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

Melissa – Pretty Name, Pretty Scent – A Wonderful Essential Oil

Melissa officianalis

Melissa officinalis

Melissa is also called lemon balm. It belongs to the same family as lavender, marjoram, peppermint, sage, patchouli, rosemary, thyme, oregano and more. You can see how the leaf looks similar to some of the other herbs too, and it’s sometimes difficult to tell them apart just from a photo.

Like many plants that create essential oils, Melissa extract is used in Naturopathy extensively for calming nerves and anxiety. This is what the essential oil is good for as well. It has a lemon scent but is more refined than lemongrass, more subtle than lemon and more delicate than any lemon scented eucalyptus or tea tree.

many lemon scented plants exist in nature

many lemon scented plants exist in nature

And once again this plant has an interesting history in healing through the past centuries. The standout landmark for this lovely plant is traced back to the Carmelite Monks of France during medieval times, but this magical herb is recorded as far back as 550BC with the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus – and ancient Greek city now in Turkey. Then we have the founders of modern medicine talking about this herb; 40—90 AD with the Greek physician Dioscorides, and with the Roman naturalist and philosopher of the same time, Pliny the Elder. Thank goodness there are really brainy people who have looked back through ancient records and delivered the information to us.

So it seems as though this gorgeous little herb has the healing powers of the universe within its little green leaves.

Back to the Carmelite monks……… or was is the nuns of another Carmelite origin in the 1200’s? Melissa has been noted way back to the 800’s as a herb of great healing properties, and it seems as though the healing water made with melissa originated in the 14th century (or even earlier) but became more well-known when the Carmelite friars were granted patents by the kings Louis IV, V and VI of France under the name “Eau de Melisse de Carmes”. During these times the herb water was both drunk as a tonic and used as a cologne to wash away the stench and dirt of the streets – and the stink of the general population who did not wash frequently! The balm water also contained other herbs and was used as a panacea. Both original recipes of Benedictine and Chartreuse (the liqueurs from monastic origin) contained melissa but not sure if they do now.

Chartreuse

Chartreuse – a lovely green herbal colour with over 100 ingredients

Our beautiful melissa lost favour as more herbs and plants were discovered for healing but it is still prized in Naturopathy and Aromatherapy today as a soothing balm for the emotions. In Aromatherapy we use melissa for –

* uplifting emotional states in depression

* soothing anxiety

* on the skin as an anti-viral – topically for cold sores

* vapourised in a room of sickness to help with nausea and to limit the spread of a virus (it seems that a lot of the lemon scented plants have a great anti-viral effect and I’ve always recommended vapourising lemon in the home if you have a sick person to reduce the spread of the virus or bacteria)

* on the stomach to reduce cramps

melissa flower - pic from dr.hauschka.com

melissa flower – pic from dr.hauschka.com

Melissa – also called balm and lemon balm – is best used to soothe the soul, mental anguish and to inspire happiness. Just take a whiff straight from the bottle.

It is a very expensive oil so you will probably find it in a 3% dilution ready to use straight from the bottle as a perfume, anointing oil and skin treatment for lesions. For more info see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba.

I hope you love melissa as much as I do!

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

The Hanged Man – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Hanged Man - XVII from The Rider-Waite deck

The Hanged Man – XII from The Rider-Waite deck

The Hanged Man – don’t be afraid it’s ok! This card is not about hanging yourself – just look at it a little closer. He seems to be quite ok. He is hanging upside down but is doing so rather languidly. His free leg is bent with his hands behind his back and although we can’t see if his hands are tied, at closer inspection he doesn’t appear to be in any pain or suffering.

When I was learning the tarot I remember my teacher saying he could be hanging around waiting for something interesting to happen. Is that you? Are you just pacing yourself?   This card could indicate that it is best to wait for a while for the solution to appear, rather than to force a solution on an issue or a problem.

just waiting.......

just waiting…….

Are you stuck and stagnating, or wasting time? Maybe you are too scared to create your life but know deep inside it’s the right thing to do. It could be a time to release these old patterns and fears that are holding you back.

Our man has a halo around his head indicating he is in touch with his spirituality and this card may come to you in a reading if it is time to take the high road, let go of your ego and do what is best for the good of all concerned. So it seems he is hanging here by choice, he is giving up his freewill for the moment. Perhaps it is a time of allowing yourself to open your higher chakras to spiritual growth?

be peaceful, surrender to your spirit

be peaceful, surrender to your spirit

This is not a card that requires action. This is a card of allowing.

