Lavender

Quiets the chattering mind so the still small voice can be heard.

A herb of clarity, gentle discernment, and peaceful sleep.

Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia.

Traditional planetary association: Mercury.

Traditional elemental association: Air.

Roman bathers, medieval nuns, and Provençal grandmothers have all reached for the same blue-purple flower when the day grew too loud.

Its name comes from lavare, to wash.

Sprinkled in bath water before contemplative practice; tucked into pillows for prophetic dreams; burned in bundles to clear a room before prayer.

Calming to the nervous system, supportive of restful sleep, and traditionally used for tension headaches.

Generally safe when used as essential oil in dilution.