The Magician – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on September 4, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Magician - I in the major aracna from the Rider-Waite deck

The Magician – I in the major arcana from the Rider-Waite deck

This card is great! You can feel the power just by looking at him. He’s an alchemist in the most natural, original state. He is number 1 in the major arcana of the tarot which signifies he is the first energy of physical manifestation we see. The Magician will come to you in a reading if you either greatly need his energy, you need to hear his message or you are experiencing this at the present time. And of course, this is true for all the cards.

He is using all the elements of the tarot – swords (air, mental), cups (water, emotional), pentacles (physical, earth) and wands (fire, spirituality). He is also calling on the energy of heaven and earth (the universe) to bring everything together to create instant manifestation. So this card is acknowledging your power to use the resources at hand to change your life, create a new business venture and/or see the fruition of your hard work towards a project.This card is telling you you can do it! You have everything at your fingertips to create what you want and the time is now!

You have the power to create via mysciencetees.spreadshirt.com

You have hopefully come through challenges previously so this is not a time for delay. This is not a time for study or gathering information, it is a time for action. Add your intention into your resources and will and you will have no option but to succeed. The flow of energy around you can be harnessed as you are in the flow of life and connected to everything around you.

Lets look at some oils and formulas you could use to support your quest for manifestation –

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Cypress – a quick cleanse and connection to your spiritual self

Rosewood – open your heart chakra to allow the flow of love of the universe

May Chang – you are the alchemist of your own life

Palmarosa – be flexible too

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

scent your space

2. Scent Your Space

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

“The Time is Now”

This is the right time to go for it –

Black pepper 8 drops

Pine 6 drops

Orange 11 drops

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

“Finally”

Congratulate yourself for doing the hard work and seeing the results –

Spearmint 8 drops

Palmarosa 8 drops

Petitgrain 9 drops

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

3. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“More Please”

Allow yourself to create what you want –

Myrrh 5 drops

Clary Sage 5 drops

Cinnamon 5 drops

Lime 10 drops

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

“Thanks”

Give praise for all the great things you have created –

Bergamot 10 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 8 drops

Geranium 7 drops

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

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

The World – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on August 28, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The World XXI – from the Rider-Waite deck

Ah this is a lovely card and you don’t have to be a genius to know it has a good vibe about it. It is the last card – 21- in the Major Arcana which signifies completion, success and happiness. The journey through all the other cards has been up and down and you have come a long way through all those trials to a happy ending.

If The World card comes to you and you don’t resonate with success then maybe you need to look back at where you were last year and celebrate the little achievements along the way. It could mean that you are about to finally see success manifested in your life.

The World may also mean an era coming to an end with new beginnings in sight, or just over the horizon. It is a happy card and our lady is surrounded by a never-ending wreath which could also indicate winning. The wreath is tied at the top and the bottom with a lemniscate which is the infinite flow of life. This is a time to rejoice and acknowledge yourself.

Infinity – also called the Holy Lemniscate

It is not a time of reflection or change, it is a time of celebration. Maybe you are actually going out into the world to travel, or launch yourself into the world with new skills that you have acquired.

Rejoice, be confident have a party.

What oils could embody the feeling of The World card? Maybe you want to invoke this feeling or you could be in this moment right now. Here are some oils and recipes to try along side this powerful card –

sniffing a bottle of oil

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

Cedarwood Virginian – you are living your dharma

Cedarwood Atlas – connect to the abundance of success all around you

Lime – woo hoo you are happy – acknowledge your efforts

Petitgrain – if you are not feeling outwardly successful this will help connect to the potential of manifestation

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

4. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“I’ve got the Power”

Success!

Black pepper 1 drop

Mandarin 1 drop

Melissa 3% 3 drops

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

“The Little Engine that Could”

You’re almost there – you can do it!

Sandalwood Australian 1 drop

Geranium 1 drop

Peru balsam 1 drop

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

essential oil diffuser

3. Scent Your Space

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

“Thank you, Me”

Give yourself praise for all the little things you’ve achieved –

Lavender 8 drops

Bergamot 12 drops

Palmarosa 5 drops

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

“Let’s Have a Kiki”

Celebrate with a party vibe in your home –

Orange 10 drops

Ylang Ylang 5 drops

Pine 5 drops

Rose geranium 5 drops

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

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

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

Posted on August 26, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Melissa officinalis

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

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

many lemon scented plants exist in nature

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

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

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

Chartreuse – a lovely green herbal colour with over 100 ingredients

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

* uplifting emotional states in depression

* soothing anxiety

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

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

* on the stomach to reduce cramps

melissa flower – pic from dr.hauschka.com

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

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

I hope you love melissa as much as I do!

