Springtime Magic doesn’t need to be designated to the exact days of the Spring Equinox or Beltane: it is an entire season where we admire nature’s return and growth. There is magic in observing the organic growth and reemergence of nature gradually: one opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the beauty, abundance, and growth of the spring season is to observe and soak in the magic of spring wildflowers. Flowers conjure inspiration, joy, and magic. Their fragrance carries through the woods, just as their magical energy can be felt by witches and healers.
For the sake of keeping this blog to a (slightly) reasonable length, I am sharing with you a mere handful of my favorite springtime wildflowers, their lore, and their magical properties. Although it is not a complete list, it compiles some commonly found wildflowers in northeast America (and beyond). The shift from the rainy days of spring to the floral days of spring may occur at different times, depending on where you live. For folks in the south, spring flowers may appear in the early weeks of March, whereas folks in the north may have to wait for the cold to diminish a bit longer. You can cross reference this list to see if there are any that are in your location. I also encourage you to see if there are an uncover wildflowers unique to where you live worth having a magical visit with this spring season.
Buttercup - image via Unsplash
Buttercup - Ranunculus acris
I recall picking buttercups as a child and holding them under my chin, believing the yellow reflection it created was a sign that I liked butter. As a dairy fanatic, I can confirm this; but science also has shown that the petal’s unique sheen and composition create its delightful shine. This shiny effect also inspired a more twisted folktale, where it was believed that having the flower shine its yellow reflection on your neck under the moonlight could make you go insane. It’s also interesting to note that buttercups are poisonous – in Medieval times beggars would purposefully rub themselves with buttercups to induce blistering wounds, in hopes that their sickly state would gain pity and coins from those they begged to. Buttercup’s planetary ruler is Mars due to its bitterness; however, I also would consider associating it with the Sun due to its famous yellow reflection. Buttercups are commonly used in spells for attraction, abundance, nostalgia, and happiness. Fill a dark scrying bowl with water and place buttercup and dandelion blossoms on the surface for a uniquely spring-like scrying experience.
Botanical Image of Red Clover
Clover (White and Red) – Trifolium repens and Trifolium pratense
There are dozens of varieties of clover, though here we will examine two common varieties: the white and red clovers, as they are the most common. Most clovers have three leaves, and these have as much magical punch as their rare-four leaf siblings. Clovers are said to be very protective, and the Druids associated the three-leaf clover with the Earth, sky, and sea. Sought after four-leaf clovers are said to be signs of good luck, the four leaves meaning hope, faith, love, and luck. One superstition says that if a girl puts a four-leaf clover in her shoe, she will marry the next man she sees. There are folklore traditions that say that four-leaf clovers can help people to see fairies. There is a story from the late 1800s in Cornwall where a man was able to see fairies after applying an ointment on his eyes made from four-leaf clovers he gathered under the moon. Clovers are now becoming a beautiful and sustainable lawn cover, being much more environmentally friendly than the bland green lawn. Clovers are incredible pollinators, make a great meal for livestock, and balances the nitrogen levels in soil. I like to admire them as having the personalities of good neighbors, being a solid support for those who approach the lucky clover. In this sense, clovers can remind us to be generous, altruistic, and kind to those around us. Clover’s planetary ruler is Mercury. Clover is used for luck, money, protection, and success spells. Use clovers to enhance magic, awaken psychic abilities, and to attract abundance and good luck into your life. White clover flowers are used for good luck, purification, and to remove the influence of hexes. Red clover flowers are used to banish negative energy but can also be useful in love and lust spells. If I were to make an ointment to see the Fae, I would likely suggest including a blend of clover leaves, coltsfoot, dandelions, and violet blossoms.
Common Daisy - image via Unsplash
Daisy (Common and Oxeye) - Bellis perennis and Leucanthemum vulgare
As with many of the flowers we are learning about, there are several different types of daisies. Here we will examine two types: the common daisy and the oxeye daisy. The common daisy is also known as the English daisy or lawn daisy, and the flowers are about an inch in diameter. Oxeye daisies, also known as moon daisy or Marguerite, is larger than the common daisy, having a flower that is between one and two inches in diameter. Both varieties are native to Europe but are naturalized in North America. Both varieties have the recognized appearance of many white petals surrounding a bright yellow center. The daisy’s planetary ruler is Venus, and use for pleasure, joy, purification, friendship, and fairy magic. They are also used in love spells, though I consider the daisy for love spells that are more innocent and loyal in nature. Add a vase of daisies to a recently cleaned, cleared, and decluttered space to enhance clarity and simplicity. To create a dream pillow to attract the Fae in your dreams, blend dried daisies, cowslips, honeysuckle, clover blossoms with a drop of honey. Add a piece of amethyst, fluorite, and apophyllite. Put these contents into a small purple pouch and keep by your bed or under your pillow.
