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."

🌚🌝

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.

🦌🦌🦌

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.

The Lions Gate

Once again the Earth aligns with the planet Sirius opening The Lion’s Gate Portal so that we may receive a flood of cosmic activations.  Although I had heard of this the last two years, it was in a teleconference call with a local shaman here in Santa Fe, named Robin Coale that I was reminded of this special time.

Since arriving to the high desert I have noticed an opening in my intuitive and psychic abilities, this I have been listening more deeply and paying attention to patterns, or what Paulo Coelho in his book The Alchemist refers to as omens.

Thus on this eighth day of the eighth month, with this special portal open I thought I would share a special meditation that started presenting itself to me a few years ago and has finally coalesced. If you have time today and for the next week, I suggest listening to Robin's teleconference and take a moment to embrace the flood of cosmic energies.

Here is the meditation that came to me:

Find a peaceful place to sit quietly, ideally outdoors. As you ground your self into mother earth and become aware of the circulating air, warmth of the solar rays, and luminosity of the stars and lunar beams,

observe a vertical figure eight before you, the same height as your body. The image slowly begins to pulse with energy moving along the path of the form.

Consider how the top of the form mimics the bottom, “As above, so below, as within so without." The form now turns on its side, finding its central axis at the solar plexus and begins to spin around you, resembling a flower. The spinning geometric form eventually generates a light bubble all around you.

Standing within this loving sphere of light, perceive how vibrant threads descending from the cosmos flood into your body through the crown of your head, pausing to illuminate your pineal gland and then both recharging and rejuvenating your entire system. While this takes place breath in gratitude for being here on this planet during this very special time, as we “activate” our ascension codes and manifest our individual and collective dream.

Above is a video Greg amended from when he did visual development for the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Narnia Film. He describes the symbolism like this:

On the 8th day of the 8th month, the Lions Gate opens. Metaphysically this is a powerful day for transformation and visualization. There is a scene I worked on for the "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" motion picture which encapsulates this concept.

One of the characters has been turned into a dragon through a greedy activity. He is in danger of being slain because no one knows that this is not his real form. After realizing his error he asks for forgiveness and Aslan, the sacred lion turns him back into his human form... with some intense dramatics.

This scene symbolically represents the dragon of our lower nature, and the power of transformation using right thoughts, and right actions.

The animatic shows our dragon/boy floating up from the ocean (his subconscious) as a sand bar pushes him above the water. When he opens his eyes (waking the portals of perception) he sees the sun rising which turns into Aslan standing on the water. Aslan roars and rushes the waking dragon (the wind of realization). He tears him open with his claws (removing the ego) and the transformation begins from lower nature to higher being. The changing consciousness is washed over by a huge wave (infinite love), setting in motion a rebirth.

Meditation and Visualization are tools that help us calm the mind and open the portals of perception.

Artwork by Greg Spalenka, concept design for The Voyage of the Dawn Treader film.

The Swallowtails Message

On Saturday, while upstairs in the lab working on new editions of Terrestre, Chaparral and Muse, I was nudged to go make sure that I had locked my car. Reluctant to step away from my concentrated work, I waited for a good pausing point from the very tedious and meticulous work of pouring essences in specific weights based on notations in a three ring binder. Yes indeed, I use an old school three ring binder, lined sheets of paper and a thin black marker to make notations while blending.

Finally, I headed downstairs with car keys in hand, opened the front door and clicked the closed lock icon on my keys. Since I was down there I turned to check on the potted rose plant next to the door. To my surprise I noticed a Swallowtail butterfly tucked in the corner. I starred down in awe, wondering what she could possibly be doing tucked down there under the thicket of rose branches....and was she still alive?

I zoomed up the stairs of the perfumery like lightening to grab my phone, camera, our dedicated insect tweezers and a small cardboard box, then zoomed back down intending she was still there. Sure enough, there she was. As I surveyed the situation and contemplated what to do first, I heard someone say "I see you found the butterfly I left for you..." I turned around to see Rachel, the manager here at Lena Street Loft smiling from her white Prius. She had just turned the corner of building C as I was standing out there speculating on what to do. I said to her "Oh it was you! I was wondering how she got in there!" Then Rachel said "I found her in the parking lot right over there." I placed my hand on my heart and thanked her for being so thoughtful.

Next, I took the tweezers and very gently pulled her out of the corner, careful to avoid the leaves of the rose bush and placed her into the box. As I walked upstairs, marveling at such a splendid gift, I considered how that voice had taken me out of the revelry of blending to discover the butterfly and have Rachel drive by the perfumery just as I was contemplating what to do.

It also did not escape my thoughts that butterflies are a symbol of transformation, which we as a collective are most definitely experiencing in a giant way. In every sacred moment we have the opportunity to choose love, elevated consciousness, hope, faith and to operate outside the box, in the circular field of oneness.

