Oneness – A New Botanical Perfume by banks botanicals

Hello natural scent lovers from far and wide. I’m excited to launch my new range of botanical perfumes! The range, called REVELATION, corresponds with my book of the same name. Each perfume represents a “Revelation Formula” from one of the ten chapters on essential oils. I’m excited to share them with you, one by one. Let’s go!

 

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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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From the Spirituality chapter in my book, I have created oneness the botanical perfume.

“You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher than your own soul.

Swami Vivekananda

oneness - the full size 9ml bottle

oneness – the full size 9ml roll-on  bottle

 

” The Egyptians referred to the nose and other parts f the brain as the “pathway to the soul” and in the detailed artwork some are seen to be inhaling the enchanting fragrance of the blue lotus of the Nile. It seems as though this fragrance was able to influence their mind and thoughts to reach an altered state of consciousness, to connect with the Gods. Essential oils work in the same way…”

Suzanne R Banks “Revelation! reveal your Destiny wth Essential Oils

 

 

In this chapter I discuss the important part meditation plays in our lives. Not only does it have positive physical, mental and emotional aspects, but it also helps us improve our intuition. Essential oils can amplify our meditation and help open our intuitive capacity, and a botanical perfume based on essential oils will be the perfect companion to your spiritual practice. Throw it in your handbag for those earthly moments when you need a little help – driving, screaming kids, freaking out – and things like that.

“To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders”

Lao Tse

 

oneness in a 1ml sample size

oneness in a 1ml sample size

 

 

My formula for this perfume uses some of the oils from the Happiness section combined with the Spirituality oils resulting in oneness.

All my perfumes are hand-made, organic, vegan, jojoba oil based.

oneness is the earth mother, the Empress. Hints of humus rich garden beds and dark woods at dusk are created through the meeting of bushy Australian sandalwood and cypress. Lovely orange gives lightness and happiness while spikenard gives deepness and introspection. A drop of nutmeg in frankincense is the key to this sensual perfume.

Be at one with yourself and the world around you.

Ingredients: essential oils of *sweet orange, Australian sandalwood CO2 extract, *cypress, rose geranium, *frankincense, *nutmeg and spikenard in *jojoba. *certified organic.

 

1ml sample  $ 9 AUD

9ml roll-on   $67 AUD

 

 

Do you meditate?

Essential Oils and their Keywords – Part 3

Essential oils tend to be grouped together as to their physical healing properties – but what about the way they treat our spirit and minds too? For example marjoram, lavender and rosemary are great for muscles; rose, geranium and patchouli are wonderful for skin health; fennel and juniper can help relieve joint swelling. Of course essential oils often have more than one quality and the art of aromatherapy allows synergistic combinations to be formulated to expand their individual powers. Read on to discover how I feel about some of my favourite oils.

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

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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Patchouli leaf - pic via toptropicals.com

Patchouli leaf – pic via toptropicals.com

Patchouli

peace, earthly: nurture your body

Peppermint

removes resistance

Petitgrain

potentiality

Peru balsam

softness, protection

Pine

abundance through others

Rose is the Queen of oils

Rose is the Queen of oils

Rose

divine love, self-love, self nurturing, Cleopatra

Rose geranium

cheeriness

Rosemary

remember

Rosewood

giving and receiving; flow of love in the heart

Sage

wisdom; courage

Sandalwood

opens the chakras; sacred sexuality

Spearmint

Spearmint

Spearmint

lighten up

Spikenard

chill out, stop thinking

Tea tree

purge negativity

Thyme

detox

Vetiver

centredness; tranquility

Ylang Ylang

release anger & frustration

Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

All the oils and their keywords are quotes from my book. You will find the links to buy the book at the top of the post.

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

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Like our Facebook page to stay tuned for more info on the inaugural

Australasian Artisan Botanical Perfume Expo in Sydney, 24th April 2016

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copryright SR Banks 2015

 

 

 

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

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

Amazon USA      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as a Kindle and Paperback


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

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

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

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

The song continues …..

