The Historical Use of Flowers and Their Essences

Throughout history, flowers have been used as an expression for those concepts which escape verbal communication. Later, in the days of the Inquisition and similar persecutions, flowers and their emblems were used in many mediums, from art to architecture, as a secret form of communication.

Historical Interpretation of Flowers

There are many different interpretations of individual flower essences, mostly dependent upon physical location and historical time period. The lotus is a prime example of this. In Ancient Egypt, the lotus was a symbol of new life. However, later, in medieval Europe, it was said to represent the mystical center of things. In the Far East, the lotus represented the universe evolving from a central sun as it sprung from the navel of Vishnu.

As Christianity began its rise, many of the flowers originally dedicated to Greek and Roman gods were reassigned to various saints. Many flowers originally said to be ruled by Aphrodite, for example, became associated with the Virgin Mary, who was the Christian symbol of the feminine divine.

Specific Flower Essence Correspondences

Through history there were many interpretations of various flowers, as discussed above, and therefore their essences. Some of these are listed below. For the most part, these associations are taken from medieval Europe, since it is these interpretations that tend to have been carried forth into modern times.

• broom – significant with love
• calendula – success
• camelia – perfect loveliness
• candytuft – indifference
• carnation – pure love
• clover – happiness and good fortune
• cowslip – unexpected love
• daffodil – having high regard
• daisy – symbolized a birth
• gentain – injustice
• geranium – comfort
• hawthorn – hope
• hollyhock – ambition
• iris – purity and majesty
• jasmine – was the emblem of the Virgin, also known as the star of divine hope
• lavender – indicated that a reunion was to take place
• Madonna lily – illustrated the marvels of paradise, signified purity and chastity
• olive – represented peace, and still does in most book religions
• passionflower – faith
• rose – symbol of earthly love, symbol of heavenly delight and the mystic center of being
• trefoil – the Holy Trinity
• wallflower – fidelity in adversity

The Mystical and Esoteric Use of Flower Essences

Flowers and their essences were used by witches and magicians in their spells. Modern practitioners continue to use these essences for similar purposes today. In more ancient times, the growth of a flower, the how and why of it, was considered a mystery. This mystery lead many to conclude that flowers have many magical and supernatural qualities.

Many flowers, most commonly clover, lavender, and heather, were believed to bring luck, just as is believed today. Others, such as St. John’s Wort, peony, and lily are said to protect against evil. Daisies and dandelions, in addition to serving as clocks (since they open and close at certain times each day), were also used as oracles of love. This is still common practice today, in the tradition of pulling off the petals while reciting, “She loves me, she loves me not.”

The use of flower essences, both in mundane and mystical practice, is still common today. The meanings of these flowers have often been passed down through the ages, and so have a powerful history. Whether for healing, the casting of a spell, or as a means of communicating in secret, the use of flowers stretches back to ancient times.