Cyclamen - hardy plant, hardy protector

Cyclamen are not only hardy little beauties, they also have potent protective powers when planted in the garden or grown in the home. Here are some quick botanical facts about cyclamen before we get to their magical properties.

The Cyclamen genus contains 23 species and is part of the Primulaceae family, the Primrose family. It is a hardy, tuberous perennial that can withstand frost and is often the only colour to be seen in gardens during late winter to early spring. Their hardiness is in complete contrast with their ethereal flowers and upswept petals, which I always think look like little fairy wings. Hardy cyclamen species and cultivars such as C. hederifolium and C. coum are perfect for naturalising (planting bulbs that will repeat each year in a way that makes them look natural in the landscape), particularly under deciduous trees as the cyclamen flower in spring and autumn when the tree is not in leaf and can therefore access the sunlight as it reaches the ground. They can also be planted on banks or in a shady border along with other early-flowering woodland plants such as snowdrops, winter aconites and primroses.

Did you know - Cyclamen purpurascens are virtually evergreen as the old leaves wait for the fresh growth to appear before dying back.

To the magic - as mentioned before, cyclamen is a very powerful protective flower and can be burned, hung, used in baths, placed in protective wreaths and carried as part of a protective amulet or sachet. Used as a herb, the high vibration of cyclamen repels negative energy attacks and forms a psychic barrier around the user. The negative energy is unable to penetrate this barrier and is bounced straight back to where it came from, leaving the user unharmed and the sender...well, that´s not our concern. Spells invoking the protective qualities of cyclamen are best done during the waxing moon.

Cyclamen is also associated with love, marriage and fertility spells. If your partner leaves you or if you want to end a relationship, carry fresh blossom to for courage and to soothe a turbulent heart. To conceive, also carry the blossom. During childbirth the herb can be worn as a scented oil or perfume to ease the pain.

Sources and more info:

Magical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham

www.cyclamen.org

www.rhs.org.uk

www.wikipedia.org

Photo credit: Radicleii

Cyclamen purpuranescens