Quick & Dirty Plant Magic Rituals for Creators
Simple flower power and plant witchery activities anyone can do — even if you don’t have a green thumb
If you’re an artist in any sense of the word, you might feel that there’s a clear correlation between art and nature. I see the creative process as similar to the flourishing of a plant, either from seedling or as the seasons change.
I didn’t consider myself much of a “plant person” until a few years ago. I started slow with a few houseplants. Some of them have lasted since my early forays into plant parenthood. A few, however, came and went, and I tried not to beat myself up too much if one withered. Today, I’m keeping almost a couple dozen houseplants alive. I’m still not great with some, like succulents, but I’m trying.
I’ve learned that it takes patience, careful attention, and the right conditions for plants to grow and thrive. The same is true for our creative endeavors.
The following are a few of my favorite flower power and plant witchery rituals that help me get in touch with my creativity.
Make moonwater for your plants.
Fill any vessel (jar, bottle, bowl, etc.) with water and leave in view of the full moon for at least one night. In the morning, use that water for your houseplants, on the plants in your garden, or in a vase for some cut flowers.
The act of watering your plants is also perfect to use as a peaceful ritual. As you pour the water, say something kind to your plants to help them stay verdant — and then say those things to yourself to encourage your own growth.
Plant seeds as you begin a new project.
For this, you’ll need seeds of a plant you want to grow, plus pots and potting soil (if starting/keeping the plant indoors) or good soil outdoors. (I used a ritual kit from The Eclectic Gemini to grow my own lavender and calendula.)
First, think of what you want to bring to life in your art. Really visualize yourself in the creative process here. Next, as you dig into the dirt, imagine your project springing up from the soil alongside the seeds that you’re planting. Top the seeds off with water (or moonwater). Write down a list of first steps you can take toward your creative project and begin as those seeds germinate and sprout.
Create a rose petal and essential oil hand wash for yourself.
Whether for writing, drawing, painting, sculpting, playing an instrument, composing songs, sewing, or doing any other kind of craft, our hands are vital to our creativity. So why not use the magic of plants to help take care of them?
I learned this ritual through Veronica Varlow’s Witch Camp retreat, and I’ve brought it home to my husband as well. It’s an excellent stress reliever, a good way to “wash away” any energies you don’t want sticking around to make way for something better. You can do this with a partner — significant other, friend, or family member — who needs some TLC. You can also do this for yourself, which I’ll describe below:
For this ritual, you’ll fill a large bowl with warm, but not hot, water. You’ll also need rose petals (or other soft flower petals) and some essential oils. Citrus-scented oils are especially good for this, but any of your favorite scents will do. Also, grab a hand towel to dry your hands and wipe up spills.
With your bowl of water, sit in a comfortable space. Add the essential oil or oils of your choice to the water first — just a couple of drops will do. Next, dip your hands into the warm water. Wash up and down your hands and wrists, over your fingers, and across the lines of your palm. Then add the rose petals. Sprinkle the petals into the water and let them surround your hands. Run them over your skin, cup the petals in your hands, and do anything else with them that feels luxurious. When you’re done with the handwashing, take a towel and dry your hands off. Pour the water and petals out outdoors if possible when you’ve finished.
If you do this with a partner, you’ll do the ritual for each other, washing one another’s hands and toweling them off for each other. When one of you has had their hands washed, you’ll dump out the water and petals, preferably outside, and refill the bowl with warm water and essential oils of choice. (Make sure to leave enough rose petals for two hand washings.)
At Witch Camp, we did this ritual for each other in silence. My husband and I like to talk a bit when we do this, saying encouraging things to one another, and can’t help but giggle a bit. So make the ritual your own, but keep the atmosphere joyful and comforting — whether you do this solo or with a partner.
Shower yourself in petals from roses or your favorite flower.
Have extra rose petals from the handwashing ritual? Engage in some self love by adorning yourself in the beauty of nature. As you let the flower petals fall into your hair and cascade down past your shoulders, recite encouraging affirmations to yourself. Believe in your own power. For extra magic, do this while listening to Spirit McIntyre’s song “Conjurer”.
Intuitively choose a new plant for your collection.
Want to get a new plant, but not sure which one to choose? Wander around your local garden center or the floral section of your supermarket. Don’t think too much about the name or color or shape of the plant. Notice what your eye is drawn to. What plant is calling out to you?
Once you’ve chosen a plant, look up what it symbolizes. Google the name of the plant + “meaning” or “symbolism,” or consult the lists here and here to start. Of course, if you don’t like the traditional interpretation, or can’t find one, you can always come up with your own. Think about how it might help you in your creative journey.
For example:
A spiky cactus could be good for warding off criticism (others’ or your own!)
Hardy plants, like a chrysanthemums, can help you persevere through difficulties in a project
Tropical plants could symbolize success — your finished project means you can finally take that vacation!
(Important note: If you have animal friends living with you, you’ll want to check first to make sure your new plant won’t hurt them. The ASPCA has a list of toxic and non-toxic plants for cats and dogs. If you do bring something toxic home and you have a curious pet, make sure you keep the plant in a spot they can’t get to.)
Go four-leaf clover hunting.
Head to your local park, or your backyard to find a clover with four (or more) leaves. The fourth leaf on a clover, a very rare thing, is said to bring luck. I’ve found dozens of four-leaf clovers through the years, and a few times I’ve found clovers with five and even six leaves. Pro tip: search in a spot with a very large patch of clover for a higher probability of finding one with four or more leaves. If it’s your lucky day, you can press your clover into your writing notebook or another journal you might keep.
How do you use plants in your rituals? Share in the comments section.