22

It’s a 22 day, a master number associated with the end of a cycle and divine creation and also auspiciously the first day of Leo. Number 22 is considered a master "builder" number, as it is 11, another master number, multiplied by two but with its energetic power magnified by four.

"Number 22 is one of the power numbers. The color associated with it are cream and coral, the symbol is the cross. The keyword of this number is Light, harmony and co-operation, when the vibration is found, there is the co-operation to work with Sources plan on Earth."1

We can dig deep and find all sorts of interesting references about this number, here are a few. Each of us will be attracted to different items on this list depending on where we stand and our belief systems. I tend to like to observe these things and then put the ones that resonate and feel most authentic into my magical backpack.

• "The 22 elements by which God created the world.

• At his Ascension, by twenty-two times Jesus blesses the creation.

• The Word of God is at the 22th level of conscience. The cosmic conscience would subdivide indeed into 24 dimensional or spiritual levels. The maximal conscience level, the 24th, would be attributable only to the God-Father and the 23th level would be considered as being an energy protective area surrounding the level 24. The 22th level of conscience would be also that of the antique Elohim also named the 24 Ancients.

• Twenty-two is the number of biblical books of the Old Testament - Hebrews and Protestants. This number is obtained by counting for only one book the twelve minor prophets, as well as the Judges, the Kings, Ezra, the Chronicles (each one being generally divided into two books). It is also necessary to integrate Ruth with the Judges and the Lamentations with Jeremiah. And it is thanks to this last restriction that we obtain finally 22 instead of 24. Flavius Joseph (Against Apion, I, 8, 1st s.) is the first one to have proposed a distribution in 22 books.

• The Mezuzah contains fifteen verses of the last book the Old Testament, the Deuteronomy, VI, 4-9 and XI, 13-21, for a total of 170 words, always written in 22 lines. This small roll is inserted in a tube of wood or metal and is attached to the superior right side on the frame of a door, according to the commandment of the Bible: "And you will write them on the frame of the door of your house" .

• The 22 chapters of the Vendidad, book of the Avesta, written by Zarathustra.

• The 22 prayers ("Yeshts") of the "Khorda-Avesta".

• The Chronos god was surrounded by 22 main assistants and 22 secondary, according to the Phoenician Sanchoniaton.

• For the Muslives, the Koran is the recording of the oral revelation authorized by the grace of God to the Prophet of Islam during almost 22 years, in the beginning of the seventh century of the Christian era - from 610 to 632.

• According to S. Doucet and J.-P. Larosee, the man is composed twenty-two evolutionary bodies gathered in four categories: subtle body, energy body, galactic body and temporal body. Each one of these 22 bodies is formed of 1296 "partitions" that they call circumferences, vibrating each one at a precise frequency. This number 1296 is called "Energizing number", since it is the product of 12 (Cosmic number) and 108 (Universal number). By multiplying 22 by 1296, they obtain the total number of 28512 circumferences composing the 22 evolutionary bodies of the man, that is according to them the number of the man and also that of Infinite Energy.

• Several old alphabets had twenty-two letters: Chaldean, Sabean, Roman, Copt and Hebraic. The letters of the Hebraic alphabet are divided into three mother letters (Aleph, Mem, Shin), seven double letters (Beth, Guimel, Daleth, Kaph, Phe, Resh, Tau) twelve simple letters (He, Waw, Zain, Heth, Teth, Yod, Lamed, Nun, Samekh, Ayin, Tzade, Qoph).

• According to saint Yves of Alveydre, the primitive alphabet of all the humanity, at the period of "Ram" (adam alphabet or "Watan"), would have comprised 22 signs.

• Salemi points out that the Hebrew Candelabra includes 22 chalices, 22 apples and 22 flowers by counting the point superior of the axis.

• "From the twenty-two great Masters that counted the "Templiers Order" since its creation to its term, seven lost the life in combats; five died of their wounds, one of voluntary fast, having fallen to hands of infidels. Finally, James Molay had to be burnt alive under Philip the Bel, but the Order was dissolved when this crime occurred. It is therefore on the whole thirteen great Masters in function who paid of their existence the honor to command the soldiers of Christ." (John Carpentier)

• The 22 cards of the Tarot - 22 mysteries major.

• The Cosmos would shelter 22 Super-Universe.

• The totality of mystical knowledge is contained in the symbolic of the first twenty-two numbers, according to Bambaras.

• The initiation of Pythagoras with the Egyptian priests lasted 22 years.

• The twenty-two channels linking the ten "Sephiroth" between them in the "sephirotic Tree" of the Cabal.

