Preserving Magick With Flower Pressing A
s spring begins its bloom, so do the opportunities for working with nature. One of the most powerful ways to involve Mother Nature in your practice is by using plant life. Due to the changing seasons and growth phases, your favorite plants may not be abundant. For this reason, we’ll take a look at how to preserve the power of delicate flowers even when winter comes. Enjoy the magick of flowers year around. Step One: Gather Your Materials To press your flowers, you only need a few materials: A pair of floral scissors or a sharp blade A basket or a bag A book or pressing kit Blotter paper if using a book Weight such as a brick or another book To gather your flowers and work with nature, look to forage from around you. When foraging, it’s important to know your environment and possible hazards so that you can prevent uncomfortable or dangerous situations. Also getting permission is important if it’s not your land. When looking for your flowers, try to stick with flowers that aren’t too large in size (usually 3 - 4 inches in size). Some like
clipping them at their growth point (where stems branch out) or just below the base of the flower. Making clean, careful cuts will ensure that you won’t damage the plant, and that the flower can bloom again in the future. It’s also a good idea to look for flowers when it is dry outside, as it can be tricky to press wet flowers. When choosing your flowers, connect with your intuition. Do you want perfect flowers or flowers with unique qualities? This decision is unique to you and your preference. When collecting your blooms, move quickly so that they don’t have time to wilt before you’re ready to use them. Tip: When foraging, it’s also a good idea to become familiar with local foraging laws in your state or country. Also, beware of taking from the side of the road as roadsides are often sprayed with pesticides and contain pollutants from the air around them, which includes exhaust fumes. Step Two : Prepare When you get back home, it’s time to prepare your flowers to be pressed. Start by laying them out on the counter and trim away any extra or unwanted stem and foliage. Dirt should be carefully brushed off,
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