Blue Tansy

Blue Tansy

We have Blue Tansy growing in front of our casita here in the high desert, just next to the lilac bush. I didn't realize what the plant was until a few weeks ago when it finally gave is one little bunch of flowers. As you can see in the photo, the little flowers are a bright, deep yellow hue and the foliage is similar to yarrow with its fern-like soft, green leaves.

I remember reading about it when I studied aromatherapy and the "blue" oils, but never delved into it much as a perfumer because I perceived the earthy scent was too medicinal. Fast forward from the mid nineties to this moment, when my blending skills have gotten much better, I can indeed imagine using it in a perfume.

The blue tansy flower, Tanacetum annuum, is part of the chamomile family, originating in the Mediterranean but now grown and cultivated in Morocco. The reason it goes by the name "blue" tansy is due to the compound chamazulene, which as the name implies, is blue. The essential oil is said to be calming to the skin and helps us feel grounded and relaxed. Very important attributes for these rather wild times we migrating.

During the steam distillation process the chamazulene compounds turns a beautiful deep blue hue.

As I work on bringing back the aromatherapy synergies I was making in the 90's, I look forward to working with this very special essence. Some of its attributes includes:

1. Assisting with inflammation due to these compounds:

• Chamazulene
• Sabinene
• Camphor
• Myrcene
• Pinene

The word "inflammation" refers to an abundance of heat, usually revealing itself as redness and swelling of the skin as well as the emotions. Consider the words "in flame", referring to fire and the color red, now consider how this oil is blue, thus when applied swelling and redness may be diminished.

2. Emotional Support

Aromatherapy books refer to this oil as aiding in providing a sense of relaxation and grounding. 

3. Respiration

There is evidence that Blue Tansy is anti-bacterial and helpful with congestion and support of the respiratory system.

4. Moisture

As mentioned above, consider the heavenly blue hue of this mighty oil as a clue to how it can be used. Blue, like water, provides moisture, thus where there is dryness, bring in the water.

5. Antihistamine

Since evidence exists that blue tansy reduces nasal congestion, the oil has been used in blends as an antihistamine. Here in New Mexico, as the chamisa begins its flowering season, this will be one of my go to essences to diffuse and put a few drops into a bowl of warm water for a steam inhalations. Consider that when we do steam inhalations we get the affect of providing moisture to our lungs and the skin, while assisting our lungs and providing emotional support.

5. Insect Repellant

For those of you, who like me, prefer to keep insects away, there is evidence that blue tansy oil can aid in keeping some insects, like mosquitos, away.

I plan on ordering a kilo of this essential oil directly from the distiller, if you are interested in participating in the order be sure to send me a note to: roxana @ roxanavilla.com.

Smell like an Egyptian

Exploring the Olfactive History of Ancient Egyptian Culture
with Dora Goldsmith

The olfactory landscape of ancient Egypt is like no other, revealing aspects of a culture where no boundaries existed with perfume, medicine & food. By examining the written sources left by the ancient Egyptians, we are able to dive deep into various aspects of this olfactory rich civilization.

 

AWE & WONDER

In these fascinating series of classes, we will embark on a practical and mystical journey into the very heart of a civilization based on scent.

Egyptologist Dora Goldsmith will decipher texts for us as we study Egypt through multiple dynasties, exploring a panorama of scents and rituals from sacred temples, personal gardens and the afterlife.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A wonderful sensorial journey through ancient Egypt

"If you are interested in the history of the ancient Egyptians, alchemy, aromatherapy, herbalism and science, or are just curious, then this experiential course is a must! Egyptologist Dora Goldsmith takes you on a sensory journey of everyday life in ancient Egypt where you will not only enhance your knowledge of the rituals and ceremonies of this historically significant time, but also experience the unique scents associated with it. I would highly recommend buying the scent kits to accompany the course modules, which Dora has meticulously researched and prepared, as they will enhance your learning. It was only through making the perfumes myself that I truly appreciated this magnificent civilisation."

~ Paula M on May 10, 2021

 

 

 

Read more & grab your spot

HERE

 

 

The SCENTS of EGYPT WORKSHOP SERIES is a comprehensive certificate program, taking place over seven weeks via LIVE* Zoom sessions with Egyptologist Dora Goldsmith.

Each class in this workshop series offers three hours, including live instruction with handouts and a dedicated hour for Q&A.

Aromatherapy practitioners receive: 3 NAHA CE credits per class.

Join us for individual classes or the entire series

Kyphi

Unguent Cones

Temple Smells

Garden Scents

Scents of Lovemaking

Scents of Mummification & the Afterlife

Hknw, Meaning JOY

BONUS Class: June 6th, 2021: Smellscapes

 

 

 

Still not sure is this is for you?

Join us for this FREE* class on

June 6th, 2021

SMELLSCAPES

In this two-hour lecture, we will go on a smellwalk in an ancient Egyptian city to uncover hidden realities unexperienced and unimagined.

The tour invites us to reorient our senses, so that visualization becomes passive and olfaction becomes active. Through focusing on the sense of smell we gain a new perspective on the ancient Egyptians’ interaction with their environment.

*Use coupon code: smellwalk06

 

 

OUR INSTRUCTOR: DORA GOLDSMITH

Dora Goldsmith is an Egyptologist whose research focuses on the sense of smell in ancient Egypt. Based on the written sources, Dora investigates the ancient Egyptians' perception of the world through the sense of smell and recreates their smellscape. Her published works include the concept of stench in ancient Egypt (2019), the scents of mummification (2019) and the smellscape of ancient Egyptian cities (2020).

