Ivy is as feminine as holly is masculine - their roles as emblems of the universal creator are preserved for us in the medieval Christmas hymn, "The Holly and the Ivy." The Ivy Moon strengthens our inner resilience.

Begin your ritual of exorcism inside a protective circle into which you have invited all elemental spirits and the wise crone Goddess. On a small piece of paper, write down that which you wish to banish. Lightly dab patchouli oil around the edge to help ground its negative influence. Dab rosemary oil on your breastbone to help you bounce back from the challenge.

Burn the paper in a heat resistant bowl and say:

Bury the ashes from the bowl outside under a strong tree, and cover the spot with ivy leaves.

- By Edain McCoy