Aromatic Astrology - Pisces

The next sign of the zodiac is Pisces February 19 to March 20.

Ruling Planet: Neptune (traditionally Jupiter)
Element: Water
Quality: Mutable
Symbol: Two fishes
Polarity: Feminine
Physical correspondence: The Feet
Stones: coral, jasper, blood stone, white opal, pearl, amethyst, moonstone, aquamarine, jade
Flowers: poppy, waterlily, pink, thyme
Colors: white, mauve, red
Herbs: lemon balm, basil, nutmeg, sage, borage, lilac, lilies, clove
Bach Flower Remedy: Rock Rose
Essential Oils: Melissa is the signature oil for Pisces. Clove, eucalyptus, jasmine, lemon, nutmeg, sandalwood.
Positive Traits: Humble, compassionate, sympathetic; emotional; unworldly, sensitive; adaptable, impressionable; kind; intuitive; receptive.
Negative Traits: Vague, careless; secretive; easily confused; unable to cope with the practical running of their lives; weak-willed, indecisive.

According to Patricia Davies in her book Astrological Aromatherapy:

Pisces is perhaps the most archetypal of the Water signs, and Melissa is the most 'watery' of essential oils. The plant itself has such a high water content that the extraction of oil from it requires vast quantities of plant material to obtain a little oil, hence its high cost. The healing and comforting properties reflect the compassionate nature of the Piscean but Pisceans themselves are more than usually susceptible to depression, and at such times they need comforting and healing themselves. As an antidepressant Melissa reigns supreme. Gerard wrote that "It maketh the heart merry and joyful and strengtheneth the vitall spirit," and a Swiss manuscript by an unknown author says that it "chases away black thoughts."

I have therefor used Melissa as my anchor oil for both the Lord and Lady Pisces Blends. For Lord Pisces I have combined Melissa with Clove for its comforting and healing properties and Sandalwood which helps one to appreciate the Beauty of Life. For Lady Pisces I have combined Melissa with Jasmine, which calms, soothes and lifts the spirits with a touch of Lemon for its ability to help increase inner joy and optimism.

Lord Pisces
Melissa - 2 drops
Clove - 1 drop
Sandalwood - 3 drops

Lady Pisces
Melissa - 1 drop
Jasmine - 1 drop
Lemon - 4 drops

A few quotes reflecting the qualities of Pisces:

"Who is awake and who is asleep?" - Lalla
"This sounds an extraordinary statement to make, but in fact all truth is very ordinary. It is peoples' fantasies of what is true that is so extraordinary." - Brian Perkins
"Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it." Helen Keller
"If you understand, things are just as they are... If you do not understand, things are just as they are." - Zen Saying
"Often I am still listening when the song is over." - Marquis de Saint-Lambert

• For those interested in formally studying the use of essential oils there are my self-directed Aromatherapy Courses just follow the link under West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy.
• Or perhaps you're interested in one of our E-books or the Aroma Massage DVD. Once again the links are at the side.
• I also offer both the Bach Flower and Spiritual PhytoEssencing Consultations by phone or in person. With all that is going on in the world today perhaps you might be interested in one of these options. You can read all about them by following the links.
• If you'd like more information on the in person services that I offer just follow the Beverley Hawkins - Treatment Menu link.

Pine - Pinus sylvestris

As I have already featured the signature oil for Aquarius, Neroli on the blog before I decided to look at Pine today which is another oil mentioned under this sign.

Scotch pine is a tall evergreen tree, which grows to a height of 40 metres (131 feet) it has a deeply fissured, reddish-brown bark, pairs of stiff blue-green needles and pointed brown cones. The Pinus genus has more than 100 species of coniferous trees, all of which produce a resin from which turpentine oil can be extracted. The Scots or Norway pine is the most widespread variety as well as the safest and most useful therapeutically. Native to northern Europe and Russia it now grows abundantly in North America. The needles, young branches and cones can all be used in the distillation process although the best quality essential oil is extracted from the needles alone.

The ancient Greeks dedicated pine trees to the sea god, Neptune, because pine was used to build the first Greek ships. To the Japanese pine trees symbolized constancy and fidelity because they are always green. They also honored the gods Bacchus and Pan with it. According to Greek mythology, Pitys, one of Pan's many nymphs, escaped the embraces of Boreas by becoming a pine tree. According to folklore, the sayings "pining for" and 'pitying' someone may have come for this myth.

The essential oil of Pine has many uses it works really well in blends for muscular aches and pains, as well as blends that require its expectorant properties.

On an emotional level, pine refreshes a tired mind, while on a subtle level, Pine clears and cleanses a room. It repels and clears negative energy. It restores self-confidence and strength of will. It is used in purification, protection, money and healing blends. Pine can help one to realize the love and generosity of spirit endures in the hearts of those whom we have loved and known and with this it brings the knowledge that if we destroy those who are close to us we only destroy ourselves.

