Summer Magick

. . . spellcasting with flowers

I have to say it, I’m in my element when the Sun reigns firey hot in the Summer sky—likely because I’m an Aries witch. Or maybe because of my Southern European heritage.

The new Strawberry moon (May 27) ushers in Summer. Other names include Flowering Moon, Ripening Berries Moon, Green Corn Moon, Gardening Moon, and my favorite from Celtic lore, Rose Moon.

In honor of this moon, I purchased two rose bushes, a vibrant deep pink with double blossoms and a delicate ivory single bloom. I’m hoping for the best—roses struggle in my northern planting zone.

In lore and legend, the rose has always been associated with beauty, but also sacrifice. In Persian lore, the nightingale was so enchanted by the white rose that it flew down to be closer, pricking its breast on a thorn. From the drops of blood grew the first red roses in the land. Moss roses are said to be the drops of Jesus’s blood as he was crucified. And Aphrodite’s tears over her lover Adonis mingled with his blood, giving rise to the red rose. All sacrifices for love.

As an herbalist, I look forward to summer for the abundant flora and fauna I am able to forage for use in my home apothecary—and for magicks. Bee balm, echinacea, dandelion, violets, sweetfern, yarrow, valerian, lilac, peony and especially roses.

Roses are closely associated with the divine feminine, especially with Aphrodite/Venus. Lakshmi is said to have been created from rose petals. The appearance of roses out of season confirmed the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Virgin Mary), and the scent of roses when none are present is associated with her presence.

Roses in Magick

The highly fragranced rose (when the scent hasn’t been engineered out of it) evokes a sense of deep mystery and magical essence. Roses are a favorite ingredient for love spells, but they also provide protection and increase the power of divination. Roses have the highest vibration frequency of all flowers—meditating with roses or rose essence helps to align the upper chakras—heart, throat, third eye and crown.

Learn more about the magickal uses of roses in this post at Goddess Provisions, including three simple spells.

Roses are safe for human consumption—just be sure they haven’t been treated with pesticides. Do not uses floritst’s roses, or those growing in any public gardens. You can order safe oragnic rose petals from Mountain Rose Herbs or Frontier. Keep in mind that slave, lotions and scrubs are absorbed through the skin and any herbs used in crafting bath and body products should also be organic and chemical free. I found this rose petal powder on Amazon that can be used in numerous ways—even cooking.

Flowers are my favorite magickal ingredient for spells, rituals and offerings. Every flower has it’s own story and common associations. Red rose for love, daisy for innocence, poppy for consolation. The Victorians used the meaning of flowers, to send unspoken messages.

Flowers are associated with physical, spiritual and emotional healing properties. Bach Flower Essences are popular commercial remedies for emotional healing, made from a process known as solar infusion that can easily be replicated by the home apothecarist.

Paid subscribers have access to a PDF for download with instructions for making flower essences. Just click on the link at the end of this post.

Aromatherapy offers extensive lists of flower correspondences that you can use in your magick. Of course, aromatherapy works through the actual scent but if you delve deeper into flower associations you’ll begin to see the similar attributs across methods of use. You can build a comprehensive base of knowledge for the flowers that grow in your own back yard.

For example, in aroma therapy, rose is used to enhance mood and create a spiritual connection—feelings that are associated with love, or being in love. You can see how that crosses over into the magickal associations of the rose. Given the connection to the feminine divine, I would add nurturing or mother love—certainly mood enhancing and another deep spiritual connection.

Some flowers may have a special meaning for only you. You definately can—and should—use that association in your magicks because (repeat after me) the more personal energy you put into your witchcraft the more powerful it is.

Rose is my personal spirit flower, I use it in more ways than I could list here. Lilac, valerian and violets are also favorite magickal ingredients by way of my own personal associations.

Gather your flowers for magicks while they are at their peak bloom, perferably earlier in the day, when the energy is concentrated in the flower head, for sure before noon. Energy (or essence) flows back down to the roots as the day goes on.

Flowers can be collected at their peak, and dried for future use. Those with longer stems, like bee balm and yarrow, can be bound and hung upside down in a warm, dry, dark space—an attic in summer is excellent for drying. You can also put the flowers into a brown paper bag (blossoms down) to protect them from light while they dry. This method works well for sturdier flowers like marigolds, lilies, dandelions and roses as well—anything you can snip the bloom off and drop into the bag.

For more delicate flowers like violets, pansies, and fruit blossoms, I pluck the petals and put them in paper coffee filters, then into a dark closet or cupboard. You can nestle the filters in layers.

When my flowers are completely dry (I give it a week or more, depending on humidity), I store them in apothecary jars away from bright light.

A Summer Spell Jar

This quick and easy spell captures the bright essence and carefree energy of summer days. Keep it on your altar, carry it with you, or hold it whenever you need to feel a little summer magick. You’ll need:

• A small jar or bottle with a lid or cork

• Dried summer blossoms; rose for love, lily for joy, daisy for youth & innocence, strawberry blossoms for sweetness or any other flowers you assoiciated with happy summer memories

• Pink salt to ward negative energy

• Gemstone chips; rose quartz, citrine

• A candle in the color of your choice, (or parafin) to seal jar (optional)

Cleanse the bottle with incense or an herbal smudge—or rinse with salt water (be sure to thoroughly dry). Layer the spell ingredients in the bottle, repeating layers until full. Recite the spell below, or feel free to modify it.

Flowers gathered neath Summer sun
Reminiscent of carefree days
Laughter, play and fun
Citrine for warmth
Rose quartz for love
Salt for protection from all harm
Essence and energy combined
In this jar forever sealed
All the joys of Summer are mine

Screw the lid on or use a cork. Drip candle wax over the cover or cork to seal, or dip in melted parafin.

Until next time ~

Blessed Be and Journey Well