The Fool – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on November 20, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Fool – 0 – From the Rider-Waite Deck

Ah The Fool! Courage, naivety, adventure, passion and living in the moment is the message of this card. You may have noticed the number of this card is “0” and it can be seen as falling at the beginning of the series of the 22 Major Arcana cards (0-21). As we journey through the major arcana, it is almost as if we are following The Fool on his journey through the material world, and experience the lessons he is learning too.

This card is the card of pure potentiality – anything can happen! If this card comes to you in a reading it may be indicating you need to jump into something wholeheartedly and trust the universe will support you through your ups and downs. Is it a business venture, a new romance, a move overseas? Whatever it is you are being encouraged to try it anyway. The white dog in the picture may represent your animal instincts that can warn you of any dangers ahead so what are you waiting for? Take a leap of faith as The Fool is doing here – let’s face it he’s just about to jump off a cliff without looking!

Have faith you will be supported – pic via abetterdream.com

He’s a happy chap our Fool. He has magical powers represented by the wand but he hasn’t enough experience to use them yet. The only way to discover your own magic powers is to go out in the world and give it a go! You’ve got the power! This card also has a feeling of lightness, and a sense of being carefree. Maybe you need to force yourself to do something different that will get your energy vibed up and allow a feeling of complete freedom.

New beginnings make for a bit of fun – pic via simplyblessed.heartsdeesire.com

Just as the fool is starting his journey by walking off the side of a mountain with a smile on his face, you too can have this feeling with adding some essential oils to your life.

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Petitgrain – my oil of pure potentiality

Palmarosa – flexibility

Black Pepper – courage

Rose – self nurturing

Frankincense – take a deep breath and do it!

Lavender – consolidate your energy

The classic Duralex glass dish is handy to make oil blends and quick perfumes in

2. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil.

***** Always put the drops of essential oil into the bottle or dish first, then add the carrier oil. It gives the scents time to create a synergistic fusion.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“New Beginnings”

Starting things afresh can be a little scary so use these oils to help you –

Lavender 3 drops

Petitgrain 4 drops

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“Leap of Faith”

Take a leap of faith just like The Fool –

Black Pepper 1 drop

Mandarin 3 drops

Cypress 3 drops

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“I’m Never Alone”

The universe always responds to your creative endeavours –

Rosemary 1 drops

Rose 3% 12 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Lemongrass 2 drops

————————————————————————————————————————————–

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas. See my article about intention.

Hello Black Spruce, Where Have You Been All My Life?

Posted on November 11, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Black spruce pic via essentialhealth.com

“Picea mariana (black spruce) is a species of spruce native to northern North America, from Newfoundland to Alaska, and south to northern New York, Minnesota and central British Columbia, in the biome known as taiga or boreal forest.” Wikipedia

I’ve just used black spruce in a body wash with some other oils – simply because I had in my oil collection and never used it before. And now of course, I can’t live without it! Described as Canada’s best kept secret the scent of this oil is divine. It’s not nearly as brash as pine, but more herbaceous and green than fir (although they do smell quite similar). It is quite enchanting, warming and soft and I want to use it every day now. It’s from the Pinaceae family like these other trees and so displays some common characteristics.

A typical analysis of Black spruce essential oil is hard to find and I’ve been searching for ages. I have found a couple of MSDS’s (Material Safety Data Sheet) and many aromatherapy websites that seem to be regurgitating the same few lines. A website named Stillpoint Aromatics seems to have more specific info and claims;

“Black Spruce Essential Oil is rich in monoterpenes that give this oil its anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapeutic effects. It also is high in camphene, a monoterpene known for its mucolytic and respiratory benefits. The other chemical component of significant value, bornyl acetate, has multiple therapeutic values. It is what gives Black Spruce not only added analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, but the energetic and emotional support for calming and sedating.”

Black and White Spruce trees pic via uptreeid.com

I still haven’t found a complete chemical breakdown on this oil (it’s called A Typical Analysis) so it’s hard for me to say specifically what this beautiful oil could be used for but it’s clear to me that just one whiff of this oil is very clarifying. I would treat this oil as an expansive oil for the third eye chakra and a great way to connect to your abundance. I’ve always thought of pine oil as an oil of abundance as so I would include this lovely black spruce, fir and other conifers in this metaphysical section too.