The Empress – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on August 14, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Empress – III from the Rider-Waite deck

Awww beautiful! This card makes me feel good. It’s about youth, potential and being connected to nature.

This young Empress is surrounded by the bounty of nature with the pattern of pomegranates on her robe. When I was learning the tarot I was told the Empress is pregnant and is the archetypal earth mother. Some translations don’t necessarily see her as pregnant but when you look at her quite closely she does seem to be with child. It could also indicate a new idea or birth of a business too.

The card is number 3 of the major arcana and is placed there because she carries an important message. She is the High Priestess personified – the actual mother figure that nurtures everything and everyone around her.

The Empress asks us to explore our feminine side – even if you are a man! When she shows up it may mean you need to pay more attention to nurturing yourself, or simply experience the joys of nature. Maybe you need to get out of the city and allow the energy of mother earth to balance you?

Mother Earth – NY street art

It’s a card of the abundance of nature and the feminine power that drives birth. This card is governed by Venus which is the planet that involves love, beauty, enjoyment and the joys of living in this amazing world. It’s about the good stuff! The Empress will come to you if you need to remind yourself of the beauty of life.

It’s time to awaken to the world around you and to experience what life has to offer you. Use all your senses and express your creativity. There’s nothing more creative than making a baby, starting a new business or simply making art. Do it now!

Woo hoo live it up

Scent is part of the beauty we have at our fingertips so let’s have a look at what oils could help you embody The Empress energy:

1. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Goddess of Love”

Bring Venus and The Empress into your aura and personify love –

Geranium 6 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

Rosewood 8 drops

Bergamot 8 drops

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

“Balance”

Bring the outdoors to you –

Siberian Fir 10 drops

Orange 10 drops

Cedarwood Atlas 5 drops

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

“Sensuality”

Allow yourself to be sensual –

Ylang Ylang 8 drops

Sandalwood 6 drops

Mandarin 11 drops

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

sneakily borrowed from informedfarmers.com

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 article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“I Wanna Create!”

Get your creative juices flowing –

Basil 1 drop

Rosemary 2 drops

Lemon 3 drops

Rose Geranium 1 drop

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

“Sensory Stimulation”

Remind yourself you are here to experience –

Peru Balsam 2 drops

Lavender 2 drops

Petitgrain 3 drops

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

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

Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics

Posted on August 12, 2013 by suzannerbanks

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

Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics

create your own natural skincare with the right ratios

I have written about this before but I think we need a reminder of the correct ratios to employ when making aromatherapy skin care, baths, face masks, hair masks and anything else you can think of. I’ll also include the amounts to use in vapourisers and oil burners.

It is important to be exact and err on the side of caution when using essential oils on your skin.

It is not important to be exact when you are using essential oils in a vapouriser to scent a space.

Officially it is not recommended you use essential oils on your skin directly from the bottle!

nourish your skin with oil blends

1. Nourishing Body Oil Blend

For a coat of your body use 3 teaspoons of carrier oil (approx 15 mls) in a little dish and, add 7 – 8 drops of essential oil. This is a standard ratio of 2.5% essential oils to carrier oil.

20 mls 10 drops

25 mls 12 drops

30 mls 15 drops

35 mls 17 drops

40 mls 20 drops

45 mls 22 drops

50 mls 25 drops

***** 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.

(Also see my article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3” for more info)

Cleanse your aura and energetic body with a mist (via shininglite.com)

2. Mist – For a Room or as a Personal Aura Mist

The same quantities as above. You can add more if you like but remember not to spray near your eyes.

50 mls 25 drops

100 mls 50 drops

150 mls 75 drops

200 mls 100 drops

Almost fill the bottle with water then add your oils. Shake before you mist. I don’t use emulsifying agents as I like to keep it simple. You can even just buy a mist bottle from a supermarket but once a plastic atomiser top and bottle have been used for essential oils you can’t re-use them. Don’t fill up the bottle with water and mist your plants as the residue may kill them.

