Emma Kathryn Wild Witchcraft

Summer sun warms the skin while the gentle breeze carries with it the heady scent of lavender. Bees of all kinds drone in and out of the purple spikes and cabbage whites alight for a while, taking their fill of the sweet nectar. It’s a summer’s day dance and one that fills you with a sense of nostalgia even as you lose yourself in the moment…

Lavender is one of my favourite flowers to have in the garden. Not only do the pollinators love it, but the silvery foliage and purple blue flowers make it a stunning addition (plus it’s one of the only plants to have survived the chickens!). And of course, it has so many practical and magical applications!

The usefulness of lavender was well known by the ancients. The Egyptians used lavender in the mummification process and rumour suggests Cleopatra was a fan (even if the blooms did hide the adder that killed her). The Romans are credited with the spread of the plant across many different countries, who themselves used it in their own bathing rituals.

We all know lavender has a sedative action, helping to calm the mind and body into gentle slumber, but it is also known to lower blood pressure, help relieve digestive problems and ease skin conditions such as eczema and acne. Aside from its many practical applications, lavender is also a mighty magical herb, a firm favourite of many a witch!

Lavender is ruled by Mercury. When a plant is ruled by a planet, it means it takes on many of the associations of that planet, that it carries the same energy of the planet. In planetary magic, Mercury is associated with clarity of mind, perception, intellect and travel. Lavender can also be used in purification and protection magics. With all this in mind then, let’s explore ways you can tap into the energy of lavender within your own magical practice.

Clarity & Intellect

In workings to help bring clarity or help you reach an important decision, lavender is a vital herb to have in your arsenal. Sometimes we are so bombarded with everything, work troubles, home life issues, the stress of managing all of the responsibilities you have, it can be difficult to find that clarity of focus when you need it. The bigger the problem, the more hazy the answers seem to be! This small spell is helpful for dispersing some of that mental fog to help you see more clearly.

For this spell, you will need:

• a piece of paper with a pen
• lavender flowers
• purple ribbon
• charcoal disk
• fireproof dish
• lighter

Take half of your lavender flowers and grind them up into a rough powder and burn over a charcoal disk. Spend a few moments enjoying the scent of the lavender incense and then let your mind turn to the problem at hand. Visualise all the possible actions you could take to solve the issue. When you are ready write your problem onto the paper, and place the other half of the lavender flowers inside it, folding the paper and securing it with the ribbon. Now light the paper and drop it into the fire proof dish. when it has burnt through completely, release the ashes to the wind.

Travel

Okay, so when I say travel here, I don’t mean in the physical sense of the word! Lavender is a useful herb in meditation and trance work. It can soothe the mind and relax the body, making one more receptive to those altered states of consciousness. Lavender can also aid in journey work. I have found teas to be useful in preparing for meditation and trance work. Teas in themselves are relaxing, the simple act of sitting and enjoying a warm drink. To make a simple lavender tea, simply steep two tablespoons of lavender in boiled water for around six minutes and enjoy sweetened with honey.

You can also make a dream milk drink. Warm milk is also useful as it contains an amino acid that helps the body to relax. Take 250ml of milk and place in a pan with two tablespoons of lavender flowers, a vanilla pod, and a dash of cinnamon. Heat gently over a medium heat until the milk is hot. Strain into a mug, sweeten with honey and enjoy!

4 Thieves Vinegar

I love to make tinctures, washes and oils in my own witchcraft practice, they are so very versatile and a good way of preserving the plant and using it through the winter months.

Four thieves vinegar is one of those recipes where there are countless variations, and this is mine! It can be used in your cleaning routines, to help dispel negativity and bad luck.

You will need:

• a clean jar
• vinegar (enough to fill said jar)
• dried lavender
• dried rosemary
• dried sage
• dried mint

Put all the dry ingredients into the jar and fill with vinegar.  Seal with the lid and leave on a warm windowsill (but not in direct sunlight, anywhere warm will do). Shake it every day and then, after about 4 weeks, strain the liquid into a clean jar. Use in your normal cleaning routines once a week. You can even add a small amount to your bath water for spiritual baths.

The truth is, there are so many ways lavender can be used and enjoyed. Dab the oil on your temples before going to bed, grow the herb by your front door to ward off negativity, or hang bundles above the door to stop bad luck from entering your home.

Or you can simply enjoy the scent of lavender on the warm air of a summers day!