Witchy Challenge: Flower Power
In my practice, Iāve worked with chamomile, lavender, rose, calendula and periwinkle, in dried form and primrose oil. I have also fresh offered white roses, red roses and lilies on altars. But I am intrigued with the idea of using fresh flowers in spellwork.
I thought ā what flower have I been drawn to? I immediately thought of Iris. I like ALL flowers immensely but Iāve like irises since I was a little girl, when I saw them growing in my neighborās garden. I requested them in my wedding bouquet and arrangements. I wanted flowers that would pick up the colors of the stained glass windows in my church and my florist selected Blue Iris.

For this challenge, I thought I would learn more about what this flower signifies, traditionally, and if there are any magical uses associated with it. Some people say there are no coincidences ā I donāt know if I would go that far ā but it does appear that blue iris is closely aligning with my strongest intentions these days.
Jupiter. I was pleased to learn from @TheTravelWitch_Bry that it is associated with Jupiter, because I am working a lot with Jupiter these days. Next Thursday, if I can find any blue irises, I will put them on my altar (If not, Iāll put a picture of them on it). I hope to use Iris (as well as blue candles, primrose oil and sodalite) to promote the energy of receiving the truth from persons associated with my court case.
Meaning. Irises (and especially, blue irises, which are small and a blue-ish purple) are associated with communication, messages, spiritual faith, trust/truth and loyalty. These are values that are also associated with Jupiter.
Ancient meaning. Irises are named after Iris, the Greek Goddess who connected the sky and the earth. Just as Helios is the personfication of the Sun and Selene is the personification of the Moon, Iris is the personfication of the rainbow. The colored part of the eye is also called the Iris
She was a messenger and one of her duties was to carry water from the River Styx to the heavens whenever one of the gods had to swear an oath (Jupiter is also associated with oath-taking). The water encouraged truthfulness because if the god or goddess lied, he or she would be rendered unconcious for a year. So, this must be how the flower came to symbolize truth and trust. The Greeks also believed Iris conducted the souls of women to the Elysian Fields so this flower was placed on the graves of some.
Contemporary use. In the Middle Ages and Elizabethan period, Iris and the root (orrisroot) were used for medicinal purposes. It is used in Moroccan food. The oil from Iris root (Orris oil) is still used to scent cosmetics and as a dye ingredient and is found in many mainstream perfumes.
Magickal use. Orris root (the root of the Iris) is associated with Venus and is used in chopped and dried form, powder form (also known as Queen Elizabeth powder) or oil in baths for protection and in love spells and charms, mostly to attract or keep the love of a man. It can also be burned as an incense. Supposedly, it smells nice and it is not very expensive (about $5/oz). Iām not looking for a man right now
so I will probably just use the flowers in some sort of non-baneful ritual to attract truth to me.
I was delighted to learn about the rainbow goddess who linked heaven and earth, gods and men, and about the symbolism associated with irises. So much of this resonated with me as I search for connection and communication, spiritually, with guides to provide me with truth and messages and with the values irises represent.
I am looking forward to seeing how these connections develop in my practice
