Violet

What this is

Violet (Viola odorata). The shy sweet flower of the shaded bank, low and half-hidden, its scent here and then gone. The flower of constancy and quiet love, worn for affection and for protection, modest in seeming and steady in faith.

What it governs

Violet answers to Venus and the element of Water, with a second hand from Moon. Its seat in the zodiac is Libra and Cancer, and its day is Monday, when its virtue runs fullest. It strengthens with the waxing moon. In the old practice its office is plain: A posy of spring violets — the tender affection that opens quietly.

Its properties

In the Galenic reckoning violet is cool and moist, and that temperament is the whole key to its work. The part you take is the flower; leaf. Its working colour follows Venus, green and rose; its metal is copper, its stones are emerald, rose quartz, its number 7, and on the Tree of Life it threads up to Netzach. It carries well on the body, kept in a pocket or a small sachet and it is gentle, safe to use as the practice describes.

Where else it appears

One faithful sweetness in many hands: the Greeks made the violet the flower of Athens and of Persephone gathering blooms when she was taken; the Romans wore it at their feasts against drink and grief; English lovers gave it as the token of constancy. Modest, fragrant and faithful, the same small flower stands for the love that does not need to be seen to be true.

Where you meet it on the Oracle

In the Green Kingdom you meet Violet on Today's Herb, Angelic Herb, Moon's Companion, Today's Gathering, and Herb of the Hour. When it surfaces it counsels you toward its office: A posy of spring violets — the tender affection that opens quietly. As the Angelic Herb it stands under Anael; read its rising as that intelligence laying a hand on your day, with Venus's love and gentle harmony. As the Moon's Companion it walks with the night, marking a dream, a tide of feeling, or a thing best done by moonlight. As Today's Gathering it marks a plant to take up now, while waxing moon and the day are with it.

Why it matters

Violet is constant love and quiet protection. It teaches that the steadiest affection is often the most modest, and that what is half-hidden can be the most faithful. It asks you to value the quiet bond over the showy one, and to keep faith without needing applause.

Correspondences

planet

Venus

element

Water

zodiac

Libra, Cancer

number

7

sephirah

Netzach

day

Monday

colour

green, rose

metal

copper

stone

emerald, rose quartz

tarot

The Star