Dr. Zach Bush, who I have mentioned before, is an absolutely fascinating young doctor with the vision of an old soul, a Merlin of sorts, who can pierce reality and contribute deeply to our understanding of what is transpiring. His non-political, loving and spiritual approach is unique and punctuated by a resounding equilibrium dripping with truth.

He speaks of the collapse of human health alongside with social, environmental systems as one collective monoculture, like corn, soybeans and wheat. We have created an artificial landscape that is diseased. "There is an opportunity here to change the terrain and create a biologically healthy society. We can't help biologically foster society unless we have a diverse microbiome. The device of a microbiome in society is communication, diversity of voices."

If we are to birth our selves a new, like the process the Swallowtail goes through to become a beautiful, new being with wings, then we must see and recognize both our unity and diversity. Feel into the circular, where all the spokes lead us to the center. They are us and we are they, its time to step into the field of recognition and new paradigms.

I encourage you to let go of all the BS that the mass media is spooning out, stand at the center without bias and see clearly, with courage and resolve. There are many interviews and podcasts with Dr. Zach Bush, here is a rather lengthy one I suggest watching in parts and drinking in deeply.

Word Rant Wednesday: Alchemy

While attending a lecture about honey bees in February 2017, the presenter Benjamin Pixie, mentioned an "alchemist" that lived in Taos. The equation of the words alchemist + Taos sparked my curiosity immediately. The word "alchemist” currently is an amorphous term with a myriad of definitions, which gets thrown about abundantly, without much gravitas.

At the time, Greg and I were contemplating moving from Los Angeles to another state, New Mexico was on my radar, specifically Santa Fe. The idea of moving to a beautiful location in a mountainous area that had a local alchemist combined with the proximity to our friends Cathy and Florian was extremely appealing.

Next step was to find out why the presenter was referring to this fellow in Taos as an alchemist, was he for real?  In our modern day, the term alchemy or alchemist usually relates to a transformative process with a product, especially if the process involves plants or gold. For example there are visual artists, psychotherapists, musicians, chefs and aromatherapists who use the term, often with another word acting as an adjective, like visual alchemist. Even I have used the term, first to describe my illustration work and most recently in reference to perfume.

After returning home from the very informative and fun lecture by Benjamin, I googled this alchemist named Avery Hopkins. To my surprise and further curiosity, he seemed closer to the real deal than anyone I had ever met or heard of. Thus, I became more committed to moving to New Mexico and meeting this Avery dude.

In November, 2017, after several attempts, our schedules aligned and we met for lunch at Clafoutis, a french bakery here in Santa Fe. I wasn't sure what to expect, from the photos and instagram feed he seemed like a very focused and intense fellow, besides being young and handsome. Sure enough, all those descriptives can be used to describe Avery, as well as charismatic, visionary, intellectual and compassionate individual—equating to a very magnetic person.

I remember quite clearly when he walked into the room at Clafoutis, he seemed part god, as if he were the manifestation of Mercury himself, the conductor between the mortal and immortal realms. Although it all happened within seconds, I wondered if everyone in the crowded cafe was aware that a semi god had just arrived. He had the same energetic dynamism and beauty that I noticed with Tom Ford, it's an extremely arresting, mesmerizing quality that includes beauty, charm and a heightened electrical charge. No one in the restaurant seemed to notice, thus I assume it was just me.

As I attentively listened to him speak of alchemy, his journey and processes, he seemed to be the real deal and I wanted to learn from him! I wondered if my intellectual capacity was at a level to truly understand, so much of the language he used was full with the scientific jargon that usually was way over my very artistic, poetic head.

Eventually we closed the place down and I left in a spellbound state. Since then I have had the extreme fortune to spend more time with him and ever so slowly begin to understand what he calls operative alchemy. This is where we transition "from 'interested looker' into full-fledged alchemical practitioner"1 we begin to fully absorb the various realms of alchemy by observing the internal and external dynamics within and without.

"Ancient alchemists used laboratory practices to not only heal the body and the mind but to solicit conscious evolution and render a mortal to be immortal at its highest tier of mastery."2

As with learning any new skill set or language, allowing material to gently to work its way in derives the best results. We move from base matter to a more refined understanding and then go through the process again and again, like the cycle of the Phoenix, the ouroboros, in a constant loop.

I learned the term alchemy to mean "transformation", the art of transmutation, referring to consciousness or a substance from a base form to an enlightened state. This definition appealed to me because it covered both the psychological (internally) and scientific (externally) aspects of the word. Avery, after years of research, has come to define alchemy as the understanding of how consciousness relates to matter, a map by which all experiences are generated and transformed.

Listen to an interview with Avery on the Pete Evans podcast at I-tunes and/or Spotify, Learn more about Avery and his business by heading over to the Kymia Arts website.

1-2 Avery Hopkins, Kymia Arts website
Images: Photo of Kymia Arts lab, Mercury oil painting by Adolf Hirémy-Hirschl, 1898. Galería Belvedere, Vienna.

