More Gorgeous Free Botanical Illustrations

Hello natural beauties and scent lovers from far and wide. I hope you’re all well and happy. The past couple of weeks I’ve written about beautiful free botanical illustrations from the 19th Century book by Kolher, and my free resource about essential oils and tarot. Continuing on from that theme I’d like to share another beautiful online resource for flora and fauna illustrations from the past. Alerted by a Facebook post, an article by mymodernmet.com, showed me to the flickr stream of the Biodiversity Heritage Library showing so many absolutely gorgeous illustrations. Check some out below. 

 

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Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here: suzannerbanks.com.au

Digital downloads of my book Revelation! Reveal your Destiny with Essentials Oils:

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

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Myristica moschata – nutmeg and mace

Papaver rhoeas – poppy

Coffea arabica – coffee

Citrus limonum – lemon 

Citrus aurantium – bitter orange

Pinus laricio – Corsican pine

 

Phoenix dactylifera – dates

 

Viola tricolor – viola

Cucumis melo – musk melons like cantaloupe

Nymphaea nelumbo – lotus

 

Agericus campestrus – gilled mushrooms

 

I think I love the lotus the most. How about you?

 

Free Aromatherapy ebook with Heaps of Recipes

HI natural beauties, I hope you’re all well and happily embedded in your season. I’m gratefully moving into summer – my favourite of all! Continuing on the free book post from last week I’d like to offer you my free ebook about the major arcana tarot cards and essential oils, and how they work together to support your day to day experience.

 

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Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here: suzannerbanks.com.au

Digital downloads of my book Revelation! Reveal your Destiny with Essentials Oils:

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

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FREE ebook

 

Yes you do need to sign up to my email list but I’d like to tell you I rarely send emails! I would like to get better at that but I’m also acutely aware of how many emails I receive on a daily basis that I pay no attention too.

So here’s a free recipe book, and you can sign up on any page of my website.

Thanks I hope you enjoy it!

http://www.suzannerbanks.com.au/

 

A Bouquet of Scent

Video

Hello natural beauties! Do you ever wonder if a particular essential oil will blend with another essential oil? I feel you’re already really great at creating essential oil blends, because you’ve picked up so much information and hints and tips along the way.  However, here’s a little video I did to show you how to create a bouquet of scent … and as I type the word “bouquet” a few times I realise what a quaint old-fashioned word it is. I’m reclaiming it as cool! 

 

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Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here: suzannerbanks.com.au

Digital downloads of my book Revelation! Reveal your Destiny with Essentials Oils:

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

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When a perfumer creates a perfume she will use scent strips to create her bouquet. But as you may not have them, use my little method to try out your blend as you are in the midst of creating. Here’s a pic from a perfume workshop I recently led. The attendees have their scent strips to put together in a type of bouquet. Then they can decide what combinations they like.

perfume workshop Sydney

 

So if you don’t have these scent strips just grab all your bottles and waft away …

 

 

 

What combinations have you recently created?

 

Jay and his sister-in-law Katrina after creating their own perfumes in Sydney

 

Free Stuff! Spirituality, Personal Development and More!

Hey lovely people! For the past few years I’ve been involved in a project that brings spiritual entrepreneurs, and the like, together to offer free gifts and to support each other. There are ebooks, meditations, audio trainings, video trainings, programs, memberships and so much more. It is also geared towards people in this line of work, and life purpose, but anyone can take advantage of the giveaways. Here are the details:

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Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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gifts!

gifts!

 

You will be able to have access to great resources to help you in your personal quests and in your desires to help others.

Yes you will be required to register your email address to become a member.

Members have access to all the gifts.

You will be shown offers that do cost money, but that are not compulsory.

Maybe you’ll even sign up next year as a contributor and offer something wonderful you have created?

Click the link to be taken to Your Divine Biz Gifts

 

Flowering tarragon

Flowering tarragon

 

Have fun! Let me know what you find.

copyright 2016

 

Here’s a Free Ebook – “The Tarot and Essential Oils”

Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback


Here’s a Free Ebook – “The Tarot and Essential Oils”

I’m not sure if I’ve already told you about this free ebook stacked with recipes, and little stories about how you can use essential oils to invoke the energy of the tarot? To get your book –

1. Click here

2. Join my mailing list, and confirm your subscription.

3. Download your book from the link provided.

4. Enjoy.

The Tarot and Essential Oils

The Tarot and Essential Oils

I compiled this book from my series on the tarot, and with a little editing for flow, it’s an easy read. I follow the major arcana cards from 0 The Fool, right through to XXI The World. This is a great book for those of you who like to work from recipes as you get to know what each essential oil (and tarot card) is like. It’s also great for more experienced blenders who need a little inspiration.

