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

Essential Oils for Hair Care

Lovely long hair in great condition

Lovely long hair in great condition

If essential oils can be used on your skin then they can be used on your hair too.

By now you know I dislike any kind of synthetic fragrance so you can imagine how much I really dislike most shampoos and conditioners. Hair styling products often have strong scent as well but those products are harder to replace with natural ingredients.

Shampoo

My advice is to find a natural unscented shampoo (they do exist) and add some essential oils. You could add essential oils to the whole bottle if you feel confident you have a lovely blend, or pick new oils each time you shampoo. Even though that sounds a bit harder it’s like aromatic dressing – making a new nourishing body oil blend each day. It allows for spontaneity and creativity, and each day you’ll feel emotionally and physically different from the day before.  As essential oils have individual purposes, you will be treating yourself for the day, according to your needs.

You’ll just need a little dish to squeeze some shampoo into, then add oils.

a cute little dish

a cute little dish

I’m going to estimate you’ll need 2 tablespoons of shampoo (but of course this will differ depending on the length and thickness of your hair). This equates to about  40 mls of shampoo so we will add 15 drops. If you are sensitive to essential oils reduce the amount to 10 drops or less. This ratio is lower than what I recommend for body oils for 2 reasons –

1. It’s close to your eyes and nose

2. You will wash it down the sink anyway

For more info on body oil ratios see this article.

You will be washing your hair AND having an aromatherapy treatment at the same time! YAY!

washing hair with essential oils can be revitalising

washing hair with essential oils can be revitalising

I don’t necessarily agree with using different oils for different coloured hair, and as always, some oils are better than others for this purpose.

Try these combo’s

1. “Lovin Myself”

For all hair types

Lavender     5 drops

Rosewood   5 drops

Orange        5 drops

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

2. “Just Stepped Out of A Salon”

For hair that’s a little oily

Spearmint                    6 drops

Lemon                        6 drops

Cedarwood Virginian   3 drops

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

condtioning hair - add essential oils

conditioning hair – add essential oils

Conditioner

The same ratios apply as for shampoo but at least by leaving the conditioner on your hair for a while will allow more benefits to soak in. Find an unscented conditioner and blend away.

1.”Rapunzel”

For drier hair types

Peru Balsam      6 drops

Mandarin           6 drops

Patchouli           3 drops

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

2. “Smooooooth”

For all hair types

Geranium         4 drops

Marjoram         4 drops

Bergamot        7 drops

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

They are the basics, so I think I may have to do a Part 2, to include hair conditioning treatments with oils and natural hair masks using natural ingredients from the cupboard.

Stay tuned!

 

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

Spice, Pranic Flow, Warmth – Cardamom

cardamom

cardamom

I remember drinking cardamom chai in India, the scent and taste has never left me. It was sweet, spicy and warm. Warm in temperature of course but also warm in energy. I love using this spice oil in formulation for clients and also on myself.

In Ayurvedic medicine cardamom is considered to be “tridoshic” which means it helps balance all 3 doshas – Vata, Kapha and Pitta. It is used to aid digestion, help with bronchial disorders and generally cleanse the blood and the body. It is warming and helps the flow of energy around the body.

In Ayurvedic Aromatherapy the essential oil of cardamom is used for the same things and is wonderful for bringing joy and an open heart. Having an open heart allows us to engage with others on a genuine level and mirrors the flow of energy and prana when the spice itself is used as medicine.

vital prana flow

vital flow of prana

When should I use cardamom oil as a treatment?

* low energy

* feeling stuck emotionally and mentally

* to improve digestion and stimulate appetite

* upset stomach or not being able to digest change and new ideas

* feeling cold physically and emotionally

* feeling emotionally shut down/closed heart

* wanting to move on from a relationship break-up

* improving libido and bringing a feeling of sensuality

* for family harmony and for a party

a client's oil formulation

a client’s oil formulation

Try these recipes:

1. Nourishing Body Oil

For more detailed info read “Aromatherapy Body Oil – It’s as Easy as 1 2 3”.

To 3 teaspoons of carrier oil add these oils and smooth the blend all over your body:

“Bon Appetite”

To help with digestion and improve appetite.

Cardamom       2 drops

Fennel              2 drops

Orange             3 drops

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

“I’m Bringing Sexy Back”

To get in the mood.

