Lavender

seed, try the early-blooming "Munstead" or "Lady" varieties. Plant seed when they are freshly purchased.

Seeding and planting:

1. Generously sow the seeds in a tray with potting soil. Cover them with a thin layer of soil, and pat down lightly. Keep the soil moist and at about 68 deg. F. Seeds will sprout in 2-3 weeks.
   
2. Keep the seedlings in direct light for the most rapid growth.
3. When seedlings grow to be 1-2 in. tall, transfer them to small pots filled with well-drained, sterile potting soil.
4. In late May to early June, (I planted mine in early August, and still had a harvest that year, so don't worry!) plant the seedlings in larger pots, window boxes or the garden. Individual plants should be planted 12-16 in. apart.

Propagation: In either spring or fall, cut 3-in.-long tender shoots below leaf bunches. Strip the lower two-thirds of leaves from each cutting. Place the cuttings, far enough apart so they are not touching, in a pot of moist vermiculite or sand-peat mixture. Keep moist and out of direct light. You know roots have sprouted when new top growth appears or when shoots resist gentle tugging. Plant in well-drained soil in the garden or pots. Magickal Uses:

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Folk Names:Elf Leaf, Nard, Nardus, Spike
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Power: Love, Protection, Sleep, Chastity, Longevity, Purification, Happiness, Peace
Lavender has long been used in love spells and sachets. Clothing rubbed with the fragrant flowers (or lavender placed in drawers with clothes) attracts love. A piece of paper on which you've rubbed lavender is excellent for writing love notes. The scent of lavender particularly attracts men, and lavender water or the essential oil was worn by prostitutes several centuries ago to both advertise their profession as well as to attract (through magick) customers. Lavender also protects against cruel treatment at the hands of a spouse if worn.
These flowers are also burned or smouldered to induce sleep and rest, and are scattered around the home to maintain its peacefulness. The plant is so powerful that, if when depressed, one gazes upon the plant all sorrow will depart and a joyous feeling will settle upon the observer. Indeed, the odor of lavender is conducive to long life, and so should be smelled as often as possible if this is a concern.
Lavender

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