• According to some mediumnic revelations, it would exist 22 main stars where all the entities will pass to achieve the complete cycle of their evolution.

• Twenty-two is the number of writable regular polygons in an Euclidiean circle: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 24, 30, 36, 40, 45, 60, 72, 90, 120, 180, 360. These are twenty-two of the twenty-four dividers of 360, the two first, 1 and 2, not defining polygons.

• Length of the cubit in number of fingers, for Bambaras, which corresponds to the totality of the categories of the creation: this cubit from Bambaras represents therefore the universe.

• Number of total stars of which is composed the Little Bear. However, only seven of them are visible to the naked eye.

• 22 divided by 7 gives the number "pi", which represents the mysterious and approximate ratio of the perimeter of a circle to its diameter.

• The head of the man is constituted of 22 bones: 8 for the cranium and 14 for the face." 2

References:
1 SpiritualUnite
2 Riding the Beast

Mercury Day

Wednesday is attributed to the heavenly body, closest to the sun. Although small in size, it is dense and heavily cratered like the Moon. The astrological of signs Gemini and Venus are ruled by this messenger of the God and Goddess. There is dualistic, curious, versatile component. In a conversation with my local buddy Avery he mentioned that there is a  "fluidity of the subconscious, a bridge that connects the waking and sleeping states, or the mortal and immortal nature of the soul.”

Although in Rome he was called Mercury, in the Greek Odyssey his name is Hermes, the father of "hermetic" knowledge who carried a golden herald, called a kerykeion, a caduceus by the Romans. Ancient texts associate Hermes with his lover Aphrodite, whose child was Hermaphroditus. According to Greek mythology he was merged into an androgynous form with the water nymph Salmacis. 

The color harmony of the planet is blue, relating to the throat chakra, home of our center of expression and communication. The stones attributed to both this planet and chakra tend to be blue in color to aid in our expression and communication.

Although tansy, yarrow and both blue chamomile and cypress contain the appropriate hue, in aromatherapy we use thyme and elemi to assist in self expression. Fragrances that contain an airy quality with notes containing some motion, like the air have more mercurial attributes. Pay attention to scents that encourage a feeling of fluidity in your communication, as if you have wings.

Stay tuned for more related posts as I dive deeper into the ancient mysterious of alchemy and astrology.

Planet Mercury gif via NASA
Painting by Adolf Hiremy-Hirsch
Photos and text ©RoxanaVilla

PISCES: Swimming without Water

Happy Solar Return to all you born under the influence of Pisces! The sun has entered this mystical, intuitive and watery sign today, February 19. The symbol of the two fishes is said to be derived from the ichthyocentaurs, who aided Aphrodite when she was born from the sea.

“We Pisceans know how to swim without water” 

― Munia Khan

I've been delving deep into astrology lately and all the wonders of this ancient, pattern tracking wheel, thus expect more on this topic here at the journal. I'm married to a Pisces and have lots of the sign showing up in my chart. All of us have some form of this mutable sign in some way and we can relate to an aspect of it personally or how the symbol shows up in others and the world.

What shall we scent our Piscean friends with, watery GreenWitch, intuitive Vespertina or the very tender and flow inducing Gracing the Dawn? Hmmm, I say it's too hard to choose, let's layer them up or, even better anoint a different part of the body with a different scent!

"And here fantastic fishes duskly float,

Using the calm for waters, while their fires

Throb out quick rhythms along the shallow air."

— Elizabeth Barrett Browning, A Drama of Exile

Opening image: Painting by Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, Golden Indian Coin 

Sun in Leo

Hello August, the month of Leo the Lion! This mighty yet warm hearted feline is ruled by the sun, like our little alchemist the honey bee. The big, regal cat purrs in the fantasy of ruling the realm, growls and roars when the illusion bursts. Believe me, I know, my sun is in Leo, although countered with lots of Pisces, Virgo and a Taurus rising. 

Leos love to teach and have a generous affectionate heart. Some believe that the great Sphinx was built during the age of Leo looking over the rising Sun. Pure botanical perfumes are perfect for these astute, luxury loving lions since they are made with the gems ✨ of the fragrance industry. Spare no expense on your big cat, they will brighten your day with their hearty laugh, bright smile and or infectious gregarious nature.

Friday Fabulous!

Sandwiched between Thursday and Saturday is Friday, my absolute favorite day of the week. Friday is associated with Venus, the bright star of the morning and evening. The day is blessed by many Goddesses of the devoted to love and beauty.

