Violet
Heartease
Oh! that we two were Maying
Down the stream of the soft spring breeze;
Like children with violets playing
In the shade of the whispering trees.
Oh! that we two sat dreaming
On the sward of some sheep-trimmed down,
Watching the white mist steaming
Over river and mead and town.
Oh! that we two lay sleeping
In our nest in the churchyard sod,
With our limbs at rest on the quiet earth’s breast,
And our souls at home with God!
The heart-shaped leaves of this modest girl reveal her inner sweetness. Her stalks emerge from a creeping rhizome. When young, the leaves are curled up from the sides toward the middle. Sporting a downy covering, especially on the underside, the green leaves unfurl to reveal her soft and loving nature. The flowers arrive on stalks that rise up from the axil of the leaves, each one culminating in a single 5-petaled flower. The color violet takes its name from this lovely girl, which often flowers in that particular shade. Yet, this girl can really send some mixed messages. Not unattractive, just perhaps not well thought out. The pretty spring blossoms are full of honey, but arrive before the bees can make good use of them. Thus the violet relies on seed propagation as well as runners sent out from her roots.
The Magic of Violet
Correspondences
Element: Water
Gender: Feminine
Sabbat: Imbolc
Planet: Venus, Pluto
Chakra: Heart
Spellwork
Love
Luck
Dream
Protect
Peace
Proverb
Cheyenne: Our first teacher is our own heart.
The Medicine of Violet
Ayurvedic
Ayurvedic Name: Banfsha
Vata: Balance
Kapha: Pacify
Pitta: Pacify
Taste: Pungent, Bitter, Sweet
Herbology
Alterative
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Anticatarrhal
Anti–inflammatory
Antipyretic
Decongestant
Diaphoretic
Expectorant
Sedative
TCM
TCM Name: Zĭ huā dì dīng
Botanical Name: Viola yedoensis
Common Name: Sweet Violet
Energy: Cool, Moist
Flavor: Spicy, Bitter
Organs: Liver, Heart
Movement: Clear heat, Eliminate Toxins
Science of Violet
Botany
Botanical Name: Viola odorata
Family: Violaceae (Violet Family)
Type of Plant: Herbaceous Perennial
Habitat: Average soil, Sun/Shade
Zone: 3-7
Bloom Time: April – August
Height: 4-6 inches
Spread: 8-24 inches
Propagation: Division, Seed
Harvest: Flowers when fresh and bright
Part Used: Flowers, Leaves
Constituents: Flavonoid, Glycosides, Alkaloids, Terpenes, Saponins, Tannins
Native Region: Europe
Sustainability: Good
Leaf
Structure: Simple
Arrangement: Basal
Shape: Heart shaped
Length: 2 inches
Margins: Round Toothed
Surface: Pubescent, downy
Flower
Inflorescence: Simple, Irregular
Sexuality: Perfect
Stamen: 5, alternate to petals
Petals: 5 sepals, 5 unequal petals
Color: Violet
Size: under 1 inch
Sacred Story
Violets were the signature flower for the famous French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte. Called Corporal Violet by his supporters, he promised to return from his exile on the island of Elba when the violets blossomed. It is said that violets were even a part of his secret code. When asked if a person like the violet, one in the inner circle would reply, “mais oui”. If the reply was a simple, oui or non, then it was clear that this person was oblivious to the plot and schemes of this strategic military figure.
Also of note is that this modest flower was worn by his beloved first wife, Josephine, at their wedding. It became a symbol of thier love, and Napoleon had her grave covered in these sweet flowers, one of which he carried with him in a locket until his own death.
