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Tag: tamarian
Kemetic Devotion: Lotus
Symbol of the Lotus
The lotus flower in Ancient Egypt was quite significant and symbolised rebirth, creation and the sun. This is due to the fact the lotus flower at dawn opens up its petals towards the sun (over the water it lives in) and in the evening when the sun sets, it closes itself up and withdraws back under the water. The lotus also symbolised spiritual enlightenment and healing and Ancient Egyptians were often depicted eating them as well as bathing with them. The lotus also symbolised the Nile where the branches of the lotus were seen to be the branches of the Nile which was fertile and abundant.
In Ancient Egyptian tombs the lotus was the symbol of the union of the lower and upper Egypt, as well as the symbol of rebirth due to the strong connections to life after death. The lotus was so prevalent and valued it was was used to decorate cups and bowls due to its shape, as well as frequently appearing in architecture – often adorning columns and monoliths in structures, as well as used in the design and decorations of ships.
In Ancient Egypt the types of lotus depicted and used were the white lotus (Nymphaea lotus) which opens its flowers at dusk and the blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) which opens its flowers at dawn from the Nymphaeaceae (Water-Lily) family. The blue lotus was also known as the Egyptian lotus, blue water lily, and scared lily of the Nile which was highly valued to due its fragrance and delicate yet beautiful shape. The blue lotus can still be found in the wild in the Delta of modern Egypt (known as lower Egypt where Memphis was located in Ancient Egypt).
In modern day – the lotus is a symbol of rebirth as well as purity and strength. In Modern Egypt the white lotus is the county’s national flower.
The Lotus in Myth
The blue lotus was associated with Nefertem who embodied the manifestation of the life giving primordial lotus and was the master of perfume.
The lotus was also associated with Ra the Sun God who brought his light to the world and the lotus itself symbolised the “Soul of Ra” which would open its blooms every sunrise and emit its celestial scent.
Hapi the Nile God was depicted with a lotus flower upon his head due to its connection to the Nile.
The Use of Lotus Historically
The lotus was not only a spiritual symbol but it was also used for its fragrance which was and is still used in perfumes, incense and oils which have various applications. Historically the root was used in skin powders and ointments and the whole lotus: flowers, leaves, seeds and roots were used to make medicine – specifically for stomach, liver, bleeding, cough and fever conditions. The blue lotus flower specifically was used as a sleep aid and anxiety reliever, as well as used in bread (however in the modern day I would warn against its use due to the fact it can be quite toxic and poison you).
Lotus flowers were often presented as offerings at funerals and were found covering King Tutankhamun’s body when his grave was opened.
I feel compelled to make my own products and one of the magickal items I love to make for my practice is creating my own oil blends. I use these oil blends to anoint myself, others and items (such as statues, jewellery tools etc), add to baths, oil burners, washes, sprays, as well as blending them with other items I create such as incense blends, soaps, candles, pouches, wands and bags. I also make these oil blends with complimentary vibrational allies such as crystals, roots, herbs, flowers, salts, metals and the like in my magick.
An oil blend I have been making for nearly as long as I have maintained a regular devotional Kemetic practice is lotus oil. I did this as I was unable to find a lotus oil which was pure and affordable. As cold pressed essential lotus oil can be quite expensive, mixed with artificial colours, fragrances, or other oils which I didn’t want – I struggled to find something which was pure enough for my practice. Therefore, I made my own lotus oil infusion for use in my spiritual and magickal workings which was exactly what I wanted and needed for purity and price. To complement my oil and give it an enhanced vibrational kick I added crystals into the oil to maintain its purity.
Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is easily sourced as a dried root for making oil blends and can be used for magickal connection, creativity, wisdom, strength, abundance, protection, prosperity, beauty, rebirth, fertility, obstacles, enlightenment, reincarnation, clarity, connecting with the element of water, the moon, feminine energy and your root chakra.
Below I have outlined a simple method to make your own lotus oil:
How To Make Lotus Oil by Setjatset
Ingredients:
- Lotus Root
- Olive or Almond Oil
- Wheatgerm or Vitamin E Oil
- Small Piece of Clear Quartz Crystal
Instructions:
- Place some lotus root in a glass jar and add some olive oil or almond oil to cover (depending on how much you want to make).
- Put in a dark draw for up to a week macerating (shaking) occasionally (for best results leave from two weeks up to a month).
- Strain and separate oil infusion from lotus root (throw out lotus root which can include placing it in compost or burying it in your garden).
- Place oil infusion in a glass bottle and add 10 drops of wheatgerm or vitamin E oil (vitamin E capsules can be used ensuring they are the plant based version) to prevent from going rancid.
- Lastly place a small piece of cleansed clear quartz with the mixture to enhance its energetics.
Note: To keep the infusion for longer – store in the refrigerator.
To charge the oil simply place on your working shrine or magickal altar (if you don’t have one simply go somewhere and calm and centre yourself such as your garden or in a room you feel comfortable in). After a moment of contemplating and focusing on your goal, create sacred space in your preferred method (ie by calling in spirit guides, patron God/dess, ancestors, quarters and/or elementals). Hover your hands over the oil and out loud charge the oil by stating its purpose (such as to spiritually and magickally charge anything it is applied to or mixed/placed with). Thank the energies who have assisted you and close down the sacred space by respectfully dismissing them. Now you have oil imbued for that purpose which you can use as needed. Also note that you can cleanse and reuse crystals when you use up all the oil.
Senebty
Setjataset
(C) T. Georgitsis 2022
Setjataset 