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

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

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

“Seven Swans a-Swimming”

Inspiration – serenity, flow, calm

Frankincense       12 drops

Lavender               6 drops

Clary Sage            3 drops

Bergamot             4 drops

8 maids milking - pic via staceyreid.com

8 maids milking – pic via staceyreid.com

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

“8 Maids-a-Milking”

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

Fennel          7 drops

Myrrh           4 drops

Nutmeg        4 drops

Rosewood   10 drops

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

Wikipedia says

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

So I reckon the music must come first!

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

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

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

“9 Drummers Drumming”

Inspiration – rhythm of life, coming together as one

Tea Tree                      6 drops

Clove                          6 drops

Cedarwood Virginian   6 drops

Mandarin                    7 drops

Pipers are piping - pic via stmatthewsyear5.wordpress.com

Pipers are piping – pic via stmatthewsyear5.wordpress.com

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

“10 Pipers Piping”

Inspiration – harmony, party, fun

Lemon         15 drops

Geranium        6 drops

Peppermint    4 drops

11 ladies dancing - pic via www.ffmcontheweb.com

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

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

“11 Ladies Dancing”

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

Petitgrain       15 drops

Spikenard       4 drops

Thyme            2 drops

Rosemary       4 drops

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

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

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

“12 Lords-a-leaping”

Inspiration – carefreeness, freedom, comradeship

Basil            8 drops

Citronella     8 drops

Lime            9 drops

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

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

copryright SR Banks 2014

10 Recipes with Neroli Essential Oil – Citrus aurantium ssp amara/Bigaradia

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

Amazon USA      Amazon AU      Amazon UK


10 Recipes with Neroli Essential Oil – Citrus aurantium

citrus blossom that makes neroli oil

The citrus blossom that makes neroli oil

Pretty flower. Very pretty scent.

Neroli essential oil is made from the blossom of a couple of citrus trees which do produce bitter fruit, sometimes used for marmalade – but the main focus is to harvest the blossoms for perfume. Thank you tree, your perfume is beautiful!

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.

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

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

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).

Let’s check out some recipes with Neroli 3%:

1. Facial Oil Treatment

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

Neroli 3%    4 drops


 

The classic Duralex glass dish is handy to make oil blends and quick perfumes in

The classic Duralex glass dish is handy to make oil blends and quick perfumes in

2. Pure Pulse Point Perfume

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

“Bride”

Perfect to calm the nerves and smell wonderful too –

Neroli 3%      5 drops

Ylang Ylang   1 drop


“Summer Nights”

Get into your happy summer place –

Neroli 3%       3 drops

Lemongrass   1 drop

Lavender        1 drop


Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

“Whimsical”

Neroli 3% straight from the bottle on your wrists and heart


“Quietly Powerful”

When you need a little oomph –

Neroli                         3 drops

Cedarwood Virginian  1 drop

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

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

For a 50ml bottle of oil add 25 drops and see my articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

“Sweetness and Light”

Neroli 3%        8 drops

Lemon            2 drops

Frankincense  2 drops


“Youthful Glow”

Neroli 3%            6 drops

White Grapefruit  4 drops

Rose Geranium   1 drop


And if you have Neroli pure essential oil then you can use it in a vapouriser or in a mist bottle. The 3% blend is only good for mixing with oil or in a cream for your face and body, or using direct from the bottle as a perfume. Here are some recipes with pure Neroli oil:

Any bottle with an atomiser top will do!

Any bottle with an atomiser top will do!

4. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

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

“Divinity”

Neroli           8 drops

Palmarosa    8 drops

Bergamot     9 drops


“Seduction”

Neroli              10 drops

Sandalwood      6 drops

Juniper              6 drops

Cinnamon         3 drops


“I Am”

Neroli         8 drops

Orange      6 drops

Patchouli   4 drops

Cypress     6 drops

Spikenard   1 drop


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

copryright SR Banks 2014

 

 

 

 

10 Recipes with Mandarin Essential Oil – Citrus reticulata

Mandarins are colourful, tasty and smell wonderful!

Mandarins are colourful, tasty and smell wonderful!

Oh the lovely scent of mandarin could make anyone happy! I rate all the citrus oils as happiness oils as they’re so fresh and light and zingy and sparkly.

