I was recently asked how to create Ash of Roses for use in witchcraft. The reply I began to write wound up being rather lengthy, so I have decided to post it.
The first and most important component of Ash of Roses is…not roses. Or flame. It is FIRE SAFETY. For this method, you will work with open flame and plant material that is ON FIRE. Always make sure that you have a safe work area, away from flammable materials, and that you have water or an extinguisher at the ready in case of accidental flareups. Far better to lose your rose ash and make a mess than have a conflagration that might consume the room or your home.
For best results, this is best performed out-of-doors in a ventilated but sheltered area, so that breezes do not carry burning embers into the surrounding brush or dry grass.
To make Ash of Roses (the way I do it), you will need the following:
Whole dried rose petals, 1 - 2 cups (any color)
Several long bamboo or metal skewers
Small taper candle and candleholder
Heat-safe bowl at least 3″ deep
Container for cooled ashes (screw-top recommended)
Bandanna or surgical mask (for allergy sufferers)
Step 1: Set up all your equipment on a fire-proof surface. Clear fire hazards from the area and make sure there are no stray breezes that will carry away the ash, or more importantly, burning embers. Light the candle and let it burn for a minute or so until the flame is good and strong. Place the bowl right beside it for easy collection.
Step 2: Thread several dried rose petals onto the sharp end of a skewer. (I usually do about half a dozen at a time.) Try to pierce close to the center of each petal, and scrunch them together so that they’re not too spread out on the skewer.
Step 3: CAREFULLY hold the skewered petals over the candle flame until they ignite. Quickly (and again, carefully) move the burning petals over to your heat-safe bowl. Gently tap the skewer on the lip of the bowl so that the blackened petals fall into the dish below. If the petals are not burnt, leave them on the skewer and re-ignite them. (The petals will self-extinguish pretty quickly.)
Step 4: Scrape the blackened petals off the skewer using the side of the bowl or a fork. Do this slowly so that the petals, which are now very delicate, don’t disintegrate or fly away. Take care also that the ash does not fly into your eyes, nose, or mouth. (If you have allergies or are sensitive to smoke, the use of a bandanna or surgical mask is recommended.) Let the blackened petals sit in the heat-safe bowl until they are completely cool.
Step 5: Repeat Steps 2 through 4 until you have blackened all the rose petals. Let the petals cool completely (about 3 min after last burning should do it), then carefully scoop the burnt material into your storage container. A screw-top jar is recommended for ease of use and airtight storage. You can add a marble to the container and shake to reduce the petals to powder, or store them whole, whichever works best for your purposes.
Step 6: Make sure you clean up your work area and extinguish any open flame or glowing embers before you go.
Some magical uses for Ash of Roses are:
Inversion (creating the opposite effect of any mix to which it is added)
Repulsion of unwanted love or romantic or sexual attentions
Reducing or removing romantic feelings
Baneful magic (especially curses for unfaithful lovers)
Have fun, witchlings! And just once more - Safety First!
[Photo Credit: Ars Thanea, “The Ash”]
