Aromatic Astrology - Cancer

This post will bring to an end the series started in July 08 on Aromatic Astrology. The final sign to look at is Cancer which generally runs from June 22 to July 22.

Ruling Planet: The Moon
Element: Water
Quality: Cardinal
Symbol: The Crab
Polarity: Feminine
Physical Correspondence: The stomach and breasts
Stones: Pearl, moonstone, peridot
Flowers: lily, lily of the valley, water lily, white rose
Colors: cream, white, silver-blue, smoky gray
Herbs: sage, parsley, mugwort, aloe, evening primrose, lemon balm, myrtle, cinnamon, waterlily, hyacinth, all night blooming flowers, bay leaves, agrimony
Bach Flower Remedy: Clematis
Essential Oils: German Chamomile is the signature oil for Cancer. Eucalyptus, jasmine, lemon, Melissa, myrrh, rose, sandalwood.
Positive Traits: Kind, sensitive, sympathetic; a powerful imagination; a strong maternal or paternal instinct; solicitous and protective; cautious, patriotic; tenacious, shrewd, thrifty; emotionally resourceful; an excellent home-maker.
Negative Traits: Over-emotional, hyper-sensitive; touchy, a snappy temper; moody, changeable; a hard exterior hiding a weak character; an inclination to self-pity, unforgiving; unstable and too easily flattered; untidy.

According to Patricia Davis in Astrological Aromatherapy:
Everything about Blue Chamomile finds an echo in the character of Cancer. It is above all the 'Mothering' oil: calming and soothing, gentle enough to be used for even the youngest infants and appropriate for so many of the troubles of early childhood. All the chamomiles are similar in their action but Blue Chamomile is the one most appropriate to Cancer because its colour evokes the Water element and the ocean that is the Crab's natural home.

As we have seen Cancer is associated with the breasts and stomach. Chamomile is often used as a digestive calming oil (stomach) and is also a great nurturing oil (breasts).

As always I have used the signature oil as the anchor for my blends. For Lord Cancer I have combined German chamomile with lemon, which has the ability to increase inner joy and optimism and sandalwood which opens up the heart. For Lady Cancer I have combined German chamomile with jasmine, which is known to warm and help open up the heart and and rose which is associated with unconditional love, which is really nurturing.

Lord Cancer
German Chamomile - 1 drop
Sandalwood - 2 drops
Lemon - 7 drops

Lady Cancer
German Chamomile - 1 drop
Jasmine - 1 drop
Rose - 3 drops

Quotes reflecting the qualities of Cancer

"When there is no place that you have decided to call your own, then no matter where you go, you are always heading home." - Muso Soseki
"All the fish needs is to get lost in water. All man needs is to get lost in Tao." Chuang-Tzu
"Things are always changing, so nothing can be yours." Shunryu Suzuki
"The knowledge beyond the knowledge is my knowledge." Kabir

Upcoming Workshops
June 27 & 28 : Reiki Master Level
July 18 & 19: Seated Chair Massage
August 15: Advanced Massage Techniques - Shoulders, Arms and Legs
September 19: Reiki Level I
October 24 & 25: Lymphatic Stimulation
November 7: Reiki Level II
November 21: Advanced Massage Techniques - Back and Neck
December 12 & 13: Aromatherapy Caddy Chemistry

Father's Day 2009

Sunday is Father's Day. Once again a chance for us to honor the Fathers in our lives.

Last year I wrote about using Essential Oils and Father's Day and it is worth a read again this year. I particularly enjoy the poem.

Last year I talked about creating a special blend for Father's day and shared my blend with you all. This year there is still time to whip up a quick aromatic gift so here is a recipe from my e-book Aromatic Gifts for All Ages and All Seasons for Dad.

After Shave Face Oil

Ingredients:
125ml Jojoba Oil
10 drops Patchouli
6 drops Myrrh
8 drops Geranium

Method:
1. Add the jojoba oil to a dark bottle.
2. Create your essential oil synergy in a small dark bottle.
3. Add the essential oil synergy to the jojoba.
4. Shake well to mix.

Use a little morning and evening.

Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.
Unknown
Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice.
Unknown
One night a father overheard his son pray:
Dear God, Make me the kind of man my Daddy is.
Later that night, the Father prayed,
Dear God, Make me the kind of man my son wants me to be.
-Unknown

Upcoming Workshops
June 27 & 28 : Reiki Master Level
July 18 & 19: Seated Chair Massage

Basil - Ocimum basilicum

As you will have seen last week, Basil is the signature oil for Gemini and a mini profile of find a Basil can be found on the Articles Page of West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy's website.

