New Year – New Moon – Oooooooo powerful!

The new moon - pic via photo.accuweather.com

The new moon – pic via photo.accuweather.com

The new year is upon us – well actually it’s just the linear, calendar kind of new year but this year it’s special. It is special because on January 1st 2014 we have a new moon. It really kicks off the year perfectly as we move into a universal vibrational year of 7. I’ll be writing about that next week.

The new moon (you guessed it), is about new beginnings and planning for the future, and the future is NOW! Sometimes described as quite magical, the new moon gives is some space to momentarily step back from our lives and observe. Meditating with the new moon is powerful because it allows us to connect with the rhythm of the universe and by doing this we can slip into the gap of pure potentiality.

The new moon can stimulate us to –

* think about who we are as a person

* connect to the emotions of our life

* go beyond our personalities and be brave to ask ourselves the important questions

* why am I here?

* what is my purpose?

* how may I serve?

* how can I evolve?

* what do I want to create?

* what can I release?

 

Just asking the questions can shift your awareness and consciousness immediately. You don’t need to know the answers straight away, only be willing to ask the questions.

? sneakily borrowed from biodagar.com

? – pic via biodagar.com

And……

this is a ‘supermoon” in Capricorn. According to earthsky.org;

“The term supermoon didn’t come from astronomy. We used to call them perigee… ‘near Earth.’ An astrologer, Richard Nolle, is credited with coining the term supermoon.

 

He defines them as:
. . . a new or full moon which occurs with the moon at or near (within 90% of) its closest approach to Earth.

 

“By this definition, a new moon or full moon has to come within 361,863 kilometers (224,851 miles) of our planet, as measured from the centers of the moon and Earth, in order to be a supermoon.”

 

So the energy of this moon is very close to us, almost imploring us to look within.

The zodiac sign of Capricorn - pic via www.buzzle.com

The zodiac sign of Capricorn – pic via http://www.buzzle.com

From what I can gather this new moon is as much about letting go of old stuck energy before planting the new seeds. As Capricorn is quite methodical and systematic, it’s about being methodical and systematic about purging all the crap. Maybe this is why I’ve spent the last couple of days cleaning and tidying my house, shredding old papers, doing all the washing and meditating. See my last article about cleansing your space here. Once all that’s been taken care of it’s now time to put yourself in a place of quite contemplation to plant the seeds of your new life.

Here’s some essential oils to help you:

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Let’s cut straight to the chase and just have a huge whiff straight from the bottle as it can help you change your focus and emotion easily. See my article about changing your focus here.

Frankincense – take deep slow breaths, meditation, contemplation, serenity

Petitgrain – potentiality, new beginnings

Juniper – release unwanted emotions

Fennel – be kind to yourself as you detox

Sandalwood (Australian or Indian) – deep connection to your soul

Clary Sage – dare to dream, open crown chakra

Lemon – refresh, reload

My dear friends it is time to evolve. We are being summoned to take great steps on behalf of Earth and her inhabitants to move to higher consciousness as a group. It is in  your every day life where this evolution takes place so please be mindful about what you are creating.

Thank you.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

 

Cleanse Your Space with Essential Oils – Prepare for a New Year

Orange And Lemon Peels - pic via www.mindbodygreen.com

Orange and lemon peels help cleanse and clean your space – pic via http://www.mindbodygreen.com

As we are coming to the end of another year on earth it is a wonderful ritual to do some cleaning and get organised, so new energy and abundance can flow into your life in the new year. Even if it’s just cleaning out the kitchen cupboards it can have positive flow-on effects. I’ll be cleaning and tidying my bedroom in detail, and doing a good tidy-up all around.

And what better little helpers to employ but essential oils? Once your tidying is done the most fun part starts – the cleaning (ugh)! I add essential oils to warm soapy water to do all the surfaces and objects, and do the same with the water for mopping. It’s like having an aromatherapy treatment while you clean. Most essential oils will work well but there are a few that are standouts when it comes to cleaning. These oils will have an energetic cleansing effect as well as a great scent, and will help dissolve dirt and collect dust.

To a bowl of soapy water just adds ome essential oils - pic via mossymossy.com

To a bowl of soapy water just add  some essential oils – pic via mossymossy.com

Eucalyptus – a good oil remover, dissolves sticky stuff, helps you breathe deeply and works against stuffy sinuses. It breaks down unwanted, thick energy and has a clarifying and stimulating scent.

Tea tree - pic via www.eranurseries.com.au

Tea tree – pic via http://www.eranurseries.com.au

Tea Tree – wonderful for an anti-bacterial wash on surfaces. This fabulous Australian native as an enlightening cleansing effect on the soul, and has been used by some Aboriginals in smoking ceremonies, which purge the bad spirits.

Juniper – a light, spicy oil to clear teary emotions and any type of sadness hanging around. I love using this oil for surfaces in the bedrooms because of it’s enchanting and clear scent.

Lemon – can be used from kitchen benches to the bathroom to give you a bright, happy feeling to your home. It is such a simple oil but has so many great qualities for cleaning, including a lightness and sweetness that appeals to everyone. Or you could just use the lemon rind or whole lemon with some bi-carb soda or salt for benches and bathrooms.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass

Lemongrass – another lemony scented oil to wash away the old. It’s a lot stronger than lemon but when you mop and clean with this oil you’ll be keeping away the insects too!