The Triple Goddess: Crone in Santa Fe

As you may already know, in September, Greg and I moved from Los Angeles, California to the high desert in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  It's been a bit of a wild, Mr. Toad adventure which has presented many challenges and interesting (to say the least) characters (Crazed Tesuque lady) along the way.

A few weeks ago, along the dirt road that leads to our new temporary dwelling, we met a crone that walks with a tall staff. After passing her on the road and waving, Greg and I turned to each other and gasped, “Female Gandalf!”

"In Joseph Campbell's classic work The Hero with a Thousand Faces, the first encounter of the hero on his journey is with a protective figure who provides him with amulets or magic devices against the dangers he will face. The crone is one of the most common of these protective figures"

Then as we returned home, just before making the turn down that same dirt road, I spotted about ten bee hives to the side of a house with a little sign that said "Earth Nurse". I gasped and pointed it out to Greg. We started wondering who the “Earth Nurse” was.  ???
🐝

On another day, heading back from town along that same dusty and bumpy dirt road, we spotted the “Female Gandalf” once again. We choose to stop and say hello, assuming that she might be the "Earth Nurse”, after all she certainly embodied an Earth Nurse by her outward appearance and great staff. Her answer to the question was, “Well, the Earth nurses me.”

Indeed she is the "Earth Nurse" and in my opinion the community crone, a facilitator of balance in our little neighborhood here along the Santa Fe River. As we dialogued I learned that she is hosts many gatherings at her home and planning is to create a "closing" event for the Counter Culture exhibit currently at the New Mexico History Museum. Since the Counter Culture tribe is alive and well, particularly here in Santa Fe...meaning Holy Faith. Perhaps you have heard me mention that Santa Fe is the city of the retired hippie?

Despite the constant challenges, Santa Fe continues to enchant and surprise daily. In many ways she herself is the crone, an ancient city with a very bloody HIStory which may be being healed a bit by the creative presence found here.

Here is a link to the Counter Culture show here in Santa Fe just in case any of you are local or come for a visit in the next few weeks.

(1)  Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces (orig. pub. Princeton University Press, 1968; 3rd ed. 2008), p. 57.
(2) Fine Art America, the Crone

Chamisa photo along the Santa Fe River and text ©Roxana Villa
I couldn't find attributions for the two pieces of art used in this post, if you happen to know who the artists are please leave it in the comments or send me a note. The second image says Wheel of Life, oil on canvas 1998 (?) with an attribution that is hard to read ©maiana.de perhaps?

The Eyes of the Unicorn Auction

Ten years ago, my husband Greg Spalenka, illustrated his first children’s picture book “The Eyes of the Unicorn.” In celebration of its 10th Anniversary he has decided to do a one of kind auction that I thought I would share with all of you.

“The Eyes of the Unicorn,” is an enchanting, magical tale of a girl’s love, a hunt for a unicorn and the transformation of her friends heart. It was written by Teresa Bateman, and published in 2007 by Holiday House in New York. When Greg was commissioned to create the illustrations the goal was to bring a cinematic flavor to the book which was unique in the children’s market at the time, yet keep a classical foundation. The book found its audience, but it is now out of print.

This auction is an opportunity to own the evolution of the book’s imagery, and more! Go HERE to read more at Greg's blog and see the offerings or directly to bid HERE. The auction ends Sunday, Nov. 5, at 7:00 PM, PST.

We have decided to offer a percentage of the sale to a charity that works toward saving endangered Unicorns, but have not found one. For example the World Wildlife Organization doesn't have Unicorns on their list, go figure! ;-)

What would the scent of Unicorn be comprised of? I'm thinking sweet notes of flowers with woods, vanilla, honey, a bit of balsam and botanical musk. For the magical aspect we would need to make a special tincture or infusion that I will need to ponder. Please let me know if you have any suggestions on notes and also for the name. I'll be getting to work on this right away and offering a first edition bottle to the lucky winner.

Magic Rocks

There are loads of beautiful crystalline rocks 💎 on the property of our little casita here in the hills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. I’m guessing that these stones are what make the soil sparkle and why this mountain range reflects so much light. I thought these might be quartz, pink feldspar or perhaps a combination. However, after posting this on social media this was shared with me.

"All around the flanks of the Ancestral Rockies, groundwater entered the newly deposited basin sediments. These sediments were not composed of pure quartz, but of unaltered, chemically unstable grains of feldspar and iron and magnesium minerals, such as hornblende and biotite. As soon as oxidizing groundwater began to react with these unstable minerals, iron began to move out of the minerals and into adjacent pore spaces, where it formed an insoluble gel of iron oxide. This gel gradually crystallized to the red iron oxide mineral, hematite. Today, this hematite gives the rocks their red color that imparts a red-pink glow to the mountains (especially at sunrise and sunset). Perhaps it was the red hematite that inspired 18th century Spanish explorers to name the mountains “Sangre de Cristo” (Blood of Christ)." ~ Pub.usgs.gov

The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are the southernmost starting point the Rocky Mountains here in northern New Mexico. What a magical place this is!

