10 Recipes with Basil Essential Oil – Ocimum basilicum

 

Beautiful aromatic basil

Beautiful aromatic basil

Basil is a herb from the Lamiacae family and the genus Ocimum, and has been flavouring our foods and healing us for centuries. It is a scent you won’t forget – green, herbabceous sweet and pungent. As an essential oil basil (sometimes referred to as sweet basil) is stimulating to the mind opening the upper chakras and giving the brain a cleansing, refreshing scent.

In aromatherapy basil oil is used –

* as a cephalic which means it stimulates the head in general so if used in small amounts it could help a headache. Some basil oils can be high in linalool oil which is present in large amounts in lavender.

* to ease stress and tension and calm mild anxiety (you may notice lots of essential oils are attributed to this use which shows that they can be easily used to help you relax – even if it’s just for a couple of minutes)

* as an anti-inflammatory agent for joint pain

 

Sneakily borrowed from thepoofairy.com (hehehehe)

Sneakily borrowed from thepoofairy.com (hehehehe)

There are many types of culinary basil but so far the winner in terms of essential oil production is this basil – sweet basil. When using this oil it can be tricky to get the proportions right because it’s so strong. Sometimes a drop is all you’ll need.

Let’s check out some recipes –

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

This “recipe” is one for those who need to –

* wake up

* open to universal intelligence

* chill out and stop freaking out

* have a headache or have mental fatigue?

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

There are lots of great essential oil diffusers on the market now - pic via www.aliexpress.com

There are lots of great essential oil diffusers on the market now – pic via http://www.aliexpress.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Can’t.Wake.Up”

When your brain needs a boost –

Basil              8 drops

Rosemary      4 drops

Peppermint    4 drops

Orange           9 drops

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

“Summer Evening”

Add some basil to your gin and tonic too –

Basil          10 drops

Geranium    6 drops

Petitgrain    8 drops

Vetiver         1 drop

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

“Oh Man What a Day!”

When you need to relax after a challenging day –

Basil               8 drops

Bergamot     12 drops

Lemongrass    5 drops

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

“Living the Dreams”

For a slumber full of dreams –

Basil           4 drops

Lavender   12 drops

Mandarin    8 drops

Spikenard   1 drop

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

Chinese tea cup - perfect for a little perfume magic

Chinese tea cup – perfect for a little perfume magic

3. 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!

“Ascended Masters”

Tap into this great wisdom –

Basil      1 drop

Nutmeg 1 drop

Lime      1 drop

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

“Big Day Ahead”

Basil            1 drop

Palmarosa  1 drop

Lavender      1 drop

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

“Bon Courage”

Basil                1 drop

Black Pepper   1 drop

Peru Balsam    1 drop

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

“I Invite Understanding”

When you need a nudge to gain understanding –

Basil                  1 drop

Ylang Ylang       1 drop

Pink Grapefruit   1 drop

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

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

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

4. 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”

“Bring it On!”

For a kickstart to the day –

Basil          2 drops

Rosemary  2 drops

Orange      4 drops

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

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

 

Lunar Year of the Horse 2014, with Essential Oils to Match

Year of the HORSE 2014 - pic via photo.elsoar.com -

Year of the HORSE 2014 – pic via photo.elsoar.com

By the time you read this we have now moved from the Water Snake year (2013) into the Wood (or Green) Horse year of 2014. I think we are suddenly in the future – how did that happen?

Anyway I’m not an expert on Chinese astrology but I love it. Last year was a time for planning and this year is a time to GO FOR IT! Apparently it’s a year to make quick decisions and if it all goes to pieces we have the Wood Goat next year to settle down and “get cozy” according to Astrologer Susan Levitt.

I’ve read the Hong Kong newspaper with its “in detail” Feng Shui, along with lots of other bits and pieces on this year, including a great book by Neil Somerville, and here’s the deal – strap yourselves in its gonna be a bumpy ride!

Strap yourselves in ... pic via saferbychoice.com

Strap yourselves in … pic via saferbychoice.com

The horse will encourage us to be free and to seize the moment, day by day. The horse year will give us opportunities that must be grasped immediately. These situations and snap decisions may work out, or come crashing down on us. It seems like there will be continuing conflicts all over the world (ugh!) and big ups and downs in the financial institutions of various countries – some will rally, others will not.

Travel! pic via asmithblog.com

Travel! pic via asmithblog.com

Travel, romance? Yes for some, but the key is to know in your gut 100% that it’s right or forget about it! Don’t miss any opportunity this year because it’s all about embracing the wild ride. There is caution about spending too much money while you’re caught up on this roller coaster but if the goat year (2015) is going to save us, I say forge on!

