Herbalists in medieval times frequently combined different parts of plants, believing each had its own unique purpose. In rituals and magical practices, we often incorporate various plant parts due to their symbolic meanings, which amplify the energy and effectiveness of our intentions. It was easy for me to realize that using an essential oil or a blend of oils could be just as effective as using the actual plant material.
Roots provide stability and support our energy from below the surface. Wood and bark represent the foundation, helping us grow and offering protection. Resins are vital, bringing energy, control, and healing. Leaves symbolize growth and help us define our goals. Flowers represent beauty, fertility, and sensuality. The word "fruition," linked to fruit, signifies the achievement of our goals, making fruit a symbol of our desires and abundance, enhancing our energy. Seeds and nuts represent new beginnings and are essential for nurturing fresh starts. They also show duality, reflecting life and death or light and dark, thus providing balance and change. An acorn can symbolize new potential, while an apple can represent abundance. Essential oils can also serve these purposes, as many come from specific plant parts. While single oils are powerful, blending them can boost energy and strengthen intentions, which inspires this method. Trying new combinations is always fun. I found it helpful to categorize them into two main groups: As Above and So Below. These broader categories not only expand the variety of oils but also provide more energetic support. For example, a mix of root and wood oils can create a grounding blend for after rituals, while combining leaf and fruit oils can assist in manifesting our goals.
The main groups of As Above and So Below are each split into three categories, along with one subcategory. In the So Below group, the categories are roots, wood and bark, and resins. The resins category includes resins, oleoresins, and gums. Additionally, there is a subcategory for twigs and leaves. Although these oils are derived in part from leaves, which belong to the As Above category, I believe that the bark and woody sections of twigs make them more energetically aligned with the So Below group. Nonetheless, feel free to explore and discover where these oils resonate best for you.
So Below
Essential oils from roots:
Keywords: grounding, stability, longevity, secrets, the Otherworld/Underworld
Roots, found beneath the surface, are the most natural part of plants for grounding energy and ensuring stability. Blends that include roots can support us during psychic or astral practices, as well as help us ground energy after rituals. They symbolize longevity and remind us to keep secrets when necessary. Additionally, roots provide a connection to the Underworld, making these oils valuable for reaching out to ancestors, spirits, or chthonic deities. Consequently, a Samhain blend featuring these oils can be particularly potent. When combined with wood and bark oils, roots can offer protection during interactions with the Otherworld or Underworld. Resin oils infuse vitality into longevity, while oils from twigs and leaves can energize all our efforts. Merging root oils with As Above oils amplifies their effects. Roots help us stay grounded as we pursue our true purpose in life, providing the stability we need. The beauty of flowers can also benefit from the enduring nature of roots.
Essential oils from resins:
Keywords: vitality, healing, control, spirituality
I view resins, gums, and oleoresins as the essential lifeblood of plants, providing both vitality and healing properties. They carry a sense of spirituality, helping us connect with deeper energies for meaningful rituals. Many of these substances belong to the resinous scent category. When blended with other So Below oils, they infuse energy and strength where it's needed most. Their healing qualities can enhance the longevity of root oils and work harmoniously with the robustness of wood and bark. In combination with As Above oils, resins contribute to the vitality and growth of leaves, while also introducing an element of control that can be beneficial in matters of attraction, particularly in romantic contexts. This control can also help manage overly ambitious manifestations.
Essential oils from wood and bark:
Keywords: protection, growth, balance/center, strength
Durable wood and tree bark, along with the woody sections of other plants, offer a protective quality. Consequently, the oils derived from these materials are especially effective in blends designed for this purpose. Wood and bark also serve as indicators of growth, assisting us in manifesting our development on multiple levels: social, emotional, and spiritual. These plant components contribute to balance by either being central or surrounding elements that enhance strength. When combined with other So Below oils, wood and bark reinforce the stability of root oils. The protective and growth-enhancing properties of wood and bark oils significantly boost the healing potential of resins, while the energy from twigs and leaves enhances their overall effectiveness. In conjunction with the As Above oils, the growth of wood and bark works to complement and amplify the growth of leaves. Maintaining a centered and balanced state can be beneficial in areas related to beauty, sexuality, attraction, and the pursuit of success.
Essential oils from twigs and leaves:
Keywords: leaves add energy to wood and bark attributes
As a part of wood and bark, these oils carry similar qualities and benefits, enriched by the energy of leaves. Just like wood and bark, the oils derived from twigs and leaves can be utilized for the same purposes, significantly amplifying the energy of other oils in the So Below category. Oils from twigs and leaves enhance everything related to leaves and also elevate the energy of the As Above oils.
