Honesty Lunaria annua - A Compendium of Plants

Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants - Juliet Diaz 2020


Honesty Lunaria annua
A Compendium of Plants

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ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES

Moon Magic, clarity

Honesty’s Latin name comes from the shape of her seedpods, which are silver and round, shining just like the Full Moon. Honesty is highly regarded for her fragrant flowers, and her papery seedpods are often used in dried flower arrangements.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Honesty’s roots and seeds are edible. The seeds can be used to make a spice or paste much like mustard: Grind up her seeds, add them to cold water, and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes; they will develop a strong flavor. Then mix them with hot water or vinegar and add some salt.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES

Honesty’s seedpods are like thin paper, you can pretty much see through them. This quality of transparency indicates her ability to reveal the truth, and to reflect yourself back to you. Work with her when you need to find clarity. Placing her in your home brings transparency between you and your loved ones. You can keep her on the table or in the room when you’re having a family meeting or a difficult conversation with a partner; she will help bring out true feelings and thoughts while still keeping the peace. I love to hold a dried bundle when I need to ask myself hard questions—honesty helps me see behind my own self-deceptions. She will help you check yourself, and own your thoughts and actions.

PLANT WISDOM

Honesty can also support any Full Moon intentions or Magical workings. If you have trouble reaching other worlds, spirits, or your higher self, invite honesty into your life. She will bring light to the unseen. I often ask her to visit my dreams to help me navigate through a tough habit I want to let go of. She brings clarity to the underlying reasons I keep returning to thoughts and behaviors I know aren’t good for me.

Honesty Self-Reflection Scan

I do this self-reflection scan at least once a month. It helps me see beyond the surface of my intentions, taking me straight to the source of my actions, feelings, and thoughts. No one is perfect, and we all have underlying issues we need to work out. Honesty will help you check yourself, and make sure you are aligned with your higher purpose. Do this scan whenever you start to feel a little off, or simply make a habit of performing it once a month, just to keep on top of things.

WHAT YOU NEED

Mirror

Bowl of water

Honesty flower petals

White candle

Bundle of dried honesty seedpods

WHAT TO DO

· Sit in front of your mirror, making sure you’re in a private, quiet space.

· Set the bowl of water in front of you and add a few honesty petals to float in the water.

· Light the white candle and place it next to the bowl.

· Take the bundle of seedpods and swipe it down your body, starting at your head and working your way down to the ground.

· Make a whooshing or swiping sound as you envision sweeping dark clouds away from your body.

· Do this 3 times, and when you’ve finished, sit still while holding your bundle of honesty pods.

· Look into your eyes in the mirror and take 7 to 10 deep breaths. This can be intense, so breathe deeply, calming your mind.

· Have a conversation with your reflection. Ask a question in your mind, and allow your reflection to answer. Your higher self will speak through the mirror.