10 Body Oil Recipes for Seasonal Change

There’s nothing like a nourishing essential oil blend for your body, to soften your skin, cover you with energetic protection and generally keep your spirits up. And there’s no better time than now of course, as we move from one season to the next.

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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

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Body oils make lovely legs

Body oils make lovely legs

 

As per usual here is my spiel on making a body oil:

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. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.

***** 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”


 

I took this gorgeous pic in Sydney on the weekend

I took this gorgeous pic in Sydney on the weekend

Winter to Spring

This is a time to wake your body up, shed winter skin and get moving! Smell the sweet flowers and get happy ….

1. Spring Vibin’

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

Orange            4 drops

Ginger              1 drop


2. Leg Warmer Upperer and Getting Ready for Summer Legs

Rosemary      2 drops

Lemon          4 drops

Cypress         2 drops


3. Sprouting Soul

Petitgrain       3 drops

Lavender       3 drops

Patchouli       2 drops


4. A love of Blossoms

Mandarin      4 drops

Geranium      2 drops

Ylang Ylang   1 drop


5. Signs of Abundance

Palmarosa                     4 drops

Australian Sandalwood    2 drops

Black pepper                   1 drop


Do you have a cold autumn or a warm autumn?

Do you have a cold autumn or a warm autumn?

Summer to Autumn

A time of lingering summer memories, cooling down and appreciating your life.

1. Gee That Was Fun!

Lemongrass                3 drops

Juniper                        2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian   2 drops


2. What’s the Plan Now?

Bergamot                 4 drops

Lavender                   2 drops

Indian Rosewood      2 drops


3. Winding Down

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

Marjoram                             2 drops

Lime                                    1 drop


 

4. The Colours of Happiness

Pink Grapefruit           7 drops

Vetiver                        1 drop


5. Memories

Rose 3%               9 drops

Rose Geranium     3 drops

Rosemary              1 drop


 

Yellow roses for happiness and friendship

Yellow roses for happiness and friendship

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

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

copryright SR Banks 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Recipes with Rose Essential Oil 3% – Rosa damascaena

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

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback


10 Recipes with Rose Essential Oil 3% – Rosa damascaena

Beautiful rose in Wellington Botanic Gardens

Beautiful rose in Wellington Botanic Gardens

“Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose.

Gertrude Stein
Rose essential oil is sometimes referred to as Attar of Rose or Rose Otto. It is steam distilled and the most expensive way to buy rose oil. Many other rose oils are actually “absolutes”, which refers to the way in which the scented oil has been extracted. This method is not very natural, often with chemicals used to extract the scented essence.
I’m hoping that one day soon we will start to see more CO2 extracts of rose available, which are more environmentally friendly (even though it doesn’t sound like it), and actually extracts more of the plant or flower than steam distillation does. Check out my article “What are CO2 Extracts in the World of Aromatherapy?” for more info.
Back to the rose. I have written a couple of articles about roses before and you can check them out at your leisure:
On to some recipes.
I will give you some recipes using 3% rose oil and some using pure rose oil. Rose oil is mostly sold already mixed in a 3% ratio with jojoba mainly because of the cost. See my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba.
Moisturising with oil on your face can have fantastic benefits

Moisturising with oil on your face can have fantastic benefits

1. Facial Oil Treatment

Mix one or two drops of essential oil in one teaspoon of carrier oil. You can warm the oil slightly first if desired – it will be very relaxing! Massage your face and rest for 10 minutes. You can also place a cool or warm wet face cloth on your face as a compress over the oil mask. Remove excess oil with a tissue or cloth if necessary.

Rose 3%  6 drops

or

Rose pure  2 drops in a teaspoon of oil


 

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!

*All with 3% rose oil
“Sense and Sensibility”
Rose 3%            3 drops
Rose Geranium   1 drop
Nutmeg               1 drop

“Lovin Myself”
Rose 3%           4 drops
Lemon               2 drops

“Queen”
Rose 3%                  6 drops
Indian Rosewood      1 drop  (Dalbergia sissoo)

“Single Pointed Intention”
Rose 3%          4 drops
Orange             1 drop
Patchouli           1 drop

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend - pic via redbookmag.com

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend – pic via redbookmag.com

3. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.