I promise I don’t send out many letters, I know how annoying it can be receiving lots of subscription emails everyday.

Thanks so much for your continued support!

copryright SR Banks 2015

 

 

Justice – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Justice - XI from the Rider-Waite deck

Justice – XI from the Rider-Waite deck

Justice is number 11 in the major arcana and speaks for itself really. It looks a lot like the Hierophant and also The Emperor. This is the last article about essential oils and the major arcana so be on the lookout next year for a free e-book to download!

The Emperor - IV from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

The Emperor – IV from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

The Hierophant - V in the Rider-Waite Deck

The Hierophant – V in the Rider-Waite Deck

It’s a card about balance and justice for all, and if this card shows up in a reading it could mean many things. This could be a time for you to be making a decision that involves others and you are called upon to be fair and just. It’s important here to use your life experience, your mind (the double-edged sword) and your intuition (the scales). Use all the tools at your disposal to bring about the right outcome.

It could mean that you are one of the people having to accept a decision that has been made that affects you directly. Are you in the midst of a court case, a challenge or a dispute that requires mediation? You must accept this decision and carry on with your life.

A decision has been made

A decision has been made

Perhaps this card is letting you know that you are in this place in your life because you have made good decisions throughout your journey. Maybe you are rising to a position of authority and this card is telling you to always remain fair, just and kind.

Anyway you get the drift! Kindness, fairness, good decisions, use your mind and your heart in all you do.

What essential oils could we use to embody this card?

? sneakily borrowed from biodagar.com

? pic via biodagar.com

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Rosewood – flow of love in the heart chakra

Rosemary – stimulate your mind and memory

Basil – open your crown chakra to the wisdom of the universe

Ylang Ylang – release frustration and anger toward others and yourself

Classic oil burner with a twist pic via top3.com.au

Classic oil burner with a twist pic via top3.com.au

2. Scent Your Space

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

What better way to help you make big decisions than to vapourise oils in your space?

“Heart and Mind”

Blend these two areas of power –

Rosemary         8 drops

Palmarosa       8 drops

Orange             9 drops

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“Empathy”

Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes –

Lime           10 drops

Petitgrain     10 drops

Geranium     5 drops

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“Flow of Energy”

Ask the universe to help you get the right flow going –

Cardamom           5 drops

Pink Grapefruit    20 drops

Lemongrass          5 drops

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Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend - pic via redbookmag.com

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend – pic via redbookmag.com

3. 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”

“Ok Concentrate….”

Be clear in your mind by waking up your body too –

Ginger        3 drops

Lemon       4 drops

Basil           1 drop

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“Made with Love”

Use your heart’s intelligence –

Rose 3%                6 drops   * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Cedarwood Atlas    3 drops

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

The Sun – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Sun - XIX from the Rider-Waite Deck

The Sun – XIX from the Rider-Waite Deck

Happy, sunny, cute, fun. How could you not love this card? When this card comes to you in a reading things are looking up, or you are already experiencing the joy and abundance of life! The sun gives strong radiant energy and makes everything seem wonderful. The days the sun is shining seem to be a lot friendlier than when it is obscured, and this energy is the outward energy we can also project to others. Do you know sunny people? They are the ones that are always happy and joyous, and you always feel better when you are around them. It’s the energy of success!

Our beautiful sun - pic via nasa.gov

Our beautiful sun – pic via nasa.gov

Success in this card also refers to our ability to merge both our conscious and subconscious minds, and use this strength to our advantage. It is this very strength that allows us to feel free, happy and abundant. The baby in this card is naked showing there’s nothing to hide when we know ourselves.

The Sun also represents our journey and how far we have come. It is definitely a card of progress through tough times, beyond the grey brick wall that holds our past struggles.

Fun times - pic ia ksoo.com

Fun times – pic via ksoo.com

Maybe this card has popped up in a reading because it’s time to have some fun and regain some childlike qualities that you’ve lost along the way. It’s time to open your heart to the world and have a good belly laugh (naked, on a white horse hahaha)!

