La Luna Crafts

Dream Pillows

Every ordinary person dreams when they sleep. Scientists have discovered that if we do not dream, because of the use of alcohol, drugs or sleep-deprivation for example, we can become disoriented, distracted, and even nearly schizophrenic during our waking time. Dreaming appears to be essential to a healthy mind.

Dreams are our subconscious mind's way of communicating with the conscious mind. As the subconscious mind uses symbols instead of words to communicate, dreams are generally symbolic of something. The subconscious mind uses metaphors, sometimes in the wildest possible way, to get our attention.

Making dream pillows for specific purposes is an excellent way to make your subconscious mind work with you on problem-solving, restful sleep, stress or headache relief (you see what I mean) Dream pillows will also help when you are troubled by nightmares.

I have been looking into making my own dream pillows since I saw some a few weeks ago at a oh so chic boutique near me ( at a oh so chic price I might add). But I thought they were interesting and I understood the concept of the herbs having certain properties to help in specific things. As a chronic insomniac I know these things! As the gift giving season is rapidly approaching I believe these may be unique, helpful, spiritual gifts that truly come from the heart! Handmade always seems more personal to me ( I think you will agree). Here is what I have found so far:

What you will need:

1.) A tightly woven fabric such as muslin or cotton

2.) Needle and thread

3.) Buckwheat or flaxseed as filler for the pillow.

4.) Your choice of herbs

Herbs and their Properties

ANGELICA, LAVENDER, MUGWORT - prophetic dreams

ANISE, CEDAR, MULLEIN - repels bad dreams & nightmares

BAY LAUREL- inspiration

HOPS, VALERIAN, ALL MINTS, CHAMOMILE - restful sleep

MARJORAM - relieves depression

ROSEMARY, VERBANA - headache relief

ORANGE or LEMON PEEL - to relax

LILAC - comfort

SAGE - to purify

JASMINE, CATNIP - to induce dreams

For a small pillow you will need two 3 inch squares of fabric, for a medium, two 6 inch squares of fabric. Stitch up the pillow on 3 sides, leaving one side open for filling. Stuff the pillow with the herbs and filler of either buckwheat or flaxseed until it is loosely stuffed. Sew up the fourth side and place under pillow. Keep in mind you can also place your pillow in a decorative cover if you used plain muslin to make the pillow.