Let’s get into some oils;

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

It doesn’t get much easier than this, so to embody the spirit of the horse try –

Rosemary – awaken, remember, get clarity

Black pepper – go out into the world without fear

Cinnamon – warming, enjoy the sweetness of life

Melissa – release anxiety and tension

Myrrh – abundance, experience your true spirit

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

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

2. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

(depending on the packaging you have, you may need to use a little alcohol (like vodka) at the bottom of your bottle first, so the oils disperse into smaller drops to prevent clogging the atomiser top. I’ve found sometimes it works just with water, and sometimes it doesn’t – very annoying!)

“Oh Come With Us and Gallop”

Have fun this year –

Lemongrass         10 drops

Rose Geranium      5 drops

Cedarwood Atlas    5 drops

Cinnamon               5 drops

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

“Get Ready…”

Warm up for the big race this year –

Basil             5 drops

Orange       10 drops

Rosewood  10 drops

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

“I’m Going to Patagonia”

Be adventurous –

Black Pepper                   5 drops

Sandalwood Australian     5 drops

Frankincense                    8 drops

Mandarin                          7 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10 Recipes with Indian Sandalwood Essential Oil – Santalum album

10!

10!

Following my recent article on Sandalwood, with links to a great series on Indian sandalwood being grown in Australia, I thought I might start a series called “10 Recipes”. I’ll feature a different oil each week with recipes for body oils, face and hair treatments, room scenting, space and aura cleansing and natural perfumes.

Sandalwood and oil - pic via www.fengshuidana.com

Sandalwood and oil – pic via http://www.fengshuidana.com

The traditional sandalwood that we’ve all come to know and love is often referred to as Indian or Mysore Sandalwood as it hails from the subcontinent of India. It is the rich, creamy, deep wood scent that has captivated the world. It is expensive because we have managed to strip India of it’s entire forests (we are very bad), so now it’s being grown in Australia (very good). This new oil grown and produced in Australia is Santalum album, so don’t get it mixed up with Santalum spicatum which is called Australian Sandalwood. Got it?

nourish your skin with oil blends

nourish your skin with oil blends

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”

“Snake”

Feel lithe and grounded –

Sandalwood        2 drops

Orange                3 drops

Rose Geranium    2 drops

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

“Date Night”

Feel a little bit sexier –

Sandalwood    2 drops

Ylang Ylang     1 drop

Bergamot        4 drops

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

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 clarifyng mask. pic via chiclooking.com

2. Face Mask

Usually add 2 or 3 drops of oil to some clay and add water, floral water or hydrosol

For any skin type use white or pink clay –

Sandalwood       1 drop and leave it at that, sandalwood is strong enough

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

essential oil diffuser

essential oil diffuser

3. Scent Your Space

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

“Buddha Breeze”

Connect to your spiritual energy –

Sandalwood    8 drops

Mandarin         8 drops

Palmarosa       8 drops

Vetiver             1 drop

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

“Boudoir Baby”

Sandalwood      6 drops

Ylang Ylang       4 drops

Bergamot        12 drops

Lemon Myrtle    3 drops

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

“Why Not?”

Garner some courage –

Sandalwood      8 drops

Lemongrass    10 drops

Black Pepper    8 drops

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

Anoint your third eye and breathe! pic via buelahman.wordpress.com

Anoint your third eye and breathe! pic via buelahman.wordpress.com

4. 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!

“YEAH!”

Rejoice in life –

Sandalwood    1 drop

Rosewood      1 drop

Black Spruce   1 drop

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

“Yep I’m Awesome”

Get vibing on yourself –

Sandalwood    1 drop

Petitgrain         2 drops

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

a simple hairdressing mist bottle will do the trick for your amazing essential oil mist

a simple hairdressing mist bottle will do the trick for your amazing essential oil mist

5. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

(depending on the packaging you have, you may need to use a little alcohol -like vodka- at the bottom of your bottle first, so the oils disperse into smaller drops to prevent clogging the atomiser top. I’ve found sometimes it works just with water, and sometimes it doesn’t)

“Alpha Brainwaves”

A meditative energy –

Sandalwood       6 drops

Lemon              12 drops

Lavender            7 drops

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

“Settle Down Kids”

Mist around the kids to help them chill –

Sandalwood      4 drops

Orange            14 drops

Spearmint          7 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Expand Your Consciousness with 10 Natural Pulse Point Perfumes

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

If you’ve been with me the past couple of weeks I’ve been talking about 2014 being a year in which we are called to seek the truth and expand our consciousness. This will not only help you evolve and grow but in turn will send your ripples out into the universe to join with others in the necessary and imminent jump in consciousness for humanity. Look I know it may sound heavy to newcomers of the revolution but it’s easy really – just be mindful of your purchases and know where all your food comes from, be kind to people and animals, voice your opinion and champion the cause of the underdog, stand up for the planet and use essential oils.

