The Dark is Rising

I re-listened to the Dark is Rising, one of the novels in Susan Cooper's series from the 1970’s. The story feels so familiar with the current timeline we've been living. I also recognize that the dark has reared its head many times through existence on this earthy plane.

Here's a quote from Susan Cooper that I found on her website: thelostland.com

"There were two things about that childhood that helped to turn me into a writer of fantasy. Since we weren’t allowed out after dark (every house in England was blacked out at night, to be invisible to the bombers) and there was no television, I read everything I could find, from fairy stories to Dickens. And since every air-raid was a reminder that an enemy was trying to kill us, I developed a very strong sense of us and them, good and evil, the Light and the Dark."

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I've been contemplating the origins of the Twelfth Night with elder legends of the Wild Hunt. There is Odin, the horned God Cernunnos and his more modern archetype Herne the Hunter from Shakespeare.

From the matriarchy we have Holda, a complex archetype, often called the White Lady because of her white hair. She is the wise crone, who can embody the triple Goddess similar to Hecates. Holda, also called Holde, is a sky goddess who rides the wind, and a female leader of the Wild Hunt.

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The symbolism of horns often represents that primal, raw power of nature, often referenced as the uncontrollable wild magic of nature.

In Coopers book Greenwitch, the "Wild Magic is equal in strength to both the Dark and the Light, but that it stands apart and is unaffected by either.”

This evening of the Twelfth Night represents the time of the wild hunt, we can use this energetic imprint to go deep within, access our shadow self, lurking at the fringes of our unconscious and releasing those demons out into the dark night.

A few associated perfumes for anointing: Q for the power of the Oak, where Herne is said to reside, Figure 1: Noir,  Figure 5: Bois, La Dame Blanche and Terrestre.

In related news, GreenWitch will be back shortly.

Figure 1 Noir Autumn GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the grandeur of Mother Earth as we enter the luminous season of gold I have a luxury giveaway for you of Figure 1: Noir Solid Perfume in the Round Compact of your choice!

If you aren’t familiar with Figure 1: Noir and the benefits and plant perfume, test it out in our super cute solid perfume sample sets. Here's a quote from a customer:

"You have outdone yourself with this fragrance!
Each morning I put the scent on my wrists, tracing the veins there that look like roots,
and I am reminded of my rootedness to the earth.
Such a gift.  Thank you!"
~ Sarah

Figure 1: Noir contains notes of the wet mossy earth found in an ancient cemetery in Prague where the bones of alchemists lay restless and waiting. Leaves, roots and woods thickly braided with enchantments invoked amongst creatures roaming wild. Lush, mouth watering fruits picked just before ripening when a hint of the sour is a perfect contrast to the impending, yet hidden sweetness of human skin.

TO ENTER via Instagram
1. Follow @illuminatedperfume (we will check)
2. Like the giveaway photo here
3. Tag friends in separate comments {the more friends you tag the better chance you have to win}
4. Bonus Entry #1: share the instagram post to your story and tag @illuminatedperfume

If you do not have an instagram account then you may enter by creating a Figure 1: Noir Pin Board on Pinterest, OR do both!!

TO ENTER via Pinterest
1. Create a board on Pinterest that either evokes the essence of Figure 1 Noir perfume

Feel free to use any imagery from the my site, this journal, Greg's site, etc. If you need inspiration there is the Figure 1 Noir Lookbook at my Figure 1 Noir pin board.

2. Submit your beautiful creation, or creations, via e-mail (roxana at illuminatedperfume.com) with a link to your board by September 22nd at 11:59pm PST

The person who creates the most beautiful board will win their choice of a solid perfume round tin or one of the Eau de Parfum bottles with 6 grams of fragrance.

Fine print 
Giveaway ends on the Autumn Equinox, September 22nd at 11:59pm PST & the Winner will be randomly selected and announced on Wednesday September 25th
Winner will be tagged in our instagram stories and posted here at the journal! Good Luck!! 🍀 👏🏼
Must have a US mailing address, unless you would like to pay international shipping costs.

Figure 1 Noir Solid Perfume is back!

While searching through moving boxes filled with essential oils I discovered a big bottle of the synergy for Figure 1: Noir solid pure fume. I just listed the mini compacts in the brass, diamond pattern. I will list the other two designs shortly. If you would like Figure 1: Noir in another container and are cool with limited packaging embellishments contact me.

