Myrrh – A Healing Resin of Old

myrrh resin pic via www.pointsoflight.com

myrrh resin pic via http://www.pointsoflight.com

Myrrh. Whenever I say this oil in my head it sounds like merr-er-er. Just like Steve Martin’s character in the movie “The Man with Two Brains”, Dr Hfuhruhurr. I can’t help it. I’ve created a permanent synapse in my brain, that pronounces myrrh like Hfurhruhurr (except with an M). I don’t really use myrrh very much and maybe this is the reason.

I do however, use myrrh as an oil of abundance – a little goes a long way. Just like frankincense, myrrh is a resin in its natural state and then it’s steam distilled to produce an essential oil. In all bottles of myrrh that I’ve owned, before too long the cap is often stuck to the bottle with the dried oil – it wants to revert back to its original form. This never happens with frankincense which is quite a thin oil. Look how similar the trees are – they are from the same family, Burseraceae, but a different genus. Myrrh is from Commiphora, and frankincense is from the Boswellia genus.

myrrh tree pic via azarius.net

myrrh tree pic via azarius.net

frankincense tree pic via herbsocietyvic.org.au

frankincense tree pic via herbsocietyvic.org.au

Myrrh is native to parts of Africa and still revered as a great healer. We know of stories in the bible which tells us that this resin has been used for centuries. Like many of the older plants and oils, myrrh is also noted in ancient Egypt as an important ingredient in the holy incense kyphi, and the temples of Jerusalem in the incense of ketoret. I’ve just written about spikenard (see my article Spikenard – an Essential Oil with a Rich History and a Heady Scent), which appears in the same texts and was also an ingredient in these ceremonial incenses.

With its amazing qualities of healing and preservation you can see why the Egyptians used myrrh in embalming. If it’s hardening on the lid of my oil bottle then it’s working that way when embalming a body!

Egyptian mummy

Egyptian mummy

Myrrh is a great wound healer and works really well with gum disease and mouth ulcers. I would use myrrh in an oil blend with a client to add dimension to the scent and to address fears of lack, and a general feeling of being unsupported. I love myrrh to stimulate healing from past hurts and to help someone gain strength to continue in life.

A drop of oil can be essential

A drop of myrrh may be all you need

In aromatherapy today myrrh is used for –

* gum disease

* deep cracks n the heels

* chronic wounds that wont heal

* to reduce mucous in coughs and bronchitis

* as a meditative oil to connect to spirit

* to help with period pain and for use in childbirth

Embrace myrrh as an oil to support you in your connection to the divine. Be sparing with myrrh in your oil formulations as a little goes a long way.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Judgement – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Judgement - XX in the Rider-Waite deck

Judgement – XX in the Rider-Waite deck

Number 20 in the major arcana is the Judgement card. There’s quite a few dead people and the Angel Gabriel heralding a message from God. I do like this card, and as with many of the tarot cards, at first glance it looks a bit creepy but has a positive message. This card is about truth and dharma, how you live your life. When the “judgement day” comes, and you are called to the pearly gates of heaven, can you say you have lived your life with purpose and in your own truth? Have you inspired others to reach their personal heights? Have you remained true to the laws of the universe? Have you been kind to others?

? sneakily borrowed from biodagar.com

? pic via biodagar.com

When this card comes to you in a reading it may be suggesting you need to re-focus your energy, get yourself back on track. It could be a call to move forward in your life and allow your real self to emerge. Shed your skin and don’t be afraid to embrace your higher purpose, your dharma, your spirituality.

This could be a time to try to see things from a new perspective, which could in turn lead to you making positive changes in your life.

angel gabriel blowing his horn - gabe aguilar pic via finaartamerica.com

angel gabriel blowing his horn – gabe aguilar pic via fineartamerica.com

Call on the Archangel Gabriel (the healer) to help you find your true purpose in life and use some essential oils with your very best intention.

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 50 ml 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”

Allow yourself to shed the old –

Juniper        3 drops

Rosewood   3 drops

Lavender     2 drops

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

“What is My Purpose in Life?”

Find your dharma –

Petitgrain                     3 drops

Cedarwood Virginian    2 drops

Cinnamon                    2 drops

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

“Healing”

Gabriel will help you emerge as a healed soul –

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

Nutmeg           2 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

Anoint yourself with pure 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!

“Back on Track”

Re-focus to what really matters to you –

Basil              1 drop

Orange          2 drops

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

“Movin’ On”

Keep going!

Rosemary     1 drop

May Chang   2 drops

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

“Transformation!”

