BSF (Be in Spirit Form)
BSF is one of those “AHA Moment” creations. During a period of deep meditation following the loss of a deeply beloved soul, I visualized the components which would allow me to move forward through the loss while bringing focus, clarity, and acceptance. I wanted to honor the bond and love I experienced while also being able to accept the sorrow of the loss with ease and grace. Each component of this blend was selected based upon that meditation—not to create a perfume, rather to create a release of negative energy and grief while at the same time opening up the heart center and creating spiritual openness, and a connection to the ethereal soul and the Divine. A transition, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary is “the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.” Similarly, metamorphosis: “a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.” During periods of passing, such as with a debilitating or terminal illness, the body and mind begin the process of preparing to pass from one form of energy to the next. Some may call it death, and believe there is no state of being beyond it. Others believe the body returns to energy only to move toward a new state of being. No matter our belief, the metamorphosis occurs in sentient beings as the processes of the body begin to move into a transitioning phase. For both humans and creatures, this period can bring on feelings of fear, regret, anger, frustration. BSF is comprised of specific components which work not only with the Heart and Third Eye Chakras, but with the limbic center of the brain to allow the body, mind, and spirit to move toward a state of acceptance, love, and grace so a transition may be more gentle and peaceful.
This blend can be utilized at any time; many may find it a beautiful addition to periods of deep introspection and anointing such as a baptism or birth. It is designed for use with BOTH animals and humans and ideally used for the periods just prior, during, and following the passing of a loved one. Just as a person or creature must transition, so must the lives of those who remain. BSF instills an ethereal sense of deep tranquility while easing grief and healing emotional wounds.
- Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha): As described by the New Testament, Myrrh resin was one of the gifts brought by the Magi to the baby Jesus (the others being gold and frankincense). Myrrh essential oil is highly prized for its healing and spiritual powers; the oil has one of the highest sesquiterpene contents - a compound which can directly affect the hypothalamus, pituitary and amygdaline. Myrrh oil can be used to anoint the 'third eye' as a meditation or yoga aid and its aroma is uplifting. Like Frankincense oil, Myrrh assists in spiritual opening – as its effect on the central nervous system is a gentle and calming one, able to instill a deep tranquility of the mind. As an ancient 'esoteric' magical herb, Myrrh is said to bridge Heaven and Earth, strengthening the connection between our crown and base chakras. This may allow the manifestation of dreams into this earthly realm. As a 'Funeral' herb, Myrrh is said to ease grief and heal emotional wounds, bringing peace and calm. Its extraction from the solitary tree in the desert represents strength in harsh conditions.
- Sage (Salvia officinalis): Sage was known at the 'sacred herb' by the ancient Romans; 'Salvia' being derived from the word 'salvation'. Sage is commonly used to 'smudge' rooms, buildings and other areas to move out old, negative, or stagnant energy and purifying and strengthening the chakras/vital centers. Aromatically, the essential oil can be mentally stimulating, helping one cope with despair and mental fatigue. The oil may support balancing of hormones, bringing positive energy to the pelvic chakra where negative emotions from denial and abuse can be stored. It may assist in detoxifying the body, regulating circulation and supporting metabolism.
- Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) Spikenard was very precious in ancient times, used only by kings, priests and high initiates in Egyptian, Hebrew, and Hindu civilizations. One of Spikenard's biblical references is that of Mary of Bethany anointing the feet of Jesus with the oil before the last supper. Spikenard essential oil's use in modern aromatherapy is often one of regulating the actions of the nervous system and the heart with psychological effects addressing the heart-center and ethereal soul. With its warm and earthy aroma, Spikenard helps sooth the deepest forms of anxiety, and like Myrrh, can instill a profound sense of peace. It is then that the 'release' into spiritual openness may be of great assistance.
- Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): Harmonic and balancing, Geranium can be used for spiritual practice and meditation as it assists one in connecting to the intuition and wisdom messages of the heart. This naturally leads to an increased capacity for intimate and open communication between body, mind, and spirit. Geranium essential oil has the quality of equalizing hormonal and emotional extremes. Known familiarly as the ‘flower of constancy’, Geranium helps to lift the spirits and helps to bring joy and happiness to one’s daily activity. Known for its support in releasing negative and dis-harmonious memories, Geranium eases nervous tension and stress and is balancing to the emotions, thus lifting the spirits, and fostering a sense of peace and well-being. Indicated for those who feel the downward spiral of depression and for those whose lives are ‘lacking color’, the essential oil is celebrated for its ability to lift worry and anxiety.
- Frankincense (Boswellia carteria): Frankincense is considered the “Holy anointing oil” and has been used in sacred religious ceremonies for thousands of years. Containing sesquiterpenes, it stimulates the limbic system of the brain (the center for memory and emotions) and the hypothalamus, pineal and pituitary glands. Not to be overlooked, the aroma-therapy aspect of the essential oil is just as impressive as the rest of its uses. The aroma of the carteri species has uplifting citrus and woody notes, and is considered an excellent antidepressant and used for grounding and calming, lending itself to meditative use and deep introspection.
- Galbanum (Ferula galbaniflua): Resin from Galbanum stem was used historically as a part of 'holy' incense (mentioned in Exodus). Harmonic and balancing, its fragrance amplifies spiritual awareness and meditative feelings. When combined with Frankincense, the aromatherapy benefits rise dramatically.
- Angelica (Angelica archangelica): Known as the 'holy spirit root' or 'oil of angels', Angelica oil's healing powers were considered so strong as to be thought of Divine origin by Europeans. The fragrance of Angelica essential oil may help release negative feelings from traumatic events and is emotionally calming. Many find Angelica essential oil to be an important addition to their healing or spiritually-protective blends. Angelica flower essence is used to open the doorway to protection from spirit realms.
- Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica & Cedrus deodora): Recognized for its calming and purifying effects, Cedarwood is most frequently used as a spiritually-grounding scent. The oil may stimulate the pineal gland which releases melatonin (a regulator of sleep and dreams) as well as the limbic system (center of emotions) by the high sesquiterpene content. Cedarwood is used as a temple incense by Tibetan Buddhists as well as an anointing oil.
- Spruce (Tsuga Canadensis): The aromatic influence from Spruce oil is believed to release emotional blocks and bring about a feeling of balance. The Lakota Indians used spruce to strengthen their ability to communicate with the Great Spirit.
- Juniper (Juniperus communis): Juniper evokes feeling of health, love, and peace and is used in blends to elevate one’s spiritual awareness. During medieval times bundles of juniper berries were hung over doorways to ward off witches and malevolent spirits.