Here’s a descriptive paragraph I wrote about the fragrance a couple years ago:

Figure 1: Noir contains notes of the wet mossy earth found in an ancient cemetery in Prague where the bones of alchemists lay restless and waiting. Leaves, roots and woods thickly braided with enchantments invoked amongst creatures roaming wild. Lush, mouth watering fruits picked just before ripening when a hint of the sour is a perfect contrast to the impending, yet hidden sweetness of human skin.

Shop for the mini compact of Figure 1: Noir at my site or on Etsy. Read and see more about Figure 1: Noir at the Lookbook Greg and I created. Find the illuminated image Figure 1: Noir or Noir Woods at spalenka.com.

Figure 1: Noir Solid Natural Perfume is back!!

Wishing you all an absolutely splendid new seasonal cycle of the great agricultural wheel, transitioning us from light to dark. Breath in the deep, transformative energetics vibrating through the web of life as we step through the threshold, morphing into our highest and most divine self. Some refer to this as a celebration of the dark, a time to turn inward and balance our shadow or alchemical lead.

I'm so happy the Figure 1: Noir in the solid format is back, it's one of my personal favorites as well as for customers and the perfume bloggers. The scent is a spellbinding, rich, loamy fragrance that is grounding and intoxicating. It’s an earthy ode to patchouli contrasted with notes of the dark skinned, full-bodied red wine berries used for making Syrah.

Figure 1 Noir Reviews

Perfume Smelling Things: Singing Over the Bones

The Non-Blonde: Figure 1 Noir

Perfume Posse: Figure 1 Noir

Beauty Huile: Meticulous, fresh and very LA

Perfume Shrine: Figure 1 Noir

CaFleureBon: Darkness Descends

Te de Violetas: Hues of Darkness

Figure 1: Noir Brief

I'm experimenting with writing about each perfume, here is a re-write of the brief for Figure 1: Noir. The reference to the cemetery is a fantastical point of view from when Greg and I were in Prague is back in August 2003. Really, the entire paragraph is written in a magical realism type style.

Figure 1: Noir contains notes of the wet mossy earth found in an ancient cemetery in Prague where the bones of alchemists lay restless and waiting. Leaves, roots and woods thickly braided with enchantments invoked amongst creatures roaming wild. Lush, mouth watering fruits picked just before ripening when a hint of the sour is a perfect contrast to the impending, yet hidden sweetness of human skin.

Figure 1: Noir and Hedera helix

Singing over the Bones is the title of a new review of Figure 1: Noir by Beth Schreibman Gehring, so beautifully written I can see the words form into images. No surprise, since Beth is a bit of a witch and definitely knows a few charms. If Hogwarts existed, she'd be the potions teacher, no doubt.

In the post she mentions Hedera helix, how synchronistic because I have great news! After searching and searching and searching I have found and ordered the missing essences for Hedera helix and Gracing the Dawn. I was so happy that jumping up and down resulted. Not only did I find them but they are extremely high quality essences. Thus, expect Hedera helix and Gracing the Dawn to be back in both formats soon.

In the meantime, take a deep breath, get out Figure 1: Noir and Hedera helix (if you have any) and go check out the wonderful review. If inspired leave a comment, Beth tends to like to chat and respond to comments.

Figuring it all out

When the refurbished and greatly improved Figure 10: Noir debuted last March in San Francisco we decided to brand the series with the term "Cabinet of Curiosities" since each perfume in the series is based on a single note is family, for example Figure 10: Blanc is vanilla, Figure 1: Noir is patchouli, Figure 8: Coeur de Jasmin is Jasmin, etc.

Greg created the above image of a "cabinet" for the show, since then we've been working on a bigger image that will have spaces for each of the "Figures" as they debut.

If there is a particular scent or fragrance family you would like to see as one of the upcoming "Figures" please leave a comment or send me a note. Since I have been doing so much blending to restock all the perfumes lately I've had some really fun ideas for new scents. Now, if I could just clone myself!

Eau de Parfum labels!!

The end point of the long and winding road to the Eau de Parfum labels is finally here! Figure 1: Noir as an EdP has now been listed in the 6 gram and 1 gram sample sizes. Please be aware that there is limited amounts left of this first edition, upcoming editions will be done in larger quantities.

