Vetiver: The Oil of Tranquility

Vetiver: The Oil of Tranquility

by | Aromatics

Our 21st century living has created a pandemic of a different kind.  This pandemic has crept into people’s hearts and minds, giving rise to feelings of anxiety, fear, uncertainty and worry.  Difficulty making decisions, concentrating on daily tasks and a rising lack of confidence begin to erode our sense of purpose, accomplishment and personal power. What is this pandemic?  Very bluntly, it is called Stress.

 

Stress can be of an acute or chronic nature.  Acute stress comes on quickly and resolves quickly.  The mind-body connection can recalibrate and return to normal balance in a relatively short time. The mind-body loves normal, healthy balance; it functions best when this is its default setting.  Chronic stress is different.  A mind-body undergoing relentless stresses cannot find the way back to normal healthy balance in a short time.  The longer the stress level remains, the more exhaustion is experienced in the mind-body.  This can lead to physical illnesses and low immunity.  But the toll on the emotional functioning is overwhelming – and this affects all aspects of healthy, happy living.

 

Research has shown that certain essential oils have a calming effect upon the mind-body and if used correctly, can help balance out the over-reactions to stress. In Ayurvedic medicine, the stresses of the 21st century are said to have a negative effect upon the Root Chakra.  The Root Chakra is a foundational energy center – it is where our sense of security, trust and vitality “take root” so to speak! When we are not feeling grounded (“rooted”) in these qualities, it is difficult to proceed with daily activities, decisions and courage.  The Root Chakra is the base upon which all other chakras can draw strength. Stress knocks us off our Root Chakra.  In its place, we experience mistrust, fear, indecision and exhaustion. Exhaustion can occur on all levels of functioning:  mental, emotional, physical and spiritual.  As you can see, none of this is a healthy, happy place to be.

 

Enter Vetiver essential oil.  Vetiver belongs to the botanical family Poaceae (formerly Graminaceae), the botanical genus Vetiveria and is a cousin to sugar cane and lemongrass.  There are two naturally occurring species:  zizanoides and lawsonni.  The essential oil is distilled from the fibrous, filament, extremely long roots and is extensively used in perfumery as a fixative.  It has a deep, woody, earthy, sweet aroma. Its high concentration of sesquiterpenes accounts for most of its calming, centering effect upon the mind-body connection. Vetiver essential oil helps with resetting the nervous system, strengthening the immune system, improving local circulation, and reducing inflammation of joints, muscles and connective tissues.  For thousands of years, this grass has been used in India to prevent erosion along waterways and is currently used in several parts of the world for just this purpose.  Vetiver is used to improve the quality of drinking water.  It is said that a powder of this root, when added to wells and reservoirs, will transform cloudy, smelly and stagnant water into clean water. And that’s just the short list of what it can do!

 

During this covid year, we have seen more and more people succumb to the stresses placed upon them, their families and communities. It is no surprise that at the Wellness Centre, we have incorporated Vetiver essential oil into most of the blends that people are using.  The “Oil of Tranquility” has offered a much-needed break from the underlying, relentless stresses they feel.  Resetting one’s stress meter to a more manageable level is, in fact, a way of “circuit breaking’ the effects of stress on the mind-body.  Being such a calming, centering oil and because it is derived from the root of the plant, it has an affinity to help with the issues surrounding Root Chakra imbalance or blockages.  Strengthening and balancing the Root Chakra energy means strengthening and balancing one’s foundation. This translates into having a more positive effect upon the feelings of trust, security, confidence and vitality.  In turn, this affords the person a way to improve their level of concentration, decision-making, activities and courage.  And up the Chakra ladder it goes!

 

Vetiver essential oil helps ground after experiencing a shock. It helps one to get centered and assists with lessening flashbacks. This oil can assist with improved sleep. It helps to process grief. Vetiver offers a steady hand when the world seems topsy-turvy. And it helps support the adrenal glands, which are over-worked and/or exhausted because of prolonged stress. Spiritually, Vetiver is said to invoke wisdom, compassion and self honour. It helps one feel connected to both Earth and the Universe – with a knowing/understanding that we are not alone in this journey on Earth. It gives the gift of a sense of belonging.

