Holly New Moon
Have a mouth of Ivy and a heart of Holly...
New moons are always a sign and time of re-birth and re-activation.
They’re the beginning of a new lunar cycle.
Celtic tree astrology and the Celtic tree Calendar are modern constructs, dreamed up by Robert Graves, a poet and mythologist - Thirteen trees, one for each lunar cycle in the year.
Where astrology believes the effect of each new moon takes on the characteristics of astrological transits also occurring at the same time and of the archetypal sign it’s placed in. The tree calendar was developed so that each moon cycle took on the characteristics and archetypes of the tree it was placed in.
Archetypes of planets, the cosmos and nature offer us reflections of consciousness, they reinforce our inter-connective totality to all known and unknown things.
Common Name: Holly
Scientific Name: Ilex
Irish Name: Tinne
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Planet: Mars & Saturn
Element: Fire
Energy: Masculine
Symbolism: Strength, sacrifice, love, protection.
Holly is the eighth consonant of the Ogham alphabet and eighth moon cycle of the year, representing masculine energy.
The Holly New Moon is on Monday 17th July at 7.31pm.
‘Beul eidhin a’s croidhe cuilinn’ - ‘Have a mouth of Ivy and a heart of Holly’ is an old Irish proverb, The leaves of ivy are soft and smooth and holly is strong, guarded by its prickly leaves.
This moon cycle marks one of personal sacrifice and ripening, we’re approaching Lughnasa, the light is beginning to fade and we’re now in the season of harvest and reflection. It really is time to listen to the leader within you.
As we celebrate Brigid and all of her bountiful and promising feminine energy during Imbolc, which is the festival diametrically opposite Lughnasa, here we celebrate the old God Lugh, with his skilled masculine and creative energy.
At this time of year our bodies (even if our heads can’t) sense a shift and the beckoning harvest.
The symbolism of the Holly tree in Celtic mythology reminds us to stay rooted and resilient, with its strong and protective qualities, it encourages us to embrace our own inner strengths and stand tall in the face of adversity.
By aligning ourselves with the symbolism of the Holly tree, we can tap into our own reserves of strength and courage. This is especially important in today's world, where we’re constantly faced with challenges and uncertainties. By recognising the symbolism of the Holly tree and embracing its qualities, we can draw upon the ancient wisdom of Celtic mythology to guide us through these uncertain times and emerge stronger and more resilient.
The Holly tree's symbolism in Celtic mythology also serves as a reminder to protect and nurture our loved ones. Just as the Holly tree is known for its protective qualities, we’re encouraged to extend our love and protection to those who are dear to us. By embodying the strength and sacrificial nature of the Holly tree, we can create a safe and nurturing environment for our loved ones and our planet.
Additionally, the Holly New Moon represents a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. The Holly New Moon, occurring on Monday 17th July at 7.31pm, presents an opportunity for us to embark on a journey of self-harvest!
New Moon Cocktail Club (NMCC)
For those who subscribe to the NMCC see below for your recipe… and for those who don’t, you can subscribe here if you’d like to receive a new moon mixer to your door each month.
This Month’s New Moon Mixer - Berry and Lemon Verbena Elixir with Aromatic Bitters
Berry Verbena Smash
50ml White Port
25ml New Moon Cocktail Club Mixer
60ml soda water
10 ml Lemon Juice
Fresh Mint
Fresh Berries
In a shaker, muddle the berries and mint leaves.
Add lemon juice, new moon mixer and gin to the shaker with ice and shake until well combined.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
Top with soda water and gently stir.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a few berries
For the alcohol free version substitute the White Port for iced Jasmine Tea (or another white tea) and add two slices of cucumber to the muddle and one slice to the garnish.