Rose (Rosa spp.)

Rebirth, resurrection, funerals, memorials, initiations, luck, love, passion, sexuality, sensuality, seduction, marriage, Great Rite, handfasting, Beltane. The white rose represents purity, perfection, innocence, virginity, and the Maiden Goddess, while the red rose is earthly passion, fertility, and the Mother Goddess. Red roses are ruled by Jupiter, damask roses by the planet Venus, and white roses by the moon. All fall under the element of water. Sacred to Adonis, Aphrodite, Artemis, Aurora, Bacchus, Blodeuwedd, Christ, Cupid, Demeter, Dionysus, Eros, Flora, Freya, Hathor, Horus, Hulda, Hymen, Inanna, Ishtar, Isis, Kubaba, the Mothers, Nike, Ninsianna, Saule, Venus, Virgin Mary, and Vishnu. [1]

When thinking about planting a protective barrier or plants and flowers near your threshold, let’s not forget to mention roses. The flower of peace, love, and friendship, the rose is also highly protective when planted near the entrance of a home. It helps prevent negativity from entering any dwelling. Just scattering a few rose petals near the threshold will ease domestic tensions. This will also neutralize any dark energy left behind by an unpleasant visitor who has just left. Today there are many easy-care roses available, so you needn’t worry about fussing over them with toxic sprays. However, today’s easy-to-grow roses shouldn’t need sraying. Simply plant them and enjoy their protective qualities. [2]

Resources

[1] The Hearth Witch’s Compendium by Anna Franklin

[2] Llewellyn’s 2022 Magical Almanac by Chi Cicero

Elder (Sambucus nigra)

Caution: Seeds are poisonous. Wards negative thoughts when used as wind chimes, blessings, power, energy, strength, cleansing, offering, wood NOT to be burned as it is sacred to Hecate, see fairies in these trees at Litha, flowers may be used as an altar offering and as an incense for blessing and consecration, berries may be made into Esbat wine, the flowers may be added to a candle spell addressed to Hecate during the new moon, associated with Monday. [Green Witchcraft]

The dried blossom makes a good fixative for herbal incenses. It can be particularly added to Beltane and Midsummer incense, and is sacred to dryads, fairies, and Venus. The leaves should be gathered on Midsummer morning to add to healing incense. The bark and berries may be collected in the early autumn for crone aspects of the Goddess, including Holda, Hulda, the Elder Mother, and Hel. Ruled by the planet Venus and the element of air. [The Hearth Witch’s Compendium]