Dandelion - image via Unsplash
Dandelion - Taraxacum officinale
Magical people know better than to believe dandelions are a nuisance. Dandelions, which have also been called Fairy Clocks and Priest’s Crowns, got its name from the French words “dents de lion,” meaning, “the tooth of the lion.” Dandelions offer plenty of nutrition – I have heard people say that adding dandelion leaves to salads adds years to their lives and keeps them healthy. This checks out, seeing as the greens have vitamins A, B, C, D, and zinc, potassium, and iron in them. Tea made from dried dandelion root not only acts as a substitute for coffee, but also may help with digestion, liver health, and cleansing the kidneys and bladder. Dandelions are a powerful ally for the green witch in many ways. Ruled by Jupiter, the dandelion is used for making wishes, enhancing dreams, triggering divinatory messages, and calling on spirits. Dandelion Wine is a perfect offering or libation at Beltane celebrations; but for those who do not drink alcohol, dandelion tea sweetened with loads of honey and cream has the same Fae-like vibe. There is a belief that if you whisper the name of a loved one and then blow away dandelion seeds that person will receive your amorous message. Dandelion’s “Tooth of the Lion” makes me associate the flower with the Sun and the boldly confident astrological sign of Leo. I think of dandelions as icons of radical self-acceptance and positive disruption since they happily grow wherever they please, even when an HOA or Home Depot commercial declares them to be a weed. The very vision of the dandelion’s bright yellow flower shooting up from a curated lawn feels like a middle finger pointed at The Man. This tooth of the lion questions the modern status quo by willingly living up to its label as a weed and leaning into it with a dark sense of humor that anyone who has an adverse reaction to the suburbs can deeply appreciate.
Japanese Honeysuckle - image via Unsplash
Honeysuckle – Lonicera
There are several different varieties of Honeysuckle, though one that is commonly seen because it is an invasive species is Lonicera Japonica. Lonicera Periclymenum is common honeysuckle, and a beneficial plant for hummingbirds and pollinators. Honeysuckle has one of the most notable fragrances: sweet and inviting, it is a welcoming fragrance for the spring. Depending on the source you review, Honeysuckle’s planetary ruler is Mercury, Venus, or Jupiter. Honeysuckle is used for prosperity and good luck. The flowers can be used in money charm bags. Although oil-infused honeysuckle does not smell as sweet, it is a powerful addition to prosperity and wealth oils. Honeysuckle is also used to release unwanted emotions: breathing in the scent releases shame, fear, and ego. It is also helpful during transitory times of change. Honeysuckle is also said to enhance spiritual energy and enhancing psychic powers. In Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham suggests “Lightly crush the flowers and rub on the forehead to heighten clairvoyant powers.” Honeysuckle can also be added to a spell to “sweeten” its outcome. To make a batch of “Spell Sweetener,” combine one cup of sugar with ¼ cup dried and chopped up honeysuckle leaves and vanilla beans from one pod (you can also finely chop up the pod and add in as well). Blend and place in a glass jar with a piece of citrine and rose quartz. Sprinkle into spells that would benefit from sweetness and a little boost of radiant energy.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit - photo by Kiki Dombrowski, taken at Old Stone Fort TN
Jack-in-the Pulpit - Arisaema triphyllum
Coming in as one of my all-time favorite strange flowers to find in the woods, the Jack-in-the-Pulpit took its folk name from its shape, a conical shape with a hood covering it. Native Americans had many purposes for it, and although the root is incredibly acidic and poisonous, they would dry or roast the root and use it for treating coughs and sore throats. The shape of the Jack-in-the-Pulpit represents shelter and protection, like a safe space a trusted and loving friend can offer you. Also known as Marsh Turnip, Brown Dragon, Dragon Root, and Devil’s Ear, I have not come across a planetary ruler for this charming plant. I would perhaps assign it to Mars since it is acidic and has folk names tied to dragons; however, Georgia O’Keeffe did make a series of Jack-in-the-Pulpit, alluding to a more sensual and feminine observation of the plant. Perhaps Georgia would suggest the Jack-in-the-Pulpit has more of a Venusian energy. This Mars-Venus association is quite fitting for the Jack-in-the-Pulpit, since it is one of only a few plants that can change sex from year to year, depending on its corm size (underground food storage for a plant). This shows the plant’s fluidity and disregard for limitations and expectations, doing what it needs to successfully thrive. In that sense: Jack-in-the-Pulpit is a symbol of being your true self, accepting who you are, and entertaining all that can occur in your life when you are thriving and in an abundance mindset. In Plant Witchery, Juliet Diaz makes the astute observation that the Jack-in-the-Pulpit “deals with a lot of hidden aspects of the self, things no one else knows but you. She will teach you to embrace all the sides and shades of who you are.” Either way Jack-in-the Pulp invites you to plug into the spirit of the forest, especially if you have interest in connecting with the Green Man and Pan.
