I have never steeped the lotus in wine... mostly because I hardly drink alcohol and I hate wine. I've heard it's been done with rum, brandy, and other harder drinks before too, but I don't like to mix with alcohol. I should take something back... you CAN smoke blue lotus for effects, but I find eating it is MUCH more enjoyable and effective. The only time I smoke blue lotus is with other herbs such as a passiflora blooms and salvia leaf. I find a pinch of lotus, a passionflower bloom, and a pinch of salvia has a very calming effect and takes you to the edge of salvia space without fully feeling the effects of salvia.

As far as what I'VE felt from Blue lotus, it's been nothing but bliss. The most common words used to describe it are "euphoria" and "relaxing", but I feel more then just that. One phenomanon associated with the effects of lotus is feeling other peoples aura's, and it is not a myth! Under doses of 2-3 tablespoons I've been able to feel the energy of other people, it's comparable to static electricity. Lotus is something to use just sitting around, doing physical work seems to take away from the effects. Just listening to music and laying down is a wonderful experience.

I'm not sure what you can do with the seeds (besides plant them obviously), but as far as ingesting them goes I believe it's pointless. Iamshaman has great lotus products.. I have several ounces of blue lotus/blue lily/white lotus for various smoking blends I make. It's not something i enjoy to do a lot, it's more of a treat that comes along once in awhile.