 

Those who come to the Wellness Centre know that we offer two types of Vetiver essential oil: vetiver and Rhus Khus.   Both come from India, but only Rhus Khus comes from a specific area in northern India.  There is a saying:  All Rhus Khus is Vetiver, but not all Vetiver is Rhus Khus.  There seems to be a stronger, more magical effect associated with the northern Indian Rhus Khus than that of its relatives. However, all Vetivers will help reset the stress meter – some people may need stronger help at certain times than other people do.

 

The Stress Pandemic continues on.  Perhaps it’s time to include the Oil of Tranquility in your self-care practices to help offset the effects stress has on your mind-body-spirit.  This is something under your control at a time when the world seems out of control.  Vetiver is not going anywhere – it has been here to help for thousands of years and will continue to be here to help us navigate this pandemic.  This plant and its oil will not give in or give up!  It’s a great ally to have on our side.

Aromatherapy and Astrology

Aromatherapy and Astrology

by | Aromatics

In recent weeks, there have been several people asking about “magical aromatherapy” and use of aromatherapy with astrology.  I often answer with, “Isn’t all aromatherapy “magical” in its way of creating changes to our thoughts, feelings and actions? Is it necessary to link a scent to a sign?”  Looking at their faces, it was apparent that these were not the answers they were looking for.

It is true that aromatics have been used for thousands of years to invoke the blessings of the supernatural, receive support from the otherworldly and obtain protection strength, wisdom and love from celestial beings and guides.  The ancient belief and action that our prayers and wishes were sent to the heavens on aromatic smoke can be found in many cultures from around the world.  So it could be that there have been certain scents associated with the planets, signs and elements used in astrology.

So I went looking for some information on astrology and aromatherapy connections and found what I was looking for in Richard and Iona Miller’s book, The Magical and Ritual Use of Perfumes. Here are a few notes taken directly from their book.

The attributes of scents in Astrology can be divided into three types:

  1. Scents that correspond to the four elements
  2. Scents that correspond to the planets
  3. Scents that share harmonies with the signs of the zodiac

The simplest division of the astrological signs of the zodiac is into the four elements: 

Fire element:       Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Water element:  Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Air element:        Gemini, Aquarius, Libra
Earth element:    Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

This division reflects the division of the circle, as a symbol of wholeness, into four quadrants.  This division is an expression of the potential characteristics of Balance, Solidity and Regularity. Historically, attributes assigned to these four elements were used to explain our existence.  Fire and Air were thought to express masculine qualities – active, positive, creative.  Water and Earth were thought to express feminine qualities – passive, negative, receptive or yielding.  These qualities could be found in both women and men. If balanced, one was considered “whole”.

Those of you familiar with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) will recognize the use of 5 elemental categories for diagnosis and treatment within TCM. Mind-body therapists and many energy healers will describe function, flow and dis-ease with terms relating to the elements. Elements are also considered when classifying the energies and healing potential of crystals.  So it is not a stretch to see that astrology also attributes elemental properties to its practice.  Each astrological element is further described in Millers’ book – see if you can identify the similarities to elements found in TCM, energy healing and crystal therapy:

Fire is known as the spiritual element and is associated with aspiration, energy, purification and transformation     (action, passion, destruction & rebuilding)

Water is the universal medium, the unfathomable depths of the human subconscious
(all about emotions & feelings)

Air is associated with breath, soul and flights of the imagination
(thoughts, thinking & analysis)

Earth expresses solidity, practicality and represents the physical body
(substance, grounding & foundation)

The ideal, or perfected, person is one who is a combination of all these forces/elements in balance.

Some of the aromas associated with these four elements include:

Fire:       Coriander, Basil, Cinnamon, Olibanum
Water:  Jasmine, Lemon, Birch, Spikenard
Air:         Galbanum, Fennel, Lavender, Mastic
Earth:    Vetiver, Verbena, Dill, Rose

It is thought that when one needs to balance their elements, you can inhale and/or apply an aroma from the element or elements you need in order to restore balance and wholeness.