Mayapple - image via WikiMedia
Mayapple – Podophyllum peltatum
Mayapple dots the forests in most of eastern North America, its foot-high two-to-five-lobed leaves look like hands waving up from the forest floor. Mayapples eventually blossom white flowers, which eventually produce small fruits late in the summer. Mayapple is also known as Devil’s Apple, Puck’s Foot, and American Mandrake. It is important to note that Mayapple has no relation to the European Mandrake, though some magical practitioners use it as a substitute for its friend from “across the pond.” Depending on the source you read, Mayapple’s planetary ruler is Mercury or Saturn. Mayapple can be used for prosperity and money magic and to also bring protection to the home. It is also worth considering that Mayapple may be a great liaison between you and Pan or the world of the Fae, based on its namesake of Puck. Please note that the roots and leaves are incredibly poisonous, and it is important to mention that the berry alone is edible but has a well-known (and unpleasant) laxative effect. If you wish to work with Mayapple, you may just want to safely admire it from a distance, telepathically letting the plant spirit know the wishes you want to see manifest in your life, waving back to it when your communication with it is complete.
Wild Blue Phlox - photo taken by Kiki Dombrowski at Edwin Warner Park TN
Phlox (Wild Blue) - Phlox divaricata
There are over 60 phlox species, including many charming varieties that are cultivated in magical gardens. The one examined here is the Wild Blue Phlox, which is native to fields and forests in eastern North America. Also known as Woodland Phlox, Blue Moon Phlox, and Wild Sweet William, this variety is excellent for soothing the magician who carries it. This variety grows well in shade, so I like to consider it an excellent flower to work with when you are in recovery, looking to heal from difficult situations, or need peace after an intense period of shadow work. Phlox has a calming effect that supports in emotional balance, gentle meditation, and kind diplomacy. Because it has five petals, I would associate it with Venus (the Morning Star), though its mellow vibes and folklore namesake of Blue Moon also connect it to the energy of the Moon. One way to work with Phlox is to incorporate it into a charm bag that I call “The Mellow and Tranquil Bag,” to assist with keeping things calm and quiet around you. This is especially beneficial to highly sensitive people. Blend phlox blossoms, lavender, and violet blossoms together. Blue lotus and or wild passionflower petals are optional additions. Stir in a couple drops of lavender essential oil, lemon balm essential oil, and sandalwood essential oil. Fill the contents into a dark blue bag and add a piece of sodalite, aquamarine, and selenite. If you wish, write on a small piece of blue paper with blue ink what peace and quiet looks and feels like to you. You can also use my nifty incantation: “I am mellow, I feel safe in this tranquil vibe. I love enjoying this quiet energy and content peace of mind.”
Eastern Spring Beauty - image via WikiMedia
Spring Beauty – Claytonia Virginica (Eastern) and Claytonia Lanceolata (Western)
Spring Beauties often are the first flowers to appear in the springtime. It is surprising that for such a common flower there is such little content out there on using Spring Beauties in a magical setting. Depending on whereabouts you are in North America, the flower can be from white to pink in color. Because there are five petals on the Spring Beauty, this flower’s planetary ruler is Venus. Spring Beauties can be uses in love and beauty spells and glamor magic. It is a sweet-smelling flower with a valuable purpose for woodland creatures: animals such as moose, deer, elk, and small rodents dine on the plant in the early spring. Livestock also could eat the plant, and its flowers are pollinators for bees and butterflies. The deeper-colored lines on the flowers’ petals guide bees to the pollen. The tubers, which are a storage structure for plants in the soil (just like potatoes), are named “fairy-spuds,” and are a well-loved edible that apparently taste somewhere between potato and chestnuts. Because of this, I associate Spring Beauties with the magic of nurturing support, since they guide us to sustenance after muscling through a cold and dark season. Spring Beauties also have a curious scientific secret: they do not have a constant number of chromosomes from plant to plant, with there being over 50 combinations observed. Because of this, I like to think of the Spring Beauties as a shapeshifting, mystical plant with a pretty face and a joyously clever mind. Spring Beauties remind us that when we go below the surface, when we make the effort to dive deeply into understanding something, we can find valuable and mystical wisdom in the web of fairy spuds. Spring Beauties have very strong and flexible stems that do not break in the wind. Because of this, Spring Beauties can be used for feminine empowerment, self-love, and to strengthen self-esteem.
