Discovering the Deeper Meaning and High Vibrational Energy of Roses

For over two years, I have been irresistibly drawn to painting roses. Each visit to my studio seemed to bring these beautiful flowers to life, yet I often wondered why I kept returning to this motif. It wasn’t until a year into my journey that I felt pulled to research and discovered the profound symbolism and high vibrational energy of roses, deepening my connection to this subject in unexpected ways. Now, with each colorful and whimsical rose painting, I feel honored to explore and share the powerful significance of this timeless flower.

rose artwork by florida based artist bonnie sorsby

The World’s Love Affair With Roses: Why We Can’t Get Enough of This Iconic Bloom

There’s something undeniable about roses.

Maybe it’s their velvety petals, their intoxicating scent, or the way they’ve been woven into the fabric of history, art, and romance for centuries. Whatever the reason, humanity’s love affair with this flower is undeniable. From ancient rituals to modern luxury, roses have symbolized everything from passion and power to mystery and mourning.

But why? What is it about roses that makes them stand apart from every other bloom? Why do we keep coming back to them… whether as a token of love, a muse for artists, or a symbol of beauty and status?

Let’s explore the timeless nature of roses and the many ways they’ve captivated us across cultures, industries, and even our subconscious.

The Artistic Appeal of Roses

Visual and Emotional Impact:

Roses, with their intricate petals and vibrant hues, offer an endless source of inspiration. As an artist, their complex structure challenges me to capture their essence through bold colors and lively brushstrokes. Influenced by Impressionist and Fauvist styles, my rose paintings aim to convey not just the physical beauty of these flowers, but even more so the vibrant energy they radiate. The rich reds and playful pinks I often use evoke a range of emotions, making roses a compelling subject for both the artist and the viewer. My personal style captures the lively spirit of roses, inviting viewers to see these flowers through a fresh, vibrant lens.

The Commercial Power of Roses

Roses are more than just a romantic gesture, they’re big business. Every Valentine’s Day, an estimated 250 million roses are sold worldwide. The floral industry thrives on the demand for roses, with entire economies built around their cultivation and export.

Beyond florals, the fragrance and skincare industries are powered by the rose’s appeal, with rose oils and extracts being among the most sought-after ingredients. Fashion and branding also tap into the timeless allure of the rose, using it as a symbol of luxury and desire.

It’s no coincidence that roses remain the most gifted flower in the world—they’ve been cultivated not just for beauty, but for their commercial and emotional power.

The Rich Symbolism and meaning of Roses

The Historic Symbolism & Mythology of Roses

Roses have carried deep symbolism throughout history, appearing in mythologies, religious texts, and cultural traditions across the world. In ancient Greece, they were linked to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, said to have created the first rose from her tears and the blood of her lover, Adonis. The Romans carried this tradition forward, using roses in lavish banquets, adorning their homes, and even using the phrase sub rosa (meaning “under the rose”) to signify secrecy.

In Christianity, the rose became a symbol of purity and divine love, often associated with the Virgin Mary. Meanwhile, in Sufi poetry and Persian mysticism, the rose represented the longing for spiritual enlightenment—an exquisite but fleeting beauty that mirrored the journey of the soul.

Across cultures, roses have symbolized love, power, secrecy, and even transformation… perhaps explaining why they continue to hold such an enduring fascination.

Roses in Art, Literature & Culture

Few flowers have inspired as much creative expression as the rose. Shakespeare wrote, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” cementing the flower as a literary symbol of love and identity. Poets like Rumi and Pablo Neruda used roses as metaphors for beauty, devotion, and longing.

In art, roses have appeared in everything from Renaissance still-life paintings to contemporary photography, often serving as a symbol of life’s fleeting nature. Modern culture continues this fascination—roses are a staple in fashion, music, and even tattoos, symbolizing everything from rebellion to romance.

Whether painted, penned, or photographed, roses have long been a creative muse for humanity.

Roses as a Status Symbol

For centuries, roses have been a mark of wealth, status, and luxury. European aristocrats cultivated elaborate rose gardens, with rare varieties becoming a symbol of power. In 17th-century Holland, during the height of tulip mania, roses were also highly prized, with some varieties fetching extravagant prices.

Even today, roses remain a luxury in many forms—featured prominently in high-end perfumes, skincare, and couture fashion. The rose has transcended its status as a mere flower to become a global icon of sophistication and refinement.

Spiritual and Metaphysical Meanings:

Beyond their cultural significance, roses hold a spiritual dimension that resonates deeply with me. They are believed to vibrate at the highest frequency of any flower, symbolizing love and divine connection. This metaphysical aspect became a significant turning point in my journey. Understanding that roses possess such high vibrational energy, capable of shifting energetic frequencies within the body and the surrounding environment, has enriched my appreciation for these flowers and transformed my creative process.

The Science of Our Attraction to Roses

Beyond symbolism and history, there’s a scientific reason why we’re drawn to roses. Their scent contains compounds like phenylethyl alcohol, which has been shown to induce feelings of relaxation and well-being. This is why roses are often used in aromatherapy for stress relief and emotional balance.

