The Witch’s Cupboard
Mary DAlba September, 2009
Lavender
Lavender (Lavendula officinale or L. Vera) is also known as Elf Leaf, Nard, Nardus and Spike. The name is said to come from the Latin “lavare” which means “to wash”. Lavender is very common these days – its uses include sleep pillows, oils, teas, moisturizer and flowers. Lavender is a perennial and can be grown very well, though it struggles with cold temperatures.
In ancient times, Lavender was used as a religious herb. It had been by selected by King Solomon to purify his temple. It was a sacred herb that’s use has been traced back to pre-Christian times. It had been thrown into the fire on St. John’s Day and now is used in Mid-Summer rites.
Lavender also was known as a love/lust herb. Prostitutes would wear the scent to advertise their profession and to attract clients – it is a very attractive smell to men. Also, if writing a love note, you can add the scent of lavender to the paper you’re writing it on to promote the words you are writing.
During Renaissance times, Lavender, when combined with Rosemary, was designed to protect a woman’s chastity. It can help to purify a room, especially used in birthing rooms to welcome the child into a clean environment.
Lavender is also incorporated in Handfasting rituals in many different ways – it can be woven into the crown the bride wears, ground and added into the food (especially the wedding cake) and drank from the ritual chalice. The thought is Lavender brings love and fertility to the marriage. It is also thought to protect the wearer of a Spouse’s cruelty if burned.
Lavender helps with lifting depression. Lore states once someone saw a Lavender plant, their depression would immediately lift and bring=2 0happiness into their lives. It can be scattered around the house to create peace.
It is used in healing creations, placed in pillows to help with sleep and worn as amulet for protection. Other amulets can be created to attract love or money, seeing spirits and success. Before you go to sleep, place Lavender under the pillow, make a wish and if you dream of what you have wished for (or anything related to it), your wish will come true. If your dream did not relate to your wish or you didn’t dream at all, it will not come true.
Lavender can be used in many ways for healing but remember, this is not a substitution for medical advice so always check with a medical professional to make sure working with herbs or oils are safe for you. (Lavender oil in large quantities can be toxic, for example, so always check uses with a medical professional.)
Magickal Uses/Spells: Love, Protection, Fertility, Sleep, Chastity, Longevity, Purification, Peace, Happiness
Deities: Hecate, Saturn
Planet: Mercury
Sign: Virgo
Gender: Masculine
Element: Air
Tarot Correspondence: The Hermit
