Essential Eve's Garden Apothecary Has Been Born!

Wow -- It is the end of the year - the end of this decade -- the first on in this new era we are entering into.  I remember coming into the year 2000 -- how amazing was that!!!??? With the Y2K scare --- with the awesome celebration world-wide.  I remember watching all the various fireworks from all around the world then.  this past decade has produced more changes, more quickly than we have ever had -- and yet, my sense is, that what we are entering in -- for the next decade -- this past decade won't be able to hold a candle to!!!

Why the Essential Eve line has been born at this time -- is well -- amazing.  I have resisted this line for 10 years.... since there were and are so many different lines out there already -- I didn't want to become -- just a "me too" line.  Yet, I have to say -- working with the Elder Care Concept - over these past months - has brought home to me the importance of caring for our elder -- and more importantly -- for their health and wellbeing -- bring the holistic aspect in.... for comfort and well being.  It is indeed shocking to see how our elders are "taken care of" -- and how we seem so bent on the "dumbing down" of our treasured, wise people -- in the elderly.  The oils, along with diet, yoga and breathwork, with meditation -- will be pivotal in turning things around for our precious history and wisdom - embodied in these souls.  Just as we do -- they need quality -- in all areas, and we can make the change that is needed from the love and caring of our hearts. 

I've been very excited about the work with Dr. Rivera -- to meet a doctor who is willing to work toward a more healthy environment for our elders -- was something I had dreamed about.  Well, spirit brought him forth, and helped me to crytalize my thinking even -- so a new year coming!!   This will take me in the direction of clinical trials, and more research -- which I am very excited about.

I'm also happy to be able to produce the facial. hair and body care products under the Eve's label -- they actually have their own magnificent label -- thanks to Megaera's suggestion.  And the first aid and healing products are up to 10 now!!  -- and I never did this before -- but I have "roll-on" products -- making it easier for sleep therapy, sinus relief, etc.  And I am thrilled to be working with Megaera and her handmade soaps -- with the precious essential oils in them.  We are putting up a new website for these -- and will be joining with others of our community to host/ link other local talents and products to make the site dynamic and fun.  I will be switching to a new blog site soon -- that will integrate better with the systems that are being set up.  I have to say -- that the oils have, do and will keep us steady and grounded into this new, dynamic "Year of the Tiger" -- as we herald in the new year -- with the Divine Feminine.

Love Light and Blessings to All!!

Tea Tree and Thyme

Oh my --- it has been a whole month since I wrote anything -- and yes the oils have definately been speaking with me - waiting patiently for their turn..... Tea Tree and Thyme -- like two little soilders -weary of my delay getting back to writing -- but aware that I needed to move through the changes that I have been going through -- this time -not relationship, but career.  Yes another change -- leaving me adrift for a moment -- like in the void, but with a knowing that the Phoenix was soon to arise!!  After six months of working many, many hours on launching my new project using the essential oils with elder care and alzheimers/dementia -- I found that I needed to terminate the partnership I was about to sign off on.  The game that we started was delaying, changing -- and was not turning into the vision that I had originally.  So for the first time in my life -- I stopped.  I reevaluated, did alot of soul searching, and counseling (it is not easy for me to give up something that I committe to -- ergo.... any relationship), I let go.  What an experience that was -- a sense of relief that was so different for me.   Normally, I would pursue, work hard, grind -- and sad at the end that it didn't work out.  As I moved on, an amazing thing happened.... I wrote out (like a professional brochure) who I was, what my skill set is and what I am offering in the world.  I had never done this before -- it was an amazing healing.  I then created the opportunity to go back to CEO space and further what I wanted to happen.   The next day that I got back...... I connected with an MD of Psychiatry -- an intention of ten years fullfilled!!  Amazing, for he had been working for the same period of time (six months) on applying aromatherapy and building his case results.  He is also a yogi and meditator and very versed in the power of healthy eating and daily practices.  Their was such a powerful alignment -- I was in awe and immensely grateful -- for it looks like together, we will be able to compliment eachother and forward this great work.
Okay --- that is all background -- back to the oils -- the fact that Tea Tree and Thyme were standing by all this time, waiting to be expressed is so perfect!!!  Tea Tree (a very medicinal oil) -- what I would call a down to earth "worker" oil, is known for its anti-infectious properties -- with few rivals, and can be safely used for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections -- more later.  Emotionally, and here's the cool thing, it so supports the body being with strength and confidence -- as Thyme brings courage, drive and morale -- also a very powerful antibacterial, used for infections.  I could see why these oils, or the energy of these oils -- were just "hanging out" with me -- strength, confidence, courage, drive -- were all what I needed though a transition like this.   So let's hang out with these two -- and I'll give you more on their amazing properties, in a bit .... and I promise it will not be a month.

