Essential Oils and Light

Hanukkah begins tonight at sundown.

In Hebrew, the word “hanukkah” means “dedication” and this holiday commemorates the re-dedication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 B.C.E.

As I understand it there are a number of different traditions around this holiday which may vary from place to place but the three that appear to be practiced everywhere are:

• The Lighting the hanukkiyah: Every year it is customary to commemorate the miracle of the Hanukkah oil by lighting candles on a hanukkiyah. A hanukkiyah is a candelabrum with eight candleholders in a row and a ninth candleholder set a little above the others. The hanukkiyah is lit every night for eight nights.
• Spinning the dreidel: A popular Hanukkah game is spinning the dreidel, which is a four-sided top with Hebrew letters written on each side. A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter on each side. It is used during Hanukkah to play a popular children's game that involves spinning the dreidel and betting on which Hebrew letter will be showing when the dreidel stops spinning. Children usually play for a pot of gelt, which are chocolate coins covered in gold colored tin foil, but they can also play for candy, nuts, raisins – anything really!
• Eating fried foods: Because Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of oil, it is traditional to eat fried foods such as latkes and sufganiyot during the holiday. Latkes are pancakes made out of potatoes and onions, which are fried in oil and then served with applesauce. Sufganiyot (singular: sufganiyah) are jelly-filled donuts that are fried and sometimes dusted with confectioners’ sugar before eating.

Isn't it interesting how so many different traditions include the use of light, fire or candles at this time of year. For instance the Jewish tradition celebrates the 8 days of lighting the hanukkiyah, while many of the Christian tradition are observing the Advent tradition of lighting the candles on the Advent wreath. Of course it might have something to do with the fact that here, in the Northern Hemisphere at least, the Winter Solstice (December 21) falls right around the time of these celebrations and with the world at its longest, darkest night we would need more light. However I like to think that the introduction of light in all these traditions has a deeper significance and indicates the bringing of light to the Soul as well.

With that in mind this is a perfect time of the year to create a synergy to diffuse and spritz around your home to encourage this. What oils will you put in your blend?
Here is my Advent synergy:

Angelica – Angelica archangelica : can be helpful in bringing light and wisdom into our lives, as well as to experience the presence of angels - 1 drop.
Cedarwood – Cedrus atlantica : strengthens the connection with the Divine - 3 drops.
Cypress - Cupressus sempervirens : very helpful in times of transition - 2 drops.
Elemi - Canarium luzonicum : considered a bridge between Heaven and Earth - 1 drop.
Lavender – Lavandula agustifolia : a great balancing oil - 3 drops.
Orange - Citrus aurantium var. amara: can help one to expel any negative feelings one might be holding in one’s heart or soul - 4 drops .

If you need ideas on how to use the essential oil synergies you will find some ideas on the Newsletter Page Ways In Which Essential Oils Can Be Used.

While I know that in the run up to the Holiday Season most of us are so focused on what is coming up that we don't have much time to think about next month or next year, however as things fall into place, life often become less hectic and with a little more free time this would be a good time to think about what we want to do in the upcoming year. Here are just a few ideas that would help you to grow your knowledge of essential oils, their uses and related subjects in the upcoming months.

Workshops for 2010
These are offered once a month, generally the third weekend of the month so follow the link and browse through the offerings for 2010.

Our self-directed home study Aromatherapy Courses are always available. When you are ready they are only a click away, a click that will lead you into a world filled with information, self-growth and delight! Perhaps they will be a gift you give yourself this year!

If you don't want something as formal as a course perhaps you'll find what you are looking for in one of our E-books or our aroma massage DVD. E-books currently available: Infant Massage, Subtle Aromatherapy and Aromatic Gifts for All Ages and All Seasons. I am currently working on another one but it may be a little while before it's ready.