Attributes of the day are aligned with harmony, pleasure, romance and sensuality. Some traditions associate the planetary cycle of Venus with internal experience, rest and contemplation. Keeping these attributes in mind I am going to suggest Figure 1: Noir as a way to connect with the sensual side of our natures. Normally I recommend jasmine affiliated fragrances for Venusians, thus I am going to layer something like Lyra, Chiaroscuro or Cimbalom over Figure 1: Noir or vice versa.

Speaking of Figure 1: Noir, find all reviews here, there are two brand new ones by scent twins on opposite coasts: Gaia of The Non-Blonde and Tom at Perfume Posse. The labels for the EdP are at the printer, fingers crossed that they will be ready shortly. In the meantime if you'd like a bottle of the EdP with the temporary label please send a note to roxana illuminatedperfume com.

Sun Sign Leo

On July 23rd the sun moved into the sign of Leo until August 22nd.  Within the twelve signs in the zodiac all the personality types are represented. Leo the lion tends to be creative, spontaneous, dominate, ambitious, courageous...among many other traits. Our nearest star, the Sun at the center of the universe and life giver, rules Leo.

If you have a Leo in your life and are considering a gift of natural perfume, To Bee feels very appropriate. Sweet and warm like honey, firey like the sun and inspired by the courageous honey bee who uses the sun as her gps. An added benefit is that color harmony for this fragrance is gold.

I was born during this sun cycle, however I have a Pisces moon and lots of planets in the 4th house, which offsets some of the Leo characteristics. It has become a bit of a yearly tradition for me to create a celebratory perfume in August. This year I will launch a new Jasmine perfume (formerly known Jasmine Noir) to add to Cimbalom and Page 47 that are part of this set.

There are many projects in the works at the moment and I haven't quite decided what will get launched when. Some of this depends on Mr. Illuminator who is creating a few images. For now I will focus on finishing the To Bee Lookbook and labels for a new product line which Impromptu is part of. Ah, and keep in mind the Birthday Coupon, a once a year discount which can be used at any time of the year toward a compact or flacon.

J is for Jupiter and Jasmine

It's Thursday, ruled by the planet of luck and good fortune. I'm making solid perfume this morning and will be working on special little gift boxes going out to some special folks.

Eve and I are working on some photos and films, still in the planning phase of the film. We will begin shooting next week when we have the backdrop back.


Herbs associated with Jupiter include jasmine, which is rather perfect since I'm making solids of Lyra and Cimbalom natural perfume today.

I've noticed daily trends with perfume purchases, lately its been for the sweet, delicious florals like Lyra, Cimbalom and Page 47.

Image of Jupiter via Nasa, Cimbalom compact Roxana Villa

The Winged Messenger

Wednesday is ruled by the planet Mercury which governs the mind and communication. Named after the Roman god, Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system and closest to the Sun. In Greek mythology Mercury is the winged messenger known as Hermes. Astrologically Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo, two signs associated with intellect.

In keeping with the flow of the winged messenger here are a few things currently taking place in the woodland apothecary.


ToBee as a solid compact has just been listed in the shop. The price reflects the increase in the cost of raw materials, like Mimosa, Beeswax and Clover absolute. I'm still working on the To Bee LookBook, a task which is a bit all consuming and challenging to my skill set as artist, photographer, designer, writer and computer techie. I've been waiting on the arrival of the SLR camera for some final photos, but, the camera seems to be taking much longer to arrive than anticipated. Thus, I will move forward without additional photos.


As a means to understand the needs and desires of my customers I have put together a survey on Google with a few multiple choice questions. If you feel inspired to fill it out you will receive a 10% discount which can be used on anything in my E-shop. The discount may not be combined with the same item that you use the birthday coupon on but may be used in the same order if you choose two items. Once you fill out the questionaire please e-mail me (roxana at illuminatedperfume.com) so I can give you your coupon code to use in the shop or send you a paypal invoice.

Images: The Marriage of Persephone by Henry Siddons Mowbray. To Bee solid compact montage and gift box photo and by Roxana Villa.

Mutable

We have moved into the Astrological phase of Gemini. With this a fellow Etsy seller, Morgen of InkySpider and Kootsac, has featured our botanical perfume, Vera, in her blog post titled Gift Giving through the Zodiac - Gemini. Her blog is titled "What does the Golden Mean?", pretty clever.


Christiane Goncalves, one of the many perfume bloggers to emerge from Brazil, has done a series titled "My Spring with Artisan Perfumers" over at the Fragrantica website. You may recall I asked you to head on over to Fragrantica last year when our blog was submitted as one of the best fragrance blogs of 2009.