Grapes - An Herb of Cancer

Vitis vinifera

Gender:    Feminine
Element:  Water
Planet:      Moon 

Raisins - dried grapes
​Gender:    Feminine
Element:  Fire
Planet:      Sun

When I think of grapes I often think of magical summer nights and having a glass of wine with friends under the light of the moon.  Moonlight, friends and wine are a delightful combination! The grape is an herb of the zodiac sign of Cancer (June 21 - July 22) a sign ruled by the moon. People under the sign of Cancer are associated with bringing the feelings of the safety and comforts  of home to those around them. They offer nurturing and protection, and are known for their empathy, intuition, loyalty and devotion. If you are fortunate enough to have a Cancerian as a close family member or friend, you will benefit from their contributions. Speaking from experience, I can also tell you they are a lot of fun - especially if they’ve had a glass of grape juice or wine! 

Grapes were considered sacred to the Greek god Dionysus, and the Roman god Bacchus.. Both were associated with wine, and often the excessive use of it! Abundance, fertility and pleasure were also attributed to grapes, and associated with the ancient gods. 

Considered one of the oldest fruits, grapes are known to have been grown as early as 6500 B.C. in the Neolithic Era. Egyptian grapes were sun-dried and stored in tombs. In an extensive two volume set of the documentation of food in ancient Egypt, Food, the Gift of Osiris, Ramses III contributed 11,872 jars of raisins!

Grapes symbolized wealth in Greece and Rome, and homes of the wealthy and prosperous flaunted their status by displaying frescoes, mosaics and  paintings of grapes. The association continued and expanded.

You may be familiar with the Language of Flowers, used in the Victorian era (1837 - 1901).. Flowers and herbs were assigned meanings, and those who knew the them could send secret messages using bouquets. Seeing the vines and tendrils intertwine was associated with relationships, and the grape was linked to friendship and connection. 

Another positive characteristic is grapes are said to complement and encourage the growth of any other plants growing around them. ​All of these attributes, along with creating sweet dreams and making wine, make grapes one of my favorites! There are even spells to use grapes to make money.