Chrysanthemum Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Mum, Mums, Chrysanth, Garden Mum
A golden autumn flower of protection, long life and honoring the dead.
- Intentions
- Protection, Peace, Wisdom
- Element
- Fire
- Planet
- The Sun
- Day
- Sunday
- Moon phase
- Waning Gibbous
- Parts used
- Flowers, fresh or dried
How to use it
- Samhain ancestor flowers
Set chrysanthemums on your ancestor altar at Samhain and speak the names of those you remember.
- Protective pot
Keep a potted mum by your front door through autumn with the intention that it guards the home.
- Sunny tea ritual
Brew food-grade dried chrysanthemum flowers as a tea, hold the warm cup and set an intention for calm and a long, healthy life.
History and folklore
Chrysanthemums have been grown in China for more than 2,000 years, where they stand for long life and the autumn season. In Japan the flower is the symbol of the imperial family. In much of Europe, chrysanthemums are laid on graves on All Saints Day in early November, which links them closely to remembering the dead. Witches use them at Samhain and for protection and peace.
A golden autumn flower of protection, long life and honoring the dead.
- Intentions: Protection, Peace, Wisdom
- Element: Fire
- Planet: The Sun
- Day: Sunday
- Moon phase: Waning Gibbous
- Parts used: Flowers, fresh or dried
Safety: Chrysanthemums are toxic to cats and dogs, and handling them can cause a skin rash in some people. Only drink tea made from flowers sold as food.
How to use it
- Samhain ancestor flowers. Set chrysanthemums on your ancestor altar at Samhain and speak the names of those you remember.
- Protective pot. Keep a potted mum by your front door through autumn with the intention that it guards the home.
- Sunny tea ritual. Brew food-grade dried chrysanthemum flowers as a tea, hold the warm cup and set an intention for calm and a long, healthy life.
Works well with: Samhain, Mabon, Gold Candle, Sunday, Citrine
Folklore
Chrysanthemums have been grown in China for more than 2,000 years, where they stand for long life and the autumn season. In Japan the flower is the symbol of the imperial family. In much of Europe, chrysanthemums are laid on graves on All Saints Day in early November, which links them closely to remembering the dead. Witches use them at Samhain and for protection and peace.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.