The Poppy is an herbaceous, springtime flower that quickly gives way to a distinctive smooth capsule. Several species grow in Greece, including the wild, red Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) and the cultivated Opium Poppy (P. somniferum). Sacred to Nyx, goddess of Night, and Hypnos, god of Sleep, the Poppy was said to grow in the cave of Hypnos where the Underworld River Lethe (Oblivion) flowed. Highly controversial and even illegal in some countries, the Opium Poppy in particular has been used since ancient times as a powerful sedative and painkiller; ingesting Opium (the latex harvested from the P. somniferum capsule) is often accompanied by visions or altered states of consciousness. However, Opium can be highly addictive and an overdose can result in death. For this reason, the Poppy is a chthonic teacher of the importance of cultivating intentional relationships with the forces of Nature.