Did you know...
Basil has been considered to symbolize love? In Italy it was used as a signal for love and young women would place a pot on their windowsill to indicate they were looking for a suitor. Apparently in Romania if a young lady offers a young man a sprig of basil, and he accepts, they are officially engaged.

Basil originated in India, where it was regarded as a sacred herb. In India, Hindus believed that if a leaf of basil was buried with them, it would get them into heaven. Basil was also sacred to the Gods Krishna, and Vishnu and is still found growing around temples. In England, basil was used to ward off insects and evil spirits. In Tudor times, small pots of this were given by farmers' wives to visitors as parting gifts. According to Jewish folklore basil will add strength when fasting.

When blending for more subtle reasons, it can be very interesting to look at the Folklore and Myths that surround the various plants of the oils you are considering to add to your synergy.

On a subtle level, Basil is helpful in enhancing creative awareness. It can also be helpful when dealing with issues of low self-esteem and low self-worth. The aroma of basil stimulates a need for action and awakens long-forgotten desires. Basil can be beneficial when one is at a crossroads in life or when faced with a spiritual death. Basil has long been associated with money in folk magic. To attract increased money, inhale the aroma and visualize your bank balance increasing or any or image you associate with money.

Use in low concentrations and avoid on sensitive skins. Do not use in pregnancy.

Upcoming Workshops
June 14: Reiki Level 1
June 27 & 28 : Reiki Master Level
July 18 & 19: Seated Chair Massage

Aromatic Astrology - Gemini

Gemini generally runs from May 21 to June 21.

Ruling Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Quality: Mutable
Symbol: Twins
Polarity: Masculine
Physical correspondence: The lungs, shoulders, arms and hands
Stones: beryl, garnet, citrine, amber, agate, white sapphire
Flowers: Verbena, balm, tansy, yarrow, orchid, myrtle.
Colors: Red, yellow, orange.
Herbs: dill, mint, parsley, anise, lavender, marjoram, fennel, oregano, licorice, honeysuckle, horehound
Bach Flower Remedy: Cerato
Essential Oils: Basil is the signature oil for Gemini. Dill, lavender, lemongrass, peppermint.
Positive Traits: Adaptable, versatile, intellectual, witty and logical, busy, spontaneous, lively, talkative and amusing in conversation; having a flair for writing and for languages; always youthful and up to date in outlook and appearance.
Negative Traits: Changeable, restless; cunning; inquisitive, inconsistent and two-faced;p unable to control nervous energy, lives ‘on his nerves’; superficial, a gossip.

According to Patricia Davis in Astrological Aromatherapy:
Basil is a very mentally stimulating oil, akin to this sign's predominantly mental nature. The plant itself is very variable - another Gemini trait - with leaves that may be light or dark green, large or small, smooth or hairy. The aroma of the oil is very true to that of the plant and is often associated with holidays, Mediterranean food, pleasure and relaxation, reflecting the charming, sociable side of Gemini. But Basil also holds a hint of the darker side of the Twins: in folklore it has long been associated with Scorpio, as if to remind us that there is far greater depth to Gemini than is often acknowledged.

As usual I have used the signature oil as the anchor for my blends. For Lord Gemini I have combined Basil with Lemongrass, which may stimulate the left brain by tempering concrete logical thoughts with spirituality. It can also be helpful when one needs discernment and it is supportive in helping one to fulfill one's responsibilities. While for Lady Gemini I have used Basil, Lavender, which brings balance and harmony and Peppermint which promotes clarity of thought.

Lord Gemini
Basil - 2 drops
Lemongrass - 6 drops

Lady Gemini
Basil - 1 drop
Lavender - 6 drops
Peppermint - 2 drops


Quotes reflecting the qualities of Gemini:

"If you are in the future, then ego seems to be very substantial. If you are in the present the ego is a mirage, it starts disappearing." - Osho
"The two exist because of the One, But hold not even to this One.."
Hsin-hsin ming
"The reverse side also has a reverse side" - Japanese Proverb
"In the sun the butterfly wings like a church window." Jack Kerouac

Upcoming Workshops
June 14: Reiki Level 1
June 27 & 28 : Reiki Master Level
July 18 & 19: Seated Chair Massage