Mandarin essential oil is different to orange oil, just as the fruit is different. It is a deeper, more red colour than orange oil, which can vary from light orange to yellow. The deepness of the colour adds to the unique properties of mandarin oil as red connects us with the base chakra, which is all about survival and all the necessities to live. When taking in this information and combining it with the mouth watering scent of the fruit, mandarin essential oil can open our minds to the big concepts of the universe.

In aromatherapy mandarin oil does not have a lot of therapeutic uses but can be used for –

* improving digestion (by using externally not internally, or drinking tea made with the rind)

* alleviating stress and improving relaxation

* counteracting stretch marks in pregnancy

I use it to connect us to the simple – yet huge – concepts of how the universe works.

Let’s get into some recipes –

The classic Duralex glass dish is handy to make oil blends and quick perfumes in

The classic Duralex glass dish is handy to make oil blends and quick perfumes in

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 articles “Ratios for Blending Essential Oils – A Reminder of the Basics” and “Aromatherapy – It’s Easy as 1 2 3”

 

yum!

yum!

**** the basic rule when using citrus oils in an oil blend all over your body is not to go out and sun bake or expose yourself to massive amounts of sunlight as these oils may cause a photo toxic reaction.

“Love and Happiness”

Explains itself really –

Mandarin    3 drops

Rose 3%   10 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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“Tra La La”

Get some happiness in your body –

Mandarin             3 drops

Rose geranium    2 drops

Palmarosa           2 drops

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“64 Tetrahedron Grid”

Slip into the magic of the universe –

Mandarin         4 drops

Lemongrass    2 drops

Vetiver             1 drop

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Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Release the Day”

Let go of all things from the day –

Mandarin          10 drops

Cypress              8 drops

Lemongrass       6 drops

Sage                  1 drop

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“Fun Kids Party”

Mandarin       12 drops

Cinnamon       6 drops

Peru Balsam  7 drops

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“Meditation and Contemplation”

Scented relaxation –

Mandarin          8 drops

Frankincense   12 drops

Lavender          5 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

Anoint yourself with pure essential oil blends

3. 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!

“Life is Easy”

Flow –

Mandarin      1 drop

Melissa 3%   2 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Spikenard     1 drop

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

“Joy”

Appreciate the little things in life –

Mandarin        1 drop

Jasmine 3%    2 drops  * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

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Mandarin lips! pic via www.beautezine.com

Mandarin lips! pic via http://www.beautezine.com

“Smile and Laugh”

Even if you have to force yourself, smile at someone and the rewards will be great –

Mandarin      1 drop

Rosewood    1 drop

May Chang   1 drop

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“Chill”

Mandarin           1 drop

Pink Grapefruit   1 drop

Clove                 1 drop

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

 

 

10 Recipes with Basil Essential Oil – Ocimum basilicum

 

Beautiful aromatic basil

Beautiful aromatic basil

Basil is a herb from the Lamiacae family and the genus Ocimum, and has been flavouring our foods and healing us for centuries. It is a scent you won’t forget – green, herbabceous sweet and pungent. As an essential oil basil (sometimes referred to as sweet basil) is stimulating to the mind opening the upper chakras and giving the brain a cleansing, refreshing scent.

In aromatherapy basil oil is used –

* as a cephalic which means it stimulates the head in general so if used in small amounts it could help a headache. Some basil oils can be high in linalool oil which is present in large amounts in lavender.

* to ease stress and tension and calm mild anxiety (you may notice lots of essential oils are attributed to this use which shows that they can be easily used to help you relax – even if it’s just for a couple of minutes)

* as an anti-inflammatory agent for joint pain

 

Sneakily borrowed from thepoofairy.com (hehehehe)

Sneakily borrowed from thepoofairy.com (hehehehe)

There are many types of culinary basil but so far the winner in terms of essential oil production is this basil – sweet basil. When using this oil it can be tricky to get the proportions right because it’s so strong. Sometimes a drop is all you’ll need.

Let’s check out some recipes –

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

1. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

This “recipe” is one for those who need to –

* wake up

* open to universal intelligence

* chill out and stop freaking out

* have a headache or have mental fatigue?