Allow yourself to be, rather than to do. Reflect and wait.

create your own natural skincare

essential oils can support you on your journey

So which essential oils and blends could represent The Hanged Man and what he is trying to tell you?

Try these recipes –

1. Scent Your Space

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

“And…Breathe”

Time to take a moment for yourself –

Frankincense    10 drops

Vetiver                 1 drop

Lavender           7 drops

Lime                  7 drops

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

“I am Willing to Change”

To summon the courage to change your circumstances –

Petitgrain           12 drops

Cinnamon           8 drops

Rosewood          5 drops

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

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!

 

“A Higher Purpose”

Change your focus from ego to spirit –

Sandalwood Australian   1 drop

Mandarin                        1 drop

Palmarosa                      1 drop

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

“Hanging Around”

Be willing to wait –

Marjoram                       1 drop

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

Myrrh                             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 Star – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential oils

The Star #17 Rider-Waite deck

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)

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

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

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.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Strength – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Strength - a Major Arcana Card #7

Strength – VIII – from the Rider-Waite tarot deck

I’ve always loved this card.

As a learner many years ago I was scared of the lion until we ventured further into the meaning of the card. Our lady is “taming the lion” with her soft yet powerful feminine energy. She is also gaining strength from the lion too. They make a great pair and the lion is very happy to be at her side. She is not using physical, external strength, but an inner compassion and knowing. The lady and the lion are spiritually connected and honour each other.

Infinity - also called the Holy Lemniscate

Infinity – also called the Lemniscate

Our lovely young maiden also has the infinity symbol over her head, indicating she is connected to the flow of life. Her awareness of the never-ending circle of existence gives her even more strength to connect with everything around her and appreciate the beauty of life.

The card may also indicate it is a time for you to look within and gain your own personal strength from the knowledge of the universe rather than pressing forward with your intellect. You will attain more by using subtlety than by outer force.

? sneakily borrowed from biodagar.com

? (sneakily borrowed from biodagar.com)

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”

“Subtle and Sweet”

To align with your inner sweetness –

Peru Balsam        4 drops

Palmarosa           2 drops

Rose Geranium   2 drops

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

“Lemniscate”

Open your crown chakra to allow the flow of knowledge from the universe –

Clary Sage       2 drops

Petitgrain         4 drops

Lavender         2 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

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!

“Lioness”

Be brave – you can do it –

Black pepper   1 drop

Cardamom      1 drop

Orange            1 drop

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

“Feminine Wiles”

Get what you want without anyone even realising it –

Ylang Ylang   2 drops

Nutmeg         1 drop

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

cinnamon

cinnamon

3. Scent Your Space

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

“All is Well”

To emit calm and purpose in your environment –

Marjoram     8 drops

Lemon        12 drops

Geranium     5 drops

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

“I’ve Got the Power”

Remind yourself you are the creator of your own life –

Fennel          6 drops

Cinnamon   10 drops

Rosewood    9 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

10 “Pure Pulse Point Perfume” Recipes for Urban Survival

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

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

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

4. “Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!”

Stop freaking out –

Melissa      1 drop

Bergamot  2 drops

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

5. “Re-Align”

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

Lemongrass    1 drop

Rosewood      1 drop

Lime               1 drop

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

we are one

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

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

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

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

Nurture yourself now

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

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

9. “Expansion is Inevitable”

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

Sandalwood   2 drops

Lemon            1 drop

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

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.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Change Your Focus in 3 Seconds

change ahead - if you want....

change ahead – if you want….

It’s easy to get bogged down in the little bumps of life.

It’s easy to be influenced by negativity in the world.

It’s easy to allow chronic patterns to drive your life.

But is it easy to change your focus, and change the way you see things?

Sometimes. Sometimes we choose to stay in the lower energetic vibrations of emotions because we know them. It feels familiar and it’s easier than to question why we are continuing on a path that doesn’t feel quite right.

sneakily borrowed from biodagar.com

why question?

If you feel somewhat driven to change your focus in any way, it is actually quite easy with essential oils.

You don’t need to have a lot of oils to choose from.

You don’t even need to make a blend for your body, or a blend for the house, or a mist for your personal space.

