Calendula Flowers & the Sun

The calendula seedlings I purchased at ReUnity Resources on April 30th are blooming abundantly! It makes such a difference to purchase vital, organic plants, especially here in the high desert, where conditions can be challenging. We also want to be supporting local and small businesses as much as possible. I also look for companies/organizations that are not selling items that pollute, destroy bee colonies and have integrity, even in their personal lives. Santa Fe is such a small community that its super easy to know what's going on, for example, if a business owner is cheating on his wife, then I won't support that business.

The alchemical path teaches us to look beyond, to observe and dive into a deeper understanding of essence, the vibration of a plant, object, human being. We are beckoned to "feel" into meaning, perceive patterns and symbols....beyond the thinking mind.

In plants we observe the color & shape, as well as where it grows, to determine its healing attributes. As you can see, calendula (Calendula officinalis) has an affinity with the sun, notice the circular bright orange flowers with petals that radiate outward. I am also observing how they look very lion-like, especially in the photo below.

The sun, related to elemental FIRE, home of our beating heart and the constant drum beat within, home of passion, warmth, and direct knowing. Home of the Child, youthful abundant energy, and motivation. The spirit medicine of Lion dwells here, providing strength and courage.

As the center of our solar system, plants associated with the sun re-mind us of who we are at a core level, empowering a strong sense of self and shining bright where clouds may have obscured lightness of being.

Sunny calendulas nourish on so many levels, specifically where there is a loss of vitality and wounding. This is why calendula is so wonderful for dry skin and used in salve making. The youthfullness of their vibrant appearance calls to our inner child to come out and play, have fun in the sun and be free.

Working with plants ground and bring us into the sacred moment. By mimicking and being in harmony with nature, we then flow in the current of the cosmos.

Related posts: Doctrine of Signatures & The Principal of Correspondence

Photos & words ©Roxana Villa. alchemical image: The alchemist who has achieved illumination, from Andrea de Pascalis, Alchemy: The Golden Art. The Secrets of the Oldest Enigma

The Principal of Correspondence

Yesterday, I left the perfumery a bit earlier than usual, arriving at the casita with enough time to fully experience and take some time breathing in the spectacular biome of Santa Fe at sunset. At first I was just standing in awe, looking out at the landscape and sky, then as the mind began to settle down, I closed my eyes and visualized roots streaming down from my feet into the red, rocky earth.

All of a sudden the wind kicked up, so I connected with the elemental and felt the clarifying, clearing vibes that the wind offers us. As I did so, I perceived the note of “petrichor” a rather earthy scent that rises from dry soil when the rain falls. Thus, I was reminded of nourishing elemental water which is so important here in the high desert. I opened my eyes, and in the distance, traveling quite quickly, fog and rain clouds were heading our way.

I then looked straight above me and noticed the last rays of the setting sun, elemental fire, were hitting the clouds as in the opening photo. Sun, as an example of elemental fire, creates life and relates to creativity, passion, the spark of life and intuition.

As I walked back to our casita, past the fragrant and gently swirling open of the daturas buzzing with the sounds of nectar hunting honey bees filled my being. It’s at that moment that I noticed how the colors of the sky, in that one sacred moment, mirrored the color of the datura flowers.

⛰💨💧🔥

Auspiciously, or rather "correspondently", I have been re-visiting The Kybalion by Three Initiates, "a study of basic hermetic teachings that outline an ageless wisdom. In ancient times (and even today) these teachings were not understood by the lay person, but were readily understood by students, after the axioms and principles had been explained and exemplified by the Hermetic Initiates and Masters to their Neophytes. The Kybalion was originally written in the early 1900's and is now in the public domain. A priceless gem!"1