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There are lots of great essential oil diffusers on the market now - pic via www.aliexpress.com

There are lots of great essential oil diffusers on the market now – pic via http://www.aliexpress.com

2. Scent Your Space

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

“Can’t.Wake.Up”

When your brain needs a boost –

Basil              8 drops

Rosemary      4 drops

Peppermint    4 drops

Orange           9 drops

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

“Summer Evening”

Add some basil to your gin and tonic too –

Basil          10 drops

Geranium    6 drops

Petitgrain    8 drops

Vetiver         1 drop

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

“Oh Man What a Day!”

When you need to relax after a challenging day –

Basil               8 drops

Bergamot     12 drops

Lemongrass    5 drops

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

“Living the Dreams”

For a slumber full of dreams –

Basil           4 drops

Lavender   12 drops

Mandarin    8 drops

Spikenard   1 drop

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

Chinese tea cup - perfect for a little perfume magic

Chinese tea cup – perfect for a little perfume magic

3. 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!

“Ascended Masters”

Tap into this great wisdom –

Basil      1 drop

Nutmeg 1 drop

Lime      1 drop

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

“Big Day Ahead”

Basil            1 drop

Palmarosa  1 drop

Lavender      1 drop

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

“Bon Courage”

Basil                1 drop

Black Pepper   1 drop

Peru Balsam    1 drop

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

“I Invite Understanding”

When you need a nudge to gain understanding –

Basil                  1 drop

Ylang Ylang       1 drop

Pink Grapefruit   1 drop

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

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

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

4. 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”

“Bring it On!”

For a kickstart to the day –

Basil          2 drops

Rosemary  2 drops

Orange      4 drops

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

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

copyright suzanne

 

 

 

 

The High Priestess – A Tarot Card reading with Essential Oils

The High Priestess - II from the Rider-Waite Deck

The High Priestess – II from the Rider-Waite Deck

Listen to your inner voice.

Trust your intuition.

Allow the thin veil of illusion (maya) to fall away between your conscious and subconscious mind.

The High Priestess is the bold feminine, intuitive energy of the major arcana in the tarot. She is a the one who is connected to her emotions and the power of the moon and the invisible cycles. She is calm, contained, and her deep wisdom shines through. She is supported by the twin pillars of Boaz and Jachin, from Solomons Temple (a very long and interesting story there). The pomegranates also appeared on the twin pillars and are adorning the curtain behind the priestess. They represent possibility, sexuality and according to Biddy Tarot, duty.

The High Priestess is about the dark feminine knowledge, the witch, the power of psychic forces and the wisdom of the ages. She is the gateway to the underworld. She is the all-knowing feminine power.

Feminine power - pic via www.beliefnet.com -  by Julie Loar

Feminine power – pic via http://www.beliefnet.com
by Julie Loar

 

When The High Priestess shows up in a reading she may be asking you to recall ancient wisdom to help you on your present journey. You may need to take a break from the madness of everyday life, be calm and meditate.

You are wise, but at this time you may need to pay attention to your inner world more than your external world. It’s time to develop your intuition and rely on yourself.

Are you looking for a deeper meaning in your life? Maybe you have a new interest in philosophy and metaphysics? The High Priestess will help you with her knowledge of the collective unconscious.

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

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

 

What essential oils could help you look within?

1. Scent Your Space

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

“Sacred Space”

Create a beautiful space to meditate in –

Frankincense         10 drops

Rose Geranium        8 drops

Lime                        6 drops

Spikenard                1 drop

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

“Retreat”   

Have a break from the outside world –

Juniper               10 drops

Fennel                  6 drops

Mandarin              9 drops

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

“Dreams”

Allow your dreams to point the way –

Clary Sage            5 drops

Peru Balsam        10 drops

Nutmeg                5 drops

Lavender             5 drops

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

Anoint yourself with pure essential oils

Anoint yourself with 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!

