ROSE OF JERICHO

Also called resurrection plant, Mary’s flower, rose of the virgin, dinosaur plant, holy night rose, and Palestinian tumbleweed. This plant grows in the valley of the Dead Sea on the edge of Jericho in the Judean desert. Used in many different belief systems including Catholicism, Voodoo, Hoodoo and Santeria, this remarkable plant has the ability to survive up to 50 years without a drop of water! As soon as it finds a stable water source, it comes back to life, greening up and sometimes even blooming!

In Catholicism, the plant is sought for in the Holy land as a religious relic. Some are kept in a family and passed down from one generation to another. It is used to symbolize the death and resurrection of Jesus and usually brought out around Easter.

In Hoodoo the plant is often used as a prosperity charm. It promotes good business (if placed inside a shop), and abundance and happiness in a home (when placed near the front entrance with a few coins added to the water).

In Voodoo the plant is considered rare and is highly sought after in the magical community. Used mostly in love and money spells, it is sometimes used to conjure spirits.

In Santeria and other Yoruba based traditions, the plant is thought to be sacred to the Orisha Shango (the spirit of lightening). It is often used on alters by his devotees and used as an ingredient in powders, incense, oils and baths that are made under the patronage of Shango.

Tips on growing

• Do not place the plant in too much water. It can easily grow mold. It should rest on a small amount of water, usually on a small amount of stones or rocks.

• For prosperity, add a few coins. Change the water at least once per week, do not allow the water to become stagnant. Do not place in direct sunlight, but do place somewhere warm.

• After small roots appear, you can choose to plant your Rose in dirt.