Category Archives: Herbal Magic

Carnation, the birth flower of January

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Carnations were given to the gods by the Romans and later used to provoke love in the hearts of those who received them.

Carnations were given to the gods by the Romans and later used to provoke love in the hearts of those who received them.

Composed of tightly packed, fringed petals of white, yellow, pink, or red, carnations have many different meanings. To the Indians of Mexico, they are the “flowers of the dead,” and their fragrant blooms are piled around corpses being prepared for burial. (Perhaps because carnations are poisonous and should never be eaten!) For the Koreans, three carnations placed on top of the head are a form of divination. The flower that withers first indicates which phase of the person’s life will contain suffering and hardship. To the Flemish people of Europe, red carnations symbolized love, and a kind of carnation called a pink was traditionally associated with weddings. Red carnations were also used to provoke love and admiration in the recipient for the giver and to overcome heartache.

Also known as Jove’s flower, white carnations were used by the ancient Romans to pay tribute to the gods they love.  Wreaths of white carnations mixed in with other colors of carnations are laid in front of the statues of Roman gods.

Associated with the element of fire and the sun, carnations were also used in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I to prevent death (execution) on a scaffold and can still be used in protective magic.

Chrysanthemum

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Chrysanthemum

With a history that dates back to 15th century B.C., chrysanthemum mythology is filled with a multitude of stories and symbolism. Named from the Greek prefix “chrys-“ meaning golden (its original color) and “-anthemion,” meaning flower, years of artful cultivation have produced a full range of colors, from white to purple to red. Daisy-like with a typically yellow center and a decorative pompon, chrysanthemums symbolize optimism and joy. They’re the November birth flower, the 13th wedding anniversary flower and the official flower of the city of Chicago. In Japan, there’s even a “Festival of Happiness” to celebrate this flower each year.

Alchemists associate Chrysanthemum with the element fire and its traditional occult or folk-use was always protective: wearing the flowers can protect against the wrath of both gods and evil spirits and a garden in which chrysanthemum blooms is off-limits to evil sprites or demons. Drinking an infusion of the flower can cure drunkenness (hangovers)!

Marigold, the “birth flower” of October

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Marigold blossoms can be strung between doorposts to keep evil out of the house. If a girl steps onmarigold petals with her bare feet, she will be able to understand the languages of birds.

Marigold blossoms can be strung between doorposts to keep evil out of the house. If a girl steps onmarigold petals with her bare feet, she will be able to understand the languages of birds.

The flower symbolism associated with marigolds is indicated in the name: Mary’s Gold. Marigold flowers were “golden gifts” offered to the Virgin by the poor who could not afford to give actual gold. Marigolds were used in Mary Gardens. Marigolds are symbolic of passion and creativity. Marigolds are also known as the “Herb of the Sun.” Marigolds have been used as love charms and incorporated into wedding garlands. In some cultures, marigold flowers have been added to pillows to encourage prophetic or psychic dreams.

The flower symbolism associated with marigold is grief, despair and sorrow. Marigold blossoms in wine are said to ease indigestion and the petals are used in ointments to cure skin irritations, jaundice, sore eyes and toothaches.

Like the sunflower, the marigold blossom follows the sun; as a result, it has earned the nickname “Sun’s Bride.”

In Germany, the flower was often called ‘monk’s head’ because when stripped of its petals, the remains look like a monk’s tonsure.

It is believed that when Shakespeare wrote about “merrybuds,” he was referring to the blossoms of marigold.

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