If the above description is correct, sounds like this oil is great for sore muscles, and what we would expect from a tree like this – help with breathing and breaking down mucous in the respiratory system. So yay for Black spruce!

A personal mist is easy to make! pic via ebay.com.au

So let’s get into some recipes –

1. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

In a 50 ml mist bottle filled with water add 25 drops of oil

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”

Believe!

Black Spruce 10 drops

Lavender 5 drops

Orange 10 drops

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“Meditation”

Clarify and cleanse your mind –

Black Spruce 8 drops

Frankincense 8 drops

Rosewood 9 drops

————————————————————————————————————————————–

The classic Duralex glass dish is handy to make oil blends and quick perfumes in

2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“Multiverse”

Go beyond this universe into other dimensions –

Black Spruce 1 drop

Rose 3% 3 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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“I Am”

Just ‘be’ –

Black Spruce 2 drops

Sandalwood Australian 1 drop

————————————————————————————————————————————–

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas. See my article about intention.

The Lovers – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on November 6, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Lovers - # 6 from the Rider-Waite deck

The Lovers – VI from the Rider-Waite deck

Ah the lovers. It’s always interesting when this card shows up in reading because there is hidden meaning in the symbols – as with all the tarot cards. When I was learning the tarot I always remembered this card was just as much about choice, as about love. You can see the resemblance to The Devil which is very much about choice.

The Devil – XV from the Rider-Waite deck

Our lovers stand before us, naked, and representing Adam and Eve, with the apple tree and the snake in the background. The apples represent the choices between right and wrong, good and evil; however we know these degrees of behaviour lie within us, not without.The Bible story tells us that Eve had a choice to eat the apple or not. She did. The rest is history (or should I say her-story).

The sun is shining brightly indicating happiness and growth, and the 12 flamed tree behind our man indicates the 12 zodiac signs and his greatest desire for passion and sex.

Love – pic via eofdreams.com

And yes this card is about LOVE! Maybe it has popped up in your reading because you’ve just met someone interesting, maybe it’s because you are looking for love or maybe you need to love yourself more before you can share with another?

There is duality in this card as it is ruled by Gemini so these two could even be seen as the masculine and feminine parts of yourself, and a desire to achieve inner harmony. The love in this card is divined by God, represented by Archangel Raphael who is the healer. Maybe some of your relationships need healing?

Hey – and maybe this card is just about good old fashioned romantic love, orchestrated by the angels and created by you.

Let’s get into some great essential oils for love:

The classic Duralex glass dish is a handy thing to mix your oil blends and quick perfumes in

1. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“Feminine Love”

Nurture yourself –

Rose 3% straight from the bottle * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

————————————————————————————————————————————–

“Butterflies”

When you are a bit nervous with a new love or a first date –

Neroli 3% straight from the bottle * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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“Come Hither”

Oils for seduction –

Ylang Ylang 1 drop

Sandalwood 1 drop

Mandarin 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————

An oil burner with a candle helps transform stagnating energy

2. Scent Your Space

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil

“I’m Gonna Love You, Love You, Love You”

Get in the mood –

Cocoa CO2 8 drops *

Orange 5 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 6 drops

Palmarosa 6 drops

* see my article for more info on CO2 extracts What are CO2 Extracts in the World of Aromatherapy?

————————————————————————————————————————————–

“Love is in the Air”

Try this light and breezy love blend –

Bergamot 12 drops

Patchouli 5 drops

Rosewood 8 drops

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Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas. See my article about intention.

The Perfect Aromatherapy Skincare Regime

Posted on November 4, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Beautiful skin is easy with natural products – pic via nuimage.ca

I know its sounds corny but people always comment on how good my skin looks. When asked how I do it, I usually say there’s no quick answer but essential oils help. I’ve been using essential oils in my own handmade products on my skin for almost 20 years and would never use anything else. Apart from the natural simplicity of oils, it’s the scent of most skincare products detest. Even if I couldn’t access essential oils, I’d still use plain cold pressed oils on my face and body, and for sensitive skins this could be the best thing to use. I like to mix it up a bit and not use essential oils everyday.

