====== Lotus ======
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---- dataentry herbs----
latin_names: Nelumbium nelumbo, Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaea lotus, Nymphaea coerula, Nymphaea nelumbo
folk_names:  Baino, Egyptian Lotus
gender_tags: Feminine
planet_tags: Moon
element_tags: Water
deity_tags: 
effect_tags: Protection, Lock-Opening, Love, Peace, Happiness
----
</div>

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===== Ritual Uses =====

The lotus has long been revered in the East as a mystical symbol of life, spirituality, and the center of the universe. The ancient Egyptians considered the plant to be sacred and the lotus was used as an offering to the gods.

===== Magical Uses =====

Anyone who breathes the scent of the lotus will receive its protection.

Place the root of a lotus under the tongue, and say the words "*SIGN, ARGGIS*" toward a locked door. It will miraculously open.

Lotus seeds and pods are used as antidotes to love spells, and any part of the lotus carried or worn ensures blessings by the Gods and good luck.

===== Aromatherapy =====

==== Lore ====

Virtually every book written about ancient Egypt has described that fabled peoples’ love affair with the “lotus.” Representations of it abound One memorable image: a carving of Tutankhamen as a newborn child emerging from a lotus flower.

As mentioned in Chapter 2 of this book, overwhelming evidence now indicates that the true lotus (*Nelumbo nucifera*) was unknown in Egypt until its fairly late introduction by the Persians. The flower that the Egyptians loved, treasured and worshipped above all others was actually the water lily.

It was the water lily that graced the rectangular garden pools. It was the water lily that was associated with Ra, Isis and Osiris. The true lotus, of Indian origin, is an entirely different plant as can be observed when comparing traditional Indian paintings of the lotus with Egyptian art.

==== Magical Uses ====

It’s rather hard to smell a fresh water lily blossom. Such a feat may entail wading through water. Here in southern California, many people raise them in backyard pools but the cut flowers are never available. However, no book about fragrance could ignore this famous aroma.

The blue water lily emits a pleasingly sweet scent (the botanical building in Balboa Park, in San Diego, has a koi pool fringed with water lilies and real loti). In ancient Egypt, it was found to produce a peaceful disposition and to create happiness, which is why the flower was smelled at celebrations and feasts.

Additionally, the scent of the water lily can be inhaled with visualization to manifest a loving relationship.

No true lotus or water lily essential oils are available.
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