Over the last year, during these strange times we’ve been living through, you may like me have gone through highs and lows. During the lows, I’ve often asked myself: What do I need? What is missing for me? How can I nurture my Spirit? The answer I have received over and over has been: connect with the love in my heart, with beauty, and with feminine radiance. Connecting with the beauty and symbolism of the rose has helped me through.
Over the last year, during these strange times we’ve been living through, you may like me have gone through highs and lows. During the lows, I’ve often asked myself: What do I need? What is missing for me? How can I nurture my Spirit? The answer I have received over and over has been: connect with the love in your heart, with beauty, and with feminine radiance. Connecting with the beauty and symbolism of the rose has helped me through.
It also seems appropriate to mention the rose at this time of year. today is Valentine’s day, when the gift of roses is traditionally used to symbolize our love for one another.
The rose is the emblem flower and a powerful symbol for Woman Within and plays a special role in helping us open our hearts. Flowers can be our teachers and guides if we allow them to be. As humans the challenge of life is to keep our hearts open, especially when we feel low and want to close them. Life cracks us open and the challenge at these times is to keep our hearts open no matter how much it hurts. Roses can help us to do this.
Roses go from a seed to a tiny, closed bud, to a beautiful flower, which continually unfolds.
Aromatherapists and healers use rose essence to heal the heart. Even just the scent of a rose can open our hearts. For some, the fragrance of the rose represents the sacredness of our souls and the presence of the Divine. Roses are often used to represent the heart and those who work with crystals see rose quartz as the stone that heals the heart.
Something about the perfect symmetry of the rose communicates spiritual significance.
In Greek mythology it is seen as a powerful symbol of love and beauty. Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love is often portrayed with a crown of roses around her head.
The rose can remind us that it is safe to come out of hiding, open our heart and share our voice. If we choose to see and create beauty wherever we go, we walk the path of the rose, stepping into the space of the soul. As we create harmony in the world around us, we create harmony within ourselves. Using roses to imbue our altars and homes with beauty and meaning creates beautiful sacred space.
Find a beautiful rose (or a picture of a rose) and settle in (with a journal and pen) for a beautiful connection to your heart and soul. (At one point, Alison will ask you to open your eyes and focus on your rose. You may choose to keep them closed if that feels right for you.)
Angela Seeling (Woman Withiner, Midwife, Professional Coach & Wellness Advocate) offers some practical tips for self-love and care. She shares the many benefits of Rose Oil and how to use it to deepen your inner healing - emotionally, mentally and physically.
Alison Davis