***** 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”

*All with 3% rose oil so the ratios from my standards above, will differ slightly

“Softly”

Rose 3%       6 drops

Peru Balsam  2 drops

Bergamot       2 drops


“One Fine Day”

Rose 3%     6 drops

Geranium    2 drops

Juniper        2 drops


“Wish”

Rose 3%    9 drops

Neroli 3%   4 drops


 

A personal mist is easy to make! pic via ebay.com.au

A personal mist is easy to make! pic via ebay.com.au

4. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

(depending on the packaging you have, you may need to use a little alcohol -like vodka- at the bottom of your bottle first, so the oils disperse into smaller drops to prevent clogging the atomiser top. I’ve found sometimes it works just with water, and sometimes it doesn’t – very annoying!)

*All using pure rose oil

“Pure Magic”

Rose            6 drops

Ylang Ylang  4 drops

Mandarin     8 drops

Cypress       7 drops


“Wild”

Rose                               8 drops

Black Spruce                   8 drops

Australian Sandalwood    7 drops


More beautiful roses from my recent trip to New Zealand

More beautiful roses from my recent trip to New Zealand

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

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

copryright SR Banks 2015

 

 

 

 

Essential Oils for The March Equinox 2015

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

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and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback


Essential Oils for The March Equinox 2015

Showing the Autumnal and Spring (or Vernal) equinoxes and the position of the sun -pic via www.physicalgeography.net

Showing the Autumnal and Spring (or Vernal) equinoxes and the position of the sun -pic via http://www.physicalgeography.net

OOOOOOOO yeah its equinox time! This March Equinox means cooler temperatures for us in the southern hemisphere, and warmer times for you up north. Equatorial people just get a little hint of a change, but this may change in years to come with global temperatures changing and wacky things happening in the atmosphere.

 

“an equinox occurs when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is neither away or towards the Sun. At this time, the center of the Sun is in the plane of the Earth’s equator. What happens as a result is that the Sun is at one of two opposite points on the celestial sphere. The word equinox is translated in Latin to mean “equal night” because during an equinox the day and night will be at equal length.

The Spring Equinox begins on March 21 and marks the start of the new astrological year in the tropical zodiac since the Sun will enter Aries — the first sign in the zodiac. This is typically a time of new beginnings and we have come to associate the Spring Equinox with a “fresh start.”

tarot.com

 

But for me it’s the Autumnal Equinox in Aries (the start of the astrological year), and for others it’s the Vernal Equinox in Aries. Hmmmmmm.

So in the Southern hemisphere, the astrological year is starting but we are getting ready for winter. Maybe this means we start thinking about our new plans NOW, and we’ll see them finally hatch at the end of the year (spring and summer).

In the north your new year starts with warmth and fiery Aries energy. Get ready to party.

Which oils can we use the ease us into the next seasons?

Sothern hemisphere - pic via pixabay.com

Southern hemisphere – pic via pixabay.com

Essential oils that help us prepare for cooler weather, bring us down from a hot summer,  and also plant the seeds of ideas that will hatch in spring:

Fennel – be kind to yourself, nurture your body

Mandarin – bring the happiness of summer into autumn, acknowledge the simple things in life

Basil – open the upper chakras to receive divine guidance through the darker months

Pine – give thanks for an abundant summer and the people in our lives who have helped us


 

North - pic via www.sodahead.com

North – pic via http://www.sodahead.com

Essential oils that help shake off the cold, and spur us into action:

Rosemary – increase circulation, stimulate the mind to remember what we had planned for this new season

Cardamom – get the energy flowing all around and through you

Jasmine – awaken your creativity and sensuality

Geranium – cheer up summer is coming


 

A median lifestyle - pic via pcwww.liv.ac.uk

A median lifestyle – pic via pcwww.liv.ac.uk

Essential oils to help change our energy levels and get us moving, stimulate creativity and goal setting:

Frankincense – deep breathing, connection to spirit

Cedarwood Virginian – love what you do in everyday life and help the world evolve through these practices

Petitgrain – fresh new starts, pure potentiality

Juniper – shed old energy patterns and emotions to move forward


 

It is important to acknowledge and celebrate these planetary occurrences to help us stay connected to our land. Let’s love our planet, take care of it and each other. Let’s evolve – because it’s the only choice that seems relevant.