Children love the scent of some oils – not all of them

3. An Oil Blend (or mask) for Your Face, Children and In Pregnancy

Use half the above ratio – 1.25% ratio of essential oils to carrier oil.

20 mls 5 drops

25 mls 6 drops

30 mls 7 drops

35 mls 8 drops

40 mls 10 drops

45 mls 11 drops

50 mls 12 drops

***** 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.

Pregnancy – Some oils are not recommended in pregnancy so it’s best to do some research if you are treating yourself, or ask the advice of an Aromatherapist. I have treated many women through multiple pregnancies and have had great results. The truth is that there are probably many more toxic chemicals in their home environments than essential oils but always use caution!

Children – Same for kids. They respond really well to essential oils but only use oils they like the smell of otherwise you may create a negative experience. You will have more positive results if you create a room/personal mist and gently mist around your child so they treatment is more fun and likely to work quickly.

a petal bath – looks great but the cleaning -UGH!

4. In Baths

I would only use up to 6 drops of oil in a bath. I have tried many natural emulsification agents but none work 100%. I like to put the oils into mediums, then add them to the bath. Try adding your oils into –

Dead Sea Salt

Celtic Sea Salt

Coconut milk

Magnesium Salt (Epsom salts)

Bi-Carb Soda

A Natural Bodywash/liquid soap like Castille Soap

** I don’t recommend using essential oils in the bath with kids as it can sting their legs. The oils combined with the heat of the water can be too strong for their beautiful skin. (See me article “Aunty, something is biting my legs” – 10 things NOT to do when using Essential Oils” for more info).

Enjoy the process!

The Moon – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Posted on August 7, 2013 by suzannerbanks

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

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)

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

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.

The Jasmines – A Love Story Full of Promises

Posted on August 5, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Jasmines – grandiflorum and sambac

It’s hard to tell by the pic above but these jasmine plants that make stunning essential oils, are slightly different in the look of the petal, but definitely different in the scent.

They do share qualities of being so absolutely divine that one sniff could take you to a new dimension. The oils are concentrated versions of the sweet scent of the blossoms, and are deep and alluring.

There’s lots of jasmine planted around Sydney and today I got a little excited when I saw the deep pink tinged buds, promising flowers very soon. That means Spring to me and the first step out of winter.

Hooray!

Jasmine in Sydney – the sweet promise of spring!

Jasminum grandiflorum

This is the classic jasmine we have come to know and love. It is the most common jasmine, but has an uncommon scent.

Sexy

Deep

Alluring

Mouth watering

Floral

Love

Seduction

A promise of things to come………..

Jasmine blooms in the spring – a time to shed the old energy of winter and gather new strength from the sun and warmth. Spring promises a wonderful time taking us into summer. Spring asks us to give everything, and in return promises newness, happiness and love.

The word “promise” always reminds me of K.D. Lang in 1985, when she won a JUNO Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist of the Year and rushed up to claim her award in a wedding gown. She said “no one makes more promises than a bride”.

KD Lang making promise

It’s a perfect flower and oil for weddings as it creates a stunning scented environment of love, romance and (the promise of) sex. It is often used throughout Asia for this very purpose.

Jasmine is a base oil and has always been considered an aphrodisiac as it connects to our lower chakras and inspires kundalini energy. I call jasmine an oil of love and it’s definitely and oil of sexiness too. There’s nothing more promising than a wink, a smile, a kiss.

In Hindu and Muslim traditions it has been known as the oil of romance and the flowers are used in times of seduction and love. In traditional Chinese medicine it is used to tonify the liver and to treat stress and anxiety. Hey why not have a cup of jasmine green tea?

You will mostly find jasmine oil in a 3% blend which is ready to use as a perfume straight from the bottle! See my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba.

A jasmine blossom in Sydney

Jasminum sambac

Oh my if you’ve ever smelt this oil you are the lucky one!

This jasmine is native to Asia and is sometimes known as Arabian jasmine or Indian jasmine. In the Philippines it is called sampaguita, in Indonesia it’s called melati putih, in Sri Lanka Pichcha or Geta pichcha and in Hawaii pikake.