Most people know their zodiac sign. The Millers list several aromatic oils for each of the 12 astrological signs.  These were chosen for their ability to support the tendencies and traits of each sign. Other authors may have other aromas to add, but this is a fair place to start:

Aries:       Coriander, Pine, Basil, Cinnamon, Tarragon, Cardamon
Taurus:    Geranium, Dill, Jasmine, Myrtle, Patchouli, Vanilla
Gemini:   Anise, Lavender, Mace, Basil, Mastic, Bay
Cancer:    Jasmine, Aloe, Lemon, Lavender, Orris, Spikenard
Leo:          Cinnamon, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Ambergris, Olibanum, Allspice
Virgo:       Mastic, Olibanum, Lavender, Spearmint, Fennel, Bergamot
Libra:       Rose, Birch, Galbanum, Cypress, Spearmint, Cedar
Scorpio:   Musk, Pine, Allspice, Galangal, Ginger, Violet
Sagittarius:  Hyssop, Dill, Clove, Aloe, Cedar, Pine
Capricorn:    Cedar, Vetiver, Wormwood, Myrrh, Bay, Cypress
Aquarius:     Myrrh, Spearmint, Pine, Bergamot, Cypress, Eucalyptus
Pisces:          Violet, Patchouli, Nutmeg, Cedar, Anise, Pine

And so, you may ask, how would you use these oils?  Good question!  Find your zodiac sign and its element and choose an oil that you like.  Sit quietly and gently inhale this oil with the intent of supporting the qualities of your element and zodiac sign that you feel you need or want to enhance.  Feel the aroma enter every cell in your body as it infuses you with these qualities. Visualize yourself with these qualities. As you go about your day, have your chosen oil handy for sniffing any time you need to remind yourself of the qualities you are strengthening.  This is an “aromatic memory anchor” that will help you to stay on track with your plan.

Another way would be to take an aromatic bath using oils that support your sign and its elemental category.  Luxuriate in the aroma, warm water and quiet time just for you!  Or make yourself a massage oil and apply it to areas where you have stress or areas that are known to be associated with your astrological sign.  Drops on a tissue, in a spray or on your pillow at night are other ways to invite the aroma into your world.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.  Have fun exploring the oils and aromas associated with your sign.  Discover for yourself what works / doesn’t work for you.  Support the positives and diminish the negatives. Know that you are following an aromatic tradition that goes back many, many generations.  The power of the perfumes is for real!

Hands and Life Connection

Hands and Life Connection

by | Energetics, Life Reflections

While cleaning up the Spring gardens, I became acutely aware of the look, feel and strength of my hands.  I suppose when one is crawling under and over things to get those last few weeds, then dumping and spreading 18 bags of manure, compost and soil to bump up the gardens, it becomes crystal clear that none of this could be done without working hands.  And as is my habit, once I get a revealing thought, I take it an extra mile!

Hands.  In Chakra energy theory, the hands are an extension of the Heart Chakra.  They will either push away or pull towards using the energy of the Heart.  The hands have their own chakras – the palms of our hands are powerful transmitters of Heart Chakra loving energy. Think of hugs, caresses and any activity that brings you joy. Those same hand chakras in an unbalanced state may shut down and refuse to send out loving energy.  Think of slaps, fists and anything that brings you grief, anger or hate.

In her book, A Gift for Healing, Deborah Cowens writes:

“The hands are themselves great works of art.  They possess beauty, power and utility.  In the hands, raw strength, miraculous precision and musical dexterity become one.  The hands can build bridges, sculpt stone, type, tie flies and perform surgery.  All the power of our minds, hearts and souls are concentrated in our hands, which is why they are capable of reshaping the world.  Who can deny that they possess a unique and even awesome power?  That power flows from your hands and you can use it to heal.”

