Parting the Mists

One of the most beautiful cards in this deck, Mistletoe is a powerful plant in Pagan and especially Druid traditions. While it can mean that we need to learn to accept the dark and be independent, it can also indicate a fresh new cycle.

Blessings!

Thistle

Mistletoe (Druidh-lus) – Healing, Fertility, Inspiration (or Sterility, Lack of Guidance, Distilling Wisdom)

Meaning: In the Druid ceremony of Alban Arthan, the Winter Solstice, all lights are extinguished at the heart of the rite, to symbolize the time of the longest night. Then a candle is lit and all participants light their own candles from this one flame. This symbolizes the rebirth of the sun and the birth of the Mabon – the divine child that lives in each of us. Mistletoe is then distributed to all, since mistle berries symbolize the power of this moment. Drawing this card may indicate that a period of difficulties over, as a new cycle dawns. Just as a newborn baby should be nurtured in warmth and safety, so too should the beginnings of new projects and phases in your life be nourished close to your heart. Like Awen – the three drops of inspiration in Ceridwen’s brew – Mistletoe brings guidance, inspiration, and fertility, which augurs well for any creative endeavor. Since Mistletoe was known as All-heal, finding this card in a reading may well indicate that, indeed, all is being healed.

On the flip side, this card might indicate that sometimes we need to learn to walk in the dark. However such we seek guidance and advice, it eludes us as if the Universe is telling us that we must stand on our own two feet and make our choices without any help. While this can be lonely and painful, it forces us to draw on our inner qualities and instincts and, in the end, this can serve our deeper purpose. In this way, lack of guidance becomes a meaningful part of our soul-journey.

Choosing this card may also indicate that you are experiencing a time of sterility or lack of inspiration. Remember that the sun is only reborn at the time of the longest night, and that the Bright Knowledge of Awen emerges out of a “baleful” brew that is poisonous. Out of difficulties we can distilled wisdom.

Druid Plant Oracle by authors Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm and artist Will Worthington