Cheralyn Darcey

Flower of the Day ~ Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)

My divine nasturtiums are flourishing at the moment so they are you Flower of the Day Bring them into your life to help ground and focus and also to help you win challenges and succeed in tests and even disagreements. Nasturtiums will help you return to centre and stay true to your passion, goals and visions. Give to another to day ‘congratulations’, ‘you can do this’ and ‘I’m with you on this’

Bunches of love,
Cheralyn 🌻

Card: The Language of Flowers, by Cheralyn and published by @rockpoolpublishing and available through @weiserbooks 

🌸 Flower of the Day ~ CORNFLOWER (Centaurea cyanus)

The lovely Cornflower can mean 'delicacy' and for this reason it also can help when keeping secrets or when you need to employ a little more diplomacy.
If you are moving into a new home, beginning a new job or working and socialising in new groups, Cornflower brings blessings of good energy and offers protection.

bunches of love,
🌷 Cheralyn xx

#flowerpaedia #cornflower #languageofflowers

🌺 Flower of the Day ~ Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos manglesii)

Kangaroo Paw is a type of grass and I love growing these in busy family areas of my garden as they promote friendship and harmonious social activity. They are pretty hardy but hate hate wet feet, so well drained soil is a must. Cut them right back after flowering to ensure good growth next season. Kangaroo Paw can be grown in pots and I have tried this myself with great success in various homes, in all sorts of climates.

In the Language of Flowers, nothing says "I'm sorry, please forgive me" like a Kangaroo Paw! As a healer, they provide wonderful support for those who find social activities and interactions difficult and they are really gentle and lovely heart healers for those experiencing hurt they have felt from the actions of others.

bunches of love,
Cheralyn 🌻

car: 'The Australian Wildflower Reading Cards' written & illustrated in block print by Cheralyn and published by Rockpool Publishing

Flower of the Day ~ 🌸 Statice (Limonium spp.)

When things are feeling a little out of your control, a bunch of Statice will calm, help ground and centre energies and also help you find a way to cope and adapt. I often tuck a little flower into my locket for just that purpose!

To Give Flowers
In the Language of Flowers, Statice say: ‘I miss you’, ‘I will remember you’, ‘be still’, ‘calm down’, ‘time for change’. Statice were a traditional funeral flower and can still be used to express sympathy. They do not indicate grief but rather remembrance and help impart comfort, hope and calm.

Botanical History
Statice is native to Russia, Bulgaria, Algeria, Turkenstan and theMediterraniean, depending on species. The names come to us from the Greek word for meadow ‘leimon’ – Limonium and ‘Statice’ meaning to stand’. This plant is often found in large meadows and the habit is for it to stay firm and upright.

Floristry Tips
Vase life is up to two weeks and can be dried very successfully. Colours include pinks, blues, purples, yellows, orange, red, white. Look for bunches that have well over half of their florets opened and watch out for slimy, foul stems. A touch of bleach helps stop bacteria, for which they are prone. Replace water every three days. To dry, hang upside down in a cool, dry, well ventilated space.

Gardening Notes
Both annuals and perennials are available. They love full sun and very well-draining soil. Plant in autumn for a gorgeous summer display. Statice are frost tolerant and fairly hardy in most conditions.

The Language of Flowers Oracle
Time to change but you will need to adapt as things will not possibly be to your liking or current wishes. Something from your past is about to return.



Magickal Botanical
Use in spells and magick work to ground, centre and calm energies. Supports change and will illuminate possibilities and opportunities for new paths forward. Select colours to match intentions.

Bunches of love,
Cheralyn 🌼

Flower of the Day ~ 🌺 Heliconia (Heliconia spp.)

aka Crab Claw, Lobster Claw, Parrot Flower ~
Very good at helping you find ways to make changes in your life and in illuminating new ideas.

THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS ORACLE
Inspirations are coming, (thick and fast!) and you may need to decide which you will follow. The answer to a question or situation is close at hand and whatever it may be, will perhaps not be able to be changed.