Cardamom          2 drops

Ylang Ylang         2 drops

Bergamot             3 drops

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

“Tai Chi”

To get your energy going.

Cardamom      3 drops

Rosemary        1 drop

Rosewood       3 drops

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

anoint with a drop of ol

anoint with a drop of ol

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!

 

“Smouldering”

Open your lower chakras.

Cardamom  1 drop

Lime            1 drop

Petitgrain     1 drop

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

“My Heart is Open”

Speaks for itself really.

Cardamom  1 drop

Rose 3%      6 drops

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

“Yum”

Increase appetite and joy in eating.

Cardamom  1 drop

Grapefruit    2 drops

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

steam inhalation

steam inhalation

3. Steam

Add a few drops of cardamom to a bowl, add boiling water, then breathe through your mouth to relieve bronchial issues.

Add a few drops of cardamom to the bottom of your shower (cover the drain with your foot or a cloth) and allow the oils to embrace you and ignite your energy.

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

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

Neroli Neroli Neroli

citrus blossom that makes neroli oil

citrus blossom that makes neroli oil

Neroli, neroli, neroli. I love it, I love it, I love it.

The oil is produced from the blossom of Citrus aurantia ssp amara or bigarade. It is a powerful, beautifully enchanting blossom fragrance with a little spice and bitter-sweet citrus.

It is an oil that is precious and expensive to make and therefore is mostly sold in a 3% blend. (see my article “Essential Oils 3% in Jojoba – What are they, and Why?” for more information on 3% blends).

Anne-Marie-de-La-Tremoille_Dss-Bracciano via wikipedia.com

Anne Marie de La Tremoille Duchess of Bracciano via wikipedia.com

In the world of essential oils and plant-based medicine it is a relative newcomer. While some herbs and oils have been used for thousands of years (lavender, myrrh, frankincense, cypress for example), this scent was made popular in Italy in the 1700’s. The story goes that

“by the end of the 17th century, Anne Marie Orsini, duchess of Bracciano and princess of Nerola, Italy, introduced the essence of bitter orange tree as a fashionable fragrance by using it to perfume her gloves and her bath. Since then, the term “neroli” has been used to describe this essence.”

The principality of Nerola is close to Rome where the Princess really worked the diplomacy angle in the Italian capital, securing her future in the courts of France, Spain and Rome. The essence was used particularly in Venice to ward off water born viruses and nasties.

She later changed her name and title (when the duke of Bracciano died) to Marie Anne de La Trémoille, princesse des Ursins. Apparently the title was created by herself and had no real credit, but her influence in politics remained until her death.

orange blossom

orange blossom

Thank goodness she was a scented visionary and left us with a love of this beautiful flower and perfume.

In aromatherapy neroli is therapeutically used for –

* relieving tension and anxiety, depression and melancholy

* sleeplessness

* improving the look and feel of facial skin by reducing the look of small capillaries

* some claims say it can be beneficial in treating muscle spasms and is also used in heart patients – massaged over the heart

Neroli is best used therapeutically as a sedating agent and for a treatment against anxiety and depression. Perhaps the small white flower allows one to open to the simple beauty of life.

the bitter orange tree

the bitter orange tree

Try these recipes:

1. Facial Oil

Use Neroli 3% straight from the bottle as a moisturiser or an overnight treatment. The scent will be heavenly and will soothe and calm your skin.

2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

Once again use this oil straight from the bottle as a perfume. I always get comments when I wear Neroli as it appeals to men and women.

3. Nourishing Body Oil

Add these oils to 3 teaspoons of carrier oil for an all-over body moisturiser –

“Princess”

Neroli 3%     21 drops

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

“Feminine Power”

Neroli 3%     9 drops

Cardamon    1 drop

Rosewood    3 drops

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

“Influence”

Neroli 3%      9 drops

Fennel           1 drop

Patchouli       1 drop

Orange          2 drops

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

Remember to use your intention when making a blend or using an essential oils as a perfume. You will be creating your life!

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

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

Oils that are sold as 3% in jojoba are mostly done so because of the cost. These oils are considered premium oils and are beautiful and more expensive than the regular oils like lavender and orange, for example.

These oils are usually sold this way:

Rose

Jasmine

Neroli

Immortelle

German Chamomile

Roman Chamomile

Melissa

and now also

Sandalwood

Oakmoss

Tuberose

Lotus

Champaka

Violet leaf

Tomato leaf……. and others.

