Thursday, April 16, 2026

Guaic Wood

 


 Bulnesia sarmientoi— steam-distilled from the heartwood —warm, fresh, smoky, earthy sweetish slightly rosy-balsamic. An evergreen tropical tree  with leathery leaves and blue or purple flowers.  

Fragrance is complementary to rose-type blends and so used in those.. Used a lot in soap and cosmetics. It has a touch of rose to the aroma, and years ago was used to adulterate Rose Otto. The tree is called sacred by the natives of Paraguay. Note that this is a very thick oil. It can easily be spooned out of the bottle, if you have something small enough to do so. If not, the bottle will need to be warmed to turn the solid oil to liquid. It takes quite a bit of warming to do so.

The tree is also called Lignum vitae which means "tree of life". The tree contains rich supplies of fats and resins which make it hard and impervious to water. It was used for ornamental carving. It was medicinally used to treat syphilis and gout.

 Guaiacum or Guaiac (Guaiacum officinale, G. sanctum) produces a resin or gum with similar properties, but the tree is a different species and is not to be confused with Guaicwood.


CAUTIONS:   Generally safe, but can cause skin sensitivity in some individuals. Keep out of reach of children and avoid contact with eyes. Always dilute with a carrier oil before topical application. 


CHARACTER: “Quietly Mystical.” It feels like embers glowing after the fire — steady, soothing, deeply stabilizing. slow, deep, and ancient anchor


ETHERIC COLORS: Deep cocoa brown, Smoky Plum-violet, Amber


CHAKRAS:  Root, Heart, subtle Crown

MUSICAL:  C, G; low cello, Gregorian chant, slow drum pulse, meditative cadence


PERFUME NOTE: Base, Used as a natural fixative. 


CRYSTAL ALLIES: Smoky quartz, Petrified Wood, Hematite, Amethyst, Labradorite, Deep Garnet, Indigo Gabbro, Obsidian, Pietersite


ELEMENTS:  Earth, Gentle Fire  

ASTRO:  Saturn, Pluto, Scorpio, Capricorn

ENERGY:  4, 2; not roaring fire, but coal…


USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: Patience, emotional maturity, resilience, spiritual depth, inner stillness, concentration, compassion, meditation, concentration, uplift mood, mental clarity, restful sleep


USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES: Stress, trauma, grief, tension, insomnia, exhaustion


USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES:  edema, gout, arthritis, PMS, menopause; venous and lymphatic circulation; soothing to swollen or injured skin tissue


PROPERTIES:  lymphatic decongestant, anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant, anti-fungal (especially for skin), antiseptic, diaphoretic/sudorific (stimulating sweat)


BLENDS WITH: Cistus (especially)Bergamot, Elemi, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Orange Blossom Absolute, Oakmoss, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, and Ylang Ylang.


BLENDS:  Into The Woods,, Petroglyph, Muladahara, 


 Class: Alcohol. Greater than 71% guaiol, bulnesol, bulnesene, guainene


ARCHETYPES: HEALER, ARTIST, COUNSELOR, HERMIT SAGE, FOREST MONK, EMBER KEEPER, QUIET GUARDIAN


PERSONALITY: (More of a Yin Sandalwood)

 +Steady presence, Devotional consistency.

 +Not dramatic and not comforting in a sweet way. +Carries depth without display.

+One who endures or has endured hardship.

+Does not attempt to “fix”, but sits with you. Doesn’t hype you up, but helps gives you backbone.

+Observes without reacting. Contemplates without escape.

+Does not crave company. Content to be alone. Does not like noisy places.

+May feel older than their years.

-If negative, runs the risk of emotional withdrawal.

-Tends towards depression.


 


 

 


 


 

    


 




 

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Chalmoogra

 Hydnocarpus laurifolia/wightanus/kurzii
Cold pressed extracted from the Seeds. It is a Fixed (carrier) oil — not an essential oil. Some online sources might incorrectly market it as an "essential oil" due to its therapeutic fragrance and properties. Has a mild, woody, dense, earthy aroma. The Hydnocarpus family is a common plant family in southern Asia. 