There are lots of essential oils you could use to invoke the qualities of this card:

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

The classic Duralex glass dish is handy to make 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!

“I’m Naked”

Loose all inhibitions and laugh!

Mandarin           2 drops

Rose Geranium 1 drop

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“Kings to Me”

Enjoy your success even if it’s just a little thing –

Ylang Ylang        1 drop

Bergamot           1 drop

Black Spruce      1 drop

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“Here Comes The Sun”

As The Beatles say – it’s alright!

Ginger             1 drop

Peru Balsam   1 drop

Marjoram         1 drop

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Scent your space

Scent your space

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Shiny, Shiny”

Get a happy, giggly, fun vibe going –

Orange         10 drops

Palmarosa      5 drops

Lemongrass   5 drops

Geranium       5 drops

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“Success is Mine”

Summon the courage to manifest good things –

Cedarwood Atlas     8 drops

Lavender                  8 drops

Lemon                     9 drops

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“Calm Seas”

Believe you are the creator of your success and that it doesn’t have to be difficult –

Sandalwood Indian    6 drops

Sage                         6 drops

Petitgrain                 10 drops

Lime                          3 drops

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

 

 

 

The Fool – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Fool - 0 - From the Rider-Waite Deck

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Leap of Faith”

Take a leap of faith just like The Fool –

Black Pepper   1 drop

Mandarin         3 drops

Cypress          3 drops

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

“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.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

 

 

 

The Hermit – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Hermit - IX from the Rider-Waite tarot deck

The Hermit – IX from the Rider-Waite tarot deck

He’s old, looks like he’s cold, and he’s on top of a mountain with a lantern. Notice how the yellow of the light and his staff jump out in this very grey card. He has taken one step at a time to reach the pinnacle of his wisdom. His lantern has shown the way. His lantern represents the wisdom he has gained through deep contemplation and life experience, and the acknowledgement of his inner light. His staff shows he has trusted his intuition, and knows that he can trust this part of himself.

When this card comes to you in a reading it’s about accessing your inner wisdom to guide you through this challenging time. It could also mean that in this time in your life, perhaps you need to look for a counselor or guide to help you find the right path for yourself.

It could mean this is a time for introspection and even isolation from the world so you can actually find quiet, to allow the divine intelligence of the universe to shine through you. This connection to universal energy may give you the space to find the inner peace you need right now. It is definitely a time to withdraw from the outside so you can turn your awareness inward to access the secrets of the multiverse. This can be a lonely life for the spiritual warrior and often very devoted spiritual people to find solace in being alone. It is in this state of being quiet, that the soul can soar in all directions of the space-time continuum. This is the great philosophical card of the major arcana.

Inner peace - pic via spiritualclarity.wordpress.com

Inner peace – pic via spiritualclarity.wordpress.com

 

Could this mean you are the wise person in someone’s life right now? Perhaps you need to become aware that your wisdom can help others and it’s time to share your light with the world. Are you a light worker that has hidden away from the world because you feel you are inadequate? It’s time to claim your place in the evolution of humanity and allow your wisdom to flow!

Lightworkers - it's time! pic via www.ashtarcommandcrew.net

Lightworkers – it’s time! pic via http://www.ashtarcommandcrew.net

SO what essential oils could we use to access this state of calm, inner peace and spiritual enhancement?

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Black spruce – expansion of higher consciousness (my new fave oil)

Frankincense – deep breathing, meditation

Sandalwood Indian – the classic spiritual oil

Marjoram – relax, be calm

 

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

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!

“I Am Willing”

Gain courage to look within –

Black pepper    1 drop

Petitgrain          2 drops

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

“Meditate”

Slow down your breath and just be –

Frankincense  2 drops

Peru Balsam   1 dropsandal

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“One Step at a Time”

Start your process of inner evaluation slowly o it doesn’t freak you out –

Vetiver      1 drop

Mandarin  2 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

 

 

The Lovers – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

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

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

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 handy to make oil blends and quick perfumes in

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

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

“Come Hither”

Oils for seduction –

Ylang Ylang     1 drop

Sandalwood    1 drop

Mandarin         1 drop

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

oil burner

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

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013