Emerge as a new person –

Spikenard     1 drop

Lime              2 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

 

The Hierophant – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

 

The Hierophant - V in the Rider-Waite Deck

The Hierophant – V in the Rider-Waite Deck

I must say when I was learning about the tarot I never really got a strong vibe for this card when it came up in a reading. Perhaps it was the religious imagery I didn’t like, even though the main figure seems quite kind and placid. The monks in the foreground are being blessed by the priest, holding a triple cross – religious overload! As with all tarot cards there are many symbols embedded in the image that spark reactions and hint to meanings of the card in general.

graduation - pic via celebrationandpartyblog.com

graduation – pic via celebrationandpartyblog.com

Anyway, The Hierophant is here to let us know that if we are studying, learning anything in any form, we now have the power to take it to the next level. It could also mean we need a deeper understanding of our spirituality and this could be the sign we need to take that step. This card also represents marriage ordained by the church and religious elders.

Are you being challenged by an authority figure or feeling controlled by an institution? If so, The Hierophant will show up helping you to release your feelings of being blocked by others. Maybe this is a time to keep your continuing spiritual practice (going deeper within) and allow others – who appear to have authority – continue on their path. It may also indicate that this is a time not to rock the boat, but to abide by the rules and laws that govern us. It indicates the opposite to having free will and being totally creative.

pic via radioadelaidebreakfast.wordpress.com

pic via radioadelaidebreakfast.wordpress.com

It is a great card to meditate on now for those who are demanding marriage equality. We need balance with the relationship between the people, those in power, and our growing need for a deeper spiritual connection between us all. So I suppose this card is also about fairness and equality.

What essential oils could embody this card? The issues are fairness, marriage, deeper spirituality and the balance of power. Hmmmm.

 

Just use any mist bottle you can find

Just use any mist bottle you can find

1. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Will You Same Sex Marry Me”

Propose now, why wait?

Sandalwood Indian       8 drops

Petitgrain                       10 drops

Ylang Ylang                    4 drops

Rose Geranium           3 drops

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

“My Own Mantra”

Release the bonds of traditional religions and find a deeper spirituality –

Cypress                    10 drops

Orange                    10 drops

Cedarwood Atlas    5 drops

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

“I’ll Agree to Disagree”

Follow the rules this time to make it easier –

Lavender      8 drops

Ginger          8 drops

Lime              8 drops

Vetiver          1 drop

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

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

 

2. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

German Chamomile – instant relaxation

Palmarosa – being flexible with inflexible rules

Spikenard – a deep connection to spirituality

Juniper – release the old and unwanted

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

 

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

 

 

 

Clove – A Healing Oil and Spice

Cloves - interesting little things pic via articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Cloves – interesting little things pic via articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Aw look at these cute little things! They are classified as “calyxes” and come from a larger pod from an evergreen tree hailing from Indonesia, Sri Lanka and probably India too and other tropical islands like Madagascar. Originally they were only found on the “spice islands”  The Maluku Islands or Moluccas, and were traded worldwide in the 1600’s and  1700’s by the Dutch East India Company. They are basically part of the flower and when we get the clove it has been dried. This tree belongs in the same family as eucalyptus another scented tree along with guava and feijoa too!

By now you would have caught on to the fact that spices have a rich interesting history and clove is no exception. The Greeks and Romans used the clove bud as did ancient Chinese medicine where they were used as a warming tonic, and a stress relief treatment also great for high blood pressure. Records even show the use of cloves in 3BC in China where they were chewed to freshen the breath. In Ayurveda cloves are used for swelling, nausea and to help prevent colds.

We all love a good story and Wikipedia claims

“… the clove trade is also mentioned by Ibn Battuta and even famous One Thousand and One Nights characters such Sinbad the Sailor is known to have bought and sold cloves.”

Go Sinbad!  Arrrrrrrrr the spice trade of the high seas!

So now we come to modern aromatherapy and the use of clove oil today. Even if you haven’t used it yourself, you may now of clove oil’s use in reducing dental pain. It has an analgesic effect and I often put some clove oil in a formula for a client if they are experiencing physical pain.

Clove buds on the tree pic via namastenutritionist.com

Clove buds on the tree pic via namastenutritionist.com

* It is great to reduce swelling and inflammation in arthritis and in muscles too.

* Vapourised to kill air-born germs to prevent the spread of viruses – due to its high content of eugenol which is a strong antiseptic. Eugenol is also found in cinnamon, allspice, bay, basic, rose, jasmine, and carnation plants and oils.