Just before arriving back at our casita I had listened to a brief outline of the Seven Hermetic Principals, the second being The Principal of Correspondence which "embodies the truth that there is always a Correspondence between the laws and phenomena of the various planes of Being and Life. The old Hermetic axiom ran in these words: "As above, so below; as below, so above." And the grasping of this Principle gives one the means of solving many a dark paradox, and hidden secret of Nature. There are planes beyond our knowing, but when we apply the Principle of Correspondence to them we are able to understand much that would otherwise be unknowable to us. This Principle is of universal application and manifestation, on the various planes of the material, mental, and spiritual universe — it is an Universal Law. The ancient Hermetists considered this Principle as one of the most important mental instruments by which man was able to pry aside the obstacles which hid from view the Unknown. Its use even tore aside the Veil of Isis to the extent that a glimpse of the face of the goddess might be caught. Just as a knowledge of the Principles of Geometry enables man to measure distant suns and their movements, while seated in his observatory, so a knowledge of the Principle of Correspondence enables Man to reason intelligently from the Known to the Unknown. Studying the monad, he understands the archangel." 2

1. & 2. The Kybalion

Dulcet, a lusty tuberose perfume

Considered a masculine flower, evident by the elongated shape of the unopened single blossom, Tuberose is an exotic, velvety floral note, a diva of natural perfume. Tuberose originates from central America where the wild species was domesticated by the indigenous people of Mexico. Eventually, like so many plants from the Americas, they were taken to be cultivated across the sea.

Tuberose is available to plant fragrance makers in a few different formats, the most widely used is the absolute produced from the waxy flowers of Agave amica, formerly Polianthes tuberosa, polianthes meaning "many flowers" in Greek, the tuberosa portion refers to the roots. In 2017 the correct name of the species Agave amica was adapted.

The scent of the absolute is a very concentrated, dominated by intense white floral notes. When diluted the aromatics express themselves much more authentically. In my personal use of the absolute and Dulcet, I find the aroma beneficial creating an uplifting and sensual field where I can more easily dive into my intuition and all things related to the feminine.

PROCESS

I approach the creation of botanical perfume making as both a practice of mindfulness and an art, I also teach from this perspective, creating a lineage of conscious perfumers. We begin by checking into our state of mind, clearing away the debris of thoughts so that we are a clear vessel of love, then and only then, we stand in reverence for our “prima materia” the plant matter.

We have an understanding of the materials intimately, the entire circle of life related to the plant(s) we are working with, whether we are distilling, infusing, tincturing or dropping essential oils into a beaker.

We are aware of the elemental properties, the relationship with the eco system from where the plant matter was harvested and/or how it was obtained. For example, working with Tuberose, white flower diva of plant fragrance making who is an “inflorescence” growing upward as a stalk with several waxy flowers.  As I work with her, there is an exchange of energy, I am collaborating with nature knowing that the end product will then be another collaboration between the wearer of the fragrance and their own skin.

Ripples of collaboration are at the heart of this art as we work to transform matter into something sublime that will delight the senses and uplift those that catch whiffs of the aromatic molecules.

The birth of DULCET

Greg's sister Sharon asked me to create a Tuberose perfume for her back in 2014, knowing that she was a devotee of synthetic fragrances, I was skeptical that I could formulate something to her liking, particularly at a price point comparable to the fragrances she was use to purchasing. Then, at one of the World of Aromatherapy conferences I was presenting at, a supplier gifted me a co-distillation of Tuberose and Vetiver. I then was inspired to tackle the challenge which was originally offered to patrons of the perfumery in Agoura, California.

The original and current formula contains eleven different plant essences including tuberose absolute, the co-distillation of tuberose and vetiver, jasmine and a variety of other wood, resins and flowers.

Here in Santa Fe, several patrons sampled the voluptuous Eau de Parfum and requested that it be re-created. I was hesitant due to the costs of the aromatic materials with full knowledge that the end product would be costly and limited to only a few bottles.

The end result is a voluptuous and decadently dark composition featuring Tuberose as our lyric soprano. Dulcet opens with a blush of green under a spectacular vaulted sky, just as the sun drops under the horizon a sultry, melodic dance begins between Tuberose and Vetiver, seducing us in the wake of their embrace.

As with all the fragrance I create, Dulcet is completely handmade. I halved the formula to offer the Eau de Parfum (spray) and the solid. At this moment I have a few bottles left of the Eau de Parfum at this link.