BTW -- I was thinking -- after all the beauty of frankinsence and rose... they have such a commanding pressence.... they needed the space between them and our two new oils -- see don't they all have a personality?

The lover visible, and the Beloved invisible, whoever saw such a love in all the world

Rosea Damascena -- the mystic rose -- a symbol of the soul since ancient times, the signifier of the Presence of the blessed Mother Mary.  The most precious of all heavenly scents, the glorious Rose enfolds the soul within its own fragrant song, aligning one wih the higher angelic realms.  As I work with the sublime yet -- pervasive presence of Rose, I feel the exquisite fragrance of the velvety rose calling forth a sense of deeper identity and belonging.  One of the beauties of this fragrance -- it often shows up when one feels unloved and isolated.  As she moves with her fragrance, I experience these lonely moments as a point to turn deeply within -- she takes me there -- I contemplate how is this moment a mirror -- to learn a new way of being - and she pulls out a force that calls me into a greater, new way of being, a greater love into my life.  They say... the most meaningful journeys need to be undertaken alone, in a solidary fashion -- and yet, that point of quiet isolation brings an alchemy -- that transforms my life.  Rose takes me into that refuge -- that sanctuary of silence.  I feel it quietyly caressing and softening my heart.  The Rose of life and love spirils in fragrant celebration as I embrace the divine Beloved within.  This is the Heart -- this is the Divine.  The compassion of the Rose increases my ability of self love and nuturing, restoring trust and love again.

I could go on and on about the attributes of the beautiful Rose -- I especially like it in my facial lotion that I make -- since it is so nourishing, purifying and soothing to the skin, releiving tension, wrinkles and maturing skin.   It is a cell regenerator and moisturizing for all skin types, especially dry or inflamed skin. In terms of Oriental medicine, Rose is cool and moist in nature, clears heat and inflammation, and helps restore the body's yin energy.  It also helps to regulate the Liver, and stagnant conditions that result in tension, irritability, headaches and costipation.  Rose's remarkable healing powers extend to the cardiovascular, digetive, and nervous systems, including countering the effects of alcohol and the symptoms of hangover.

Thank God, for the blessed Rose -- her gift to us is unimaginable. 

The Wonder of Rose -- Love, Trust and Self-acceptance

Ah yes, we have been feeling the rise of Rose, cupped in the grounded beauty of Frankincense -- rising, delicately out of the deep aromatic base of Frank -- Rose has been showing her sweet budding presence -- ever so gently, ever so slowly.  Ah, yes, she has always been there -- and today she emerges inside of my heart.   A great sage once said:  "The Heart is the Hub of all Sacred Places... go there and roam."  I awoke this morning -- lying in bed -- feeling the void feeling I was with last nite -- as I contemplated the "sadhana (or journey) of the heart".  I was having trouble grasping the heart -- "what is the heart" I was saying to myself.  As I lay there with my eyes opened -- the Sage's words came clear as a bell (and I was having so much trouble remembering the full phase for a long time).  "Sacred Places!!!!" I suddenly remebered!! Yes! -- when I mentioned the loss of my lover -- a friend remarked:  "Oh my!  Sacred Wounds!"  -- it struck me -- the sacredness of our experience of life! -- that, what I was experiencing, is the sacredness of my journey -- could I be present to that?

I felt a movement stir in my chest -- I thought of the magnificant Rose oil -- known as "the Queen of Flowers" -- but more than that, Rose -- the gentle, exquistite, sweetness of its aroma -- gently touches the heart, calming, nourishing the heart -- and powerfully connecting our individual heart to the Supreme Self -- the Great Light of Conciousness.  The sweet budding of Rose began to unlock something in my heart!  Oh my!  could we ever understand all the aspects of Rose, of the Heart?  So sublime, so complex -- but the exquiteness of Rose, began to connect me in my heart -- something began to awaken, to remember.

