Aromatherapy: Properties of Vetivert Oil

Vetivert offers a grassy, woody scent that is very clean and refreshing, like the scent of newly mown hay. It is produced from the rootstock of certain grasses and has significant appli-cation in both magickal and healing venues.

Planetary Influence: Jupiter

Secondary Planet: Uranus

Elemental Association: Earth

Secondary Element: Water

Zodiac Influence: Taurus, Scorpio

Mental/Emotional Effects: Lifts fear, strengthens against temptation

Healing Properties: Reduces anxiety, helps to relieve obsessions, mild sedative effect.

Magical Properties: Protection against enemies, magical or otherwise.

Aromatherapy: Oil Blends

As far as the actual physical preparation of an aromatherapy blend is concerned, the original method learned twenty years ago is as valid and workable in my own practice as it ever was. Personal preference demands that blending be done in small quantities. Although many essential oils have a considerably lengthy shelf life, my own preference is to have each blend as fresh as possible. For this reason, no more than one dram of oil is prepared at a time.

Continue reading Aromatherapy: Oil Blends

Aromatherapy: Methods of Blending Oil

In most practices, all that will be needed in order conduct the business of oil blending will be a selection of eyedroppers, some alcohol, vials or other containers to house the finished creation, and a workbook in which to record the insights of experimental work, the development of various formulae, and any information that may be pertinent to research and ongoing aromatherapy practice.

Continue reading Aromatherapy: Methods of Blending Oil

Aromatherapy: Properties of Ylang Ylang Oil

Ylang ylang is one of the more exotic scents. It is the fragrance of the idealist, the dreamer, the poet, and the spiritual adventurer. Even its name speaks of exotic beauty, meaning “flower of flowers.” The pleasant fragrance extracted from the flowers of the ylang ylang tree lends itself to an entire array of emotional arousal. Its unique exotic fragrance makes it a favorite scent as a meditation aid for spiritual pursuit as well as a lavish ingredient connected with the pursuit of luxury in an aromatic bath. It lends itself equally well to the pleasured pursuit of godly glory and the glorious pursuit of godly pleasures. It cultivates the exotically spiritual and, as an aphrodisiac, serves the spirit of the exotic.

Continue reading Aromatherapy: Properties of Ylang Ylang Oil

Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Applications

In aromatherapy practice, healing methods may employ fragrance in a number of ways. The ultimate purpose is to deliver the virtues of the scent to the client in a way that will most benefit his or her condition to ease or alleviate the complaint.

Depending on the nature of the specific ailment, different methods of delivery may be chosen.

Continue reading Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Applications

Aromatherapy: How to Apply Scent

In the most basic translation, aromatherapy is the art of healing through aromatic substances. Yet, in application, the art of scent treatment has a dual action. Through instinctual response, like that of an animal that is equally aware (and equally stimulated) by the scent of an approaching enemy or a potential mate, our sense of smell is connected to a whole array of inborn response mechanisms. Our gut reaction to this smell or that is a touch of the wonder and bounty of nature’s design.

Continue reading Aromatherapy: How to Apply Scent

Aromatherapy: Direct Therapeutic Application Formula

5-7 drops pure essential oil, oil blend, or direct application oil 1-2 teaspoons carrier oil Alternatively, oil may be mixed well into 1-2 teaspoons of unscented body cream, lanolin, or aloe vera cream instead of carrier oil. Be certain it is mixed thoroughly.

In some cases, an aromatherapy remedy can be applied directly to the affected area, particularly in the case of muscle ailments. A word of caution: do not apply the remedy to an area where the skin is broken!

Continue reading Aromatherapy: Direct Therapeutic Application Formula

Aromatherapy: Magical Applications

Magical application also involves a limited number of traditional transmittal methods for employing the virtues of fragrant blends. Perfume oils may be prepared to be worn by the subject of the magical aromatherapy endeavor. These may take two forms. One is designed to exert influence on the wearer of the scent.

The other may be intended to influence those who may come in contact with the aromatherapy subject. Oil blends may also be used in connection with magical rites. Such is-the case when employing a scent in an incense, ritual bath, or in anointing the person or a symbol of the person with the scented blend (as in the case of sympathetic candle magic).

Continue reading Aromatherapy: Magical Applications

Aromatherapy: Direct and Indirect Applications

Perfume Oil

Pure essential oil

Although there are some perfume oils produced by the addition of the essential blend into a solvent, like alcohol, the pure essentials will serve well. As always, the responsible aroma therapist will be on guard for irritant qualities in the components of the specific magical formulas. This effect may be lessened by the use of a carrier oil for a base.

Anointing Oil

Pure essential oil

Be aware that anointing oil may be used for application to an inanimate symbolic representation of a person or directly on the individual. If the preparation is to come into contact with the skin, the appropriate observations and cautions should be observed.

Indirect Application

Scented Waters

7-8 drams pure essential oil or oil blend 3.5-4 quarts water (distilled water is a personal preference) 1/4-3/4 cup alcohol.

Floor Washes

1 gallon commercial floor cleaner (if a concentrate, enough to make one gallon of solution) 4-7 drams pure essential oil or oil blend Be careful. This preparation is used to treat the living surroundings by washing the floor with it. Too much oil will leave a dangerous, slippery residue on the floor, which may result in physical mishaps for those who walk on the treated surface.

Spray Mist

100-150 drops of essential oil (3/4-l dram) 4 fluid ounces of water alcohol (ONLY if needed to thin out some of the thicker essential oils to produce a smoother product). This mixture is applied using a normal water spray bottle.

Incense

50-100 drops pure essential oil or oil blend 1-1.5 ounces powdered base (Two base incenses that seem to work particularly well are cedar dust and ground orris root)

Sprinkling Powders

50-100 drops pure essential oil or oil blend 2/3 – 1.5 ounces powder base. There are a variety of powders that may be used. The base should not be as granular as the base used for incense, but not so fine as the powders used cosmetically, like talcum powder or dusting powder, either. Many prefer ground herbs like orris root or gum mastic.

There is at least one practitioner that swears by ground galangal root. In a desperate situation with no other substance readily available, I’ve seen ground corn meal used as an effective powder base. However, many prefer to steer clear of foodstuffs to avoid the inevitable attraction of our creeping, crawling friends that may view it as an opportunity to feast.