Day of Mistletoe – The Winter Solstice
Aspect: Neutral
In the Black Mountain Druid Order, the Winter Solstice is dedicated to mistletoe. Our calendar uses 13 months of 28 days each, for a total of 364 days. The Winter Solstice makes the 365th day, and is the first day of our “year and a day” period. In leap years there are two Mistletoe Days consisting of the Winter Solstice and the day immediately preceding it (“Mistletoe Eve”). The Druids referred to mistletoe as “All Heal” because they believed it to be able to cure virtually anything. Mistletoe people have the gift of healing and are the most powerful of all healers. Those born on a Mistletoe Day tend to be doctors, nurses, herbalists, therapists, or counselors, or they may practice healing in other ways. Since mistletoe is also associated with fertility, Mistletoe people tend to have success at romantic relationships and are generally good with children. Mistletoe people should guard against a natural tendency to be dismissive once spurned.
Birch Moon
Aspect: Feminine
This is a moon of beginnings, purification and inception. The white of the birch’s bark symbolizes purity. This month also symbolizes the protection of children. Birch people are creative and compassionate. Birch people have a firm inner resolve, and lend strength to those around them. Birches are quietly determined, often working for change behind the scenes. Common sense and practical, clear solutions to problems are strengths for birch people.
Rowan Moon
Aspect: Masculine
The wood of the rowan, or mountain ash, is often used for making wands and tools of divination. This is the moon of shamans and seers. Rowan people are associated with personal empowerment, healing, and vision. Rowan people have a keen sense of intuition. This powerful intuition is often used to protect self and others. Their ability to see the future often sets them apart from others. They sometimes seem to live in two worlds at once.
Ash Moon
Aspect: Feminine
Ash is another popular wood for crafting magic tools. The feminine energy of the ash is associated with water spirits and the powers of water. Ash people are associated with prosperity, protection, and the healing arts. Ash people have a special ability to see the connections in the web of life. They are natural empaths, and share the pains and joys of others. This makes them very compassionate people.
Alder Moon
Aspect: Masculine
Alder people are practical people. They focus on solutions. They are dutiful, and they are good teachers. Alder people are usually quite intelligent, and the power of weather magic is associated with this moon. They also love to fight for what’s right, and expend a great deal of energy in pursuing justice. They can sometimes dissipate energy needlessly by getting involved in frivolous debates.
Willow Moon
Aspect: Feminine
The Willow Moon is known as the Witches’ Moon. It is associated with fertility and balance. Willow people are romantic and well-rounded. The Willow is associated with the moon in all her phases, and this means that Willow people are driven more by instinct than intellect. If you are a Willow, pay attention to your dreams, and let them guide you.
Hawthorn Moon
Aspect: Masculine
People of the hawthorn are people capable of self-restraint. This moon is associated with peace, prosperity and binding magic. It is a sign of both fertility and death. Hawthorn deals with the necessity of change and transition. If you are a hawthorn, your motto is, “This too shall pass.”
Oak Moon
Aspect: Masculine
Oak people are strong, wise and secure. People born under this moon are true and faithful. It is associated with the energy of the bear. If you are an Oak, you are concerned with strength of character, and your word is your bond. You are able to endure, but direct your energies wisely lest you unintentionally harm others in your zeal.
Holly Moon
Aspect: Feminine
This moon is associated with the powers of protection. Holly people also have the gift of divination, and they are protectors of the animals. The Holly Moon is also associated with the powers of sex magic. Holly people have a deep connection to the Earth, and they have a generous spirit that commands the respect and admiration of others.
Hazel Moon
Aspect: Feminine
This is the Moon of the wise. It is associated with the wisdom of the elders. People of the hazel are said to be good at spirit contact, and at manifesting their desires. If you are a Hazel, the gift of persuasion is yours. You have the ability to help others to see things your way, and to resolve conflicts. Moderate this gift by only giving advice when it has been asked for!
Vine Moon
Aspect: Androgynous
Vine people are people who know how to celebrate! This moon is sacred to the Goddess Brighid, and is associated with spirituality, dream magic, and inspiration. vine people are courageous people. They are also very sociable, and have the gift of reading the thoughts and emotions of others. If you are a vine, you are able to restore balance to most situations by smoothing over ruffled feathers and finding a common solution.
Ivy Moon
Aspect: Masculine
Ivy people are resilient and adaptive people. They thrive in most situations. They are also very cooperative people, and natural peacemakers. If you are an ivy, you have a talent for advancing your own personal agenda. Moderate this gift by being considerate of others when advancing your personal plans.
Reed (Elm) Moon
Aspect: Feminine
The reed energy is associated with hearth and home. Reed people are protectors of family and speakers of truth. They keep the home fires burning. They often have hidden secret strengths that even they may not be aware of. They may also have secret motivations. If you are a reed, use your ability to figure things out wisely, and don’t overstep your boundaries.
Elder Moon
Aspect: Masculine
Elder people are good at banishing negative energies. This is their power of healing. This moon is also associated with the power of reincarnation and rebirth. It is a moon of completeness. Elders are able to thrive and prosper even in adverse conditions. This is because they have lived many lives, and they carry bits of wisdom from former lives into this life.