The Spell

Aligned in the firelight energetics of this Autumn season a group of bloggers has joined their brooms together casting a wide circle of enchantment. It was my friend and writer Beth Shreibman Gehring who alerted me to this event and what a perfect fit it was for me. The circle is centered around the book and or film Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. Please visit the portal site Practical Magic Blog Party and follow the links to each of the participating blogs.

I have not read the book Practical Magic, but must say I am very intrigued. The film came my way years back and didn't really leave an indelible mark until seeing it again a few weeks ago. A tinge of knowing floated into my mind as I watched the first scene, images of the The Burning Times series with Loreena McKinnets song came flooding back into my consciousness. I felt tears well up and remembered my mother telling me as a little girl how some members of our family were called "Brujas" because of our psychic abilities.

As I continued to watch the film next I became completely enamored with the Victorian house and vintage neo-Victorian garb of the two aunts. Then I saw the Owens sister Book of Shadows that had been passed on from one generation of witches to another.


A Book of Shadows, also called a Grimoire, is a collection of rituals and formulas. I realized that the pages of perfume formulas and this blog, especially posts like this one about creating a prosperity accord, is in a way a type of Grimoire. As I pondered more I realized I wanted to create a Grimoire reflecting my work as a botanical perfume artist. From what I read Grimoires really should be done as much as possible by hand. I decided to enroll the art work of my husband Greg, since it embodies the exact feel of the Owens book that I love so much. The challenge here lies in that Greg isn't so much interested in making original artwork anymore. Thus, not quite sure how this idea will evolve, the original may end up being more of an assemblage. I'm still orchestrating how to set up the book and delving deep to access threads of my herstory as a bookbinder and letterpress printer to bring all my crafts together.


In the meantime, here is one of the images from his Vespertina book/CD and the opening page to a Tarot book proposal my husband put together in 1995 for a book publisher in Japan. The publisher in Japan never picked up the project, nor did my husband produce it. Instead it sits here in the dark, quiet corners of the studio for me to admire and drool over it. However, Vespertina was published and will soon appear as a graphic novel. Vespertina will surely have a Grimoire.


Images: Illuminaire by Greg Spalenka, Practical Magic Grimoire from the film, Spalenka Tarot Book by Greg Spalenka.

Magick Monday

Moonday greetings to you on this auspicious day related to the silvery round lantern in the sky that gravitates toward the forces of the Earth. I have a new project to announce that will be be showcased here on each Magick Monday as it evolves.

The household in and out of our little woodland house has fallen into the rhythmic, abundant flow of this Harvest season. Acorns are more and more abundant and thus the local squirrel population is quite busy. Each day, around 6am we are awoken by running little feet on our roof top as the acorn fairies jump of the limbs of the oaks onto the roof and dash about protecting their territory.

Though the quality of light has begun to shift the weather is still warm, sometimes hot during the day. This time of the year signifies The Moon, called Luna by the Romans and Selene or Artemis by the Greeks embodies the divine feminine aspect and is associated with clairvoyance, divination, maidenhood, cycles, fertility.



The project I am working on wonders into the magical sector of my interests with a multi-faceted alignments in art, books, potion making, spells, herbalism, shamanism and of course perfume. Ideas our still unsettled and whirling about with the creation of a Book of Shadows, a Grimoire. In Wicca this book is a place to store information about my magickal tradition. In a way I have already begun this, but it is spread out among many different binders and folders within the studio.

I found some really gorgeous handmade Grimoires online. I might create one, having been an avid book binder in college I feel crafty enough where I can put something together, especially with the assistance of online tutorials. I am curious why we didn't make one of these in the Shamanism class I was an apprentice in for three years? Oh well, now is the time, perhaps because Greg will be involved and he wasn't part of my life back then.

Opening image and book photograph ©RoxanaVilla

Celtic Lunar Month: Birch

""The Birch was very noble,
Armed herself but late,
A sign not of cowardice,
But of high estate."

~ "The White Goddess" by Robert Graves

The first tree that is honored in the of cycle of the Celtic Lunar Month Calendar, according to the Beth-Luis-Nion system, is the Birch.  The celebration began on December 24th and lasts until January 20th. Birch, considered the "Lady of the Woods" and the divine mother in Celtic lore, bestows to us the divine Sun. During her lunar reign we celebrate the Winter Solstice marking the return of the light. Alternately it is also associated with the return of the bard Taliesen (The Merlin) who is birthed by the Goddess Ceridwen.

The bark of the Birch tree is what designates the color association and species such as Silver, Black, Yellow, White and Red. The paper-like quality of the bark was utilized for writing as well as medicinal preparations. In herbalism the leaves are infused in water and drank daily as a tea for the prevention of bladder and kidney stones.