When I was writing my last article I had to think clearly about what ratios I suggested for making a facial moisturiser of essential oil of rose, in rosehip oil. (See Rose and Rosehip – A Winning Combination for Youthful Skin http://wp.me/p2R7rE-cb )

When making an oil blend for a client’s treatment I usually take the dropper out and free pour the 3% blend into the bottle. When making other products I usually use the 100% pure oils, or not at all.

So I thought about it.

thinking....... pic via designthinkingworkshop2011.wordpress.com

thinking……. pic via designthinkingworkshop2011.wordpress.com

Then scribbled ratios, percentages and varying numbers on the page. Then sent a message to my aromatherapist Vicky to ask her opinion.

Vicky:

There is 3% of pure rose oil in each drop (of the 3% in jojoba). Imagine dividing that drop into 100 parts and then times it by 3. Miniscule.

Me:

Yes so I’m saying there’s 0.03 drops of rose oil in 1 drop of a blended oil. So if I wanted 1 drop of rose oil I’d have to multiply by 30.

Vicky:

If you multiply by 30 you’d get 90% pure. Now my brain’s fried.

33.3 drops (of the blend) is 1 pure drop…..I think”

So there you have it. How many aromatherapists does it take to do the maths?

Vicky just uses the 3% blends as if they are pure and adds a little more. She does this because she commented on the power and strength these oils seem to have. So even though the oils are far less concentrated, you won’t need as much as a standard oil anyway. But when it comes to recommending ratios I thought I would decide on my own and stick with it.

amplify your aura with a nourishing body oil

amplify your aura with a nourishing body oil

I made an oil for a treatment with a single oil – rose – to test it out. I decided to multiply by 3. If it was pure rose oil I would use the standard ratio, but using the blended oil I’ve decided to triple it:

50 mls of carrier oil

25 drops of pure rose (or less)

or

75 drops of rose 3% in jojoba

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

When I made an oil the other day for a treatment I used 3 oils in the blend. I doubled the 3% oil (rather than tripled)  as it seemed to work better:

50 mls carrier oil

Roman chamomile 3 %  12 drops (pure would have been 6 or less)

Bergamot                       12 drops

Frankincense                    6 drops

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

oh so pretty

oh so pretty voilets – it’s the leaf NOT the petals that are used to make the oil

Often these stunning essential oils that are blended with jojoba in a 3% ratio, are very strong too and so less is needed.

The benefits of having these gorgeous oils is that they are ready made perfumes!

Nothing is a sweeter scent than a few drops of jasmine, rose or neroli.

No alcohol to cheapen the lovey roundness of the oils.

No superfluous packing.

No hidden marketing costs.

Just a little amber bottle full of divine love.

 

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Softly and Gently with the Chamomiles

Roman chamomile Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile

Roman chamomile Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile

What a pretty flower! I always loved daisies as a child, and the chamomiles belong to this species called Asteraceae or Compositae. Chamomile is famous for it’s soothing nature and tranquil effects, and is used in both herbal medicine and aromatherapy alike. I’ve always thought of Aromatherapy as a specialist part of herbal medicine, powerful because it insists we use our sense of smell for healing and interacting with the world.

1. Roman Chamomile 

Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile

This chamomile has a sweet honey like aroma, and appeals to many people because of this softness. Roman chamomile is usually found in a 3% jojoba blend because of its price. It is often overlooked in favour of German chamomile but please give it a try. It is one of those oils that gives an immediate reaction of bliss.

In aromatherapy Roman chamomile is the one used as an anti-spasmodic treatment, an tonic for unclenching, that may also help the smooth muscle of the gut relax. Also great for muscle spasm and tension and general fatigue and stress.

Best of all, I like to use Roman chamomile as a perfume straight from the bottle. No doubt people will be attracted to you when you wear this oil as you will smell divine and will be radiating a sense of calm and knowingness. Try these recipes

“Floatin’ on a Cloud”

For release of gripping tension and pain in the body make an oil blend with 3 teaspoons of carrier oil and add:

Roman Chamomile 3%      8 drops

Marjoram                           2 drops

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

“Venus”

As a pulse point perfume mix these drops together and anoint your chosen spot –  for attracting and resonating with a goddess-like energy

Roman Chamomile 3 %    3 drops

Rosewood                        2 drops

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

German chamomile - Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita)

German chamomile – Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita)

