Aromatherapy and the Goddesses
Kylie Thompson.
“Attune to the Divine with the help of Mother Nature’s
Heavenly Essential Oils.”
Aromatic herbs and incenses have been used in rituals, religious worship and divination throughout the centuries,
both as a means for purification and to carry prayers and petitions to the gods and goddesses.
The
Greeks believed that the gods were the first herbalists and physicians, and that the gods passed on their knowledge of healing
to mankind.
The
earliest healers became associated with a whole structure of religious belief in a community. Many
were priests, who acted as instruments to the gods by receiving their powers of healing through them. Because ancient societies had no comprehensible explanations of how plants healed, associations were made
with the supernatural and religion, and those attitudes have now been incorporated into modern attitudes towards Herbalism
and aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy
oils are used in magickal practise for their vibrations or essences. Aromatherapy
oils are sacred to a god or goddess. Aromatherapy oils can be used in spellwork to invoke a particular goddess’s energy
through vaporisation or by sprinkling the oil around or within boundaries to define a sacred space devoted to the desired
deity the practitioner is attempting to invoke or attune to. Using the vaporiser
is a small ritual in itself, as it contains the four elements; air in which the
oils are vaporised, fire; which heats the element of water in which the oils are dispersed and earth; which the plants are grown from which the oils are derived. Using aromatherapy oils can promote understanding within an individual of the true cause of disease and
emotional issues, so they can themselves make change.
When one uses aromatherapy, they are drawing healing from the Earth. Power and understanding
lie within the earth. Essential oils also affect the
body’s energy system, and certain oils correspond to the seven chakras, helping to balance and unblock the chakras.
A goddess is aligned to each chakra, and using aromatherapy oils that correspond
both with the goddess and the chakra, you are aiding the process needed to focus and channel that goddess’s energy,
to bring about healing and change.
Goddesses, Chakras and Aromatherapy Correspondences
Base Chakra-Hera
Aromatherapy Oils; Cedarwood, Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver,
and Frankincense
Hera,
the goddess of marriage and childbirth, represents the foundations of the relationships we build; she will go to any length
to protect her relationship with her husband, Zeus. Hera protects with a full-blooded
passion and she represents the qualities of honour, truth, fidelity and honesty in relationships. Hera embodies commitment, and has the maturity to share herself physically, emotionally and spiritually
through her union with her soul mate. Hera’s energy is powerful and makes
an impact; she can be the catalyst for new beginnings. Hera helps to put new
projects into operation by initiating ideas and driving them to completion. Hera’s sense of justice is acute; not ignoring
her husband’s unfaithful ways, she took revenge on her husband’s mistresses to preserve what she thought was a
happy union and her image as a wife and queen. Hera is also helpful in getting
the most out of life. Hera sets out to do what she wills with warmth and power.
The base chakra is located in the base of the spine. Its colour
is red. Emotionally and psychologically, the base chakra is concerned with our basic level of existence, self preservation,
survival and animal strength. The base chakra is the source of our vital energy.
Our feelings of; safety, security, courage, and our ‘will’ resides from here.
When the base chakra is open and functioning we can overcome our fears and receive what we need
from life, without embarrassment or shame. We become outgoing, alive and fulfilled.
Sacral Chakra-Aphrodite
Aromatherapy Oils; Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, Jasmine, Patchouli, Sandalwood,
Cinnamon, and Rose
Aphrodite
is the goddess of love, beauty and all things graceful, creative and inspired. Aphrodite
is a free goddess; indulging in her desires based upon her own sexual needs. Extremely
comfortable with her physical body, Aphrodite is capable of confirming all her valid needs and erotic desires whilst being
incapable of losing herself to her desires. She can give of herself freely whilst
maintaining self respect and respect for others. Aphrodite celebrates being female and when she shares her body; she does
so out of celebration and joy. Aphrodite is the goddess to call on in all matters
of sexuality, passion and fulfilment. Aphrodite is also invoked to help with
artistic creativity, giving space for self expression and sharing.
The sacral chakra is located between the genitals and the naval. Its colour is orange. Psychologically it is orientated to our self gratification, physical comfort, satisfaction
and sexuality. From the sacral chakra, we regulate our feelings and our emotional
expressions. The sacral chakra also provides our physical body with graceful movement. The
sacral chakra is the sphere of desires, physical pleasures and happiness. It
is also the home of the five senses. We are connected to our feelings and our sense of physical balance through this chakra.
When the blockage in this chakra is released,
there will also be a release of long held back emotions, and physically the body will move again with fluid gracefulness.