We find the Birch primarily in Northern America, Asia and like all the trees in the Ogham calendar Europe. The species prevalent in the time of the Celts was the silver species Betula pendula. The animal totem most often associated with the Birch is the white stag.

"I am a Stag of Seven Tines" ~ Amergin Glúingel

The teachings of this elegant and graceful tree, represented by the letter "B" for Beith, center on new beginnings and rebirth. The birch is the first tree to begin anew in a forest devasted by fire as well as the first tree to sprout leaves after a long winter.

When I first began studying aromatherapy in the nineties essential oil of Birch, Betula lenta, was found in all the aromatherapy books. Lately I have noticed that the essential oil has fallen out of favor. A true Birch essential oil is 98% natural methylsalicylate, which has the potential of irritating sensitive skin and is toxic orally. Regrettably the toxic, synthetic methyl salicylate is often used as an adulterant to the true essential oil. However, according to the Dermatology Database, sweet birch oil has been found to be a non-irrritant when applied to human skin. Personally I have used sweet birch here at home and in my aromatherapy preparations for pain relief with great success and no side affects.

For a attunement with the sacred Birch take a moment to walk amongst a grove, with a quiet and peaceful mind. Be on the lookout for any gifts the tree may bestow on you. If you find fallen branches gather them for creating a magical wand. The color red is most often associated with the magic of the Birch, thus red candles, ribbons, fabric, etc work well for the creation of wands and pouches. For a magical potion consider a true essential oil of sweet birch, frankincense, rose and benzoin.

I will be back shortly with the publication of Perfume Illuminated where Beth and I will elaborate on Birch in fragrance and flavor, stay tuned.

A Nest of Myrrh

"Corn and grain, corn and grain,
All that falls shall rise again."
~ Wiccan Harvest Chant

The deep and dark gnarled roots of Halloween, All Hallows Eve, go back to the Samhain celebrations of the Druids. Samhain is one of the Celtic fire festival where much chaos, mischief and celebration take place. It is the end of the harvest and a time to prepare for the new year. Sacred bonfires are lit to celebrate the darkness of the yet to be born new year. Since the veils between the worlds are at their thinnest, it is an auspicious time to communicate with the spirits of those who have passed over.

Beginning at sunset on October 31st fires are kindled anew for the coming of the dark. Rituals of purification abound, in order to clear away what no longer serves and make room for what is to come.

I've created a room/body spray to celebrate Samhain and greet the New year. Like the fire holiday the fragrance is warm, spicy and tinged with smoky, golden embers. I call this new creation the Phoenix Myster.

When the time of transformation arrives for the mythical phoenix he builds his next of twigs of myrrh and then lights up in flame. Burning away all that no longer serves, from the dark ashes an egg manifests which will birth the newly reborn Phoenix. Purged of the old, a spirit is born, fresh and ready for the new phase.


The essences contained in the Phoenix Myster include Vanilla, Benzoin, Myrrh for the nest, a spice accord I created termed Garam Masala, Orange and the embers of smoldering ashes. I also included the Dragons Blood resin I picked up at the indigenous native village while in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The formulation also contains tinctured egg shells from last Samhain. Warming like a cup of spice tea, the Phoenix Myster, is exhilarating and uplifting.

The muse for this fragrance is Tom of the perfume blog Perfume Smellin' Things. Years ago I was contacted by e-mail and asked if I created room sprays. I answered saying that one was in development but was not yet ready. The e-mail was from Tom and the fragrance in development was the Phoenix Myster. Thank you Tom for your wit, your way with words and the support you give to the niche perfumers of the world.

Here is an interesting link for creating an alchemical egg tincture:
The Egg and It's Uses by Sue House


Phoenix Myster comes in a one ounce amber glass bottle with fine mist sprayer with waterproof label available at my Etsy shop. Here are the details from the listing, some of it is repetitive.

A natural perfume aromatic spray for the home and body.
The Phoenix Myster is a fine spray mister for your home and or body.
We use ours to naturally scent the room, our sheets, pillows, curtains and our selves.

Ring in the Celtic new year with the Phoenix Myster
created specifically for All Hallow Eve, also known as Samhain.

The warm, spicy, invigorating aroma has been weaved like a complex perfume.
The botanical perfume synergy contains:

• Vanilla: warm and inviting
• Benzoin: purification, when combined with spice acts an an attractor
• Myrrh:enhances contemplation
• Dragons Blood Resin from a small indigenous village in the Amazon.
• Spices: invigorating, energizing, spell enhancing and uplifting
• Orange: uplifting

I use pure, vital plant essences: essential oils, absolutes, C02 extracts
and oleoresins in my aromatic preparations as well as properties of magic.
I also create my own accords, infusions and tinctures.

