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Magickal Properties: Peonies

♥About♥

Peonies are very sweet smelling flowers that bloom in late Spring and are perennials (they bloom every year, no need to replant). They can come in pink, white, purple, red, orange, and yellow. They are low maintenance besides the daily or weekly de-weeding process. They do not transplant well so it is always better to plant as a bulb in an area that can handle how big they grow (2-4 ft. in height and 2-4 ft. to spread). Peonies last a long time, some even growing up to 100 years old, a wonderful plant to share with the family for generations.

♥Cultural Symbolism and Legends♥

►Peony roots, seeds, and petals are edible in small amounts but could cause stomach aches if not careful!

►In Japanese culture the peony symbolizes a happy marriage, courage, good fortune, and beauty. The colors of the peony are also different in symbolism as the red peony symbolizes eroticism while the white peony symbolizes virgin purity of maidens.

►In Chinese culture the peony symbolizes prosperity and the embodiment of female beauty. By the Tang Dynasty the tree peony had become a symbol of wealth and status. And then by the Song Dynasty the peony had become a muse for Chinese painters.

►The Greeks believed that the flower symbolized healing. In legend, there was a physician named Paeon that served the Greek Gods who also been a student of Asclepius. Leto, the Greek Goddess of fertility, had told Paeon about a magic root that grows on Mount Olympus and could soothe any pain especially associated with childbirth. When Paeon went to search for this magical root, Asclepius had become angry about this and wanted to kill his student. Leto heard about this and asked for help from Zeus who had turned Paeon into the peony flower.

♥Using Peony in Your Spellwork♥

►Keep a root on you to promote attraction in beauty, wealth, or to protect from any mischievous imps and fairies.

►Boil down the petals to create peony infused water to add to your baths or, for a simple skin care regimen, splash a little on the face and pat dry.

►Keep petals with you to protect the mind, soul, and body from negative energies and allow for better clarity.

►Use in ritual for attraction, money, bonding, confidence, and cleansing.

Sources:

Cricket Hill Garden / Home for the Harvest / The Sacred Willow Good Witches Magickal Flowers and Herbs / Wikipedia / Three Pagans and a Cat