Next in the graphic design journey are a slight re-design of the mini informational cards which will be printed by a new, much more professional establishment.

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.

Winner of the Fig. 1: Noir EdP!

Many thanks to everyone who participated in the Figure 1: Noir Pin To Win It competition, what fun we all had! The idea for this game, like most of my notions was rather spontaneous and based on something that I love...visually imagery.

When Greg and I sat down to brainstorm a bit the illumination for Figure 1: Noir I first had him experience the perfume and ingredients, then I explained the concept and third I took him to a collection of images on Pinterest as reference. Greg then shared the pictorial collection with model Jessica Lough before traveling up to Seattle to shoot photos of her. In this way the three of us were able to discuss wardrobe and prop ideas so that the photo shoot time would be as productive as possible. See  images from the photo shoot here which takes you to Greg's blog. So far Greg has produced two illuminations for the perfume with more in the works.

Fifteen individuals entered the competition with a total of eighteen gorgeous visual compilations. The Pin board contributors, like our illustrious judges, are an eclectic group of fans of the fragrance and acquaintences from the art, Etsy and Pinterest communities. Each of our judges was sent a sample of Figure 1: Noir in at least one format prior to the judging. Once the contest was over, the boards were compiled from all entry points, numbered and then sent to the judges to determine which best exemplified the fragrance. The task of perusing such a vast plethora of stunning, two dimensional narratives was daunting. In the end our arbiters sent me their choices, sometimes selecting more than one for different reasons or listing four of their favorites beginning with their number one pick.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7 No longer available

8

9

10  No longer available

11 No longer available

12a No longer relevant

12b No longer relevant

13

14a No longer available

14b No longer available

15 No longer available

When all votes had been counted it was very interesting to notice that there was hardly any overlap of choices. The maker of the collection that won by a hair is Sarah Wolfe, known as WolfeGirl on Pinterest and the creatress of board number 5. Sarah also happens to be a huge fan of the fragrance thus I know that she will be thrilled with a bottle of the almost ready for debut Figure 1: Noir Eau de Parfum.

Congratulations to Sarah and an abundance of thank you's to everyone who participated in some way or other. As I've mentioned multiple times and will continue to chant over and over — I am so very grateful to my fans and continue to be inspired by each of you.

The Recruits

I've recruited some ladies with great taste for judging all the beautiful boards that are being submitted for the Pin it to Win it contest. These fine ladies will be evaluating each of the Fig. 1: Noir natural perfume boards and voting for the one that they feel represents the fragrance the best.

Gaia - The Non-Blonde

Jessica - The model of the Figure 1: Noir illuminations 

Lucy - Indie Perfumes

Trish - Scent Hive

Victoria Allen - Artist/Designer 

Victoria - EauMg

Yosh - Perfumer
and
N.H. at Beauty Huile

If you haven't entered this fun contest for a chance to win a bottle of the brand new Figure 1: Noir Eau de Parfum, check out the details here at this post.

Pin it to Win it: Figure 1: Noir

Now that the Figure 1: Noir natural perfume Lookbook is finished I'd like to invite you to the Pin it to Win it: Figure 1: Noir contest.

To participate create a board on Pinterest titled Figure 1: Noir, then pin imagery that you feel best evokes the fragrance. Sarah Wolfe just sent me an e-mail with hers, which is a stunner. Feel free to use any imagery that Greg and I have created. Please do not copy all the images in another Figure 1: Noir Pinterest board.

To enter, leave a comment here or send me a note with a link to your board by June 16th 12pm PST. The person that creates the most beautiful board will win a bottle of the upcoming Figure 1: Noir Eau de Parfum.

"You have outdone yourself with this fragrance!  

Each morning I put the scent on my wrists, tracing the veins there that look like roots, 

and I am reminded of my rootedness to the earth.  

Such a gift.  Thank you!" 

~ Sarah

Noir Woods Image @Greg Spalenka

Figure 1: Noir LookBook

The Figure 1: Noir LookBook has arrived wearing a long, velvety gown made of roots and branches. I invite you to peruse the pages and enjoy her dark, musky beauty.

Open publication - Free publishing

Figure 1: Noir REVIEWS

This is the landing page for all Figure 1: Noir reviews.