Their shape and color also play a role. Studies suggest that humans are naturally drawn to symmetrical, soft-edged forms—both characteristics of a rose in full bloom. The rich, warm hues of roses (deep reds, soft pinks, and creamy whites) trigger feelings of passion, romance, and even nostalgia.

Whether consciously or not, roses tap into something primal in us, making them universally appealing.

The Emotional & Energetic Connection

Roses don’t just appeal to the senses—they resonate emotionally and even energetically. Many spiritual traditions believe that roses emit one of the highest vibrations of any flower, making them a powerful tool for love, healing, and self-connection.

Beyond their energetic properties, roses often carry deep personal significance. A childhood memory of a grandmother’s rose garden, a first bouquet from a lover, or the comforting scent of a rose-scented candle—these small but profound moments contribute to the flower’s emotional weight.

We don’t just admire roses; we feel them.

Comparison of Vibrational Frequencies

Roses are known to vibrate at an exceptionally high frequency, with Damask Rose oil measuring at around 320 Hz. To put this into perspective, most essential oils have vibrational frequencies ranging from 52 Hz to around 147 Hz. For example, lavender, a popular motif in art and essential oil use, has a frequency of around 118 Hz. Similarly, peppermint vibrates at about 78 Hz, and sandalwood, known for its spiritual and meditative properties, vibrates at around 96 Hz. This comparison highlights just how extraordinary the vibrational frequency of roses is, making them a uniquely powerful subject in both art and holistic practices.

Personal Reflection on the energy of roses

Resonance with Vibrational Energy:

Learning about the vibrational energy of roses has profoundly impacted my work. The realization that everything is energy, including our bodies and the world around us, helped me see roses in a new light. They are not just visually stunning subjects but are also carriers of high vibrational energy. This knowledge has deepened my connection to my artwork.

The Honor of Creation:

I now approach each painting with a sense of reverence, feeling honored to feel called to depict a subject with such powerful significance. This awareness continues to transform my art, infusing it with a deeper purpose and connection to the world around me. The process of painting roses has become a meditative practice, allowing me to channel their energy and share it through my art. Each piece becomes a vibrant celebration of the rose’s beauty and its ability to uplift and inspire.

Ways to Harness high vibrational Rose Energy

Incorporating Rose Energy into Daily Life:

Roses offer more than just visual delight; their energy can be harnessed in various ways to enhance our daily lives. Here are some methods I’ve found particularly resonant:

  • Rose Water: This is a gentle and refreshing way to incorporate rose energy into your day. Spritzing rose water on your face, using it as a room spray, or adding it to tonics can shift the energy around you.
  • Rose Essential Oil: Though making rose oil is resource-intensive, its high vibrational frequency makes it a potent tool. It can be used in perfumes, diffused into the air, or even in food items.
  • Rose Quartz: While not an actual rose, rose quartz carries a similar high-vibe energy, attracting unconditional love and enhancing compassion and self-love.
  • Fresh or Dried Roses: Simply having roses in a vase can lift the energy of a room, bringing a sense of peace and beauty.
  • Rose Incense: Burning dried rose petals as incense can create a soothing atmosphere.
  • Rose Tattoos: For a more permanent connection, a rose tattoo can serve as a daily reminder of the rose’s energy and symbolism.
  • Rose Imagery: Supporting artists and photographers who capture the beauty of roses, or creating your own rose artwork, can also bring their energy into your space.

The Meanings of Rose Colors

Different colors of roses evoke different emotions and set specific intentions:

  • Red: Symbolizes passion, deep desire, and romantic love.
  • Pink: Represents good will, thoughtfulness, and joyful energy.
  • Yellow: Signifies joy, happiness, and friendship.
  • Orange: Indicates enthusiasm, desire, and attraction.
  • White: Associated with purity, truth, and new beginnings.
  • Burgundy: Represents deep devotion and lust.
  • Peach: Symbolizes sympathy and communication.

Beyond Roses: Are There Other Flowers With This Level of Obsession?

Roses aren’t the only flowers to capture our collective imagination—peonies, lotuses, and cherry blossoms also hold deep cultural significance. Yet, roses remain unique in their universality. Unlike cherry blossoms, which are deeply tied to Japanese culture, or lotuses, which are primarily associated with spirituality in Eastern traditions, roses transcend borders and traditions.

Their versatility in representing love, power, sorrow, beauty, and mystery makes them an unmatched cultural phenomenon.

So Why Do We Love Roses So Much?

At their core, roses represent something deeply human: the pursuit of beauty, meaning, and connection. They’re fragile yet resilient, delicate yet powerful… mirroring the complexity of emotions they’ve come to symbolize.

Perhaps that’s why we keep returning to them. Whether pressed between the pages of a book, painted onto canvas, or gifted as a token of love, roses continue to hold space in our hearts and culture.

My journey with roses in my art has been an enlightening and deeply fulfilling experience

Each painting becomes an opportunity to explore the rich symbolism and high vibrational energy of roses, transforming my creative process and infusing my work with a deeper purpose. I invite you to view my rose paintings with a new perspective, feeling the vibrational energy and symbolism I strive to capture. Next time you’re feeling a little off or lost, consider bringing a bit of rose energy into your life. Whether through art, essential oils, or fresh blooms, roses have the power to uplift and inspire.

Thanks for being here!

Lots of love,

Bonnie

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