Over the course of the last few days the magnificent Angelica plants have been raising their bud heads in anticipation of bloom. This is a plant spirit with an awesome presence. People all over the planet use Angelica for protection.
There are about thirty varieties of Angelicas. Angelica has greenish white flowers that bloom from June to August. It is a spectacular looking plant, growing to an impressive height of 5 or 6 feet or more. Angelica archangelica is a cultivated species here in America. Our native species is Angelica atropurprurea, or Masterwort. It has similar properties, but Angelica archangelica is considered the medicinal. It can sometimes be confused with Water Hemlock which is a deadly poison, so be certain of your identification.
Angelica has been known throughout the ages as a protection against contagious disease, for purifying the blood, and for curing every conceivable malady. Mrs. Grieve relates that in some parts of Germany Angelica grows profusely in the wild. It is the local custom among the peasants to march into the town market squares carrying the Angelica flower stems, chanting an old charm in a dialect now forgotten, even to the people reenacting this ancient rite. The chanted words and the tune are taught to the people in childhood, and may be derived from a Pagan early summer festival such as Walpurgis Night with which the plant may originally have been associated. After the spread of Christianity, Angelica became associated with the archangels and the festival of the Annunciation. According to one legend, the Archangel Michael (some sources say Raphael) appeared to a monk and proclaimed that the plant would protect people from the plague. In Europe Angelica blooms on the day of Michael the Archangel (May 8, old style), and because of this it is considered to be extremely protective against evil spirits and witchcraft, spells and enchantment. Angelica was dubbed “The Root of the Holy Ghost.” Yellow juice from the root is used as an ingredient of Carmelite water. The root carried in a blue cloth bag is a protective amulet. Not only does it grant protection from negative energies but its use also brings good or positive energy into ones life.
An herbal bath prepared with Angelica will promote a healthy aura and provide a rejuvenation of positive energy to the psychic self. Angelica is known as an herb of Atlantis and can be used to connect with Atlantean energies, visions and mysteries. Angelica has also been used as a Visionary herb to increase one's ability to see into other realities and times, both past and future. Wiccans may use Angelica to commune with the Archangel Michael.
Native Americans rubbed the root of the Angelica atropurpurea on their hands to attract game, as well as placing it in their medicine bags for protection.
Here at Lichenwood I finally have Angelica blooming once again. Flower essence was co-created seven years ago from the first plant that bloomed here. This is only the second time I will experience the bloom of this bienniel which oddly takes three seasons to bloom, rather than two, here in New Hampshire. I am thrilled to experience the loving support of this plant spirit.
The Flower Essence Society suggests using Angelica flower essence for feeling protection and guidance from spiritual beings, especially during transitional experiences such as birth and death. According to Gurudas, the Angelica plant was created by the Lemurians to soothe the effects of stress. Angelica can be used for effortless acceptance of spirituality and a support for letting light into your life, as well as offering protection, strengthening trust, and reinforcing the action of the immune system during stressful times. It has also been used to get to the root of addictions. Angelica can help a person to have clearer insight into the cause and nature of things. Angelica will promote courage in those who are timid and fearful. Angelica helps us face the unknown by strengthening our connection to the Angelic realm. It is said to bring a deeper understanding of Inner Light, insight and inspiration in one’s life purpose and puts us in touch with that part of the inner self which is truly immortal.