The uplifting benefits of the Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus)
Every year I look forward to the beginning of Spring when the daffodils in my garden and field beyond start to bloom. I love their bright uplifting colour, indicating new life and new beginnings after long dark winters.
Symbolism of the Daffodil
The daffodil belongs to the narcissus genus. As they look like someone bending down their head, they get their name from the Greek god Narcissus, who was so obsessed with looking down at his own reflection in the water he drowned in an attempt to capture his reflection. From this, the daffodil is known to represent a sense of awareness and inner reflection.
It’s spring blooming links it to renewal, inspiration and creativity.
The Daffodil society explains that daffodils mean Regard or Chivalry and that Narcissus’ mean self esteem and female ambition. They go onto say that in China, they are associated with good fortune, in Japan with mirth and joyousness and in France hope. As the national flower of Wales, it is traditionally worn on St David’s Day, celebrating the patron saint David on the 1st March. It is said that St David ordered his soldiers to wear leeks in their helmets into battle and that the leeks won them victory thus bringing good fortune. It is also traditionally believed in Wales that the first person to spot a daffodil in the spring will be blessed with gold. Eventually leeks were replaced with daffodils for celebrations in Wales because the Welsh names for leek and daffodil are similar and daffodils were considered to be less smelly to wear and decorate with.
The daffodil is now the symbol for associations such as Marie Curie, Dementia Friends and the American Cancer Association because it represents hope for a cure and living well.
It is the birth flower of March and the 10th wedding anniversary.
Flower essence indications
Flower essences are usually made by placing flowers in a bowl of clean spring water and leaving in the sun for a few hours. The water then takes on the vibrational energy of flowers, which can then be used improve negative thoughts and emotions.
The British Association of Flower Essence Producers lists the uses of Daffodil or Narcissus essences produced by different providers. You can read about them here. In general, they align with the symbolism outlined above. Daffodils can be useful for:
Aligning your mental body with your higher self and therefore useful for deepening your meditation practice and giving guidance on which spiritual path to take. They bring you into the now and help you access your intuition. (Green Man Essences, Silvercord Essences and Healing Heart Essences).
Opening your heart to abundance, fostering feelings of joy and happiness (Sun Essences). They put a spring in your step to increase self-confidence, inner sunshine and balance. (Healing Heart Essences).
For more information on flower essences and which might be right for you, contact my fellow colleagues at Yorkshire Flower Essences.
Self care activities aligned to the Daffodil
Meditation
A good place to start is to sign up for the next 21 Day challenge with Deepak Chopra here. Read a good overview of the different types of meditation here and try out a free meditation at Headspace today.
Gratitude practice to foster abundance and joy
You can simply think about one or more things you are grateful to each day. Incorporate this reflection whilst doing a household task, before you get out bed or before you go to sleep. It will be become a habit. Or write them down in a gratitude journal. A nice addition to this practice is to verbally or in writing thank at least one person a week for something. Describe what the person did, acknowledge their effort and outline how it benefited you and / or others.
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