Mixing Essential Oils for Magic: Aromatic Alchemy for Personal Blends (17 page)

111

112 Summary

While there are no hard and fast rules for blending scents, we looked at some of the guidelines to help us choose and experiment wisely. Understanding the importance of

botanical names and becoming familiar with their meaning helps us identify the exact oil that we want. In the botanical family selection method we learned how oils from related plants tend to blend nicely together. This also gave us a peek at the interconnected relationships of some plants. While this selection method results in a smaller number of oils from which to choose, it helps us learn how using indirect magical associations can strengthen and support our core intentions.

The scent group method for creating oil blends gave us another perspective on the relationships between plants. We also learned about the various ways scents have been categorized. From the four groups relating to olfactory nerves to the plethora of 18 devised by perfumer Eugene Rimmel, we found that using a basic group of six aligns more closely with the natural world. Using categories such as woody, herbaceous, floral, spicy, resinous, and citrus are straightforward and meaningful.

Not only does the scent group method widen the pool of oils from which to choose, it also gives us three ways of working with the groups. We can blend oils within their scent group, combine two neighboring groups, or two opposite groups to create any number

of blends that suit our purposes and noses. From another viewpoint, working with the sacred number three and its multiples, sets the stage for magical purposes. Three ways to blend six scent groups results in the very magical number nine to support our aromatic alchemy.

From scent groups we moved on to perfume notes. Although relating scents to mu-

sical scales began with Septimus Piesse it was William Poucher who refined and stream-lined it into the three notes popularly used today. This provided another unique way to combine scents and gave us an additional way of relating to plants. Starting with three oils (sacred three again) —one from each note—helps us learn the unique properties of the oils and how they function with each other. With this understanding we can branch out and explore how more oils can add new dimensions to a blend while providing powerful magical support.

The fourth method for creating a blend was one that I devised. After years of work-

ing with various parts of plants to enhance my rituals and magic work, I classified essential oils accordingly and began to create blends based on the plant part from which oils were extracted. Just as with the botanical family method, this presents a small group of oils from which to choose. However, rather than seeing this as a limitation I used it to Summary 113

strengthen my vision and planning. As a result, I have been profoundly moved and grat-ified by the way this has deepened my work. And then, of course, it’s fun to combine different plant part oils for various purposes. This exploration expands my creativity and helps to personalize each blend.

I feel that through this book the carrier oils are finally given the attention and respect they deserve. Too many sources first recommend picking up any vegetable oil at the supermarket and then gloss over the magical aspects. It’s really a shame because paying attention to the quality and magical potential of these oils enhances and brings so much energy to a blend.

In the oil profiles that follow in Section Two, you will find detailed information about the oils as well as the plants from which they are extracted. In addition to physical descrip-tions, historical backgrounds are included to help us connect with the plants as well as with how people used them in the past. I think this information can help us develop our own connections for the oils, which makes our magic unique and alive.

My vision for this book was to present information that would build confidence for

readers to experiment with creating unique blends while exploring the green world.

While the methods detailed in Section One may be quickly mastered, my intention for

Section Two and the Appendices is to provide reference material that will be useful for you in years to come. I hope your journey into aromatic alchemy inspires your creativity, furthers your magic, and helps to deepen your spiritual practices.

116 Part Two: Oil Profiles

The Essential Oils

allspice: berry oil

cumin

lime: whole fruit oil

allspice: leaf oil

cypress

lime: peel oil

amyris

dill: leaf oil

litsea

angelica: root oil

dill: seed oil

lovage: leaf & stalk oil

angelica: seed oil

elemi

lovage: root oil

anise

eucalyptus, blue gum

mandarin

basil

eucalyptus, lemon

marjoram

bay

fennel, bitter

mugwort

benzoin

fennel, sweet

myrrh

bergamot

fir, balsam: needle oil

myrtle

birch, white

fir, balsam: resin oil

neroli

cajeput

fir, silver: cone oil

niaouli

camphor

fir, silver: needle oil

nutmeg

cananga

frankincense

oakmoss

caraway

galangal

opopanax

cardamom

galbanum

orange, bitter

carrot

geranium, rose

orange, sweet

cassia: bark oil

ginger

oregano

cassia: leaf oil

grapefruit

palmarosa

catnip

helichrysum

parsley

cedarwood, Atlas

hops

patchouli

cedarwood, Virginia

hyssop

pepper, black

celery

jasmine

peppermint

chamomile, German

juniper

petitgrain

chamomile, Roman

labdanum

pine, Scotch

cinnamon: bark oil

lavandin

rose, Damask

cinnamon: leaf oil

lavender, spike

rose, Maroc

citronella

lavender, true

rosemary

clary sage

lemon

sage, common

clove: bud oil

lemon balm

sage, Spanish

clove: leaf oil

lemongrass, East Indian

sandalwood

coriander

lemongrass, West Indian

savory, summer

savory, winter

storax

valerian

snakeroot

tagetes

vetiver

spearmint

tarragon

yarrow

spikenard

tea tree

ylang-ylang

spruce, hemlock

thyme

star anise

turmeric

The Carrier Oils

almond, sweet

evening primrose

pecan

apricot

flax

pomegranate

avocado

grape

rosehip

borage

hazelnut

sesame

camellia

jojoba

sunflower

cranberry

olive

C H A P T E R 8

Essential Oil Profiles

Allspice

Botanical Name
:
Pimenta officinalis
, syn.
P. dioica

Family
:
Myrtaceae

Also Known As
: Jamaican pepper, myrtle pepper, pimenta, pimento berry or leaf Allspice comes from an evergreen tree with leathery leaves, clusters of small, white flowers, and tiny, green berries that turn brown as they ripen. The genus name
Pimenta
comes from the Spanish
pimienta
for black pepper because the dried berries resemble peppercorns. The name allspice was given by English botanist John Ray (1627–1705) who de-

scribed it as tasting like a combination of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Although

Christopher Columbus is attributed with discovering allspice in 1494, it was used by the Mayans for centuries as an ingredient in the embalming process. Indigenous to the West Indies and South America, allspice was introduced into Europe in the 1500s and reached England around 1600. Today allspice is often used as a “pepper” in five-pepper blends.

