Hibiscus Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Rose of Sharon, Roselle, Shoeblack Plant
A vivid flower for passion, romance and opening up to intuition.
How to use it
- Love tea
Brew a deep red cup of hibiscus tea and share it with a partner, or drink it yourself while focusing on warmth, passion and feeling worthy of love.
- Altar offering
Set fresh or dried hibiscus flowers on your altar during a full moon working for love or self-acceptance. Return them to the earth when they wilt.
- Scrying bowl
Steep dried petals in water until it turns a dark ruby color, then gaze into the bowl by candlelight and notice any images or feelings that arise.
Works well with
History and folklore
Hibiscus grows across the tropics and has many traditions of its own. In Hawaii the flower is worn behind the ear, and popular custom says the side shows whether the wearer is taken or free. The deep red tea, often called sorrel or agua de Jamaica, is enjoyed from the Caribbean to West Africa and Mexico. In Western magick, hibiscus is valued for its bold color, which naturally lends itself to spells of passion, attraction and opening the heart.
A vivid flower for passion, romance and opening up to intuition.
- Intentions: Love, Divination
- Element: Water
- Planet: Venus
- Zodiac: Libra, Taurus
- Day: Friday
- Moon phase: Full Moon
- Parts used: Flowers
Safety: Some hibiscus species, such as Rose of Sharon, are toxic to cats, dogs and horses (ASPCA list) and may upset their stomachs, so keep flowers away from pets. Hibiscus tea is generally advised against during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, so check with a healthcare provider first.
How to use it
- Love tea. Brew a deep red cup of hibiscus tea and share it with a partner, or drink it yourself while focusing on warmth, passion and feeling worthy of love.
- Altar offering. Set fresh or dried hibiscus flowers on your altar during a full moon working for love or self-acceptance. Return them to the earth when they wilt.
- Scrying bowl. Steep dried petals in water until it turns a dark ruby color, then gaze into the bowl by candlelight and notice any images or feelings that arise.
Works well with: Red Candle, Rose Quartz, Friday, Ylang-Ylang, Beltane
Folklore
Hibiscus grows across the tropics and has many traditions of its own. In Hawaii the flower is worn behind the ear, and popular custom says the side shows whether the wearer is taken or free. The deep red tea, often called sorrel or agua de Jamaica, is enjoyed from the Caribbean to West Africa and Mexico. In Western magick, hibiscus is valued for its bold color, which naturally lends itself to spells of passion, attraction and opening the heart.
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.