Saturday, January 28, 2012

My Love For Roses

Rose meaning and rose symbolism is known by almost everyone on some level - otherwise it wouldn’t be the most popularly sent flower on Valentine’s Day! This page honors the upcoming event, and explores the richness of rose meanings and its lush symbolism.
Some helpful keywords pertaining to symbolic rose meaning:
  • Love
  • Honor
  • Faith
  • Beauty
  • Balance
  • Passion
  • Wisdom
  • Intrigue
  • Devotion
  • Sensuality
  • Timelessness
I particularly enjoy how numerology partners with the symbolism of the rose.
For example, in art of the renaissance, a rose with eight petals is a message of rebirth and renewal.
In alchemical texts and art, a rose with seven petals is a symbol of inclusion, universal understanding and order. Presumably, because in Pythagorean numerology the number seven is iconic of the perfection in the specific unfolding the universe as well as human understanding.
We see a partnership between the rose and numbers in Freemasonry too where threeroses are symbolic of a guiding principle. Each of the three roses seen in Freemason symbology indicates abiding 1) Love, 2) Life, and 3) Light.
In mythology, rose meaning is associated with Aphrodite (Greek) goddess of love who was often depicted adorned with roses around her head, feet and or neck. In lore, we track down this association when we discover that a rose bush grew within the pool of blood spilled from Aphrodite’s slain lover (Adonis). We can interpret the symbolism here several ways. The most common interpretation is that the rose symbolizes an immortal love or a union that will never fade - even through time or death.
Similarly in Christian lore, a rose bush was said to have grown at the site of Christ’s death. His blood serving is often associated with a red rose, combined with its thorns is thus symbolized the ultimate sacrifice.
In addition to being a symbol of love, the rose is also symbolic carrier of secrets or tacit understanding. The term “sub rosa” means under the rose and comes from the practice of Romans hanging roses above meeting tables. Here it was understood that anything said at this table, beneath the hanging roses, was forbidden to be repeated elsewhere.
Seeking symbolic meaning of the rose from an esoteric perspective, we can look at theTarot, in which the rose is considered a symbol of balance. Here the beauty of the rose expresses promise, new beginnings, hope. This beauty is contrasted with its thorns which represents defense, physicality, loss, thoughtlessness. The rose is seen in the major arcana as: Magician, Strength, Death and Fool cards. All of these cards hold strong meanings of balance and equilibrium.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

The Beautiful Eucalyptus Macrocarpa

Eucalyptus macrocarpa also known as Mottlecah is a mallee Eucalyptus widely known for its impressively large, red flowers.
Native to Western Australia, Eucalyptus has, not only eye-catching flowers, but also very interesting leaves. The foliage manages to reach almost the same degree of beauty as the flowers, transforming Eucalyptus into an inestimable treasure of nature.
The leaves have an ovate- elliptical shape and a pale silvery- gray color that comes in perfect contrast with the astonishing red flowers, a contrast that also manages to underline their beauty.
The flowers, having a diameter of 100 mm can have colors such as bright red or even pink-red. The blooming period begins in early spring and the last flowers may be seen in mid summer. Besides the flowers, that can definitely not pass unnoticed, there is another important detail represented by the impressive dimensions of the leaves.
Eucalyptus macrocarpa has as growing environments those with dry soil and even if it can also grow in tropical areas, that climate is not recommended.

Regarding the use of Eucalyptus in medicine, the plant was discovered in ancient times and used with the purpose of healing fever. Nowadays, Eucalyptus is used as ingredient in various drugs and it is widely known for its benefic action in treating diseases such as: bronchitis or rheumatism. Other problems in which the use of Eucalyptus is recommended are: minor aches, pains of muscles or nasal congestion.
Even though Eucalyptus is recommended, there also are cases in which the poor amount of information offered by the manufacturers of herbs can lead to poisonings generated by overdoses.
These unfortunate cases come as a result of unprofessional behavior and are most definitely life- threatening. Some of the symptoms are: drop of blood pressure, circulation problems, collapse and asphyxiation. In case you recognize these symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical help immediately.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Do You Know All The Meanings Of Rose?

Giving roses on special occasions is a popular tradition but you can make your gift more meaningful if you choose a color that conveys a specific message.
Each rose color has a different meaning, usually more than one. If you want to be sure that your loved one receives the message you intend, include it on the accompanying card.
A personalized message will make your roses all the more special.
Here is a quick summary of the meaning of roses:
1. Red Roses
Red roses convey a simple message: "I love you". This makes them the ultimate symbol of romantic love and the most popular choice on Valentine’s Day. Other meanings for red roses include desire, passion, courage, respect, beauty and sincerity. A red rosebud symbolizes purity and loveliness.
2. Coral Roses
Coral roses speak of desire and passion.
3. Lilac or Lavender Roses
Lilac roses reveal love at first sight or enchantment.
4. Orange Roses
Orange roses communicate desire, enthusiasm and fascination. They make an excellent choice for a new relationship that you wish to pursue further.
5. Peach Roses
Peach roses express gratitude, appreciation, admiration or sympathy. They can also convey sociability and friendship and send the message "Let's get together". A pale peach rose symbolizes modesty.
6. Pink Roses
In general, pink roses symbolize grace, gentility and happiness and express appreciation and gratitude.
7. Pale Pink Roses
Pale pink roses connote grace, joy, gentility and gratitude.
8. Light Pink Roses
Light pink roses suggest happiness and fun. Like all pink roses, they also convey admiration and appreciation.
9. Deep Pink Roses
Deep pink roses say "Thank you". They also express appreciation, admiration, sincerity and sympathy.
10. White Roses
Second only to red roses in popularity, white roses symbolize truth and innocence. They also represent silence, secrecy, reverence, humility, youthfulness and charm. You can use them to say, "You're heavenly", "I miss you" and "I’m worthy of you". A white rosebud symbolizes girlhood.
11. Yellow Roses
Yellow roses symbolize friendship and freedom, so are not specifically romantic roses. They convey congratulations, joy, gladness and delight. But they also promise a new beginning, say "Welcome back" and "Remember me", and can convey jealousy and caring. Yellow roses with red tips convey friendship and falling in love.
12. Dead Roses
Dead roses in any color convey "It's over!"