HOLLY LOREThe month of Holly or Tinne runs from July 8th until August 4th.

Holly has long been associated with death and rebirth in both Pagan and Christian lore and plays an important part of the Winter Solstice. In one Arthurian tale Gawain (representing the Oak King) battles  with the Green Knight who is armed with a holly club that is the symbol of winter. Both the Holly and the Oak are important during the Summer Solstice. During this time the Sacred White Horse of Oak transforms into the Unicorn of Holly. In ancient Rome holly was thought to ward against lightning strikes and keep witches away. It was also a popular gift to give friends during the Saturnalia, which was celebrated during the Winter Solstice.

PLANT INFORMATION

Holly can be either a shrub or a tree , deciduous or evergreen depending upon which species you have. (there are 18 of them) Most are  easily recognized by their

 shiny dark green toothed leaves and blood red berries. If you are considering growing holly keep in mind that most varieties are “dioecious”. This means you would need both male and female plants if you want berries. This plant is considered POISONOUS and should not be ingested!!

Holly is considered a hardwood and  was used for the crafting of wheel shafts for chariots and spear shafts as well. The wood of the holly is white and particularly fine grained and closely resembles ivory. The berries can be used to make dye.

HOLLY IN MAGICK

Holly can be used for spells rest, sleep and to ease the passage of death. Holly should also be used when attracting a familiar. It is said that a man who carries a bag of holly leaves and berries will attract women. It is also said that the ancient Druids advised people to take holly boughs into their homes during the cold season as shelter for the fairies and other little people.

HOLLY PEOPLE

Those born during this month are strongly connected to the earth and can have amazing physical strength. Their matter of fact solidness and generous spirit is admired and respected by others. Holly people also tend to be very religious or spiritual in an advanced way, and they are usually the last to see it. They are honest, hardworking, truthful and pretty tolerant of most situations. They are the person you want on your side during a fight, if the cause is just one. They see both sides of an argument and will only take sides if they have to.

As a magickal name Holly is very festive and would be good for a sexy and attractive person. Someone who chooses this name knows they have a temper and can become “prickly” when crossed.

HOLLY CORRESPONDENCES

Folk Names for Holly: Tinne (evergreen)
Element: Earth
Deities: Dana, Nuada, Gaia, Ceres, Persephone, Thor, Indra

Ogham symbol: Tinne
Associated Tree: Holly
Colors: Dark Gray
Animals: War Horse
Key Word: Balance

Written by CatSister/LBolotin 2010 from the following resources:
The New Book of Magickal names by Phoenix McFarland
Flower and Tree Magic by Richard Webster
treetotem.com