One of the easiest ways to use essential oils is to make a little perfume to dab on your wrists (to sniff during the day), your heart (open to the love), your third eye chakra (see the truth) and anywhere else you fancy.

Chinese tea cup - perfect for a little perfume magic

Chinese tea cup – perfect for a little perfume magic

Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix essential oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras. Use 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil (almond, sunflower, grapeseed, jojoba) – always patch test first!

Here are a few recipes to make a quick difference in your life –

“I Once Was a River”

Flow with the space-time continuum –

Cardamom    1 drop

Rosewood     1 drop

Lemongrass   1 drop

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

“Tiger’s Eye”

See clearly and try to be objective –

Frankincense    1 drop

Clary Sage        1 drop

Orange             1 drop

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

red roses

“I’m Lovin’ Myself Sick”

Love yourself, it just gets better when you do –

Rose 3% – use it straight from the bottle

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

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

“No More Nervous Nelly”

Reduce the amount of cortisol in your body by chilling out and stressing less –

Neroli 3% – use it straight from the bottle

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

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

we are one

we are one

“Meditate More”

Says it all really –

Lavender       1 drop

Mandarin       1 drop

Vetiver           1 drop

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

“Intergalactic”

The truth is out there (it’s in here too) –

Basil           1 drop

Petitgrain   1 drop

Juniper       1 drop

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

"The Black Peal" pic via crystalinks.com

“The Black Peal” pic via crystalinks.com

“Seek”

You are the seeker – what will you find? –

Sage     1 drop

Lime     2 drops

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

“Macro to Micro”

We are a star, an ocean, the wind …….

Sandalwood Mysore    1 drop

Lemon                         2 drops

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

accept everything good

accept everything good

 

“Amazing Opportunities are Coming My Way”

It’s all about pure potentiality –

Petitgrain                   2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian 1 drop

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

“Lions and Tigers and Bears”

Be courageous –

Black pepper    1 drop

Black Spruce    1 drop

Palmarosa         1 drop

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

5 Essential Oils to Get You Started with Vigour in 2014

Happy shiny people - pic via www.breathezy.com

Happy shiny people – pic via http://www.breathezy.com

Christmas is over.

New Year celebrations are over. (Except we’ll be having another party for Chinese New year when we celebrate the year of the horse).

The year has started.

I’m lagging a bit behind and found it hard to drag myself out of bed this morning so looked to my trusty friends (my essential oils), to get me vibed up.

My last article 2014! The Universal Number of 7! was all about this year and its intrinsic number of truth. To seek the truth of your existence here on earth, you will need a bit of curiosity and of course some energy to keep you going. Some essential oils will open your mind and stimulate the frontal cortex, and other essential oils will give you body a bit of a kick start.

Flowering rosemary

Flowering rosemary

1. Rosemary

Stimulate your mind with rosemary. Remember with rosemary. Study with rosemary, warm your body up and help sore muscles release tightness. It is an easily accessible and inexpensive oil with a long history of medicinal uses.

 

2. Lavender

Lavender will always be on every list of oils I create. It is a relaxing oil but also an oil of solidarity and bringing your energy together. It’s the stalwart – loyal, reliable and hard working.

Lavender can ground your energy, help induce a state of calm, help with pain relief and generally be a medicinal oil of great standing.

Black pepper

Black pepper

Black pepper

Forward ho! Black pepper is the spice that can warm your heart, open your mind and also be a warming tonic to your body. It is a great oil for finding your dharma and taking your unique brand of evolutionary energy into the world. Even though the spice itself is quite piquant, the essential oil of black pepper has a magical sweetness about it.

 

Lemongrass

I think this oil may be one of the most loved oils in the world. It has so many uses but I’ll always use this oil for a client who is lacking energy. It’s lemon scented goodness is backed up with a deep grassy green scent that represents freedom to me.

Need physical energy? Use lemongrass!

Basil

Basil

Basil

Oh you just can’t keep a good herb down! The herbs are so wonderful for healing and have been used for centuries. Basil is an oil for opening your mind and stimulating your brain. It is expansive and great for maintaining fluid thought and allowing universal intelligence to come through your crown chakra. Basil is for clarity and can be used on your body like lavender, as it has a high content of linalool which is an active ingredient in lavender.