* As a warming tonic to the souls who is unhappy or depressed

* As a calming agent to the digestive system

Clove is one of those oils that you don’t want to overdo so be mindful when blending. Try these recipes –

sniffing bottle of oil

sniffing bottle of oil

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Clove – relax, unwind, calm nausea, warmth

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”

“Soothe Me”

A formula for helping pain and swelling from arthritis –

Clove         2 drops

Lavender   2 drops

Fennel       2 drops

Marjoram   2 drops

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

“Chill”

A chill out blend –

Clove                2 drops

Frankincense    3 drops

Orange             2 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

The Magician – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Magician - I in the major aracna from the Rider-Waite deck

The Magician – I in the major arcana from the Rider-Waite deck

This card is great! You can feel the power just by looking at him. He’s an alchemist in the most natural, original state. He is number 1 in the major arcana of the tarot which signifies he is the first energy of physical manifestation we see. The Magician will come to you in a reading if you either greatly need his energy, you need to hear his message or you are experiencing this at the present time. And of course, this is true for all the cards.

He is using all the elements of the tarot – swords (air, mental), cups (water, emotional), pentacles (physical, earth) and wands (fire, spirituality). He is also calling on the energy of heaven and earth (the universe) to bring everything together to create instant manifestation. So this card is acknowledging your power to use the resources at hand to change your life, create a new business venture and/or see the fruition of your hard work towards a project.This card is telling you you can do it! You have everything at your fingertips to create what you want and the time is now!

You have the power to create via mysciencetees.spreadshirt.com

You have the power to create via mysciencetees.spreadshirt.com

You have hopefully come through challenges previously so this is not a time for delay. This is not a time for study or gathering information, it is a time for action. Add your intention into your resources and will and you will have no option but to succeed. The flow of energy around you can be harnessed as you are in the flow of life and connected to everything around you.

Lets look at some oils and formulas you could use to support your quest for manifestation –

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Cypress – a quick cleanse and connection to your spiritual self

Rosewood – open your heart chakra to allow the flow of love of the universe

May Chang – you are the alchemist of your own life

Palmarosa – be flexible too

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

oil burner

scent your space

2. Scent Your Space

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

“The Time is Now”

This is the right time to go for it –

Black pepper    8 drops

Pine                  6 drops

Orange            11 drops

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

“Finally”

Congratulate yourself for doing the hard work and seeing the results –

Spearmint       8 drops

Palmarosa      8 drops

Petitgrain        9 drops

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

3. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“More Please”

Allow yourself to create what you want –

Myrrh            5 drops

Clary Sage    5 drops

Cinnamon     5 drops

Lime            10 drops

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

“Thanks”

Give praise for all the great things you have created –

Bergamot           10 drops

Cedarwood Atlas  8 drops

Geranium              7 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

Dear Clary Sage, I’m Sorry xoxo

Flowering Clary sage pic via bellasugar.com

Flowering Clary sage pic via bellasugar.com

Dear Clary sage, I’m sorry I haven’t called on you in a while but I promise to consider you for my next client.

It’s not that I don’t like you, your scent is very heady and strong, and so much more sweet than sage. I realise you are very closely related and come from the same family – but I don’t favour sage over you – in fact it could be the other way around.

I like the fact that you are an expansive oil and for this I like to consider you as a very spiritual oil, as you relate to the crown and third eye chakras. You have the ability to open my mind, and that of my client too, and I suppose looking back over the centuries you have often been employed to help people over come depression and melancholy. You inspire, and can be considered an oil of euphoria – thank you. You are wonderful in allowing us to connect to the creativity of the universe too!

The essential oil is made from the flowering tops and the foliage

The essential oil is made from the flowering tops and the foliage

I love the way you work on excess oil on the skin and in the hair!

Another thing I am grateful for is that you are so powerful as an analgesic particularly in regards to period pain. I have used you on pregnant clients in preparation for labour and even in oil blends in a birthing suite. You are also great for older women during menopause to calm many of the very boring symptoms. Not only are you a very spiritual and creative oil you also help with pain.

I’ve even read you could help with lung spasm in bronchitis and asthma because of your relaxing effect on the muscles and bronchii via the hypothalamus and thalamus. You contain some similar functional groups to lavender and that’s why you are great for relaxation.

Clary sage and a rose at home in mooseycountrygarden.com

Clary sage and a rose at home in mooseycountrygarden.com

You inspire us to connect to the dream dimension – day dreaming and night dreaming – which can help shape our lives.