Using essential oils will help open your spirit through the elusive Limbic System in your brain. The scent of a natural oil can awaken divine intelligence within you, so go ahead and use any essential oil to expand your consciousness. We need you.

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

 

copryright SR Banks 2015

10 Recipes with Jasmine 3 % Essential Oil – Jasminum grandiflorum

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

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback

 


10 Recipes with Jasmine 3 % Essential Oil – Jasminum grandiflorum

A jasmine blossom in Sydney - pic by me

A jasmine blossom in Sydney – pic by me

Jasmine essential oil is stunning. I’m not sure how else to describe its heavenly scent. Jasmine is a sweet little flower with an almighty punch when it is converted into an oil – sweet and heady, syrupy and luscious. I recommend you always have a little bottle of this oil with you to open your energy to the feminine mystique within you.

Why do I say 3%? Jasmine is an expensive oil (yes you can buy it as a 100% pure essential oil), so it is more commonly found already diluted into a 3% ratio in jojoba oil. Aromatherapists usually work on a 2.5% ratio when blending so 3% essential oils are ready to use on your skin. For more info see my article “Essential Oils 3% in Jojoba – What are they, and Why?”.

3% of essential oils in the bottle of jojoba

3% of essential oils in the bottle of jojoba

There is more than one type of jasmine produced (The Jasmines –  A Love Story Full of Promises), but today we will be talking about Jasmine grandiflorum. Let’s check out some recipes.

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

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 will be adjusting the drops of 3% jasmine intuitively for these recipes).

“Straight Up”

Use jasmine 3% straight from the bottle to entrance yourself (and others)


“You”re Caught in my Web of Love”

Use this beautiful scent to draw others toward you

Jasmine 3%         3 drops

Rosewood           1 drop

Cypress                1 drop


“Deep Connection”

Stir your base chakra energy to connect with others

Jasmine 3%        3 drops

Patchouli             1 drop

Orange                1 drop


“Sweet Success”

Spring is just around the corner …….

Jasmine 3%        2 drops

Peru Balsam       1 drop

Lemon                1 drop


nourish your skin with oil blends

nourish your skin 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. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.

***** 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”

“I am Beautiful”

Yes you are

Jasmine 3%        5 drops

Bergamot            4 drops

Black Spruce      1 drop


“In the NOW”

Jasmine 3%      4 drops

Mandarin          4 drops

Ylang Ylang       1 drop


“Lollipops and Laughter”

Jasmine 3 %    4 drops

Lemongrass     2 drops

Geranium         2 drops


Classic oil burner with candle

Classic oil burner with candle

 

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3% essential oils will NOT work

* in a vapouriser or oil burner

* in a mist bottle

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Jasmine in Sydney - the sweet promise of spring!

Jasmine in Sydney – the sweet promise of spring!

If you have pure jasmine essential oil then here are some recipes for you

3. Scent Your Space

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

“Tonight’s the Night”

Get a sexy space happening –

Jasmine                        6 drops

Petitgrain                     12 drops

Sandalwood Australian  3 drops

Juniper                          4 drops


“Believe”

Jasmine                   6 drops

Lime                        8 drops

Palmarosa                8 drops

Vanilla CO2 extract   4 drops


“Intuition”

Jasmine     5 drops

Nutmeg      5 drops

Cinnamon   5 drops

Bergamot  10 drops


 

 

Pretty flower, pretty scent

Pretty flower, pretty scent

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

copryright SR Banks 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to make an Aromatherapy Body Oil – Video

Video

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

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback

 


How to make an Aromatherapy Body Oil (YouTube Demonstration)

All my readers already know ho to do this - clever people!

All my readers already know how to do this – clever people!

