The Sacred Egyptian Blue Lotus: A Representation of Rebirth
By Soha ElWishey
As we are beginning a new year full of new hopes and new beginnings, the Blue Lotus came to mind as it has been depicted to represent the symbolism of rebirth, resurrection, and ascension to purity and divinity.
Ancient Egyptians used the flower in their hieroglyphics, in drawings on walls and papyri, and even used its essence to drink and celebrate in their holistic rituals.
Looking at its growth cycle, the seed is submerged into muddy waters where its roots grow first deep down into the mud then allowing the flower to elevate above the water where its blue hue petals open and bloom when the sun is up and closes again at dusk time when the sun goes down. This was acquainted with the cycle of life and death and rebirth again as the flowers sink in the water and rise up again symbolising faith and perseverance embodying the journey of spiritual enlightenment.
The fact that the lotus plant grows in murky waters but the flower itself comes up sparkling clean every time, defines the purifying process it goes through, signifying the ascension of the soul through its different levels of growth and elevation. That is why the essence of the blue lotus was rendered sacred and was shared in spiritual ceremonies, where the flowers were left to brew in wine for celebrations, enhancing a higher state of consciousness.
The lotus motif is found engraved on pillars of sacred temples symbolising the Tree of Life, and the lotus flower was drawn with the papyrus reeds symbolising Upper Egypt with Lower Egypt, uniting the two lands and also as if to unite between the underworld and the heavens above.
The Blue Lotus has become known and used for its variable beneficial properties including emotional balance, relief of anxiety, mental clarity, as a sleep aid, and as an aphrodisiac. There are different ways to access the plant either by tincture, oil or smoking the dried flower or infusing it for a relaxing tea. The oil has many uses, for example, it can assist in relieving pain, for hair growth, for sensual massages and due to its dainty aromatic floral scent can be used as a perfume or on a diffuser to spread tranquil vibes. All these are now available in local shops around Egypt using the organic original species.
There is an ancient legend that says when the blue lotus flower returns to bloom and spread in Egypt, that means there is a rise in, or a rebirth of a new civilization and a new consciousness rooted in the purity of the heart, and in this present day the sacred water lilly of the Nile is revived again with its unique mystic stance, so let’s hope it becomes more of a truth than a mythological legend.