Trillium - photo by Kiki Dombrowski taken at Edwin Warner Park TN
Trillium – Trillium
One of my motivators for early spring walks is the opportunity to see some of the first trilliums. There are several species of Trillium found in North American woods, and there’s a spectacular variety on the Tennessee trails I walk. Trillium is a wildflower revered by First Nations people of North America as sacred and feminine; thus, it was used in love potions. The root would be boiled, and a drop of the concoction would be dropped into the food of one’s love. Folk names for Trillium include Toad Shade, Wood Lilly, and Wake Robin. The name wake-robin was given to Trillium because its arrival coincided with the arrival of robins, thus indicating spring’s arrival. Depending on your trusted source, Trillium’s planetary ruler is Venus or Saturn. It used for love, luck, and money spells. You may attract love and good fortune to you by carrying trillium root. Due to its Saturnian nature, I like to think that Trillium allows us to consider our love and fortune options with caution. While there are attracting aspects to Trillium, I also see it as protecting us from harmful emotional and energetic investments. Because it has three petals, three sepals, and three leaves, it is associated with themes of the Triple Goddess. When Trillium appears on your path consider it a sign that a great Goddess is watching your back!
Common Blue Violet - image via Unsplash
Violet – Viola
Violets are as much a sign of spring as robins and painted eggs. There are dozens of species of the violet, though the Common Blue Violet (Viola Sororia) is what we enjoy seeing pop up in our yards. This easily accessible flower can add a lot of sweetness to your springtime magic. Violets have a long history of lore and charm. Violets are a well-adored flower by Ancient Greeks, so much so, they became a symbol of Athens. Ancient Romans made wine from violet blossoms, and believed that consuming violets would reduce the effects of intoxication. Violets have long been a flower used to decorate graves, and Romans used them to celebrate the dead alongside roses and lilies. Violet’s planetary ruler is Venus, and they can be used in love, healing, peace, and protection spells. Their magic is intertwined with the world of the Fae, so they make a lovely decoration for Fae-themed altars at Beltane along with an offering of lilac or violet wine! Violets create a feeling of calmness, clarity, and serenity: they have a gentle and sweetly caring energy that can help you with self-love and self-exploration. Violets are also used in love spells and said to aid in renewal of romantic love. According to Scott Cunningham, if you gather the first violet in the spring you will have a wish granted. He also suggests that they can arouse lust when combined with lavender. Violets are excellent for creative minds as they are said to help inspire brilliant and beautiful ideas: keep a vase of violets, lily of the valley, and sprigs of rosemary to bring an enchanted and inspired touch to your artwork. If you’d like to bring violets into your kitchen witchcraft, there are two easy recipes you can create with violets: Violet Jelly and Violet Simple Syrup. I always recommend the culinary magic over at Gather Victoria, and their Wild Violet Whipped Honey Butter is a heavenly magical treat for springtime as well.
A Final Note about Wild Crafting
When harvesting wildflowers please be mindful to do so in a responsible manner. Wildflowers in public parks and forests are not to be picked, nor should any be picked without the appropriate requests. Harvesting rare and hard-to-find wildflowers is not recommended: only harvest what you need, and in small quantity. Know about what you are working with: if you are prone to allergies, perhaps you do not want to handle the flowers. Read up on which flowers can be poisonous, avoid them, and proceed with caution.
It isn’t necessary to pluck and harvest every single flower you see on your path to feel the full potential of its magic. There are many ways to engage with the magic of a plant. You can sit by it and quietly meditate or observe the plant. Or you can take a beautiful photograph or create a drawing of the flower in honor of its beauty and energy. Perhaps the plant will call out to you, seek you out in visions, or appear in your dreams. Sometimes just searching for a specific flower in the wild and discovering it has magical rewards in the form of a floral quest. Simply enjoying flowers can give you a spiritual connection to their energy as well as add to your own understanding of how they function magically. Make the old phrase “stop and smell the flowers” one where you breathe in the magical power of nature, letting it evoke memories, joy, healing, and growth.
For complete list of works cited in this blog, please click on this link.