow fallen berries or leaves. Berries are Poisoness.
Ad viscum Druidae cantare solebant
(The Druids are wont to sing to the mistletoe)
Ovid
Not quite herb, not quite tree, beyond the limitations of classification, freed from the restrictions of convention, and resembling a constellation of stars suspended in midair from the bough of a sacred tree, such is the "spirit" of this plant. It belongs to the in-between times of dusk and dawn, or the exact interval between two seasons. It is a gateway to something "other".
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Mistletoe is also carried or placed where protection is needed, it is hung over a cradle to prevent the theft of a child by fairies. Amulets and jewelry can be made of its wood as talismans of protection and to speed healing. It will aid in hunting and in conception. Hang it in the bedroom to bring beautiful dreams and to unlock, through the dreams, the secrets of immortality. Add a few berries to the ritual cup at a handfasting, and hang it in the home to bring the blessings of the Goddess of love.
Mistletoe is used at Yule to celebrate the birth of Baldur, the god of light.
It is not uncommon in Britain to save the Yule Mistletoe until Candlemas, when it is burned in the fire, completing the transition from Winter solstice.
Some give Mistletoe berries to their guests, gathered and dried from the previous year, which are tossed into the flaming cauldron during Yule rites.
Some use Mistletoe to fashion wands, and some use it to make the handle of the ritual knife. Hanging a bunch of Mistletoe tied with a red cord brings Winter blessings into the home or altar.
Mistletoe is protective against lightning, disease, misfortune and fires. It also aids in matters of the heart. The fresh juice has been said to increase fertility in barren women. Harvest Mistletoe on the sixth night after the New Moon.
Mistletoe is an excellent all purpose magickal herb. Its wood is a good choice for wands and ritual implements. Place it around a "Hand of Glory," a candle shaped like a hand that is burned to ward off thieves. According to Virgil, Aeneas could go down to Tartarus only when he carried a sprig of mistletoe in his hand as protection. Mistletoe is reputed to protect the bearer from werewolves. Burned it banishes evil. Mistletoe belongs to the sun and to Jupiter.
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