Subtle Aromatherapy

Subtle aromatherapy is the use of essential oils as a vibrational modality to specifically effect the energy centers and subtle bodies, and all of the issues associated with every aspect of the biofield, as well as the spirit. We have discovered through studying ancient practices, and through our own experience, that the oils, like us, reach through all the dimensions – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. They work on all levels as helpers and healers. Energetically, the oils work through a process called persuasive resonance. Each essential oil carries a vibrational or energetic signature (note: this is an area in which it is vital to use only top uality grade oils to insure this signature) and many of us have an affinity with the energy of a healthy chakra, meridian or subtle body. When an oil is placed on an imbalanced chakra, for example, it gently persuades the center back into balance by shifting it into its own healthy frequency. You can try this with a pendulum. Find a center that is out of balance, then have your subject either inhale a matching fragrance into the center with the intention to balance, or apply the oil to your finger or hand and touch the center, and then notice what happens when you use the pendulum again. You can measure an immediate response.

Spiritually, the oils often convey teachings and healings related to the chakra they are connected to – so that our friend rosemary, which works to clear the mind, and has an affinity for the sixth center, or third eye, teaches about the importance for spiritual people to develop the left brain, and avoid becoming overly identified with the intuitive mind. It reminds us that we are to be whole and not half-brained on the soul path. But there are times when the teachings aren't limited to the centers. For example, rosemary also helps us heal deep wounds in our lineage, and helps us enter the lower world, the realm of ancestors and animal spirits, on a shamanic journey. In these instances, the teachings come directly from the plant or plant deva.


Using Subtle Aromatherapy

In using the oils for subtle work, or creating blends, there are two differences to observe between subtle and ordinary aromatherapy. First, the dilution is different. Most aromatherapy recommends a 2 to 5 percent dilution, but for energy and spirit work the dilution is 1 percent, or less that 5 to 10 drops maximum in one tablespoon of carrier oil – and much less is acceptable, which is helpful as some of the very powerful oils have very intense and not always pleasant fragrances. It's helpful to remember that in creating a blend (I tend to suggest not more than three different oils until you become quite experienced) one drop that cannot be detected by the nose will still have the desired effect. I can't stand the smell of chamomile, but I need it to help my throat center, so I drown it out with other oils that I enjoy.

The second difference is that in subtle aromatherapy the intention with which an oil is used will greatly enhance its workings. When I use an oil, or create a blend, with a client, we always hold the bottle and say a blessing or name an intention for this oil. This seems to have the same impact as asking for a guide for help – the energy becomes even more potent and available.

The oils then can be used either through a diffuser to shift or create certain desired energy in a room or area (follow manufacturers' instructions), or in a spray or mist for a room, yourself or your client. Use 10 to 15 drops total of oils in a 4-ounce misting bottle. I like to use distilled water, and others like to use spring. Finally, the oils can be made into n anointing or massage lotion/oil. Place 5 to 10 drops total in one tablespoon of carrier oil (jojoba or vegetable, or any good massage cream or lotion that does not include mineral oil). This last can be used to touch or massage the area you want to address (the chakra, body part, etc., that carries the present issue) – use whatever technique you prefer with the intention that the oil assist you in your work.
Just a note about fragrance: Happily, many oils have very similar subtle properties, so you usually can find something that your client likes (or you can cover up the smell, as I do with chamomile). Although the receiver doesn't need to love the odour, it is best to have a fragrance they can tolerate. There is interesting evidence that a strong negative olfactory or emotional response to the oil can actually override the energy and chemistry of the oil. People who hate the smell of lavender, or have a bad association with it, actually become more tense in the presence of this very relaxing oil!!!


Determining the Subtle Properties

The subtle properties are determined in three ways:

- TRADITION – Many of the oils have been used for a long time for their energetic and spiritual properties. Frankinscense as an aid to meditation was used 5,000 years ago in Egypt. (Note that sometimes the physical effects of the oils will help you get a sense of what the subtle properties might be. Frankinscense helps with congested lungs, and breathing techniques are part of many meditation traditions.)

- PLANT GESTURE – The way the plant actually looks – its colour, size, shape, etc. – may give hints as to its purpose. The bright orange of the orange fruit leads us to look for its connection with the second center, whose colour is orange. The delicate flower yet heady scent of jasmine also suggests its relationship with joyful yin sensuality that can be found in that same second center.


