The Druids and Mistletoe

The Roman historian, Pliny the Elder, was primarily interested in natural history. He recorded valuable information about the Druids and their religious and natural healing practices. They believed mistletoe was sacred. Pliny unsecured loans stated in Natural History, XVI, that:

"The Druids - that is what they call their magicians - hold nothing more sacred than mistletoe and a tree on which it is growing...Mistletoe is rare, and when found, it is gathered with great ceremony, and particularly on the sixth day of the moon."

This scene depicts the Druids preparing for a ritual sacrifice which involves a white-robed priest carrying a golden scythe while climbing an oak tree to ritually cut the mistletoe. According to Pliny, it was the Valonia oak the Druid's believed was the most sacred tree to gather mistletoe from and that it would heal poison and encourage fertility.

 

Druids Bringing in the Mistletoe 

 

Celtic Mistletoe Motif

Celtic art is full of what are believed to be mistletoe motifs. Some artifacts have been found that resemble human male heads adorned with a crown of comma-shaped leaves that resemble mistletoe. Historians believe these finds may be representations of crowned Druid priests. Besides these crowns, the mistletoe leaf motif is found throughout other Celtic-era art pieces.

 

Mistletoe in Norse Myth

 

In one Norse tale, there is a connection between mistletoe and the Norse god Balder. A most beloved son of Odin, Balder had dreams that he was bad credit loans in danger. His mother, the goddess Frigg, was sent to receive oaths from all living things that they would not harm Balder. Oaths were made from everything but mistletoe for the goddess thought it too young to harm her son. The jealous and mischievous god Loki made a dart with the plant. He then persuaded the blind god Hod to shoot at Balder and even guided his aim. The dart hit the target and Balder was killed.

 

 

 

From Norse Stories Retold from the Eddas by Hamilton Wright Mabie, 1908. The caption from this illustration is: "The little spring of mistletoe pierced the heart of Balder."

 Natural Health Uses of Mistletoe

 

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on trees and bushes. The plant is toxic if eaten, but its medicinal properties have been utilized in extracts, tinctures and infusions. Depending on the type of mistletoe, it is believed to be helpful for health concerns such as circulatory problems, menstrual and respiratory issues.

 

 Mistletoe Items for Health, Ritual and Celebration