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

 

 

Palmarosa – Soft Skin and Happiness

palmarosa pic via choicehealthmag.com

palmarosa pic via choicehealthmag.com

I’ve used this lovely oil with clients a few times in the past couple of weeks. It blends well with so many oils and adds a green, fresh and slightly rosey scent to a formula. This is a relative newcomer to aromatherapy and doesn’t really have a rich colourful history like the spice oils, but is a wonderful addition to a collection. This gorgeous grass originally hails from India and is sometimes known as East Indian geranium. It’s also grown in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Although I can’t really find out a lot about this lovely oil I assume, like lemongrass, it has been used in India as a part of their Ayurvedic lifestyle and natural way of treating disorders in the body.

Palamarosa (Cymbopogon martini) is a grass like lemongrass and citronella, and belongs to the same family – Graminae (or Poaceae). This is the family of ‘true grasses”. There’s also a gingergrass plant that creates an essential too, and that is quite close to palmarosa as it is a variation of the plant – Cymbopogon martini var. sofia. One of my suppliers offers gingergrass oil and although I don’t use it therapeutically is has a beautiful soft scent. Maybe I’ll do a story on that oil soon.

Back to palmarosa – which is an oil often used in cosmetics and soaps to enhance the scent and add an inexpensive rose scent to the product.

Rosa centifolia - another rose used to make essential oil

Rosa centifolia

I’ve always used palmarosa as a skin conditioning oil and one of it’s main components is geraniol so that may give you a hint too, as geranium is a great oil for the skin. However it’s interesting to note that geranium only contains about a third of the amount of geraniol than palmarosa! And while we are on the geraniol track, lemongrass has a high content of geranial – a different molecule with slightly different carbon bonds (with a similar function).

In aromatherapy today palmarosa is used for

* hydrating the skin and hair

* as a stimulant for skin cell growth therefore working well on scar tissue and the uneven appearance of skin

* as a tonic to the digestive system

* as an insect repellent – just like lemongrass and citronella

* I use it as an oil for happiness and for flexibility in the emotions and thoughts

Try these combo’s –

Scent your space

Scent your space

1. Scent Your Space

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

“Aperitif”

Get your house in the mood for a lovely dinner

Palmarosa      10 drops

Mandarin         8 drops

Juniper            7 drops

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

“I’m Going to be Flexible on this Issue”

Palmarosa      8 drops

Rosemary       5 drops

Geranium       5 drops

Siberian Fir     7 drops

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

nourish your skin with oil blends

peru balper 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.

***** 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”

“Sweet and Soft”

Soften up your skin and add a little sweetness –

Palmarosa      3 drops

Peru Balsam   3 drops

Lavender       2 drops

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

“Gettin’ Vibed Up”

An oil blend to refresh and send you into the day with gusto –

Palmarosa     2 drops

Cinnamon     2 drops

Lemon          2 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Dear Clary Sage, I’m Sorry xoxo

Flowering Clary sage pic via bellasugar.com

Flowering Clary sage pic via bellasugar.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clary sage and a rose at home in mooseycountrygarden.com

Clary sage and a rose at home in mooseycountrygarden.com

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

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

2. Face Mask

For oily skin –

2 teaspoons of white clay add 3 drops of oil

Clary sage      1 drop

Orange           2 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“Come In Please Creativity”

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

Clary sage     1 drop

Lemongrass  1 drop

Mandarin       1 drop

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

“Cool Calm and Collected”

Keep cool when you are hot flushing like crazy –

Clary Sage         2 drops

Rose Geranium  1 drop

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

nourish your skin with oil blends

nourish your skin with oil blends

3. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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

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

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Oh Lord Help Me”

For period pain –

Clary Sage   2 drops

Peppermint  2 drops

Marjoram     2 drops

Lavender      2 drops

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

“Even Stevens”

To clarify and tone oily skin –

Clary Sage                     2 drops

Sandalwood Australian  2 drops

Bergamot                      4 drops

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

The Devil – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Devil - XV from the Rider-Waite deck

The Devil – XV from the Rider-Waite deck

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Try these essential oils recipes to release addictions and unhappiness –

1. Scent Your Space

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

“Happy Happy Happy”

Get some good vibes going –

Orange                10 drops

Rose Geranium      7 drops

Lemongrass          8 dropsspiken

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

“I CAN Do It”

Have a little faith in yourself –

Spikenard             5 drops

Peru Balsam       10 drops

Mandarin             10 drops

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

“Start New”

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

Petitgrain          10 drops

Black Pepper      8 drops

May Chang        7 drops

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

sniffing bottle of oil

sniffing bottle of oil

2. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

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

Rose – nurture yourself

Ylang Ylang – release resentment and anger

Cedarwood Virginian – allow the flow of harmony in your life

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

The Moon – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Moon - XVIII from the Rider-Waite deck

