Learn the spiritual symbolism of lavender, and what it can do within your magickal practice!

Renowned for it’s fragrance and medicinal purposes, lavender is the most well known, and versatile herb around the globe.

However, it’s spiritual properties is not often talked about, or easily understood. You may have heard some key phrases here and there describing lavender as having to do with calmness, intuition, or protection, but why exactly?

Here, we will not only be going over the symbolism of lavender, but also gain a deeper understanding of it’s many magical properties.

Introduction

Often referred to as the “queen of the herbs”, lavender has become synonymous with anything having to do with cleanliness and relaxation.

Living up to it’s royal name, it’s no wonder that it’s flowers most commonly bloom in vibrant colors of purples and violets.

Also known as the calyx, and corolla, these petals can also include shades of blues, pinks, and whites depending on the variety of plant.

Overall, there’s definitely a feeling of balance and harmony encapsulated within this herb.

As you may have already learned in color theory, in order to create the color purple, we first must mix together the colors red and blue.

The reason this is important when it comes to analyzing the energetic frequency of this herb, is because just as there’s a balance between the reds and blues within the color purple, that dynamic is also present within the frequency of this herb.

This creates a powerful combination between these two elements that is both harmonious as well as balanced.

Energetically, this color combination also symbolizes the bridging between the two sides of the mind; the cross over from the conscious into the unconscious, especially as we fall asleep.

It’s no coincidence this herb is typically used as an aromatic nighttime remedy, or consumed as a natural sleep aid.

The History of Lavender

Historically, lavender has presented itself during times of deep transition and some turning points throughout history. Whether these events are well documented or mythological, there is no doubt the symbolic role this herb has had in helping us metaphorically cross over to the other side.

Tracing back approximately 2500 years ago, lavender was used to help pharaohs and nobles during their passage into the afterlife. First, by helping to preserve the body during the mummification process, and secondly, to take with them when they finally transition to the afterlife.

During the excavation of king Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, remnants of lavender oil was found in a tall vase, suggesting this was meant to be enjoyed by the dead in the afterlife.

Lavender’s Role in Medieval Europe

Not only does this herb help guide us through the transcendental moments in life, it is also great at enhancing our intuition or aiding us in our spiritual breakthroughs.

First introduced into Europe from ancient Greece around 600 BC, Lavender was often used for it’s aromatic and medicinal properties.

By the time the 4th and 5th century came around, the monastic lifestyle was starting to appear in medieval Europe. By the 9th century it became very common for Lavender to be grown near monasteries, or within monastic gardens.

This herb aided Christian monks on their path to religious enlightenment, and may have contributed to the many spiritual insights conjured up during this time period.

Mythological Folklore of Lavender

While this herb has played a role in bridging life and death, it has also made it’s way into stories that involves transitioning into two different planes of existence.

Often referred to as “spikenard” in the bible, some ancient folklore legends say that Adam and Eve took lavender with them when they were kicked out of the garden of Eden.

Symbolically, this would represent their transition from living in a “perfect” utopia like place, to then a severely harsh reality outside the garden.

Interestingly enough, if you look closely, you’ll notice that each lavender flower has 5 petals, furthermore symbolizing the transformative qualities of this plant.

Lavender Used for Spiritual Protection

Beyond it’s ability to bridge us between two different worlds of existence, lavender also aids in protecting us from negative energies, and ailments trying to cross over within our spaces. Of course, this is mostly metaphorically, but to some extent, this can also be literally.

Revered for it’s antiseptic and anti-microbial properties during World War I, lavender oil was used to prevent infection when antiseptics were in low supply.

It is no accident that lavender’s name originates from the latin word “lavare” which means “to wash”. This suggests that there is definitely a cleansing element to this herb, even when it comes to using it for the purpose of protection.

Now, this all may seem very nuanced at first, but it’s helpful to understand the nature of how lavender acts, especially when it comes to performing a protection spell.

While a lot of protective herbs act in a way of banishing the unwanted, lavender’s form of protection is a little bit different. Remember, you can’t cross over the metaphorical “bridge” unless you yourself are transformed.

That being said, lavender is great at transmuting negative energy into positive as a form of protection, instead of simply banishing it away.

In medieval England, it was very common for people to hang lavender above door entrances to prevent evil spirits from passing through. It was also believed to purify the air and prevent the spread of diseases during the black plague.

So, if you’re looking for inspiration on how to use lavender for the purpose of protection in the home, it is best to use near entrances, or any openings where energy comes and goes.

