IVY

Protect the bird, Protect the bride
Sacred to the god of wine
Endurance, tenacity, passage of time
Bind all together with humble vine

Ivy is the "tree" on the Celtic tree calendar for September 30 to October 27.  There are at least 10 species of Hedera, but the species that is usually referred to is Hedera helix or English ivy.  This is the ivy that is most often found climbing up old buildings and rock walls.  It is a food source for bees and other insects and a source of food and shelter for birds.  English ivy produces flowers in late autumn and the berries ripen in late winter.  Even though it has some medicinal properties, all parts of this plant are toxic to both humans and pets.  This is not a home remedy.

The Greeks dedicated ivy to Dionysus, the Romans to Bacchus.  Both are the god of wine.  In Europe, it is considered to be a symbol of the goddess and the spiral of life.  It is believed to protect the feminine, bring her good luck, love, and fidelity.  An ivy wreath was placed in the home for abundance and protection from negative influence.  Ivy growing on the house is thought to protect the house from disaster and bring peace and abundance.  A wreath of ivy is traditionally given to a new bride or is worn by the new bride as a symbol of fidelity, friendship, and luck.

As a clinging and climbing plant, it is often used on alters and during spells for binding.  The leaves have been used for divination, most often in matters of love, marriage, and family.  For those so inclined, it has been used for love and fidelity charms.  Personally, though, I find the spell of charming and beautiful personality a better idea.  Save the ivy for luck and abundance.  But, that's just me.

Ivy sends out small rootlets as it grows, allowing it to cling and climb even the most unlikely surfaces.  Because of this, it is a symbol of tenacity.  Where it thrives, it is evergreen in the winter, so it symbolizes endurance.  It is dependent on strong structures in its environment to thrive and it takes a bit of time for ivy to cover a wall.  Thus the symbology of the Ivy League, endurance, tenacity, dependence, prestige, tradition, and the passage of time. 

Even with the beauty of the plant and its symbolism, this is one that I do not recommend that most people grow.  Here are the reasons:
1)  It is considered to be invasive in most places out of its native habitat.
2)  It is toxic to people and pets.
3)  Even though it can help cool a building, it can also destroy the mortar bind the buildings and walls.

​This is one to enjoy from a distance.