Lavender has been used in traditional practices for the spiritual healing of animals, often drawing upon the same principles and properties that apply to humans. These practices are rooted in the belief that animals, like humans, have energetic fields and can experience emotional and spiritual imbalances that affect their physical well-being.
The primary uses of lavender for animal healing are:
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Calming and Soothing: Animals can experience stress, anxiety, and fear due to a variety of factors, such as separation, loud noises, travel, or changes in their environment. Just as with humans, lavender's calming aroma is believed to soothe the nervous system of animals, helping to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of peace. Traditionally, lavender has been used for horses, dogs, and other animals to help them remain calm during stressful situations. This can be done by diffusing lavender in their space, placing a sachet near their bedding, or applying a very diluted essential oil to a bandana or collar.
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Purification and Protection: In many spiritual traditions, animals are considered highly sensitive to energetic shifts and can absorb negative energies from their environment. Lavender's purifying properties are used to cleanse an animal's aura or a shared living space. A gentle aura spray made with lavender-infused water can be used to purify an animal's energetic field after a stressful event. In some folk traditions, lavender was also used to protect animals from malevolent spirits or the "evil eye," with sprigs being placed in barns or animal sleeping areas.
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Supporting Physical Healing: While this use often crosses into the realm of herbal medicine, the spiritual aspect is tied to the belief that physical healing is a holistic process involving the mind, body, and spirit. Lavender has been historically used for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties on animals. The spiritual intention behind this is to not only heal the physical wound but also to bring a sense of peace and comfort to the animal, aiding in their recovery. It's believed that by calming their mind, their body can heal more effectively.
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Emotional and Energetic Balance: Lavender's ability to promote emotional equilibrium in humans also applies to animals. It is believed to help animals who are experiencing emotional distress, grief, or behavioral issues. In a traditional context, a practitioner might use lavender in a ritual to help an animal release emotional trauma or to bring a sense of balance to their energy.
It is important to note that when using lavender with animals, especially in the form of essential oils, it is crucial to use it in a highly diluted form and to allow the animal to remove themselves from the scent if they choose. Animals have a much more acute sense of smell than humans, so a little goes a very long way.