BOTANICAL HISTORY
A tropical plant, related to the banana and ginger and are native to South and Central America. There are well over 500 varieties and what most of us assume are the flowers of these plants are actually brightly coloured bracts (modified leaves). The flowers are often very tiny and held within these bracts. The name Heliconia comes to use from the word ‘helix’ which means spiral and relates to the shapes the bracts and flowers produce.

GARDENING NOTES
These are a tropical plant and so do well in full sun for best flowering, but will tolerate semi shade. Mulch, feed and water well and provide a moist well-draining soil. They grow from a rhizome with most flowering from summer to autumn and into winter. Summer is the best time to plant and you will need to be in an area that is frost free and rather warm.

FLORISTRY TIPS
Vase life is about 10 days and colours include red, orange, yellows, pink, maroon, green. Recut stems before placing in water and display away from full sun and draughts and avoid cold. They do like an occasional misting. They will not open further once cut from the plant.

MAGICKAL BOTANICAL
Heliconia will work very well in spells that are seeking solutions and inspiration. They are particularly good in spells involving tracing the image of the flower (bracts) and repeating a chant with each spiralling section. If you are looking to change something, include the plant or its image in your magick work.

bunches of blessings,
Cheralyn 🌻 xx

Flower of the Day ~ 🌸 Nerine (Nerine spp.)

This delightful flower enables us the freedom to be ourselves. It is very good to have around for those who find it hard to connect with and understand the strengths found in being vulnerable.



THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS ORACLE
If you feel drawn towards Nerine then you are being told you are enough, you are ok and what you do is of value. Trust that you are! Challenges are usually emotional in nature and you should be careful of emotional extremes.

BOTANICAL HISTORY
Native to South Africa and Europe, common names include Guernsey Lily and Jersey Lily and although they do also grow from a bulb, they are technically not lilies. The flower was named after the Nereids, the sea nymphs in Greek mythology who were known to assist sailors in storms. Nerine were previously known as Imhofia until a shipload of the bulbs that sailed for the Netherlands shipwrecked near Guernsey and the name was changed in 1820.

GARDENING NOTES
They bloom - late autumn (fall), winter and early spring and colours include white, pink, crimson, red, red/orange. Preferring a very free draining sandy soil, plant in full sun unless you are in a very hot climate then choose semi shade through the day. Bulbs will need to be lifted where the ground hardens. You can divide once established for a few years if desired.

FLORISTRY NOTES
Purchase when one spike is open. Vase life - up to 14 days. Never mist but change water every second day and remove dead flowers immediately to prevent ethylene contamination.

bunches of love,
Cheralyn 🌻

Herb of the Week ~ Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

 

In many traditions, Mugwort is considered a plant of protection, especially against evil spirits, witchcraft and for protection of the home.

In Japan, it is used by some to rid the body of the forces/spirits which cause illness. Native American use includes wearing mugwort to prevent the influence of evil spirits.

The use as a herb which assists divination is fairly widespread. Teas and incenses are said to promote psychic and clairvoyant abilities and creating a mist or wash to bath divination tools can cleanses, protect and boost their energies. Astral projection and prophetic dreams can be supported by sleeping with mugwort in a pillow.

Flora Danica [G.C. Oeder et al], fasicle 20, t. 1176 (1761-1883)

 

The common name is derived from it's use to flavour beer before the use of hops. As the family latin name suggests, it is strongly associated with the Goddess Artemis and it is an interesting exploration through herbal lore and the use of mugwort in anything from **female fertility to the healing of wounds from wild animals. Mugwort is also a natural insect repellant and can also be made up into a general household cleaner.

Perhaps my favourite piece of Mugwort Botanical Lore comes from the Ancient Romans: If you face a very long walk or day of walking (as their soldiers often did), place a piece of mugwort in each of your shoes before sunrise. This is said to not only stop your feet hurting but will keep you going as long as you must!

