By Shelly Kay, Magickal Herbalist
There are three main categories of roses: Wild Roses, Old Garden Roses, and Modern Garden Roses. When we think of roses today, we are usually thinking of the Modern Roses which were created for their looks and continuous blooming while their scent and flavor are almost non-existent compared to their counterparts. This makes it very difficult for a budding magickal herbalist to know which one to use.
The answer is the one that has the most energetic connection to you. The one that gets your energy up and your gut says, "this is the one." You can also go with the roses available to you, most likely red rose petals. My magick work is all about the "feels" and intuition. I follow that first before any recipe, however, I still research it and double check the safety precautions!
“A rose does not answer its enemies with words, but with beauty.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo
I adore this quote and sums up the magical and spiritual properties of the rose quite elegantly. Roses are so well known for love, that they rarely get any noticed for anything else. They are as multifaceted as the most beautiful gems. Other noteworthy properties that you may not have guessed are protection, luck, psychic powers, transformation, and healing. Beauty is often viewed as superficial, and empty with no substance. Yet, beauty can be a protection in and of itself -- for it can be a protective mask we hide behind. It is the ultimate in self-care and healing transformations, for Zephyrus transformed himself into a rose to gain the love of Flora.
Roses are yin (feminine force) in the element of water and associated with the planet Venus in concert with deities of love and beauty, Aphrodite, Chloris, Christ, Cupid, Eros, Flora, Freya, Inanna, Isis, Lada, Lakshmi, and Zephyrus.
I also recommend keeping rose water on hand as it is a common ingredient in many spells and rituals. It can be expensive, but it's worth its weight in gold! Even though it is possible to make your own, it is far more expensive and requires many hours, equipment, and thousands of roses to make even the smallest amount. Make sure to purchase organic rose water with no other ingredients. It’s also okay if it is called a face toner, as that is one of the most common ways it is sold. It makes no difference to its magickal uses.
We are going to make a refreshing spray today that can be used on your face, skin, and hair (great for dreads). All ingredients have been reviewed for safety, but as always, if you are sensitive to an ingredient you can leave out or substitute. If using dried herbs, let it infuse overnight (but no more than one week shaking & checking daily) in a dark cool spot and strain with cheesecloth. When preparation is ready, store it in a brown or dark colored spray bottle. It does not need to be kept cold, but that will enhance the refreshing aspect and last longer.
To Use: spritz face and gently massage or pat into skin. Do not apply over makeup.
1 oz. 190 proof vodka, 91% isopropyl alcohol, or organic Witch Hazel
½ oz. Rosewater
½ oz. Grapeseed oil (non-comedogenic & good for acne prone skin)
Or other oil safe for your face/skin such as sunflower, jojoba, hempseed
9 drops Lemon Balm oil (or a pinch of the dried blossoms)
6 drops Lavender oil (or a pinch of the dried blossoms)
6 drops Peppermint oil (or a pinch of dried herb)
6 drops Rosemary (or a pinch of dried herb)
A pinch of Amethyst chips
A pinch of Rose Quartz chips