 

Last week on YouTube I did a demo on how to make an oil blend for your body using 3 essential oils. All my readers here already know how to do this (you clever people), but for those who aren’t quite sure check it out:

 

 

 

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

copryright SR Banks 2015

An Essential Oil Guide to Minimising Stress and Freak-Outs

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

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and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback


An Essential Oil Guide to Minimising Stress and Freak-Outs

If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or unable to cope as well as you usually do, then essential oils may help you. It is worth noting though, that if you are stressed, it can be really difficult to garner the energy to help yourself – even just a little bit.

In this case I still definitely recommend the use of essential oils, as their healing power is unstoppable, so to invite you to heal yourself, it’s best to use the easy methods which are:

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds - but don't overdo it!

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds – but don’t overdo it!

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Self explanatory and easy! This may be enough to change your focus (even slightly), and hopefully help you to feel a bit better about things. This method is especially good if you are really freaking out.

2. Put A few Drops Of Oil into the bottom of the Shower

This works in a similar way to just taking a whiff straight from the bottle, but if you’ve got an extra minute, it will give you a completely different experience. Your whole body will be immersed in an essential oil steam. Energetically this will cleanse your aura and have a positive effect on your mind and emotions. Just cover the drain with a cloth or your foot for a couple of minutes, and breathe in the medicinal goodness.

3. Sample

Put a couple of drops onto a scarf, handkerchief or cotton pad and take it with you, or tuck it into your pocket, or your bra. The scent of the oil will help support you through the day, people will comment on how lovely the scent is (then you’ll feel slightly better about life in general), the energetic presence of the oil will bring a sense of calm, and it’s really easy too!

A little kindness goes a long way

A little kindness goes a long way

If you can help a friend or a partner who is stressing or freaking out, you could employ these methods which are easy for you, but could be monumentally hard for your friend at a time of stress and unrest.

1. Nourishing body oil blend

Usually I say “For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.” But you could make this little blend and massage someone’s hands or feet to help them chill out.

***** 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”

2. Scent Their Space

Use 25 drops of oil In a traditional oil burner with a candle, or a diffuser, in your friend’s personal space to help them feel more comfortable. It is easy for you, but could be too much for them at this moment.

A drop of oil can be essential

A drop of oil can be essential

Which oils?

Rose – Queen of oils to help with all stress issues

Frankincense – breathe deeply and relax

Lavender – calm, solidarity and strength

Bergamot – calm, relieve mild anxiety

Marjoram – grief, emotional pain relief

Vetiver – absolute grounding, cooling to the hot emotions, stops kid’s tantrums

The chamomiles – calming, soothing, medicinal

Lemon – gentle, refreshing

Geranium – cheery, helps improve downward spiraling moods

Cinnamon – sweetness, love what you do for work

Fennel – be kind to yourself

Rosewood – flow of love in the heart centre

Ylang Ylang – release anger and frustation

…. and really, any oil that you love and can help you (or your friend) out.

hearts to you

hearts to you

 

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copryright SR Banks 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Year – New Energy – Which Essential Oils?

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

Amazon USA      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback


New Year – New Energy – Which Essential Oils?

?

?

So here we are, 2015! It’s definitely the present but sounds like the future. It’s going to be a great year of fun, working together, and loving life. So which essential oils can we use to embellish our clean, crisp new year energy?

Hmmmmmmmm. I’m going to split this into 3 sections, with 3 oils in each:

1. Northern Hemisphere

2. Southern Hemisphere

3. Equatorial

It's winter for you

It’s winter for you

1. Northern Hemisphere

Brrrr it’s winter for you, so the oils that I’m sending to you are those which will be comforting, warming and loving.

Cinnamon – best to use this in the atmosphere rather than on your skin because it can really burn. It’s an oil of sweetness and loving what you do, and a spice that is loved by so many people. Used in herbal formulas the spice can help to increase metabolism and even help breakdown glucose in the blood a little bit faster; so it’s interesting that it’s often used in baking. This is a wonderful oil to use in your space to invite a new depth of your place in this world – your dharma. What is your true purpose?

Rosemary – warm up your feet and entire body with an oil blend made with rosemary oil. It is also the oil of remembering and there’s no better time than in winter to remember the good times, while you’re tucked away from the cold. It is a stimulating and refreshing oil and inspires us to look at the beautiful flow of abundance in our lives. Be grateful for what you have NOW, and energetically create your new plans.

