Gender: Feminine Planet: Venus Element: Water Powers: Divination, Healing, Love, Luck, Protection, Psychic Powers Magical Uses and History: "...That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet." -Juliet, Romeo and Juliet. The rose has a long and rich history throughout much of the world. Because of its bitter-sweet paradox of thorns and sweet smelling blooms, the rose earned its romantic associations. Love is both bitter and sweet, making the rose a perfect representation of it. The Greeks believed red roses were dyed by the blood of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, after she cut her foot while running to attend the wounds of Adonis. Other myths suggest Cupid, God of Love, splashed white roses with his nectar thus turning them red. Either way, red too has strong associations with love and romance. Roses are commonly worn or used to during love spells to increase the power of the spell. Rose water and petals can be added to love baths to attract love and romance, while rose hips can be strung into a necklace to attract love. Want to find your true love? Drink rose tea prior to bed to induce prophetic dreams. You can also take three (or more) green rose leaves and write the name of your lovers on each. The one that stays the green the longest is said to be the one. Rose is also a plant of valor and protection. During the War of the Roses, both houses, Lancaster and York, adopted red and white roses to represent their houses. The red rose ended up later becoming the emblem of England. Rose petals and hips can be carried as a personal protective charms. In fact, they were often included in posies to ward off the Black plague. Rose petals around the home can calm personal stress and soothe household problems as well. Want to attract faeries? Plant roses in your garden. Some believe roses grow best when stolen, but I wouldn't support such a thing. Rose can be used in a number of spells including: Love Divination Healing Spells Luck Magic Protection Magic Medicinal Uses: Rose is a natural anti-inflammatory and astringent. Rose water is most commonly used as a skin toner and can be used to heal burns, mouth ulcers, chapped hands, and puffy eyes. Rose hips, the fruit of the rose, can be used as a mild laxative to ease constipation and milk gallbladder, kidney, and bladder issues. Furthermore, rose hips are one of the best natural sources of vitamin C, helping the body's defense against infections such as colds. Preparation and Dosage: Rose petals are commonly used to make rose water while rose hips are brewed to make teas and syrups. Externally- For minor burns, ulcers, and chapped skin, and puffy eyes apply rose water liberally with a cotton ball. Internally- Rose hips can be brewed into a tea, syrup, or tincture. To brew rose hip tea, put 2 1/2 teaspoons of cut hips into one cup of water. Bring the water to a boil and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Drink as needed. Like rose hip tea, rose hip syrup can be taken as needed. For tincture, take 2-4 milliliters up to three times a day. Want to print a copy of this for your Book of Shadows? Click below for your free copy!