Orris Root Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Florentine Iris, Queen Elizabeth Root
A violet-scented iris root traditionally used to draw love and hold scents.
- Intentions
- Love, Protection, Divination
- Element
- Water
- Planet
- Venus
- Day
- Friday
- Moon phase
- Waxing Gibbous
- Parts used
- Dried root (whole or powdered)
- Also used for
- Fixing scent in sachets and incense
How to use it
- Love-drawing powder
Mix a small amount of orris powder with dried rose petals and dust it lightly inside a pink sachet. Carry it as you focus on attracting kindness and affection.
- Hold a blend together
Add a pinch of orris powder to potpourri or loose incense to help the scent last. Ask that your intention hold steady as long as the fragrance does.
- Divination pendulum
Some practitioners hang a small piece of whole orris root on a string as a simple pendulum. Ask clear yes or no questions and watch how it swings.
Works well with
History and folklore
Orris root is the dried rhizome of certain irises, especially those grown around Florence, Italy. Once dried for several years it takes on a soft violet scent, which made it a staple of perfumery and sachets. Iris was named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, who carried messages between gods and people. In folk magick, especially hoodoo, orris is often called Queen Elizabeth Root and is traditionally used to draw love, win favor and keep a relationship strong.
A violet-scented iris root traditionally used to draw love and hold scents.
- Intentions: Love, Protection, Divination
- Element: Water
- Planet: Venus
- Zodiac: Taurus, Libra
- Day: Friday
- Moon phase: Waxing Gibbous
- Parts used: Dried root (whole or powdered)
- Also used for: Fixing scent in sachets and incense
Safety: Toxic if swallowed, especially fresh root; do not eat it. Orris powder is a common allergen and skin sensitizer, and the dust can irritate lungs, so avoid inhaling it and wash your hands after use. Iris is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Avoid while pregnant or breastfeeding. Ventilate when burning.
How to use it
- Love-drawing powder. Mix a small amount of orris powder with dried rose petals and dust it lightly inside a pink sachet. Carry it as you focus on attracting kindness and affection.
- Hold a blend together. Add a pinch of orris powder to potpourri or loose incense to help the scent last. Ask that your intention hold steady as long as the fragrance does.
- Divination pendulum. Some practitioners hang a small piece of whole orris root on a string as a simple pendulum. Ask clear yes or no questions and watch how it swings.
Works well with: Pink Candle, Rose Quartz, Friday, Rose Otto, Waxing Gibbous
Folklore
Orris root is the dried rhizome of certain irises, especially those grown around Florence, Italy. Once dried for several years it takes on a soft violet scent, which made it a staple of perfumery and sachets. Iris was named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, who carried messages between gods and people. In folk magick, especially hoodoo, orris is often called Queen Elizabeth Root and is traditionally used to draw love, win favor and keep a relationship strong.
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.