Here’s an outline of my easy, natural aromatherapy regime:

Daily

Morning

1. Shower

* No soap or other foaming agents on my face just water, with a face cloth if I want a deeper cleanse

* No soap or other foaming agents on most of my body – maybe some natural soap on the underarms and nether regions

2. Moisturise

Moisturising with oil on your face can have fantastic benefits

* Face – spritz first with a rose or neroli hydrosol or floral water to really boost hydration (see my article “Hydrosols vs Floral Waters – What’s the Diff?”) then use rosehip oil with rose essential oil

or plain rosehip oil

or a cream I have made myself containing essential oils

If you are buying a small bottle of rosehip oil you could add the drops of rose oil into the bottle or just add the rose on a daily basis. For quantities to add to your bottle please check the 3% article below or the article above about the basics.

For example, for small squirt of rosehip oil onto your fingers, add a drop or two or rose oil 3% (see my article “Essential Oils 3% in Jojoba – What are they, and Why?”) and spread liberally all over your face. The only downside is that it’s a bit fiddly. Practice makes perfect though.

nourish your skin with oil blends

* Body – a nourishing body oil containing essential oils all over my body (see my article “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics”)

or a rich cream I’ve made myself containing essential oils

or just a plain cold pressed oil like almond, grapeseed, sunflower, olive, coconut

Remove makeup with the best makeup remover in the world – oil!

Evening

* Remove makeup (if applicable) with a damp cotton pad, with oil on it. This is the best makeup remover n the world! You can use sunflower, almond, olive etc and any cold pressed oil really

* Wipe with a warm, damp face cloth and only moisturise if you feel you need it. Often there is enough oil remaining on your skin to leave it feeling hydrated and soft

or shower and repeat the morning’s step

A clay face mask is the best and most natural clarifyng mask. pic vis chiclooking.com

A clay face mask is the best and most natural clarifying mask. pic via chiclooking.com

Occasionally

And occasionally I’ll give myself a body scrub, face scrub and face mask to remove old skin and tone and refine the top layer.

Face Scrub

Try some almond meal mixed with a little water. Stand over the basin so falling almonds can be caught and gently scrub. It’s wonderful how your skin feels with the oils of the almond infused into your skin. Then either apply a face mask or add a little extra moisture if needed.

↓

Face Mask

Mix a little clay (any colour – for more info see my article “The Wonderful World of Clay”) with water or a hydrosol. You can add a few drops of essential oil if you like just stay with lavender, geranium, chamomile, neroli and the softer oils. Apply. Rest for 10 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Moisturise.

↓

A salt scrub is easy to make! pic via cambridgenaturals.com

Body Scrub

The easiest body scrub is a salt scrub. Use fine sea salt, add some water and a little oil and mix to a slurry. Scrub all over your body standing in the shower or bath. If you are in a bath, then take the opportunity to soak for another 15 minutes.

Add 5 – 10 drops of essential oil to your liking to create an aromatherapy treatment at the same time. Or get creative and add things from your cupboard or fridge like fresh lemon rind and juice, cinnamon or fresh herbs. For more info see my article “It’s Easy to Make Your Own Body Scrub”.

Moisturise with an oil blend or cream.

↓

Body Mask

Same for face mask but you’ll need about a cup and a half of clay. Add water slowly and mix well. Add 20 drops of essential oil if you like, and then wrap yourself in towels and a blanket as the clay will make you COLD! Rest. Shower off and moisturise with an oil blend.

Wheel of Fortune – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on October 30, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Wheel of Fortune – # 10 from the Rider-Waite deck

Oh yeah this is a good one. If this card comes up in a reading it will make you feel positive and hopeful. As with all the tarot cards the symbols are important and this card has heaps! It has the four fixed signs of the zodiac and according to Biddy Tarot, they all have wings “signifying stability amidst movement and change”. There is also a sphinx (Horus, God of Resurrection), Anubis (giver of life) and a snake (transformation) as well as the letters spelling “Tora” or “Taro”. They can also be read as “orat” (to speak), “rota” (wheel) and “ator” (Egyptian Goddess of the Dead). Phew!

There are also 4 Hebrew letters which can be interpreted as God, and the symbols for mercury, sulphur, salt and water. These are symbols indicating the power of alchemy and the ability to create new things and transform elements into new compounds.

