Iris

Iris is the ancient Greek goddess of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods. Often depicted as a beautiful young woman with golden wings, she embodies the connection between heaven and earth, as well as communication and swift travel.

Originating from Greek mythology, Iris is the daughter of Thaumas and Electra, and the sister of the Harpies. She serves primarily as a messenger for the gods, particularly Hera, and is known for her speed and ability to travel between the realms of gods and mortals. The rainbow, which she personifies, is seen as a bridge between heaven and earth.

Iris embodies properties of communication, connection, harmony, and swift travel. She represents the power to convey messages clearly and swiftly, the beauty and harmony of the rainbow, and the connection between different realms. Invoking her energy can enhance communication, bring harmony, and facilitate swift and safe travel.

Herbs and plants associated with Iris include iris flowers, lavender, rosemary, and thyme. These plants symbolize clarity, communication, and protection during travel. They are often used in rituals to invoke her blessings for clear communication, harmonious relationships, and safe journeys.

Crystals connected to Iris include rainbow fluorite, opal, and aquamarine. These stones resonate with her energies of clarity, harmony, and protection, promoting clear communication, emotional balance, and safe travels. They are used in rituals to enhance communication skills, protect during travel, and connect with her divine presence.

Iris’s elemental correspondences are Air and Water, reflecting her connection to communication, movement, and the fluidity of the rainbow. The Air element emphasizes clarity, intellect, and the power of words, while the Water element symbolizes emotions, intuition, and the natural flow of communication.

Iris is linked to the celestial body Mercury, the planet associated with communication, travel, and intellect. Mercury’s energy aligns with Iris’s influence over swift communication and safe journeys, making Wednesdays (Mercury’s day) particularly potent for working with her energy.

Her zodiac associations include Gemini and Libra. Gemini represents qualities of communication, adaptability, and intellectual curiosity, while Libra embodies harmony, balance, and the beauty of relationships. Working with her energy during these astrological seasons can enhance communication skills, promote harmony, and facilitate successful travel.

The times most auspicious for invoking Iris include times of important communication, travel, and during natural phenomena such as rainbows. These periods align with her domain over communication and travel, making them ideal for connecting with her energy.

In rituals, tools such as rainbow-colored items, wings, and symbols of the rainbow are used to invoke Iris’s presence. Offerings of colorful flowers, particularly iris flowers, honey, and lighted candles in various colors are traditional ways to honor her. Rituals often involve creating a harmonious environment, using herbs and crystals associated with communication and travel, and reciting prayers or invocations to seek her blessings for clear communication and safe journeys. Meditating on themes of connection and the beauty of the rainbow, or visualizing the rainbow as a bridge between realms, can also deepen the connection to her swift and harmonious energies.