We know that plants can be used to heal, and part of that healing can be in the form of understanding symbols. Let’s take a look at how, when looking at the rose (and any plant) through Spiritual eyes, we can see God’s messages.
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:20
Rose, the Queen of Flowers. A symbol of love since time immemorial. It seems to be common knowledge worldwide that the rose is a symbol of the heart. Medicinally, rose is a tried-and-true ally for the strengthening the physical heart and soothing the emotional heart.
What Biblical messages can we see in the rose? Remember that for Spiritual matters, God is the teacher, not the plant. He can use plants to express His truths.
When we look at the rose as a symbol of the heart Spiritually, we see its thorns as a clear message to guard our hearts.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. Proverbs 4:23
If God created the rose to heal the physical heart, and we know that His creation is a reflection of His qualities, what conclusion can we draw from this plant about God? He is the healer of our broken hearts.
He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds. Psalms 147:3
By working with plants in this way- pondering the symbols you see- you can gain even deeper healing from revelations God shares with you about His creation. You can ask him to show you these types of connections.
2 Corinthians 2:10-12 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
The symbolism and message of heart-helping plants is confirmed when we look at the thorny Hawthorn tree–another medicine for the physical heart. Again we see that when dealing with the heart, thorns (protection, boundaries, awareness) are essential.
Thorns create boundaries. When you reach to pick a rose, or harvest berries, haws, and hips- good gifts of beauty, food, and medicine- you had better be mindful of the thorns. Thorns, thistles, and spines came when this world was cursed.
Genesis 3:18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
Just as wild animals protect themselves with claws and teeth, plants have protection in their thorns. So they are symbolic of the curse, but some good came out of it in the form of protection from the fallen nature of creation.
Ironically, rose petals are healing to the skin and capable of mending the very wounds their thorns inflict, symbolizing a heart of forgiveness.
This heart of forgiveness was shown in its greatest form on the cross in Christ who bore our curse, symbolized in the crown of thorns on His head. He is the Curse Breaker. He is the Rose of Sharon- our forgiveness, healing, and freedom.
Reflections
How are you handling your heart?
- Is it guarded?
- Is it forgiving?
- Do you share your gifts with others?
- Are you respectful of the boundaries of others?
- If you do get tangled up in thorns, do you resolve it in a healthy way, take personal responsibility, and seek forgiveness?
- And, are you trying to love with your own flawed heart, or from God’s endless well of perfect love?
When we ask God to guard our hearts, He gives us Spiritual thorns for protection. His power is greater than any power. With God’s protection, we don’t have to be afraid.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
The neat thing about meditating on God’s creation is that you don’t even need to ingest it to receive this type of healing. So whenever you come across a rose, just contemplate its deeper meaning. Literally, stop to smell the roses. This can transform your mind, and thus heal your soul and uplift your spirit.
For the Budding Herbalist…
There are many ways to use rose for health maintenance. You can make tea or tincture from the flowers, leaves, haws, even the budding cane complete with thorns. This strengthens the physical, beating heart and your overall health. Below is a recipe you can use, followed by the lovely benefits.
Honey Rose Elixir
- Fill a glass jar with all manner of rose offerings. (If using dried herb, fill the jar halfway.)
- Pour raw honey over the plant material until the honey fills the jar halfway.
- Fill the rest of the way with brandy and cap.
- Store in a dark, cool place and give it the occasional shake or stir.
- After 6 weeks, it will be ready to decant (strain).
- Store in a dark glass bottle with a tight stopper. It does not need to be refrigerated, as the honey and brandy both act as preservatives.
- To enjoy, simply pour yourself a small shot glass and sip. 🙂
If you do not wish to use alcohol, you can simply use all honey. This can be added to tea, or smeared on toast, etc.
The benefits of this elixir…
Internally, Rose is:
Nutritious as it is high in vitamin C and antioxidants
- Strengthening to the heart muscle and tonic to the blood
- Hormone-balancing
- Anti-inflammatory
- A relaxing nervine (calms the nervous system)
- Cooling to conditions with signs of heat
- Touted as an aphrodisiac because of its blood-moving qualities
As mentioned earlier, you can use this elixir externally as well.
Remember Psalm 147:3- He is the Healer of the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Reflecting on plants with God’s help, we gain more insight as to what they can be used for. Externally, rose can be used to heal wounds, as well as rashes, burns, bites, etc.
Heavenly Father,
I come before you in humble awe of your creation. I know that Your creation speaks of spiritual concepts if only I had eyes to see. Please reveal to me the hidden mysteries, and share Your thoughts with me so that I might have true understanding. Share with me the meaning of these parables, these metaphors… shed light on the shadows of high spiritual things. Let me use this knowledge to deepen my communion with You and others. Protect me as thorns protect a rose. Shield me with your power. Let me love, help, and forgive as You would.
Amen