What began to unfold was so profound, I was speechless!  We have two hearts!  Indeed!! On the individual level is the center of our feelings, thoughts, sensations, memories and past impressions --the psychic instrument in the physical body. This heart makes us experience ourselves as individuals with distinct characteristics and personalities. Sages speak of purifying this heat "piercing the knot" -- that the heart must be completely purified in the fire of grace".   On the Spirtual level, we are told of the tiny "heart" next to our physical heart -- called, in Sanskrit the "Anahata" which means the "unstruck sound".  This is the sound of Conciousness -- the Great Void, the Great Silence of the Supreme Light.  When I allow that quiet space to arise within - Rose begins my journey of the heart.  (see why cedarwood and orange oil came up first in this blog?! -- go back and read it if you do not remember.)  My Teacher once said:  "Approach teh Present with your Heart's consent. Make it a Blessed Event".  So this is the purification of my heart.  Thank you precious Rose.  We will speak more on the complexity of the oil.

Go Beyond the always-changing waves of one's own mind -- more on Frank

Guess I wasn't meant to get off of the subject of Frankincense today -- I thought I was -- but no -- so much more coming up from deep, rich frankincense.   As I contemplated  "wonder" in my last post,  I find myself reflecting back on the area where frankincense grows - the desert.  The contemplation of petrified waves of the sandy dunes -- stretching for miles, constantly shifting, changing, inspiring me to go beyond the always-changing waves of my own mind and connect with bare infinity and eternity.  This is a perfect contemplation for me today -- as I feel a bit lost in expansion of life at the moment -- is it wonder?  is it overwhelm? is it just the loss I feel?
more.....
In the desert -- the most extreme climate of the planet --  the raw, intense cosmic activity promotes the formation of gum and etheric oils.  Frankincense comes fromthe Bureseracae family -- known as Dry Fire -- where we also find Myrrh (another whole chapter).   From the middle east - particularly the Arabian peninsula -- very extreme climate --  you can detect a very thin cloud of these etheric oils around these plants, which filters the sun's rays and freshens the air around them - hence the strong anti-inflamatory action -- Burseraceae acts against the inner fire in the body.  Powerful action in bronchitis, cough, a known opponent to tumors.  Consider the intense heat and dryness of the desert -- ah, was indeed the bush of frankincense -- the "burning bush" we know of in the old scriptures!!!  Think about that thin cloud around the bush -- think of the intense heat --think of the wonder of it all!!   Wow!!! such a metaphor for where I am in my process right now!! 

Are you getting a sense of why this oil has been so powerful and used so much over antiquity!!  We often know it as being burned in churches and temples.  The Egyptian women, mixed the ash and made kohl - used around the eyes (today -- we call it make up) -- to keep the eyes cool.  (Yes! there is a practical reason for all things -- ususally -- we've lost that reason -- and make up a bunch of other reasons)

Blessins to our beloved frankincense plant that has brought so much to this world and bring so much into our lives!

Wonder

As I inhaled the fragrance of Frankincense this morning…. My mind filled with the wondrous mystery of life itself. The glow of that golden sun, as it rises, lighting our path – filled with the mystery, filled with wonder. In Kashmir Shaivism, “wonder is the essence of life. To be incapable of wonder is to be a dead and insensitive as a stone. We live and enjoy the vitality, virya, of Conciousness to the degree in which we are sensitive to the beauty of things around us.” This wonder is the pulsation of Consciouness that permeates all experience. Blessings on this day.

More on Frank......

Ah yes, I was feeling the pain today – so the energy of Frankincense was very supportive.



It is both curious and yet, understandable that both Frankincense and Rose would appear together – for they come in with such a balance to each other – and yet such a purpose! So – let’s continue to look at Frankincense. It is a small tree that grows 9 – 20 feet with narrow leaves and white or pale pink flowers. The oil actually comes from the resin that is produced from the bark of the tree (thus the “wound-healing” as mentioned before). What is interesting, is that it grows in the harsh environment of the desert – and this resin is the evolution of the plant for it’s protection against the harshness of the desert. It is also considered a “monotheistic oil” – meaning the worship of one god – we can see this in the references in the Bible of Moses and of the Egyptian – Ra and of the Babylonian sun god Bael. It has a very male energy. It facilitates a state of single-pointed concentration, and has the power to focus our spiritual consciousness and imbue a potential for transcendent awareness. As we know, it was given to the new born Jesus – carrying the male energy of the times (as God was known as a very powerful, unforgiving male God, at that time), marking the beginning of the transition of this energy toward a new time, a new energy . We will discuss Rose – which comes at the end of Jesus’s life, and its heralding of the feminine energy, later. This points to a new transition from the harshness of life – a deep wound healing, if you will, of the power and majesty of Frankincense.