Cedarwood Virginian – dissolve the barriers from last year to start the new year with a clean slate. This comforting oil can be used in body blends so well and is also great for soothing coughs and colds. This is also a wonderful oil to help with the answers to your questions of purpose in life. For you this winter, starting 2015, we need you to be absolutely committed to your spiritual and human purpose. This is evolution.

 

I took this pic the other day

I took this pic the other day

2. Southern Hemisphere

Yay it’s summer for us! Beach, gin and tonics, beach, swimming, really hot, beach.It’s our turn to celebrate and be out in the sun (with sunscreen on). We can relax and enjoy life. No need to think about the future too much – just be present.

Geranium – happiness and cheeriness. Perfect for a body oil blend or in a space scenting blend this floral oil of happiness reminds us we can feel good about life and enjoy every minute. It emanates colour, fun and joy – so be happy!

Vetiver – the oil of tranquility and abundance this oil is great to use to help remove heat from the body and to cool us down in the humid summer evenings. This very strong oil should be used sparingly and 1 drop around the body is enough. A couple of drops on a wet cloth, placed in front of a fan or a window can scent the entire house with the cool, earthy tones to help slip into a vibration of peacefulness and trusting.

Basil – expansive and refreshing basil oil will help open our minds to the wonderful opportunities for 2015. Basil oil can help strengthen our affirmations and resolutions for 2015 and will give us confidence. Whiff straight from the bottle or add to a space scenting blend to connect to universal intelligence.

 

The Equator - pic via commons.wikimedia.org

The Equator – pic via commons.wikimedia.org

3. Equatorial

You’re in the middle and hold us together. Whether you’re north or south of this mid line, it’s a bit milder and the seasons are not necessarily as pronounced. Your new year is one of balance and happiness where you can look forward to a 2015 full of laughter and warmth. Your oils are those which can add both introspection and celebration to your new year.

Sandalwood Indian – a classic oil for spirituality this oil gives deep meaning to the times when you can take a moment to look within. It can help raise your energetic vibration from the base of your spine right up to your crown chakra and can help you move through any thing holding you back from 2014. Perfect just to whiff straight from the bottle.

Lavender – solidarity and strength, lavender can be the one oil that can bring your thoughts, feelings and actions together. Lavender can be used for just about any issues whether physical, mental or spiritual. Perfect for a body blend lavender will nourish your skin and your soul.

Bergamot – happiness and bringing a sense of calm, bergamot is a beautiful oil to help you see the possibilities for this year. Remove any anxiety you may have about the future and just breathe! Mix a couple of drops with some carrier oil and anoint your wrists and heart to lift anything that could be holding you back.

For another new year article check this out: 2015! The Universal Number of 8! and also stay tuned for my Chinese Year of the Goat post in mid February.

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

copryright SR Banks 2014

 

The 12 Days of Christmas – Essential Oil Recipes for Your Home Part 2

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

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and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback


The 12 Days of Christmas – Essential Oil Recipes for Your Home Part 2 – Unashamedly a Re-Blog From Last Year!

The 12 Days of Christmas folk song - pic via wikipedia.org

The 12 Days of Christmas folk song – pic via wikipedia.org

We’ve covered the first 6 days of Christmas so strap yourself in for the last 6 days! And I’ve just realised that I haven’t used the classic Christmas oils of frankincense and myrrh. As with part one I’ve taken each verse and created an oil blend for you to scent your home. To scent you own space I recommend 25 drops of essential oil, and you can use a traditional oil burner with a candle, an electric vapouriser, or for a quick and easy result put 25 drops of oil into a bowl and pour boiling water over it and leave it to stand – instant aromatherapy!

The song continues …..

7 Swans swimming by Tracy Watt - pic via www.redbubble.com

7 Swans swimming by Tracy Watt – pic via http://www.redbubble.com

7. On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven swans-a-swimming serenely in a lake. I’ve always imagined the swans to be black, regal, beautiful.

