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 Fool – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Fool - 0 - From the Rider-Waite Deck

The Fool – 0 – From the Rider-Waite Deck

Ah The Fool! Courage, naivety, adventure, passion and living in the moment is the message of this card. You may have noticed the number of this card is “0” and it can be seen as falling at the beginning of the series of the 22 Major Arcana cards (0-21). As we journey through the major arcana, it is almost as if we are following The Fool on his journey through the material world, and experience the lessons he is learning too.

This card is the card of pure potentiality – anything can happen! If this card comes to you in a reading it may be indicating you need to jump into something wholeheartedly and trust the universe will support you through your ups and downs. Is it a business venture, a new romance, a move overseas? Whatever it is you are being encouraged to try it anyway. The white dog in the picture may represent your animal instincts that can warn you of any dangers ahead so what are you waiting for? Take a leap of faith as The Fool is doing here – let’s face it he’s just about to jump off a cliff without looking!

Have faith you will be supported - pic via abetterdream.com

Have faith you will be supported – pic via abetterdream.com

He’s a happy chap our Fool. He has magical powers represented by the wand but he hasn’t enough experience to use them yet. The only way to discover your own magic powers is to go out in the world and give it a go! You’ve got the power! This card also has a feeling of lightness, and a sense of being carefree. Maybe you need to force yourself to do something different that will get your energy vibed up and allow a feeling of complete freedom.

New beginnings make for a bit of fun - pic via simplyblessed.heartsdeesire.com

New beginnings make for a bit of fun – pic via simplyblessed.heartsdeesire.com

Just as the fool is starting his journey by walking off the side of a mountain with a smile on his face, you too can have this feeling with adding some essential oils to your life.

 

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Petitgrain – my oil of pure potentiality

Palmarosa – flexibility

Black Pepper – courage

Rose – self nurturing

Frankincense – take a deep breath and do it!

Lavender – consolidate your energy

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

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

2. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil.

***** Always put the drops of essential oil into the bottle or dish first, then add the carrier oil. It gives the scents time to create a synergistic fusion.

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and  “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“New Beginnings”

Starting things afresh can be a little scary so use these oils to help you –

Lavender        3 drops

Petitgrain       4 drops

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

“Leap of Faith”

Take a leap of faith just like The Fool –

Black Pepper   1 drop

Mandarin         3 drops

Cypress          3 drops

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

“I’m Never Alone”

The universe always responds to your creative endeavours –

Rosemary     1 drops

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

Lemongrass   2 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

 

 

 

The Hermit – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Hermit - IX from the Rider-Waite tarot deck

The Hermit – IX from the Rider-Waite tarot deck

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

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

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

Inner peace - pic via spiritualclarity.wordpress.com

Inner peace – pic via spiritualclarity.wordpress.com

 

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

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

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

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

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

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

Frankincense – deep breathing, meditation

Sandalwood Indian – the classic spiritual oil

Marjoram – relax, be calm

 

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

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

2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“I Am Willing”

Gain courage to look within –

Black pepper    1 drop

Petitgrain          2 drops

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

“Meditate”

Slow down your breath and just be –

Frankincense  2 drops

Peru Balsam   1 dropsandal

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

“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 Lovers – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Lovers - # 6 from the Rider-Waite deck

The Lovers – VI from the Rider-Waite deck

Ah the lovers. It’s always interesting when this card shows up in reading because there is hidden meaning in the symbols – as with all the tarot cards. When I was learning the tarot I always remembered this card was just as much about choice, as about love. You can see the resemblance to The Devil which is very much about choice.

The Devil - XV from the Rider-Waite deck

The Devil – XV from the Rider-Waite deck

Our lovers stand before us, naked, and representing Adam and Eve, with the apple tree and the snake in the background. The apples represent the choices between right and wrong, good and evil; however we know these degrees of behaviour lie within us, not without.The Bible story tells us that Eve had a choice to eat the apple or not. She did. The rest is history (or should I say her-story).

The sun is shining brightly indicating happiness and growth, and the 12 flamed tree behind our man indicates the 12 zodiac signs and his greatest desire for passion and sex.

Love - pic via eofdreams.com

Love – pic via eofdreams.com

And yes this card is about LOVE! Maybe it has popped up in your reading because you’ve just met someone interesting, maybe it’s because you are looking for love or maybe you need to love yourself more before you can share with another?

There is duality in this card as it is ruled by Gemini so these two could even be seen as the masculine and feminine parts of yourself, and a desire to achieve inner harmony. The love in this card is divined by God, represented by Archangel Raphael who is the healer. Maybe some of your relationships need healing?

Hey – and maybe this card is just about good old fashioned romantic love, orchestrated by the angels and created by you.

