Lavender’s Embrace
Crafting a Soothing Salve for Body & Spirit
By: Mario-Pierre
Immerse yourself in the art of alchemy as we explore the serene world of lavender. Not just a salve for the body, but a soothing balm for the spirit, our Lavender Salve recipe marries the simplicity of natural healing with the profound depth of magical tradition. Let this guide be your portal to a practice where every ingredient whispers secrets of old and every step is an act of enchantment.
History and Culture
Lavender, with its lush history rooted in the Mediterranean, has been a symbol of peace, purification, and healing for centuries. Revered by ancient civilizations and modern herbalists alike, this fragrant herb weaves its way through folklore as a guardian against evil and a guide to inner calm. Its use in salves, distilled from the very essence of Earth’s magic, offers a direct link to the healing energies of nature.
This recipe not only draws upon the rich history of witchcraft traditions but is also a testament to lavender’s enduring legacy across cultures. By creating this salve, you engage in a ritual as old as time, invoking lavender’s protective and loving energy. Envision enhancing love, promoting peaceful sleep, or safeguarding your home as you meld these ingredients with intent. Variations abound in the magical world; feel free to infuse your salve with additional herbs aligned with your personal needs or the turning Wheel of the Year.
Seasonal Correspondences
Lavender blooms with the power of midsummer, making this the ideal time to prepare your salve, aligning your work with the peak of lavender’s magical potency. However, its protective and calming properties are welcomed year-round, especially during Sabbats focused on healing and renewal, such as Imbolc or Beltane.
Ingredient Properties
Dried Lavender Flower (Lavandula angustifolia)
Known for their calming properties, these flowers reduce inflammation, aid in relaxation, and carry potent energy for protection and love, making them a cornerstone of both herbal medicine and magical practices.
Beeswax Pellets
Providing a protective barrier to the skin, beeswax also symbolizes immortality and rebirth within many traditions, sealing intentions within the salve. Its natural origin contributes to the salve’s consistency and healing properties.
Lavender’s Embrace
by Mario-Pierre
Time Required: 4-6 weeks for infusion; 1 hour for preparation and cooling.
Tools Required: Glass jar, cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer, double boiler, small jars or tins for storage.
Yields: : Makes about 1 to 1.5 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup of carrier oil (Olive or Coconut Oil)
- 1/4 cup of dried lavender flowers
- 1/4 cup of beeswax pellets
- 15-20 drops of lavender essential oil
Method:
- Begin by infusing the carrier oil with the dried lavender flowers. To do this, combine the oil and lavender in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place the jar in a sunny spot and let it sit for 4-6 weeks, shaking the jar every few days to mix the ingredients.
- After the oil has been infused, strain out the lavender flowers using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. You should be left with a fragrant lavender-infused oil.
- In a double boiler or small saucepan, melt the beeswax pellets over low heat. Once melted, add in the lavender-infused oil and stir until fully combined.
- Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Once slightly cooled, add in the lavender essential oil and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into small jars or tins and let it cool completely before use. The salve should solidify as it cools, and will have a smooth, creamy texture once fully hardened.
Substitutions
Candelilla Wax:
By crafting this Lavender Salve, you do more than create a remedy for the physical body; you weave a spell of tranquility and protection. Let it be a sacred tool in your practice, a guardian in your home, and a testament to the timeless bond between humanity and the healing gifts of the Earth.
About the Authors
Article: Covensteads Authors
Our site’s collective authors are a group of diverse individuals who bring their unique perspectives and experiences to our collective articles. From Witchcraft practitioners to spiritual seekers, our authors share a common goal of bringing quality content to you.
Recipe: Mario-Pierre
Kimberly-Mai is a modern-day hedge witch, specializing in tinctures, brews, and mind-body wellness. With a deep passion for plants, food, and divination, she crafts spells and concoctions from her home-based sanctuary to promote holistic well-being.
