Mistletoe Meaning, Healing, and Magical Uses

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Welcome to the Masters’ Grimoire of Magical Herbs page for Mistletoe. Here you will learn everything you've ever wanted to know about this herb including Mistletoe's magical uses, Mistletoe physical healing, and emotional healing properties, plus its use in meditation, Mistletoe lore and legends, and much more!

Introduction to Mistletoe

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/020211219_165600_Christmas_Mistletoe.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/020211219_165600_Christmas_Mistletoe.jpg

Mistletoe is the common name for obligate hemiparasitic plants in the order Santalales. They are attached to a host tree or shrub by a structure known as the haustorium. This is how they extract water and nutrients from the host plant. 

The name mistletoe once referred to the species Viscum Album (European mistletoe) It is the only species native to the British Isles and much of Europe. A separate species occurs in Southwest Spain and Southern Portugal, as well as Morocco, North America, and Southern Africa. 

European mistletoe has smooth-edged, oval, evergreen leaves that appear in pairs along a woody stem and waxy, white berries that appear mostly in clusters of two to six. Eastern mistletoe has shorter, broader leaves and longer clusters of ten or more berries. Mistletoe also blooms a red flower. 

The word 'mistletoe' is derived from the older form 'mistle' adding the Old English word tān (twig). 'Mistle' is common Germanic.  Further etymology is uncertain, but it could be related to the Germanic base for 'mash'.  The Sacred Number of Mistletoe is 17.

Notes from the Masters

Mistletoe isn’t just for kissing under! This special herb is used in teas and tinctures to ease nervousness and anxiety. Drink in a tea for a calming alternative to lavender or mix up a cocktail around the holidays for a unique treat.hange master notes -->
~ Master Nicole

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Mistletoe Magical Uses and Purposes

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Mistletoe can be used in magic for: adaptation, adjustment, accommodation, compliance, acclimation, change, evolution, assimilation, conversion, opportunism.

Mistletoe can be used in spells to attract love, provide protection, bring success in hunting, for forgiveness and reconciliation, to increase sexual potency in men and to help women conceive. It can also be carried as a general amulet of protection. 

It is primarily associated with masculine energy but there are some feminine attributes. The white berries of mistletoe paired with the red berries of fresh holly make a perfect yin and yang pairing. This is reminiscent to the ribbons used to decorate maypoles and is often the symbol of fertility magic and the procreative functions of menstrual blood and semen. 

Kissing under the mistletoe is associated with Christmas but was originally done at the Roman festival of Saturnalia. This sort of magic was to battle the Victorian stigmas of public affection. It was said that the man would pick a berry when kissing a partner beneath the mistletoe and once all the berries were gone and the kissing was complete, the mistletoe would then be burned on the twelfth night of Christmas to ensure that those who kissed beneath it would then marry. 

In voodoo practices it used magically for protection from evil and drawing love. It can be combined with jinx-breaking herbs such as Rue and Oak Wood and then burned to keep away evil spirits. Mixing it as as a fine powder along with Verbena and Aster makes a True Love Powder. 

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healing with herbs

Healing with Mistletoe

Mistletoe Physical Health Benefits

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Mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that grows on many types of trees, including; apple, oak, maple, elm, pine, and poplar. It has been used for many years throughout history to treat medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma, hypertension, headaches, menopausal symptoms, infertility, dermatitis, arthritis, and rheumatism. 

Mistletoe extracts are one of the most widely studied alternative medicines for treatments and therapies for cancer. In Europe, mistletoe extracts are one of the most prescribed therapies for cancer patients. 

Spiritual Healing with Mistletoe

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Mistletoe provides spiritual healing by promoting a sense of peace and goodwill. By calming the spirit and bringing love and protection when used. It was sacred to the Druids and often a symbol of peace and when spied on the battlefield, warriors would cease fighting to celebrate a temporary truce due to its presence. 

Emotional Healing with Mistletoe

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Mistletoe promotes feelings of love. It is an herb that is often a facilitator of relationships and goodwill, warding off negativity and inspiring emotions of peace and warmth. 

Mistletoe for Chakra Healing

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Mistletoe is associated with the Root Chakra. 

The Root Chakra is the first chakra and also sometimes known as the Base Chakra. It is located at the base of the spine and controls the kinesthetic energy for feeling and movement. It is the foundation of physical energy and spiritual energy for the body. When this chakra is blocked or out of balance the symptoms can manifest as lethargy, feeling down, low enthusiasm, and the need for constant stimulation. 

 

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Color Energy of Mistletoe

Ticketee, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Ticketee, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Mistletoe brings the energy of the color Red - The red color ray is fiery, energetic, and passionate. Visually it can represent anger, warmth, and excitement. The color itself can give us drive, determination, and a sense of power and strength. Red is the color of energy, love, and life. It motivates us and is a very strong color. It raises our enthusiasm and calls us to action!

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Angels Associated with Mistletoe

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Mistletoe is associated with three different angels.

Amutiel - Guardian of the Nineteenth Mansion of the Moon which is Scorpio

Requiel - Guardian of the Twenty-Third Mansion of the Moon; Capricorn

Yroul - helps you Deal with Fear

The 19th Mansion of the Moon is the Mansion of Steam .

Consider using Mistletoe  in asking Amutiel to bring the energy of Steam to power your activities towards your goals.

The 23rd Mansion of the Moon is the Mansion of the Trees.  If you have a project that involves gardening or similar efforts consider using Mistletoe to ask Requiel for help.