“Psychic River”

Open your psychic channels – anoint your third eye chakra

Basil                1 drop

Frankincense   1 drop

Bergamot        1 drop

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

“Speak the Truth”

Let your knowledge flow – anoint your throat chakra –

Sage          1 drop

Myrrh         1 drop

Geranium   1 drop

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

“The Heart Knows”

Rely on your intuition which may speak through your heart –

Rosewood     1 drop

Rose 3%        2 drops * see my article for more info on 3% blends in jojoba

Patchouli        1 drop

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

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

 

 

Judgement – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

Judgement - XX in the Rider-Waite deck

Judgement – XX in the Rider-Waite deck

Number 20 in the major arcana is the Judgement card. There’s quite a few dead people and the Angel Gabriel heralding a message from God. I do like this card, and as with many of the tarot cards, at first glance it looks a bit creepy but has a positive message. This card is about truth and dharma, how you live your life. When the “judgement day” comes, and you are called to the pearly gates of heaven, can you say you have lived your life with purpose and in your own truth? Have you inspired others to reach their personal heights? Have you remained true to the laws of the universe? Have you been kind to others?

? sneakily borrowed from biodagar.com

? pic via biodagar.com

When this card comes to you in a reading it may be suggesting you need to re-focus your energy, get yourself back on track. It could be a call to move forward in your life and allow your real self to emerge. Shed your skin and don’t be afraid to embrace your higher purpose, your dharma, your spirituality.

This could be a time to try to see things from a new perspective, which could in turn lead to you making positive changes in your life.

angel gabriel blowing his horn - gabe aguilar pic via finaartamerica.com

angel gabriel blowing his horn – gabe aguilar pic via fineartamerica.com

Call on the Archangel Gabriel (the healer) to help you find your true purpose in life and use some essential oils with your very best intention.

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 50 ml 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”

“Release”

Allow yourself to shed the old –

Juniper        3 drops

Rosewood   3 drops

Lavender     2 drops

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“What is My Purpose in Life?”

Find your dharma –

Petitgrain                     3 drops

Cedarwood Virginian    2 drops

Cinnamon                    2 drops

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“Healing”

Gabriel will help you emerge as a healed soul –

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

Nutmeg           2 drops

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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!

“Back on Track”

Re-focus to what really matters to you –

Basil              1 drop

Orange          2 drops

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“Movin’ On”

Keep going!

Rosemary     1 drop

May Chang   2 drops

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“Transformation!”

Emerge as a new person –

Spikenard     1 drop

Lime              2 drops

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

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

 

 

 

Spikenard – an Essential Oil with a Rich History and a Heady Scent

Nardostachys grandiflora or Nardostachys jatamansi pic via www.medievalcookery.com

Nardostachys grandiflora or Nardostachys jatamansi pic via http://www.medievalcookery.com

In a recent article I included spikenard in one of my recipes – see The Hierophant – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils. It is commonly called spikenard, nard and the Indian name jatamansi (which is what I call it in my mind).

When I posted the link on my Facebook page one of my friends read the article (thanks Jason), and wanted to know more about this oil. My brief comments went something like this:

It’s an oil of the bible and the story is that Mary used this to bathe Jesus feet, and it was said to cost as much as a year’s wages. It has history in other religions and appears connected to the first and second Temples of Jerusalem. Used in Ayurveda it’s great for healing and a deep connection to spirit.

So that is a quick look at the oil and I thought I’d elaborate because it’s so amazing. This is a strong oil and belongs to the same family as Valerian, Valerianaceae. I must say I’ve never used Valerian oil in my practice, as even the scent of Valerian tea is super strong and if you’ve ever taken an herbal sleep formula with Valerian, you can smell it as soon as you open the bottle!

So spikenard has the same deep, base, intensity that valerian has, and also the vetiver root (even though vetiver is more like a grass). As with vetiver oil, the rhizomes of the spikenard plant hold the essential oil. It’s sweet, heavy and almost syrupy as it flares out of the bottle. One or two drops is enough in any formula to invoke the meta-physical properties of the oil, and to bring an oil blend together and give it substance.

spikenard flower - pic via www.rkessentialoil.com

spikenard flower – pic via http://www.rkessentialoil.com

As with many essential oils, the plants have been used for centuries for both healing and  religious and spiritual ceremonies. We are relying on ancient texts to illuminate us on the uses of these plants and also the scholars who translate them. It is always fascinating to me that thousands of years ago great healers knew what the plants were good for even though they had no scientific means of measuring their components. So is this intuition, trial and error, or a combo of both? However we look at it, it is a gift from the universe and our modern medicine would be nowhere today without this ancient knowledge.