Let’s get into some great essential oils for love:

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

The classic Duralex glass dish is a handy thing to mix your oil blends and quick perfumes in

1. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

In a little dish mix these oils and anoint your pulse points or chakras – 3 drops of essential oils and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil – always patch test first!

“Feminine Love”

Nurture yourself –

Rose 3% straight from the bottle        * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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

“Butterflies”

When you are a bit nervous with a new love or a first date –

Neroli 3% straight from the bottle        * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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

“Come Hither”

Oils for seduction –

Ylang Ylang     1 drop

Sandalwood    1 drop

Mandarin         1 drop

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

oil burner

An oil burner with a candle helps transform stagnating energy

2. Scent Your Space

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

“I’m Gonna Love You, Love You, Love You”

Get in the mood –

Cocoa CO2                  8 drops *

Orange                         5 drops

Cedarwood Virginian    6 drops

Palmarosa                    6 drops

* see my article for more info on CO2 extracts What are CO2 Extracts in the World of Aromatherapy?

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

“Love is in the Air”

Try this light and breezy love blend –

Bergamot        12 drops

Patchouli           5 drops

Rosewood        8 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

Wheel of Fortune – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Wheel of Fortune - # 10 from the Rider-Waite deck

Wheel of Fortune – # 10 from the Rider-Waite deck

Oh yeah this is a good one. If this card comes up in a reading it will make you feel positive and hopeful. As with all the tarot cards the symbols are important and this card has heaps! It has the four fixed signs of the zodiac and according to Biddy Tarot, they all have wings “signifying stability amidst movement and change”. There is also a sphinx (Horus, God of Resurrection), Anubis (giver of life) and a snake (transformation) as well as the letters spelling “Tora” or “Taro”. They can also be read as “orat” (to speak), “rota” (wheel) and “ator” (Egyptian Goddess of the Dead). Phew!

There are also 4 Hebrew letters which can be interpreted as God, and the symbols for mercury, sulphur, salt and water. These are symbols indicating the power of alchemy and the ability to create new things and transform elements into new compounds.

So the Wheel of Fortune is about movement, change and transformation. It also indicates success and good fortune which is what we all want to hear. When this card comes up in a reading it may be mirroring your current circumstances or it may be asking you to make determined physical changes in your life.

Change is a good thing pic via wix.com

Change is a good thing! pic via wix.com

Taking control of the wheels of your life may be just what you need. Steer your life into uncharted territory and allow the energy of this movement to open new doors for you. The seasons and cycles of life wait for no man so why fight against it? Maybe you have been disconnected from the life cycles of earth – get out into nature and fully experience these changes with gusto. Align yourself with the magnetic energy of the universe and it may then be easier to accept more success and abundance into your life.

Are you feeling stuck? pic via pickthebrain.com

Are you feeling stuck? pic via pickthebrain.com

Get the wheels of life moving if you are feeling stuck. travel would be a great antidote, as would be meditating on this great tarot card.

This card could also represent the way “fate” plays with us, and may be asking you to open your awareness to the world to see how the web of life is “entangled” with everyone in the universe.

Awaken your senses to the possibilities of new things in your life by using some essential oils to invoke the Wheel of Fortune.

cinnamon

cinnamon

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Cedarwood Atlas – abundance

Cardamom – flow of energy in and around your body

Palmarosa – flexibility and happiness

Cinnamon – love what you do for work and abundance will flow

I love this oil burner from pagethirtythree.com

Scent your space with this oil burner from pagethirtythree.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“River”

Get your energy moving and flowing –

Ginger          5 drops

Juniper         5 drops

Rosemary    5 drops

Lime            10 drops

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

“Wheel of Fortune”

Take risks and see what opens up for you –

Pine                      8 drops

Frankincencse      8 drops

Black Pepper        4 drops

Orange                 5 drops

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

“Lady Luck”

Be happy, positive and grateful and you will be in the flow of life –

Rose Geranium      8 drops

Mandarin                8 drops

Patchouli                4 drops

May Chang            5 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Everlasting Essential Oil Connects us to Our Immortality

Helichrysum italicum "everlasting". pic via calphotos.berkeley.edu

Helichrysum italicum “everlasting”. pic via calphotos.berkeley.edu

Aw this cute little daisy comes from the Asteraceae family along with the chamomiles, sunlfowers, safflower, marigold, globe artichoke, echinacea and chrysanthemum among many others. Also referred to as “immortelle”, can you guess what this essential oil is good for ? Immortality and the fountain of youth spring to mind when I think of everlasting, it’s great for skin and has many other benefits.

I was very excited to get a new bottle delivered the other day. It has a sweet, honey-like aroma with undertones of spice. Sometimes called the “curry plant”, everlasting does have a complex scent, maybe with a hint of curry – but don’t let that put you off. A few drops of this beautiful oil may be all you need to electrify and bend and add depth and sweetness to the scent. You may find everlasting n a 3% blend (see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba) or on it’s own but it will be more expensive this way.