This flower is certainly revered and I remember traveling in India and smelling it everywhere. It is used in Ayurveda for stimulating sexual drive and treating anxiety – can you see how these 2 things are related?

It is intoxicating! It has all the same amazing scent qualities of Jasminum grandiflorum but has a more intriguing, tropical scent. This flower is often used in spiritual ceremonies and used in adorning and beautifying children on their birthdays and women on special occasions.

This is the oil of exotic tales of the “far east” and it promises surprise and delight. It’s heady aroma can hypnotise you in a second and once you have smelt the sweet aroma of the oil or the flower I promise you, you will never be the same again!

Jasminum sambac promises to hypnotise you

If you find this oil it will also be in 3% blend, and once again it’s ready to use straight from the bottle.

When you need some new energy in your life use the jasmines.

When you need to get your sexy on use the jasmines.

When you make a promise to yourself to fulfill your destiny, use the jasmines.

What is your destiny?

The Star – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential oils

Posted on July 24, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Star – XVII from the Rider-Waite deck

This card is so pretty and is appealing when it pops out in a card reading. It would be hard not feel relieved and excited when The Star comes to you. Our lovely maiden is out there in the night, naked and bathed in starlight. On a very basic level you could interpret this card as indicating that you are “the star” of your life.

Perhaps you’ve overcome bad times and now you are feeling supported by the universe. Or maybe you are in a process of renewal and have a new perspective on the true meaning of your dharma and destiny. There is lots of love and hope in this card and it is soft and gentle. You are now connected to your emotions and are in the flow of life. You are a part of all the elements of nature and give back to the world with your love and kindness.

The wonderful flow of nature (australia.com)

This card could also represent your desire to cleanse and detox your life, not only from within your body, but all your thoughts and surroundings too.

Maybe it’s time to let go of situations that no longer serve your greater purpose. You may have more confidence and self-esteem than before and you have gained this through your spiritual journey. You are open to receiving the wisdom of the universe because all your chakras and channels are clear.

It’s time to shine and let the world know you are here!

shine like a star

What essential oils could reflect the energy of the star and also bring that energy into your life?

Try these recipes:

1. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“I Am The Star of My Own Life”

To help you remember who you really are –

Sandalwood Indian 1 drop

May Chang 1 drop

Spearmint 1 drop

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

“The Universe is Within Me”

To move from ego to spirit –

Cypress 2 drops

Cardamom 2 drop

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

“I’m Naked”

Allow your heart to be open to everything –

Fennel 1 drop

Nutmeg 1 drop

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

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

Scent your space

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Oh Happy Day”

Rejoice in the wonders of life –

Geranium 8 drops

Mandarin 8 drops

Patchouli 4 drops

Lavender 5 drops

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

“Purpose in Life”

To keep you on the path –

Black Pepper 7 drops

Cinnamon 8 drops

Orange 10 drops

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

“Welcome”

For a warm, happy atmosphere and to inspire great self-esteem in your guests –

Lime 10 drops

Ylang Ylang 8 drops

Peru Balsam 6 drops

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

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

Fennel Oil – Licorice Love

Posted on July 22, 2013 by suzannerbanks

Fennel – Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel is a great oil and the plant itself has many medicinal uses. Back through history there are many references to the plant as being useful for improving eyesight, aiding digestion and also calming hunger, improving the flow of breast milk, helping to breakdown uric acid in the body and stimulating fluid loss through urinating.

Poets and herbalists have praised this wonderful plant, as did the Romans and the Greeks.

In “Paradise Lost” (a poem first published in ten books in 1667) Milton the English poet, refers the aroma of fennel:

A savoury odour blown,

Grateful to appetite, more pleased my sense

Than smell of sweetest Fennel.

A 17th Century herbalist, William Cole, notes in his 1650 book “Nature’s Paradise”:

‘both the seeds, leaves and root of our Garden Fennel are much used in drinks and broths for those that are grown fat, to abate their unwieldiness and cause them to grow more gaunt and lank.’

Illustration of a Roman army

It’s interesting that both these English references are around the same time which indicates that fennel was well used in the 17th century in England. But before that there are tales of Roman soldiers chewing on fennel seeds on the march when there was no time for resting, or perhaps not much food available. They also regarded it as a medicine to improve eyesight.

