Sacred Spaces Sunday – Florology

In Feng Shui we look at the symbolic meaning of many things including plants and flowers, yet I had never heard a specific word to describe this science until last week – in of all places – while I was watching a television show. The word was “florology.” In researching this information, I also found another word used to describe the language of flowers, which is “floriography.”

Gladiolus, coral rose, Peruvian lily (Alstrameria) and hydrangea greet guests at this anniversary celebration.

While attending an anniversary celebration with lots of floral decorations I started to think about the meaning of the flowers they had used and wondered if it could affect the energy of the gathering. Not knowing the meaning for several of the flowers, I really couldn’t say until I looked them up. I decided to be very observant to the dynamics of this diverse group of people.

Up close view of arrangement where you can see the lily more clearly.

Before I share further, let me say I know from experience the power of flowers first hand from having worked in a flower shop, garden nursery and my own garden. In the flower shop we were sometimes asked what flower represents “love” (red rose) or “remembrance” (Rosemary.) Then add a little knowledge of literature where William Shakespeare, Jane Austen and Frances Hodgson Burnett used the language of flowers in their writings and you have an interesting topic for conversation.

Magnolia leaves on the fireplace

Even J.K. Rowling used the language of flowers in the first Harry Potter novel, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” According to Wikipedia:

“Professor Snape’s first question to Harry–phrased as a hostile interrogatory–is “Mr. Potter! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel with an infusion of wormwood?” Asphodel… means ‘My Regrets Follow You To The Grave’ and Wormwood means both ‘absence’ and ‘bitterness.’ Together this becomes a poetic way of Professor Snape to express that “I bitterly regret your mother Lily’s death” in a way without directly revealing what he is saying.” ”

Coral roses and Alstromeria

Not only have I worked in flower shops, I’ve had my own personal positive outcomes by doing ceremonies involving flowers and trees. My first most profound experience was creating a sacred space with a peach tree when I desired to have a “soul mate” come into my life. Within 3 days of creating this sacred space, the love of my life and Soul Mate, Hilory, came into my life. That was about 23 years ago.

Having had many personal experiences including several dozen clients who have also attracted their Soul Mates using this same process, I know there is power in the vibration and energy of plants, especially flowers. Just think about the flowers you have received in your life and how they have made you feel.

Here are the flowers used in various locations of the home where the anniversary party was held. Some were used throughout the house while others were only used in one or two locations.

Tuberose and orchids

Gladiolus: Strength of character, honor, conviction
Hydrangea: Frigidness, heartlessness (negative), heartfelt gratitude for being understood
Lily (White): Purity
Magnolia: Love of nature
Orchid: Refined beauty
Peruvian Lily (Alstromeria): Clearing competition, see the other side of the story, releasing ego-based thoughts
Plumeria: Perfection, springtime, new beginnings
Rose (coral): Desire, passion
Rose (white): Silence or innocence, wistfulness, virtue, purity, secrecy, reverence and humility
Tuberose: Dangerous Pleasures, Mistress of the Night

It’s interesting what the meanings these flowers have. I would say some of the energetics are a little questionable. Others are “Right on!” for creating the desired Sacred Spaces energy for this special occasion – an anniversary of the heart.