Many of you already have your own ways to intuitively connect with something, but I thought I'd provide a technique that was created for the book "Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques" called Listening to the Oils (note that the essential oil of Hay helps us to make a deep connection to plant medicine and the devic teachings). Here are the steps to follow:

1. Take a few deep breaths and imagine a soothing wave of relaxation flowing through your body.

2. When you feel comfortable and relaxed, pick up the bottle of oil you have chosen and notice any impression you receive. The impression may be in any sense – a colour, picture, sound, feeling, or even another fragrance.

3. Open the bottle and smell the oil. If you'd like, put a drop on a tissue. Let the fragrance fill you, and once again notice any impressions you receive. Smell as often as you lie, preferably with eyes closed. Do you like the smell? Do you sense it in any particular area of your body? Any energy center? Again, notice impressions in any sense – colour, texture, shape, feeling, sensation, sound, memory. There are no right or wrong responses.

4. Now imagine engaging in a conversation with this oil. I like to imagine the deva, but that is not necessary. Ask the following questions, or any that make sense to you – "What are your subtle properties? With which chakras are you most connected? What are your energy gifts? Your spiritual gifts? How would you complete this sentence, I am ....? Is there anything about you that you want me to know? Is there anything else you would like to say to me now?"

Note that some people, and some oils, are not verbal in meditation, and the communication may be in colours, feelings, pictures, etc.

5. When you are finished, thank the oil for being with you in this way, and then take a few grounding, energizing breaths and return to full awareness.


Subtle Aromatherapy & A Transformative Healing Session

Following are ways that you might enjoy beginning to incorporate subtle aromatherapy into your work. I am sharing some of my favourite blends.

CREATING SACRED SPACE
To clear and cleanse the space use equal parts juniper/eucalyptus/cedarwood. All of these oils are very cleansing. I use them at the beginning of the day in a spray to clear the room, and between each session. I also use it with clients during or after a time when they are releasing toxic or stagnant energy.

To bring in positive energy, use lavender/rose/palmarosa. This blend brings in healing energy to fill the space created after the cleanse.

FOR YOU
A drop of patchouli on your feet will keep you grounded, and assist your foot chakras in remaining open so you continue to draw energy and avoid getting drained yourself.

For psychic protection, use three tablespoons each of juniper/fennel/rosemary. These clear out and seal your solar plexus so you don't inadvertently take on a client's energy.
Use one drop each of lavender and rose on your hands. Lavender energizes our hands, and rose links our hands to our heart so we send the energy of detached compassion to our receivers. We are also blessed and healed by this heart energy as it flows through us.

FOR YOUR CLIENT
For energy centers, many different oils work with the chakras, and the physical/emotional/mental/spiritual issues related to each one. But if I were to pick the two most generally associated with the well-being of the center it would be the following:


1. Vetiver and oakmoss
2. Ylang ylang and patchouli
3. Juniper and peppermint
4. Rose and bergamot
5. German and roman chamomile
6. Rosemary (left brain) and immortelle, also known as helichrysum (right brain)
7. Frankinscense and neroli
ALL: Lavender, the queen, balances all the chakras


AFTER A SESSION
To seal and complete, spray lavender/rose/palmarosa at the very end of a session. Lavender makes sure that all the energy released is completely removed from all layers of the subtle bodies. Rose gently but completely seals the aura so your client can comfortably re-enter the world grounded and protected. Palmarosa promites all levels of healing, and will assist your client in the up to 72-hour integration period that can follow a transformative session.

If your client is having a hard time getting back into his/her body, place a drop of vetivert on his/her feet as you do whatever grounding technique you normally use. If they are still mentally woozy, a sniff of the essential oil of thyme will help the left brain come into immediate focus without interfering with the continuing internal intuitive processing that often follows a session.



Some Further Reading

Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques, Joni Keim Loughran and Ruah Bull, (North Atlantic Books, Berkeley CA, 2000)

Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Gabriel Mojay (Holt & Co., NY, NY, 1966)

Fragrant Heavens, Valerie An Worwood (New World Library, Novato, CA 1999)

Magical Aromatherapy, Scott Cunningham (Llewellyn, St Paul, Minn., 1995)

Subtle Aromatherapy, Patricia Davis (C.W. Daniel Co., Ltd, Essex, England, 1991)