Perfume Posse #2

The Non-Blonde

Beauty Huile

Examiner

Perfume Shrine

Perfume Posse

CaFleureBon

Té de Violeta

Figure 1: Noir illumination by Greg Spalenka.

Figure 1: Noir

Roxana Illuminated Perfume introduces a curious collection of natural perfume narratives beginning with Figure 1: Noir, a fragrance tailored for those with a passion for patchouli.

From her tool box of artistic disciplines, Roxana illuminates an eccentric curiosity birthed of primordial earth. Figure 1: Noir is an intriguing perfume oddity, deep and resinous with a loamy plume of botanical musk. This first aromatic curiosity features harmonious notes of patchouli, green vetiver, agarwood, Mysore sandalwood, orris and valerian juxtaposed with the pungent tartness of buchu leaf, kewda, black cumin, green cognac and davana. The effect is as intimate and universal as human skin with a wild animalic shadow.

Figure 1: Noir is available as both a liquid and solid perfume in a variety of sizes and formats including a sample set of both for $17.50.

Image 1: Photograph Roxana Villa

Round solid perfume compacts, agarwood, earth and valerian root

Image 2: Photograph Lucy Snowe

Image 3: Illumination Greg Spalenka

I Feel the Earth Move

All the ducks are getting lined up for the Figure 1: Noir release for Earth Day. There are still a few items to take care of like more photos, writing the press release and sending samples to my favorite bloggers. In the meantime I have been wearing both versions and getting feedback from the fandom. 

At the moment the solid version that has gone out to folks and showcased at the San Francisco Salon is much more dense and earthy than the liquid. Some of you have expressed that you like them as they are and use them together, while others are in admiration of the liquid but not the solid. Thus, I have made another mod of the fragrance, shifting the solid to be a bit more like the liquid with the fruit note slightly more in the foreground.

Here is a quote about Figure 1: Noir solid, mod 1:

"It reminds me of being in a cool, dim cellar with damp wood, mossy earth and a tantalizing drift of stored fruit from some distant corner."
                                                              ~ Linda

Photograph is by Lucy Snowe, one of the many she did for me.

Illuminating the dark and mysterious

Figure 1: Noir was introduced at the San Francisco Artisan Fragrance event last month. Although the fragrance has not been formerly launched with the press release samples are already in the shop and reviews from happy noses are sprinkled throughout this post. Most importantly, and the reason for this post today, is the fantastic imagery that has been created for this new botanical perfume. The opening image above is the "official" illumination for Figure 1: Noir created by Greg Spalenka with his exquisite model Jessica Lough.

"A primal, feral animal, searching the blackest night. His fur damp and musky, his paws dirty with earth, dug up roots, and the faint aroma of trodden berries. This is the image that Noir conjured in my mind. Fig. 1: Noir is heavy, earthy, strong and long-lasting. And utterly beautiful. The sweet berry notes that emerge soon after application are subtle, but when under the shadow of this intoxicating patchouli they mingle together so well. This is a true blessing for patchouli lovers."
                             ~ Sam (In reference to the liquid)

The photo shoot took place in Seattle while Greg was up that way doing an Artist as Brand workshop. At some point Greg will be publishing more specifics about it with photos over at the Spalenka blog. Prior to photo session I had given Greg some keywords about the fragrance, informed him that the color harmony would be black and a bit about the feel I was looking to convey.

"I've been wearing the Noir liquid everyday now for a few days as I'm continually drawn to it. I love the deep earthyness and enjoy the liquid on its own for awhile before applying the solid to give it some extra staying power. It has a mystery to it, for me anyway as I can't pin down the botanicals in terms of recognition as I can with your other fragrances (other than the patchouli). So I have surrended to it and find it extremely balancing and grounding"
                             ~ Karen

I also commissioned Lucy Snowe to do some photography after I saw the beautiful still life shots she had added to her E-shop recently. There are still a few more shots to be done which I will get to work on as soon as the coyote skull I ordered arrives.

Figure 1: Noir was first one of the chocolate solid perfumes which originated in December of 2009. The fragrances in this series had simple names beginning with the term Figure and a number as a reference to botanical illustrations.

"It's is a striking fragrance, Unbelievably earthy and musky--very unusual for a pure botanical perfume."  ~ Heather (In reference to the solid)

Greg is offering the Figure 1: Noir illumination as a print for sale at his E-shop.