Showered with golden pollen drifting across the silver-grey of the stamen, a woman receives the power of healing.

The name ‘peony’ is from a Greek myth about Paeon, who was taught by Apollo’s mother, Leto, how to make a curative potion. Leto is from a family of eastern Mediterranean goddesses and her name is a variation of a pre-Greek word meaning “woman”. One can visualize Leto carrying a peony as a symbol of her powers.

The healing powers of peonies have been found to help and even cure epilepsy. Two influential women, Hildegard von Bingen and the Medici Baroness, Anna Maria Luise de Medici, advocated the use of the peony for epilepsy. Anna Maria created valuable socio-political alliances by sending her peony powder to courts across Europe.

Projected in tender light, the peony emits a presence. Leto may still be smiling behind her flower.