The Language of Australian Christmas Flowers

No matter what your beliefs or traditions, this time of the year that marks ends and beginnings, seasonal changes, family and friend festivities and the giving of gifts and moments of celebration, is a very joyfully uplifting but also challenging time for us all.

We are tested on all planes of our existence: emotional, mentally, physically and spiritually, so it is of little wonder that we love to fill our homes with greenery for earthy coolness and calm, red & golden and silvery flowers for strength and to attract abundance. We do this subconsciously through connection with tradition but also because we inherently know and are attracted to what we need in nature.

Unfortunately, in our busy lives, we often become disconnected and so the messages of nature get drowned out. In order for us to connect, we need more and more additives to feel and experience the message. To even know Nature. More glitter, more tinsel, bigger Christmas Trees, redder flowers, brighter lights and yet more glitter. Our lives are so noisy, busy and big that we just don't see what is already here. We fill it with more to drown out everything else so that we may feel we count, are heard, become a part of everything.

Try to take a step back and experience what the season has brought you, wherever you find yourself. what is flowering? What is changing? Look for Nature Glitter!

Remember that when harvesting flowers and plants to bring into your home, not to destroy the plant that is providing you with what you require. Only take what you need and do not over trim. It is best to try and grow your own plants so that they provide you with your Nature Glitter. Let them grow with you, care for them and in return they will show you so much more than just their prettiness. By observing when they flower, how they grow and change, you will notice so much more about you and your connection with Nature will deepen.

I feel that Christmas/ Midsummer flowering plants are wonderful starters to gardeners who wish to create a more spiritual space and garden. This is usually such a hectic time and the flowers, the little voices of Nature, making their  appearances over this time will provide insight, balance and deep connections. Christmas Bush is one such plant. We see it everywhere now and don't give it much of a thought the rest of the year but what is it? 

The truth is, that will depend of where you! 
Each state, even area, has their own version of 'Christmas Bush' and really, that is as it should be. The Language of Flowers is the Language of Earth, of Nature and it speaks of the place, the seasons and time. So from my research, here's what I've uncovered about Australian Christmas Bush and I would love to hear your experiences, memories and traditions, so please share! 

This is from my little NSW Christmas Bush ~



I planted this right at the front of our current home because I knew that in the comings and goings over this time, her beautiful stars would remind us all of what was important at this time. She is there to catch our eyes and our hearts and gently pull us all back to what really is important at this time. 

It is such a joy to watch her flowering, to notice when and how and to observe her shifting rosy hues on summer evenings spent under the gum tree next to her.

Perhaps you would like to invite an Australian Native Flower that is natural to your area into your garden this year as well. These are locals which are traditionally connected with time of the year. They flower in December, they have within them the energies of the season of celebration, of the coming together of friends and family, of new beginnings and most importantly of hope.

In Australia, these are some of the native plants which different areas identify as 'Christmas' Flowers ~ 

New South Wales & Canberra

Christmas Bush ~ Ceratopetalum gummiferum

Ceratopetalum-gumm
Photo:  M Fagg ANBG collection, A 2799

Christmas Bells ~ Blandfordia grandiflora

Blandfordia-grandiflora
Photo: Ron Hotchkiss  ANBG, A 5442

Christmas Bells ~ Blandfordia nobilis

Blandfordia-nobilis

VICTORIA

Christmas Bush ~ Prostanthera lasianthos

Prostanthera-lasianthos
Photo:  M Fagg 

South Australia and Tasmania

Christmas Bush ~ bursaria-spinosa

Bursaria-spinosa
Photo:  M Fagg private

Queensland & Northern Territory

Christmas Orchid ~ Calanthe triplicata

Calanthe-triplicata
Photo: M Fagg  ANBG, O 394

Western Australia

Christmas Tree ~ Nuytsia floribunda

Nuytsia-floribunda
Photo: F Humphreys  ANBG, A 8940, A 8942


GROW YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS BUSH! 
Pop into your local Garden Centre as they are sure to have plants at this time of year which your area identifies as 'Christmas Bush', if not, ask! 
Plant this year and next you will not only have your own flowers to decorate and energise your home with joy, but a much needed Aussie Native plant 
to feed the other Holiday visitors ~ (Native Bees, animals and birds!) 

Which  flowers do you associate with The Holidays? 
Are there any that you know are special to your area? 
Do you have a tradition involving Flowers for the Holidays? 




Look to what is already here and connect
and may Nature always bless you with all that you seek and all that you need. 
Love,
Cheralyn xx

🌺 Flower Planning 2017

Planning another year of Flower Love!
Thank you, Leonie Dawson, for making it so much easier with your amazing and gorgeous Shining Planners yet again.
With a co-writing project which will need a lot of management, another oracle deck and another book all on the boil and emerging in 2017, I really do need a way to keep things organised as well as a system which will ensure I have kept to my plans and goals and found any extra opportunities along the way. 
But overall, I have to say, I love love LOVE the brilliant and inspiring artwork!! 
Puts a smile on face, even when I'm crunching numbers. 



So, this is where my Language of Flowers oracle decks, books AND gardening are all created! Right within these very divine pages.
I use the Life Workbook for my personal planning and goals and the Biz one ... well yes, for the Biz. I do find when you work as I do, in a field which is completely entwined in your life, that these become Vol One and Vol Two of The EVERYTHING that is the coming year, but it works. 
I've also found the Shining Academy just brilliant for meeting like-minded people and finding support, sharing it and making wonderful new friends. 
So sitting down today and looking back on 2016 to get 2017 planted, fed, watered and hopefully, very soon, blossoming! 
Bring on 2017- oh there will be Flowers !!!!

bunches of blessings
Cheralyn xx 

🌺🌿🌻

🌸 FlowerScope 12th ~ 18th December 2016

Select a flower you feel particularly drawn to find guidance and insight into your week ahead by clicking on the link next to that Flower.
You may wish to select a different Flower each morning or just one for the week.

How does Florasphere FlowerScope Work?
I carefully select the Flowers each Sunday evening which I feel connect with the energies of the coming week using the Language of Flowers.
This is based on Traditional Flower Reading and the energies of Nature.
Your selection will indicate which of these energies particularly relate to you and give you support and assistance in navigating the week ahead.

How Can I Connect with My Flower?
There are many ways to connect with your Flowerscope Flower simply thinking about the flower, meditating on it, drawing it, downloading an image to keep beside you, growing it and creating flower essences and botanical products to use as well. Hold your flower close all week to tap into the Natural Energies and gets of support and insight.

bunches of love,
Cheralyn ❀ xx