The Moon – XVIII from the Rider-Waite deck

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

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

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

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

oooooooooooo

oooooooooooo

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

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

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

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

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

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

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

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

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“I am Light and Dark”

Acknowledge your deep fears –

Geranium      3 drops

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

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

“Howling at the Moon”

Let your wild side out –

Black pepper     2 drops

Lemongrass       2 drops

Patchouli            3 drops

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

“I’m NOT Having a Meltdown”

Support your fragile emotions –

Fennel             2 drops

May Chang     2 drops

Peru Balsam   3 drops

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

essential oil diffuser

essential oil diffuser

2. Scent Your Space

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

“I Get So Emotional Baby”

Everything will be ok –

Spearmint        6 drops

Lemon            10 drops

Siberian Fir      9 drops

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

“Release and Renew”

Purge the old stuff –

Juniper               8 drops

Pink Grapefruit  15 drops

Lavender            2 drops

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

“I Accept Myself Completely”

Allow yourself the freedom to feel what you want –

Cypress           12 drops

Orange              8 drops

Ylang Ylang      5 drops

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

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

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

Essential Oil Recipes To Get Yourself from “I’m a Loser” to “Things are Looking Better”

positive attitude via chasingmiracle.com

positive attitude via chasingmiracle.com

Sometimes we are just not positive all the time. That’s life, that’s hormones, that’s being human. Granted some people – like Wayne Dyer for instance – is positive most of the time, but I’m sure he has a moment or two when things aren’t completely rosy. It’s times like this we need to be our own champions of happiness and acceptance. Positive self talk is an important part of survival and a skill that needs to be practised. It’s great when you have someone to talk to about not feeling good about yourself, but that is not always the case. If you can muster up the energy to get some oils out and formulate a gorgeous scent for yourself, you are on the road to altering your perception of reality.

And what is reality anyway?

What is reality? via fusionanomoly.net

What is reality? via fusionanomoly.net

Our realities are a projection of our inner world.

So when you need to change your reality here are some great oil blends to help you on the path of least resistance.

Body Oils 

In 3 teaspoons of carrier oil add the following drops. If you want to make a bottle follow my article here for the correct ratios  Aromatherapy – It’s as Easy as 1 2 3.

To improve thoughts like “I’m a fat, ugly, loser” try

“I AM Alive, Yay”

Ylang Ylang    3 drops (help release anger and frustration, get sexy)

Mandarin        4 drops (innocence of life, happiness)

Fennel            1 drop (love yourself, be kind to yourself)

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

To improve thoughts like “I never get it right, she is so successful, look what they have”

“Free Spirit”

Cinnamon                  2 drops (inspires loving what you do for work)

Cedarwood Virginian  2 drops (connect to your spirit)

Lemongrass               4 drops (stimulates energy in the etheric body and physical body)

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

To improve thoughts like “I feel alone, I’m lonely, I want a partner” try

“OOO So HOT Right Now”

Sandalwood             1 drop (spirituality, sacred sexuality, tap into kundalini energy)

Rosewood               3 drops (flow of love and giving and receiving in the heart chakra)

Pink Grapefruit         4 drops (sparkle, cleanse old unwanted feelings)

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

Pure Pulse Point Perfumes

Anoint your chakras, or pulse points with the pure essential oil. Use the energy of the oil and the scent to transform your funk. Place a few drops into a container, dilute with a few drops of carrier oil, mix with your finger and anoint. Always place a tiny residue under your nose for the scent to go to work on your mind.

To improve feelings of deep regret and unhappiness try

“One Moment in Time”

Nutmeg       1 drop (mysticism, open your mind)

Lime            1 drop (happiness, my uniqueness is my forte)

Lemon         1 drop (refresh, reload new feelings)

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

To improve feelings of sadness, grief in any form and emotional pain try

“Breathe In, Breathe Out”

Marjoram             1 drop (relief, calming)

Rose Geranium    1 drop (happiness, joy, fun)

Juniper                 1 drop (release watery emotions)

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

To improve feelings of loss, not fitting in and not understanding life try

“I Share My Cells with an Elephant”

Spikenard                1 drop (spiritual knowledge of where you are in the universe)

Neroli in 3% jojoba   3 drops (immortality, fountain of youth, stress relief)

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

The most powerful ingredient when blending your oils is the subtle power of intention. When you place your intention, into your oil formula, you will create a masterpiece of healing through scent. For more information on intention see my article ( What Do I Mean when I Say “Use Your Intention”?