Oil and Blending Information

Two oils are obtained through steam distillation.

The oil from the leaves is yellowish-red to brownish and has a sweet-spicy scent.

Strength
: 5

Scent Group
: spicy

Perfume Note
: middle

Plant Part
: As Above/Leaves

Warning
: may cause skin irritation

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120 Essential Oil Profiles

The oil from the berries is pale yellow with a sweet, warm, spicy scent.

Strength
: 5

Scent Group
: spicy

Perfume Note
: middle

Plant Part
: As Above/Fruit

Warning
: may cause skin irritation

Magical Uses

Allspice is an oil of attraction and energy (
leaf oil
). It can be employed to attract good luck, money, and love. Its association with spirituality and purification makes allspice a good choice for consecrating amulets, altars, and ritual space. Allspice is a powerful energy raiser, especially for magic. Use it in element magic as well as to manifest abundance (
berry oil
). Other magical uses include communication, courage, determination, friends/friendship, growth (
leaf oil
), healing, kindness, power, prosperity, purpose (
leaf
oil
), strength, and success (
berry oil
).

Correspondences

Zodiac
: Aries, Scorpio

Solar System
: Mars

Elements
: air (
leaf oil
), earth, fire, water (
berry oil
)

Celebration
: Samhain

Amyris

Botanical Name
:
Amyris balsamifera

Family
:
Rutaceae

Also Known As
: candlewood, torchwood, West Indian sandalwood

Amyris was formerly known as West Indian sandalwood oil until 1886 when it was discovered to have no relation to the true sandalwood (
Santalum album
). Amyris’s resinous wood made it useful in the past for lighting, which is the source of its names candlewood and torchwood. Native to the West Indies and South America, amyris is a small, bushy tree with compound leaves (leaflets along a stem) and clusters of small, white flowers.

Essential Oil Profiles 121

Oil and Blending Information

A pale yellow oil is steam distilled from the wood and branches. Its scent is woody and cedar-like with warm, vanilla undertones.

Strength
: 2

Scent Group
: woody

Perfume Note
: base

Plant Part
: So Below/Wood & Bark

Magical Uses

Amyris can be described as Otherworldly because it supports work in the astral realm.

It opens the doorway between the conscious and subconscious areas of the mind stimulating memories and increasing creativity as well as enhancing dream and past-life work.

Amyris aids in releasing misconceptions and negative thoughts, paving the way for self-ac-ceptance, growth, and transformation. This oil is instrumental in attuning to the cycles of the natural world and moon energy as well as personal rhythms. Amyris is also associated with balance, protection, purpose, and strength.

Correspondences

Solar System
: Moon, Venus

Element
: earth

Angelica

Botanical Name
:
Angelica archangelica

Family
:
Apieceae

Also Known As
: angelic herb, archangel, garden angelica

Growing up to six feet tall, angelica’s purple stems support large leaves and umbels (umbrella-shaped clusters) of greenish-white flowers. I have angelica in a corner of my garden where it adds an exotic accent. In Medieval Latin it was called
herba angelica
(angelic herb) because it was believed to be powerful enough to protect against the plague, enchantments, and evil spirits. Native to Europe, the name angelica may have come from the

Greek
angelos
meaning messenger.18 Angelica was used in spells and rituals as well as worn 18. de la Tour,
Earth Mother Herbal
, 52

122 Essential Oil Profiles

for protection against evil spirits and witches. This herb was believed to be especially useful against dark magic. Over time the use of angelica was adapted from Pagan festivals into Christian celebrations of Saint Michael. It was a prized medicinal herb for centuries and a valuable commodity during the Renaissance (circa 1400–1600).

Oil and Blending Information

Steam distillation is used to obtain two oils.

The oil from the rhizome is colorless or pale yellow and turns yellow-brown with age.

It has a rich and herbaceous, earthy scent.

Strength
: 4

Scent Group
: herbaceous

Perfume Note
: middle to base

Plant Part
: So Below/Roots

Warnings
: avoid during pregnancy; diabetics should avoid; causes photosensitivity The oil from the seeds is colorless and has a herbaceous, earthy scent with a spicy hint.

Strength
: 4

Scent Group
: herbaceous

Perfume Note
: middle to top

Plant Part
: As Above & So Below/Seeds

Warnings
: avoid during pregnancy; diabetics should avoid

Magical Uses

First and foremost angelica is a protector, a guardian angel so to speak. It protects against and can break hexes and spells, and is useful in protecting against and banishing evil. Angelica also provides protection during dream work and divination. It is associated with the Otherworld (
root oil
), stability (
root oil
), and longevity. It can break up and clear away negative energy providing psychic protection during channeling. Angelica is also helpful in dealing with problems and manifesting what you seek. In providing spiritual support, angelica aids in listening to higher self for inspiration, growth, healing, and knowledge.