Samhain, the Celtic New Year Fire festival, abounds with celebrations of purification
and renewel. Like the phoenix, we build our nest of myrrh and consciously step into transformation to be birthed anew.

Phoenix Image from the Abeerdeen Bestiary, Phoenix Myster photo by Roxana Villa

Medicine Wheel

Greg and I have been diligently working on preparing for tonight's meeting in Van Nuys to protect these glorious native oaks and the land. We've gathered the neighbors, we have all the facts in order, we've got the photos, abundant amounts of passion and heart...what else???

Last night as I soaked in the bath with the scent of the conifers, juniper and grapefruit I asked, "What else can I do for the Oaks? How can I harness some powerful energies to be at this evening hearing?" Well, this blog post came to mind.

With an intention of gathering strong magic for this evenings meeting I call upon YOU and....

THE EAST

We call upon the Spirit-Keepers of the East, elemental AIR, home of our mental abilities and consciousness, ruled by the STARS and the color white…The throat chakra, the place of self expression, creativity and breath. Home of the Newborn, Dawn, New Beginnings, vision and inspiration of newness and fresh starts. The spirit medicine of Eagle dwells here with the ability to see far and wide. I call upon the guardians of the East. Welcome Spirit-Keepers of the East.

(Scent: Chaparral and Sierra Botanical Liquid Perfume)

THE SOUTH

We call in the Spirit-Keepers of the South, elemental FIRE, home of our beating
heart, ruled by the SUN and the color yellow…The heart and the constant rhythm within, the place of our passion, warmth, and direct knowing. Home of the Child, youthful abundant energy, and motivation. The spirit medicine of Lion dwells here with courage. I call upon the guardians of the South. Welcome Spirit-Keepers of the South.

(Scent: Cimbalom Botanical Solid Perfume, Aurora Solid & Liquid Botanical Perfume)

THE WEST

We call upon the Spirit-Keepers of the West, elemental WATER, home of our intuition and the dream time, ruled by the MOON and the color white…The belly, the place of emotion, desires and the ability to circulate. Home of the Feminine, the Mother and flow. The spirit medicine of Dolphin dwells here, in keen inner awareness, flowing in harmony. I call upon the guardians of the West. Welcome Spirit-Keepers of the West.

(Scent: Lyra Botanical Liquid Perfume)

THE NORTH

We call upon the Spirit-Keepers of the North, elemental EARTH, home of our connection to the here & now, ruled by the EARTH and the color black…The base chakra, the place of manifestation, control & restraint and grounded in experience. Home of the Male, strength and ability to create magic. The spirit medicine of Snake dwells here with the ability to move swiftly, above and below the ground, to shed what no longer serves and be born anew. I call upon the guardians of the North. Welcome Spirit-Keepers of the North.

(Scent: Terrestre and Sierra Botanical Solid Perfume)

THE CENTER

We call on the Center, the Womb of all Creation, the Void, the Black Hole. We call in our own Essence, feeling into our cores, feeling the part of the universe that is only and totally filled with us, connecting to the energies of our own uniqueness, our special medicine, our song, our gifts. Uniting with our own authentic essential nature and the ability to touch others with the unique beauty of this expression. When we are filled with our own personal energetic energies, we walk on, taking within us the four directions and the fulfillment of all that we are. Welcome Spirit-Keepers of the Center.

(Scent: Q Liquid Botanical Perfume)

My deepest gratitude to my facilitator Kaitryne and to Gary Stamper of the blog "Beyond Integral" who had already typed out the basic "Calling of the Four Directions" which I utilized in this post as well as borrowed some of his beauty filled ideas and words.

Celtic Lunar Month: Hawthorne

"Youngthes folke now flocke in everywhere
To gather May buskets and smelling Brere;
And home they hasten the postes to dight,
And all the kirk pillours eare day-light,
With Hawthorne buds and sweet Eglantine."
~ Spenser

We now find ourselves in the sixth moon cycle of the Celtic Tree Alphabet. From now until June 9 the benevolence of the Hawthorne, also known as Whitehorn, bestows us with wisdom and protection. This mighty evergreen has been utilized extensively as a protective hedge plant due to its thorns and is part of the Rose family. The small, rosy apple-like fruit, or berry, is utilized in medicinal preparations as a cardiac tonic.

Like most of the trees in the Ogham calendar, Hawthorne is native to Europe as well as Africa and Asia. The species prevalent in the time of the Celts was the Cratcegus oxyacantha. The animal totem associated with the Hawthorne is the crow. The Hawthorne is one of the three triads of trees, along with Oak and Ash. It is said that the Hawthorne tree may provide a portal to the realm of the Fae and has this sentence equated with her; "Her power is to open what is shut; to shut what is open." Be mindful, the fey folk do not wish you to cut the flowers of this sacred tree.

