As we settle into the winter months, the long nights beckon us towards welcome rest, recuperation, and hearth-tending. When we harness the spirit of winter and lean into the stillness that accompanies this season, we can balance our nervous system, strengthen our immune response, ground down, and dream.
Winter is a time for deep introspection; a time to look backward, inwards, and forwards to assess and dream a new future. Rituals around Dreamtime can help support us in our rebirthing.
Enter the Blue Lotus Flower
Loved and adored by many, Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) is actually not a flower, but a blue water lily that is famously celebrated by Egyptians, Mayans, Buddhists, Syrians, and people of Thailand for its magical and spiritual properties.
According to herbalist & contributing writer for The Alchemist’s Kitchen, Micaela Foley, “…the effects of Blue Lotus are euphoric, and gently calm the nervous system and relax the whole body, allowing one to experience joy and light that are expressed through ethereal awareness. The physical effects are subtle but intensely spiritual. It is thought that Blue Lotus may enhance pineal gland function and provoke longer states of deep meditation. In meditative practice, Blue Lotus is said to allow one to see behind the mind’s eye by activating the 3rd eye. Blue Lotus is also known to motivate lucid dreaming.”
In addition to these ethereal benefits, Blue Lotus also helps to relax the body and is noted for its aphrodisiac qualities. It also contains antispasmodic properties which help to temper tense muscles, allowing energy to flow fluidly throughout the body.
How to Enjoy:
Consider enjoying Blue Lotus as a botanical elixir just before bed or before journaling. Our herbalists recommend Botanical Spirit Concentrate by Plant Alchemy. In addition to Blue Lotus, this formula also includes Passion Flower & Skullcap, which also helps you relax the body, and may make you feel more carefree.
Another formula that can help you drop into your meditation practice and/or explore your dream space is Anima Mundi’s Blue Lotus Tea. To make tea, use about 1-2 tsp per cup. Infuse almost boiling water into the teapot, and allow it to infuse for about 10 minutes. Since Blue Lotus induces theta brain waves, you may wish to listen to recorded affirmations or other reprogramming tools while enjoying.
As a Winter Witching Ally, Blue Lotus can help us to tap in. With both calming and aphrodisiac characteristics, Blue Lotus can help us to understand ourselves more intimately and glean spiritual insight. From herbalist Asia Suler, “Winter is a time when unseen energies step forth out of the fog — when the above-ground world goes back to the roots and the hidden mysteries of spirit can bloom. Known as a time of divination, storytelling, shamanic flights, and visioning, winter is often connected to the deep, earthen magic of the feminine.”
We can’t think of a better herbal ally to help you align with the cold season, self, and spirit.
We encourage you to learn more about Blue Lotus via Adriana Ayales, founder and creator of Anima Mundi Herbals:
