The Devil – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on August 21, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Devil – XV from the Rider-Waite deck

Ah yes the Devil! Number 15 in the Major Arcana of a tarot deck.

As INXS sings “devil inside, devil inside, every single one of us the devil inside”.

We have good and bad within us. We have “God” and “The Devil” inside us. As we move through life and experiences we align ourselves with certain feelings and emotions – even archetypes. So what would it mean if The Devil showed up in a reading?

At first it’s a little scary. As with many of the tarot cards we need to look further into the symbols and art to see what the card is trying to tell us. This card could easily represent your addictions which could include drugs, smoking, being addicted to a type of person or relationship that is not good for us. It’s about the addictions we know are not good for us, but we allow them to rule our life because of the short term gratification. In the card to people stand with the half man-half goat (the devil) with chains around their neck. The chains are loose, and they could actually remove the chains themselves and walk away. But they don’t. They have lost their own power to the devil (or addiction).

Are you addicted to something?
via perthnow.com.au

It’s a card about exercising your free will and choice. When the devil comes to you it could mirror your addiction, or be the message that makes you see you need to let go of the toxic things in your life.

A general feeling of unhappiness and helplessness could surround you, as you feel you have lost your way and have no idea how to create positive change in your life. Once again it’s about empowering yourself to be able to make the changes you want and to stop blaming things or people “out there”, and start a detox regime to let go of toxins. Add some self-love into the mix and you will be able gain the momentum you need to realise you have ultimately had the power all along.

You have the power to release addictions and choose via mysciencetees.spreadshirt.com

Like The Hanged Man this card is also trying to tell you to look for where you are stagnating in your life. be assured you can overcome this feeling of being stuck but you must exercise your will!

Try these essential oils recipes to release addictions and unhappiness –

1. Scent Your Space

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

“Happy Happy Happy”

Get some good vibes going –

Orange 10 drops

Rose Geranium 7 drops

Lemongrass 8 dropsspiken

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“I CAN Do It”

Have a little faith in yourself –

Spikenard 5 drops

Peru Balsam 10 drops

Mandarin 10 drops

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

“Start New”

Tomorrow is a new day so start it with some good intentions –

Petitgrain 10 drops

Black Pepper 8 drops

May Chang 7 drops

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

sniffing bottle of oil

2. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Basil – open your mind to a new you without addictions or pessimism

Rose – nurture yourself

Ylang Ylang – release resentment and anger

Cedarwood Virginian – allow the flow of harmony in your life

Remember The Devil is about choice – you have this – so don’t be afraid to use it!

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

The Empress – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on August 14, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Empress – III from the Rider-Waite deck

Awww beautiful! This card makes me feel good. It’s about youth, potential and being connected to nature.

This young Empress is surrounded by the bounty of nature with the pattern of pomegranates on her robe. When I was learning the tarot I was told the Empress is pregnant and is the archetypal earth mother. Some translations don’t necessarily see her as pregnant but when you look at her quite closely she does seem to be with child. It could also indicate a new idea or birth of a business too.

The card is number 3 of the major arcana and is placed there because she carries an important message. She is the High Priestess personified – the actual mother figure that nurtures everything and everyone around her.

The Empress asks us to explore our feminine side – even if you are a man! When she shows up it may mean you need to pay more attention to nurturing yourself, or simply experience the joys of nature. Maybe you need to get out of the city and allow the energy of mother earth to balance you?

Mother Earth – NY street art

It’s a card of the abundance of nature and the feminine power that drives birth. This card is governed by Venus which is the planet that involves love, beauty, enjoyment and the joys of living in this amazing world. It’s about the good stuff! The Empress will come to you if you need to remind yourself of the beauty of life.

It’s time to awaken to the world around you and to experience what life has to offer you. Use all your senses and express your creativity. There’s nothing more creative than making a baby, starting a new business or simply making art. Do it now!

Woo hoo live it up

Scent is part of the beauty we have at our fingertips so let’s have a look at what oils could help you embody The Empress energy:

1. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Goddess of Love”

Bring Venus and The Empress into your aura and personify love –

Geranium 6 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

Rosewood 8 drops

Bergamot 8 drops

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“Balance”

Bring the outdoors to you –

Siberian Fir 10 drops

Orange 10 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 5 drops

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“Sensuality”

Allow yourself to be sensual –

Ylang Ylang 8 drops

Sandalwood 6 drops

Mandarin 11 drops

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sneakily borrowed from informedfarmers.com

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 article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“I Wanna Create!”

Get your creative juices flowing –

Basil 1 drop

Rosemary 2 drops

Lemon 3 drops

Rose Geranium 1 drop

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“Sensory Stimulation”

Remind yourself you are here to experience –

Peru Balsam 2 drops

Lavender 2 drops

Petitgrain 3 drops

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

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

Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics

Posted on August 12, 2013 by suzannerbanks

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

Amazon USA Booktopia AU Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback

Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics

create your own natural skincare with the right ratios

I have written about this before but I think we need a reminder of the correct ratios to employ when making aromatherapy skin care, baths, face masks, hair masks and anything else you can think of. I’ll also include the amounts to use in vapourisers and oil burners.

It is important to be exact and err on the side of caution when using essential oils on your skin.

It is not important to be exact when you are using essential oils in a vapouriser to scent a space.

Officially it is not recommended you use essential oils on your skin directly from the bottle!

nourish your skin with oil blends

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil (approx 15 mls) in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil. This is a standard ratio of 2.5% essential oils to carrier oil.

20 mls 10 drops

25 mls 12 drops

30 mls 15 drops

35 mls 17 drops

40 mls 20 drops

45 mls 22 drops

50 mls 25 drops

***** 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.

(Also see my article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3” for more info)

Cleanse your aura and energetic body with a mist (via shininglite.com)

2. Mist – For a Room or as a Personal Aura Mist

The same quantities as above. You can add more if you like but remember not to spray near your eyes.

50 mls 25 drops

100 mls 50 drops

150 mls 75 drops

200 mls 100 drops

Almost fill the bottle with water then add your oils. Shake before you mist. I don’t use emulsifying agents as I like to keep it simple. You can even just buy a mist bottle from a supermarket but once a plastic atomiser top and bottle have been used for essential oils you can’t re-use them. Don’t fill up the bottle with water and mist your plants as the residue may kill them.

Children love the scent of some oils – not all of them

3. An Oil Blend (or mask) for Your Face, Children and In Pregnancy

Use half the above ratio – 1.25% ratio of essential oils to carrier oil.

20 mls 5 drops

25 mls 6 drops

30 mls 7 drops

35 mls 8 drops

40 mls 10 drops

45 mls 11 drops

50 mls 12 drops

***** 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.

Pregnancy – Some oils are not recommended in pregnancy so it’s best to do some research if you are treating yourself, or ask the advice of an Aromatherapist. I have treated many women through multiple pregnancies and have had great results. The truth is that there are probably many more toxic chemicals in their home environments than essential oils but always use caution!

Children – Same for kids. They respond really well to essential oils but only use oils they like the smell of otherwise you may create a negative experience. You will have more positive results if you create a room/personal mist and gently mist around your child so they treatment is more fun and likely to work quickly.

a petal bath – looks great but the cleaning -UGH!

4. In Baths

I would only use up to 6 drops of oil in a bath. I have tried many natural emulsification agents but none work 100%. I like to put the oils into mediums, then add them to the bath. Try adding your oils into –

Dead Sea Salt

Celtic Sea Salt

Coconut milk

Magnesium Salt (Epsom salts)

Bi-Carb Soda

A Natural Bodywash/liquid soap like Castille Soap

** I don’t recommend using essential oils in the bath with kids as it can sting their legs. The oils combined with the heat of the water can be too strong for their beautiful skin. (See me article “Aunty, something is biting my legs” – 10 things NOT to do when using Essential Oils” for more info).

Enjoy the process!

The Moon – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on August 7, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Moon – XVIII from the Rider-Waite deck

Have you been howling at the moon recently? We have had 3 super moons this year, the last one, just last week. Pretty amazing. We all know how the moon phases – especially the full moon – can make us feel a little crazy and emotional. We are connected to our universe in all respects and the moon represents our subconscious. What’s beneath our sunny side?

I was always a little freaked out by the lobster coming out of the water to bite me. This could represent dark and hidden fears emerging, or even needing to be revealed. Either way it’s a bit prickly. There is lots of water in the card and in tarot that speaks about our emotions, as does the moon.

The dog and the wolf show the balance of tame/wild. The moon is also reflected in the sun which also indicates balance is needed with our conscious and subconscious. If The Moon comes to you in a reading it could represent a willingness or absolute need to release deep fears and emotions from the past, to be able to move on.

It is the middle of the night so perhaps you’ve lost your way or have been blinded by your dark side of your fears? Maybe you just can’t see things clearly?

oooooooooooo

This could be a time when you are having incredible, wacky dreams. What is your subconscious trying to tell you?

The Moon could appear if it’s a time when you need to rely on your intuition or develop it. Follow your instincts like the wild wolf! Have courage.

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

Anyway I’m sure you get the vibe of this card so let’s look at what essential oils could help you acknowledge your fears and release past hurts.

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 article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“I am Light and Dark”

Acknowledge your deep fears –

Geranium 3 drops

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

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

“Howling at the Moon”

Let your wild side out –

Black pepper 2 drops

Lemongrass 2 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

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

“I’m NOT Having a Meltdown”

Support your fragile emotions –

Fennel 2 drops

May Chang 2 drops

Peru Balsam 3 drops

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

essential oil diffuser

2. Scent Your Space

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

“I Get So Emotional Baby”

Everything will be ok –

Spearmint 6 drops

Lemon 10 drops

Siberian Fir 9 drops

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

“Release and Renew”

Purge the old stuff –

Juniper 8 drops

Pink Grapefruit 15 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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

“I Accept Myself Completely”

Allow yourself the freedom to feel what you want –

Cypress 12 drops

Orange 8 drops

Ylang Ylang 5 drops

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

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

Ease Coughs, Colds and Sore Throats with Essential Oils

Posted on July 29, 2013 by suzannerbanks

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

Ease Coughs, Colds and Sore Throats with Essential Oils

Colds and flu come with winter (pic via thepaintedskin.com)

Ah yes the dreaded lurgy has got me.

First – not feeling so great.

Then – a congested throat.

Then – a sore throat and headache.

Then – can’t move a muscle lying in bed.

Then – coughing and a couple more days in bed.

I confess I used some cold and flu tablets to ease the symptoms one day, but it’s the use of essential oils that can make you feel a bit better too.

My top 4 are Lavender, Marjoram, Fennel, and Eucalyptus

Try these simple and effective ways to help with the symptoms of a cold.

Lavender

lovely lavender

By now you’ll know I use Lavender for lots of things and we all know through the traditional uses for lavender over the centuries are those for soothing and relieving pain.

1. A few drops on a cold compress on the forehead can give some relief for general sickness and of course a headache and head tension due to coughing.

compress on forehead – easy and effective

2. A couple of drops in a steam inhalation for a sore throat (breathe through your mouth) and headaches.

steam inhalation

3. A few drops in a bath to relieve muscle tension.

4. A drop on the temples to bring a sense of relief.

5. Nourishing oil blend for aches and pains in the body – 7 drops in 3 teaspoons of a carrier oil like olive, almond or sunflower.

6. A couple of drops externally on the throat to help with symptoms of a sore throat and sore muscle from coughing.

****** Always remember to smell the oils too, as this will help the brain receive information from the oil and translate it into action.

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Marjoram

Marjoram – another great herb from the same family as lavender

Marjoram is also an age-old remedy for many ailments. It’s particularly good for muscle pain and easing a cough.

1. A couple of drops in a steam inhalation for a cough (breathe through your mouth). This will not stop the cough if your lungs are infected as the cough’s purpose will be to rid the lungs of mucous. This works better for a dry cough and ticklish throat.

2. A few drops in a bath to relieve muscle tension.

3. Nourishing oil blend for aches and pains in the body – 7 drops in 3 teaspoons of a carrier oil like olive, almond or sunflower.

4. 4 drops marjoram and 3 drops lavender in 3 teaspoons of carrier oil specifically to use externally on your throat as a pain reliever.

Mix lavender and marjoram for a synergistic formula to help with aches and pains either in a bath or oil blend. They work well together for coughs too.

****** Always remember to smell the oils too, as this will help the brain receive information from the oil and translate it into action.

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

Fennel

fennel flower

I recently wrote about fennel as it’s a great oil for winter. It’s warming and soothing and helps nurture you in the cold.

Fennel works best as a decongestant for the lungs so if you have a weird taste in your mouth when you cough, chances are sometime soon you may be coughing up green stuff. Fennel is the oil to get it moving and also works well with marjoram and lavender.

1. A couple of drops in a steam inhalation for a congested chest (breathe through your mouth).

2. A couple of drops externally on the throat to help with symptoms of a cough and to move the mucous.

3. Nourishing oil blend for aches and pains in the body – 7 drops in 3 teaspoons of a carrier oil like olive, almond or sunflower. Mix fennel with lavender in this case to help your chest – 4 drops of fennel and 3 drops of lavender.

****** Always remember to smell the oils too, as this will help the brain receive information from the oil and translate it into action.

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

Eucalyptus

eucalyptus globulus

THE oil for breaking down mucous!

1. A couple of drops in a steam inhalation for a congested chest (breathe through your mouth) and congested sinuses (breathe through your nose).

steam inhalation

2. As a treatment for you in your space – simply add about 15 drops to a large bowl of boiling water (like you would with a steam inhalation) and bring it into your bedroom while you rest in bed. Or in the lounge room while you’re on the couch. This is an easy one if you are by yourself as it doesn’t take too much effort.

You can use all the oils above in this way and of course put them in a vapouriser – eucalyptus oil working particularly well as a decongestant. Plus it’s refreshing and you can almost feel it doing you good. Some bush healing never goes astray.

I could talk about other oils too but if in doubt, or if you only have one oil, use lavender.

absolutely stunning lavender fields via reddit.com

REST and lots of fluids too will help move the infection through your body and check out these articles for blending ratios too – “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”.

The Star – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential oils

Posted on July 24, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Star – XVII from the Rider-Waite deck

This card is so pretty and is appealing when it pops out in a card reading. It would be hard not feel relieved and excited when The Star comes to you. Our lovely maiden is out there in the night, naked and bathed in starlight. On a very basic level you could interpret this card as indicating that you are “the star” of your life.

Perhaps you’ve overcome bad times and now you are feeling supported by the universe. Or maybe you are in a process of renewal and have a new perspective on the true meaning of your dharma and destiny. There is lots of love and hope in this card and it is soft and gentle. You are now connected to your emotions and are in the flow of life. You are a part of all the elements of nature and give back to the world with your love and kindness.

The wonderful flow of nature (australia.com)

This card could also represent your desire to cleanse and detox your life, not only from within your body, but all your thoughts and surroundings too.

Maybe it’s time to let go of situations that no longer serve your greater purpose. You may have more confidence and self-esteem than before and you have gained this through your spiritual journey. You are open to receiving the wisdom of the universe because all your chakras and channels are clear.

It’s time to shine and let the world know you are here!

shine like a star

What essential oils could reflect the energy of the star and also bring that energy into your life?

Try these recipes:

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 Am The Star of My Own Life”

To help you remember who you really are –

Sandalwood Indian 1 drop

May Chang 1 drop

Spearmint 1 drop

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

“The Universe is Within Me”

To move from ego to spirit –

Cypress 2 drops

Cardamom 2 drop

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

“I’m Naked”

Allow your heart to be open to everything –

Fennel 1 drop

Nutmeg 1 drop

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

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

Scent your space

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Oh Happy Day”

Rejoice in the wonders of life –

Geranium 8 drops

Mandarin 8 drops

Patchouli 4 drops

Lavender 5 drops

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

“Purpose in Life”

To keep you on the path –

Black Pepper 7 drops

Cinnamon 8 drops

Orange 10 drops

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

“Welcome”

For a warm, happy atmosphere and to inspire great self-esteem in your guests –

Lime 10 drops

Ylang Ylang 8 drops

Peru Balsam 6 drops

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

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

The Tower – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential oils

Posted on July 17, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Tower XV1 from the Rider-Waite tarot deck

The Tower – XVI – from the Rider-Waite tarot deck

OOOOOOO The Tower card. It usually freaks everyone out when they see it. However saying that, if someone is having a tarot reading and this card pops up, they are probably in the throws of the tower energy, just experienced it, or can feel it looming.

So what is it about?

As you can see by the picture, people are leaping from a burning tower, screaming, plunging to their death. Lightening and flames surround and break down the tower. The structure will crumble and die, along with the inhabitants. Oh dear.

When I was learning tarot, something about this card stayed with me. The fact that this seems to be happening as an “act of God” via lightening, is an illusion. It is actually something that you have probably created yourself, but are unaware of the fact. For example: feeling that you hate your job and really need a change but don’t do anything about it. You think these thoughts over and over again but don’t take any steps to change. Then “all of a sudden” you are fired and completely freak out as your regular job and wage – your stability – is ripped out beneath you plunging you into change and fear! The same could be said of any situation like a relationship breakdown, sudden illness or death.

It's ok if you are freaking out - grab a bottle of essential oil

Don’t fear “The Tower” – just use some essential oils!

The Tower represents dismantling of your current circumstances whether you like it or not. And we all know that when something crumbles, we learn how to survive and create new ways of approaching life. We may be awakened, when prior the the event we were blissfully unaware. The universe is demanding that we evolve. Our subconscious is doing the same. It’s our ego that doesn’t like it!

The Tower forces us to confront situations, thoughts and emotions that do not serve us, but that we hold onto as a security blanket. You may be being asked to let go of outdated structures in your life so you can spiritually evolve.

Embrace change

So what essential oils and essential oil blends could represent this card, and it’s meanings for you in your day? Try these 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 article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“OMG!”

To de-stress –

German Chamomile 3% 9 drops *see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Melissa 3% 9 drops *see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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

“Get it Together”

Help your major anxiety –

Vetiver 1 drop

Bergamot 5 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils – but test first!

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!

“Angels Please Help Me”

Help your heartbreak –

Rose 3% as many drops as you need

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

“Guides Give Me Strength”

Open your crown chakra to receive help and guidance –

Petitgrain 2 drops

Basil 1 drop

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

: essential oil diffuser

3. Scent Your Space

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

“I’ve Got the Power”

Be your own cheerleader in hard times –

Juniper 10 drops

Sandalwood 5 drops

Mandarin 10 drops

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

“Peaceful Sleep”

Try and get a good night’s sleep to restore your energy –

Rosewood 8 drops

Lavender 8 drops

Marjoram 8 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

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

Happy mixing and remember to use your intention when you are blending.
(See my article about intention)

Fragrant Oils vs Essential Oils – What’s the Diff?

Posted on July 3, 2013 by suzannerbanks

bubblegum scent can come in a fragrant oil but not an essential oil

Oils ain’t oils!

Fragrant oils are completely synthetic and are made in a lab.

They do not come from any real plant.

They are not distilled from anything natural.

They do not have any therapeutic benefit on the body but they may trigger memories and emotions like any scent can do.