Here are some formulas for people to try so they can also experience your magnificence –

2. Face Mask

For oily skin –

2 teaspoons of white clay add 3 drops of oil

Clary sage      1 drop

Orange           2 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

Anoint yourself with pure 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!

“Come In Please Creativity”

A blend to help release fears and invite in creativity to your life or a project –

Clary sage     1 drop

Lemongrass  1 drop

Mandarin       1 drop

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

“Cool Calm and Collected”

Keep cool when you are hot flushing like crazy –

Clary Sage         2 drops

Rose Geranium  1 drop

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

nourish your skin with oil blends

nourish your skin with oil blends

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

“Oh Lord Help Me”

For period pain –

Clary Sage   2 drops

Peppermint  2 drops

Marjoram     2 drops

Lavender      2 drops

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

“Even Stevens”

To clarify and tone oily skin –

Clary Sage                     2 drops

Sandalwood Australian  2 drops

Bergamot                      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 World – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The World XXI - from the Rider-Waite deck

The World XXI – from the Rider-Waite deck

Ah this is a lovely card and you don’t have to be a genius to know it has a good vibe about it. It is the last card – 21- in the Major Arcana which signifies completion, success and happiness. The journey through all the other cards has been up and down and you have come a long way through all those trials to a happy ending.

If The World card comes to you and you don’t resonate with success then maybe you need to look back at where you were last year and celebrate the little achievements along the way. It could mean that you are about to finally see success manifested in your life.

The World may also mean an era coming to an end with new beginnings in sight, or just over the horizon. It is a happy card and our lady is surrounded by a never-ending wreath which could also indicate winning. The wreath is tied at the top and the bottom with a lemniscate which is the infinite flow of life. This is a time to rejoice and acknowledge yourself.

Infinity - also called the Holy Lemniscate

Infinity – also called the Holy Lemniscate

It is not a time of reflection or change, it is a time of celebration. Maybe you are actually going out into the world to travel, or launch yourself into the world with new skills that you have acquired.

Rejoice, be confident have a party.

What oils could embody the feeling of The World card? Maybe you want to invoke this feeling or you could be in this moment right now. Here are some oils and recipes to try along side this powerful card –

sniffing bottle of oil

sniffing a bottle of oil

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Cedarwood Virginian – you are living your dharma

Cedarwood Atlas – connect to the abundance of success all around you

Lime – woo hoo you are happy – acknowledge your efforts

Petitgrain – if you are not feeling outwardly successful this will help connect to the potential of manifestation

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

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!

“I’ve got the Power”

Success!

Black pepper  1 drop

Mandarin        1 drop

Melissa 3%    3 drops

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

“The Little Engine that Could”

You’re almost there – you can do it!

Sandalwood Australian  1 drop

Geranium                       1 drop

Peru balsam                   1 drop

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

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

“Thank you, Me”

Give yourself praise for all the little things you’ve achieved –

Lavender         8 drops

Bergamot       12 drops

Palmarosa       5 drops

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

“Let’s Have a Kiki”

Celebrate with a party vibe in your home –

Orange             10 drops

Ylang Ylang       5 drops

Pine                   5 drops

Rose geranium  5 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

The Empress – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Empress - III The Rider-Waite Tarot

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

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!

Abundance is a state of being

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

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

“Balance”

Bring the outdoors to you –

Siberian Fir            10 drops

Orange                  10 drops

Cedarwood Atlas    5 drops

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

“Sensuality”

Allow yourself to be sensual  –

Ylang Ylang    8 drops

Sandalwood   6 drops

Mandarin      11 drops

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

 

sneakily borrowed from informedfarmers.com

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

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

“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.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics

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

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Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics

create your own natural skincare

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

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)

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

mistbottle

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

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!

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!

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

The Moon – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Moon - XVIII from the Rider-Waite deck

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

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)

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

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“Howling at the Moon”

Let your wild side out –

Black pepper     2 drops

Lemongrass       2 drops

Patchouli            3 drops

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“I’m NOT Having a Meltdown”

Support your fragile emotions –

Fennel             2 drops

May Chang     2 drops

Peru Balsam   3 drops

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essential oil diffuser

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

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“Release and Renew”

Purge the old stuff –

Juniper               8 drops

Pink Grapefruit  15 drops

Lavender            2 drops

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“I Accept Myself Completely”

Allow yourself the freedom to feel what you want –

Cypress           12 drops

Orange              8 drops

Ylang Ylang      5 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