How can you use these oils to stimulate your energy?

* try taking a whiff straight from the bottle

* put a few drops in the bottom of the shower (cover the drain for a minute with your foot or a cloth) and inhale

* make an oil blend for your body – for a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and  “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”.

* it will be best to use a combination of oils rather than just 7 drops of the one oil as, for example,  black pepper is slightly sensitising and could be too strong for some people

* as a hint, use lavender and a citrus oil to one of the oils above to make a lovely blend

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

 

2014! The Universal Number of 7!

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

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2014! The Universal Number of 7!

7 - pic via jakhongirshaturaev.wordpress.com

7 – pic via jakhongirshaturaev.wordpress.com

I met a numerologist the other day when she came into a pop-up shop I was a part of – I was selling handmade body washes, face mask kits, oils and other scented things. I asked her about the way she practices numerology as there are a few different techniques. Well I got loads of quickly downloaded information with the one prominent theme being 7. She said that 2014 had the universal vibration of 7 and that I must remember and write about this in particular. It was very important she said. Write about she said. So here goes …….

This year our collective vibration is a 7. Clearly we have  assigned this number to our lives as somewhere along the track, as the study of numbers in numerology has evolved to a practice that combines maths with consciousness. So we are moving into a 7 to help us evolve to the next level. My numerologist friend talked about ‘the universal vibration of the year 2014’. I had never looked at numerology this way, so it’s opened up a new level of meaning for me.

Basically there are a few different ways of calculating someone’s number or life path, cycle year and other things. I’ve always stuck to the basics which is add up all the numbers in your birth date and that’s the life path number. Add up all the numbers in the year you are in, plus your birth date to get to a cycle year. There are 9 numbers but some people read double digits like 1/1 or 1/0. And then there’s this simple way of looking at a year and what it may hold for us.

In other numerology too, different numbers are assigned to letters and then your number is calculated according to the letters in your name, but that is a bit too difficult for me because I haven’t studied that technique.

The truth - what is it? pic via theyogablog.com

The truth – what is it? pic via theyogablog.com

I always remember 7 being about truth, seeking the truth and embodying the truth. It is the number of looking for the hidden meaning in things and usually has a spiritual undertone. It is also about the big picture and how things fit together. 7 is searching for the underlying meaning of things. 7 is philosophical. 7 is about the why? 7 is about the mystical and magical powers in the universe and collecting all the scientific information and combining it with the spiritual truth.

So that’s pretty exciting I reckon. Combined with starting the year off with a supermoon I’d say 2014 will be a cracker of a year. Come on people let’s make some oil blends to support our search for the truth.

1. Scent Your Space

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

“Mulder and Scully – The Truth is Out There”

Connect to the truth of the universe –

Frankincense   12 drops

Rosewood       6 drops

Juniper            6 drops

Vetiver             1 drop

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

“I’m on a Quest”

Don’t be afraid to start searching –

Black pepper      8 drops

Lime                   8 drops

Lavender            9 drops

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

“Look Within”

Macro to micro – it’s all the same

Cypress                 10 drops

Cedarwood Atlas     8 drops

Mandarin                 7 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils in a little carrier oil

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 Have a Dream”

Dream big – we need you!

Basil                              1 drop

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

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

“All Knowing”

You already know everything so embrace it –

Nutmeg            1 drop

Pink Grapefruit  2 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Are you Living Your Dharma? Countdown to a New Year!

The Buddhist Dharma Wheel - pic via rceezwhatzmore.blogspot.com

The Buddhist Dharma Wheel – pic via rceezwhatzmore.blogspot.com

What is dharma and why is it important?

“In Hinduism, dharma signifies behaviors that are considered to be in accord with the natural order.

In Buddhism dharma means “cosmic law and order”, but is also applied to the teachings of the Buddha. In Buddhist philosophy, dhamma/dharma is also the term for “phenomena”.

In Jainism dharma refers to the teachings of the Jinas  and the body of doctrine pertaining to the purification and moral transformation of human beings.

For Sikhs, the word Dharm means the “path of righteousness”. Wikipedia

I’ve been fortunate to hear many spiritual people speak on this subject and I interpret dharma as living your true purpose. Are you in a job you don’t like just to survive in this world? Are you in a job that you love where you don’t make much money at all? Do you work for yourself? It’s actually not really about your “job” but it’s definitely about your “work”. What it is that you have been brought here at this time on earth to do to help the evolution of the human race?