“Seven Swans a-Swimming”

Inspiration – serenity, flow, calm

Frankincense       12 drops

Lavender               6 drops

Clary Sage            3 drops

Bergamot             4 drops

8 maids milking - pic via staceyreid.com

8 maids milking – pic via staceyreid.com

8. Then on day eight the maids finally got some fresh milk so we could all have coffee and hot chocolate and make cakes and Christmassy things. These gifts from my true love just keep getting better!

“8 Maids-a-Milking”

Inspiration – nurturing, warmth, sustenance, compassion for our animal friends

Fennel          7 drops

Myrrh           4 drops

Nutmeg        4 drops

Rosewood   10 drops

Ok this is where it gets tricky. Some versions say its 9 drummers drumming, others say its 9 ladies dancing so I’m going to go with the majority of all the English versions and say it’s the drummers. Most of the American versions seem to have the drummers up last but it makes sense because the drummers are starting to call the tribe to dance. From verses 9 – 12 it’s all quite different. My Mum also thought it was 9 drummers drumming but my Dad didn’t know. As Janet Jackson says in Nasty Boys – “Give me a beat”. The party has started!

Wikipedia says

The gifts associated with the final four days are often reordered. Most often, this involves placing the ladies and lords earlier (on days nine and ten), and the musicians later (on days eleven and twelve).

So I reckon the music must come first!

The Drummer - was there 9 or 12? pic via www.krinklesonline.com

The Drummer – was there 9 or 12? pic via http://www.krinklesonline.com

9. Clearly my true love wanted to dance because the drummers came along to start the party

“9 Drummers Drumming”

Inspiration – rhythm of life, coming together as one

Tea Tree                      6 drops

Clove                          6 drops

Cedarwood Virginian   6 drops

Mandarin                    7 drops

Pipers are piping - pic via stmatthewsyear5.wordpress.com

Pipers are piping – pic via stmatthewsyear5.wordpress.com

10. And now that the drummers have given us a beat, come in pipers! (Even though the American version says it’s 11 pipers piping, I’m sticking with the English version).

“10 Pipers Piping”

Inspiration – harmony, party, fun

Lemon         15 drops

Geranium        6 drops

Peppermint    4 drops

11 ladies dancing - pic via www.ffmcontheweb.com

11 ladies dancing – pic via http://www.ffmcontheweb.com

11. Ok it’s all gone haywire now. The ladies have hit the dance floor (or is it the drummers or the pipers or the lords?)

“11 Ladies Dancing”

Inspiration – femininity, celebrating the sisterhood, release of the old

Petitgrain       15 drops

Spikenard       4 drops

Thyme            2 drops

Rosemary       4 drops

Lords are leaping -but how many? pic via www.neatoshop.com

Lords are leaping – but how many? pic via http://www.neatoshop.com

12. And once again it could be 10 lords that are leaping, but I’m going with 12 this time around. At any rate – let them leap! Let’s all leap into a wonderful end of year celebration, so whether you’re into Christmas or not, please be thankful for this interesting life. Bring on 2014 (sounds SO futuristic).

“12 Lords-a-leaping”

Inspiration – carefreeness, freedom, comradeship

Basil            8 drops

Citronella     8 drops

Lime            9 drops

Get your essential oils working for you this festive season, they will bring charm and kindness into your life. They will allow you to open to the infinite wisdom of the universe and help others to do the same.

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

copryright SR Banks 2014

Festivus for the Rest of Us!

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

Amazon USA      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback


Festivus for the Rest of Us! Unashamedly a Re-Blog from Last Year!

 

Festivus for the Rest of Us! pic via thewordzombie.com

Festivus for the Rest of Us! pic via thewordzombie.com

I’ve always loved Seinfeld (the comedy show), and its whacky way of looking at the world. This is one on the hundreds of moments that have stayed with me, and Wikipedia sums it up perfectly:

Festivus, a well-celebrated parody, has become a secular holiday celebrated on December 23 which serves as an alternative to participating in the pressures and commercialism of the Christmas holiday season.

Originally a family tradition of scriptwriter Dan O’Keefe working on the American sitcom Seinfeld, the holiday entered popular culture after it was made the focus of a 1997 episode of the program.The holiday’s celebration, as it was shown on Seinfeld, includes a Festivus dinner, an unadorned aluminum “Festivus pole,” practices such as the “Airing of Grievances” and “Feats of Strength,” and the labeling of easily explainable events as “Festivus miracles.”