Materials: 190 Proof Organic grape; Tuberose absolute, co-distillation of tuberose and vetiver, jasmine and eight other plant essences including sacred woods and resins.
Fragrance Family: Floral
There is 4 grams by weight of Dulcet as an EdP (Eau de Parfum) within the glass, spray bottle pictured above, which measures approximately 2.25 inches tall x 1.25 wide with the cap on. 

I was planning to make a solid format of Dulcet and including a few of my flower infusions, but the cost for a round tin would have been about $200, so I used the synergy to make more of the Eau de Parfum.

Photos ©RoxanaVilla, Tuberose botanical print by Margaretha-Barbara Dietzsch (German, 1716-1795) Title: White flowers and a butterfly, modified slightly by me, Roxana Villa. 

✨GARDENIA✨

I did it, and feeling extremely proud and grateful, a true to flower gardenia extraction! This elixir is like no other I have ever smelled, from the Tiara of Tahiti to Columbia. The extract is so pure and true, nothing compares but the white floral soul of Gardenia herself.

Since the extraction also produced a lovely fragrant alcohol I will likely combine the two into a pure plant solifleur, or expand on it to produce a more complex fragrance. #StayTuned

Want to smell it? I invite you to come to my lab in Santa Fe, and experience the rare and true beauty of authentic botanical perfume. Want to learn how I did it, come study with me, begin by signing up for the online class and then we can chat about attending the retreat in November where I will show the students the entire process.

The 2017 Edition of Blossom is here!

“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; 

they are sunshine, food and medicine to the mind.” 

― Luther Burbank

Just when you thought that perhaps you had enough yummy jasmine in our lives with the hydrosol, Cimbalom, Chiaroscuro and Fleurish, I bring you the 2017 edition of Blossom. Can you tell I love flowers, particularly jasmine?

This latest batch is particularly bright and beautiful, although it did give me lots of trouble due to all the different components that are part of her chemistry. Find her here, enjoy!

Floral Consciousness on Valentine's Day!

“With an increased floral consciousness,

humans will begin to make full use of their ‘light brain’ 

and make more refined and sophisticated use of their ‘smell brain.’

The two are portentously linked.

In fact, they overlap to such an extent that they may be considered inseparable.”

— Tom Robbins, Jitterbug Perfume

Saturday, February 14th from 2pm - 4pm

in Agoura Hills, CA

Experience an olfactory adventure exploring the mythology, history and aromatic properties

of flowers and why they are associated with love, attraction and evolution.

Engage in Roxana’s collection of rare botanical essences, how they are obtained and

experience first hand the ability of flowers to elevate our moods and consciousness.

Inhaling floral bouquets are a inspiring and uplifting way to spend a couple hours on Valentine’s Day.

This unique happening is a way to honor oneself. Please share with a friend and or a beloved.

Aromatic treats will be served.
Each participant will receive a trio of solid perfumes or 15% discount*.

$40 per person / $75 per couple

Location:
Roxana Illuminated Perfume
Whizin Market Square, Atrium Building, Mezzanine level
28914 Roadside Dr, unit #219
Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Contact Roxana to reserve your seat:
text/e-mail: roxana <at> illuminatedperfume.com or by phone (818) 992-0490

* Discount excludes gift certificates and samples.

Flowering Perks

Since March 13th, when I came across my new workspace, I've been contemplating creating a campaign to get some help with the set up of the atelier, specifically the counters for the apothecary area.

I'm just about ready to debut the project which will offer rewards that are not currently available in my E-shop or website like Mellifera, a new jasmine fragrance, body butters, etc. Some of these delicacies have exotic white flowers as a common denominator, like a heavenly Gardenia item that I have in a small amount. I am also devising some perks that will be special for those who attend the grand opening.

Using an established site like IndieGoGo is an option but I am leaning more toward hosting it here at the journal and sending the rewards out immediately as the donations come in to keep things simplified.