Hands help us learn about our world, participate in our world, connect with that which offers us pleasure, joy, pain, sorrow and more.  Create, destroy, nurture, ignore, discover or retreat – hands help us do all this and much more.  Young hands in search of new adventures. Older hands understanding how it all comes together.  A place for everyone and every hand.

It is quite common to hear of people having issues with arthritis in their hands. Arthritis is an inflammatory process with stiffness of the joints which can, over time, create permanent damage.  It can also be a result of the wear and tear of everyday life on specific joints in the body that eventually wear out. There are many types of arthritis – some are easier to manage than others.  In mind-body connection theory, arthritis is connected with our innermost feelings about the movement we are taking, what we are doing within that movement or the direction we are going in.  According to Debbie Shapiro in her book, The Bodymind Workbook, she describes arthritis in more detail:

“There may be a sensation of the energy pulling back from moving forward, maybe out of fear of the movement or because we would really rather be doing something or going somewhere different.  This state also indicates self-criticism (stiffness), lack of self-worth, fear, anger (inflammation) and bitterness (pain).  There can be a sense of being tied down, restricted, restrained and confined.  There can be also a developing inability to bend, to be mentally flexible or to be able to surrender. This can reflect a lack of self-trust as well as a hardening attitude toward life.  These feelings are usually about ourselves but rather than being acknowledged inwardly, they are usually projected outwardly towards others.”

If our hands are expressions of Heart Chakra energy and connections to our world, then the arthritic condition may be indicating our true inner wish for a different direction or different situation to help us feel more joyful in this world.  The longer we deny our true feelings and wishes, the more prevalent the arthritis can become.  What would it take to decide that our own feelings and dreams deserve to be heard and respected?  What would it take to surrender into our own inner sanctum – our inner heart – for self love and acceptance?  Or surrender into the arms of the Divine to just be and know that we are Enough?  Answer these questions and you open up opportunities for growth, love and joy.  Always your choice and under your control.

In the book, Earth Prayers from Around the World, Dianne Neu wrote a poem/prayer entitled, “Blessed Be the Work of Your Hands”. It is a fitting ending.

Blessed be the work of your hands, O Holy One
Blessed be the hands that have touched life
Blessed be the hands that have nurtured and created
Blessed be the hands that have held pain
Blessed be the hands that have embraced with passion
Blessed be the hands that have tended gardens
Blessed be the hands that have closed in anger
Blessed be the hands that have planted new seeds
Blessed be the hands that have harvested ripe fields
Blessed be the hands that have cleaned, washed, mopped and scrubbed
Blessed be the hands that have become knotty with age
Blessed be the hands that have wrinkled and scarred from doing justice
Blessed be the hands that have reached out and been received
Blessed be the hands that have held the promise of the future
Blessed be the work of your hands, O Holy One.

Embracing the Promise of Spring

Embracing the Promise of Spring

by | Life Reflections, Psycho-Spiritual

From our earliest days, Springtime has meant renewal, rebirth and new beginnings.  Look to Nature for proof of the ever-present cycle of birth, death and rebirth in our world. It’s in our gardens, forests and fields.  It’s in the flora, fauna and fish.  And it has been in the human psyche from times “long ago and far away”.  Shaking off the weight and weariness of winter isolation and hibernation, we “spring” into a more open way of being and doing in Springtime.

All rituals connected to clearing out the old and unneeded in order to make room for something new and exciting, come from this core knowing.  We do our Spring Cleaning as a way to say good-bye to the old and hello to the new.  Houses, yards, vehicles, offices and any other space that we have can get a lift from this. Reorganize, redecorate, renovate, revise – just move and transform that old energy out and about! And when we are finished, the new space feels fantastic! New potential gets infused into the final product. New ideas, dreams and actions can spring forth from this new place. And within us, a sense of satisfaction feels good.  If our outer world can be energized and expanded by Springtime energy and actions, what could our inner world do with all this?