 

Gardening Notes

Oh yes you can grow mugwort, it really is fairly easy. Although it will prefer sun, it can tolerate semi shade and make sure you have soil well-drained but a little on the moist side. You may prefer a large pot as they have a fast spreading root system which will, (as with others of this family), adversely affect neighbouring plants. The roots actually leech out chemicals which will kill off the roots of other plants. Native to Africa, Europe and parts of Asia, this is a tall perennial shrub that can grow up to1.5m (5ft) in height. Leaves are a dark green with a smooth upper side and an underside covered in fine matted white hairs. Flowers are tiny and red-brown or yellow-green.

Oracle Meanings
Step back and observe because you are being giving the opportunity to find pathways to the freedom you desire. Meditation, divination and visionary practices will help you find and explore major themes right now. You are being reminded to take heed of an intuitive experience or message that you may of either ignored or not really understood. Now, today, is the time to trust what you feel inside, what you know to be your personal truth and take the road to freedoms it will offer. Remember, what is right for others will not necessarily be right for you. Listen to your own heart.

Magickal Correspondences
Uses: clairvoyance, exorcism, divination, healing, lust, psychic powers, protection
Deities: Aphrodite, Venus, Artemis, Diana, Hecate, Persephone, Sif, Audhumla
Planet: Venus
Signs: Libra, Taurus
Elements: Earth

Lobel, M. de, Plantarum seu stirpium icones, vol. 1: p. 764, fig. 2 (1581)

 

Mugwort Freedom Spell

Mugwort is mostly used in visionary work and can be used to improve psychic abilities and to enhance dreams and visions. Hung over doorways, it will repel evil and negativity. Mugwort can be made into a very effective wash to smudge magical divination tools such as crystal balls, pendulums and scrying mirrors. The smoke can also be used to empower oracle and tarot decks. In this spell you will be drinking a little Mugwort as part of a spell. Mugwort was used originally to flavour beers.

GATHER
a glass of beer
  or sparkling spring water
a tiny pinch of dried Mugwort
a slice of lemon or lime

THE SPELL
Take your glass of beer/sparkling spring water outside and stir in a mugwort and say,
“Freedom and paths open for me.”
Drop in the slice of lemon or lime and say,
“Alive and awaken and away I shall be!”
Drink the beer/sparking spring water and drip the last few drops onto the ground and say,
“This is the start, the journey begun.”

bunches of blessings,

Cheralyn 🌻
 

*all information for educational purposes only

**PLEASE NOTE: pregnant woman must not handle or consume mugwort as it can bring on contractions.

Spellcasting Basics
1. Select or create your spell.
 This can be a spell in this book or you could write your own.
2. Gather your ingredients.
Ensure that you have everything ready and that it has been sourced ethically and
with positive intention. Cleanse any tools or items by passing through running
water or a smudging smoke.
3. Create a magickal and safe space.
Limit distractions and cleanse by smudging with sage or the like or misting with
botanicals created for this purpose. If indoors, open windows and doors to let
negative energy out. Sit or stand, centred and quiet and visualise a white, clear
bubble surrounding you and your space and keeping anything negative out.
4. Focus.
Some call this part of spellcasting intention and it is your complete commitment to
the energy and the outcome that you desire. Focus will assist you to keep
your energy and your everyday commitment to the change that you are trying to
achieve. Spells do not work on their own, they need your energy, focus and action.
Think about what you are doing and hone your focus as sharply as possible on your
desired outcome.
5. Raise the Energy.
Focus will raise energy, as will the actual steps of each spell whether it be an incantation you make or a musical sound or action you create. You may wish to raise additional energy to begin with and this can be done by ringing bells, beating drums, raising your hands, singing or simply visualising energy rising from the ground, from above, from wherever your preference is and working with it.  
6. Cast your spell.
Follow the instructions in the spell that you are casting.
7. Close your magick space.
Thank the earth, thank the plants you have used and close the space. You can do this by making noise and visualising the closing of the space. Clapping hands, stamping feet, beating drums, are all popular ways of doing this. Have a glass of water to bring yourself back to the now and ensure you cleanse any tools you have used and that you return to earth any botanical items used.
8. Journal.
Whether it be a journal, a diary, a book of shadows, a grimoire, however you wish to contain your notes and experiences, I do suggest that you write your spell down along with your personal notes somewhere and that you add to them over time. This helps give the spell more energy and you more focus.

