Magnolia

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Additional Notes: divider

Significant Specimen

Flowering Subtropical Evergreen; Magnoliaceae ⇾ Magnolia ⇾ Grandiflora

Common names include the Southern Magnolia or Bull Bay.

While the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia Grandiflora) is not native to vast swaths of Oklahoma, it is native to small microregions in the south eastern sections of the state and easily cultivated in other areas- making it equal to more widespread Oklahoman natives.
Magnolias are one of the oldest families of trees in existence- so old their development predates the existence of nearly all traditional and conventional pollinating species on Earth. Thus they are the perfect symbol of the Old Ones; those who came before; they who made the Earth; the first ancestors. Therefore they become the utmost representation of those who gave us health, prosperity, and fertility- both of land cultivated, and of land wild. Thus, by proxy, they further become representative of the concepts of Hearth and Home, and of community and the social contract.

⇝ Magnolia Trees may themselves potentially be seen as physical manifestations of the first ancestors on the material plane.
⇝ Magnolia motifs become incredibly suitable when dealing with Thanksgiving, and with themes of the harvest, pastoralism, and ancestor veneration.

A burgeoning genre of “how-to” perfume literature [reached] its apex in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Along with formulas for perfumes, [books] include discourses on flower farming, ancient cultures and their rituals, recipes for hair dyes, remedies for ailments of man and beast (including opiates), and ruminations on society and woman’s place therein [...] But the perfume information itself is repeated almost verbatim from book to book, with only a small amount of new material, and the formulas themselves were generic [...]

The recipes fell into two categories: those for handkerchief perfumes and those for simulating the scents of certain flowers that resisted distillation, enfleurage, or any other means of rendering [... and ...] The standard repertoire included lily of the valley, white lilac, magnolia, narcissus, honeysuckle, heliotrope, sweet pea, and violet.

Light heart notes are florals that have a buoyant and airy quality, such as linden blossom, magnolia, and neroli; Champa absolute (or champaca absolute) comes from the flowers of Michelia champaca, a slender, medium-size tree related to the magnolia.

Essences that are considered erotic in themselves fall into three categories: Erogenous, Narcotic, and Sultry (erogenous and narcotic combined); Narcotic includes rose, Peru balsam, benzoin, ylang ylang, magnolia, neroli, cassia.

'Essence and Alchemy: A Natural History of Perfume' by Mandy Aftel

Broadly: Magnolia (or the Magnoliaceae family) includes about ~210 species; Magickal Properties include uses for Love, healing, fertility, renewal, faithfulness and fidelity, discovering what has been lost, and sexuality; Keep leaves, flowers, or bark near your bed to help maintain a faithful relationship (on your part). The flower essence opens psychic abilities and deepens intuition. Use this essence to open your abilities to retrieve lost items, memories, and ideas. There are both deciduous and evergreen varieties of magnolia trees. The seeds provide food for birds and mammals, and deer love to eat the leaves and twigs. Magnolias are often used as ornamental trees for their beautiful flowers, leaves, and shade. The wood is very strong and quite valuable. Magnolia flowers can be used to help treat respiratory infections, congestion, and sinus headaches.

Tulip magnolia specifically, or whitewood- sometimes called yellow poplar or tulip poplar, though it’s not a true poplar; Liriodendron tulipfera; Magickal Properties include uses for Love, youth, energy, vibrance, healing, and matters of the heart; the wood has been used to make canoes, toys, pulpwood, furniture, cabinets, crates, and musical instruments. Some Native Americans consumed the root bark to rid the body of worms. Other parts, such as the leaves, bark, and branches, are used to reduce fever and promote urination. The inner bark is a powerful aid for treating problems with the heart, the nervous system, and the digestive system.

'Ancient Magick of Trees: Identify and Use Trees in Your Spiritual and Magickal Practice' by Gregory Michael Brewer

These splendid, fragrant trees with their showy, abundant blossoms herald the arrival of spring. They are ancient, having evolved before bees, and so are pollinated primarily by beetles. The flowers are thick and tough, yet soft [...] Magnolia will bring you confidence, abundance, healing, and connection to the Earth and your higher self [...] The strength and grace of magnolia give her an energy very much in keeping with the Divine Feminine. She has a maternal nature, [... that] supports you and tells you to shine [...] She wants to lift us all [...] You can use her petals in your Magical workings and during meditation [...] Magnolia will help you access your untapped potential.

'Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants' by Juliet Diaz