CAUTIONS: Non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing. There is not enough information available to declare it safe for pregnancy. However, caution is advised with pregnancy and small children.

CHARACTER: “Protective Cleanser”, Grounding, Reclamation, Resilience, Ancient, Restorative, Patient, Survival, “Endurance Healer.” Persistence, Long-haul Healing

CRYSTAL ALLIES:  Clear Quartz, Black Tourmaline, Obsidian, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Bloodstone, Malachite, Serpentine, Lepidolite, Hematite, Tiger Eye/Iron, Carnelian, Leopardskin, Unakite, Onyx, Indigo Gabbro 

ELEMENTS:   Earth, Water

ENERGY:  4

NOTE:  Base or Top depends on source  

ASTRO:  Saturn, Capricorn, Scorpio, Pluto

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: Patience, Persistence, acceptance without resignation, resilience, endurance without bitterness

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES: Stress, Anxiety, Eroded boundaries, vulnerability, healing body shame, fatigue, social withdrawal

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES: skin diseases, scrofula, rheumatism, eczema, psoriasis, acne, dermatitis, arthritis, rheumatism and as a counterirritant for bruises, sprains, etc., and sometimes applied to open wounds and sores; leprosy, fungus, ringworm.    

PROPERTIES:  antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-spasmodic, alleviates itching; promotes collagen production; deeply emollient, skin nourishing 

CONSTITUENTS: Contains rare cyclic fatty acids (hydnocarpic, chaulmoogric, and gorlic acids) and palmitic acid, and the fatty oil has been found to yield glycerol.

BLENDS WITH: Tea Tree, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Vetiver, Frankincense, Peppermint, Rose, Sea Buckthorn

ARCHETYPES:  HEALER, ALCHEMIST, SURVIVOR, EARTH MOTHER, LONG ROAD COMPANION, SCARRED WARRIOR, 

PERSONALITY:
+Has or will endure long trials, including shame, social rejection and felling “marked” or different.  May feel too “weighty” for someone needing light.

+ Believes in slow, steady repair, Doesn’t give up on healing. Understands that restoration takes time.

+ Has strong boundaries, but is humble.

+ Carries quiet depth which can be comforting, but they generally do not comfort.

 +Not flashy or romantic, but restorative and patient.

 +Drawn to ancient medicinal wisdom.

“You are not defined by your wounds.”

- May have long term health struggles.

They are NOT: Dramatic like Turmeric, Uplifting like Sea Buckthorn or Cooling like Chamomile.

A weathered stone that endured decades of wind — still standing.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Fragonia


 Agonis fragrans---steam distilled from the leaves/twigs and branches of a small shrub that turns white with snowy blossoms. There are several varying chemotypes of Agonis, but only one with the unique mild balance. Sometimes called "Wild Agonis".  The aroma is camphoraceous, fresh, pleasant, slightly citrus, slightly floral and sweet with a clean, woody dry out. It has many similar notes to the tea tree: pure, and alert. But smells much better!

CAUTIONS: Considered mild for most skin types. Generally well tolerated. Still best to: Dilute for topical use. Avoid excessive use during pregnancy (standard precaution). Use mindfully with very sensitive individuals

👉 It’s not aggressive—but respect its depth.

 CHARACTER:  “Harmonizing Integrator” Balancing, Revitalizing, Expansive yet grounding, strengthening , “clarifying freshness” comforting softness, mental and physical cure all, A true quiet intelligence of harmony that gently reweaves fragmented parts into coherent, living balance.


ETHERIC COLORS: More like light moving through water; blend of heart-green and water blue. Pale Rose—Pink glow; Misty Lavender-violet; Pearlescent, gently shifting…


CHAKRAS: Heart, Throat, subtle Third Eye

CRYSTAL ALLIES: Rose Quartz, Green Aventurine, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Unakite, Garnet, Jade, Amazonite 


PERFUME NOTE:  Middle 

MUSICAL:  G Major or D major; flute, harp, soft Strings, flowing and wave-like        

ELEMENT: Water  Air, subtle Fire      

ASTRO:  Pisces, Libra, Venus, Neptune

ENERGY TYPE:  2, 1

CHEMICAL FAMILY:  Oxides, Monoterpenes, Monoterpenols


USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:  New patterns to take hold, depth to dreaming, sleep rhythms clear the atmosphere; calm the mind


USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES:  Jet lag, Unblocks and release of old patterns, Fragmented

Emotionally conflicted, integration after trauma or stress 

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:  candida albicans, lung congestion, sore muscles, clear cooling effect on skin, Nervous system balancing


PROPERTIES;  Anti-infectious, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, expectorant, hormonal regulator, immune system stimulant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-spasmodic


 Blends with ORANGE, CHAMOMILE, FRANKINCENSE, ROSALINA, CAJEPUT, CLARY SAGE, LAVENDER, LEMON, FRANKINCENSE and SILVER FIR

BLENDS CONTAINING:  None yet

 Main constituents: pinene, 1.8 cineole, linalool; Fragonia's unique 1:1:1 ratio of monoterpenes, oxides, and monoterpenols, a rare find in essential oils, was termed Fragonia's Triangle by Dr. Pénoël, symbolizing balance and harmony.


ARCHETYPES:  Harmonizer, Emotional Alchemist, Peacekeeper, Gentle Healer, Sacred Weaver  


PERSONALITY:  A pleasant mix of Eucalyptus and Pine with a smattering of Tea Tree and Lavender.

+Loving, strong, inviting respect but with a spirit of sweet, gentle delight.

+Humble, with a bright outlook on life, optimistic

+People flock around for emotional support, especially during difficult transitions.

+Mild mannered, at ease around children and elderly

+Deeply present, without being intense.

+Compassionate, but not overwhelmed

+Able to sit with complexity without needing to fix it immediately.

Doesn’t say:“Here’s what’s wrong.”

But, “Let’s bring everything back into relationship.”

 

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Larch

 

larix laricina or larix decidua—also known as Tamarack--steam distillation of the needles and young twigs.  Fresh, resinous, green, slightly sweet, clean forest top note with a soft balsamic undertone. it IS THE ONLY CONIFER where needles turn gold in autumn before falling off. It can withstand incredibly cold temperatures and harsh growing conditions. The oil is somewhat expensive at about $4 per ml.


CAUTIONS:  considered non-toxic and non-irritating, but it should be used with care as it is quite potent. 

  

CHARACTER:  “Cyclical Resilience,” humility, and quiet confidence reborn and renewed each spring. 

ETHERIC COLORS:  Golden-Green, Spring Green, Pale amber

CRYSTAL ALLIES: Green aventurine, Smoky Quartz, Peridot, Moss Agate, Chrysoprase, Jade, Rainforest Jasper, Bloodstone

CHAKRAS:  Heart, Solar, Root 

ELEMENTS:  Earth, Air

MUSICAL:  E, G; violin playing hopeful melody; wooden flute in mountain air    

PERFUME NOTE: Top to Middle 

ASTROLOGICAL:  Capricorn, Virgo, Saturn, Sun

ENERGY TYPE:  2, 4; It is not stoic like pine. It is adaptable strength.

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE TRAITS:  Self-trust, confidence 

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES: Recovering from failure, stress, anxiety, mental fog

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:  respiratory health and joint pain. Minor skin cuts, acne, eczema/psoriasis , tired legs and lymphatic circulation.

PROPERTIES:  strong antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and mucolytic (expectorant), analgesic, 

BLENDS WITH:  It pairs well with other conifer oils (pine, cedarwood), citrus oils (lemon, orange), and herbaceous oils like lavender.  

BLENDS:Ocean Jasper,  Sacred Rim, Into The Woods,

Primary constituents: Monoterpenes (α-pinene, β-pinene), bornyl acetate, limonene

ARCHETYPES:  QUIET ACHIEVER, HUMBLE LEADER, SHAMANIC PROTECTOR, SHAPESHIFTER, INDIVIDUALIST, MEDIATOR, PIONEER, TRAILBLAZER 

PERSONALITY:

 +Does not have inflated ego.  Resonates with “You are capable.

 +Speaks softly. Quiet authority.

+Has persistence and creative expression.

