Hollyhock, also known as Alcea rosea, is a flowering plant that has been used for various magical purposes throughout history. Its tall stalks adorned with vibrant flowers have made it a popular choice for decorative gardens, but its magical properties have made it a staple in witchcraft and folklore. One of the primary magical uses of hollyhock is for protection. It is believed that hanging hollyhock flowers or leaves near doorways or windows can ward off negative energies and evil spirits. Some also believe that wearing hollyhock as an amulet can offer protection against curses and hexes. In addition to protection, hollyhock is often used in spells and rituals for promoting love and friendship.
How to grow hollyhock: Cover with a layer of soil as thick as the seed's diameter. Daytime temperatures of 68F/20C are best for germination. Keep moist but not soppy. It should germinate in 1-2 weeks. You can also plant directly outside two weeks before the last frost date. It likes a sheltered (not too much wind), sunny site and rich soil. It does not like extreme heat, as in south Florida. If grown there, try planting it on the north side of the house and not in full sun. It usually spends the first year making a rosette of leaves and forming a sturdy root, then in the second year a large spike will shoot up 5-8 feet and will start blooming, but sometimes you will get lucky and it will bloom late in the first year. If you pinch it back as it is growing, it will get more branches and thus more flowers. Or you can just let it go to its full, regal height. Single stalks are very impressive. Mulch at least four inches deep to protect in winter, although if you get heavy snow cover all winter, you don't need to. They like to reseed themselves. General growing info Top
The large, round seed pods make a good symbol for a well stuffed purse and for fertility; indeed, in the language of flowers, hollyhock stands for fertility and wealth. It usually spends the first year making a rosette of leaves and forming a sturdy root, then in the second year a large spike will shoot up 5-8 feet and will start blooming, but sometimes you will get lucky and it will bloom late in the first year.
In addition to protection, hollyhock is often used in spells and rituals for promoting love and friendship. It is said to possess the power to attract love and enhance relationships. Some practitioners use hollyhock in love spells or create charm bags filled with hollyhock petals to attract a compatible partner or strengthen an existing relationship.
Hollyhock magical uses
Alcea rosea var. nigra
Black Hollyhock
This Venus-ruled plant is associated with Ceres, Demeter, and the festival of the first fruits. The large, round seed pods make a good symbol for a well stuffed purse and for fertility; indeed, in the language of flowers, hollyhock stands for fertility and wealth. The flower essence of black hollyhock is useful for coming to grips with the void and for introspection. To make a quickie poppet, strip the green sepals off a hollyhock bud and then stick the stem of an open flower into the folds of the bud's petals. Hollyhock's name means "holy mallow." A stalk of hollyhock is sometimes incorporated into celebrations of Lammas as a way of ensuring the fertility of fields.
This perennial comes originally from the Mediterranean and was introduced into Europe in the 1500s, so it was grown in medieval gardens. The flowers, leaves, and roots are edible and quite juicy. The flowers can be dried and used for coloring; they can be added to pot pourri for decoration, to white wine for coloring, or steeped and drunk as a soothing, purple tea. They can also be used to dye mordanted wool in colors of pink (alum), blue (alum/tin), taupe (iron), light green (blue vitriol). Black hollyhock looks great against a wall. Hollyhocks are good cut flowers; the buds will open. All hollyhocks are great for the cottage garden, but the black hollyhock adds a dark tint that is otherwise missing. Nice coupled with other black flowers. Good deer-proof plant; they don't like the fuzzy leaves. Top
How to grow hollyhock: Cover with a layer of soil as thick as the seed's diameter. Daytime temperatures of 68F/20C are best for germination. Keep moist but not soppy. It should germinate in 1-2 weeks. You can also plant directly outside two weeks before the last frost date. It likes a sheltered (not too much wind), sunny site and rich soil. It does not like extreme heat, as in south Florida. If grown there, try planting it on the north side of the house and not in full sun. It usually spends the first year making a rosette of leaves and forming a sturdy root, then in the second year a large spike will shoot up 5-8 feet and will start blooming, but sometimes you will get lucky and it will bloom late in the first year. If you pinch it back as it is growing, it will get more branches and thus more flowers. Or you can just let it go to its full, regal height. Single stalks are very impressive. Mulch at least four inches deep to protect in winter, although if you get heavy snow cover all winter, you don't need to. They like to reseed themselves. General growing info Top
Alcea rosea var. nigra
Black Hollyhock
20 seeds $3.75
Uses in Witchcraft & Magick:
Honoring Ceres & Demeter
Money Spells
Fertility Magick
Celebrating Lammas
Venus Herb
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Furthermore, hollyhock is considered to have healing properties. It is believed to have soothing and calming effects, making it a go-to herb for spellwork related to emotional healing and stress relief. Some practitioners may create teas or infusions using hollyhock flowers to promote relaxation and inner peace. Hollyhock also has a long-standing association with divination and communication with the spirit world. It is believed that burning hollyhock leaves or using them as incense can aid in connecting with ancestors or spirits during rituals. Some also use hollyhock in dream pillows or sachets to enhance psychic abilities and dream recall. Lastly, hollyhock is often utilized in rituals or spells for fertility and abundance. Its association with growth and vitality makes it a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their prosperity or wishing to conceive a child. In conclusion, hollyhock has a rich history of magical uses. From protection and love to healing and divination, this versatile plant has found its place in various forms of spellwork throughout the ages. Whether used as a simple decoration or incorporated into a complex ritual, hollyhock continues to be a cherished tool in the realm of magic and witchcraft..
Reviews for "Hollyhock: Ancient Lore and Modern Applications"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Hollyhock Magical Uses". I thought it would provide some unique and interesting ways to use hollyhock in magical practices, but it was just a regurgitation of common information that can easily be found online. The book lacked depth and failed to offer any new insights or techniques. Overall, it felt like a waste of time and money.
2. Mike - 1 star - This book was a complete letdown. The author claimed to have extensive knowledge of the magical uses of hollyhock, but it was clear that they were just regurgitating information from other sources without adding anything new or unique. The writing was also very dry and lacked any sort of engaging storytelling. I would not recommend "Hollyhock Magical Uses" to anyone seeking genuine and original magical insights.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - As someone who has been practicing magic for several years, I was excited to explore the potential magical uses of hollyhock. However, this book fell short of my expectations. The information provided was basic and could easily be found with a quick online search. I was hoping for in-depth instructions and rituals, but instead, I found vague and generic descriptions. If you're a beginner, you might find some value in "Hollyhock Magical Uses," but for someone looking for advanced and unique magical practices, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
4. Mark - 1 star - I found "Hollyhock Magical Uses" to be poorly organized and lacking in substance. The book jumped from one topic to another without any clear structure or flow. Additionally, the information provided was very basic and offered no practical advice or guidance on actually incorporating hollyhock into magical practices. It felt like a collection of random thoughts rather than a cohesive guide. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this book.