====== Carnation ======
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---- dataentry herbs----
latin_names: Dianthus carophyllus
folk_names: Gillies, Gilliflower, Jove's Flower, Nelka, Scaffold Flower, Sops-In-Wine
gender_tags: Masculine
planet_tags: Sun
element_tags: Fire
deity_tags: 
effect_tags: Protection, Strength, Healing, Physical energy, Magical energy, Health
part_tags: fresh flowers
----
</div>

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===== Magical Uses =====
Worn during Elizabethan times to prevent coming to an untimely death on the scaffold, carnations can be used in all-purpose protective spells.

Carnations are placed in convalescent rooms to give the healing patient strength and energy, and are also used in healing spells. Place fresh carnations (red are best) on the altar during healing rituals and add the dried blossoms to sachets and incenses for the same purpose.

===== Aromatherapy =====

The name for this plant, Dianthus, means “flower of god” or “flower of Zeus.” It has been in use since at least the 4th century C.E. (Common Era; the nonreligious equivalent of A.D.)

Here in Southern California we’re swamped with carnations. Raised in hothouses stretched along the Pacific coastline and grown across the border in Mexico, they pop up everywhere and are available all year at fairly reasonable prices.

However, the vast majority of these flowers are useless for magical aromatherapy. As has been the case with the rose, carnations have been hybridized to produce the biggest bloom size, longest stems and brightest colors. The scent has been forgotten. Thus, most carnations obtained from florist shops are virtually scentless. The red ones are an exception, but even here the spiciness is slight. Genuine carnation absolute isn’t currently available.

So what can you do if you wish to utilize the intriguing energies within carnations? Get yourself some starter plants and grow your own. What better way to ensure that you have a steady supply of these fabulous blooms? Look for short-stemmed red varieties with the heaviest fragrances.

Before a potentially exhausting magical act, inhale the rich aroma of fresh carnation flowers. Accept the flower’s energy into yourself. Add it to your physical store of power which will soon be released from the body during magic.

When you’re suffering through a cold or some other minor illness, keep carnations around your sickbed. Inhale their odor while visualizing yourself in a healthy, healed state. If friends wish to give you flowers, you can always ask for carnations-even commercially grown ones.

These flowers, which Gerard said have an “excellent sweet smell,” are also smelled, with proper visualization, to bring a spicy love into your life.
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