In Wales, often used in predicting love, weather forecasting, as well as protection from spirits and the tylwyth teg. We have a lot of rituals and superstitions tied to them, and being a lover of using flowers in spells I’ve spent some time compiling an introduction to Welsh flower divination/magic use…
NOTE:These associations are geared to Welsh traditions. I think taking bio-region and culture into account is important when using flowers in magic, so yours might be different.
Bluebell(hyacinthoides nonscripta)
Spring. Enchantment and subsequent danger. The faerie realm. Do not venture in a wood to pick bluebells or you may be led astray. A field of bluebells indicates faery magic is at work, and the ringing of the flowers is a death omen. Take great care when working with them for they are prized among the folk.
Daffodil(narcissus poeticus)
Early spring. Water. Association with two Saints; Saint David and Saint Peter. In some areas they are called “babies’ bells” but only babies and children can hear their ringing, suggesting connection to the faerie realm. It is bad luck to see one blooming alone.
Daisy(bellis perennis)
Spring. Water. Returning innocence and cleansing burdens. Known as llygad y dydd, “eye of the day”.Used in matters of love, especially in the youth. One will pluck a daisy with a question in mind, and with each removed petal chant, “much- a little - devotedly -not at all”, with the last petal determining the question. It is said those who die young are reborn as daisies.
Forget-Me-Not(myositis species)
The Moon. Earth. Prosperity. Hidden wealth. Powerful when used for talismans and wealth spells. Unlucky for lovers. Do not trust faeries or apparitions who hold them in their hand.
Foxglove(digitalis)
Summer. A sacred and deadly plant associated with the Ellyllon, the Welsh grove faeries. Known as “meng ellyllon” as they and their Queen Mab wear the blooms as gloves. Used as offerings to earn their favour.
Lilac(syringa vulgaris)
Water. Predicting rain, working with rain. Ill omen if brought into the house. Guarding the dead. Mourning. The colour is said to bring on madness if gazed at too long.
Marigold(calendula)
Sun. Fire. Extroverted manifestation. Predicting storms, as they close when it will rain. Hang a garland on the doorknob to protect from evil spirits. Can used for yes/no or other picking choices in divination.
Meadowsweet(filipendula ulmaria)
Late summer. Death, eternal slumber, as well as brides. Gwydion and Math used meadowsweet (alongside oak and broom) to form the maiden Blodeuwedd. Useful in love spells, especially if done before the flower blooms in the wild.
Pansy(viola tricolor)
Water. Love. Marriage, partnership, all matters of the heart. A flower associated with brides. Do not gather on sunny days as it will rain and disappointment will follow.
Primrose(primula vulgaris)
Winter and early spring. Youth. A cure for pain and frenzy. Used in love drinks and potions, which become dangerously potent. They indicate the presence of faeries and can be used as offerings, but seeing them bloom in the summer is a bad omen.
Scarlet Pimpernel (anagallis arvensis)
Spring and Fall. Predicting rain. Known as “ploughman’s weatherglass” for their weather-predicting abilities. Said to cure melancholia and keep sad thoughts from those who wear them. Useful for sleep spells or banishing lower spirits.
Sources and further reading:
The Physicians of Myddfai
Britain’s Wild Flowers, Rosamond Richardson
Folk-lore and folk-stories of Wales, Marie Trevelyan
British Goblins: Welsh Fairy Folk-lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions, Wirt Sikes
