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    Magickal Plants & Flowers
    Bluebell
    Bluebells are linked to the moon because of the tale of Selene and her handsome lover Endymion. The botanical name for the bluebell is Endymion nonscriptus . Selene could not bear the thought of losing Endymion to old age and death, so she cast a spell on her lover, thereby keeping him eternally handsome and youthful. Her lover sleeps away eternity with a smile, while Selene visits him in his dreams. As she visits Endymion, the moon wanes to dark. When Selene returns to her duties once again, the moon waxes to full. Mythology states that Selene bore Endymion fifty beautiful but sleepy daughters. Is it any wonder that he is always smiling? On an interesting final note, in the language of flowers, the bluebell means “constancy.” Adding bluebells to a love or romance spell will gain special attention from Selene.
    Jasmine
    Jasmine ( Jasmine officinale ) is a flowering vine that has an extraordinary scent. In magickal herbalism, the delicate jasmine bloom is associated with the moon. Night blooming jasmine is a natural for lunar enchantments and charms. The jasmine flowers were thought to promote prophetic dreams and to help encourage a spiritual love. In aromatherapy, jasmine is used to lift your spirits and help you relax.
    Gardenia
    Another scented lunar flower, the gardenia ( Gardenia jasminoides ) is a blooming shrub bearing incredibly scented flowers. The essential oil from gardenias is often used in perfumes. Gardenias are popular as a bridal flowers due to their creamy white color and romantic, old-fashioned scent. In the language of flowers, the gardenia symbolizes feminine charm and a secret love. Magickally, the gardenia encourages love and mysticism.
    White Rose
    The white rose ( Rosa spp.) traditionally symbolized purity and love, which explains its popularity in the bridal flower trade. The white rose is a sacred symbol to many goddesses. A full-blown, or opened, white rose is a symbol of Selene, the full moon goddess. The different phases of a rose blossom may also be used to symbolize the different phases of the moon: a tight bud to represent the new moon, a partially opened bud for the waxing moon, a fully opened rose for the full moon, a rose just beginning to fade but still lovely for the waning moon, and rose hips for the dark of the moon.
    White Poppy
    The white poppy ( Papaver spp.), another of Selene’s sacred plants, is also an enchanting flower. The poppy comes in many colors: red, orange, purple, and white. The nectar of the poppy flower makes the bees in the garden giddy. There are many varieties of poppies available today; consider adding some of them to your garden at home. On an amusing note, in the language of flowers, it symbolizes “drifting in a peaceful sleep.” (No wonder Selene claimed it!)
    Moonflower
    The moonflower ( Ipomoea ), which is mildly toxic, is an annual flowering vine that blooms in late summer–early fall. Part of the morning glory and the sweet potato family, moonflowers have an intoxicating scent. And, just as you would imagine, they only bloom at night. On cloudy, cool morning in the early fall, the trumpet-shaped flowers may stay open for a while. Moonflowers are a natural when it comes to working a little Monday night moon magick. Try gathering a bloom and floating it in a bowl of water. I often float a bloom in my small garden fountain in the backyard. Or leave the blooms on the vine and work your moon magick spell while you sit nearby and enjoy the fragrance.
    A Moonflower Dream Spell
    Traditionally the moonflower carries the message of “I am sustained by your affections,” just like Endymion was sustained by Selene’s love. Try this moonflower-inspired spell and send your lover a sweet dream of you.
    Gather from the garden a white rose, a single moonflower blossom, or any of the lunar-associated flowers that were mentioned above. Float the bloom in a fountain or a birdbath, or use a clear