It’s as simple as opening a bottle of oil and taking a big whiff.

sniffing bottle of oil

sniffing bottle of oil

A long deep whiff through your nose will transport the little molecules of oil through the nasal epithelium into various parts of the brain. Within 3 seconds your brilliant brain will have locked in a scent recognition, stimulated a memory from the past (or future or another dimension) and stimulated other parts of the brain to secrete hormones and also even effect your nervous system.

If that’s not a change of focus I don’t know what is! And all this is done without your conscious mind even needing to be put into gear.

Just one whiff!

Here’s a little snippet from my soon to be released book “Revelation – How to use Essential Oils to Reveal Your Destiny”. I’ve just chosen a few oils as an example of progression:

Sniff This Go from this To this
Mandarin Feeling unhappy Feeling happier
Sandalwood Disconnected Embracing your spirit
Myrrh Lack Abundance
Rose Unloved Appreciated by someone
Cedarwood Virginian Disliking your job Finding what you love to do
Marjoram Freaking out/stressed More relaxed
Juniper Not knowing how to change your circumstance Creating an affirmation to help you get there
Tea Tree Feeling toxic emotionally Cleansing your aura
Neroli Feeling old and that time is running out Connecting to your immortality
Lavender Weak and scattered Strength and health

Do it! Have a whiff today!

You don’t even need to use my guide – just grab ANY bottle of oil and sniff for at least 3 seconds.

The results will be subtle yet powerful. I guarantee it!

Nurture yourself now

Nurture yourself now with essential oils

Remember, treat yourself first then everyone will benefit.

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Just Think PINK!

I love Pink!

I love Pink!

Australia is embedded in a love affair with PINK!

We simply can’t get enough of her.

She is a great singer, performer and writer, but best of all I think it’s her sense of humour that appeals to us. She’s fun, a little bit naughty and supercute too. We are awaiting her arrival for another sold out tour of Oz so let’s get this party started!

Lets get all PINK …………

There are quite a few oils I would consider that resonate with the colour pink – cute oils, fun oils and oils of happiness:

Geranium

Rose Geranium

Rose

Cinnamon

Patchouli

Orange (ok i know it’s orange but when it gets together with other oils it’s quite pink……)

Peru Balsam

Rosewood

Tuberose

Pink Grapefruit

pink

pink

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blends

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.

“Kawaii”

For a bit of cute fun-

Rosewood    3

Orange         3

Patchouli      1

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

“Aww That’s Sweet”

To see the innocence and sweetness within yourself and others-

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

Pink Grapefruit    3 drops

Cinnamon           1 drop

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

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!

“Angels”

To surround yourself within angel energy or call on the angels for help

Geranium       2 drops

Peru Balsam  1 drop

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

“Wink”

Turn on your charm

Tuberose 3%      6 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Rose Geranium   1 drop

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

3. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Fun House”

Get a fun vibe going for a party make a mist and spritz away

Geranium           8 drops

Orange              8 drops

Pink Grapefruit   9 drops

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

“Sunrise”

To get yourself out of a funk into the fun house

Cinnamon            8 drops

Rose Geranium   4 drops

Pink Grapefruit    12 drops

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

So think PINK!

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Nurture Yourself NOW!

Dear natural scent lovers, nurture yourself NOW! It’s a practice in compassion – compassion towards your deserving self. I’m talking to you.

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

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 an ebook and paperback

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

love and nurture yourself now!

love and nurture yourself now!

 

 

If you’ve ever flown in a plane you will have watched the flight attendants demonstrate how to put a life jacket on and how to fit an oxygen mask on your face. They say it’s very important to fit the oxygen mask on YOURSELF first before you attend to your children and anyone else.

Why?

Are you more important than your child or another person on the plane?

No.

It’s because YOU are required to be breathing and functioning so that you CAN attend to your children and others. If you aren’t taking control of your own needs first, the results could be worse.

 

Take care of yourself firdt

Take care of yourself firdt

 

Nurture yourself. That’s the message. Leon Nacson from Hay House, an author of dream books has mentioned this a few times at Hay House events in Australia. It has always stuck with me, and the more clients I treat the more I realise (generally speaking) we don’t nurture ourselves very well at all.

How are we to evolve into a kind, peaceful, loving society if we rarely treat ourselves with peace and kindness?

Please take time to have a massage, an aromatherapy treatment, some acupuncture, a facial, a pedicure or anything else you can think of.

Take time to explore why you have come to earth at this particular time. We need everyone here, now, to make a positive contribution to the oneness we are a part of. To contribute more to your family, your neighbourhood, your country, your planet you need to be feeling GOOD. You need to be feeling alive, vital, relaxed and stress free.