Frankincense oil’s most important sphere of action is the nervous system. Here, its ability to relax and yet revitalize make it excellent for treating nervous tension and nervous exhaustion. It smoothes the flow of stagnant Qi-energy whenever an accumulation of stress has led to restlessness and insomnia. (That was me this morning – I awoke at 4:30 am!) As a mild tonic, it also helps to uplift – and is an important anti- depressive oil – see why it came up for me!!! It also is known to have expectorant properties to “deepen the breath”, and relive “tightness” in the chest. The breath, as we know is our connection to Spirit.



Ahhhhh, next, the graceful and beautiful Rose………

A rainy day -- and the two new oils

Its funny -- I've been sort of holding off these two oils, until I finished with cedarwood -- I felt that I needed to be in the contemplation of cedarwood for a little while longer -- such a beautiful powerful oil.... ummmmmmmmm.  Anyway -- the two oils that have come forward are:  Frankincense and Rose.  Now -- I know -- and you do too -- these are both amazing and powerful oils -- it is humbling to even speak about them, much less be in their presence -- they bring so00000 much to humanity -- we could talk about them for weeks, individually.  We all know them, of course - but then do we really know them?!! In our hearts we do. 
Frankincense is the first one to come forward -- and rose came by to support its energies (such like a woman!) So -- I'm just going to peak at Frankincense for a moment -- fo I know, and experience it as the deep wound healer (I'll say more about that later).  It also represents tranquil contemplation and spiritual liberation.  Well - what a surprise -- that is exactly where I find myself today -- in this process of healing the grief of my lost relationship, and all the changes around me ..... it feels like my whole world is crumbling around me, home, finances, relationship, career..... it is really incredible -- yet my guidance tells me to be quiet, be calm and just be in that sweet space of tranquility - -nothing to do right now.   If you know about Frank -- that is what I call this precious oil - frankincense -- he is deep -- has been with us forever --used in ancient cultures - egypt, babylonia, persian, indus valley.   He takes us to our roots, holds us in the cradle of the earth (no wonder rose is right there -- the Mother -- feeding us and nurturing us).  In the Five Elements Philosophy (china), the effect of frankincense oil may be linked on a fundamental level to that of Earth -- where its ability to calm and centre the mind reflects its gently tranquillizing yet deeply clarifying effect on the Intellect.  Nice!!!  I feel a sense of relief.   More to contemplate

Cedarwood and Awareness

I woke up this morning with sadness in the absense of my lover -- I can feel the emergence of two more oils (funny how they seem to come in pairs) -- however -- awarenss came to me (vimarsha) -- isn't it awareness that we need before moving on?  So I contemplated vimarsha, the cedarwood tree and the metaphor of the dawn -- how, when the light moves on the early horizon -- the colour of the tree begins to distinguish that tree -- how it looks, what kind of tree -- vimarsha (awareness)  -- whose emergence is virtually simultaneous with prakasha (the light) is the discernment and discrimination by which you recognize what you are seeing.  Even though - I may not be able to see/perceive with my physical eyes -- that tree is quivering with life in every moment, from the roots to the very last leaf.  In the same way -- the exquisite oil of the cedarwood tree carries that same vibrancy.  Indeed, the word alone comes from the Arabic meaning kedron, "power" -- its essence fortifies and strengthens, in addition to decongesting, breaking down accumulation.  The energy of cedarwood gives us strength in times of crisis, steadying the concious mind, restores a sense of spiritual certainty.  As I contemplate the cedarwood tree, with its roots deep into the earth, its trunk - straight, strong, reaching far up into the heavens - with its delicate tiny leaves on its strong branches --- demonstrating the transforming power of the will.  I can almost smell the deep viril, woody-balsamic aroma that assists me in taking a negative, or sad situation, and transform it into an experience from which I can derive strength and wisdom.    The experience of vimarsha -- discriminating and understanding what life is for us. Our understanding, our experience, our perception of the universe is an act of creation -- just as the dawn.
Like a mirror, vimarsha shows us ourselves and our creation.  Each of us has a face -- this is prakasha (pure illumination), existence -- but until we see that face reflected back to us through the capacity of vimarsha (self-enfolding knowledge), personified -- we have no idea what our face looks like.
I could see why I needed to finish this contemplation -- before moving into the two new oils that were beginning to have themselves felt.  Thank you cedarwood -- for your great gift.