 

 

 

🌼 Flower of the Day HYDRANGEA (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Having hydrangeas around will promote understanding,
help end quarrels and give you a boost to keep going. (good for this time of year!)

Flower Folk
If you love Hydrangeas, they indicate success in fields that involve getting people together such as counselling, event planning, teaching and healing study. Usually these people have the ability to see both sides of situations very easily. They can be overtaken with emotion sometimes and are very empathic sometimes to a fault.



The Language of Flowers Oracle
An opportunity to take what you do to the next level, to involve more people and to expand your current state is around at the moment. Keep going with what you are doing. You must be careful that your words and actions are not unnecessarily hurting another.

Botanical History
Hydrangea are originally from Japan, with a few species being found in China and Northern America. You might notice that the Botanical name contains the word ‘Hydra’ and you would be right in thinking this refers to water. The Greek words ‘hydro’ for water and ‘angeon’ for vessel indicate the greater needs of this plant for water.

Floristry Tips
To give to another means ~ ‘I understand’, ‘I want us to be together’, ‘Keep going, you can do this’. These flowers have a vase life of about two weeks. The entire flowerhead can be used in larger displays or can be separated and used in arrangements, posies and wreaths. They don’t do well long out of water on hot days. Dry by hanging upside down.

Gardening Notes
I have had my share of Hydrangea dramas! If they find themselves in the perfect place, they flourish. Water is the issue and challenge, especially for my Australian gardening friends. They love a very rich, well-draining soil that is always moist and semi-shade. Colour is determined by soil PH levels ~ acidic will give you blue flowers and alkaline pink.

Magickal Botanical and Lore
Hydrangea are the traditional Western 4th Anniversary flower and a birthflower for those born under the Zodiac sign of Libra. They can be used in spells for breaking hexes, ending rifts between people and helping develop a better understanding going forward. I find them very good used in magick to help with staying on a path or with an idea when there is a lot of objection, challenges or misunderstanding surrounding with what it is you are doing. Carry a petal with you to protect against hexes, curses and negative energy, They are poisonous so do not burn, use topically or consume. It is believed unlucky to bring potted Hydrangea into the house but you can use the petals as a boundary protector.

bunches of love, 
Cheralyn 🌻

Which Goddess or God could be calling you if you like Sunflowers?

 

 

 

FLOWER OF THE DAY ~ Gladioli (Gladiolus)

Gladioli are a helpful flower to have around if you are feeling things are proving a bit difficult for you. They boost creative growth, help with boundary setting and give you a lift.

As a Flower Oracle, they will indicate that you must not give up on something but they will warn you to look after yourself and what is yours.

Their scientific name comes to us via an alternate common name. They are known throughout many European regions as 'Sword Lily'. In Ancient Rome a soldiers' sword was known as a 'gladius' and a short sword as a 'gladiolus'. Naturally this is the origin also of the term 'Gladiator' for those who battled with swords in the great arenas of the time.

The image I've shared today is actually of one my Gladdys flowering at home right now. They are a Summer-blooming plant that needs to be planted out in Spring as soon as the last of the frost (if occurring in your area) have occurred.
Try to plant in a sheltered position but all the same, they may need to be staked as they grow. They will prefer a very sunny spot, to be well watered but not overly so. I leave mine in after flowering as I'm in Sydney, Australia, but you may need to dig yours up after flowering and store for next Spring if you are in a particular cold place. Remember to leave the foliage until it has all died down before cutting back as the leaves are busty storing nutrients for next years flowering.
bunches of love,
Cheralyn 🌸

card from 'Flower Petals. blossoming guidance from the garden',
written & illustrated by Cheralyn Darcey, Botanical Explorer, Author & Artist, published by Rockpool Publishing
This deck features 40 different Flowers Affirmations based on the Language of Flowers.