The Rose

From: Sticks and Stones, Roots and Bones

by: Stephanie Rose Bird

No other plant is as intimately linked to love as the rose (Rosa spp). When working with roses, seek out the old-fashioned scented types, such as those listed below, rather than the more neutral tea roses. Roses are beautiful, and like the lotus, they suggest female genitalia en the hight of passion. The blush of the rosa is often linked to the blush of a bride or a sexual partner during orgasm. In parts of Africa and the Middle East, holy temples are spiritually cleansed entirely with highly potent Bulgarian Rose water. Rose water enhances the sacred environment.

A little-known fact is that roses are a systemic nervine (tranlsation: they calm and soothe your nerves). Only your imagination sets the limits when it comes to using roses in love-drawing potions and tricks.

Old Fashioned Shrub Roses for the Hoodoo's Garden

Apothecary's Rose -- This is a richly fragant, medicinal rose with a spicy scent. It has been used since medieval times to treat a variety of health disorders. Rose water can be creqted from this species , although Bulgarian and Damask roses are used most.

Belle de Crecy --This is considered the purest rose scent.

Bulgarian Rose and Damask -- The sweet, fragant roses from which quility rose water and attar is made.

Celestial -- This contains the aroma of clean skin.

Kazanlik -- In Bulgaria, rose oil (attar of roses) ismade from this rose.

Madame Isaac Pereire, Guinee, and Souvenir de la Malmaison -- These are stunning and fragant.

Maiden's Blush -- This is considered to be refined.

Romantic Rose Projects

1. Buy fragant red or pink roses. Peel the petals away from the core and stem. Float them in a bath for two. Light vanilla-scented candles for a pleasant accent.

2. Sprinkle rose petals on your mattress, under your bed, on your bed, in your closets, in your purse, or any place else where the compassionate spirit of the rose is desired.

3. Add 1/4 cup of rose water to 1 cup of milk. Stir in 1 teaspoon of rose hip oil. Add this blend to your bathwater for a soothing, romantic bath.

4. Put a fragant rose in your hair before going out to a party or on a date.

5. Spritz your wet body after a bath or shower with fragant rose water.

6. Spritz your face and hair with rose water before leaving home, especially if inhibitiions and tension are coming between you and finding love.

7. Before company arrives, set out 7 to 9 lit scented with a relaxing essential oil such as neroli, sandalwood, chamomile, or lavender in the room where you will be entertaining. Spread rose petals aroound the base of the candleholders.