+Weathered but warm. Strength without hardness. As such, they are not opposed to some healthy risk-taking

+Resilient optimism

+Prone to staying in the background until they find their “season”

 They are not afraid to try again and go back up the mountain, if they fell once.  Letting go without losing identity

- If negative, may experience Excess self-criticism, Emotional brittleness, fear of visibility or avoidance of opportunity.


  

 

  

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Ormenis Flower


 -ormenis multicaulis or mixta-also known as “Chamomile Maroc”or “Spanish Wild Chamomile” is distilled from the flowering tops. Has herbaceous top note with sweet rich-balsamic undertone.  Has long been sold as Chamomile, but is far cheaper and has different qualities 

CAUTIONS:  Generally safe when diluted but poses risks if misused. Key cautions include potential skin sensitization.  Avoid use during pregnancy/lactation, and keep it away from children. It is for topical or aromatic use only.  


CHARACTER:  "Mindful Mystic" Unhurried, Composed, warm sunlight after emotional rain—comforting, restoring, and quietly joyful. a meadow breeze carrying wildflowers; “Softness is not weakness. It is the strength that allows life to recover.”


CRYSTAL ALLIES:  Labradorite, Rose Quartz, Yellow Calcite, Moonstone, Prehnite, Chrysoprase, Mother of Pearl, Botswana Agate, Kunzite


ETHERIC COLORS:  golden yellow, pale honey, light meadow green

PERFUME NOTE:  Middle, acts as the “Heart”

ELEMENTS:  Water and air; some say Fire


MUSICAL ASSOCIATIONS:  G MAJOR, harp, acoustic guitar, flute, soft violin 


CHAKRAS:  Heart, solar, subtle Crown

ASTRO:  Moon, Sun, Cancer, Libra

ENERGY:  2, 1

CHEMICAL FAMILY: Monoterpenol


USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:  Calm, Empathetic, Courageous, Earthed, Relaxed, Mindful, Able to let go, Attentive, Meditative, Consoled, Soothed, Peaceful acceptance; “Healing happens when the heart feels safe.”


USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES:  Stress, Tension, Anxiety, Dread, High Strung, Impulsive, Confused, Bad temper, Emotionally controlling, Emotional blockages, Abused, Fearful.


USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:  Acne, allergic reactions, Colic, colitis, headache, insomnia, menopause, liver & spleen congestion, MRSA, cystitis, dermatitis, eczema, headache, muscle spasms


Blends well with CYPRESS, LAVENDER, VETIVER, CEDAR, CISTUS, ARTEMESIA, JASMINE, ROSE, NEROLI AND ALL CITRUS


May contain:  germacrene, alpha pinene, beta farnesene, cineole, myrcene, trans pinocaruoel, borneol, bornyl acetate, bisabolene, caryophellene etc


ARCHETYPES:  COMFORTER, GENTLE HEALER, LISTENER, SUNLIT CHILD, MEADOW SPIRIT, RESILENT SURVIVOR


PERSONALITY:

+Hidden depths, vibrant. Secret person, likes to keep true selves hidden. 

+Masters of disguise in everything they do.  Hide emotions and true intentions.

+ Patient, takes everything at their own pace, with no hurrying, rushing, or rashness.

+Everything has a motive and every step will be deliberate.

+Never leaves anything to fate.  Everything is carefully planned and calculated.

+”Why hurry, there is time to sit, think, and talk about it.”

+ “Laid back” is an understatement.  They can infuriate such personalities as GRAPEFRUIT.  However, some projects do actually make it off the drawing board.

+ Likes to be in charge and thought of as a thinker.

+ Wise, not in the medicinal sense, but in the metaphysical “knowing.”

+ Secrets are safe with them.  

+They tend to have an answer for everything, if they don’t, they know a man that does.

+Full of wonderful and exotic stories and experiences.  Wonderful story tellers.

+ Able to calm explosive situations.

  • +Appear to be in control. Much attuned to the earth’s ways. Values the earth’s treasures.
  • +Drawn to vocations like counselors, care givers and artists. They are often empaths.

-If negative, can become very controlling, expecting to be obeyed no matter what.

-Do not listen to reason easily, may be patronizing and condescending.