by Willow Ragan
© 2000
Introduction / European Folklore / Fertility and marriage / Protection and healing
Druidic Lore / Traditional medicinal uses / Contemporary medicinal uses
Conclusions / Glossary, Notes and Bibliography

n Austria it was hung over the doorway to protect the people inside from nightmares. In Tyrol, an Austrian province, it was credited with the property of making the wearer invisible. In Sweden mistletoe gathered at midsummer was attached to the ceiling of house, horse stall and barn to render the Trolls powerless to inflict harm on the people or animals within. Hung in this fashion it was also used as a ward against lightning. By being carried or placed in the appropriate spot it was said to be protection against lightning, disease, misfortunes and fires. Early Christians believed it to be a charm against witches. It can be worn as an amulet to protect the wearer against werewolves. The wood was considered a good choice for wands and other magical implements. It can protect a house against ghosts. When burned it banishes evil.        It is said that Mistletoe gathered at Midwinter is best for protection and those plants gathered at Midsummer are better for fertility.        Wearing a ring carved of the wood could ward off illness and cause fresh wounds to heal. It was used in spells to capture that elusive state of immortality and open locks. Worn as an amulet it would speed healing and be a charm against epilepsy and fits. If laid in the bedroom beneath the pillow, hung on the bedpost, or by the door, it provides restful sleep and beautiful dreams. It renders poisons harmless. In Brittany it was believed that Mistletoe gave strength and courage to wrestlers and other athletes. Oil of St-John, a popular Medieval remedy, was a decoction of Mistletoe that had been gathered on Midsummer Eve. From Italy an old tale survived of a shimmering beautiful fairy who appeared to a knight with a image of a crescent moon and a Grail at her feet, holding a sprig of Mistletoe. She told the knight that it kept her eternally young and beautiful.

 
Introduction / European Folklore / Fertility and marriage / Protection and healing
Druidic Lore / Traditional medicinal uses / Contemporary medicinal uses
Conclusions / Glossary, Notes and Bibliography