“I bring thee the flower which was in the beginning, the glorious lily of the Great Water’
-Ancient hieroglyphic text from Dendera, Egypt.
Blue Lotus or Nymphaea Caerulea is a water lily, most commonly known as Lily of the Nile, she has African origins and she’s bigger than her other lily cousins, with bright strong blue petals, and a golden bright center. She’s the Master lucid-dream herb, that communicates in the subtle world of energy, light, and intuition, shining her light upon our darkest to bring forth fears and shames, directing our anger as sacred fire that pulls and transmutes us into our own flowering. Just as she does when pulling in toxins from the ponds and lakes filtering waters and emerging like a queen, from mud.
Be gentle when taking her, or better said, when entering into relationship with her for whatever you ask you'll heal, and it requires humility and courage to face both, dark and light. Blue Lotus helps us to be aware inside our unconscious mind, which is where we gather important information, answers, guidance, and where spirit communication takes place.
The seed of the lotus flower is a miniature version of the lotus blossom itself which represents that everything in the universe exists as a continuous fractal of our creator or creatress, as within as without, the tiniest particle represents its whole structure.
“…the spiritual prototypes of all things exist in the immaterial world before those things become materialized on earth” from The Secret Doctrine
Coincidentally enough there's been some research on the potential epigenetic factors on blue lotus seeds that can activate longevity genes.
Blue Lotus flower produces mild psychoactive effects when taken by herself, opening up the inner vision, especially the third eye or Vajna chakra and Sahasrara the seventh chakra, unraveling our minds, bringing clarity and understanding. Undoubtedly an entheogen, she possesses two psychoactive aporphine alkaloids called apomorphine and nuciferine. As well as other oils, bioflavonoids, phytosterols, nupherine, nupharidine, and minerals.
The Astrology
In herbal astrology, Blue Lotus is considered to be both a Solar and Lunar herb. She rises out of the water at dusk only to sink in again at dawn, showing us the sacred art of rebirth and the balance of polarity. Solar herbs are grounding and tend to work with our ego in a healthy way, not by eradicating it but by balancing and directing it to the "I am consciousness" or unity. Solar herbs tend to work with our willpower and are feel-good, mood boosters, antidepressants, nervines, and euphoric plants.
Moon herbs work with our limbic system which deals with our memory, emotions, smell, and sexual arousal. They work with our internal waters, digestion, and elimination. They are mostly detoxifiers, nutritional, circulatory, laxatives, and metabolic. Blue Lotus is a lymphatic, which means it assists in the detoxification of this system. In some traditions, it's said that entities would enter our energy bubble through the lymphatic system, which is why we should keep it in a flow state and help it detoxify. BL also strengthens the limbic system which actives some neurotransmitters from the pineal gland such as dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin. She brings spiritual sight, intuition, clarity, empathy, and attunement.
Because of her aphrodisiac properties, one could also say Blue Lotus is a plant from Venus.
The History
Many ancient traditions have used this holy sacrament medicinally, for meditation, to invoke higher states of consciousness, sacred rituals, initiations, rites of passage, and shamanism. She is displayed in many hieroglyphics along with ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses. It is said that the god Ra, god of the sun and enlightenment, emerged from a Blue Lotus flower and held Nefertum, the God of Lotus, healing, beauty, and perfume, by his nose. A version of the Book of the Dead includes the spell "Rise like Nefertem from the blue water lily, to the nostrils of Ra, and come forth upon the horizon each day." It is also said that the human race was created from Nefertum's tears, something that Madame Blavatsky seems to agree with as she states in her book The Secret Doctrine:
“The elements of both the lotus and human are the same and are developing in the same direction. The root of the Lotus sunk in the mud represents material life, the stalk passing up through the water typifies existence in the astral world, and the flower floating on the water and opening to the sky is emblematical of spiritual being”
In Buddhism, the Blue Lotus symbolizes the "perfection of wisdom" and enlightenment. Depicted as well in Ancient Mayan ruins and motifs, alongside what could be described as a toad. In the crown of goddesses sculptures from ancient Greece and Rome. In Tibetan nondual mysticism, as stated in the book Galactic Alignment:
“…when the two bodily currents are united in the Muladhara chakra, the evolutionary energy is triggered and rises upward along the inner spine to awaken the higher centers of consciousness. This process is much like the lotus flower blooming out of a muddy pond. And this upward awakening opens the initiate, the newly awakened, to the higher realms beyond identity as male or female, for the spirit is beyond duality."
The Properties
Nymphaea caerulea is a nervous system tonic, lymph decongestant, and uterine toner.
Aphrodisiac, muscle relaxant, increases libido in both men and women.
Natural pain-killer.
Its active constituents apomorphine and nuciferine induce the activation of serotonin and dopamine receptors which contribute to the calming and euphoric effect.
Makes our stress response more adaptable and helps relieve anxiety and insomnia.
Helps to moisturize the skin, and when used topically it can prevent pimples and acne.
Alleviates stomach issues like diarrhea, dysentery and constipation.
Regulates hormones, easing menstrual cramps and period regulation.
Due to its neuroprotective properties it may help with memory recall.
Promotes lucid dreaming, Yeehaw!
Has astringent, diuretic, and emollient qualities that make it an effective treatment for tissue inflammation.
Treats a range of blood-related issues, such as bleeding, blood in the lungs and urine, and irregular bleeding or “spotting” in women.
The seeds contain potential epigenetic factors that can activate longevity genes and collagen production which can contribute to youthfulness.
Contraindications
Blue Lotus can create hot flashes when taken in excess. Not to be combined with painkillers. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding it is best to consult your doctor or health care provider.
-Written by Mariana Gutierrez, creator and founder of Pachamagic.
References:
Bibliography:
"The Astrology of Herbs" by Adriana Ayales
"Galactic Alignment" by John Major Jenkins
"The Secret Doctrine" by M. Blavatsky
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