Centaurea cyanus
Black Ball Cornflower Some consider this a Venus or Saturn plant, but I would argue that
it is Earth because of its association with cultivation ("corn" is an old
word for any grain) and its color. Cornflower has long been an indicator of
good farm land and so symbolizes
fertility and abundance. Because cornflower is an old remedy for eye problems--a
poultice of the petals was put on eyelids--it is also considered good for Third
Eye sight. Try a petal poultice over the Third Eye for improved psychic ability.
An Earth herb will give you a different perspective on the psychic than a Moon
herb--more grounded and more depth. Cornflower is known for helping us see the
Fae more easily. The flower essence of cornflower encourages us to accept our
differences from others and to have self-knowledge. It also protects psychic
and other gifts from negative influences and rigidity, and it bolsters healthy
individuality. Leaves in wine were considered protective against plague and
other infectious diseases. Petals are nice in pot pourri and can be made into
ink, and the flowers are edible, so they are good for ritual drinks. This plant
got the name hurtsickle because its tough stems blunted grain harvester's sickles.
It is also known as bluebottle, bluebow, blue cap, bluet (for the more traditionally
colored cornflower) and perhaps more appropriate
for this color, devil's flower. As far as I can tell, "cyanus" [kyanos]
was not, as many Internet sources claim, associated
with any Earth goddess but the name of a beautiful blue colorant for ceramics
invented by the Minoans. This annual
blooms May-August and likes it on the cool side. It was once so common in the
UK it was a weed but is now rarely met there in the wild. The flowers are a
dark milk chocolate color, black on cloudy days. Other black flowers
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How to grow black cornflower: Barely cover the seeds to germinate in 14-21 days at 59-68F/15-20C.
Sow March-April or August-September for growth in spring. Or sow on Winter Solstice
(see special directions on the Solstice Sowing page). Plant in full sun
or partial shade where sun is scorching. Choose ordinary soil--rich soil means
fewer flowers with this plant. Deadhead to keep it blooming, and if you want
especially large flowers, pick off all but a few buds. It gets 1-3 ft/20-90cm
high and makes a good cut flower. This plant likes it cool. General
growing info.
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Centaurea cyanus Black Gem Cornflower 30
seeds $3.75
This seed is subject to state-specific shipping prohibitions.
Uses
in Witchcraft & Magic:
Earth Herb Fairy Magic Divination Protection
Spells
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