 

be peaceful in your everyday life

be peaceful in your everyday life

 

Your contribution may not be anything physical, but could simply mean being more kind to an elderly neighbour, or smile and look people in the eye walking down the street. It could mean meditating and radiating your energy into everything you do in your day. The benefits will expand exponentially, and you will be an important part of the evolution of human consciousness.

aaahhhhh essential oils

aaahhhhh essential oils

 

Using essential oils is a wonderful way to nurture yourself and enliven your mind and spirit. One drop could make the difference between a day, and a wonderful day.

Chuck a bottle of something in your bag and when you need to feel and be nurtured, take the cap off the top and have a huge whiff. Just start there. Practice nurturing yourself everyday and watch the amazing results.

We need you to be paying attention.

I often end my articles with this statement…..

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

My Top 5 Oils for Brides – Part 2

a beautiful Indian bride

a beautiful bride

In my article My Top 5 Oils for Brides, I talk about what oils are best for the pending nuptials. Here’s a recap –

Neroli

Rose

Lavender

Geranium

Frankincense

But how do you use the oils?

We all know every wedding is different and each bride and groom are unique, but the one thing they all have in common is that they all want a memorable experience for them and their guests. Whether it be a simple beach wedding or a lavish affair at a glamourous venue with hundreds of guests, the bride will have some organising to do.

Unfortunately the oils won’t do everything but they will support you on your journey from fiancé to wife.

a happy beach wedding

a happy beach wedding

Essential oils will give emotional support and a scented burst of clarity and calm during the process. You could either use lots of different kinds of oils or pick a couple and make a combination that becomes your signature scent. So let’s look at the best 2 ways to use your oils.

1. Nourishing Body Oil

I recommend making a bottle of your chosen oil blend to use daily as a moisturiser, and more importantly as a connection to your spirit and a tonic to your mind. You will start your day off by paying attention to yourself, centering your mind and preparing for what is to come. And – your skin will look and feel totally amazing! I use oil on my skin every day and it works – my skin feels wonderful and looks good too! When your bottle is finished you can make another combo or stay with the same blend.

For ratios and quantities see my article Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3. Here is an example of a blend in a 50 ml bottle –

“Heart”

To keep the flow of energy in your heart chakra while planning your wedding –

Rosewood    10 drops

Lavender       5 drops

Neroli 3%      30 drops *

Alternatively you could make a blend every day but this often takes up time and is the first thing to be put on hold when you are juggling work, your private life and creating your perfect wedding. If you do want to do this 3 teaspoons of oil should be enough and to that you can add 7 or 8 drops of oil.

“Cool, Calm and Collected”

To breathe deeply and keep anxiety at bay –

Frankincense 3 drops

Cardamom    1 drop

Neroli 3%       9 drops *

* 3% oils need to be used in different ratios as they are already split into a blend with jojoba oil that can be used straight away. See Essential Oils 3% What Are They and Why? for more info on how to use them when making a blend.

a more formal church wedding

a more formal church wedding

2. Mist

This is a great portable way to keep an aromatherapy treatment with you. It is simply essential oils in an atomiser bottle filled with water. There is no need to use any emulsification agents,just shake before you mist. It can be used to refresh your face, cleanse and protect your aura, give your brain a boost and will make you smell like a natural goddess.

50ml mist bottle

50ml mist bottle from essenceofwellbeing.com.au

 

In a 50ml atomizer bottle add 25 drops of essential oil – use the same ratios of essential oils to water as you would a body oil blend.

“Mother Earth Energy”

To keep a sense of worldliness and compassion on those crazy days –

Rose 3%     50 – 75 drops *

* 3% oils tend not to work so well in a mist as the jojoba may shorten the lifespan of the mist due to oxidisation. I’d still give it a go if you want to use rose, neroli or jasmine; and then use the mist quickly.

It seems like a lot of drops, but once again this is an oil that you will probably buy in a 3% blend (you can buy it pure but it’s quite expensive) and I recommend you use 3 times the amount that you would a pure essential oil.

“I’ve Got the Power”

When you need strength and fortitude, with a smile –

Geranium                 10 drops

Mandarin                  10 drops

Cedarwood Virginian  5 drops

Remember to treat your self first then everyone will benefit.

Stay tuned for how to make beautiful handmade aromatherapy gifts for your wedding guests.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013