Grapefruit – pink or white grapefruit will work but the scent is very subtle. It’s hard to vapourise this scent well too, as it is so light it will fly away. Remember the energy is still there and grapefruit is the classic cleanser oil. I use grapefruit mostly in body oil blends for this purpose – when someone needs a gentle cleanse.

Pine – fresh, clean and a little herbaceous too this oil is a great cleaner, and makes room for more inspiration to come flooding in. To be creative in your new life next year you’ll need to allow inspiration to come to you, and when you have a clean home you have a clean mind too!

Thyme

Thyme

Thyme – when you need the big guns of anti-bacterial oils thyme is your friend. Along with oregano these oils are a great disinfectants but beware  USE WITH CAUTION  because the scent is so strong. Mix a little thyme with some lavender and orange and you are in business baby! In fact I’m going to use that combo this arvo (Australian slang for afternoon. “This arvo”, or even “s’arvo” mean “this afternoon”).

Lavender – use it liberally as it will work as a cleaner and will also bring a sense of solidarity and calm to your space. In the wars of the past some hospitals in France used lavender and thyme to clean everything. And of course they worked amazingly!

Don’t worry too much about quantities of oils to soapy water I just chuck them in. You really only need to be careful when you are using them on your body and for those ratios see my latest article here.

I was speaking with a cleaner at a wedding last month and we got talking about essential oils and cleaning. She wanted some advice about how to use them in her work with the specific intention of her clients being able to smell the essential oils when they arrived home from work. She was particularly interested in orange oil because she had seen it in supermarket brand cleaners. I explained to her that they may disappear before the client comes home – just because they are natural doesn’t mean they will be long-lasting – in fact it’s the opposite. The citrus oils will tend to disappear first as they have simple molecular structures so it’s good to mix them with a heavier oil like lemongrass or even cedarwood. Don’t be afraid to use lavender either that will work well with the citrus oils.

Happy New Year my friends and thanks so much for connecting!

Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are cleansing your space. 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

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

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

“Empathy”

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

Lime           10 drops

Petitgrain     10 drops

Geranium     5 drops

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

“Flow of Energy”

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

Cardamom           5 drops

Pink Grapefruit    20 drops

Lemongrass          5 drops

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

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

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

“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

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Marjoram – A Must-Have Essential Oil for the Scent Enthusiast

Marjoram is a dainty herb with a big scent - pic via thelastrevelation.com

Marjoram is a dainty herb with a big scent – pic via thelastrevelation.com

Ah marjoram. I’m not sure if I’m addicted to this very strong, herbaceous, hardy oil but rarely a week goes by that I wont use this with clients, friends or myself.

I have written an article generally on the herbs “Essential Oils from Herbs are Spectacular”, but I think we may need to go deeper into each one.

We’ll start with marjoram because I just felt like talking about it. Often when I go to have my treatment, my aromatherapist also uses this oil frequently with me as it has some great indications for the body and spirit too (of course)!

Marjoram (Oreganum marjorana) belongs to the herb family called Lamiacae, and the genus of Oreganum. It may now be more obvious why marjoram and oregano (Oreganum vulgare)  look very similar and sometimes it’s hard to tell the fresh herbs apart from each other.

Great pic comparing oregano and marjoram - pic via cookthink.com

Great pic comparing oregano and marjoram – pic via cookthink.com

Herbs are the ancient medicinal healers of our world and when I make a blend for a client that has a few herbs in it I always say to myself silently “ah the herbs’ and feel like I’ve created a very traditional therapeutic blend. This herb was used by the ancient Greeks and according to Salvatore Battaglia, the name marjoram means “joy of the mountains”. Aw lovely!

In aromatherapy marjoram is used for:

* aching and sore muscles

* general body pain

* as a warming tonic

* to help someone deal with grief

* to help with falling asleep

* to counteract stress

* as a sedative for distraught emotions

* generally for calming and soothing

* to reduce coughing

I use marjoram for all these things too, and particularly love the way it blends so well with all the other oils. I like marjoram and use it a lot along with lavender because they are so beautifully calming. Who doesn’t want to chill out when they have a massage? We all need a little help de-stressing from the ups and downs of daily life so in this respect it’s a great oil.

a client's oil formulation

A client’s oil formulation with marjoram

Here are a few recipes –

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”

“Release the Day”

Release the stress of the day by putting this all over your body after a shower –

Marjoram   3 drops

Bergamot  4 drops

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

 “Oh My Aching Legs”

Apply to aching legs and rest with your feet elevated –

Marjoram     4 drops

Lavender      2 drops

Rosemary     2 drops

(ah the herbs)!

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

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’m Ready for You Now Sleep”

Induce relaxation –

Marjoram     2 drops

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

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

“Phew I’m Glad That’s Over”

Marjoram       1 drop

Rosewood     1 drop

Lemongrass   1 drop

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

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

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

“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

 

 

 

 

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

Black spruce pc via essentialhealth.com

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

“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.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

The Emperor – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Emperor - IV from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck

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

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

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

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.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

The High Priestess – A Tarot Card reading with Essential Oils

The High Priestess - II from the Rider-Waite Deck

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)

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

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

“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.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

 

 

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

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

**********************************************************************************************************************************************

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.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************
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

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 pure 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.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013