Charged Waters: Flower Waters

Last week I introduced charged waters and talked about Holy Water. This week I would like to cover Flower Waters. There are a number of flower waters used in a variety of magic, especially rose water. Although some spells demand very specific flower waters, they may be substitute for regular water in many magical workings, especially those for healing and romantic purposes and for inks and incenses.

Rose water is frequently used in Indian, North African, and Middle Eastern cuisine (might be why I love it so much) and is easily purchased at specialty vendors. Sometimes health shops will also carry rose water, so keep an eye out the next time you venture out. However, pre-packaged rose waters vary greatly in quality as there are no set standards. Some contain very little trace of the flower while others are excellent. That being said, fine hydrosols are more popular now and thus more readily available in today's market. Hydrosols may be the best source of rose water.

If you don't wish to purchase your rose water, you can easily make it at home. However, do not use florist flowers as they are more often than not coated with pesticides which can concentrate in the flower water.

There are two methods you can use to make Rose/Flower Water.

Method 1:

1. Wash and remove petals from roses. Place in a small pot and cover with a quarter of an inch of spring water.
2. Simmer gently until the petals are limp and pallid. When in doubt simmer longer.
3. Strain and allow liquid to cool. Refrigerate up to 1 week.

Method 2:

1. Place washed petals or blossoms in a mason jar.
2. Cover with boiling water and allow to sit overnight.
3. Strain and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Both methods can be used to make any type of flower water as long as the flowers are not poisonous or toxic of course. I will post a more in depth guide in the future.

Rose Water is used for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to:

• Love Magic
• Aiding the the awakening of one who has been in a trance
• Used in a ritual cleansing bath
• To relieve headaches and bruises
• Stimulate sexual appetite and enhance beauty
• Induce prophetic dreams
• Healing magic
• Stress relief

I will talk about lavender water in another post, as it is made from distilling instead of boiling. Until then, do you use rose water in your magical workings?