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

Dandelion Taraxacum
A Compendium of Plants

ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES

wishes, opening the door between realms, resilience

Dandelion is very resilient—she will keep coming back even if you’re trying to get rid of her! Dandelions have a signature brilliant yellow flower and a long taproot. Who hasn’t blown at a puff of dandelion seeds and made a wish? It’s one of childhood’s greatest pleasures. And then there’s the tradition of holding a dandelion flower under your chin and seeing if your face appears golden in its reflected light—if it does, you’ll be rich someday. That particular game dates back to the Middle Ages.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Dandelion is good for more than just wish fulfillment. According to Native American medicine, dandelion root can aid in treating stomach and liver conditions, as well as acne, eczema, high cholesterol, diabetes, and perhaps even cancer. Her sap can clear up warts, and her leaves are good for digestion and make a wonderful addition to a salad. They are highly nutritious and contain potent antioxidants, reducing inflammation and boosting your immune system.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES

When you want to use dandelion in a spell, think of the messages she gives: She is so resilient that she’s able to grow and thrive anywhere. This makes her great for abundance work. Drinking a tea made from her leaves or roots before going to bed can give you prophetic dreams. Keeping a dandelion in a locket or pressed in your school books or planner will help in keeping you focused and productive.

PLANT WISDOM

If you have a pattern in your life you want to change, ask for dandelion’s help. She is great for transformation, as she can help you stay resilient no matter what comes your way. She teaches us not to give up or give in. I am an Indigenous peoples’ activist, a protector of the Earth—in my community, resilience is power, and dandelion feeds that power. I keep her with me to stay strong and to help those around me stay strong, and I know many other Indigenous activists who do the same.

Dreaming of dandelions symbolizes a breakthrough. When you meet her in dreams, know that she will comfort and support you when you’re going through big life changes.