The Rose of Jericho is known for its striking transformation: when the dry, curled plant is placed in water, it gradually opens. This cycle has made it a symbol of renewal, new beginnings, abundance and protection in a variety of spiritual and folk traditions.
Why is the Rose of Jericho used in rituals?
The movement from a dry, closed form to an open plant creates a clear symbol of renewal. A ritual does not need to be complicated. The central idea is your intention: what would you like to begin, grow, cleanse or release?
1. New beginning ritual
- Place the dry Rose of Jericho in a shallow bowl and add water.
- Write down one clear intention.
- Place the paper beside the bowl, not in the water.
- Watch the plant open and use the process as a symbol of a new chapter unfolding.
2. Abundance and money ritual
One popular symbolic use connects the Rose of Jericho with abundance. Place the plant in water and arrange a few clean coins in or around the bowl. Set a specific intention, such as more stable income, new opportunities or better money habits.
3. Home cleansing and blessing with Rose of Jericho water
In folk and spiritual practices, the water has been used symbolically around doorways and ritual spaces. Take a small amount of fresh water from the bowl and use it sparingly on a suitable water-resistant surface while focusing on the atmosphere you want to create in your home.
4. Intention ritual
Write your intention as clearly as possible and place it beneath or beside the bowl. As the plant opens, use it as a visual reminder that intentions also require time, attention and action.
5. Release and renewal ritual
Write what you want to release on one piece of paper and what you want to create in its place on another. Remove the first paper at the end of the ritual and keep the new intention near the plant.
6. New moon ritual
The new moon is often used in spiritual practice for setting intentions. Place the Rose of Jericho in water and write down one to three intentions for the coming lunar cycle. You can combine the ritual with a crystal, incense or candle.
How can Rose of Jericho water be used?
Fresh water from the plant may be used symbolically for blessing a doorway, ritual space or altar. Do not keep plant water standing for long, as organic material and stagnant water can spoil. Use fresh water and do not drink it.
Rose of Jericho with crystals and incense
For abundance-themed rituals, you might pair it with citrine or tiger’s eye. For calm and reflection, amethyst or rose quartz are popular symbolic choices. You can also prepare your space with Palo Santo, white sage or incense.
How to prepare the plant
Use a clean, shallow bowl and fresh water. The plant does not need to be completely submerged. After use, allow it to dry thoroughly. Replace the water if it becomes cloudy or develops an unpleasant smell.
Buy Rose of Jericho at Kuutaro
You can find the Rose of Jericho in the Kuutaro shop and explore more sacred plants and incense for your ritual space.
Frequently asked questions
Can Rose of Jericho water be stored?
Some traditions do this, but from a practical perspective it is better to use the water fresh because stagnant plant water can spoil.
Can you drink Rose of Jericho water?
Kuutaro recommends using it externally and symbolically rather than drinking it.
Can I add coins to the bowl?
Yes. Coins are commonly used symbolically in abundance rituals. You can also place them around the bowl instead of directly in the water.
Four More Rose of Jericho Rituals: Step-by-Step Ideas
Watching a Rose of Jericho unfold in water can become a meaningful symbol for reflection. These practices are intended for intention-setting and mindful action, not as promises of supernatural results.
1. New Beginnings: Turn an Intention into Action
- Choose a quiet space and place the dry Rose of Jericho in a clean, shallow bowl.
- Add a little clean room-temperature water and watch it gradually open.
- Write down one new beginning you want to encourage and one realistic step towards it.
- Keep the note somewhere dry and take that step within the next 24 hours.
2. Abundance: Gratitude and Practical Money Habits
In some symbolic practices, the Rose of Jericho represents abundance and opening possibilities. Place three coins beside the bowl and name three things you appreciate. Then choose a practical money task, such as reviewing your budget or setting a savings goal. The coins are symbols, not a guarantee of financial gain.
3. Refreshing Your Home with Rose of Jericho Water
If you would like to use the soaking water in a symbolic home ritual, remove the plant first. Use a small amount of fresh water to wipe a suitable, non-sensitive surface, testing it first. Never spray the water on electronics, food, pets or delicate materials. Soaking water is not a disinfectant.
4. Letting Go: Make Room for a New Habit
On one piece of paper, write a thought or habit you want to leave behind. On another, write what you want to practise instead. As the plant opens, quietly state your intention. Put the papers aside and choose one small action that supports the change.
Rose of Jericho History: Two Different Plants
At least two botanically distinct plants share the common name “Rose of Jericho”. Kuutaro sells Selaginella lepidophylla, a spikemoss native to North America. The so-called true Rose of Jericho associated with Middle Eastern traditions is Anastatica hierochuntica. Their histories should not be treated as interchangeable. Explore Kew’s botanical name records and a botanical account of the plant’s historical symbolism.
Shop Rose of Jericho at Kuutaro
Ready to try a symbolic ritual of your own? Explore Kuutaro’s Rose of Jericho and read our related guide, Rose of Jericho: History, Meaning, Uses & Care.