So the Wheel of Fortune is about movement, change and transformation. It also indicates success and good fortune which is what we all want to hear. When this card comes up in a reading it may be mirroring your current circumstances or it may be asking you to make determined physical changes in your life.

Change is a good thing! pic via wix.com

Taking control of the wheels of your life may be just what you need. Steer your life into uncharted territory and allow the energy of this movement to open new doors for you. The seasons and cycles of life wait for no man so why fight against it? Maybe you have been disconnected from the life cycles of earth – get out into nature and fully experience these changes with gusto. Align yourself with the magnetic energy of the universe and it may then be easier to accept more success and abundance into your life.

Are you feeling stuck? pic via pickthebrain.com

Get the wheels of life moving if you are feeling stuck. travel would be a great antidote, as would be meditating on this great tarot card.

This card could also represent the way “fate” plays with us, and may be asking you to open your awareness to the world to see how the web of life is “entangled” with everyone in the universe.

Awaken your senses to the possibilities of new things in your life by using some essential oils to invoke the Wheel of Fortune.

cinnamon

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Cedarwood Atlas – abundance

Cardamom – flow of energy in and around your body

Palmarosa – flexibility and happiness

Cinnamon – love what you do for work and abundance will flow

I love this oil burner from pagethirtythree.com

Scent your space with this oil burner from pagethirtythree.com

2. Scent Your Space

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil

“River”

Get your energy moving and flowing –

Ginger 5 drops

Juniper 5 drops

Rosemary 5 drops

Lime 10 drops

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“Wheel of Fortune”

Take risks and see what opens up for you –

Pine 8 drops

Frankincencse 8 drops

Black Pepper 4 drops

Orange 5 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————

“Lady Luck”

Be happy, positive and grateful and you will be in the flow of life –

Rose Geranium 8 drops

Mandarin 8 drops

Patchouli 4 drops

May Chang 5 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas. See my article about intention.

Everlasting Essential Oil Connects us to Our Immortality

Posted on October 28, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Helichrysum italicum “everlasting”. pic via calphotos.berkeley.edu

Aw this cute little daisy comes from the Asteraceae family along with the chamomiles, sunlfowers, safflower, marigold, globe artichoke, echinacea and chrysanthemum among many others. Also referred to as “immortelle”, can you guess what this essential oil is good for ? Immortality and the fountain of youth spring to mind when I think of everlasting, it’s great for skin and has many other benefits.

I was very excited to get a new bottle delivered the other day. It has a sweet, honey-like aroma with undertones of spice. Sometimes called the “curry plant”, everlasting does have a complex scent, maybe with a hint of curry – but don’t let that put you off. A few drops of this beautiful oil may be all you need to electrify and bend and add depth and sweetness to the scent. You may find everlasting n a 3% blend (see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba) or on it’s own but it will be more expensive this way.

Helichrysum bracteatum – essential oil does not come from this Helichrysum but you may recognise this flower from your local florist

In aromatherapy today everlasting is used for:

– formulations in skincare to promote cell growth and act as an anti-inflammatory agent

– as a stimulant to the lymphatic system to aid lymphatic drainage and therefore allow the skin to expel toxins more efficiently

– aiding the symptoms of dermatitis and excema

– diminishing scar tissue

– healing wounds

– coughs, coughing and asthma

– according to Salvatore Battaglia (The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy) everlasting is great for liver inflammation and the organs of the gall bladder, spleen and kidneys – all the organs helping in detoxification of the body. We can see how this relates to lymphatic drainage too.

infinity = immortality

I use everlasting energetically as a way to connect us to our immortality. The Fountain of Youth lives within us if we are able to see we are simply a manifestation of the energy of our spirits. Our souls will return to the oneness of the universe when our mortal bodies fade away. It’s seems so poetic to use the french word ‘immortelle’ for this beautiful oil, and I encourage you to use it with this thought in mind.

The Fountain of Youth by Lucas Cranach the Elder. pic via en.wikipedia.com

The Fountain of Youth by Lucas Cranach the Elder c 1546 pic via en.wikipedia.com

Here a a few recipes for our sweet immortelle:

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil.