"The fair maid, who on the first of May,
Goes to the fields at the break of day,
And bathes in the dew from the hawthorn tree,
Will ever strong and handsome be"
~ A Beltane chant

Teachings of this May blooming tree, represented by the letter "H" for Huath, center on cleansing, protection and defense. Emblematic of hope, fertility, protection and peace. During this month consider creating protective charms, amulets or bouquets with the bundles of the thorns or leaves. Make sure that it is of the pleasant smelling variety, some species give off a rotting corpse-like stench once cut. I use the dried leaves and find there is no ill odor.

As we conduct Spring cleaning in our homes and gardens now is the time to evoke the Hawthorne to facilitate clearing out our inner cobwebs with her powerful magic. Use the leaves of Hawthorne if you are interested in creating a "flying ointment"; a magical salve intended to open the doorways of perception. Here is a recipe to create your own infusion. Once you have an infusion you can use that as your "flying ointment" or take it a step further and use the infusion as the base oil in a solid perfume.

There is a dualistic aspect to this tree which manifests itself in various interpretations. The glorious blossoms that present themselves just in time for Beltane celebrations, are found amidst thorns. Symbolically seen as containing yin and yang aspects, this is where the concept of balance enters. We are asked to accept this dualistic Earthly realm we reside in by embracing the union of opposites within each of us.

"Do I contradict myself?
Very well, then, I contradict myself.
I am large, I contain multitudes."
~ Walt Whitman, Song of Myself

I am tincturing Hawthorne for the perfume Greenwitch. Thus, the Scent of this day shall be the botanical perfume devoted to the White Lady known as GreenWtich.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses from the GardenGuides website:

Both ancient and modern herbalists have successfully used hawthorn for its food and health benefits. Modern science shows that hawthorne contains chemical components which are sedative, anti-spasmodic and diuretic. If you intend to use it for medicinal purposes, look for C. laevigata, C. monogyna, or C. pinnatifida, as these hybrids are known best for their medicinal uses. Read how to make a tincture or an infusion using hawthorne flowers or berries.

The hawthorne berry is one of the best cardiac tonics available, and is often used to treat high blood pressure.

Hawthorne berries are used to treat childhood diabetes. See Cautions.

Hawthorne flower tea is a safe diuretic.

Hawthorne berries, dried and crushed and made into a decoction, eases diarrhea and dysentery, kidney inflammations and disorders. See Cautions.

The young hawthorne leaves can be used as a safe, and non-nicotine tobacco substitute for those who desire to quite smoking. Enhance the flavor and help heal the throat by adding yarrow, mint, coltsfoot or mullein.

Chewing the hawthorne leaf has been known for centuries as a safe way to give nourishment, revive energy, and a feeling of well-being. That is why it can be used to treat those who have problems with apprehension, insomnia and despondency. Chewing hawthorne leaves takes away that "tummy grumble" when you"re hungry. That is why the hawthorne became known as the "bread and cheese" tree, giving as much sustenance as a plate of bread and cheese.

The hawthorne leaf-buds are good cooked (10 to 20 minutes) and have a similar taste to lima beans. They make a great addition to chilis and soups.

You can make jellies and fruit sauces from the berries, just make sure you strain the sauce. Hawthorne berries contain their own pectin so the sauce or jelly will thicken nicely.

Hawthorne flowers are edible and make an attractive addition to salads and other dishes.

Hawthorne seeds can be roasted and used in a manner similar to coffee.

Knock on Wood

On this Wednesday I am working on the Forest accord which is contained within the Sierra liquid perfume. Sierra liquid perfume is the most complex out of all the fragrances I have created. So complex in fact that the formula is contained within a binder devoted souly to her.

Sierra's early form was a bath salt and scrub I created back in 2000 titled Forest. Due to customer demand I modified the original blueprint to develop the liquid perfume. I began by utilizing the original Forest accord for the bath salts. This accord is what I am preparing more of today, for the perfume as well as the bath and salt scrubs.

For the updated version of the bath and salt scrubs I am also infusing some of my jojoba oil with benzoin and frankincense. Now is a particularly good time for infusing and tincturing due to the position of the Moon.

Read more about Sierra liquid perfume at these links:
+ Memory and Desire blog post: Entirely Green
+ Here at this journal: A Secret in the Forest

The term "knock on wood" may have been derived from the Celtic peoples belief that trees have the power to heal humans. The Celtic tree alphabet called the Ogham was a secret a ritualistic language. I have referred to the Ogham extensively here with entires corresponding to the Celtic Tree Calendar. Currently we are in the middle of the fifth month associated with Saille, the Willow.

"Willow and the Rowan Tree, Were tardy in array."
~ from the ancient Celtic poem The Battle of the Trees

The etymology of the word willow is rather complex but appears to stem from "withy" meaning to bend. Wicker furniture was originally created utilizing willow switches.

The Willow is part of the Salicacae family which includes two genera Salix and Populus. In botanical perfume, we have a Poplar essential oil that could be utilized if one were creating a magical perfume attributed to the Willow. Poplar is contained in our Sierra liquid perfume.

