Thursday, December 23, 2010

Introduction to Aromatherapy

I was fortunate enough to have the knowledge of Aromatherapy passed down to me by the matriarchal members of my family. Over the years, I have built up my own collection of essential oils and I use it everyday for one purpose or another.

Aromatherapy is a mixture of aromas, massage and medicine. I consider it fundamental when doing Reiki treatments as each oil has its own medicinal and healing properties.

Basically, Aromatherapy means ‘a therapy using aromas’. The aromas come from the plant kingdom – flowers, trees, bushes and herbs. The relevant part of the plant is put through a distillation process to make the essential oil.

Essential oils have many uses. Our sense of smell is linked to our emotions and this plays a big part in healing. For example, certain essences have the power to lift depression or have a calming influence on our emotions. Some of the medicinal properties of the oils include anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, sedative, digestive, analgesic and much more.

When purchasing an essential oil, make sure you buy it from a reputable supplier. Check the label to make sure it is 100% pure essential oil. There are many fragrant oils on the market and they should be avoided. The best way to use essential oils is by external application or inhalation. An oil burner is indispensible and one of the best ways to use the oils. Try to shop around for one that is of good quality, keeping in mind that it's worth spending that bit extra. Oil blends are another alternative and a great way to use two or more essences. I always make my own blends but there are plenty of pre-made options available on the market.

The first oil I would like to introduce is one of my favorites, Lavender Oil. Every home should have a bottle of Lavender if nothing else. Lavender Oil is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-depressant and sedative. It is very effective in the treatment of burns and promotes healing and prevents scarring. It is a wonderful mood tonic and anti depressant and helps with the psychological shock of injury.

Uses

For insomnia or for general relaxation, put 4 drops of oil in the bath or put 10 drops in an oil burner with hot water. It’s also great for relieving stress and burn out. Try sprinkling a few drops on your pillow before you go to bed at night. When faced with a stressful situation, inhaling a few drops of oil sprinkled on a handkerchief can help calm the nerves. Because of it’s anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, a few drops in an oil burner can work wonders on conditions affecting the respiratory tract or to help relieve cold and flu symptoms.

Tarot Card of the Month - The Empress

This series begins with one of my favorite tarot cards, The Empress. The value of The Empress is number three (which was the Universal Year number for 2010) and her astrological ruler is Venus.

The symbols on the card are a gown decorated with pomegranates, a crown of stars, a rod, a heart-shaped shield with the symbol for Venus and a field of ripe wheat.

The Empress represents the fertile, life-giving Mother. She is associated with abundance, harmony, unison, creativity and nature. In a spread, she signifies physical and emotional well-being, families and relationships. The card may point to the birth of a child and/or artistic creativity and inspiration.

The Empress encourages us to strengthen our connections with the natural world, the creation of life and its sustenance through loving care and attention. She asks us to embrace the principle of life and enjoy its bountiful goodness.

Keywords of The Empress – family, pregnancy, nature, abundance, artistic expression

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Numerology for 2011

In 2011 we move into Universal Year Four (2+0+1+1=4).

A four year is associated with hard work and building foundations. It is a practical year as the four demands that we stabilise all areas of our life by being organised and efficient. This is an excellent year to make plans for the future. If you’re planning on renovating or building, this is a great time to tackle such projects. As the focus is on hard work and routine, you can expect increased responsibility on the career front.

Not a great year for relationships (because the focus will be elsewhere) but the good news is that any new relationships formed in 2011 have a good chance of lasting the distance.

Use this year to reevaluate your goals. Under this vibration, you can expect many changes in your life that will bring an end to what no longer serves you. Any old thought patterns need to be altered and old ideas swept away to make room for new and better ones.

The downside of a four year is that with all the hard work things can get a little boring – so make sure you take time out to have some fun.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Go Herbal

Next time you reach for a teabag, try brewing your own instead by infusing leaves or plants from your garden. Simply place a few leaves of your favourite herb in a cup of hot water or pot and allow to infuse for 10 minutes. Some suggestions are:

- mint leaves
- spearmint/peppermint leaves
- a small knob of ginger (infused in a pot)
- a slice of lemon

It tastes great and your body will thank you for it.