***** Always put the drops of essential oil into the bottle or dish first, then add the carrier oil. It gives the scents time to create a synergistic fusion.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Sophia Loren”

Be as beautiful as this amazing lady who has said the Fountain of Youth lies in your creativity-

Everlasting 3% 12 drops

Rosewood 3 drops

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“Immortality”

Enjoy life in this moment for it will change form soon –

Everlasting 3% 9 drops

Sage 1 drop

Pink Grapefruit 4 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

“50 is the New 30”

Be young through the expression of your unique qualities, and youthful looking skin –

Everlasting 9 drops

Palmarosa 3 drops

Lavender 2 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas. See my article about intention.

The Emperor – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on October 23, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Emperor – IV from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

The Emperor falls into the bland section for me – along with Justice and The Hierophant. They aren’t very pretty cards and they have strong masculine energies. Having said all that the Emperor has some good things to say. There’s no mucking around with this guy and it’s the energy of Aries the Ram at play. Aries rules the head and decision-making and the Emperor is all about being level-headed and making decisions that will benefit him in the long run.

The Emperor is the provider, and is like a father figure who has provided for everyone. His classic long white beard shows him as the patriarch who has been around for a long time. His armour indicates that he has been in battles and survived because of his decision making and power. He has built his fortune on good decisions and hard work and emits an energy of rugged yet serene masculinity.

When The Emperor shows up in a tarot reading you may be in a time of your life when you want to lay solid foundations for your future – like laying foundations before building a house. You may want to, or be forced to, take on more responsibility which will be helpful for the future.

Taking on more responsibility – pic via metro.co.uk
by Matthew Nash

The Emperor could be asking you to make a plan for the future and be rational and methodical about what issues are in front of you right now. In numerology the number four is the number of solidity and getting sensible about your future. It’s the foundations stage, which is important when building something. The Emperor got to be where he is now by doing this well.

Four – pic via frtim.wordpress.com

This card is not about indecision or chaos. It’s about law and order, stability and security, confidence and leadership! What essential oils could you use to inspire these qualities?

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

The easiest way to inspire yourself is to simply smell an essential oil. The molecules will go straight to your brain through your nose and create change –

Rosemary – stimulate your mind

Basil – open awareness and expand your mindclary

Lavender – solidify your energy and make calm decisions

Clary sage – let your dreams guide you

Lemon – refresh your mind and reload new information

A personal mist is easy to make! pic via ebay.com.au

3. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

In a 50 ml mist bottle filled with water add 25 drops of oil

“Inspiration”

Take a deep breath and allow the answer to come to you –

Bergamot 15 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 5 drops

Pine 5 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————

“Decisions, Decisions”

Clear your mind to make a clear decision –

Rosemary 10 drops

Mandarin 10 drops

Lemongrass 5 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————

“Analogue”

Plan for the future –

Frankincense 8 drops

Lime 5 drops

Rosewood 8 drops

Black Pepper 4 drops

————————————————————————————————————————————–

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas. See my article about intention.

What are CO2 Extracts in the World of Aromatherapy?

Posted on October 21, 2013 by suzannerbanks

A drop of oil can be essential to wellbeing

When we talk about essential oils, it’s often an umbrella term for many different kinds of aromatic liquids.

Essential oils

These are usually water/steam distilled, and this is the most common way to date that oils are extracted. All the oils you would commonly buy today would be steam and water distilled and this process is simple, traditional and dates back through the past century.

Absolutes

These are usually made flowers or very delicate plants where a chemical extraction process is used (see my article Absolutes? Not Absolutely) but they resemble essential oils in viscosity and are used in the same way as essential oils. They tend to be more concentrated then essential oils.

Oleoresins and Resinoids

These are highly concentrated liquid extracts that are a combination of resins and aromatic oils. The plants they come from have a high resin content so they fall into their own category. Once again they can be used in the same way as essential oils.

CO2 Extracts

CO2 Extraction is also called Super-critical CO2 extraction and it produces a couple of plant products – extracts or selects, and totals.

A relative newcomer in the world of extraction, the name makes it sound bad but it’s not! There are lots of good things about this process and I’ll try to sum it up briefly and succinctly.

