Mistletoe Magic Mistletoe, a small green plant with white berries, has long been associated with the holiday season. It is a popular tradition to hang mistletoe in doorways during Christmas time, and anyone caught standing beneath it is expected to receive a kiss. But why is mistletoe considered magical? Ancient civilizations believed that mistletoe possessed mystical powers. The Celtic Druids revered mistletoe as a sacred plant, believing that it had healing properties and could ward off evil spirits. They would gather mistletoe with great care, ensuring that it did not touch the ground, and use it in various rituals. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe has its roots in Norse mythology.
Also, keep in mind that not all Pagans are Wiccans. That means that there are plenty of Pagan groups you might find that do not have an initiation requirement — then again, they may have one, and that's okay too.
For example, a number of books are available on these different paths, and their authors often encourage readers to self-dedicate or form their own coven. Trading activities are carried out by Pagan Federation, a not for profit company limited by guarantee and registered in England number 04056879 Registered address c o Ozkan Accountants Ltd 2nd Floor, Suite 12, Vantage Point New England Road Brighton BN1 4GW.
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe has its roots in Norse mythology. According to legend, the gods brought the god Balder back to life after he was killed by an arrow made of mistletoe. In gratitude, his mother, the goddess Frigg, declared that mistletoe would never harm anyone again and that anyone standing beneath it would be granted a kiss.
Witchcraft & Wicca
Wicca is one of the most influential traditions of modern Paganism. Also known by the name Witchcraft, it began to emerge publicly in its modern form in the late 1940’s. It is an initiatory path, a mystery tradition that guides its initiates to a deep communion with the powers of Nature and of the human psyche, leading to a spiritual transformation of the self. Women who follow this path are initiated as Priestesses and men are initiated as Priests.
‘Wicca is both a religion and a Craft. … As a religion – like any other religion – its purpose is to put the individual and the group in harmony with the divine creative principal of the Cosmos, and its manifestation at all levels. As a Craft, its purpose is to achieve practical ends by psychic means, for good, useful and healing purposes. In both aspects, the distinguishing characteristics of Wicca are its Nature- based attitude, its small group autonomy with no gulf between priesthood and ‘congregation’, and its philosophy of creative polarity at all levels, from Goddess and God to Priestess and Priest.’
Janet and Stewart Farrar, Eight Sabbats For Witches, Robert Hale, London, 1981.
Wicca is sometimes called the Craft of the Wise, or, more commonly, the Craft.
Those wishing to be initiated must be at least 18 years of age. Wicca does not seek converts and initiation is never offered. Initiation must be asked for and is only given to those who have proved themselves suitable. It is traditional to wait a year and a day before being accepted into the Craft, although in practice this varies.
In Britain, there are a number of Craft traditions: Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Traditional, Hereditary (Family), Dianic and Hedgewitch. In other countries, other traditions have evolved to reflect their own culture. Gardnerians claim lineage from Gerald Gardner, who was most responsible for the revival of the modern Craft. Alexandrians descend from Alex and Maxine Sanders, who developed Gardner’s ideas. Traditionalists claim their methods pre-date the modern revival and have been passed down from generation to generation. Hereditaries claim their traditions have been passed on by particular families through relations of blood and marriage. Dianic craft is based on feminist principles and Hedgewitches follow a more solitary path.
For some practitioners of the Craft, Witchcraft and Wicca are seen as two distinct paths, for others, the boundaries between the two are more blurred. Certainly, the word “Wicca” is less evocative and emotive than “Witchcraft” but whatever their perceived differences, they both share the same commonality in their beliefs and practises.
Witches celebrate eight seasonal festivals called Sabbats. Craft rituals, like all Pagan rites, are often conducted out of doors and involve simple rites to celebrate the seasons and the gift of life. Craft ritual is a means of contacting the Divine beyond our individual lives, but also a way of understanding our inner psyche and contacting the Divine within.
Witchraft is a path of magic and love, the movement of a deep poetry of the soul, a sharing and joining with the mysteries of Nature and the Old Gods.
Trading activities are carried out by Pagan Federation, a not for profit company limited by guarantee and registered in England number 04056879
Registered address: c/o Ozkan Accountants Ltd 2nd Floor, Suite 12, Vantage Point New England Road Brighton BN1 4GW
Mistletoe also holds significance in Christianity. Some believe that the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe started with the story of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus. It is said that after the birth of Jesus, Mary hung mistletoe in the stable to protect him from harm. Visitors who came to see the baby would kiss Mary under the mistletoe to show their reverence. Today, mistletoe has become a festive symbol of love and friendship. It brings people together and creates a playful atmosphere during the holiday season. The simple act of standing beneath the mistletoe and sharing a kiss has become a fun tradition that is enjoyed by many. While mistletoe may not possess supernatural powers, it has certainly gained a magical reputation over the years. It represents the joy and warmth of the holiday season, reminding us to spread love and goodwill to all. So next time you find yourself standing beneath the mistletoe, embrace the magic and share a kiss with someone special..
Reviews for "The Cultural Significance of Mistletoe Around the World"
1. Emily - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Mistletoe Magic". The story felt predictable and cliché, with nothing new or exciting to offer. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with them. The writing style was also very basic and lacked any kind of poetic or lyrical beauty. Overall, this book just didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. Michael - 1/5 - "Mistletoe Magic" was a complete waste of time. The plot was incredibly weak and felt like it was thrown together in a hurry. The dialogue was dull and uninspiring, and the characters were flat and uninteresting. I found myself forcing my way through each page, hoping for something to redeem this book, but unfortunately, it never happened. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this poorly constructed novel.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Mistletoe Magic", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The story lacked originality and felt like a recycled version of every other holiday romance out there. The romance between the main characters felt forced and lacked chemistry. The writing itself was decent, but it wasn't enough to salvage the predictable storyline and lackluster characters. Overall, I found "Mistletoe Magic" to be a forgettable and underwhelming read.
4. James - 2/5 - I couldn't get into "Mistletoe Magic". The characters felt more like caricatures and lacked any depth or development. The dialogue was cheesy and unrealistic, making it difficult to take the story seriously. The pacing of the plot was uneven, with rushed and slow moments that made the reading experience disjointed. I wanted to enjoy this festive romance, but it just wasn't up to par compared to other books in the genre.
5. Emma - 2/5 - "Mistletoe Magic" was a forgettable holiday read. The story felt formulaic and lacked any kind of originality or surprises. The romance between the main characters lacked chemistry and was unconvincing. Additionally, the secondary characters were poorly developed and added little to the overall plot. I was hoping for a heartwarming and engaging holiday story, but unfortunately, "Mistletoe Magic" didn't deliver.