There is so much to write about here I’ll just touch on the most interesting references to this oil. Said to have been used in the Temple of Solomon, the First Temple of Jerusalem (circa 800 BC)  and the Second temple (circa 530 BC onward to about 70 BC), in the incense called Ketoret mentioned n the Hebrew Bible and other texts. Ketoret is also very similar to the Egyptian incense called kyphi too which was recorded in the Pyramid texts dating back to 2300BC. Also talked about in the Bible, as mentioned above, this plant was used in Greek and Roman healing and ceremonies, and even used in medieval cookery. And as jatamansi, it’s been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years too, especially for grounding Vata, helping digestion and and as a heart tonic.

spikenard - pic via www.aroma-pure.com

spikenard – pic via http://www.aroma-pure.com

Ok so what is spikenard used for in modern Aromatherapy?

* as a calming tonic for someone freaking out (as is valerian and vetiver)

* to induce sleep

* to act as a calming digestive tonic

* as a wound healing oil by acting as a anti-bacterial agent and also an anti-inflammatory

* as an oil for meditation to induce a soothing, calming energy to connect to higher consciousness

* as a base oil to bring an oil blend together

* to stimulate hormone production

* for mature and dry skins

When you use this oil, use it sparingly like you would do with Vetiver. The secrets of the universe are encoded in every drop of oil!

copyright suzannerbanks 2013

The Hierophant – A Tarot Card Reading with Essential Oils

 

The Hierophant - V in the Rider-Waite Deck

The Hierophant – V in the Rider-Waite Deck

I must say when I was learning about the tarot I never really got a strong vibe for this card when it came up in a reading. Perhaps it was the religious imagery I didn’t like, even though the main figure seems quite kind and placid. The monks in the foreground are being blessed by the priest, holding a triple cross – religious overload! As with all tarot cards there are many symbols embedded in the image that spark reactions and hint to meanings of the card in general.

graduation - pic via celebrationandpartyblog.com

graduation – pic via celebrationandpartyblog.com

Anyway, The Hierophant is here to let us know that if we are studying, learning anything in any form, we now have the power to take it to the next level. It could also mean we need a deeper understanding of our spirituality and this could be the sign we need to take that step. This card also represents marriage ordained by the church and religious elders.

Are you being challenged by an authority figure or feeling controlled by an institution? If so, The Hierophant will show up helping you to release your feelings of being blocked by others. Maybe this is a time to keep your continuing spiritual practice (going deeper within) and allow others – who appear to have authority – continue on their path. It may also indicate that this is a time not to rock the boat, but to abide by the rules and laws that govern us. It indicates the opposite to having free will and being totally creative.

pic via radioadelaidebreakfast.wordpress.com

pic via radioadelaidebreakfast.wordpress.com

It is a great card to meditate on now for those who are demanding marriage equality. We need balance with the relationship between the people, those in power, and our growing need for a deeper spiritual connection between us all. So I suppose this card is also about fairness and equality.

What essential oils could embody this card? The issues are fairness, marriage, deeper spirituality and the balance of power. Hmmmm.

 

Just use any mist bottle you can find

Just use any mist bottle you can find

1. Personal Aura Cleansing Mist & Room Mist

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

“Will You Same Sex Marry Me”

Propose now, why wait?

Sandalwood Indian       8 drops

Petitgrain                       10 drops

Ylang Ylang                    4 drops

Rose Geranium           3 drops

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“My Own Mantra”

Release the bonds of traditional religions and find a deeper spirituality –

Cypress                    10 drops

Orange                    10 drops

Cedarwood Atlas    5 drops

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“I’ll Agree to Disagree”

Follow the rules this time to make it easier –

Lavender      8 drops

Ginger          8 drops

Lime              8 drops

Vetiver          1 drop

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Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

Take a huge whiff to change your focus in seconds

 

2. Open The Bottle and Take a Huge Whiff

German Chamomile – instant relaxation

Palmarosa – being flexible with inflexible rules

Spikenard – a deep connection to spirituality

Juniper – release the old and unwanted

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