Lavender: The Spritely + Strong Supporter of Timeless Magic
We’ve landed in the midst of 2020, the year of the Emperor. This tarot card acts as the perfect representative for themes of Structure, Goals, and Work. The Emperor is often depicted upon a carved rock throne, wearing a soft cape- as well as a partially concealed armor underneath. Let this be our seasonal cosplay, offering soft warmth for ourselves and to others who may need it, as well as internal protection and well established boundaries. This year has been a series of challenge after challenge for so many, and as the saying “necessity is the mother of invention” goes, it’s been fertile soil for planting seeds of both open compassion and necessary boundaries. Collectively we are learning to navigate new ways of thinking and functioning. Adding structure to our day-to-day is foundational for routines of self-care and radical healing. Think of this as the germination phase of the beautiful and strong roots that are to come.
Imagine yourself as the Emperor, standing strong as a mountain. You are safe. The warmth of your cape is comforting, and smells of sweet lavender. The wind blows, and the calming fragrance carries for miles and miles. Your presence alone is powerful magic. Like the Emperor, lavender too is here to show support through serene strength and grace. It is resistant to weather extremes, and casually continues to grow in soil too burdensome for other plants to survive in. Lavender also returns every spring without much coaxing. It wants to be here, and reminds us that we have a purpose in being here too. Lavender says that simply existing can sometimes be enough.
A long used and cherished herb, lavender has been known and taken up by herbalists, healers, magical practitioners and witches of many origins and eras, offering an array of remedies as vast as those who have worked with it. Originally thought to be from North Africa and the Mediterranean, lavender quickly found roots in all all corners of the world. The fragrance speaks to its capacity to heal and protect, support and regulate. An easy to dry plant, you may hang a bunch behind your front door to protect those within and to share gratitude with the house itself. In my latest Patreon, I offer instruction around the crafting and uses of traditionally made Lavender Wands. Click here to view. If worn, lavender protects from ill will and self-sabotage. The smell is sweet and lingering, topped with the slightest sharp echo of mint, reflective of its family of origin. Notice the square-shaped stem? That’s a sign of the mint family. Lavender shares this botanical territory with basil, thyme, lemon balm, oregano, rosemary, and sage amongst others. When spending time with them all, you'll notice a balmy aromatic resemblance which is refreshing and soothing in the same breath.
Lavender use has been documented for over 2500 years, beginning most notably in ancient Egypt, who used lavender for mummification and perfume. Around the same time period, the Romans used lavender oils for nearly every domestic necessity, from cooking, bathing, soap crafting and cleaning, reflecting its Latin roots: lavare - which means, “to wash.” It’s also been used to ward off infection and heal wounds, since it’s been long recognized for its antiseptic and healing qualities. The Ancient Greeks amongst others used lavender to fight insomnia and body aches, and down the timeline in 16th century and Renaissance France, clothes were regularly washed in lavender and dried on lavender bushes. Lavender was used to scent drawers, and perfume the air, and one who did laundry for a living was called a “lavandier.” In fact, the word “laundry” comes from lavender! It is a contraction of Middle English lavendry, from Old French lavanderie and on from its original lavandier.
It's no wonder that the magical uses of lavender so closely parallel its practical healing properties. In fact, it may be the perfect introduction to magic for those magically-dubious-but-still-open-minded friends and family members. You know that auntie who went to nursing school but felt conflicted about standard medical practices, or the neighbors kid who seems especially good with the garden chores? Plant some magically charged practical lavender wisdom with them! As an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, lavender oil supports healthy immune system and respiratory functioning. It also lowers cortisol levels, making space for better sleep and cognitive activity. From this perspective, it's easy to see the magical effects of calming anxiety, healing the heart, encouraging clear thought, and promoting love. Yes, love. When we are calmer within ourselves, we have the scope to see who we and others are, and be a little more accepting in a world that wants us to judge. Lavender says yes to the simple joy of existing, to giving, receiving, and experiencing pleasure in all facets, to slowing down, and to balancing the internal scales of firm and calm. Strong and soft. Sub and dom. There is a vastness of thresholds that lavender ushers us towards, based on what we need at any given time. All it asks is that you trust yourself, and it's here to support that process.
If you're looking for some simple spellwork to embody the Emperor and introduce the magical nature of Lavender into this new year, take a look at the latest Patreon post here. You may also add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a bath, foot soak, or to your favorite body oil or lotion. Take a few moments to establish your space, cast and call if that suits your practice, ground and deeply breathe in the fragrance. Once ready, you may either empty a dropper of oil into your bathtub with the Emperor in mind, or rub between your hands and anoint your body during a hot shower. As you work with this herb, continue to breathe deeply and consider your power. You embody a wealth of possibility. What do you want to see come to fruition during this new season? What work are you willing to do to see it through? What will you release, and what will you welcome in?
As you think, allow your senses to unfurl with the support of lavender's magic. Once you've finished, follow up with a journal entry. Take a few moments to enjoy a pot of tea (lavender and chamomile, perhaps), light a candle if you like and write some of your newly rooted thoughts and intentions. Perhaps write as a letter to yourself, full of self-adoration, appreciation, and sweet support for this moment.