Remember to treat yourself first and then everyone will benefit.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

World Peace, Hippies, Patchouli Oil and The Evolution of Human Consciousness

peace

peace

We owe the Hippies from the 60’s a great deal more kudos than they receive today. They tapped into the energy of the coming of the new world age, and displayed a radical yet peaceful way of behaviour. It really was the first signs of the “dawning of the age of Aquarius” and 50 years later we, the common people, are really feeling the vibe in everyday life. The age of Aquarius is finally here and we are being summoned by the universe to improve, change, be kind to animals, be peaceful, add value to the world, be positive, look after the earth, tap into our spirituality and connect with people we have never met before. The scent of change in the 60’s was patchouli oil, and as a scent of peace, it is our oil now! It is an oil of the evolution of mankind.

The patchouli shrub

The patchouli shrub

Patchouli oil on it’s own is not particularly lovely, but when used with others oils, really comes alive. It is a “base oil” meaning that is dark, deep and heavy and related to the base and second chakras. The base chakra “Muladhara” is about survival (food, nurturing, shelter) and the second chakra “Svadisthana” is about our scared sexuality.

chakras via westwoodhealingarts.com

chakras via westwoodhealingarts.com

So it’s easy to understand why the hippie culture used this amazing oil. It is “grounding” as it helps us place our attention on our lower chakras – the ones closest to the earth. It helps us place our feet firmly in this world now and creates an empathy toward the planet and all the beings who reside on this planet. I would even say patchouli oil is almost buddhist in its existence.

hippies via flowerpower89.wordpress.com

hippies via flowerpower89.wordpress.com

The “free love” ethos of the hippie culture was supported by patchouli oil, and a need to connect with others in a deeply spiritual and sexual manner. It was all about the sharing the love and if we are to evolve beyond war, famine, politics and money we need to be peaceful and loving. We need patchouli oil!

Patchouli oil is also;

* great for skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis to help calm the symptoms

* wonderful to blend with other oils to help consolidate the scent and keep the formula in harmony

* a good oil to use on nail fungal infections – a drop straight from the bottle is best for this treatment

* an oil used to stimulate cell growth (like lavender) and therefore lovely in skin and hair care

Here are some recipes:

Hair Mask

Warm 6 teaspoons of olive oil, add the following essential oils, then massage into hair and scalp. you can sleep on a towel overnight so the oils really penetrate, or wash and condition after an hour.

“Rapunzel”

Patchouli             4 drops

Lavender             6 drops

Orange                5 drops

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

Body Oil

A deep moisturising oil blend to promote peace and harmony in your environment. To 3 teaspoons of oil (almond, jojoba, sunflower, grape seed) add:

“Miss Universe”

Patchouli      2 drops

Rosewood   4 drops

Ylang Ylang  2 drops

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

Scent Your Space

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or an electric vapouriser add:

“Om, Baby”

Patchouli           5 drops

Mandarin          15 drops

Lemongrass       5 drops

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

Patchouli is peace.

Patchouli is worldly love.

Patchouli is the scent of the evolution of human consciousness.

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Essential Oil Recipes for the Gentleman

Hello natural beauties! It’s not only presumptuous, but very outdated to suggest that a particular oil or scent is more suited to a woman or a man. I have male friends who love geranium and woman clients who don’t like lavender. It comes down to (as always) preference, and that’s why there are so many perfumes and colognes in the world. There must be an infinite number of scent combinations possible with and infinite number of personal preferences …

 

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Buy my 100% natural and organic botanical perfumes, and paperback book here: suzannerbanks.com.au

Digital downloads of my book Revelation! Reveal your Destiny with Essentials Oils:

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

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When I’m talking about essential oils, it’s not just about the scent but the therapeutic properties too. In my previous post “Electrifying Essential Oil Body Blends – for the Ladies” I create some wonderful oil blends specifically for women. In this article I will do the same for men. Hope you enjoy it.

 

smooth skin

 

Face Moisturiser and After Shave

The last thing you need after shaving with a razor is an alcohol filled splash. You have just taken off the hair and at least a layer of skin, so it’s best to go with soft creams and oils. Even if you don’t shave, using oils on your face with enhance the appearance of your skin, keep it hydrated and make you smell gorgeous. Some people even use oil in place of shaving cream, and it can work well. Oil will then be left on your skin and in your pores and extra moisturising may not even be necessary.

“Shaken, Not Stirred”

This blend is for the face and even one teaspoon will last a few days. In a little dish add one teaspoon of oil (apricot kernel oil, rosehip oil, camelia oil, almond oil) and then add a total of 3 drops:

Lemongrass                  1 drop

Cedarwood Atlas          1 drop

Lavender                       1 drop

Dip your fingers in to mix the formula, then use a few drops, rub between fingers and apply to your face. Less is best to start with then use more as required


“Resistance is Futile”

A blend to tap into your positive powers and smell divine at the same time. In one teaspoon of oil add a total of 3 drops::

Sandalwood   1 drop

Orange           2 drops


“Recovery”

A blend to help your skin after drinking or lack of sleep. In one teaspoon of oil adda total of 3 drops::

Bergamot      2 drops

Patchouli       1 drop


 

Body Oil and Natural Scent

There are lots of men who are into natural products and it’s easy to create natural scent. Similar to how the face moisturiser is made, you can also make oils for your body and use these like a cream -all over your body, or simply use a bit on your arms, chest and neck in place of cologne. Here are a few recipes designed for the body:

 

treat your body well!

