Tag: nature

January 2025 Newsletter/The Magic of the Carnation

February 13th, 2025

This February’s Flower is the Carnation. Mostly because I already highlighted the Rose here. When I think of February, I think of Valentine’s Day, and when I think of Valentines I think of Roses. But Carnation is a good choice as it’s a popular flower due to its ability to grow well, which makes it an affordable option for most people. When I think of Carnation I think of friendship more than romance. And that kind of goes along with this years Valentines theme for me personally. Don’t get me wrong, I like romance too, and my life has its fair share as I’ve been married for almost 30 years to my sweetheart. But sometimes friendship and self-love need to be celebrated too, and I have found myself more in the mood for that this season as I am super grateful for the community of friends I have this year.

A little Carnation history

The Carnation is one of the oldest cultivated flowers. It has been around since the Greek and Roman times. Some legends say that the Greek botanist Theophrastus gave the flower the scientific name of Dianthus which is a combination of the Greek words Dios, which means divine or “of Zues” and Anthos, the word for flower. So it was known as “The flower of Zues”.

Another legend of the Carnation is that the flower sprung up where each tear of the Virgin Mary fell after Christ’s crucifixion. And thus the name “Carnation” comes from Christ being the “incarnation” of God as man.

Originally a wild plant in Europe, it was introduced to England by the Normans and later cultivated and bred in many varieties by the Victorians in an almost endless variety of colors and variegations.

The Victorian Language of Flowers

Those of you who have been reading the blog regularly know about the Victorian Language of Flowers that sparked my interest a while ago. You can read more on that here. The diagram below shows how Carnation was used in this strange but obviously beautiful language among Victorian elites to say what they needed to say to one another.

Also- Carnation is the birth flower for those born in January! As much as I would have loved to highlight Carnation in January, Snowdrop went with the Imbolc post better. I try my best to make things flow, but sometimes I have to make choices on what flows best. Can you guess what flower is for February? Yep, just like mentioned above, it’s Rose. So I guess this is another reason to choose Carnation for this post since we already highlighted Rose…

This charming little flower works wonders as a substitute in spells for protection, healing, and cleansing. They are pretty easily sourced which makes them a great versatile and ready flower for spell work. We are neighbors with a cute little flower shop called “The Front Porch Flowers, and Carnations are almost always found in their cooler. So keep that in mind next time you need one, or just want to enjoy one!
February 2025 Newsletter/Herb of the Month/Juniper

February 13th, 2025

I wanted to highlight Juniper before winter is over, so here we are! The weather has been back and forth these past two weeks, as if it can’t decide if it wants to change to spring or not. Yesterday was sunny outside, and today it rained. There is a chill in the air, but pretty soon it will be too hot to harvest the Juniper around my house until Autumn comes again.

I quite enjoy Juniper, and it’s often my substitute if I run out of dried Rosemary for my Saining rituals. I always alternate drying out Rosemary and Juniper so I have one or the other on my drying rack at all times. You can read about my love for Rosemary here.

Let’s talk about Juniper’s magical uses first-

Juniper was likely one of the first magical herbs used by Mediterranean witches, as there are many folk magic remedies that include Juniper that have been passed down through the ages. It was used mainly in protection spells and was basically a witchy version of a home alarm system, since it was believed to protect against theft, many people would adorn their front doors or porch areas with it. It is commonly used in banishment magic, or in protection against dark magic.

Juniper berries were often added to love spells, rituals and potions. It was believed that they could increase “male potency”. A tincture made from Juniper berries, diluted and sprayed onto the bed might make a great love potion to help increase stamina during sexy time.

Juniper was thought to be the guardian of the dead, and that it would guard and nurture departed souls until they were ready to be reincarnated. So it was often planted atop graves for this reason.

Here are some more magical ways to use Juniper:

Practical and Medicinal uses of Juniper

Historically, Juniper was used to fight infections and plagues. During the Black Plague it was burned in closed rooms to purify the air of disease. In the time of the Spanish Flu, Juniper oil would be sprayed into the air to prevent the disease from spreading. This proved to be quite beneficial, especially when paired with Lavender and Thyme.

Juniper berries were once used as a form of birth control. They were, and still are, used to treat arthritis and to detox the urinary tract.

Juniper berries are also one of the main aromatics in Gin and used in the distillation process.

People have used Juniper for cancer, diabetes, gas, indigestion, kidney stones, wound healing, and many other conditions.

DO NOT consume Juniper or Juniper berries without consulting a Doctor first! They can have many interactions with other medications, and consuming too much can be harmful.

Here are some Juniper remedies practiced today:

One of the best things about Juniper, for me, is that it is easily found in my area. I think it’s important to use what grows in your area if you can. Not only is it more sustainably responsible, but there is something extra magical about using what is natural to your area. If you haven’t tried Juniper yet, we sell bundles in our shop, or better yet, gather your own if it’s in your backyard!