Celtic Tree Calendar: Ivy Moon

Here are the correspondences for the ivy plant you can use, depending on what type of spell or ritual you are performing or to set about to collect energies in your home.

Even though ivy is a common plant, it holds many magickal properties and uses for us Witches. First, it can tolerate even the harshest conditions, hot or cold, so it shows us that we can withstand whatever that world throws at us so long as we are persistent. Second, since ivy relies on other plants to grow and weave, we can use it as guidance or spells to help show who is genuinely there to support us. It can expose those trying to trick you or guide you towards the person you should rely on the most. But it is not just a take type of plant; it also gives in return, which should help guide us in a proper relationship should we use it in a relationship spell. Finally, since ivy likes to creep into dark and unseen places, it can be used in spells that can help expose the unknown or help clear our minds of any cluttered thoughts.

If ivy is allowed to flower, then its sweet flowers will attract butterflies and other pollinators. Not only is that beneficial to your garden, but it can show the Fae that you care about their plant home, which they may thank you for by lending some of their power to you or keeping your garden blooming.

Ivy's healing is not in a physical sense but more in an emotional and mental sense. For example, we may think that we are a burden on others, but ivy's reliance on other plants can encourage us to see that it is okay to rely on others and not feel afraid.

Ivy can help us go with the flow and not panic or try to charge our way through things; taking it steady will still yield optimal results.

Exhausting yourself is the worst thing you can do. Ivy can help you find your center and focus on your strength. It can keep us from getting ahead of ourselves before we are ready and understanding the amount of strength we have to offer for our daily tasks.

Ivy can help show us if we have any issues that need healing or inner wounds that require more focus to heal correctly.

While it may sound odd to meditate with a plant, ivy has a unique quirk that makes it an ideal meditation plant. Because of ivy's strength and flexibility, it is a one-stop plant to help us open our third eye. By holding a branch of ivy wrapped around your hands, you can channel your energy through it, like an electrical cord, so that both of your energies start to combine and boost each other. You can use ivy to improve your focus during meditation, or you can use it to try and find an Ivy Plant Spirit. Ivy Plant Spirits can be hard to find since they tend to only show themselves to people struggling with complex issues, like inner turmoil or an imbalance amongst people cared for. By meditating with an ivy branch, you are showing an Ivy Plant Spirit your mixed-up energies, which they will try to help you balance again. Once you have met with an Ivy Plant Spirit, you can always summon them when meditating with ivy. But try not to call on them too much as they may decide to no longer help.

Ivy is no longer used in traditional medicine since it was discovered that it is slightly toxic if consumed, but you can still learn its old uses.

Ivy leaves boiled in wine were once used to heal ulcers, treat burns, and soothe scaldings. In addition, leaves were boiled and strained to make an external antiseptic for skin irritations, sores, and swelling.

It was also believed that tea made of the leaves could help cure wine-induced hangovers.

During the Ivy Moon, it is best to perform spells that relate to building connections with people. These spells can help expose to you those you can and cannot trust.

Ivy that is allowed to grow up walls will provide protection and safety, and by cutting a sprig of it and keeping it with you, you should have that protection as well.

By combining ivy with a twig of holly, you can make a talisman that is supposed to bring love and good luck, ideal for the Witch trying to find their special someone.

The ivy's branches can be used during a house protection spell since, even when cut from the host plant, it still offers protection so long as it is placed on windowsills where the sun can reach it.

Ivy is particularly more beneficial to females. Women looking for a husband should carry a sprig of ivy with them, and the first man to speak to you with no ulterior motives could be your husband. Brides should carry ivy with them on their wedding days to ensure a long and prosperous marriage. And women can simply carry ivy with them for good luck, protection, and to prevent negative energies from following them home.

Ivy is a versatile and robust plant that has helped Witches through the ages with both its magickal and medicinal properties. While we may not use the medicinal properties as much anymore, we can still have them as a reference should we need the extra help. You want to focus more on how you can use ivy's magic through the Ivy Moon month. You can get the best results from ivy during this month so long as you use ivy properly and without ill intentions. You should not struggle to use ivy as it is flexible, literally, and figuratively, and easy for anyone to pick up and use. Always remember to show respect to the ivy plant you collect ivy from because, even if the host plant is dead, the ivy leaves are still growing strong and carrying the plant's energy with it. Practice safely and have a pleasant Ivy Moon month!

This ritual is meant to help you face any issues you've had and banish them from your life. It's best to perform this on the first night of the Ivy Moon month and the last night so that, if you discover any new issues, you can cast them away and be ready for what the remainder of the year has to offer.

Perform this ritual in a room you occupy the most or in your altar room. First, place the ivy branches in a circle with enough space for you to sit down and work in the center. Then, as you're placing the ivy branches, say the following:

"Ivy branches, may your guiding leaves be my aid In hopes that I no longer will feel betrayed By past pains that make me woe

And that I may be ready for what may go

For the rest of the year."

Sit in the center of the ivy circle. Taking the pen and paper, write the pains or pressing issues you are facing on one side of the paper strips. It can also be ones that you have overcome. So long as they occurred within the same year is what matters most. You can write as many as you want, but try to focus on ones that have impacted you the most. When you have finished writing your issues, fold the paper in half widthwise. On the folded sheets of paper, write down how you overcame the issue and how it made you stronger or what you can do to overcome issues.

Next, light the white candle and place it in front of you. Carefully hold a corner of one of the folded paper strips over the flames so it catches fire, allow it to burn some before placing it in the fireproof bowl. Repeat this process for each piece of paper, saying the following as you go along. Repeat the saying as many times as you need until the papers are all burned.

"Flames guarded by ivy, I ask you today

To burn these woes of mine away

And help me be ready

And to stand steady

No matter what may come my way."

Allow the papers to burn until they are ash. Put out any live flames. Take the ash and bury it outside as far from your home as possible. When you bury it, you should feel the weight being lifted from your shoulders. For the ivy branches, set them around your home outside. They have been imbued with protective energies when you cast your written pains away in the fire. They can stay out during the entire Ivy Moon month and even be used again for the ritual on the last day of the Ivy Moon.