If there is anything special you would like me to offer please leave a comment or send me a note. This week I'll be meeting with some folk to get clarity on what the minimum amount I need is to get the space finished up.

Summer Breeze

At the end of May we set up two photo shoots with two different models. The first was with one of my "Summer" color tribe sisters Sophie Fletcher and the second was a second shoot with Savanah. Regrettably the secondary shoot didn't happen, but the good news is we did a follow up session with Sophie and between the two days have loads of imagery to work with.

Above is a sneak peak, more arriving as soon!

Photo: Greg Spalenka

Model: Sophie Fletcher

Flowers: Rebecca from Flower Power Studio

Location: The Agoura Antique Mart

Perfume Locket: Roxana Illuminated Perfume

White Wedding

When we went to do the shoot at The Agoura Antique Mart we did some photos of our pretty model Savanah wearing a vintage nightgown that belonged to my mother, the diamond pattern solid perfume locket and some flower crowns from Emily of WhichGoose. I'm saving most of the photos for another project I'm working on but here's a little preview.

Rosa 2014

Monday morning I filtered the 2014 edition of Rosa liquid perfume and began listing all the variations. The wafting of the aromatic molecules from the filtering process wafted throughout the entire house for a few days and is still very present within the studio.

The photo above of the Rosa flacon was taken amongst fresh roses from a friend in Topanga, although beautiful and lush with a heavenly order they are not the California rose. Thus, once the real CA roses beginning blooming in the garden perhaps I'll capture a more authentic portrait of the fragrance. Since we just had a massive rain storm, this may transpire in a couple months.

Rosa flacon

Rosa 1 gram vial

Rosa sample set of liquid and solid

Rosa solid perfume sample

Day and Night Blooms

Of late my days and nights begin and end with jasmine flowers. In the evening, usually just before bed, earlier if I remember, I turn on all the lights that will illuminate the front side of the house where all the clay pots of the jasmine sambac plants are and I slowly begin picking. Quite often I will encounter spiders and their webs, sometimes I hear rustling under the oaks where they have spread a nice carpet of leaves to hear the footsteps of the four leggeds. In those instances I stomp my feet so that whatever is over just yonder knows that I am about. I'm not too concerned about raccoons or coyotes, but skunks I'd rather not have an encounter with.

One of my regular daily friends is this praying mantis pictured above. I've seen her grow from a little babe into this young adult. In the Autumn she'll find a male to mate with and bite his head off.

I have yet to see what insect pollinates the jasmine flowers. Honey bees and hummingbirds buzz around the plants but the pollinator of these intoxicants is probably a nocturnal being like a moth.

In the morning one of the first things I do is go out and check for newly opened blossoms or any I missed from the night before. The plants have been producing such a large number of blossoms that I currently have three different forms of extraction taking place all at once. The tincture was the first extract I started, in that process the sweet smelling flowers are placed into organic grape alcohol. The second might be termed a cold infusion or maceration, in this scenario the white blossoms are put into organic jojoba oil.

The third process, which was begun this week, is an enfleurage. Each morning I place each posy face down covering the entire surface, in the evening before bed I remove them because they oxidize very quickly. After only three days of adding blossoms the base has already been well impregnated with the delicious aroma of the tantalizing florets.

I have also begun a plumeria enfleurage, although I don't have nearly as many flowers and plants to work with as the Jasmine. It's all a bit of an experiment, if it goes well I'll get more plants and move onto bigger production. A plantation in for organic jasmin sambac and plumeria flowers Hawaii is what I will visualize each time I inhale the euphoric inducing aromas.

These type of processes are no longer used by the perfume industry because they require much labor and costs. Since profits are king in this realm synthetics, which are cheaper and consistent, have become queen, Among the indie natural perfume and herbalism crowd you will find quite a few keeping these old world practices alive. Judging from what is happening with the rise of the artisanal food scene, I suspect more and more will be surfacing.

Photos ©RoxanaVilla, taken with a Canon and I-pad via Instagram app.

