PERSONALITY OF PLANTS 
The Rose is the universal symbol of royalty. 
In Greek mythology, it was the favourite flower 
of Aphrodite and was represented as springing 
from the blood of Adonis. Through all Norse 
and German mythology is repeated reference to 
the “regal beauty” and “‘queenly mien” of the 
Rose. In northern lands, the Rose was under 
the special protection of the fairies, dwarves, 
and elves. 
The “Balm of Gilead” is a well-known sacred 
plant (Balsamum Judaicum) written of by 
Pliny, Strabo and Justin and grown in many 
parts of the East. It is said to have been first 
brought from Arabia by the Queen of Sheba 
as a gift to Solomon. 
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) 
was dedicated to St. John because its phosphor- 
escent glow was remindful of the Biblical refer- 
ence to him as a “bright and shining light.” 
Some European peasants still believe that, if 
gathered and worn on St. John’s Eve, it has the 
power of bringing good luck and success. 
The Greeks and Romans used Verbena ex- 
tensively in their religious ceremonies, princi- 
pally because of its wonderful perfume. The 
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