Myrtle is found throughout the Mediterranean, as well as in some tropical and sub-tropical regions. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree with star-like flowers that have an exceedingly large amount of stamens and blue-black berries. The flowers bloom in summer, and the berries ripen in fall and early winter.
Myrtle was one of the symbols of the Three Graces, and a Victorian symbol of fidelity in marriage. Nymphs are often associated with the myrtle tree. One story relates that it was nymphs of the myrtle tree that gave humanity the arts of making cheese, beekeeping, and growing olives. Another relates how the nymph Daphne turned herself into a myrtle tree to escape being raped by Apollo. This could explain why the myrtle leaf is considered a symbol of protection.
Note: Do not take internally while Pregnant
Myrtle was considered sacred to both Aphrodite and Demeter. In pagan and wiccan rituals it is associated with and sacred to Beltane (Mayday). In Jewish liturgy, it is one of the four sacred plants of Sukkot, the Feast of the Tabernacles. On the islands of Sardinia and Corsica, it is used to produce a liqueur called Mirto. It is also considered an herb of love, used in marriage ceremonies and fertility rituals. It is often added to love sachets, to keep love exciting, and to bring forth children from a marriage. It was also said to preserve youthfulness and priestesses of Aphrodite would drink a cup every three days to retain their beauty and attraction.
Keywords: Protection, Love, Fertility, Youth
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