By Isabella @TheWandCarver
Instagram: @iseabail_witchwriter
The Crape Myrtle [Lagerstroemia indica] tree is native to China and grows well in sandy, chalky, or loamy soil as it must be well-drained. And it likes sun. In frost-prone areas, grow against a warm, sunny wall, or overwinter in a cool or temperate greenhouse. In warmer climates, grow as specimens, in group plantings, or as a hedge or screen. I am lucky to live in a so-called warmer climate in the south; therefore, I have at one time had one of these beauties growing on a corner of my rented maisonette some years ago. Pruned correctly they are magnificently stunning. The RHS Encyclopaedia of Garden Plants gives it a rating of 2 stars for hardiness meaning it can withstand temperature drops of down to -5 Celsius. If you want to grow one in the north, I imagine it would be best to grow it in a conservatory/green house. And not that I’m a bit thankful for climate change, but it has contributed to the fact that the gorgeous Crape Myrtle tree is growing better than ever in the UK.
But this fragile-looking tree has staying power. It has a longevity of up to 50 years if cared for properly and is magickally attributed to good health and longevity of humans in the realms of business, partnerships, and love relationships. There is even a charm for life longevity.
Magickal
As noted above, there is a charm for longevity. Aptly titled the Crape Myrtle Longevity Charm:
Lovingly gather a Crape Myrtle blossom. Tie it in a scrap of muslin along with a Haematite, nine Evergreen needles, and a cat’s naturally shed whisker. Anoint it with oil of Tea Tree. Hold it in your right palm and bathe it in sunlight as you say,
For timeless ages, I [they/this will] will joyfully stay
Nine times nine, forever and a day,
Happy, healthy, wealthy, strong,
My [our/this] life’s span is vast and long.
Place your left hand over the charm and cup it in both hands. Bury it near or under a threshold you regularly cross. ~ by Tess Whitehurst, The Magic of Trees
For love, plant a Crape Myrtle near your home to ensure your committed relationship stays strong. This only works if the relationship is to your truest good, otherwise it will speed its dissolution.
A nice, hardy wood which would make a most excellent wand.
Correspondences
Planet: Saturn [according to Whitehurst, many cite Venus]
Gender: Feminine
Zodiac: Capricorn
Element: Water
Powers: Business, Love, Longevity, Strength, Stability
Deity: Venus, Artemis, Aphrodite, Hathor, Astarte, Ashtoreth, Marian
Other Names: Crepe Myrtle [North America]
Health
Not much can be found. The stem bark is febrifuge, stimulant, and styptic. The bark, flowers and leaves are hydragog and a drastic purgative. A paste of the flowers is applied externally to cuts and wounds. The root is astringent, detoxicant and diuretic. A decoction of the flowers is used in the treatment of colds. I have never tried any of this in my practise so use carefully if you do.
Many thanks for reading and warmest blessings on all whom this way wander x
Sources
RHS Encyclopaedia of Garden Plants
The Magic of Trees, by Tess Whitehurst
Experience
WytchenCrafts 