Lavender is a versatile plant that has been used for centuries for its various magical properties. Its beautiful purple flowers and calming fragrance make it a popular herb for both spiritual and practical purposes. One of the most well-known magical uses of lavender is its ability to promote relaxation and sleep. Sprinkling lavender flowers under a pillow or placing a sachet of dried lavender near the bed can help induce peaceful dreams and a restful night's sleep. Lavender essential oil can also be diffused or added to bathwater to create a soothing and calming atmosphere. In addition to its calming properties, lavender is also believed to have protective qualities.
But to summon up wondrous spells, Handel did not just make use of spectacular sets made to move by ingenious machinery, as evidenced by the beauty and elegance of his score.Hence Ruggiero’s two arias that open the second act of Alcina highlight his release from the spell that enables the hero to break free of Alcina’s clutches just as the “machines” do. Between the first and second arioso, Melisso, the wizard who kidnapped Ruggiero, uses white magic against Alcina.A ring slipped on Ruggiero’s finger is sufficient to open the eyes of the paralysed lover.We see the room in Alcina’s castle transform into a “horrible and deserted place”, and we hear Ruggiero go from plaintive and languorous (“Col celarvi a chi v’ama”) to a song expressing amazement:“Qual portento”.The magic of the sounds and the voice depict the sudden and welcome reversal:Ruggiero forgets the enchantress and thinks only of Bradamante, the legitimate fiancée he chased out of his heart.
While the libretto used by Handel shows some variations in regard to the tradition, he includes most of the characteristics of the Alcina character, the formidable sorceress who uses her powers to bewitch warriors whom she keeps prisoner in her enchanted island. Given that, I think the writers did a pretty incredible job in wrapping up their story, but you still end up with a finale that feels a little rushed.
In addition to its calming properties, lavender is also believed to have protective qualities. Placing lavender sachets in the home or carrying a small bag of dried lavender with you can repel negative energy and provide a sense of protection. Some people even think that lavender has the power to ward off evil spirits.
Alcina: the Last Pleasures of an Enchanted World
This year, a new production of Alcina , the « magical » opera written by Handel, is given for the opening of the Aix-en-Provence Festival, with Patricia Petibon singing the role-title alongside Philippe Jaroussky and Anna Prohaska .
The occasion to (re)discover the enchanting work by the Germano-British composer, talking about freedom as well as bewitching seduction against true love, being maybe quite representative of its era. As the illusive world of the sorceress Alcina fades progressively into the reality, the work of Handel (his last major success) marks the turn of the british lyrical scene of the time. Many problems that we study to better understand the opera and its context at the eve of the 2015 Aix-en-Provence Festival.
Alcina holds a unique place in Handel’s career (1685-1759). Of his forty operas, the fourth summons up spells from enchanted worlds ruled by an enchantress.It was the third one whose subject matter was taken from Orlando furioso, the famous poem written by Ariosto in the early 16 th century.It was the second one written for audiences at the new Covent Garden Theatre, which opened in 1732. And, finally, it was the composer’s last great London success.It ran for 18 days, a remarkable achievement for the time.Like Alcina, the seductive and ever-changing sorceress transformed by love, Handel is in a bewitching musical world that lends itself readily to all the spectator’s expectations:Alcinacan be viewed as a mere baroque divertissement, a very successful example of a “magic” opera, generally making use of special effects.The work can also be seen as a moral allegory on the danger of easy pleasure.Or perhaps as the reassuring triumph by a pair of mortals over the deceptive powers of magic?It is also a paean to love and freedom won back.While attending a rehearsal of Alcina at Handel’s house, a loyal friend of the composer, a Mrs Pendarves, exclaimed rapturously over this opera:“The best (Handel)ever made (…), it’s so beautiful I have no words to describe it…. As Mr Handel played his part, I could not help imagining him as a necromancer in the middle of his own spells.”The love Alcina feels for Ruggiero ends up stripping her of her magic powers by making her the prisoner of her own desires.She disappears, vanquished by the courage and constancy of her rival Bradamante, who, it turns out, is not a mere mortal.The enchanted world evaporates when Ruggiero breaks an urn containing the fairy’s powers, and everything returns to normal.Alcina was the last enchantress written by Handel.While the “opera seria” world was cracking open to allow room for comedic opera, Alcina was slipping away, taking with her one of the last pleasures of an enchanted world. Handel gave up opera five years later with Deidamia (1741). Turning away from the theatre, he devoted himself primarily to the oratorio, producing huge masterworks one after another, first his renowned Messiah (1742) and then, a few months later, Samson (1743).
Moreover, lavender is often used in love spells and rituals. Its sweet and floral scent is believed to attract love and romance. Including lavender in a love charm or wearing lavender oil as a perfume can help draw in positive energy and enhance love and passion in relationships. Furthermore, lavender has been used for centuries in purification rituals. Burning dried lavender as incense or using it in smudging ceremonies can help cleanse and purify a space or oneself from negative energy. It is thought to clear away stagnant energy and bring about a sense of renewal and positivity. Lastly, lavender is also used in divination and psychic work. Placing lavender flowers under a pillow or in a dream pillow can enhance psychic dreams and intuition. The scent of lavender is said to open the third eye and promote spiritual awareness and insight. In conclusion, lavender has a wide range of magical uses, from promoting relaxation and sleep to attracting love and warding off negative energy. Its sweet fragrance and beautiful flowers make it a popular choice for various spiritual practices. Whether used in spells, rituals, or simply enjoyed for its calming properties, lavender has been cherished by people around the world for its magical qualities..
Reviews for "Lavender: A Natural Remedy for Depression and Mood Disorders"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magical Uses of Lavender". The book promised to provide unique and exciting ways to incorporate lavender into your daily life, but it fell short. The majority of the book was filled with basic recipes for lavender-infused products that can be found with a quick internet search. I was hoping for more in-depth information on lesser-known uses of lavender, but there was very little new or interesting content. Overall, I found this book to be lacking in creativity and substance.
2. John - 1 star - I regret purchasing "Magical Uses of Lavender". The title is misleading as there is nothing magical about this book. The author simply compiled a list of common uses for lavender, such as its calming properties and its use as an insect repellent. I was hoping for more unconventional and imaginative suggestions, but this book offered nothing beyond the ordinary. It felt like a waste of time and money, and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for genuinely magical uses of lavender.
3. Lisa - 2 stars - "Magical Uses of Lavender" was a letdown for me. I was expecting a comprehensive guide to harnessing the power of lavender for more than just its scent, but this book barely scratched the surface. The descriptions of the various uses of lavender were vague and not supported by any scientific evidence or historical anecdotes. I found it frustrating that the author did not provide any practical tips or step-by-step instructions on how to incorporate lavender into my daily life in a meaningful way. This book left me wanting more, and I would not recommend it to anyone seeking detailed and well-researched information on the subject.
4. Michael - 1 star - I was hoping "Magical Uses of Lavender" would uncover some hidden gems about this versatile herb, but unfortunately, it was a disappointment. The book offered nothing beyond the commonly known uses of lavender in aromatherapy and skincare. I was expecting a deeper dive into the magical and mystical properties of lavender, but I was left unsatisfied. The lack of originality and depth in this book left me questioning why I even bothered reading it. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for truly unique and magical uses of lavender.