Magical and Medicinal Uses of Water Lily

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Powers: Creation, Enlightenment, Hedge Riding, Love, Peace, Purity, Rebirth, Spiritual Connection, Wisdom

Magical Uses and History: The scientific name for water lilies, Nymphaea, is derived from the word "nymph," water spirits commonly found in Greek myths. This is a rather obvious reflection of the nature of water lilies, which commonly grow in bodies of water, their roots digging deep underground while their leaves or pads float to the surface. Often confused with the lotus, water lilies have a different history, folklore, and magical presence than the lotus.

In ancient Egypt, the water lily was highly regarded due to its unique nature. Like morning glories, Egyptian varieties of water lilies are nyctinastic, their flowers opening and closing due to temperature changes. They rise out of the water and bloom in the morning, but retreat back beneath the surface in the afternoon heat. This unique behavior led the Egyptians to associate water lilies, specifically blue water lilies, with the creation. According to the myth, a blue lotus flower arose from the primordial waters of Nun at the beginning of the world. Within was Nefertem, the physical manifestation of the first sunlight or sunrise. Sometimes referred to as "He Who is Beautiful" and "Water-Lily of the Sun," Nefertem is often depicted as a beautiful young man with blue water lilies adorning his head. In the Book of the Dead, Nefertem is referenced in a passage which says, "Rise like Nefertem from the blue water lily, to the nostrils of Ra, and come forth upon the horizon each day." Needless to say, the blue water lily symbolised creation, rebirth, and death, as well as the cyclical nature of sunrise and sunset. (What's even more interesting is recent fossilized remains of the earliest flowering plants are believed to be most closely related to modern-day water lilies, suggesting it really was there at the "beginning.")

Nefertem's myth doesn't end there, however. As the Sun God Ra suffered the effects of aging, Nefertem brought him a water lily flower. Ra smelled the flower and was instantly restored. As such, the scent of the water lily was believed to be restorative and protective, with numerous depictions of the flowers being held by gods and goddesses to the noses of pharaohs to ensure their long and ever-lasting reign. 

Furthermore, water lilies have been found in a great number of Egyptian tombs as potential offerings, as well as painted on walls and even on unguent jars. In these tomb paintings, the dead are often depicted smelling the flowers, which is believed to reference the restoration of the deceased's senses as they enter the underworld to await rebirth. During the mummification process, oil made from water lilies was used "to unite the limbs, join the bones and assemble the flesh" and reduce the smell of decay. Nefertem is said to have resided over this process as well, further associating him and the water lily with life, death, rebirth, and even perfume.

Similar myths of water lilies and rebirth are found in other cultures, more specifically among the Tupi-Guarani people of Brazil. According to their myth, the moon goddess Jaci was known to come in the night to kiss and light up the faces of beautiful young virgins. If she deemed them worthy enough, she would turn them into stars. Naiá, a young virgin, became obsessed with becoming a star, even after being warned that she would lose her flesh and blood in the process. Each night, Naiá roamed the mountains seeking out the moon, refusing to eat or sleep. One night, Naiá happened upon a lake, where she noticed the moon's reflection. Desperate for the moon's blessing, she dove into the water and drowned. Jaci turned her into a water lily, the "star of the waters," to reward her for the sacrifice and dedication. In Greek mythology, Chloris, the goddess of flowers, transforms a dying nymph into a beautiful flower, which some interpretations identify as a water lily. These myths, while certainly darker in nature, also show the water lily being a symbol of transformation and rebirth.

As such, water lilies can be used in spells and rituals related to creation, death, rebirth, and transformation. Place water lily flowers as offerings to your ancestors or creation/death deities. Use water lily oil to anoint candles or diffuse to inspire creativity and transformation. Add the petals to spell bags for similar purposes.

Because water lilies have roots deep below the water's surface and a blooming flower on the water's surface, water lilies are also thought to symbolize the connection between life and death or the world above and the world below. In ancient Maya, water lilies were often depicted being used in rituals and ceremonies, most likely as a psychotropic substance. It was also called "nikte'ha," meaning "vulva of the water," thus representing its connection with the divine, life, birth, and even fertility. In Egypt, the blue water lily was also used by spiritual leaders to induce trances. This tradition has been continued into modern day, with hedge witches, shamans, and other astral travelers using the petals to reach an altered state of consciousness. Diffusing water lily oil can help enhance psychic awareness and facilitate communication with the Otherworld.

Finally, the water lily has paradoxically been associated with both purity and lust. Certain varieties of water lilies act as a mild aphrodisiac and have been steeped in wine to induce lustful behavior. More often than not, however, the water lily is associated with purity and modesty. This likely arises from the fact that the water lily can emerge from the murky, muddy depths without a blemish, its flower petals untarnished by the dirt below. Water lilies are sometimes added to wedding bouquets to represent chastity and purity of the heart, as well as eloquence and grace. Their delicate fragrance was highly regarded throughout history and was said to temper earthly desires and temptations by reminding the imbiber to seek inner peace. Pliny the Elder even recorded water lilies being an antidote to love potions. As such, water lilies can be used in spells and rituals for purity as well as love. Use water lily perfume or oils in spells to enhance feelings of love and attraction or to aid during meditation. Water lilies can also be used in cleansing rituals and baths to purify and renew you or your space.

Water lily can be used in a number of spells, including:

      Divination

      Hedge Riding

      Purity Rituals

      Love Spells

      Rebirth Magic

      Death Magic

      Transformation Rituals

Medicinal Uses: When it comes to using water lilies in medicine, not all water lilies are created equal. Several varieties are toxic, while others, like the American white water lily (Nymphaea odorata), are perfectly safe. Please consult a licensed herbalist or your doctor before using water lily in your herbal practice. American white water lily contains tannins that help reduce inflammation and swelling and are antidiarrheal. Many varieties also contain nymphayol, an organic compound that stimulates the secretion of insulin and promotes the absorption of glucose, suggesting it is a useful treatment for diabetes. Nymphayol is also anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory, and has been found useful in treating gastric ulcers. Water lilies are also hepatoprotective, thus helping promote healthy liver function. Water lily should not be taken by those who are taking pain relievers such as opioids, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and medications used to treat Alzheimer's, dementia, or Parkinson's. Water lilies should also be avoided by those who suffer from seizures.

Preparation and Dosage: To create an infusion, combine 1 tsp of powdered water lily root with 1.5 cups of water. Boil for 30 minutes before enjoying. Drink up to three times per day. As a tincture, take 0.5 milliliters up to three times a day. Water lily can also be used externally as a cream, poultice, or ointment to treat minor swelling, bruising, or pain.

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