Helichrysum bracteatum - essential oil does not come from this Helichrysum but you may recognise this flower from your local florist

Helichrysum bracteatum – essential oil does not come from this Helichrysum but you may recognise this flower from your local florist

In aromatherapy today everlasting is used for:

– formulations in skincare to promote cell growth and act as an anti-inflammatory agent

– as a stimulant to the lymphatic system to aid lymphatic drainage and therefore allow the skin to expel toxins more efficiently

– aiding the symptoms of dermatitis and excema

– diminishing scar tissue

– healing wounds

– coughs, coughing and asthma

– according to Salvatore Battaglia (The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy) everlasting is great for liver inflammation and the organs of the gall bladder, spleen and kidneys  – all the organs helping in detoxification of the body. We can see how this relates to lymphatic drainage too.

infinity

infinity = immortality

I use everlasting energetically as a way to connect us to our immortality. The Fountain of Youth lives within us if we are able to see we are simply a manifestation of the energy of our spirits. Our souls will return to the oneness of the universe when our mortal bodies fade away. It’s seems so poetic to use the french word ‘immortelle’ for this beautiful oil, and I encourage you to use it with this thought in mind.

 The Fountain of Youth by Lucas Cranach the Elder. pic via en.wikipedia.com

The Fountain of Youth by Lucas Cranach the Elder c 1546  pic via en.wikipedia.com

Here a a few recipes for our sweet immortelle:

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”

“Sophia Loren”

Be as beautiful as this amazing lady who has said the Fountain of Youth lies in your creativity-

Everlasting 3%        12 drops

Rosewood                3 drops

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

“Immortality”

Enjoy life in this moment for it will change form soon –

Everlasting 3%        9 drops

Sage                       1 drop

Pink Grapefruit         4 drops

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

“50 is the New 30”

Be young through the expression of your unique qualities, and youthful looking skin –

Everlasting           9 drops

Palmarosa            3 drops

Lavender             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 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

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“Retreat”   

Have a break from the outside world –

Juniper               10 drops

Fennel                  6 drops

Mandarin              9 drops

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“Dreams”

Allow your dreams to point the way –

Clary Sage            5 drops

Peru Balsam        10 drops

Nutmeg                5 drops

Lavender             5 drops

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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

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“Speak the Truth”

Let your knowledge flow – anoint your throat chakra –

Sage          1 drop

Myrrh         1 drop

Geranium   1 drop

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“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

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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

 

 

 

 

Death – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Death - XIII in from the Rider-Waite deck

Death – XIII in from the Rider-Waite deck

DEATH! Don’t freak out. This card is a little gruesome but in the end the messages are positive. The design and imagery are confronting but it doesn’t mean you are going to die (right now), however we will all die from our mortal lives at some time.

What do you think it means? It’s about a cycle, a situation or an emotional state ending. It’s a BIG ending, a purge, and it is not without difficulty. Notice that Death is riding a white horse which shows there is positivity and movement – movement toward something new. The sun is also rising showing there is light at the end of this death. The images on this card are similar to The Sun card too, which is a much happier and brighter card – perhaps it could even be construed as the opposite to death.

what's next?

what’s next?

So if you are wondering “what’s next?”, perhaps you need to look at patterns and old ways that need to be removed from your life. By detoxing from the old, you will have space to create the new. Many tarot cards carry similar messages but of course it also depends what other cards come up in the reading too. The Death card asks you to make BIG changes, clear the slate and start again.

clear road ahead pic via alatlatequator.wordpress.com

clear road ahead pic via alatlatequator.wordpress.com

You may need to initiate this change yourself because you are feeling stagnant, or this may be thrust upon you like The Tower card. What essential oils could help you transition?

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Juniper – detox, release the unwanted

Rosemary – stimulate your mind to consciously change

Cinnamon – add some sweetness and find what you love in life – follow your dharma

Lavender – garner strength and energy to help you through this change

nourish your skin with oil blends

nourish your skin and create change with oil blends

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”

This is a great way to nurture yourself and cover your self with the protective energy of essential oils.

“Change Change Change”

When you need to almost force yourself to make changes –

Cardamom        2 drops

Rosemary         2 drops

Lemon              4 drops

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The sun is always shining somewhere pic via wallpaperswide.com

The sun is always shining somewhere pic via wallpaperswide.com

 

“Even Though It’s Cloudy, I know the Sun is There”

Try and see the positive side of this big shock –

Peru Balsam       3 drops

Mandarin             3 drops

Rose Geranium   2 drops

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“Remain Calm”

Stay calm and soothe out of control emotions while going through the Death energy –

Marjoram       2 drops

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

Lime              2 drops

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013