Ivy 2024

By S.F. Skyheart - August 8, 2024

According to the Celtic Tree Calendar, the period from August 8 - September 4 is associated with Ivy.

Ivy is an evergreen climber that always reaches for the light, growing in a spiral, up and around anything it can hang onto, such as trees, stone or brick walls, fences, or along the ground. Its leaves are often variegated and grow in three prongs. It is native to Eurasia and northwestern Africa but was introduced to Australia and North America centuries ago. Ivy is of major ecological importance because its nectar and fruit are produced when other food sources are scarce. The fruit are consumed by a wide range of birds, while its leaves are a food source for several species of moth larvae. Birds and small mammals nest and shelter in ivy, as well as numerous invertebrates. While it is useful and ornamental in many settings, it is also considered an invasive species in some areas. Its fruit can be mildly toxic to humans.

In ancient European cultures, ivy was brought inside or planted around the entryway of a home to ward off evil spirits. In more modern times, ivy has been used in the UK to advertise taverns, and many pubs are still colloquially referred to as "The Ivy." It is also a symbol of the Virgin Mary in the traditional British Christmas carol, "The Holly and the Ivy."

In Ancient Greece and Rome, ivy wreaths were worn to safeguard against drunkenness, as in depictions of Dionysus aka Bacchus, the god of celebration and wine. (Yes, the same one that was part of the recent Paris Olympics.)

In more modern times, Ivy has often been associated with love and marriage because of how it spirals and clings to other plants and objects. The late 18th century Romantic movement in landscape painting often featured ivy-covered ruins, as a symbol of the impermanence of humanity versus the endurance of nature. In the early to mid-1900s in the United States, an ivy plant was considered a thoughtful gift for newlyweds, for house warming, or for recovery from a serious illness. There are also eight prestigious American universities whose ivy-covered historic buildings earned them the nickname, "Ivy League," which are: Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, UPenn, Princeton, and Yale.

Consider first how Ivy represents the spiral and the search for the light. It is a beautiful symbol for spiritual growth and inner development. This is why I chose Labyrinth as a symbol associated with Ivy (see link below). Ivy embodies life that not only survives, but thrives even in poor conditions, such as on a dead tree stump. It symbolizes evolution, resurrection, reincarnation, and the endless circle of life, death, and rebirth. Ivy is a living inspiration for overcoming the odds.

Secondly, consider how Ivy can overwhelm its environment, choking out the light for the undergrowth and taking over every inch of space. This is our reminder to pause, listen to those around us, and to slow down in situations where we may tend to try to take over or control everything. Make room for everyone, and you'll thrive--but demand everything your way and you'll push away your friends, coworkers, or family. Ivy reminds us to share and care about those around us. It shows us how to love ourselves AND our neighbors.

Lastly, consider the Ivy League universities. Many people revere and respect the tradition, stature, and clout that the Ivy League represents for them. Others view it as an outdated model of success, which was for many decades quite exclusive of gender, race, and class. While these schools have evolved and changed in more recent years, for many of us there are numerous other wonderful options for education and vocational training. My point being, just because something fits one person's path or goals, doesn't mean it wouldn't stifle another person's ambitions.

Ivy gives us a lot to observe and understand about ourselves. Always grow toward the light and we can survive just about anything. Follow the spiral toward our inner peace. Take care to make room for others and include wise counsel. Love and self-empowerment will find a way, even if it's a different, less traveled path.

Do what lights you up,
Sadie