Flower Essences for The Cast of Sinners

May 9

The idea came to me—as I was completing my notes for my Flower Essence Therapy client—to write a short essay, pairing flower essences with some of the characters from the 2025 film Sinners. So, let’s do it and honestly where do I start?!

NOTE: My flower essence suggestions for each character will not capture 100% of who they are because they are all so multilayered even as fictional characters.

We’re going to open the way with Annie and that’s the only right way! Annie is a Hoodoo practitioner, offering spiritual healing and guidance for her community. I viewed her as a “potomitan”, serving the community, preserving African culture by the way of Hoodoo. Potomitan is “middle pillar” in Haitian Kreyòl and is described within Haitian Vodou as the center pillar/central post in which the lwas (spirits) descend into the spiritual place during a ceremony. Additionally, women are often referred to as the “potomitan”. I see Annie as one for the community, Smoke, and herself until the very end. I also want to highlight other identities and characteristics that informed her character: a sage, lover, sensual being, a mother (as seen in the ancestral realm), grieving mother (within the earthly realm), nurturer, medicine woman, and an alchemist.

Star Tulip flower essence feels aligned with Annie as a Hoodoo practitioner, medicine woman, and sage. Star Tulip flower essence speaks to listening to your intuitive abilities and your spirit team. It is great for developing spiritual and psychic abilities.

Pink Yarrow flower essence would be so supportive for Annie as a community healer. Pink Yarrow flower essence offers you clarity about what is your energy/feelings and what is not, leading you to remain and be grounded in your energy/feelings. This essence can support Annie in having a deep well of self-preservation and care for herself as she facilitates healing for others. Pink Yarrow flower essence answers the question of who heals the healers.

I also would suggest Pomegranate flower essence because it helps define the women you choose to be and adds nurturing support to all the roles you occupy.

Smoke! A man that handles business. Hmmm! Let’s focus. He is depicted as the twin who is no nonsense, straightforward, takes his responsibility seriously, and is a devout protector. It is easier for me to conceptualize things through the African Traditional Religions/Spirituality. I view Smoke as Ogun (Ifa - Yoruba) or Ogou Feray (Haitian Vodou). He doesn’t play about those he loves, fights literally to the very end to protect and bring justice for those who have been wronged.

Mountain Pride flower essence is fitting for Smoke as it is an embodiment of straightforward masculine energy and symbolizes the warrior archetype. I love Mountain Pride as it encourages you to act on what you know to be integrous, take a stand for what matters. It calls in personal strength for collective truth and peace.

Keep in mind that anyone, regardless of gender identity, can work with this and other flower essences—they meet you exactly where you are energetically and help bring you harmony.

Stack is depicted as charismatic, light-hearted, and a bit flashy compared to Smoke. Although I believe charisma and light-heartedness is a part of his personality, I see that those traits mask his sensitivity that he is not able to show often as a black man living in the Jim Crow era. I would like to add that Stack is definitely a dreamer and visionary, as he would put it. Additionally, I see Shango (Ifa - Yoruba, etc) in Stack. Shango displays fiery masculine energy, yet there’s a charming and loud aspect of Shango that is depicted in Stack.

Larkspur flower essence is for charismatic and inspired leadership. I keep going back to the comic relief line when Stack said, “No Vision!” Spoken like a true leader trying to inspire the masses. Back to the point, Larkspur flower essence is rooted in joy and integrity as a leader that motivates others.

Sammie, the chosen one! We see Sammie metaphorically at the crossroads of pursuing his God given gift of music or leaving behind his purpose to pursue what his Dad wants for him. Although there are people who watched this film and saw that he chose “evil” instead of “good”, the film was never that simple. However, that’s the point, to bring about discourse across the diaspora and beyond. The film quite literally, at least I believe, is challenging us all to decolonize our beliefs, thoughts, and associations with our relationship with our ancestors, and so much more, regardless of your faith background. Back to Sammie! He is a musical prodigy, who serves as a continuation and embodiment of his ancestors.

Wild Oat flower essence offers clarity on your life purpose with conviction. It offers you insight about what you are meant to be and do in your lifetime. This flower essence supports you in responding to your life’s calling and seeking opportunities that align with your soul’s mission.

Mrs. Pearline! I see you! Her voice and performance was so captivating and alluring. I appreciated her character because she was able to receive pleasure, share her artistic gifts, and enjoy herself throughout the film. Her stage presence radiated siren energy, and her being a singer was the cherry on top. Very Oshun (Ifa - Yoruba) and Het Heru (Kemetic), in the sense that her artistic presence and vocal ability draws us in as it did during that scene. I say this because she was able to exude joy in a way that was so freeing to witness!

Hibiscus flower essence offers warmth and responsiveness to your sexuality. It supports igniting passion and sensuality back into your body. Additionally, it helps cultivate deep intimacy.