They shouldn’t really be used in massage and in skincare. (NB. All perfume is synthetic and any skincare that mentions “fragrance” or “parfum” probably has synthetic scent. Essential oils can be listed as “parfum” too so companies can protect their recipes).

They should be labelled “Fragrant Oil” or “Fragrance”.

They do not have any life force or energy.

You can find the scent of popcorn in a fragrant oil.

Fragrant oils that you may find – and that you think could be essential oils are not –

Coconut

Gardenia

Magnolia

Fig

Musk

and there are loads more.

flowering rosemary – a real essential oil

Essential oils come from a natural plant source and are distilled with water and steam (mostly). They have therapeutic benefits and can be used on the body in massage and skincare.

They emit energy or vibration, and this is an added benefit when used in the healing modalities.

They are part of our history, and along with the actual plant materials, were the original medicines thousands of years ago.

They effect the body and the brain (which in turn effects the body) and can produce positive feelings and trigger emotional responses. (NB. All kinds of scent can trigger these responses).

Essential oils are beautiful to smell and have a “roundness” and “warmth”, unlike fragrant oils which seem to me to be “thin” and “cold” (like perfume).

They have been written and talked about for many years because of their amazing power!

The spidery, seductive Ylang Ylang flower is a real essential oil

I love essential oils.

I dislike fragrant oils and perfume.

I’m biased.

You are free to use whatever you like, however if you are practicing being more mindful in your daily life perhaps reconsider buying a Fig and Green Tea scented candle (probably using parafin wax), and buy a natural beeswax candle which has a natural, mild honey-like scent, and vapourise REAL essential oils.

You WILL notice the difference. You will be inspired, and connected to the earth and natural medicine.

pink grapefruit – it is a real essential oil

Nutmeg – A Spice Oil of Mysticism and Intrigue!

Posted on July 1, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Nutmeg – Myristica fragrans

Just look at this gorgeous pod of deliciousness!

The red, almost brain-like cover is what mace is made from. The nutmeg we know and love, and use in cooking is hidden underneath. Isn’t nature wonderful? The colours are divine and the nutmeg seed is protected by layers of cellular material. This seed is part of the whole pod which is actually the fruit of this evergreen tree.

The nutmeg tree

Like many spices and spice oils, nutmeg has a rich history spanning, in the very least hundreds of years, and probably even more. Originating from the Banda Islands, north of Timor and west of Papua New Guinea, the trade of this wonderful spice is traced as far back as the middle ages in Europe. You can imagine how long before this the islanders would have used this amazing plant.

In the 1600’s the Dutch East India Company ruled the spice trade and the beautiful islands. They staged a nasty takeover of the islands to absolutely rule and control the supply of nutmeg to the world. When the Brits took over they transplanted many of these nutmeg trees to other islands under British rule and because of this Grenada actually produces 20% of the world’s nutmeg supply. They even have an illustration of the nutmeg on their flag.

The flag of Grenada

Our modern history is quite brutal really. Thank goodness we are now in a time of rapid evolution – the best time to employ essential oils to get us all to the next level of peace and harmony.

The essential oil of nutmeg is steam distilled from the seed and it is high in a-pinene (alpha pinene, b-pinene (beta pinene) and sabinine (also in black pepper oil); with many other constituents including camphene. We know that camphene (and other types of camphor molecules) are warming and stimulating constituents – and so is the oil of nutmeg.

The traditional uses of nutmeg include:

* to ease the symptoms of colds and flu

* as a tonic to warm the body

* as a treatment for all things digestive – to stimulate appetite, to treat nausea and vomiting and to generally stimulate the digestive fire

* as an anti-inflammatory agent especially in the treatment of arthritis and swelling of the joints

* to warm aching muscles and joints

The nutmeg spice is known as an hallucinogen due to a chemical constituent called elemecin, which Wikipedia claims is similar to the properties of mescaline. According to Salvatore Battaglia (an aromatherapist and author of a great book called “The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy”), this is lost in the distillation process and is not present in the oil.

