In addition to the traditional practices of our ancestors, there are other criteria used as guidelines in the preparation of aromatherapy formulae. These are rooted in practices of long ago but they allow flexibility in the development of new blends and the advancement of the art.
According to many of the ancient magical traditions, there are influences that permeate the universe, pushing our lives this way and that, determining our fates. As natural forces ebb and flow, we are carried on the momentum of their courses.
The function of magic, then, is to work with these forces; to captivate them and persuade them to lead us in a predetermined direction; to gain order and control in our lives.
There are many different areas of domination in which universal energies are perceived. Some magicians practice their art in accordance with the properties of the four great elements of creation— earth, air, fire, and water.
In the beginning of time, before the advent of creation, some traditions perceive all the universe’s energy, the source of all life, as being embodied as a single power.
As creation began to unfold, this oneness split into four distinct aspects, the four elements. Though each sprang from the same source, they have uniquely individual characteristics and different areas of domination. These differences will become foundational requirements when choosing the ideal essential oil or oil blend to utilize for a successful magical operation.
There are some magical disciplines that recognize distinctly different influences in the days of the week, and ride the height of the proper day’s influence to accomplish their magical tasks.
Some look to gods and goddesses of cultures ancient and modern. Others ride the power surges that rise and fall with the phases of the moon. Still others note the astrological planets and signs in approaching a magical undertaking.
While there is one segment of aromatherapy practitioners who fancy themselves being of scientific mind and above the use of the trappings of folklore and so-called superstitious belief, these guidelines are as applicable today as they were in less “enlightened” times. Even the scientific mind will allow that the proof of a remedy lies in its effectiveness.
No matter where its roots may lie, if the end product is something that is usable and effective, it remains above the challenges of the scientific community.
There is an old story about a mathematician who challenged the ability of a friend to walk across the room. He took the position that before making the journey, the friend would have to first cover half the distance, then, half the distance of that, and half again, and again, and again. There would always be some distance remaining that could be divided in half.
Being less sophisticated in the ways of science and mathematics, the friend walked briskly to the other side of the room, kicked the wall, and said, “You’re wrong, my friend!” The greatest of logic must give way in the face of physical reality; the governing factor in aromatherapy is not the individual practitioner’s perception of it but the reality that it does work.
If the-traditional oil associations do not fit well into the world in which you’ve become comfortable, change the names of the traditional categories or consider them temporary labels until the scientific community can discover the “real” reason that they work—but do try them.
The final judgment of an oil mixture should be in its effectiveness. It matters little whether it is directed toward healing or magical application. The only question should be “Does it work?”
While it can be truly said that there is no absolute right and wrong in preparing magical aromatic blends, the knowledge and skill of the individual artisan can attain levels of better and best, less or more effective.
As in healing aromatherapy, the instincts of the practitioner will play a major role in the fulfillment of the ultimate purpose. Armed with the knowledge of the innate properties and functions of each of the essential oils, the resulting blended fragrance can be finely tuned to suit any magical endeavor.
The fragrance magician who works in conjunction with the traditional astrological disciplines must ingest a world of knowledge before settling down to the mastery of magical aromatherapy. However, just as it is possible to perceive the influences traditionally associated in astrological science on several levels, one can enter into the ways of the aromatherapist in stages.
While all of the energies of the astrological divisions may ultimately become invaluable tools of knowledge to the practicing magician, it is easier to embark on the magical journey one step at a time.
In the beginning stages of learning fragrance magic, it is possible to begin working only elementally or only planetarily. It is possible to complete a successful magical venture using only the basic knowledge of one or two levels of astrological association. As knowledge increases, presumably so will the effectiveness of the undertaking and the ease with which the essential blends are produced.
It would be a mistake, and perhaps a bit irresponsible, to try to take in the whole of aromatherapy magic in a single sitting. However, given the patience and time to learn and grow and develop, the sincere student of the aromatic arts may attain to successes beyond what might have been thought possible.
Entered into sincerely, and with a desire to expand the art to its furthest capabilities, these first steps become the beginning of a never-ending, always exciting adventure.