Dreams connect to many facets of our existence: Fantasy, fear, desire, strategy, survival, prophesy. Placing herbs under one’s pillow is a centuries-old practice of amplifying dreams. Mugwort, bay, and lavender are some key players in ancient dreaming. All are associated with protection and have been worn or carried to ward off negativity and harm.
Mugwort
Mugwort has one of the strongest reputations as an herb increasing prophetic dreams, astral projection, and psychic abilities. A pillow stuffed with mugwort and slept upon is a traditional way to connect to these powers. Mugwort guides and protects us through our dreams, weaving words and images into our higher levels of consciousness.
Bay
Bay is known for its association with clairvoyance. Bay leaves have been placed under pillows to induce visions and prophetic dreams. They can also be burned to produce visions. Lore has it that Pythia, priestess of the Oracle of Delphi, would chew on bay leaves and inhale their fumes while reciting her prophecies.
Lavender
Loved for its calming and peaceful properties, lavender is often used for relaxation and sleep. This beautifully fragrant plant is also associated with happiness and love. Some have used lavender to help wishes come true. A nighttime ritual includes placing lavender under the pillow while thinking of a wish. If anything related to the wish is dreamt, the wish will come true.
Enjoy these powerful plant allies as they elevate your vibration and connect you to the deeper messages and meanings of life.
Peaceful dreaming!
Sally
Cunningham, S. (2000). Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn.