Delphinium

Decks Used: The Herbal Tarot by Micahel Tierra, The Cosmic Tarot by Norbert Loesche, The Kawaii Tarot by Diana Lopez, The Tarot Del Toro by Tomas Hijo, The Movie Tarot by Diana McMahon Collis, the Angel Tarot by Travis McHenry

Image credits go to Getty Images

Research credits go to FTD

image from Getty Images

The flower I have for you lovelies today is the delphinium. The name, interestingly enough, comes from the Greek word for dolphin and this refers to the shape of the closed flower buds, in that they look like the nose of the dolphin. There are over 300 species of the flower and all of them belong to the Ranunculaceae family. These flowers are native to the Northern hemisphere and are also known as the larkspur, which is used interchangeably with delphinium. The origin of the name larkspur originated with the Tudors who thought that the nectary of the flower looked like the claws on a lark. One myth associated with this flower is that it originated with Ajax who was a Trojan war hero who was killed in combat. As the flowers bloomed where he fell, they became inscribed with the letters “ai” which means “alas” in Greek. More modernly, the delphinium is tied to Edward Steichen who was the chief photographer for Conde Nast Productions and was an active breeder of the delphinium. These flowers are said to represent openness to new experiences, joy, warmth, fun, encouragement to those who may be feeling down, cheerfulness, goodwill, and protection. Most of the delphinium we have today is not wild but is the result of hybridization. The most well-known varieties are the California, the Royal, and the Tall Larkspur. There are several medicinal and creative uses such as a sleep aid and a natural dye, however, the compounds the delphinium produces can be toxic and are therefore not used for this purpose anymore.

With all this in mind, what encouragement can I take from the Universe at this time? How can I stay open to new opportunities and what can I do to embrace the sense of renewal and youth I’m feeling at this time?

The Cards

cards pulled from various decks

• Haniel: joy, pleasure, happiness, removes negativity

• Knight of cups: romantic, wearing your heart on your sleeve

• 7 of swords: check your motivations, looking for a way out or over your shoulder

• King of Wands: authority over passions, making them real and manifesting them in this reality

• 4 of coins: loosen up, stop being stingy

• 3 of coins: teamwork, balancing novice energy with those that have experience

Here I’m seeing that in order to enjoy the pleasure and romanticism I see in this life, I need to step into my power, loosen up and allow new ideas to come into my personal and energetic space. This will help me address other areas with openness and dignity, and I will be able to take heart and encouragement from others and from the synchronicities that the Universe is showing me.