The episode refers to it as “a Festivus for the rest of us”, referencing its non-commercial aspect. It has also been described as a “parody holiday festival” and as a form of playful consumer resistance.”

So whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or any other tradition that I don’t know about; or you prefer not to celebrate any of these,  there is always Festivus to bring us all together. It’s nearly the end of the year so basically let’s all come together and celebrate that.

So here’s a few essential oil recipes to scent your home and which I feel reflect the true meaning of Festivus.

Scent Your Space – In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil

The Festivus Pole

The Festivus Pole

1. The Festivus Pole

Inspiration: clean lines, modernism, clarity

Petitgrain                   10 drops

Black Pepper               8 drops

Clary Sage                   2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian    5 drops

Happy Festivus! pic via

Happy Festivus! pic via thewildheartrocks.wordpress.com

2. The Airing of Grievances

Inspiration: truth, honesty, flow of energy, detox, communication

Frankincense           10 drops

Sage                          4 drops

Cardamom                 4 drops

Orange                      7 drops

Feats of Strength - festivus isnt over until someone gets pinned. pic via zazzle.com

Feats of Strength – Festivus isn’t over until someone gets pinned. pic via zazzle.com

3. Feats of Strength

Inspiration; strength, fun and games, masculinity, flexibility

Sandalwood Australian        8 drops

Geranium                             5 drops

Lemongrass                        5 drops

Palmarosa                           7 drops

I hope you have enjoyed this year on earth and you better get ready for 2015 because we are called to make a difference, to evolve. In the words of the great Bob Marley:

“One world, one love, let’s get together and feel alright”

copryright SR Banks 2014

The Highs and The Lows – Which Essential Oils to Use

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

Amazon USA      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK


The Highs and The Lows – Which Essential Oils to Use

ENERGY!

ENERGY!

In Sydney the past week we have had stinking hot days with thunderstorms in the afternoon. Pretty much everyday, and it’s been really full on too.

Thunder!

Lightening!

Rain!

Hail!

More Rain!

Apparently it’s due to slow moving low pressure troughs. OK.

So I was thinking it’s the same in life. One moment it’s sunny, bright, happy and beachy; the next it’s an explosion of emotional energy just like thunder.  Anger, anguish, uncertainty, pain, sadness …. and so much more.

Happy!

Happy!

Essential Oils for The High Times

Since you’re already feeling so wonderful about everything essential oils can help ground you, or even add to the good vibes.

If you’re a bit on the manic side you may need essential oils to even you out, and help you feel more connected to the earth:

Patchouli – peace, connection to Mother Earth

Vetiver – calming, grounding, cooling

Bergamot – clear headedness

Cedarwood Virginian – smooth your energy, slow down

Lavender – strength and solidarity

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend - pic via redbookmag.com

Nourish your body with a beautiful oil blend – pic via redbookmag.com

I’d recommend a body oil to even out your energetic surges, and keep you hydrated, smooth and soft.

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. It’s always best to patch test first, before you apply all over.

***** 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”

“Tall Tree”

You can get all rustley and fun but stay connected to the ground so you don’t fly away –

Bergamot                  4 drops

Lavender                   2 drops

Cedarwood Virginian  2 drops


Not going anywhere ...

Not going anywhere …

Essential Oils for The Low Times

Depression. Sadness. Grief. Heaviness. Lack. Despair.

These emotions are hard to deal with and I know if you are feeling them, then it’s highly likely you won’t have the energy to treat yourself with an oil. But I’m going list them anyway.

Basil – open up your mind

Lemon – refresh and reload your energy

Geranium – cheeriness, happiness

Palmarosa – flexibility

Cypress – away from ego into spirit

For you, all you have to do is open up a bottle and have a sniff.

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds - but don't overdo it!

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds – but don’t overdo it!

Essential oils are your scented support system. Love them and use them ad be transformed!

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copryright SR Banks 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out some pics of the Sydney storms here.