As Above
Essential oils from leaves:
Keywords: energy, growth, purpose
Leaves create a magical atmosphere from their emergence in spring until the winds of autumn carry them away. They embody vitality and growth, providing a boost to our personal journeys and aspirations. The oils derived from leaves are especially beneficial for discovering and nurturing our true life purpose. When paired with other As Above oils, leaves infuse additional energy. Their growth properties, when combined with flowers, enhance beauty and increase attraction. In conjunction with fruit oils, leaves amplify intentions, so it's wise to use them thoughtfully. For the So Below oils, leaves contribute to the strength and stability of roots. Their growth characteristics work harmoniously with wood and bark, reinforcing their resilience. Twigs and leaf oils, being partially derived from leaves, also benefit from all the positive attributes that leaves offer.
Essential oils from flowers:
Keywords: beauty, attraction, sex, fertility
Flowers, whether bold or understated, are the highlight of the plant world. They embody beauty with a purpose: to attract, reproduce, and promote fertility. Essential oils derived from these blooms can create enchanting blends for magical practices. It's no surprise that for centuries, poets and romantics have celebrated the allure of flowers. Flower oils can harness the energy of leaves and the manifesting strength of fruits, focusing it on attraction and desire. When paired with oils from leaves and flowers, the potency of floral essence amplifies. The aesthetic charm of flowers can enhance the function of leaves and the success-driven energy of fruits. Additionally, the sensual qualities of flowers can be balanced with the grounding properties of resin and root oils.
Essential oils from leaves and flowers:
Keywords: a combination of these categories
Oils made from a blend of leaves and flowers carry the unique qualities and strengths of both elements. They play a crucial role in enhancing the effects of individual leaf or flower oils. Moreover, these blends add a vibrant touch to all As Above group oils, amplifying their abilities to promote growth and manifestation of fruits. The oils derived from leaves and flowers introduce a sense of lightness that uplifts the energy of the So Below oils.
Essential oils from fruits:
Keywords: manifestation, success, abundance, increase
The beginning of this chapter highlights the significance of the word fruition. Fruit symbolizes achievement and realization. The essence and aroma of fruit embody abundance and the freedom from scarcity. By blending fruit oils, you can enhance your current situation and attract what you desire. Fruit oils amplify the effectiveness of other As Above oils. When combined with leaves, the energy and growth potential of the leaves are greatly enhanced by the fruit oils. Merging fruit with flowers can enrich your life with beauty in various forms. When paired with So Below oils, the manifestation power of fruit can be crucial, particularly for nurturing roots, managing resins, and safeguarding wood and bark. Additionally, roots contribute stability, which is vital when bringing your desires to fruition.
As Above and So Below
Essential oils from seeds:
Keywords: beginnings, changes, cycles, and balance/duality
Seeds are both mysterious and captivating, traversing between different realms. Whether they are carried by the wind or nestled in the soil, seeds embody new beginnings, transformations, and natural cycles. They reflect the rhythm of the year, serving as a balance between opposites: the heavens and the earth, light and shadow, the divine feminine and masculine. Even the smallest entities hold immense power; from a humble acorn, a grand oak can emerge. Embrace the essence of these oils with respect for their heritage and craftsmanship.
The transformative energy and cyclical nature of seed oils enhance the synergy of other oils in a blend. The initiating quality of seeds and nuts can spark the growth of wood and bark oils, as well as promote the healing properties of resins, while also connecting with the realms of roots. The transformative nature of seeds beautifully complements the allure and charm of flowers. Furthermore, the intent behind leaves can be amplified by the dynamic energy and cycles that seeds inspire.
Plant parts and their essential oils correspond to the elements in the following ways:
Air: leaves and flowers
Water: fruits and resins
Earth: roots, wood, bark, twigs, and leaves
Fire: seeds
Initially, it might seem that seeds belong to the earth element since they lie in the soil. However, they actually contain the fire or spark of life that ignites the cycle of growth. Similarly, while wood is often linked to fire, when a tree is alive, it is deeply connected to the earth—consider the earthy and woodsy aromas.
There are three approaches to crafting a blend using this technique:
• Combine oils from the same part of the plant;
• Mix oils from different parts of the plant, selecting from either the As Above or So Below categories;
• Harmonize various oils from both categories.
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