Pagan Symbols - Spring Flower, Crystal

Decorate with Flora and Stones to Greet Ostara on March 20, 2009

Mar 10, 2009

Daffodils, http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/17264

What better way to add to the celebration than decorating with the flowers and crystals of the season to create a joyous atmosphere for the festivities?

This Fire or Solar Festival celebrating the Vernal Equinox is when light begins to overcome darkness.

In spring, the world becomes alive with blossoming plants and new animal life. Flowers and crystals of the season have special symbolism.

Spring Flower Symbolism

The following is an overview of some common spring flowers and the symbolism associated with these flowers.

Bluebell: Luck, Truth
Crocus: Love, Visions
Daffodil: Love, Luck
Daisy: Luck
Dandelion: Wishes coming true
Forsythia: Anticipation
Heather: Protection, Rain-Making, Luck
Hollyhock: Fertility, Fruitfulness
Honeysuckle- Money, Psychic Powers, Protection
Hyacinth: Love, Protection, Happiness
Iris: Idea, Message
Jonquil: Desire, Sympathy, Affection
Larkspur: Health, Protection
Lilac: Protection
Lilies of the Valley: Sweetness, Happiness, Purity
Peony: Protection
Poppy: Fertility, Love, Sleep, Money, Luck, Invisibility
Pussy willow: Motherhood
Sweet Pea: Friendship, Courage, Strength
Tulip: Love, Luck, Fame
Violet: Protection, Luck, Love, Wishes, Peace, Healing
Zinnia: Lasting affection, Constancy, Goodness, Remembrance

Decorating with Symbolic Flowers

Flowers have been chosen for their symbolism. Some flora, such as tulips, can be bought as potted plants. Florists can advise one how to save the bulbs for replanting and when to do this.

Other flowers, like lilacs grow, on large bushes and aren’t suited for the indoors unless one is rich enough to afford an arboretum — a place where trees, shrubs and plants are grown. Some might be able to afford an area for botanic garden, perhaps, a small hot house where plants can be cultivated. Creativity can turn ordinary rooms into magickal ones.

Imagine a living room or den filled with potted and cut flowers that brings nature inside! The cut flowers and plants have been given thanks for their gifts and sacrifices. Some people prefer not to have freshly cut flowers, so dried, silk and paper flowers can substitute. Scented candles and/or pot-pourri are used to provide the flowers’ fragrances.

The altar for this Sabbat is covered with a light green or pastel paisley cloth. Candles, in muted shades of colors, and the seasonal Pagan symbols adorn the altar for the rites of the vernal equinox. The feast table reflects spring’s colors in anticipation of the festive repast. Both altar and table are adorned with flowers.

Instead of vases, put flowers in goblets, chalices and mini-cauldrons. Wrap silk flowers around besoms (brooms) and/or sword, athame and boline hilts. Hang garlands from mantelpieces, railings, walls and ceilings.

Spring Flowers and Symbolic Crystals of the Season

Add crystals of the spring months and/or astrological signs to the bottom of clear containers or put them on top of potted plants’ soil. Spring months are March through June when summer is greeted; signs are Aries, Taurus and Gemini. Monthly and astrological crystals’ symbolism are:

March — Aquamarine: (Courage, Peace, Psychicism, Purification), Bloodstone (Victory, Healing, Courage, Strength, Wealth, Business, Agriculture)
April — Diamond (Spirituality, Reconciliation, Peace, Courage, Protection, Healing, Strength)
May: Emerald (Psychicism, Intellect, Love, Money, Protection, Money, Eyesight)
June — Pearl (Love, Luck, Protection, Money), Moonstone (Psychicism, Divination, Sleep, Protection, Gardening, Love, Youth), Alexandrite (Love, Luck)

Aries — Bloodstone (Victory, Healing, Courage, Strength, Wealth, Business, Agriculture), Ruby (Joy, Wealth, Protection, Power, Anti-nightmare), Garnet (Strength, Protection, Healing)
Taurus — Emerald (Psychicism, Intellect, Love, Money, Protection, Money, Eyesight), Jade (Love, Wisdom, Gardening, Wisdom, Healing, Prosperity, Protection), Lapis Lazuli (Joy, Fidelity, Love, Psychicism, Healing, Courage, Protection)
Gemini — Agate (Longevity, Courage, Strength, Protections, Healing, Success, Fertility, Gardening), Aventurine (Luck, Money, Peace, Intellect, Healing, Eyesight)

Enjoy decorating with the flowers and crystals of the season, then relax, reflect and meditate. Finally, celebrate the rituals, then enjoy the Ostara feast.