Botanical Name: Rosa Spp.

Member of the family Rosaceae

Used as a culinary and medicinal herb

Associated Deities: Chloris, Aphrodite, Cupid, Hathor, Eros, Demeter, Isis, Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene, Inanna, Adonis

There are over 100 varieties of rose trees and shrubs and they can be found throughout both hemispheres. Colors and sizes of roses vary across the species. Cultivated varieties of roses likely originated in Norther Persia, on the Caspian , or Faristan. From there they spread across Mesopotamia, Palestine, Asia, Greece, Italy. 

HISTORICAL USES, FOLKLORE & CUSTOMS:

Rosa comes from the Greek word rodon meaning red. The rose that was prevalent in ancient civilizations was a deep crimson red color and it is believed that the color is what led to the belief that Roses sprang from the blood of Adonis.

In ancient Rome, roses were used to decorate the tables and floors at banquets. They were also used floated in wine. Crowns of roses adorned the heads of couples during marriage ceremonies as well as statues of Cupid, Venus, and Bacchus. Roses garlands were use to stave off drunkenness and to adorn their war vessels. Overall, the ancient Romas saw roses as a symbol for pleasure.

Historically roses were hung from the ceiling during important meetings to symbolize that no one present would break trust and discuss the meeting. 

Red roses have long been a symbol of socialism.

The White Rose was a non-violent World War II resistance group in the Third Reich. It was led by a professor and students from the University of Munich. They actively opposed the Nazi regime and via leaflets and graffiti. The name “White Rose” was supposed to represent innocence and purity in the face of evil. The group was arrested by the Gestapo 8 months after it started.

Roses have been used in perfume and cosmetics sine ancient times. In the 8th century roses were distilled to create Rosewater, which is still heavily used today. 

ROSE COLORS & MEANINGS:

If you want to add an extra layer to your spells, consider using rose petals in colors that match your intention

• Red: Love, Lust, Passion, Sexuality
• White: Spirituality, Innocence, Banishing, Cleansing, Healing, Moon Magic, Protection
  
• Yellow: Friendship, Happiness, Jealousy, Infidelity, Psychic Ability
  
• Yellow with Red Tips: Falling in Love, New Love
• Pink: Grace, Beauty, Self-Love
• Peach: Sincerity, Gratitude
  
• Orange: Enthusiasm, Passion, Affection, Happiness, Truth

USE ROSES IN WORKINGS RELATING TO:
Love • Psychic Powers • Luck • Protection • Anti Depression • Beauty • Nurturing • Secrecy
 

MAKE YOUR OWN ROSEWATER

Use Rosewater made from the petals of the appropriate color in place of water in any spell. This is also great for adding to a ritual bath or to use as a perfume.
 
Homemade Rosewater is not shelf stable and should be kept in the refrigerator. Rosewater in the refrigerator will only last for up to a couple of weeks, so check quality before each use and dispose of it when it is no longer fresh.
 
What you’ll need:

• Organically Grown Roses (no pesticides or chemicals) or Culinary Grade Dried Rose Petals
• Distilled Water
  
• Saucepan with Lid
  
• Cheesecloth or Sieve with Very Fine Mesh
  
• Dark Colored Glass Bottle

Method:

1. Add rose petals to your pan. Use as much or as little as you like, depending on how much Rosewater you’d like to make.
   
2. Add just enough water to cover your rose petals. Adding too much will result in diluted Rosewater.
3. Cover and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce temperature to low and simmer until the color of the petals has faded. Length of time can vary.
   
5. Remove from heat and cool with the lid on the pan.
   
6. Stain the petals from the water using a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve and pour the water into a clean bottle.
   
7. Store in refrigerator.

Information in this article is for entertainment purposes only. If you have a medical condition consult your doctor. We are not attempting to diagnose, treat or cure any ailments.

References:
Beyerl, Paul V. Master Book of Herbalism. Phoenix Publishing, Inc, 1984. 

Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn Publications, 2016. 

Grive, Maud Mrs. A Modern Herbal, Vol. II (I-Z & Index). Dover Publications, Inc., 1971. 

Ciccolo, Fulvio. “The Rose History.” Scentspiracy, Scentspiracy, 29 Sept. 2020, www.scentspiracy.com/blog/the-rose-history. 

Picard, Caroline. “Coral Roses Are the Perfect Way to Celebrate Your First Valentine's Day Together.” Good Housekeeping, Good Housekeeping, 30 Apr. 2021, www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/valentines-day-ideas/g1352/rose-color-meanings/. 

“Rose (Symbolism).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_(symbolism).