Gorse

A yellow-flowered hardy shrub symbolising happiness, joy, and protection.

Magickal Correspondences

• Projective energy
• Mars, the Sun
• Fire
• Aries
• Abundance, affection, anger, defence, divination, energy, fertility, hope, joy, life, money, prosperity, protection, renewal

The Magick of Gorse

Gorse is a wild shrub that grows vastly in the U.K. Often found growing in moorlands, woodlands, heaths, and coastal areas. Flowering from January to June. Gorse is also referred to as furze, or by its scientific name "ulex".

Gorse flowers are edible in small quantities and can be used to make teas and infusions. They can also be used in baking and all sorts of kitchen witchery. Try making some gorse cordial, this can be taken for general health, coughs, sore throats, or heartburn. The flowers are best harvested from March to April. Use them in breads and cakes for celebrating Ostara. Make a gorse flower remedy. 

The yellow flowers of gorse make it a symbol of joy and positivity. When you see gorse flowering abundantly in nature, stop to connect with the energy of the colour yellow. Connected to the solar plexus chakra, soak in the vibrant golden hue to boost your confidence and improve your outlook. 

Press a few gorse flowers to use in magickal crafting for happiness, positivity, and joy. Place a ring of gorse flowers and citrine tumblestones around a white or yellow candle for happiness.

The thorny nature of gorse makes it useful in protection magick. It provides shelter for insects and several bird species. Add it to protection bottles, or steep it in some water to sprinkle it around your home for warding. Place a few sprigs of it under your front doormat.

Traditionally gorse would be burned in Midsummer fires. Prepare a small bundle of gorse to ritually burn in your summer solstice fire.

Use gorse in prosperity and abundance magick. Add the flowers to money bowls, prosperity oils, charm bags, etc.