Willows are found near water and thus symbolically are connected with knowledge and spiritual growth. Other associations include: protection, healing, and cycles. Most often these cycles appear in relationship to mysterious associated with women, like the moon. The white willow tree is also referred to as The Tree of Enchantment and connected to the White Lady. If you have a willow tree nearby, give the tree an offering, select a shoot and tie a loose knot while intending your wish. Once the wish has been granted, express your gratitude to the tree and untie the knot. Tonight I'll be delving into water element and partaking in a bath with my Fresh bath salts as I invoke the White Lady.

The leaves and bark of this tree have been utilized by the Assyrians, Sumerians, and the Egyptians for aches and pains. In fact the origins of aspirin are preparations with white willow bark. The main chemical component in white willow bark is salicin which was isolated in 1828 to create the synthetic, patented version we all now refer to as aspirin. Willow is also utilized for the charcoal many artists use for drawing. Willow nectar is especially appreciated by the apis kingdom, the bees, for making honey.

The Scent for Today is Sierra liquid perfume or GreenWitch, devoted to the White Lady.

Magic Potions

Max, the winner of our Spring Equinox Giveaway, has written a lovely post on his AromaX blog titled The Gift of the Magi. Head on over to have a read. Thank you for your kind words Max!

Scent of the Day: Mars

As I trekked over to Google to process my latest sales I noticed the cool graphic logo they created with craters for the double o's. I clicked and was transported to a feature all about the history of mapping Mars with this very cool little film on You Tube.



Inspired...the official scent for today will be based on Mars. Maestro asked "Why would you want to make a fragrance associated with the God of War?" I answered by reading this list from Cunningham's "The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews":

• Promote courage
• Aggression
• Healing after surgery
• Physical strength
• Politics
• Sexual energy
• Exorcism
• Protection
• Defensive magic

The essence of Mars is red and hot, thus many materials with these two characteristics may be utilized for a Martial fragrance. Here is a list of a few that happen to be in my apothecary, either as a essential oil, absolute, C02 extract or in herbal form:

• Allspice
• Asafoetida
• Artichoke
  
• Basil
• Broom
• Coriander
• Cumin
• Deerstongue
• Dragon's Blood
• Galangal
• Ginger
• Mustard Seed
  
• Nettle
• Pepper
  
• Tobacco
• Tumeric
  
• Woodruff
• Wormwood

Many of these essences are in my GreenWitch perfume which will debut now for Spring. Thus, the scent today is GreenWitch. Read more about the Green Witch perfume here.

I read this on the HerbsHealing website from an article written by Suzan Stone Sierralupe:
"To be a Witch means that you worship the Earth as a mother, and to be a Green Witch means that you heal the children of the Earth by bringing them back in communication Her. The disciplines of the Green Witch are many; she listens, watches, learns, heals and, most of all, she teaches."

Looks like I am a Green Witch, which explains why Susan Coopers book by the same name is my favorite of the Dark is Rising Series.

Greg is still working on the image that will accommodate our natural, botanical, conceptual and magical perfume. For now our Green Witch perfume will be illuminated by an image he created as the poster for Laguna College of Art & Design.

Weaving Magic

I became conscious of working with magic in the nineties when my daughter Eve was about three. The adventure began at a drum making workshop in an artist loft space at the Brewery. My friend could not attend the event, so I went in her place.

The Brewery is an old beer brewery that has been transformed into artist live work spaces in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. I arrived to the large open space unaware that it was a portal and would literally "altar" the course of my life.

The class was taught by a Native American individual who brought all the materials we would need that day to make our very own whoop drum. I created a 21 inch drum which I have been using regularly at drumming circles ever since. The drum has a deep resonant sound.

Shortly after creating the drum I began participating in drumming circles hosted by the individual who facilitated the drum making class. I learned that this individual was a Shaman and was putting together a group of "initiates" to learn the path of presence. Since I had been asking for a teacher to step forward I saw this as an opportunity.

Auspiciously at around the same time I was introduced to essential oils and aromatherapy. Thus, in tandem, I began learning the properties of essential oils while peeling away some of the veils to conscious living.

For the next three years I studied individually with my teacher and within the group. This is where I began the journey into working with magic.

The first perfume I created utilizing many of the techniques learned was with the formulation of "Q", the oak perfume. Intention and mindfulness are utilized whenever a perfume, accord, tincture or infusion is crafted here in the studio. However, weaving magic has many layers to it and a few of the perfumes contain more magical fibers than others.

The new Sierra solid perfume was created this past October with numerous magical techniques implemented. I began with the idea of prosperity employing essential oils with both ancient and modern affiliations to the concept of abundance on all levels. More on that in the morrow.

Roxana Illuminated Perfume™

Image at top: old engraving cleaned up and placed on parchment. Image below at left: Q elongated ©Greg Spalenka.