“I’m Pumped”

An after gym oil for all over your body. You don’t need to use much, just smooth the oil between your palms first. The more hair you have the more oil you will have to use because the hair follicle will absorb a lot!

In 4 teaspoons of oil (this time use a heavier oil like sunflower, almond, grapeseed or even olive) add a total of 10 drops:

Rosemary    3 drops

Lemon         6 drops

Marjoram     1 drop


“I’m Getting My Suave On”

For a night out….

In 4 teaspoons of oil (this time use a heavier oil like sunflower, almond, grapeseed or even olive) add a total of 10 drops:

Grapefruit                   8 drops

Cedarwood Virginian  1 drop

Ylang Ylang                1 drop


“Sun’s Out Guns Out”

To make your skin look, feel and smell amazing!

In 4 teaspoons of oil (this time use a heavier oil like sunflower, almond, grapeseed or even olive) add a total of 10 drops:

Australian sandalwood   5 drops

Petitgrain                       3 drops

Palmarosa                     2 drops

 

Natural scents for everyone!

 

Natural scents are wonderful for everyone! A man’s skin will benefit from the therapeutic properties of essential oils: skin renewal and hydration, easing muscle tension, easing stress, keeping the mind alert and general well-being.

And always consider the meta physical properties too: awakening the soul, stimulating happiness, connecting to the universe and your purpose in life.

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

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Essential Oil Recipes to PARTY With!

Sydney Mardi Gras

Sydney Mardi Gras

It’s late summer in Sydney and it’s party time in the Gay and Lesbian Community. Mardi Gras is a queer cultural festival filled with music, art and parties. Here are a few recipes intended to help you get your party vibe going, and to stay on the dance floor as long as possible.

“Here We Are Again”

This is my magic formula for and outdoor dance-off – dedicated to the Sydney Harbour Party which was held this weekend. It rained. We danced in the rain with our friends. Life is grand!

To make a nourishing body oil blend – in 3 teaspoons of oil add

Ylang Ylang           2 drops

Bergamot              3 drops

Cedarwood Atlas  2 drops

The Harbour Party - Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

The Harbour Party – Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

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“3am Eternal”

To be prepared for an all-nighter, smooth this formula all over your body to give you a great scent and energy to continue!

To make a nourishing body oil blend  – in 3 teaspoons of oil add

Petitgrain       3 drops

Patchouli       2 drops

Nutmeg         2 drops

dance floor at Sydney Mardi Gras 2007

dance floor at Sydney Mardi Gras 2007

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“I’m a Free Agent”

When you decide to leave the party Gods in charge, and you go solo – opening to chance meetings and serendipitous events.

Sandalwood Australian – smooth a few drops of this stunning oil on your wrists, your heart, and your third eye to be at one with your party universe.

feel free to be you - on your own

feel free to be you – on your own

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“Dance Dance Dance”

This is a warming blend for your muscles. When you want to dance, help out your body with this powerful blend.

To make a nourishing body oil blend – in 3 teaspoons of oil add

Rosemary         2 drops

Ginger              1 drop

Lemon             4 drops

Dance!

Dance!

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“Buzz!”

To wake yourself up, clear your mind, and get ready to party – do a steam inhalation with an essential oil.

To a bowl of steaming water add

Peppermint       2 drops

stand over the bowl and inhale the steam and oil with a towel over your head. This is a very quick way to use essential oil and is also great for colds, sinus congestion and headaches.

Steam inhalation with oils

Steam inhalation with oils

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“OMG I’m so Tired”

When you need a recovery blend for your body try this.

To make a nourishing body oil blend -in 3 teaspoons of oil add

Lavender           2 drops

Pink Grapefruit  6 drops

oh yeah I'm tired

oh yeah I’m tired

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“What time is Beer-o’clock?”

To get yourself out of the house for a recovery drink with your friends, try adding a few drops of oil into the bottom of the shower (covering the drain with your foot or a cloth), and breathe deeply.

Awaken your mind  – Basil  3 drops

Move your body –     Lemongrass 3 drops

mmmmm beer

mmmmm beer

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When it’s party time essential oils can always help. They can get you vibed up, give you stamina, make you smell great and even help you recover!

Essential oils are powerful!

Remember to treat your self first and everyone will benefit.