Isn’t it interesting that the red mace covering of the seed looks like a brain – and that the seed can effect the brain, inspiring whacky mind visions!

nutmeg

I use this oil as a connection to spirit – as an awakening oil of the mind and the higher chakras. I find nutmeg oil to be expansive on all levels of our existence – the physical, the emotional, the mental and the spiritual. And just the fact that it’s called “myristica”, I always think of this oil as an agent of attaining our mystical existence, and accessing our mystical guides. I use this oil when I need to connect to universal intelligence.

Try these recipes:

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!

“Sweet Release”

Allow divine guidance to enter your world

Nutmeg 2 drops * patch test first as nutmeg could be sensitising to the skin

Orange 1 drop

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2. Scent Your Space

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

“Intergalactic Love”

Reach out into the universe with love

Nutmeg 10 drops

Rosewood 8 drops

Mandarin 6 drops

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Remember to use your intention when you are blending, it will add to the creation process and also be an exercise in using your intuition.

10 “Pure Pulse Point Perfume” Recipes for Urban Survival

Posted on June 17, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Hong Kong – a great city with loads of people living, working, surviving

As the Grandmaster Flash says in his 1982 album and single “The Message”

“It’s like a jungle sometimes it makes me wonder
How I keep from going under….”

Don’t go under!

Use essential oils for nurturing, support, expansion and to help shift your focus to what’s really important.

Try these recipes, and file them in your urban survival kit:

Pure Pulse Point Perfumes

It’s easy to make a little perfume with essential oils but if you are sensitive the right thing to do is to patch test first. So that’s my official stance – patch test first.

I like to choose a couple of oils, put a few drops into a little dish and choose which pulse point or chakra point I want to anoint. It is equally important to smell the oils deeply through your nose so they can go to work on different levels of your brain and body.

Smelling the oils is the primary key.

Wearing the oils is the secondary key.

Using your intention when you create the blend is the underlying key to wonderful synergistic blend.

It’s easy.

You could even just use a saucer or Chinese tea cup.

Chinese tea cup

Away we go.

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!

1. “Brainiac”

To stimulate your mind and help you wake up –

Rosemary 1 drop

Basil 1 drop

Mandarin 1 drop

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2. “Notice Me”

To give you confidence and help you shine (so maybe someone you’re interested in will notice you)

Ylang Ylang 2 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 1 drop

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Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

3. “Deep Sleep”

Entice your body and mind into relaxing enough to go to sleep –

Marjoram 1 drop

Lavender 1 drop

Vetiver 1 drop

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4. “Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!”

Stop freaking out –

Melissa 1 drop

Bergamot 2 drops

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5. “Re-Align”

When you’re feeling a bit out-of-sorts –

Lemongrass 1 drop

Rosewood 1 drop

Lime 1 drop

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we are one

6. “I’m connected to the Stars”

When you are feeling completely alone unsupported –

Roman Chamomile 3% 3 drops *info on 3% blends

Juniper 1 drop

Peru Balsam 1 drop

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7. “Superwoman”

When you have a lot to do and others to look after too –

Lavender 1 drop

Cedarwood Virginian 1 drop

Petitgrain 1 drop

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

appreciate yourself now!

8. “I am the Queen of My Life”

Take time out to appreciate how magnificent you are –

Rose 3% 6 drops *info on 3% blends

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9. “Expansion is Inevitable”

Remember you are here to experience life, and expand your consciousness –

Sandalwood 2 drops

Lemon 1 drop

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10. “You are Fabulous”

Inspire others which will help YOU to find growth and happiness within –

Rose Geranium 1 drop

Patchouli 1 drop

Neroli 3% 2 drops *info on 3% blends

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

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

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Nutmeg – A Spice Oil of Mysticism and Intrigue!

10 “Pure Pulse Point Perfume” Recipes for Urban Survival

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