Holly: the prickly overachiever of the plant world, forever associated with decking the halls and stabbing your fingers. It’s basically nature’s way of saying, “I’m pretty. Now fuck off.” Known for its waxy, evergreen leaves that are so sharp, you can shave with them. And the berries. Fake-looking, red berries that look like someone shaped olives from the pimento, Holly is more than just holiday décor—it’s holiday décor that can send you to the ER.
Yes, the berries can poison you if you’re not careful, but that’s what you get for snacking on decorations. Holly is also great for protection, luck, and warding off evil, so if you’re ever worried about bad vibes crashing your Yule party, hang some holly and the party crashers can pound sand.
Correspondences:
Holly is associated with the Sun and the element Fire, which makes sense because it’s all about burning away negativity and shining a light on new beginnings. It’s tied to themes of protection, rebirth, and masculine energy. Holly was sacred to Druids, who saw it as a symbol of resilience during winter because, let’s face it, an Alberta Clipper can’t take this plant out. Folklore also connects Holly to gods like Thor and Lugh—so basically, it’s the herb equivalent of a Viking with a holiday wreath.
Magical Uses:
Holly’s sharp leaves and bold berries scream “You sure you want to ride this train?” making it perfect for protective spells, but it also brings a little luck and keeps the Scrooges at bay. Here’s a spell to tap into Holly’s power for protection and good vibes:
- Collect a few sprigs of Holly (carefully, because those leaves will cut you faster than your ex’s passive-aggressive text messages).
- Hang the Holly over your door to protect your home and welcome luck. Bonus points if you mutter something ominous like, “Only good energy may enter here.”
- For an extra boost, tie the Holly with a red ribbon and sprinkle some salt around it. Because, you know, extra flair never hurt anyone—except maybe the person trying to sneak past your Holly defense.
- If you’re feeling especially bold, burn a piece of dried Holly to banish negativity. Just don’t inhale the smoke, unless you’re into coughing up a lung.