The extraction process uses carbon dioxide heated to a degree where it has both liquid and gaseous properties- this part is the super-critical part. It’s less hot them steam and water distillation so this is a bonus as it doesn’t change the plant materials as much.

It’s this liquid form that extracts the volatile plant material. Aromatic oils, resins and other cellular materials like pigments are extracted by the liquid CO2 which evaporates easily, leaving a substance that more closely resembles the plant.

CO2 extracts more closely aromatically resemble the whole plant, whereas essential oils are specifically the volatile oil component of the plant.

CO2 extracts may be better scent wise, or less attractive. It depends on the plant.

nutmeg – there are quite a few spice CO2 extracts

CO2 extracts that are now available are –

ambrette, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, clove, nutmeg, caraway, fennel, ginger

sea buckthorn

amaranth

cocoa, coffee, vanilla

pomegranate

evening primrose, rosehip

chamomile, champaka, ginger lily, jasmine, juniper, linden blossom, patchouli

arnica, calendula, lavender, hops, St Johns wort,

angelica root, orris root, kava

agarwood, frankincense, galbanum, myrrh, spikenard

the amazing vanilla pod

I don’t use CO2 extracts extensively in my practice yet, as many of the extracts are semi-solid and aren’t easy to work with. It seems some of the extracts are better suited to using in creams and lotions. I move more into the area of natural perfumery I know I’ll use some of the extractsmore often. I haven’t actually spent the time looking at the analysis of each oil, which will indicate the therapeutic property of the “oil”.

According to Nature’s Gift, “totals” are a secondary product of the CO2 process:

“are usually thick and pasty due to the beneficial fats, resins and waxes they contain that come from the plant material itself. These totals are soluble in essential oils and vegetable oils.

….These potent extracts are wonderful for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The Calendulas extract, for example, in a dosage of 2 grams extract to 1000 grams ointment is effective for it’s anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity.”

None of my suppliers in Sydney provide these “totals” and I don’t have first hand knowledge of how they work – but it sounds interesting!

Good luck with the CO2 extracts!

The High Priestess – A Tarot Card reading with Essential Oils

Posted on October 16, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The High Priestess – II from the Rider-Waite Deck

Listen to your inner voice.

Trust your intuition.

Allow the thin veil of illusion (maya) to fall away between your conscious and subconscious mind.

The High Priestess is the bold feminine, intuitive energy of the major arcana in the tarot. She is a the one who is connected to her emotions and the power of the moon and the invisible cycles. She is calm, contained, and her deep wisdom shines through. She is supported by the twin pillars of Boaz and Jachin, from Solomons Temple (a very long and interesting story there). The pomegranates also appeared on the twin pillars and are adorning the curtain behind the priestess. They represent possibility, sexuality and according to Biddy Tarot, duty.

The High Priestess is about the dark feminine knowledge, the witch, the power of psychic forces and the wisdom of the ages. She is the gateway to the underworld. She is the all-knowing feminine power.

Feminine power - pic via www.beliefnet.com - by Julie Loar

Feminine power – pic via http://www.beliefnet.com –
by Julie Loar

When The High Priestess shows up in a reading she may be asking you to recall ancient wisdom to help you on your present journey. You may need to take a break from the madness of everyday life, be calm and meditate.

You are wise, but at this time you may need to pay attention to your inner world more than your external world. It’s time to develop your intuition and rely on yourself.

Are you looking for a deeper meaning in your life? Maybe you have a new interest in philosophy and metaphysics? The High Priestess will help you with her knowledge of the collective unconscious.

Rely on, and develop your intuition (from curvyoga.com)

What essential oils could help you look within?

1. Scent Your Space

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil.

“Sacred Space”

Create a beautiful space to meditate in –

Frankincense 10 drops

Rose Geranium 8 drops

Lime 6 drops

Spikenard 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————

“Retreat”

Have a break from the outside world –

Juniper 10 drops

Fennel 6 drops

Mandarin 9 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————

“Dreams”

Allow your dreams to point the way –

Clary Sage 5 drops

Peru Balsam 10 drops

Nutmeg 5 drops

Lavender 5 drops

—————————————————————————————————————————————

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

Anoint yourself with essential oils

2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“Psychic River”

Open your psychic channels – anoint your third eye chakra

Basil 1 drop

Frankincense 1 drop

Bergamot 1 drop

————————————————————————————————————————————–

“Speak the Truth”

Let your knowledge flow – anoint your throat chakra –

Sage 1 drop

Myrrh 1 drop

Geranium 1 drop

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“The Heart Knows”

Rely on your intuition which may speak through your heart –

Rosewood 1 drop

Rose 3% 2 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Patchouli 1 drop

—————————————————————————————————————————————

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas. See my article about intention.

