Roses are among the most magickal and versatile herbs, holding the highest vibrational frequency of all plants. Revered for over 5,000 years, roses have been woven into the fabric of myth, medicine, and ritual across cultures. In Greek lore, Aphrodite’s tears and the foam from her body gave birth to the first roses, while in Roman mythology, roses were sacred to gods like Venus and Cupid. Throughout history, the red rose has symbolized love, secrecy, and even the blood of Christ in Christian tradition.
In magickal practice, roses are associated with the planet Venus and the element of Water, making them powerful allies for love, beauty, emotional healing, and psychic work. Their high frequency makes them ideal for cleansing spaces—burning rose petals is a beautiful alternative to white sage, and rosewater can be sprinkled to purify altars or ritual tools. Roses are also used to raise the vibration of a room, attract benevolent spirits, and create a peaceful, loving atmosphere.
The magical correspondences of roses are vast. Red roses are used for passionate love, courage, and vitality; pink for gentle affection, friendship, and self-love; white for purity, spiritual connection, and new beginnings; yellow for joy, friendship, and abundance; and orange for enthusiasm and creativity. In color magick, the shade of rose you choose can amplify your intention—try adding petals of the appropriate color to spell jars, sachets, or ritual baths.
Roses are the quintessential flower of love spells. Add dried petals to love sachets, blend rose oil into attraction potions, or anoint yourself with rosewater before a date to draw romance and beauty. For self-love, meditate with a pink rose or place petals on your heart chakra. Thorns, often overlooked, are powerful for protection—place them around your home or in a charm bag to ward off negativity. In healing, rose tea soothes the mind and body, while rose oil can be used in anointing rituals for emotional balance and heart healing.
Roses are also potent in divination and spiritual work. Scatter petals on water and interpret their patterns for scrying, or use rose incense to enhance psychic abilities and dreamwork. In abundance magick, place dried petals in a money sachet, or burn them in fire spells to release your intentions for prosperity. Roses are traditional offerings to deities such as Aphrodite, Venus, Isis, and Mary, symbolizing devotion, gratitude, and the sacred feminine.
Folklore is rich with rose magick. In medieval times, roses were planted near graves to protect the dead and guide their spirits. The phrase “sub rosa,” meaning “under the rose,” signified secrecy and confidentiality, as roses were hung above meeting tables to ensure privacy. In Victorian England, the language of flowers gave roses coded meanings—one rose for love at first sight, a dozen to say “be mine,” and fifty to express a love with no bounds.
In modern witchcraft, roses remain a staple for spells, rituals, and daily magick. Whether you’re crafting a love charm, seeking protection, manifesting abundance, or connecting with the divine, the rose offers its timeless energy as a gift to the heart and spirit—no matter the color or number, its magick endures.