Winter is seen as a time of the inner journey – a time to reflect and review our truths, our failings and our dreams for ourselves. Inner reflection takes time and energy;  we need to be still in order to hear our inner voice. Winter offers us the gift of stillness, should we wish it.  But with the stirrings of Springtime, we have an opportunity to use the information gleaned from our quiet time to help us shape our life path, present and future.  If something needs changing or fixing, fix it!  If something needs a new approach or attitude, embrace it!  If we don’t know something, get the info needed!  If a relationship needs to change, then change it!  Bring what was learned or dreamed out from the inner journey and into the real world. Springtime brings forth a burst of new energy, potential and life – maybe this is something you need in your life, too.

Perhaps you know someone who describes all sorts of wonderful things that they plan to do, or wonderful changes they plan to make for themselves yet these never come to fruition.  Many folks believe that all you have to do is think about these wonderful things and they will somehow appear. (Please note: this is not the same as using the Law of Attraction where thoughts can truly manifest; there is much more to the LOA process).  And when nothing manifests for them, these folks have many reasons for the “no-show”. Perhaps on some level these folks believe that they do not deserve such improvement in their lives. Perhaps there is a deep sabotaging pattern that blocks anything positive from entering their world. Maybe being a victim is more comfortable to them. Or maybe being a dreamer is safer and less trouble to them than being responsible for actually taking action and creating the reality. The point is that having the idea is not the same as putting the idea into action. There is a saying, “Walk your Talk.”  In a nutshell, that is what Springtime can do for us.

The energy of Springtime is one of creativity, expansion and blossoming.  The potential to create something beautiful is everywhere.  Using Springtime as a metaphor for personal development helps us to remember how magnificent we really are. With the proper conditions – food, water, sunshine, soil and a knowing that there is more to living – a seed bursts through the ground and transforms from a seed, to a seedling, to a growing plant and finally to its full magnificence. We, too, can create a newer way of being for ourselves and our world. Just start with a seed (the thought/idea/dream) and nurture it to fruition.  Nurturing can take many forms, but essentially anything or anyone that helps us to shine our True Essence in the world and encourages us to be Happy, is nurturing.

As is true with most things, we must nurture ourselves first before we can expect others to nurture us. If we can’t (or won’t) give ourselves what we need to show the world our true nature and be happy with ourselves and others, then why should anyone else bother?  It is a case of positive self-worth and self-esteem that helps us to give and receive in a balanced way. When we are in balance with the rhythm of life, there is no limit to the way we can manifest. Follow Springtime’s lead and you will see yourself blossom and grow..

DID YOU KNOW …..

  • The month of March is named after Mars, the god of war.
  • In the Julian calendar, March 25th was considered New Year’s Day, as it was the date when annual leases for homes and farms were signed. When the Gregorian calendar was instituted, New Year’s Day was moved to January 1st.
  • Spring Equinox occurs in March – it is when day and night are of equal hours, hence the name Equinox.
  • March’s messages:  To grow, To prosper, To explore
  • Traditional spells for this month include those for money and personal growth
Be My Valentine

Be My Valentine

by | Aromatics, Life Reflections

February 14th is Valentine’s Day.  A day for love, lovers and wishes coming true.  Cupid, love potions, romance and roses are just some of the themes of this day.  No one special in your life?  Not so!  It is also a time to fall in love with yourself – acknowledging the precious gift you are. Here are a few suggestions to help make Valentine’s Day a special celebration.

Aromatherapy has long been used to awaken both love and sexuality in both men and women.  It was well-known that Cleopatra would have her staff soak the sails of her ship in rose oil and rose water, so that the wind would carry the scented message of her impending arrival to her lover, Mark Anthony. I don’t have to tell you what those two crazy kids got up to, once she got to shore!  History has shown that certain oils can create quite a stirring of the heart (and other parts!).  Some of the more commonly used essential oils for love, romance and passion include:

 

Florals:   Rose, Jasmine, Neroli, Lavender, Ylang-Ylang
Woods:  Sandalwood, Amyris, Cedarwood
Citrus:    Bergamot, Orange
Spices:   Cinnamon,  Cardamom, Ginger
Herbs, Leaves & Roots:  Patchouli, Clary-Sage, Vetiver, Vanilla

Those of you who are familiar with the Chakra energy system will note that most of these oils also have an affinity for the Heart and Sacral chakras, which are associated with Love and Passion.  These essential oils can be used in a room diffuser, a bath, a body oil or cream to help create a romantic ambiance and to increase passionate actions (wink-wink-nudge-nudge).  But remember:  the aroma will work only if you and your partner enjoy it. Just because the book says an oil is an aphrodisiac, doesn’t mean it will always have that effect. If you or your partner can’t stand the aroma, it just won’t work!