Honey Lover

The latest collection in the ever expanding perfume lockets and cases is the Honey Bee emblem oval compact in jewel tones. Right now I have listed them with Blanc. If you want one with a specific fragrance send me a note. I'm working on loads of new perfumes including a series of soliflores which will be called "Soul Flowers." Blanc is in that category, as a soliflore (single flower) perfume of the orchid bean, vanilla.

I've also added the little golden heart box with three "posey" perfumes, stemming from the language of Flowers. If you would like one of these customized with specific messages for your lover please send me a note.

The team at Honey Love has deemed me the "HoneyLover" of the month, check it over at the Honey Love site here.

Whew, now back to making perfume for me, Greg and I have a surprise coming soon, keep your eyes peeled its a beauty! I'm so excited I can barely contain it.

50 Years on Planet Earth!

Last Thursday we celebrated my birthday, fifty years on planet Earth! Festivities started the evening prior with a pot of deliciously fragrant Stargazer lilies from the Gregster. How I adore the scent of these lilies! When Greg brought them in I was waerning earthy scents like Terrestre and Q, upon inhaling the heavy, sweet florals eminating from the blossoms I craved something similar. I immediately when to the studio and found some Lyra to annoint myself with. Lyra is a sweet, floral, amber fragrance that, to my nose, has a similar fragrance vibe to the Stargazer lily.

On Thursday I spent the early part of the day working in the studio, then at noon Ben came by and the four of us headed to the Getty to meet up with friends Michal, Beth and their daughter Mary. Oh, but before that, look at the cute little card Eve made me at right.

 I was keen to see two shows at the Getty: Gustav Klimt: The Magic of Line and Herb Ritts: LA Style. Both were absolutely amazing and highly recommend them, the Herb Ritts show has been extended. We also spent quite a bit of time wondering about in the garden, take in its beauty and seeking out honey bees.

The zinnias in the garden were in their full glory and a multitude of colors. Every time I stroll this glorious garden I am on the lookout to see what plants the bees are most interested in. As usual they were all over the blue borage blossoms and fuschia echinacea flowers. I witnessed an interesting circular pattern that a few of the girls made while working a few of the flower heads. I'd never seen them work in a circle before, it was mesmerizing.

Here is a montage of photos taken by Eve. The fellow with the colored baseball cap is husband #1, Ben, Eve's father. That's me above with the light brown colored hat. Aren't those ombre shaded flowers spectacular!?!

After the Getty we swung by my mothers home in Encino, she had made fresh ricotta gnocchi with tomato sauce, yum! Later that evening we played geeky games (my favorite) and Eve and I made this delicious Lemon cake. What a grand day, I feel so blessed. xoxo

In the past I've created a Birthday perfume to celebrate the day, Cimbalom was the first, followed by Page 47. This year I've jotted down some ideas and will share soon. My plate over runneth with a multitude of projects at the moment, including getting things ready to launch the Jasmine perfume from last year.

Frangipani

Here in the woodland garden the dominant aroma has been plumeria, also known as frangipani in perfume. I have four of these rather archiac looking plants in large pots. The phallic looking stems were brought back from a trip to Kauai a few years back.

In general the bloom time for my plants is in July and August. I have four yellow and one pink. I've found that the yellow flowers are much hardier and have a strong aroma compared to pink. The other day I saw a white variety blooming and stopped the car so as to inhale the aroma. I was disappointed that there was barely any smell. Not sure if it was my nose that day, the heat or the actual flower. In any event, if you get some, I highly recommend the yellow!

Like other clever plants, the Plumeria seduces the insect over with its incredible perfume, in this case the Sphinx Moth. The moth gets flustered when looking for the nectar and thus manages to move pollen from one plant to another in its search for its treasure.

 I haven't made a plumeria perfume as of yet because of the cost involved, Frangipani absolute is extremely expensive and I haven't wanted to sacrifice the beautiful flowers in my garden. Perhaps when I have more plants I will venture into capturing their soul in a scent portrait.

Photos by Roxana Villa, feel free to pin, ask before using in other venues.