by David J. Erwin
The Temple of Witchcraft’s Virgo Ministry works with the Spirit/Archetype of the Healer. In this piece we’ll explore astrological aromatherapy. You’ve probably heard that Aromatherapy is the art and science (every time I say that I think of Severus Snape talking about the “exact art and subtle science that is potion-making:) of using essential oils for health and wellness—be that physical, emotional, mental or spiritual. Essential oils are the essence and lifeblood of the plant and they impart not only aromatic and physical benefits but energetic, spiritual and magickal as well. Here we will explore how aromatherapy can help us strengthen and balance our energies—based on our natal charts.
Crafting magickal aromatherapy blends to harmonize and maximize our core/inner selves can be as simple as selecting an essential oil or two for your Sun Sign. But why stop at simple? A great blend you can craft is to select an oil for your Sun Sign, your Moon Sign, and your Ascendant.
Below is a starting list of essential oils for each of the Signs, many are common, a few are on the rarer side. Select one or two for each sign. Choose from what you have, what you know…or use a pendulum to select an oil from each Sign. Start by blending 1-2 drops each in about ½ ounce carrier oil (grapeseed and sweet almond are the most popular.) With magickal aromatherapy the attributions and intention of the blend is more important than the scent of the blend…but experiment a bit. If you can’t stand what you blend…it won’t do much good for you! Be sure to write down what you blend together. ‘Tinker’ with your blend to perfect it.
You can use this as an anointing oil, a personal magickal perfume, as an aid to raise your energetics before and kind of magickal working. Please use caution when using essential oils…read about each oil before you use it. If you are allergic to the flower, please do not use the essential oil! Do not take essential oils internally. Yes, I know I sound like Mom…but this is Virgo, remember? Suggested books include: The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews (Scott Cunningham); Magickal Aromatherapy (Scott Cunningham) and Mixing Essential Oils for Magic (Sandra Kynes).
Above all—have some fun. This will help you explore another aspect of your highest and most magickal self.
Aries
Frankincense, Cedarwood, Clove, Cinnamon, Pine, Allspice
Taurus
Cardamom, Patchouli, Vanilla, Thyme, Oakmoss, Rose
Gemini
Lavender, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Dill, Eucalyptus, Anise
Cancer
Chamomile, Jasmine, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Sandalwood, Violet
Leo
Orange, Lime, Benzoin, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Rosemary
Virgo
Patchouli, Bergamot, Fennel, Lavender, Peppermint, Cypress
Libra
Rose, Rose Geranium, Mugwort, Ylang Ylang, Cardamom, Spearmint
Scorpio
Black Pepper, Ginger, Clove, Myrrh, Basil, Vanilla
Sagittarius
Cedarwood, Ginger, Sage, Orange, Nutmeg
Capricorn
Vetiver, Cypress, Patchouli, Magnolia, Myrrh, Oakmoss
Aquarius
Lavender, Petitgrain, Benzoin, Pine, Peppermint, Cypress
Pisces
Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Sage