More LIght on Luminous Citrus

Reflecting on the power and light of the Citrus Oils -- for each has its own reflection, be it orange, lemon, lime, neroli..... each has its own expression of the light -- just as each of us is its own individual expression.... I am reminded of the Light that is within us the Light of Prakasha ... the same Light of the dawn.  As we awaken to our own Light ... that luminosity of prakasha is what determines existence... the objects we perceive appear in their specific natures through the agency of the Great Light.  Just as watching the miracle of a dawning of a new day.... as the first traces of sunlight touch the horizon -- the black and white and gray - begin to flash forth a life of colour,  the luminosity of our own Great Light, flashes forth the life colours of the depths and value of our own being.  We become Luminous -- we are lifted up.
 In the same way, the citrus oils or orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime have that sublime effect on us.  Lifting us to a new awareness of our self -- who need anti- depressents, manufactured by man, when nature gives us such a sublime gift, whole and complete, with the perfectly balanced biochemistry of these oils that have evolved over millions of years?  Can man really replace these little gems over what nature gives us?
I have worked with clients over the years, using these oils synergized with other oils -- and they always leave with a smile on their face, a life changed and uplifted.
Thank you Mother Earth, Father Sky for gifting us with the Light of Prakasha within ourselves, and withing these oils.
More on cedarwood and Vimarsha ... next

The Opening of Source, of Light and of Life

Today is 9/9/09  -- a very auspicious day -- as I sat for meditation -- still feeling the pain of detachment (not unlike a large branch being ripped off a tree -- and the feeling and healing of that scar),  that is exactly what came to me -- the cedarwood -- the tree of enormous strength - that grows tall and straight, that reaches up to the sky, connecting us to our lite -- our life to our lite.  This is what the oil of cedarwood does for us -- it grounds us, connects us, strengthens us and lifts us high.   But this wasn't the only oil that came to me this morning -- it was also the oil of sweet orange -- yes that is right, sweet orange -- that which brings lite and fills its being with the fullness, the juicyness and the brillance of the sun.  These two oils together are indeed so perfect for this time of healing.  How sweet.  How supportive. How loving.  

Interesting, my contemplations took me to two sanskrit words:  Prakasha -- light, and vimarsha -- awareness. 
   Prakasha roots mean "to go forth" and "to shine, to be brilliant" and "to be visible, to apear, to see clearly"
Vimarsha is interesting -- its roots mean "apart" or "in two pairs" and "to touch, to be sensitive or aware" and also "to consider, to reflect, to examine"

wow -- these woods seem to go so well with the oils:   Orange being Prakasha, and Cedarwood being Vimarsha.

Thank God for the many blessings that we are showed with everyday -- for the gift of the oils.

Namaste

In search of the Glorious Gifts of the Plant Kingdom

I'm excited ..... for so many years -- I have been working with the beautiful essential oils -- and many wonderful collegues who also do their expressions of aromatherapy... and finally I'm ready to own my own experiences and results, and share them on this blog. I must say -- it was after watching Julia/Julie last nite, that I got inspired. Maybe breaking up with my boyfriend -- who couldn't stand the smell of essential oils (why was I with him!!-- I think that I lost my mind, and was in total self denial) had something to do with it. You know, because the flowers and plants are so much a part of nature -- so much a part of us -- literally our biology -- I guess I thought that he would "come around" -- I mean -- who really would resist the pure fragrance of jasmine grandiflora or jasmine sambac!!! really! But he couldn't stand it. I tried for years to work with it, disguising it (can you imagine!) - and finally - he called it quits on the relationship yesterday -- (not because of the oils). A part of me is so mad at myself -- because all along -- the oils were showing us that we weren't compatable. But my emotions, and my head told me differently. They even convinced me -- after starting my School of Essential Oils Studies -- that I could just give up my passion!! Imagine that!! with almost with over 150 oils in stock ranging in 1 - 8 oz. jars -- that I was just going to give it up.

So that is why I'm excited today -- even though there is alot of pain in my heart -- loosing someone I truely loved, I feel like the phoenix rising from the ashes -- my beautiful oils, can once again find their place in my heart. Wow!! that opens up so much possiblity. For even when my boyfriend and I were together -- I blended oils (on the Q.T.)-- and used them in ceremony and personal healing blends. Now, I can allow my friends - the oils -- to once again emerge.

So I will post regularly and allow the story of the oils to grow and gift -- as the thoughts emerge from years of working with them.