It is claimed that the Greeks used fennel as a slimming agent and it even appears in their mythology with Prometheus using a stalk of fennel to steal fire from the Gods.

In India you may often find these delicious little treats to aid digestion – sugar-coated fennel seeds.

sugar coated fennel seeds

Today in aromatherapy we use the essential oil of fennel which is steam distilled from the seeds in much the same way as our predecessors did. Fennel oil is used for:

* stimulating regularity of menses

* helping digestion

* acting as a diuretic for fluid retention and bloating

* stimulating flow of mother’s milk

* relieving coughs by breaking down mucous and by acting as an expectorant

fennel flower

I use fennel oil for all these things and also for nurturing. It is a soft, rounded sweet oil and it blends well with many others. I call it “licorice love” which describes its energetic action of softness, of self-care and sweetness.

Try these recipes:

1. Scent Your SpaceIn a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil

“Be Kind”

Fennel 10 drops

Orange 10 drops

Geranium 5 drops

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

“Finally A Moment to Myself!”

Fennel 6 drops

Juniper 10 drops

Lavender 6 drops

Patchouli 3 drops

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

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 article “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Oh The Pain”

to help relieve menstrual pain –

Fennel 3 drops

Peppermint 2 drops

Lavender 3 drops

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

“The Silence of Licorice”

To soften your tension and nerves –

Fennel 2 drops

Bergamot 3 drops

Roman Chamomile 3% 9 drops *

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

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

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

The Tower – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential oils

Posted on July 17, 2013 by suzannerbanks

The Tower XV1 from the Rider-Waite tarot deck

The Tower – XVI – from the Rider-Waite tarot deck

OOOOOOO The Tower card. It usually freaks everyone out when they see it. However saying that, if someone is having a tarot reading and this card pops up, they are probably in the throws of the tower energy, just experienced it, or can feel it looming.

So what is it about?

As you can see by the picture, people are leaping from a burning tower, screaming, plunging to their death. Lightening and flames surround and break down the tower. The structure will crumble and die, along with the inhabitants. Oh dear.

When I was learning tarot, something about this card stayed with me. The fact that this seems to be happening as an “act of God” via lightening, is an illusion. It is actually something that you have probably created yourself, but are unaware of the fact. For example: feeling that you hate your job and really need a change but don’t do anything about it. You think these thoughts over and over again but don’t take any steps to change. Then “all of a sudden” you are fired and completely freak out as your regular job and wage – your stability – is ripped out beneath you plunging you into change and fear! The same could be said of any situation like a relationship breakdown, sudden illness or death.

It's ok if you are freaking out - grab a bottle of essential oil

Don’t fear “The Tower” – just use some essential oils!

The Tower represents dismantling of your current circumstances whether you like it or not. And we all know that when something crumbles, we learn how to survive and create new ways of approaching life. We may be awakened, when prior the the event we were blissfully unaware. The universe is demanding that we evolve. Our subconscious is doing the same. It’s our ego that doesn’t like it!

The Tower forces us to confront situations, thoughts and emotions that do not serve us, but that we hold onto as a security blanket. You may be being asked to let go of outdated structures in your life so you can spiritually evolve.

Embrace change

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”

“OMG!”

To de-stress –

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

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

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

“Get it Together”

Help your major anxiety –

Vetiver 1 drop

Bergamot 5 drops

Lavender 2 drops

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

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!

“Angels Please Help Me”

Help your heartbreak –

Rose 3% as many drops as you need

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

“Guides Give Me Strength”

Open your crown chakra to receive help and guidance –

Petitgrain 2 drops

Basil 1 drop

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

: essential oil diffuser

3. Scent Your Space

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

“I’ve Got the Power”

Be your own cheerleader in hard times –

Juniper 10 drops

Sandalwood 5 drops

Mandarin 10 drops

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

“Peaceful Sleep”

Try and get a good night’s sleep to restore your energy –

Rosewood 8 drops

Lavender 8 drops

Marjoram 8 drops

Vetiver 1 drop

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

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

suzannerbanks

scent . intention . consciousness . essential oils

Tag Archives: scent

The Magician – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The World – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

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

The Empress – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics

The Moon – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

The Jasmines – A Love Story Full of Promises

The Star – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential oils

Fennel Oil – Licorice Love

The Tower – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential oils

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: