My partners, Merritt and Simon, and I agreed some time ago that Atherae Essential Oil Blends  should introduce seasonal blends for each solstice and equinox. I was delighted with this project mainly  because I love exploring the many different aspects of the hundreds of essential oils available with a specific goal to achieve. The process involves research, exploration and trusting my intuition.

The first was the Fall equinox which would be called Demeter. She is the Greek goddess of harvest and fertility of the earth. Gradually the blend appeared and ultimately consisted of essential oils of tea tree, grapefruit, marjoram, Himalayan cedarwood, cardamon, and ylang-ylang. Once I completed the formula and mixed the blend, I worked with it before introducing to Simon and Merritt for feedback. Next step would be to write up a description.

After a couple of days of using the blend in time set aside for meditation, I went outside to my storage shed for some cleaning equipment when suddenly I had a compelling urge to get all of the “stuff” collected over 20 years out of there! I started this project immediately and over the next week made several trips to GoodWill, the recycle center and the dump. The result was that I had clean shelves and storage space to newly organize. For the first time since downsizing and moving to my meadow cottage, I could shop at Costco for bargains and have sufficient space to store paper towels, toilet paper, kleenex, soaps and cleaning material.

Now it was time to prepare a description of the purpose of Demeter and here is what I learned:

The Fall Equinox is a season of transition. Energetically it is a time to let go of those things that no longer contribute to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Just as the trees naturally let go of their leaves in the Fall, getting rid of that which no longer serves us helps create “breathing room” that strengthens our lives.

To me it was obvious that this cleansing blend assisted me in starting this process and provided the strength, focus and support to make the changes in a calm, revitalizing and uplifting manner.

Next project was the Winter solstice blend, and I had little idea what to expect though I eagerly anticipated the process. I was in for a surprise. This blend would be named after the Celtic goddess, Beira. She is the personification of winter and mother to all the gods and goddesses in the mythology of Scotland.

I followed the same procedure to create a blend of orange, frankincense, bay laurel, Texas cedarwood, peppermint, cinnamon, clove and rosemary. Again I used it in my meditations before introducing it to my partners. What happened next is very personal and difficult for me to describe.

I started to acknowledge the fact that I had withdrawn to my cottage after retiring and began a slow, steady, sure process of  isolation that contributed to darkness and loneliness. I read an article stating that 1 in ll Americans age 50 and older lacks a spouse, partner or living child, the main sources of companionship in old age! Research has discovered that loneliness takes a physical toll and is worse for longevity than being obese or physically inactive!! I started to realize that being over 70 I needed to take action to dispel the dark  thoughts surrounding my excuses for “not getting involved”. I ceased listening to all the political news that is so foremost in the media and began a process of appreciating all the positive people and circumstances in my life.

Gradually and surely, the dark negative thoughts that haunted me daily and I was careful to hide  began to lighten. To quiet my mind, especially during the wee hours of the morning, I created a new mantra: I am here in this moment and in this place with a quiet mind, grateful heart and healthy body.

Now it was time to prepare a description of the benefits of Beira. Here are the results:

The winter solstice carries a metaphor for life. Darkness exists around us, this may be in ourselves, family, friends, career or the world. We must recognize and accept the darkness that exists during our lifetime while recognizing and holding on to the past experience that the light will always shine once again.

Once again, a blend of essential oils revealed in no uncertain terms where I was mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Having this clarity and using the blend with clear intentions, I am letting go of those limiting beliefs and dark emotions that no longer serve me. Namaste!!