01/08/2026
🌻 Happy National Sunflower Day! 🌻
Not only is today the turn of a new month and Lughnasadh. But it is also National Sunflower Day.
There’s just something about sunflowers that brings a smile. They remind us to look for the light, enjoy the little things, and brighten someone else’s day along the way. 💛
History of Sunflowers
Sunflowers have a very long history as a magickal plant, having been used by Native American tribes for thousands of years. The Aztecs used them as part of their religious ceremonies to worship the sun deities. The magickal properties of sunflowers include fertility, happiness, luck and loyalty. Medicinally, sunflowers can be used to reduce inflammation and to treat coughs.
Sunflowers, the most common of which is called Helianthus Annuus, are native to North America and belong to the Asteraceae family. There is evidence that sunflowers were being cultivated by American Indians, in what is now known as Arizona and New Mexico, as early as 3000BC. They were a common crop and are thought to have been domesticated before corn.
American Indian tribes used the seeds to make flour for bread and cakes. They also added this flour to other vegetables like beans, corn and squash. The seeds were commonly eaten as a snack and were also pressed to make oil. The oil was used to treat skin and hair and other parts of the plant were used to make dyes for textiles and body painting. The stalks of the sunflowers were dried and used as building materials.
It’s believed that Native American tribes cultivated the sunflower plant into the single-stemmed plant we commonly see today. In its original form, it was a much bushier plant with multiple flower heads.
In the 1500s, Spanish explorers brought sunflower seeds back to Europe. The flowers were cultivated widely but were mainly ornamental. By 1716, a patent was granted in England for a technique to extract the oil from the seeds.
Russia is credited with spreading the popularity of sunflowers, and much of this is down Peter the Great who appears to have loved the plant. Texts from 1769 mention that sunflowers had moved from purely ornamental plants to being used to make oil. By the 1830s sunflower oil was being produced on a commercial scale. Part of the rise in popularity of sunflower oil was due to the Russian Orthodox Church. The Church forbid the consumption of most oils during lent, however, sunflower oil wasn’t on this list which meant that it rose immensely in popularity.
By the early 1800s, over 2 million acres of sunflowers had been planted by Russian farmers. There were two different types of sunflowers being planted, with one type being used for oil production and the other being used to produce sunflower seeds for consumption.
Medicinal Uses of Sunflowers
Sunflowers have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Native American tribes used the oil as a sunscreen and to treat everything from skin ailments to snakebites. The crushed leaves can be used to ease swelling and pain from spider or snakebites (the Native Americans clearly knew what they were doing). Using the flowers in tea is thought to treat malaria and lung problems.
All parts of the sunflower plant may be used in medicinal treatments. While sunflower seeds (the most common part to consume) are considered very safe, eating too many can cause some issues. It’s recommended that seeds be measured out to avoid excessive calorie intake and high levels of cadmium which can cause damage to kidneys. Make sure not to eat the sunflower seed husks as these may cause digestive issues due to the human body’s inability to break down the shells.
Sunflowers may be useful in treating:
🌻Inflammation.
🌻The roots may be used to make a decoction which may help with pain associated with rheumatism.
Diuretic, helps pass water.
🌻May help to treat high fevers.
🌻May Improve digestion.
🌻May improve brain health.
🌻May increase energy levels. 25g of sunflower seeds contains a daily dose of vitamin E
Contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and potassium.
🌻Sunflower seeds contain around 20% protein, which is why eating too many of them can cause excessive calorie consumption.
🌻Contain anti-oxidants
Used traditionally to treat coughs.
🌻May help to lower cholesterol.
Magickal Properties of Sunflowers
Sunflowers are strongly associated with the sun, and as such are often used during Litha. They represent fertility (this doesn’t necessarily mean physical fertility but can also be used in magick relating to abundance and fertile ideas and creativity). Sunflowers are often used in fertility magick because of the abundance of seeds each flower head produces.
The magickal properties of sunflowers are often used in magick to do with devotion, adoration and loyalty. This comes from the fact that sunflowers will loyally follow the suns path during the day. Add sunflower petals to a ritual bath to attract happiness. Pick a sunflower at sunset then wear for the evening to bring luck the next day. Sleep with a sunflower under your pillow in order to find out the truth in a specific matter. Sunflower oil is a common base for magickal oils.
Sunflowers in the Garden Witch’s Practice
Grow sunflowers to bring magical energy to your yard or ritual space. They are believed to draw in helpful spirits, abundance, and pollinators. Face them East when planting to honor their solar nature and encourage spiritual awakening. Use sunflower stalks in wands or ritual tools for strength and alignment with solar energy.
Sunflowers and the Fae
While not as closely associated with the fae as berries or foxgloves, some traditions view sunflowers as a beacon — attracting light spirits and encouraging fair, friendly fae. Their sunny nature wards off trickster energy while allowing playful, helpful energies to visit.
Are sunflowers one of your favorites, or is there another bloom that always makes you smile? Tell me in the comments! 🌻✨
Sunflower Correspondences
Spirutual Meanings:
Protection, Confidence, Joy,
Sun Magick, Fertility, New
Beginnings, Rebirth, Life,
Wishes, Faery Magick, Love, Courage, Confidence, Inner Strength, Resilience, Luck,
Truth, Friendship, Happiness,
Positivity, Optimism, Banish Negativity, Restores Faith, Growth, Self-Realization,
Abundance, Wealth and Prosperity.
Deities: Apollo, Helios, Clytie, Ra, Hathor, Horus, Amun, Aten, Lugh, Áine, Ètaine, Bridgid, Amaterasu, Sunna, Saule, Mokosh, Eguzki,
Angels: Archangels Jophiel and Uriel.
Crystals – Amber, Red Jasper, Sunstone, Yellow Calcite, Tiger’s Eye, Pyrite, Orange Calcite, Carnelian, Sandstone, Citrine, Green Aventurine, Jade, Emerald and
Herbs & Scents: Amber, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Star Anise, Clove, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Basil, Thyme, Dill, Tarragon, Chamomile, Garlic, Marigold, Calendula, Yarrow, Echinacea, Burdoc, Arnica, Costmary, Wormwood, Mugwort, Borage and Chives.
Chakras: Solar Plexus and Heart.
Numerology: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55. The seed spirals on a sunflower head typically match consecutive Fibonacci numbers, reflecting the golden ratio, cosmic balance, and natural divine order.
Gender: Masculine.
Element: Fire.
Direction: South.
Sabbats: Litha (Summer Solstice), Lughnasadh.
Zodiac: Leo.
Planets: The Sun
Bright Blessings Kassandra
