Since so many of us are staying in our homes right now, I thought I might turn some of our focus to magic that can be found right near by. Chances are, if you have any yard at all, at this time of year, you have dandelions! Hated by some as weeds, popping up their cheerful yellow blossoms as a sign of Spring, and loved by kids blowing or kicking at the seed heads, there is tons of folklore around these common plants.

Dandelions are a remarkably resilient and adaptable plant, a quality we could all embrace. The bright yellow flowers are also associated with solar energy and vitality. As they appear in Spring, they are a great symbol for beginnings and creative energy. They are reminders of joy and whimsy.

Here’s a little fun folklore for you: the tallest dandelion flower a child found in the Spring was supposed to show how much taller they would grow that year! Or, hold the golden flower under a child’s chin: a golden glow indicates how rich they will someday be.

Most magic and folklore surrounding dandelions is focused on their wonderful puff ball seed heads. For example:

• The simple childhood game: blow on the seeds and make a wish!
• Count the remaining seeds after you blow on them. The number left is how many more years you will live.
• To tell the time, blow on the seeds three times. The number left is the hour.
• To send a message to someone you love, picture your message while you blow the seeds in their direction.
• When you blow on seeds to make a wish, and left behind means good luck.

Dandelion roots have been used in teas to promote psychic abilities. Dandelion leaves make a good addition to a Beltane meal. You can also make dandelion wine. In fact, there are lots of ways to eat dandelion! I haven’t tried any myself, but I would love to hear your experiences with dandelion recipes.

Know any more fun dandelion folklore or good recipes? Let us know in the comments!

Sources: The Hearth Witch’s Compendium by Anna Franklin, Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham.

Dandelion is one of the herbs available in our downloadable herbal magic pages!

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