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Nelumbo nucifera, commonly known as the lotus or sacred lotus, is a remarkable aquatic plant that holds great cultural and spiritual significance in many parts of the world. It is renowned for its stunning flowers, which rise above the water's surface, and its unusual growth pattern, where it thrives in muddy or stagnant waters but emerges clean and untouched.
Botanical Information:
Plant Type: Nelumbo nucifera is an aquatic perennial plant that grows in freshwater ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. It is known for its large, round leaves and fragrant, showy flowers.
Leaves: The plant's leaves are large, circular, and often held above the water's surface. They are water-repellent, and their ability to shed water and stay clean has inspired symbolism related to purity.
Flowers: The lotus produces exquisite flowers that can be white, pink, or blue. These flowers are characterized by numerous petals arranged in concentric circles around a central seed pod.
Medicinal Uses
Sacred lotus has a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine. The rhizomes have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including insomnia, anxiety, and inflammation. Sacred lotus tea is a traditional remedy for insomnia.
Magickal Properties
Sacred lotus is associated with purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening. It is also associated with the following magical properties:
Purity: Sacred lotus is often used to purify spaces and people.
Enlightenment: Sacred lotus is associated with enlightenment and is often used in spells to promote spiritual growth.
Spiritual Awakening: Sacred lotus is also associated with spiritual awakening and is often used in spells to connect with the divine.
Elemental Correspondences
Water: Sacred lotus is associated with the element of water because it is an aquatic plant.
Planetary and Astrological Correspondences
Sacred lotus is associated with the moon because of its association with the feminine and the unconscious mind.
The lotus os also associated with Venus for its sensual and love-enhancing properties
Sacred lotus is also associated with Cancer, the astrological sign associated with nurturing, compassion, and sensitivity.
Associated Deitites and Traditions
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the lotus is a symbol of purity and divine beauty. It is associated with deities such as Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Buddha.
Ancient Egyptian traditions also featured the lotus, with associations to rebirth and the sun god Ra.
The lotus has been used as a symbol and in spiritual rituals in various Asian, African, and Middle Eastern traditions. It is often considered a sacred plant in these cultures.
Uses in Rituals, Spellwork, and Magic
Sacred lotus can be used in a variety of rituals, spellwork, and magic. It can be used to purify spaces and people, to promote spiritual growth, and to connect with the divine.
Examples of Use
To purify and bless a space, diffuse lotus essential oil or burn incense with lotus.
To promote spiritual growth, meditate with a sacred lotus flower or wear sacred lotus essential oil.
To connect with the divine, add sacred lotus to a bath or burn sacred lotus incense.