I have a deep admiration for the wisdom of the holly tree. I find these ancestral allies to be portals of sorts between this world and the others. For many of the mystical experiences I've had in my life there was a holly involved. They've lovingly encouraged me to do what I am afraid of, while reminding me not to take it all SO SERIOUSLY. They say that working with my fears is the way to understand Myself more deeply. Holly points out the path before me but reminds that ultimately I have to walk it myself. I am responsible for my own self. Holly says "we get the medicine we need when we need it." Holly is patient. Holly is protective and peaceful and expansive.

Holly is also toxic, eating the leaves will leave your digestive system seriously distressed, a large handful of berries can kill a small child.

As with all "poisonous" plants, essences are the safest way to work with them. I have a holly essence on my website that I crafted from the flowers of the tree I am standing in front of in my profile photo. That tree was in the backyard of my previous home and was the most glorious holly I've ever seen. ~40 feet tall, bushy as hell, with the sweetest smelling blooms. I miss it so.