Ancient Egyptian poppy amulet, lapis lazuli - single piece

Ancient Egyptian poppy amulet, lapis lazuli - (note: small size)

• Era: Ancient Egypt, 1570 - 1070 BC, New Kingdom
• Material: lapis lazuli
• Size: 1.5×0.6×0.6 cm
• Condition: very good

This beautiful and graceful semi-precious stone depicting a poppy seed pod was likely part of a larger piece of jewelry. Poppy ( Papaver somniferum ) was a very common motif in ancient Egypt and was used in jewelry and amulets made from various materials, from metals to gemstones and faience. Lapis lazuli is a very hard and difficult gemstone to work with, so the poppy amulet on sale can be assumed to have belonged to the wealthier class.

Symbol meaning

The poppy was associated with the myth of Osiris in Egyptian culture. According to the myth, Osiris was the god of agriculture. He died and was buried, but was later resurrected. Thus, Osiris was not only the god of agriculture but also the god of death and the afterlife. This story symbolizes the cyclical changes of nature, especially the cycle of cultivation, in which plants rise from the earth to grow and live again. Osiris was believed to rest in his tomb, which was like a poppy flower, and this gave rise to the connection between the poppy and rebirth.

Poppy amulets were often part of funeral rituals and were associated with the afterlife. They were placed on the graves of the deceased for protection and as an aid on the journey to the afterlife. The poppy also symbolized the boundary between sleep and wakefulness, which added to its mystical significance.

Poppy amulets represented complex symbolism that combined the concepts of life, death, and rebirth. They were part of Egyptian religion and culture, emphasizing the connection between different stages of life and the quest to understand the deeper meanings of life.

Lapis Lazuli is considered the stone of Sagittarius.

Ritual use

The poppy amulet can be a powerful symbol when used in rituals. Here are a few ways you can utilize the poppy amulet in rituals:

• Meditation and Concentration: Use the poppy amulet in meditation or at the beginning of a ritual as an aid to concentration. Hold the amulet in your hands or place it in front of you, and focus on its symbolism and meaning. Imagine how the poppy amulet brings with it the energy of peace and rebirth.
• Setting an intention: Before beginning the ritual, you can hold the poppy amulet in your hands and place a specific intention or wish on it. Visualize how the symbolism of the poppy supports your goal and helps you achieve what you desire.
• As a ritual item: Use a poppy amulet as part of your ritual elements. You can place it on your altar or carry it with you during your ritual. It can symbolize rebirth, transformation, or spiritual growth that you want to enhance with your ritual.
• Sleep and Dream World Connection: Poppy is also associated with the dream world. You can wear a poppy amulet before going to bed or during sleep. Keep the amulet on your bedside table or place it under your pillow, and visualize how it helps you connect with the dream world and delve into your inner wisdom.
• Rituals of Rebirth and Transformation: The poppy amulet can serve as a powerful symbol in rituals of rebirth and transformation. Use it when you want to effectively channel the symbolism of the poppy and bring its power into the ritual.

When using the power of the poppy amulet in rituals, remember to create a ritual that feels meaningful and appropriate to you. This will help you connect the power of the amulet with your own intentions and needs during the ritual.