A Witch's Garden: Mistletoe

Disclaimer

This is NOT a page about Wiccans or neo-pagans, and I do not advocate the belief that Wiccans are Satan-worshippers and/or baby-killers. I am well aware that they are not. This is a starting point for historical research into the great witch craze of 1100-1700 AD. And please, don't ask me for spells.

Mistletoe

In Tyrol, the mistletoe was credited with the property of making its wearer invisible (Thiselton-Dyer 62). According to Ozark folklore, mistletoe is known as "witch's broom" and is used in witches' spellcastings (Guiley 1989 233).

As a Ward

Mistletoe is an evergreen parasitic plant which grows on deciduous trees in Europe and North America. It bears white berries, and its seeds are spread by bird droppings.

Along with being used in aphrodisiacs, medicinal potions, teas, and powders, mistletoe was hung in stable, homes, and barns as an amulet against bad luck, fire, and witchcraft. A sprig of mistletoe hung over a doorway prevented witches from entering (Guiley 1989 233).

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A Witch's Garden is copyright 1997-1998 to Shantell Powell.