Mardi: Herbal-Wise

Last week we talked about holly, that quintessential Christmas herb that is also one of the favorite ingredients in protection magicks.  Holly’s well known counterpart is ivy.  The two are, according to Scott Cunningham, magickally “paired” and can therefore be used in tandem in love workings with holly representing the masculine and ivy the feminine.

Ivy, though not much used in hoodoo, is considered a good luck herb for women in most magickal systems.  It is carried by women in sachets or mojo bags to encourage good things to happen in their lives.  It is also thought to ensure fidelity in the woman’s partner if she puts a leaf or two under their shared bed.

Ivy grown in a garden and particularly clinging to a home is thought to be a sure guard against disasters of any kind.  Wise mothers in old Europe would include tendrils of ivy in their daughters’ bridal finery to encourage a happy and fruitful union.  Bonne chance ~

Header: Cover from a copy of sheet music for the carol “The Holly and the Ivy”