Solar Plexus Chakra-Persephone
Aromatherapy Oils; Ylang Ylang, Chamomile, Cypress,
and Basil
Persephone
is the maiden goddess, the daughter of Demeter, who symbolises vulnerability and represents the ‘wise child’ in
us all. Persephone personifies spring time. Persephone is eager is to discover
and experience, and is wise in the laws of nature. Persephone also has a dark
side and travels into the realms of the unconscious to experience the transforming power of self-knowledge, the first step
in the journey of deep healing. Persephone understands ego death, and while the
surface seems barren and forsaken, new growth unfolds beneath; reborn-but irrevocably changed. She knows how to come face to face with her monsters, and she can be called upon to allow us to break destructive
cycles such as bad habits and addictions.
The solar plexus chakra is located between the naval and the sternum. Its colour is yellow. It is the energy centre concerned with
the digestion of experience; taking what is of use from life and casting aside what is redundant. It is also the centre of our personal power, ambition, self expression, fulfilment and completeness to reach
our full potential and goals.
When the solar-plexus chakra is unblocked, there is an immediate sense of self-confidence and
all fears of self-expression are released.
Heart Chakra-Demeter
Aromatherapy Oils; Ylang Ylang, Cinnamon, Neroli, Palma
Rosa, Lavender, Geranium, Clary Sage, Myrrh, Ginger, and Rose
Demeter
is nurturing, persevering, understanding, supportive, protecting and unrelenting. Demeter
represents unconditional love; her search for her lost daughter, Persephone, led her down a path of poverty, abuse and madness.
A truly devoted Mother, Demeter’s perseverance and determination paid off
in the end. An earth goddess who symbolises the abundance of the earth, she provides
prosperity to all who choose to follow her. Demeter is connected to the cycles
of birth, life, death and rebirth. Demeter protects young women, and is helpful
in assisting strained relationships between a parent and child. Demeter understands
when to leave others alone or when to offer support and understanding. Call on
Demeter when there is a battle of wills going on within the home, or to help assist in ‘letting go’ and allowing
your child more independence. Demeter is also of assistance for helping develop
trust in relationships.
The heart chakra is located over the heart area, and is orientated to self acceptance and social
identity. Its colour is green. It is the centre concerned with compassion, love,
nurturing, trust, spirituality, emotions, sensitivity, group consciousness, joy, softness in strength, and empathy.
When the heart chakra is balanced, your highest self will reside here. Unblocking the heart chakra releases tearful feelings of sadness, bringing a sense of relief that is followed
by laughter. Life will appear more joyful and you will appreciate yourself more,
becoming more compassionate not only to yourself but to others.
Throat Chakra-Athena
Aromatherapy Oils; Rosewood,
Chamomile, Lemongrass, Lemon, Palma Rosa, Jasmine, and
Pine
Athena
is a beautiful, assertive, strong and courageous warrior queen, full of grace and intelligence. A goddess of warfare, wisdom, and creativity, Athena expresses herself in inspired and inventive works.
Athena is a patron of the arts, crafts and skills, and oversees activities such
as weaving, knitting, writing, design, cooking and sewing. Athena has a fighting
spirit that allows us to take a stand for our beliefs, and helps us to overcome self-expression obstacles by allowing us to
‘find our voice.’ Athena helps to bring dreams to fruition by putting you in touch with your clever and resourceful
side; to make imaginative concepts reality. Invoke Athena to help surmount fears, if you are feeling bogged down and everything
seems to be getting on top of you or if you have been side tracked from a project.
The throat chakra is located over the front and back of the throat area. Its colour is blue. The throat chakra’s main orientation
is concerned with the areas of communication and the expression of creativity via the spoken word, thought and writing. Our creative desires and aspirations are given birth through the spoken word; this
is the home of self expression and our creative identity. The throat chakra is
also concerned with understanding both mental and verbal communication. It controls ideas and ideals. Through the throat chakra we have the ability to stand up for ourselves and proclaim who we are and our
truth. We are also able to speak and ask what we need or want. We must learn to use our words wisely as we ask for what we receive.
Unblocking the throat chakra releases our vocal expressions, giving us the ability to say what
we need, what it is that you like and how you want things to be.
Third Eye Chakra-Artemis
Aromatherapy Oils; Peppermint, Basil, Rosemary, and Lemongrass
Clear
sighted, quick witted, sharp and intelligent, Artemis is fiercely independent, unbound and free; a huntress who explores the
unknown. Artemis, being inhibited by none, is a law unto herself, and is quick to dispense her judgement. Artemis is a seeker of truth, freedom and independence and she sees hypocrisy for what it is. Associated with the element water and the moon, Artemis is attuned to nature. Artemis flows with the harshness of nature because she is aligned with the natural laws of the universe.
For this reason, Artemis is never out of her depth or uncomfortable. Artemis knows how to create her own space and set her boundaries. For
this attribute, Artemis is of assistance for issues surrounding freedom and independence. She
is also of great assistance in matters surrounding separation and the fears that accompany. Artemis
can also be invoked to assist with; self realisation, inner journeying and psychic exploration. Mondays or a waxing moon are the best time to call on Artemis.
