If we consider the many oils available that may be employed in a blend designed to a given purpose, the process of choosing the right oils in each specific endeavor may seem overwhelming. However, taken in steps, it becomes a much simpler procedure; essentially, a process of elimination. Initially, we will note the most general category: that of gender correspondence.
Like much that exists in nature, oils innately have a female or male nature to them. Basically, the male scent is one that is more aggressive in its action, while the female scent is more passive. The male scent is more physical, and the female more emotional and intuitive.
The importance of determining the gender characteristics of an aromatic substance is that it enables the aromatherapy magician to designate not only what effect the end combination of oils will have but in what way it will affect the subject of the rite.
Like the oriental principle of yin and yang, the manner in which an essential oil works may be characterized in one of two ways. There is the male and female, the active and passive, light and dark, practical and emotional, or the pragmatic and the imaginative. These seemingly opposite qualities play an important role in the fulfillment of magical process.
In applying these general traits to the design of an oil blend, we need only consider the purpose of its application. If, for example, we are addressing a situation of hyperactivity, fear, or nervousness, we may employ a female scent. In the case of apathy, laziness, or anemia, we may turn to the male scents to balance the condition.
In magical workings, if we wish to enhance romantic feelings of love, a female oil may best suit our needs. The more aggressive feelings of passion could be better enhanced with a male scent.
In the case of a healing rite, for example—what exactly is the nature of the illness? If the subject suffers from lethargy, perhaps the interjection of a male, or aggressive, oil would be in order. For a raging fever, a female, or passive, oil may be more appropriate.
Familiarity with the natural gender characteristics of the essential components of an oil blend will arm the practitioner with the ability to accomplish the task at hand as well as determine in what manner it is to be realized.
One of the basic magical principles in discovering the duality in aromatherapy as well as that reflected in nature is the recognition and understanding of the reconciliation of opposites. The male and female natures have been referred to as seemingly opposite qualities.
This is, in fact, by design. For in altering a situation through magical application, very often all that we are doing is restoring a natural state of balance. We counterbalance an overabundance of female characteristics with male energies, and compensate for an overly male nature with the introduction of female forces.
Consider the images of a mother and father figure. Where a child might retreat to the mother figure for love, compassion, and security, the same child may seek out the father for protection, strength, and stability.
Though different, the male and female approaches to the same situation are interrelated. In a rite of protection, the sense of security provided in the arms of the mother is no less valid than the feeling of solid shelter we find in the shadow of the strong father figure.
There is a place for each expression of the same principle. The ideal approach is not determined by the gender of the magician or the subject or by any personal beliefs or preferences but by the nature of the specific situation. Specific problems demand specific remedies.
It is said that every male has a female side and every female, a masculine aspect to their being. This is a clue to the use of gender in magic.
When all is right, when everything is stable in our lives, we have not achieved the ultimate of our masculine or feminine natures but have realized a comfortable balance between the two.
Anytime we encounter a situation that creates conflict or negativity in our lives, it can be perceived as a falling-out of balance. If we restore that balance, the situation is remedied.
In another way of looking at the male and female aspects in all of nature, we might keep in mind the functioning of innate roles in reproduction.
Male and female combine to bear new life. Likewise, in magical workings, the restoration of balance in our life situations is akin to the union of the masculine and feminine principles.
When the two work together as one, we witness a birth. In the case of magical workings, the new birth is the change in the situation for which the magical process has been undertaken.
Combined with magical properties and other characteristics, this information will enable the practitioner of fragrance sorcery to determine to best scent or combination of scents for use in the specific magical application.