This can be done in the form of hanging lavender bundles, wreaths, or creating herbal sachets, and placing them by windows and doorways.

Protecting Your Aura

When it comes to using lavender to protect your aura, there are many different ways of incorporating this plant into your protective ritual, but for now, we will go over two options: one with smoke cleansing, and carrying around a herbal sachet.

There isn’t necessarily a method that’s more effective than the other, so whichever one you resonate with the most will be the best option for you.

Burning Dried Lavender

Smoke cleansing, also known as fumigation, can be done by burning dry lavender herbs, and tracing the smoke all around you.

If you are trying to protect your aura, you can wave the smoke around you in a clockwise motion if you choose. However, if you’re trying to transmute any negative energies already within your auric field, then you can wave the smoke counterclockwise.

Because Lavender closely corresponds to the crown chakra, it is a great herb to use, especially for cleansing intuitive blocks, or preventing any psychic attacks.

Creating Protective Herbal Sachets

Sachets are convenient because you can take them on the go while running errands, or even traveling. However, this method is best for protection, rather than casting out energies that are already present with you.

You can also take a herbal sachet with you if you are simply trying to enhance your auric field, or transmute the negative energies around you.

Lavender and The Planet Mercury

If you were to look up the planet that best corresponds to the herb lavender, the most common answer would be the planet Mercury, but why exactly?

Well, as stated before, it has a lot to do with the dualistic nature of this herb. Mercury, represented by the zodiac signs Virgo and Gemini, both embody a certain precision, as well as quickness when it comes to processing information.

This is especially so with the sign of Gemini, which is the symbol for the twins, and has esoteric connections to the two pillars of mercy and severity in the Kabbalah.

Lavender scented products on the market today come in many forms, whether it’s incense, body sprays, or essential oils. There’s almost no limit on the versatility of how this herb can be used.

That being said, an interesting fact about the fragrance of lavender, is that it is considered a top note when used in perfumes, meaning just like the quick nature of Mercury, this note evaporates the quickest compared to all the other lower notes in the fragrance pyramid.

With there being such a wide range of availability of this fragrance on the market, and being so prevalent in our everyday essential products, this definitely reflects our societal relationship to the things associated with the lavender herb.

Lavender and the Element of Air

This herb is strongly associated with the element of air. While this may be obvious to some, if we where to just base this off of it’s corresponding zodiac sign Gemini, there are also some other reasons for this.

Lavender is a member of the mint family, so there will always be some influences of gaining mental clarity when it comes to this herb.

Because lavender does so well at reducing inflammation, some studies have shown that it may have some neuroprotective properties that could help relieve some symptoms of certain neurological disorders.

However, the main benefit lavender provides cognitively, is it’s ability to stabilize our mood. Some studies have even shown that because lavender performs so well at alleviating stress induced symptoms, that subjects gained cognitive focus and clarity just by it reducing their stress levels alone.

While there are debates on whether the lavender itself is actually enhancing the cognitive function, or just enabling one to gain better focus by reducing stress.

Either way, this is a great protector herb, that not only helps calm the nervous system, but also can provide spiritual protection from any psychic attacks, or negative outside influences.

Spiritual Misconceptions About Lavender

Since we’re on the topic of protection, one common misconception about the magical properties of lavender is that this is a feminine herb.

While this is somewhat understandable since so many feminine hygiene products contains lavender, this herb actually corresponds most with masculine principles.

According to the seven hermetic principles of Hermetic philosophy, one being the “the principle of gender”, everything in existence has a gender.

Not only does this herbal plant create metaphysical bridges between worlds, it also provides containment within those worlds for the feminine spirit to thrive.

Lavender Spiritual Symbolism

Here, we will go over all the key attributes that best corresponds with lavender. While, there are many more qualities than what’s listed below, these are just the most commonly know ones.

Remember, at the end of the day your own individual interpretations will always be the most important when it comes to decoding the spiritual meanings of this plant and it’s magical properties.

Peace

The lavender herb can symbolically represent peace and peaceful resolutions. Not only does this plant have access to the totality of any personal conflicts we may have going on in our lives, but it also has the ability to access the center of these struggles

Most conflicts, whether it be internal or external, usually have multiple opposing forces trying to compete with one another.

For example, let’s say you are very nervous about confronting someone, but another part of you feels like it’s the right thing to do. That is an example of two different motives going on within you at the same time.