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Mistletoe and the Goddess

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Mistletoe is associated with Frigg.  Frigg is the Norse Goddess of love, marriage, and fertility. She personifies youth and love with her beauty. Hanging a sprig of mistletoe at the entrance of your home attracts this goddess and feelings of peace and harmony. 

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Mistletoe Birth Herb

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Mistletoe is the birth herb for those born onJanuary 30, April 6, April 21, April 29, June 8, August 29, October 25, November 15, November 20, December 4, December 24, and December 31.

f you were born on one of these dates, you might find that you have a particular attraction to Mistletoe. You may feel drawn to it. Those with the birth herb of Mistletoe will likely find it more powerful and intuitive to work with.

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Mistletoe I Ching Hexagram

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Mistletoe is associated with the I Ching Hexagram 17, Adapting to the Times - By sensing and adapting to the change of seasons, an empowered person gains the experience and flexibility that attracts capable followers. 

Keywords: adaptation, adjustment, accommodation, compliance, acclimation, change, evolution, assimilation, conversion, opportunism

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Mistletoe Astrological Sign

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Mistletoe is associated with the astrological sign Sagittarius. In Moon Astrology it is associated with the 6th Mansion of the Moon, the Mansion of the Sky.

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Uses of Mistletoe in Feng Shui

crystal feng shui yin yang - free crystal guides

Mistletoe brings Metal Energy to Feng Shui practices.

Metal energy is the energy of intelligence, contraction, healing, and creativity. It is the energy of togetherness and crystallization – of ideas, concepts, and groups. It is hard, sharp, and often destructive, yet an essential element in all lives. We have to be sharp, unyielding, and hard at times to find our way without being a victim of others. The metal element brings the power of concentration and determination to our lives and our dwellings.

Metal energy is traditionally associated with the northwest and west areas of a home or room. It is associated with the Helpful People and Blessings, and Travel area of your life and dwelling, and with the Creativity and Children area.

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Uses of Mistletoe in Talismans and Amulets

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Mistletoe can be used to make talismans and amulets for a variety of needs including balance, dealing withcivility , clear sight or clarity, eloquent, deal with emptiness, fairies, fashion, freedom, fulfillment, music, self expression, stimulate imagery, talent, artistic expression, beauty, enchantment, awareness, artistic inspiration, following your heart

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Using Mistletoe in Divination

Mistletoe is used in the art of dendromancy. This is a mostly forgotten art that was used commonly by Druid priests and ancient Celtic nations of Gaul, Germany, and Britain. It is highly regarded as a sacred rite and known back then as “divining the Golden Bough.”

Dendromancy was performed by burning oak and mistletoe and then observing the resulting smoke patterns. This can still be done today for using mistletoe in divination. 

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Meditation with Mistletoe

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Mistletoe can be used in meditation when the purpose of the meditation is geared towards finding a relationship or the contemplation of love. Setting it aside while you meditate as symbol of goodwill and love. 

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Lore and Legends of Mistletoe

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Mistletoe was used in several different cultures. Pagan cultures saw the white berries as symbols fo male fertility as the seeds resembled semen to them. The Celts saw mistletoe as the semen of Taranis. Ancient Greeks referred to mistletoe as “oak sperm”. Roman mythology states that mistletoe was used by Aeneas to reach the underworld. 

Mistletoe played an important part in Druidic mythology, particularly in the Ritual of Oak and Mistletoe. This was a ceremony that was done to make use of mistletoe for medical purposes rather than ritual or magic. It is thought that mistletoe may have originally been associated with human sacrifice.Romans associated mistletoe with peace, love, and understanding and would hang it over doorways to protect the household.

Mistletoe became a symbol of fertility and vitality through the Middle Ages and by the 18th century it had also become incorporated in Christmas celebrations around the word.  In the Christian Era, mistletoe became associated with Christmas holiday as decoration where lovers were expected to kiss beneath. It was also hung for the purpose of protection from witches and demons. 

The serving class of Victorian England perpetuated this tradition as it allowed them to push asside the social norms of not showing affection in public. Mistletoe allowed any man to kiss a woman standing beneath the mistletoe and bad luck would befall any woman who refused. One variation stated that with each kiss a berry was removed and that all kissing must stop once the berries were gone. 

Mistletoe is used as the floral emblem of the state of Oklahoma in the United States of America and the flower of the mistletoe is used to represent the UK county of Herefordshire. Every year, the town of Tenbury Wells holds a mistletoe festival and crowns a Mistletoe Queen. 

One of the earliest references of mistletoe traditions in popular music is from the 1952 hit song “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” and was originally performed by Jimmy Boyd. It has since been covered by many popular singers. The song was written by British songwriter Tommie Connor and recorded in the United States. 

The 1958 US hit, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” refers to couples wanting to stop beneath the mistletoe. “Ring Out, Solstice Bells” from the album Songs from the Wood (1977) by British rock group Jethro Tull also refers to the Druid Ritual of Oak and Mistletoe. 

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by Theresa Peters

Theresa Peters is an (almost) life-long Alaskan. She is a writer and artist for the Crystal Inner Circle and has been studying crystals and their metaphysical and magical properties since she was a teen. Living in Alaska she has grown to appreciate the magical qualities of nature and the way the effect it has on all living things.

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References

IChing for Beginners - by Mark McElroy

Best Zodiac Plants Based on Your Astrological Sign (Ultimate Guide)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mistletoe

Mistletoe Magick for Healing, Fertility and Protection

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/mistletoe-pdq

http://www.occultopedia.com/d/dendromancy.htm

(Please note: Information on this website is no substitute for consulting a health care professional. All information contained on this website, including information relating to medical and health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. Please see your doctor or health care professional before starting any alternative treatments, diets, supplements, or exercise programs.)