SAY HELLO TO MELLOW YELLOW BLOOMS!
Good morning sunshine! Calendula is a flower of happiness and warmth, featuring cheerful yellow petals whose flowers follow the sun and close when it sets. Also known as marigold, calendula's scientific name is calendula officinallis and is native to southern Europe, where it has long been used in food, medicine, and magick.
A QUICK GUIDE TO CALENDULA
Magickal uses: Protection, prophetic dreams, remove negative energies, and enhance mental capabilities
Plant me: In full sun, ideally in the first half of the year, although cooler climates allow for planting in September to November
Water me: Moderately
Safe for: Cats and dogs!
Note - excessive consumption by both humans and furry friends can lead to digestion issues, consume in moderation and keep out of reach if your pet likes to chew
CALENDULA FOLKLORE
The common English and scientific name for calendula comes from the Latin "calends", the first of the month in the ancient Roman calendar. Romans viewed calendula as a flower of joy and used in rituals, but this wasn't the only culture where this yellow bloom was beloved. Calendula was often seen adorning Hindu deities and used in ancient Chinese medicine. Calendula has close associations with remembering the dead: offerings of calendula are made on the Day of the Dead in Central America.
MAGICKAL PROPERTIES & USES IN WITCHCRAFT
- Gender: Masculine
- Planet: Sun
- Element: Fire
Hang a calendula wreath, bouquet or garland over entry doors for protection and to prevent evil from entering. Scatter petals under the bed for prophetic dreams and for protection while sleeping.
Take a bath in calendula infused water to receive an extra dose of respect and admiration. Being a herb of the sun, Calendula can be used to remove negative energy. Use the petals as incense for divination or in a tea to enhance mental capabilities.
Use calendula at remembrance ceremonies, funerals and rites for the deceased, as well as in magic to remember deceased loved ones, particularly partners who have passed.
TIPS FOR GROWING CALENDULA
Plant your calendula seeds where they can get full sun; water them moderately and you will start to see sprouts as early as 2 weeks after sowing. While calendula should generally be planted in the first half of the year, cooler climates allow them to be planted between September and November. You won't see flowers until 6-8 weeks after planting but their eventual blooming is spectacular to watch, inviting bees and other pollinators to your garden. Remove the heads of dead flowers to ensure you keep an even production of blooms.
Calendula isn't toxic for cats or dogs, but excessive consumption (by your or your furry friend!) can lead to digestive issues, so consume in moderation and keep it out of reach if your pet likes to chew.
While you wait for your own flowers to bloom, practice your craft by purchasing dried calendula petals here.
We referenced The Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs in this article, with copies available for purchase on our site.
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Photography by Patrick Pahlke and Marina Yalanska
