A white wood with an almost invisible grain,
holly is similar in appearance to ivory.
Associated with death and rebirth, holly may
be used in spells to do with sleep or rest, and to
ease death’s transition. This symbolism is
evident in both pagan and Christian lore, and
holly is important at Yuletide. In Celtic
mythology, holly is the evergreen twin of the
oak. It is called a kerm-oak. The oak rules the
light part of the year, while holly rules the
dark part.
Holly suggests directed balance and the
courage to fight if the cause is just. A symbol of
luck and good fortune, a bag of its leaves and
berries carried by a man is said to increase his
ability to attract women.
