The Cornflower is inextricably linked to summer and the waving fields of grain. In some regions of Germany, it is unfortunately on the ‘Red List’ of threatened species. Therefore, before gathering, one should always check whether the local region is affected.
Folk Names: Rye Flower, Corn Eater, Hunger Flower, Blue Cap.
Protection & Love Magic
Love Magic: Whoever carries Cornflowers with them will automatically draw the gaze of men upon themselves.
Protection for Mother & Child: According to ancient custom, Cornflowers were placed in a woman’s bed after a difficult birth to protect her and the newborn from enchantment. Cornflowers were also given as an offering of gratitude after a birth. For this, the dried flower heads were taken in the hand and blown into all four cardinal directions.
In the Herbal Bundle: This wild herb has its firm place in the traditional lore of the consecrated herbal bundle (Kräuterbüschel).
Old Beliefs & Taboos: One must not bring the blue Cornflowers into the house, otherwise the bread will mould. In former times, wreaths were bound from Cornflowers and Thuja (Tree of Life) and laid upon graves as a token of remembrance.
Burning Cornflower Incense: Clarity & Liberation
Burning Cornflower incense sharpens our senses so that we can think clearly again and mentally free ourselves from old burdens. If someone has offended us deep within our soul, this incense ritual liberates us, allowing us to detach from this hurt.
During fumigation, the blossoms develop a soothing scent that stimulates all seven senses.
Protection against Enchantment: In earlier times, Cornflowers were burned as protection against enchantments and curses. For this reason, Cornflowers were heavily used in incense rituals, especially during the Summer Solstice or St. John’s Eve.
Old Incense Lore: In ancient incense knowledge, Cornflowers were used to treat hysteria. For this purpose, the smoke was inhaled.
Its magical properties are:
Banishing
Protective
Liberating
Important: An old country belief states that one must not bring the blossoms into the house, as this invites misfortune (see above). Therefore, it is better if a Cornflower incense ritual is performed in the open nature. The Summer Solstice is perfectly suited for this.
Magical Application: Water & Oracles
Beauty & Sight: One washed one’s face with Cornflower water to preserve a youthful appearance. This water was also dabbed onto the eyes to aid poor eyesight.
Healing Charm: In a magical belief from old Mecklenburg, dried Cornflowers were held in the hand against nosebleeds until they became warm.
The White Blossom: Sometimes it happens that a flower develops the colour white. If you find such a wild Cornflower, you must keep it safe. It brings you inner wealth, gratitude, inner peace, and balance.
Magical Harvest & Blends
Gathering & Drying: Their magical gathering time is at the Summer Solstice at sunrise. The blossoms are collected after opening. To use the Cornflowers for incense, the blossoms must be dried. The beautiful blue colour of the petals is retained only if they are dried in absolute darkness. Afterwards, they must be stored in brown jars or opaque paper bags. If they are exposed to any form of light, they fade and thereby lose their spiritual energy.
Blends: Cornflowers unfold their properties best when added to incense blends.
Summer Solstice Blend: Mix with Amber, St. John’s Wort, Poppy, Mullein, Chicory, Mugwort, and Vervain.
Stimulating the Senses: Savory (Bohnenkraut) also stimulates our seven senses. Therefore, it blends wonderfully with the Cornflower and should not be missing in an incense ritual with it.