2. German Chamomile

This tiny little flower is a different genus to Roman chamomile and what sets it apart from most oils is its blue colour. During the distillation process, one of the consituents – chamazulene – is changed to give a deep blue hue to the oil. This oil is best used as an anti-inflammatory and works well with lavender in this sense. It is great for stress, anxiety, and any tension in the body. It is a strongly scented herbaceous oil and I would not say this is an oil to use as a perfume. Think BLUE – think COOLING! A good oil for joints and muscles as well as an over thinking mind. German chamomile is more readily found then Roman chamomile and will also be in a 3% jojoba blend. Try these remedies:

“Release”

For a treatment of painful joints make an oil blend with 3 teaspoons of carrier oil, rub over the joint and cover with a bandage. Rest. Add these essential oils to create your treatment:

German chamomile  3%   8 drops

Lavender                          2 drops

Peppermint                       1 drop

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

“Cocoon”

After a stressful day stop your mind from over-processing by mixing the following into a little container and rubbing on your temples and third eye. Remember to put a little of the oil residue inside your nose to gain maximum benefit, and dilute with a few drops of carrier oil.

German Chamomile           2 drops

Orange                               2 drops

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

The chamomiles are your ancient tool for stress release.

Remember to use your intention when you make your blends to give extra power and personality to the formula.  For more information on intention see my article What Do I Mean when I Say “Use Your Intention”?

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

Essential Oils for a Seasonal Change – Northern and Southern Hemispheres

hemispheres & seasons

hemispheres & seasons

We are well into our new seasons now but that means different things for everyone, depending on where you are on our planet. As usual, most popular culture tends to favour the northern hemisphere, but believe me people, we are alive and well in southern hemisphere.

Yay for us in the southern hemisphere

Yay for us in the southern hemisphere

There are people going into spring where it is still cold and snowing, and others who are already warming up. There are some having a mild autumn, and those who are already feeling the chill.

What essential oil will you be using this season? I’ve narrowed it down to 4 oils I love – with a few body oil recipes – so you can coat your body with a gorgeous scent while helping to get in tune with nature.

Southern Hemisphere

the fennel plant

the fennel plant

Fennel

For a cooler autumn fennel is always my choice. It is an oil of nurturing and loving yourself. It has a soft, rounded liquorice scent and blends well with so many other oils. It helps with digestion and generally feels quite warming. Eat the fennel bulb roasted with garlic for an inside-out treatment.

For a body oil blend add these drops to 3 teaspoons of oil (see my article Aromatherapy – It’s as easy as 1 2 3 for further information on quantities and ratios)

“So Soft and Sweet”

Fennel             2 drops

Orange            4 drops

Geranium        2 drops

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

the lovely mandarin

the lovely mandarin

Mandarin

For an autumn that’s still warm and lovely try Mandarin. The fruit starts to appear now, full of Vitamin C to prepare us for the colder winter months. Mandarin is an oil of happiness, and it helps us remember the hot days of late summer.

“Red. Warm”

Mandarin                     5 drops

Cedarwood  Virginian  2 drops

Cinnamon                    1 drop

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

Northern Hemisphere

absolutely stunning lavender fields via reddit.com

absolutely stunning lavender fields via reddit.com

Lavender

A cooler spring, even with snow, brings promise. The days are getting longer and everything seems a bit lighter. Lavender is a great oil to use in these cooler spring climates as it is an oil that can be used for almost anything. It is an oil of solidarity and its purple energy can help in bringing lost energy to the fore, so you can embrace the new season with gusto.

“I’m Getting Ready for….. Something”

Lavender            4 drops

Lemon                4 drops

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

the fragrant jasmine blossom

the fragrant jasmine blossom

Jasmine

Jasmine is the perfect warm spring oil. It blooms early spring and I know when I see jasmine getting ready to flower around the inner city streets of Sydney, I get very excited. It is a sexy, gorgeous oil enticing sensuality to reveal itself. Jasmine can bring us out of our winter shell and propel us into the fun of summer.

“Anticipation”

Jasmine (3% in jojoba)      8 drops

Juniper                              2 drops

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North or south of the equator, we can’t stop the planet turning and giving us light and shade in our lives. Embrace the new season, it could hold some magical secrets.

Remember to use your intention when you make your oil blends – you are the alchemist of your life! (also see my article What Do I Mean when I Say “Use Your Intention”)

 

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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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