On Larkspur (Delphinium)
Hey Witchblr, Lucy here! I thought I’d write up a post on the Larkspur, my blog’s namesake. It’s a plant I use in my practice in various stages of its bloom cycle, which is why I cultivate it in my garden (and in pots inside during winter).
I will be discussing the genus Delphinium today. There is another genus of flower called the Larkspur: Consolida. I don’t have any experience using it in my practice, so that’s why I will focus on Delphinium today. In English, they both carry the name ‘Larkspur’ and in my native tongue, they share a name as well. They also share a very important feature, which I will bold before I continue this post:
All parts of the Larkspur plant are toxic upon ingestion and unsafe for human consumption. Depending on the species, ingesting Larkspur could lead to irreversible organ damage or even death. Do not, and I repeat, do not eat any part of the Larkspur plant. This also goes for cats, dogs, and supposedly for other pets.
For reference, this is Larkspur, a plant you should avoid eating at all costs if you come across it in the wild or elsewhere:
With that out of the way, let’s talk about cultivating the plant first. I believe growing your own plants when possible is a core part of any practice that uses plants. Here are some things you should know:
First of all, because it can’t be said enough: keep the plants away from animals and children. Preferably, stow it somewhere with mild to full sun depending on your climate and keep well-watered. Every species has its own needs which you may find online, or you could ask about the specific variety of Larkspur at the store where you buy the plant or its seeds!
Delphinium Larkspurs are perennial plants. This means it will live for multiple years (if treated properly of course) with most varieties living for 2-3 years while some can survive much longer and grow up to 2 meters (6’7”).
This means that you don’t have to harvest and save seed every year if you want to keep a healthy plot for a longer time, although I do advise it because a small plague or bad luck could wipe out your stock and leave you with no seed.
The flowers, which bloom in late spring and early summer in their natural environment, are pollinated by bumblebees and butterflies, so they would serve well in attracting insects to your garden.
With that out of the way, how can a witch use Delphinium species of Larkspur in practice?
General notes:
The plant lends itself well to use in all practices surrounding growth and the cycle of life.
I have found that in general, the species of Larkspur has no direct impact on its usage. If you do use multiple species, you may find differing results based on your specific practice. Take those results as what they most likely are: signs that your magic has a preference.
The plant is associated with the months June and July, and especially with the summer solstice.
The plant is also associated with the planet Venus and therefore with Fridays in Ptolemaic astrology
Using the flower:
Use the flower in rituals regarding protection and/or growth – personal growth, not the growth of relationships with others.
Its magical potency does increase with the size of the flower, but not necessarily with the size of the plant as a whole
The buds of the flower should not be harvested, for this represents dying. Of course, I will not judge if your practice includes death, but the Larkspur is a tricky plant; consider using other representations of death if you are not familiar with Larkspur.
Using the seeds:
The seeds of the larkspur represent potential, like many seeds do. Larkspur seeds specifically represent a potency to become kinder; this is represented in the fact that the seeds are the most toxic part of the plant.
When burned (in the open air, don’t breathe that smoke) the seeds can bring said potential to the area where it is burned. Because of this, the seeds are most useful to witches with altars or places of worship in the outside air.
When buried out of season, such that they can not sprout, the seeds can be used to keep new things from beginning or arriving in your life.
Using the roots, stems and leaves:
The stems and leaves of the Larkspur are best suited for rituals regarding growth of friendship and other relationships
The roots, when dried and burned in the open air, can bless a garden with good fortune.
If you do not grow food, use all parts of end-of-life Larkspur plants for compost to complete the cycle of growth and death the plant represents. If you do grow food, keep these plants away from your compost: the risk of transferring toxicity to your food is too high.
For the same reasons, you want to dig out all of the roots of your Larkspur if you decide to plant something else, and preferrably even change out the soil before you cultivate food there.
I hope you learned something from this post, and if you have any questions - about Larkspur or otherwise - feel free to reach out!