Meditating in NYC - pic via www.wellandgoodnyc.com

Meditating in NYC – pic via http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com

You don’t have to give up all your worldly goods and meditate all day, but if it’s part of your dharma, then to fulfill your purpose in life that’s what you’ll do.

For those who are unsure about this topic or who have never considered it, it’s about asking yourself the question – “What is my purpose in life?”. It may take you years to work it out whereas others around may know exactly from a young age. Remember it’s not about your job, it’s about how you are going to help the world evolve.

Change is a good thing pic via wix.com

Change is a good thing pic via wix.com

Come on people there’s no time to dilly-dally it’s almost 2014! It sounds so futuristic but the future is now! We need to get more pro-active on this subject and each person has a duty of care to the rest of us to live and breathe their true purpose in life.

Essential oils will help you in your quest because they have a magical way of moving through the ether, your physical and energetic bodies and your mind, to help you access the fundamental truth of the universe. It is in this field of quantum potential that we can find the answers to that which we are seeking. What are you seeking and how can you help others achieve their dharma too?

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Take a huge whiff of essential oil from time to time to open the emotional energetic gate in your mind, to open your third eye and crown chakras, to expand consciousness. See my article Change Your Focus in 3 Seconds for more about sniffing essential oils.

aaahhhhh essential oils

aaahhhhh essential oils

What oils? Here’s a few to get things rolling –

Frankincense – the scent of truth, induces calm and slows the breath

Sandalwood   – both Indian and Australian Sandalwoods –  grounding, spiritual, see the oneness of the universe

Black Pepper – stimulating, go out into the world and seize your destiny

Sage               – wisdom, speak the truth

Orange           – innocence, happiness

Cinnamon       – loving what you do, ding what you love

Petitgrain        – potentiality

Palmarosa      – flexibility

If you are not sure how to start your quest, then try motivating others and you’ll be amazed at what a great effect this can have on your soul.

Go for it! Thank you.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Festivus for The Rest of Us!

Festivus for the Rest of Us! pic via thewordzombie.com

Festivus for the Rest of Us! pic via thewordzombie.com

I’ve always loved Seinfeld (the comedy show), and its whacky way of looking at the world. This is one on the hundreds of moments that have stayed with me, and Wikipedia sums it up perfectly:

Festivus, a well-celebrated parody, has become a secular holiday celebrated on December 23 which serves as an alternative to participating in the pressures and commercialism of the Christmas holiday season.

Originally a family tradition of scriptwriter Dan O’Keefe working on the American sitcom Seinfeld, the holiday entered popular culture after it was made the focus of a 1997 episode of the program.The holiday’s celebration, as it was shown on Seinfeld, includes a Festivus dinner, an unadorned aluminum “Festivus pole,” practices such as the “Airing of Grievances” and “Feats of Strength,” and the labeling of easily explainable events as “Festivus miracles.”

The episode refers to it as “a Festivus for the rest of us”, referencing its non-commercial aspect. It has also been described as a “parody holiday festival” and as a form of playful consumer resistance.”

So whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or any other tradition that I don’t know about; or you prefer not to celebrate any of these,  there is always Festivus to bring us all together. It’s nearly the end of the year so basically let’s all come together and celebrate that.

So here’s a few essential oil recipes to scent your home and which I feel reflect the true meaning of Festivus.

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

The Festivus Pole

The Festivus Pole

1. The Festivus Pole

Inspiration: clean lines, modernism, clarity

Petitgrain                   10 drops

Black Pepper               8 drops

Clary Sage                   2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian    5 drops

Happy Festivus! pic via

Happy Festivus! pic via thewildheartrocks.wordpress.com

2. The Airing of Grievances

Inspiration: truth, honesty, flow of energy, detox, communication

Frankincense           10 drops

Sage                          4 drops

Cardamom                 4 drops

Orange                      7 drops

Feats of Strength - festivus isnt over until someone gets pinned. pic via zazzle.com

Feats of Strength – Festivus isn’t over until someone gets pinned. pic via zazzle.com

3. Feats of Strength

Inspiration; strength, fun and games, masculinity, flexibility

Sandalwood Australian        8 drops

Geranium                             5 drops

Lemongrass                        5 drops

Palmarosa                           7 drops

I hope you have enjoyed this year on earth and you better get ready for 2014 because we are called to make a difference, to evolve. In the words of the great Bob Marley:

“One world, one love, let’s get together and feel alright”

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

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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

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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 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

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“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

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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