Anointing with Essential Oils – What’s it all About?

Posted on October 14, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Anointing with sacred oils in the time of the Pharoahs pic via www.jewishencyclopedia.com

Anointing with sacred oils in the time of the Pharoahs pic via http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com

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From the freedictionary.com –

a·noint (-noint)

1. To apply oil, ointment, or a similar substance to.

2. To put oil on during a religious ceremony as a sign of sanctification or consecration.

3. To choose by or as if by divine intervention.

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Anointing is absolutely connected to religions of all kind but lets step up and reclaim the word on behalf of consciousness and spirituality.

If you are anointed in a religious ceremony it usually signifies that you have been playing the game correctly, and symbolizes your worthiness to be alive. It can also help you remember to walk with the divine in your life on a daily basis and allow the almighty gods to be with you. It shows others you are doing the right thing and can also be a source energetic protection. This practice occurs in many religions across many cultures and centuries.

Man with a tilaka - a mark of the divine pic via www.flickriver.com

Man with a tilaka – a mark of the divine pic via http://www.flickriver.com

Going to a temple in India, one may leave with a thumbprint of red paste on the forehead called a tilaka. It could be red sandal paste or red tumeric but there are so many variations according to the specific sect, caste and temple. The style and shapes of the mark are different too, and of course this does have a mild scent.

The Egyptians were into scent as a connection to the gods in a BIG way. There are depictions of perfumes, incense and scent rituals in the art they left us. The pic at the top of this article shows this, and according to wikipedia:

“In several temple reliefs in Ancient Egypt the Pharaoh is depicted being anointed by Horus (sun god and “father” of Pharaoh) and Thoth (god of wisdom), the oil of which is symbolically depicted as a stream of ankhs (symbols of life).”

Jesus , the Anointed One (so the story goes) pic via bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com

The Bible and the Hebrew Bible are full of stories about anointing, the anointed or chosen ones, and references to this practice as being an important part of religion. The Hebrew Bible apparently describes the recipe for the anointing oil, while in the New Testament Jesus was described as the ‘anointed one’.

Back to present time.

Dr Hfuhrurur and Delores in The Man with Two Brains pic via youtube.com

Dr Hfuhruhurr and Delores in The Man with Two Brains pic via youtube.com

I recently referred to Steve martin in “The Man with Two Brains” when talking about myrrh. Clearly this movie has stuck in my mind and I just can’t seem to shake it. In this movie Dr. Michael Hfuhruhurr woes his love Delores with this poem (by a fictional one-armed English poet named John Lillison):

‘ O pointy birds, o pointy pointy, anoint my head, anointy-nointy.’

Yep so there you go. Every time I say or think “anoint”, I’m not thinking about Jesus, I’m thinking about Dr Hfuhruhurr. Deep.

Let’s anoint! Historically fats and oils, perfumes, scented waters and coloured pastes have been used for this practice but I use essential oils.

**** Officially I can’t recommend you use essential oils straight from the bottle on your skin as it could cause a reaction in sensitive people. Why not follow your intuition with this but I’ll recommend you use a little carrier oil to dilute the essential oils.

Anoint yourself with essential oils

Anoint Where?

Chakras

Pulse points – wrists, throat, heart

Anoint with What?

One or two essential oils diluted with some carrier oil

Why Anoint?

When you feel you need support from the universe

To inspire gratitude

To open energetic flow in your body

To open channels of creativity

To remind yourself you are surrounded by beauty through scent

Before or after meditation as a symbol of your connection to your spirit

To give you courage for a hard task or day ahead

When you need to feel more compassion for others

The practice of anointing is easy and a quick way to get in tune with the entangled web of us and the universe!

Happy anointing and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas. See my article about intention.

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

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