In crystal therapy,  Rose Quartz is the quintessential choice for Unconditional Love.  Its gentle pink nature has a softness, kindness and steadiness that is both comforting and nurturing.  Used to help all sorts of heart ache, its all-loving nature is a balm to the weary, lonely and grieving.  There are other crystals that will assist with passion (eg.Carnelian, Fire Agate) and love-spells (eg. Fire Opal), but it is Rose Quartz that helps us extend love to everyone – including ourselves. Rose Quartz can be worn as a pendant over the Heart chakra to support loving thoughts and actions.  It can also be placed under your pillow or bed to foster a loving relationship with a partner.  Anyone can benefit from this gentle, loving crystal.

What would happen if you combined aromatics and crystals?  In addition to the suggestions above, Michael Istad has a recipe for an Unconditional Love drink that combines traditional Ayurvedic herbs and spices with Rose Quartz crystals. This recipe is meant to be shared with those you love to increase the love between and around all of you. It is taken from his book, The Herball’s Guide to Botanical Drinks.

Unconditional Love Tea
20g. (3/4oz)  cinnamon sticks, powdered
15g. (1/2oz)   dried ginger root
5g.    (1 tsp.)  dried ashwagandha root
5g.    (1 tsp.)  dried shatavari root
15g.  (1/2oz)  dried rose petals
10g.  (1/4oz)  dried rosehips
30g.  (1oz)  dried tulsi
3-4  rough pieces of Rose Quartz

* Mix all the dried herbs together in a large bowl, then decant into a sealable pouch or jar.  Store away from direct sunlight.
* Cleanse the crystals, by first rinsing and gently scrubbing them under running water.  Then place in the sun for a few hours.  whisper some loving thoughts or love poetry to them.  Place the crystals in a heated oven on a low heat (60-70 C./ 140-158 F) for 15 minutes or until hot.  Gently place hot crystals in teacups.
* To serve 3-4 people: Take 6 heaping teaspoons of the herb blend, place into teapot, pour over freshly boiled water.  Infuse with lid on for 5-6 minutes, then strain and serve in teacups over the warm pieces of rose quartz. Savour and enjoy!

If you can’t find these herbs, why not create your own special tea blend from dried herbs you love? Herbs and Spices make a wonderful drink. Remember: It is the intention with which you create these teas that adds your own magic touch to the final product. May your tea be infused with the magic of Love.

To round out our Valentine’s Day celebrations, we turn to Robbi Zeck ND – author of the book, The Blossoming Heart – for some final suggestions on how to keep our hearts open and our lives filled with grace and gratitude. Consider these:

  • Create beauty in the environment in which you live
  • Say something positive or smile to at least one person every day
  • Do what you love and love what you do
  • Clear out your clutter
  • Recognize your gifts and talents
  • Every evening before sleeping, acknowledge all that you are grateful for
  • Every morning on waking, say thank you for another day of living and loving
  • Play, have fun, laugh
  • Open to love and the sensation of beauty within you
  • Show the people you love, your love.

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!  May your loving actions and attitudes carry on long after February 14th.

DID YOU KNOW …..

  • Who looks outside, dreams;  who looks inside, awakens.  Carl Jung
  • May there be light for you in dark places when all other lights go out.  J.R.R.Tolkien
  • You can’t depend upon your judgement when your imagination is out of flow.  Mark Twain
  • May the moon and stars pour their healing lights on you. Deep peace of a quiet earth to you.   Celtic Blessing
  • Our sense of worth is the single most important determinant of the health, abundance and joy we allow into our lives.  Dan Millman