The process of drying and storing lavender is not just a practical matter of preservation; it is a ritualistic act that deepens and contributes to its spiritual properties in traditional cultures. This process transforms the living plant into a lasting spiritual tool, imbued with intention and the wisdom of its life cycle.
Here's how drying and storing lavender contribute to its spiritual properties:
1. Capturing and Concentrating Its Essence
The spiritual energy of a plant is often believed to be at its peak during its bloom. The act of harvesting lavender at the right time—when the buds have just formed but the flowers have not yet fully opened—is a conscious effort to capture this potent energy. As the lavender dries, its physical form diminishes, but its spiritual essence is thought to become more concentrated and lasting. This process turns a temporary bloom into a permanent spiritual resource. The stored, dried lavender becomes a concentrated source of its spiritual properties—calm, purity, and peace—that can be accessed at any time.
2. Infusing with Intention and Gratitude
The drying and storage process is an opportunity to infuse the lavender with intention. As a person gathers the lavender, they may offer a prayer of gratitude for the plant's life and its gifts. While the lavender is hanging to dry, it is often placed in a sacred space, out of direct sunlight, to preserve its energy and color. This period of drying can be a time for the practitioner to meditate on the lavender's purpose and to set intentions for its future use. The dried lavender is then stored in a clean, dark jar, which acts as a sacred container, holding and preserving the intention and energy imbued during its preparation.
3. Symbolism of Preserving Life and Energy
Storing dried lavender symbolizes the preservation of life, energy, and spiritual lessons. In the context of spiritual cycles, the dried lavender represents the wisdom and essence of the plant's life cycle that has been harvested and stored for future use. The act of using dried lavender—whether in a sachet, a smudge stick, or a ritual bath—is a way of tapping into the stored energy of the plant. It is a reminder that even when things appear to be dormant or "dead," their essence and power can be preserved and called upon when needed.
4. Creating a Versatile and Accessible Tool
Dried lavender is much more versatile than fresh lavender for many spiritual uses. It can be easily burned as incense for purification, powdered and added to spell jars or sachets for protection and peace, or steeped in water for ritual cleansing. The process of drying and storing makes the plant's spiritual properties accessible and easy to use throughout the year, independent of the plant's seasonal growth. This ensures that the spiritual benefits of lavender are always at hand, ready to be called upon for any need.