Lavender is used in traditional practices for creating a sense of sacred time. This use is deeply tied to the plant's ability to purify, calm, and focus the mind, which are all essential elements for shifting from ordinary, linear time to a more meaningful, spiritual, or "sacred" time.
Here's how lavender is traditionally used to create this sense of sacred time:
-
As a Ritual Marker: In many spiritual and magical traditions, a ritual is an intentional act designed to set aside time for a specific purpose. Lavender is often used as a marker to begin and end this sacred period. The simple act of lighting a lavender candle or burning a lavender smudge stick signals to the mind and spirit that a shift in consciousness is about to occur. The fragrance and smoke purify the space, but more importantly, they act as a sensory cue that marks the transition from everyday activities to a focused, intentional moment.
-
Quieting the Mind: Ordinary time is often characterized by a "monkey mind" — a constant stream of thoughts, worries, and to-do lists. To enter sacred time, this mental chatter must be quieted. Lavender's well-known calming properties are perfect for this. By using lavender in a diffuser, a tea, or a ritual bath, a person can soothe the nervous system and calm the mind, allowing them to be fully present in the moment. This state of peaceful focus is where sacred time can be truly experienced.
-
Creating a Sacred Space: While sacred time is an internal experience, it is often supported by creating a sacred space. Lavender is a primary tool for this. The Latin root of the word "lavender," lavare, means "to wash," and its purifying properties are used to cleanse a physical space of negative or chaotic energy. This creates an environment that is energetically clean and conducive to spiritual work, whether it be prayer, meditation, or divination. This physical act of purification helps to define the boundaries of the sacred space, which in turn defines the boundaries of the sacred time.
-
Answering to the Seasons: In many nature-based traditions, sacred time is cyclical, tied to the seasons and the phases of the moon. Lavender, as a summer-blooming herb, is often used in rituals for Litha (the summer solstice) and Lughnasadh (the first harvest). By using lavender in these rituals, a person is not just celebrating the seasons but is actively participating in the cycle of sacred time, honoring the rhythm of the Earth.