That being said, lavender can be used as a metaphysical bridge between two oppositional sides, where common ground can be found that works for both parties involved.

Tranquility

The tranquility and calmness lavender brings to any practice, are among its most notable qualities. However, this isn’t just a characteristic that only applies to this herb metaphysically, but can also be backed up by science.

There has been countless studies covering the soothing effects of this herb, whether it be mentally or physically. Some have even shown that certain compounds in lavender can interact with neurotransmitters in the brain that helps calm down the whole nervous system.

Commonly the essential oils of this herb are used during aromatherapy sessions, as well as many other homeopathic treatments that promotes relaxation for the client.

Healing

Throughout history, lavender has been used for it’s anti inflammatory and insecticidal properties. Interestingly, one 2016 study has even shown that topical application of lavender oil helps to accelerate wound healing and promotes faster tissue remodeling.

Just as lavender can aid us in healing physically, symbolically, lavender can also help restore our emotional state too. We’ve all at some point had moments where something metaphorically “got under our skin”, for our irritations don’t have to just be skin deep, but sometimes can be of a more emotional nature.

Not only can we have skin ailments that need healing physically, but these wounds can also exists within us emotionally; helping to heal the inner parts of us that are left wide open and vulnerable. Again, becoming the bridge that mends the fractured, and conflicted parts of ourselves back together again.

Purity and Innocence

As previously mentioned, lavender corresponds to the zodiac sign Virgo, which translates to “maiden” in English. Unsurprisingly, both key phrases, purity and innocence are quite synonymous with the virgin archetype.

However, there does seem to be some taboo connotations that has followed lavender throughout history, especially when it came to topics regarding sexuality, and what was societally acceptable for people at the time.

This suggests that this herb doesn’t necessarily line up to the concept of “never been touched” or “never experiencing shame” but rather represents the process of purification itself.

Going back to the ancient myth of Adam and Eve taking the lavender with them on their way out of the garden of Eden, this also symbolized the start of mankind’s penance to purify our sins through suffering.

With that being said, while lavender can represent purity and innocence, it seems to be the kind of purity that is created, rather than being born with.

Intuition

Lavender being part of the mint family, symbolizes clarity and being able to perceive clearly into other dimensions. As mentioned before, lavender represents the crown chakra that has to do with intuition and a deeper sense of knowing.

This is a great herb for amplifying your intuitive, and clairvoyant abilities. It can also be used to encourage dream recall, and improve dream interpretation skills. Interestingly enough, during medieval Europe, some maidens used to place lavender sprigs under their pillows, so that they may dream of their future husbands.

Just as we cross into other realms during sleep, this plant can also help us cross mental barriers in our waking life; increasing psychic awareness. If you are someone who practices astral projection, incorporating lavender into your spiritual practice may also enhance your results.

Devotion

Frequently grown around British monasteries during the medieval era, this herb symbolizes the devotion to a greater purpose beyond the corporeal self. This is especially so when dealing with matters having to do with our higher purpose or calling.

True devotion happens when both our actions and intentions are in alignment with one another. This helps to build a greater sense of loyalty to what is truly important to ourselves.

It’s no good to just have devotion within your mind, if your actions don’t also back up what you truly believe in. Not only can lavender aid us in aligning our actions with our intentions, but can also create alignment between the body, mind, and soul.

Lavender in Dreams

If you ever come across lavender in your dreams, this can signify that you may be trying to heal some inner conflicts, or find a peaceful resolution to something going on in your life right now.

It can also symbolize that soon you will be going through some type of upgrade or advanced position in life. In most cases this is a positive omen, just as long as one understands that bigger transitions sometimes comes with greater responsibilities.

On the negative side, sometimes lavender can symbolize getting too lost in your imagination, and may be a sign to find balance between practical matters, and your dreamworld. There could also be an inner need to align your truest desires with your actions to finally make your dreams a reality.

Conclusion

It’s no doubt that lavender is one of the most utilized herbs around the world and so widely available that a lot of it’s spiritual significance can sometimes been overlooked.

Hopefully this article has given you some insight on how you can apply this herb for specific intentions within your spiritual practice. This may even open more possibilities and creative ways as to how to use lavender for the mundane as well as any other practical uses.

Overall, the key takeaway here is that this plant is deeply connected to our cultural roots, and most likely will continue to do so for years to come.

Let us know how lavender has contributed towards your spiritual practice, or any other benefits it has had in your life!