The third eye chakra is located in the centre of the brow, just behind the eyes. Its colour is purple. The third eye or
brow chakra is associated with psychic power, high intuition, inspiration, awareness, and energies of spirit, magnetic forces
and light. It is the centre of divine thought and balanced intuition. Our dreams, visions, intuitive wisdom, intellect and imagination all stem from the third eye chakra. The
third eye chakra is also our centre for deep, non-verbal communication through the windows of our soul, the eyes.
When the third eye chakra is functioning, we are able to gain new clarity and vitality, and
we are easily able to access states of peace, meditation and silence. Intimacy
and mutual understanding in relationships is enhanced through the release of blockages in this chakra.
Crown Chakra-Hestia
Aromatherapy Oils; Frankincense, Cedarwood, Myrrh, Sandalwood and Patchouli
Hestia
is the goddess of the hearth, and her name means ‘Heart’. Both the
heart and the hearth represent the inner centre, which is the warm centre of inner knowledge. Hestia
encourages us to listen to the wisdom of our own hearts, to follow our heart’s desires and to make up our minds based
on deep, quiet thoughts; to follow our own path with integrity and dignity. Hestia allows us to get in touch with and know
our own needs. By knowing our own needs, we are capable of understanding the
needs of others. The energy of Hestia places spirituality over sensuality, and
is an essential energy of protection and warmth. Hestia inspires us to live an
uncomplicated, enriched and contented life.
The crown chakra is located at the crown of the head, at the centre. Its colour is white. It rules our psyche and our physical and
mental well-being. The crown chakra is our centre for spiritual and creative
energy and is associated with spirituality and enlightenment. Through the crown chakra we can make our dreams reality and
find personal happiness. It controls dynamic thoughts and is the connecting link
to our highest and finest self. The crown chakra enables us to see the truth
concerning illusory ideals, and to see through pride and vanity.
When the crown chakra is operating fully, all boundaries of self disappear
and we become ecstatically combined with the whole of existence. Blissful feelings
of merging and melting into oneness with the universe and everything it contains develop as a result of unblocking this chakra.
Using the Goddess’s
Essential Oils to Balance the Chakras
After identifying which chakra may be blocked or unbalanced, select the oil or blend of oils according
to the suggested chakra aromatherapy oils and your own personal preferences. Pick your oils and mentally say
what they are for. Hold the bottle
in your hand and transfer your intent to the oil. Visualize your desires for
those oils and close with a simple blessing. To 10mls of carrier oil add five drops of chosen oil or blend of oils. Now
anoint your self with your diluted blend in the chakra areas that you feel needs the attention. For the base chakra, anoint your lower pelvic area and buttocks and visualise the colour red entering this
area whilst chanting Hera’s name; for the sacral chakra, anoint your lower back and the pelvic area just below your
naval, visualise the colour orange flooding into this area and chant Aphrodite’s name. For the solar plexus area, anoint
just under your rib cage, near the diaphragm and visualise the colour yellow, reciting Persephone’s name; for the heart
chakra, anoint the chest area over your heart, visualising the colour green flooding into the area while chanting Demeter’s
name. For the throat chakra, anoint the back and front of your neck, visualising the colour blue entering the chakra whilst
repeating Athena’s name; the third eye anoint the area just between your eyebrows and slightly up a fraction while visualising
the colour indigo or purple and repeating Artemis’s name; and the crown chakra, anoint the top of your head, visualising
white light entering the chakra whilst repeating Hestia’s name. To support
the effects of your chakra oil, you may also like to burn the same oil in a vaporiser, or add to your bath. Use your chosen oil or blend of oils each day for 7 days only, as your nose will become used to the scent.
Depending on the extent of the blockage, you should start to feel an improvement within this seven day period. Listen to your inner voice for the revelations entering your conscious mind. You may also find revelations
in your dreams.
References
Cavendish,
Lucy. (2005 Issue 43). Calling the God and Goddess. Witchcraft; 35-37
Eason,
Cassandra. (2000). Encyclopedia of Magic & Ancient Wisdom. London:
Judy Piatkus Publishers Ltd.
Hardman,
Charlotte & Harvey, Graham. (2000). Pagan Pathways-A Guide to Ancient Earth Traditions. Great Britain: Thorsons.
Stuart,
Malcolm. (1987). The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism. London:
Black Cat, MacDonald & Co.
Thompson,
Kylie. (2005). Aromatherapy For The Emotions. United States:
Lulu Press, Ingram Books.
Ryan,
Anita. www.goddess.com.au Reconnect with your Inner Goddess.
© 2005, Kylie Thompson
First
Published in PlanetLightworker.com (New Earth Publications) Nov 2005. www.planetlightworker.com
Re-published in "Spheres-The Spirit Guide" Issue 13, 2006.
Distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Gordon & Gotch.