In Bach Flower Remedies, Pine is the remedy for Self-Reproach and Guilt so the essential oil could be used for those emotions as well.

Pine has a refershing, clean aroma and blends well with many essential oils including: bergamot, cedarwood, cypress, eucalyptus, frankincense, juniper, lavender and lemon.

Generally considered non-toxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing and non-phototoxic. However they can oxidize very easily and then they are potentially sensitizing.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is once again just around the corner. Last year I wrote a blog on The Origin's of Valentine's Day and include a lotion and chocolate mint truffle recipe.

This year I thought that I'd share with you a couple of Essential Oil Synergies that you could use on this special day. Whether you choose to use the oils in your bath, body lotion, spritzer or diffuser I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. And remember even if you don't have a special person to share this day with, you are very special and deserve to treat yourself to something you really enjoy.

Sensuality
Rose 4 drops
Jasmine 4 drops
Sandalwood 3 drops
Ylang Ylang 2 drops
Neroli 2 drops
Frankincense 2 drops

Aphrodite
Rose 1 drop
Ylang Ylang 5 drops

If you are looking for some recipes for things to make for Valentine's Day there is still a bit of time left to do this and I have lots of easy and fun recipes in my e-Book Aromatic Gifts for all ages and for all seasons.

• For those interested in formally studying the use of essential oils there are my self-directed Aromatherapy Courses just follow the link under West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy.
• Or perhaps you're interested in one of our E-books or the Aroma Massage DVD. Once again the links are at the side.
• I also offer both the Bach Flower and Spiritual PhytoEssencing Consultations by phone or in person. With all that is going on in the world today perhaps you might be interested in one of these options. You can read all about them by following the links.
• If you'd like more information on the in person services that I offer just follow the Beverley Hawkins - Treatment Menu link.

Aromatic Astrology - Aquarius

The next sign in the Zodiac is Aquarius which covers the period of January 20 to February 18.

Ruling Planet:Uranus (traditionally Saturn)
Element: Air
Quality: Fixed
Symbol: The Water Carrier
Polarity:Masculine
Physical Correspondence:The blood vessels, calves, ankles and heels
Stones: sapphire, onyx, amethyst, black pearl, hematite, sugalite
Flowers: myrtle, rosemary, dandelion, orchid, goldenrod
Colors: violet and blue
Herbs: comfrey, rosemary, sage, mint, fennel, wormwood, violets, daffodil, valerian
Bach Flower Remedy: Water Violet
Essential Oils: Neroli is the signature oil for Aquarius. Benzoin, cypress, lavender, peppermint, pine.
Positive Traits: Humanitarian, independent; friendly, willing; a progressive outlook, original, inventive; a reforming spirit; faithful, loyal; idealistic; intellectually inclined.
Negative Traits: Unpredictable, eccentric; rebellious, contrary; tactless; fixed in his opinions; perverse, straining to be unconventional.

I have used Neroli as the anchor for both the Lord and Lady Aquarius blend. As Patricia Davis says in her book Astrological Aromatherapy "The ethereal nature of Neroli reflects the very best of the Acquarian character. To many Aquarians the mediative quality of the oil will have an immediate appeal, but it is important for these mentally orientated people to remember their bodies and treat them kindly, and the more Venusian qualities of Neroli can help them to do so."

For Lord Aquarius I have combined Neroli with benzoin which will help to both protect and keep them grounded and pine for its creativity and playfulness. For Lady Aquarius I have combined Neroli with cypress which brings strength and comfort and helps one to stay balanced and lavender an oil that helps to balance the upper and lower chakras.

Lord Aquarius
1 drop Neroli
3 drops Pine
1 drop Benzoin

Lady Aquarius
2 drops Neroli
4 drops Lavender
1 drop Cypress

As usual you can adjust the drops to suit your own aromatic preferences or even choose different oils to create your special blends for the Lord and Lady Aquarius.

A few quotes reflecting the qualities of Aquarius:

"Life, according to Zen, ought to be lived as a bird flies through the air,
or as a fish swims in the water." D. T. Suzuki
"First thought, best thought." Zen saying
"Read not the times, read the eternities." Henry David Thoreau
"Wherever you are is the entry point." Kabir

• For those interested in formally studying the use of essential oils there are my self-directed Aromatherapy Courses just follow the link under West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy.
• Or perhaps you're interested in one of our E-books or the Aroma Massage DVD. Once again the links are at the side.
• I also offer both the Bach Flower and Spiritual PhytoEssencing Consultations by phone or in person. With all that is going on in the world today perhaps you might be interested in one of these options. You can read all about them by following the links.
• If you'd like more information on the in person services that I offer just follow the Beverley Hawkins - Treatment Menu link.