Roses: Flower of the Goddess

Roses have offered beauty and lifted spirits for centuries, bringing with them a secret message that speaks directly to the heart. And according to scientists who unearthed fossilized roses, they have been in existence for approximately 35 million years.

We can understand from that alone how all of mythology stakes claim to the Rose as their own. In Greek mythology, the Rose belonged to Aphrodite. Legend tells of how the white Rose was a gift from the gods to celebrate the birth of Aphrodite, its petals unfolding as the beautiful Aphrodite emerged from the sea. Later-in her life, we learn, as Aphrodite was hurrying to defend the gorgeous Adonis from the fury of Aries, she pricked her foot on a thorn of the white Rose her blood staining it. Hence, the red Rose!

Romans rulers so loved the Rose (or Flower of Venus) that they devoted a holiday to the Rose: the feast of Rosealia, which was cerebrated on May 23. Both royalty and commoners alike took part in the festivities. Palace floors were strewn with Rose petals; they bathed in Rose water and annoited  themselves with atar of Roses; and even dusted dry with Rose petals. As if that wasnt enough, they also quenched their thirst with—you guessed it—Rose Wine!

It was once believed that all Roses were thornless until that darling cherub Cupid took revenge on the Rose. It seems that Cupid tried to lay a kiss upon a beautiful Rose but was stung on his lips by a bee. He thought , indeed, it was the Rose that drew blood from his lips so he got even by shooting arrows tipped with angry bees into a garden of Roses... and roses have had thorns ever since!

Growing your own Roses isn't that difficult, and with the right garden spot and a little common sense you should be gathering lovely blooms all summer long. Choose a spot that will get at least five to six hours of sunlight a day. Don't crowd with other plants and flowers, although climbers don't mind some company. If you are replacing an older Rose bush, be sure to add at least 18 inches of fresh soil, as the soil left by older plants is zapped of nutrients. Water your Rose bush well and wait for magic to happen.

Once you have harvested your Roses, you may want to try this easy yet potent recipe—"borrowed" from a Roman emperor—for Rose nectar. You will need:

• 1/2 cup brandy
• 2 bottles red wine
• 1 quart of lemon aide
• 1 teaspoon grenadine
• 4 drops of Rose oil and a cup of fresh pureed strawberries

Simply mix all ingredients in a chilled punch bowl adding the Rose oil and Grenadine last. Garnish with some Rose buds but be sure to use only pesticide free buds, and run under water, rinsing well before adding to the Nectar.

Back to some history: the Rose is ruled by the planet Venus and its gender is female. (Yes, all planets have ruling planets and genders.) If the Flower of the Goddess has opened you to love and romance and the magic of days gone by, I'll leave you with an old Victorian love charm:

On a Friday night, when the Moon is almost full, gather some Rose petals and drop then onto a small square of fabric to form a sachet. Light a red candle and focus on love and romance entering your life. See in your minds eye the person you are  meant to be with- sharing a happy life. Repeat this chant three times: "Oh Venus Goddess of love fill my heart with joy and laughter. Let me find true love ever after."

Place you sachet in a safe place until your desire comes to pass. Until next time sit back, lift your glass of Rose nectar and slip back to the days of the Romans and remember... Magic Happens.