Dora gives lectures and workshops around the world accompanied by her scent reconstructions, where the long-lost world of the ancient Egyptians comes back to life through your nose. Two of her scent reconstructions, the Mendesian and the scent of mummification, have been exhibited in museums around the world.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ancient Egypt Lives Again!

"If you've ever wanted to gain deep insight into the rich and complex culture of dynastic Egypt, this series of courses led by the brilliant, trail-blazing scholar, Dora Goldsmith, is an absolute must. Through seven, perfectly organized classes, the layered, and intertwining concepts surrounding scent in life, and in death, are fully explored. The creation and use of perfumes, incense, as well as flowers and food, are all illuminated via images, and beautiful ancient Egyptian texts. You also have the option of buying scent kits which are specialized for each class. (I ordered the Unguent and Aphrodisiac kits and I love them!) Do not miss this amazing opportunity!"

~ Kevin on April 25, 2021

Hydro+sol

Hydro meaning water and sol meaning solution, the term hydrosol is the aromatic water that carries over the essential oil during the process of distillation. In some instances the end product is the hydrosol, the condensate water produced during a plant distillation, while in others the hydrosol is a by-product of the distillation of plant matter to obtain essential oil. This fragrant water is bursting with similar aromatherapeutic affects as the essential oil counterpart but in a water soluble format that is much more subtle.

Hydrosols have many names including distillate water, floral water, plant water and hydrolat, lat referring to the transparent milky color of the water as it initially comes out of the still. In some instances words such as floral or plant water may not be a hydrosol but a water with added scent material.

During the distillation process plant matter gently imprints the water with its molecular trace particles resulting in a fragrant water. Referred to as "waters of life" in the past, hydrosols are considered a lost art that are now circling back as a revolutionary new form of aromatherapy. The distillates have been termed as “the soul of the plant”, with the ability to transmit non-verbal messages, bypassing the thinking mind.

I distill hydrosols with a heart-fulness that begins when harvesting the material throughout the entire process to bottling. I use both a cooper and glass still, depending on the time of year and availability of plant matter.

Hydrosols contain essential oil molecules which help preserve them and in turn offers many of the benefits of the essential oil. I use them for skin care as toners, room & body misters, perfume,  deodorant and combining with other ingredients to make eco friendly cleaners, facial masks, drinks or for flavoring. Since hydrosols have a cooling quality and are said to reduce inflammation, they are especially useful in hot weather, when someone has a fever and when heat rises in the body, such as a hot flash.

In stock at the moment, click here to my website.

Santa Fe Pinon & Santa Monica Mountain White Sage, the word Santa means Holy in Spanish, these are indeed holy, actually “divine” is a better word.

Related posts: Elixir of Heaven, Jasmine sambac Hydrosol

Botanical Perfume Classes in March & April

Art of Botanical Perfume

March 2nd & 3rd in Encino, CA

April 6th & 7th in Santa Fe, NM

The Art of Botanical Perfume is a level one class, an introduction to making perfume with plants. In the past this was a one day course that always felt rushed and overwhelming, thus now I set it up over two days that will include these seven categories:

• 1. What is Perfume?
• 2. History of Perfume
• 3. Tools & Raw Materials
• 4. Fragrance Families & Types
• 5. Olfactory Awareness
• 6. Artistry
• 7. Orchestration

For an more in depth description of the workshop look at the online course, although keep in mind that we are squeezing 70 hours into two days. The Art of Botanical Perfume live or online course is a perquisite for the advanced classes. Seating is limited, grab your spot today.

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Chord Construction & Perfume Types

March 9th & 10th in Encino, CA

April 13th & 14th Santa Fe, NM

This two day workshop is for those who have taken the 

ART OF BOTANICAL PERFUME 

class live or online course

DAY ONE : Chord Building A chord or accord in perfume is a term borrowed from music referring to constructing a synergy of notes that will be added to your perfume to create more complexity. In this day long workshop you will learn the notes and essences associated with eight fragrance families, how they relate to each other and how to make them more complex. These are the eight fragrance families we will focus on:

• Green
• Floral
• Earth
• Wood
• Spice
• Gourmand
• Citrus
• Fruit

By the end of the day you will have created a few chords that will be used on Day Two when we construct a perfume within a specific class.

DAY TWO : Perfume Types Perfumes are categorized into categories or types, which are also referred to as classes. This organizational system is based on the overall, universal scent impression. We will learn about these types, the notes that go into their formulation and construct one or more, depending on our time.

• Chypre
• Oriental
• Fougère (meaning fern in French)
• Floral
• Green
• Leather

All supplies & tools are included with the purchase of this class. Please bring a notebook for jotting down your formulas. By the end of the each day you will have gained new insights to add complexity to your botanical perfume formulas and knowledge to continue working with new skill sets.

Seating is limited, thus I recommend enrolling ASAP to grab your seat

The Essential Oils & Aromatherapy Summit

I just completed the pre-recorded call with David Crow, a long time teacher, friend and mentor who invited me as a guest in The Essential Oils & Aromatherapy Summit. My session title is: Through the Looking Glass: Botanical Perfume for Shifting Consciousness. David guided the conversation so beautifully, as we delved into a variety of aspects related to creating perfumes from essential oils such as alchemy, plant totems, correspondences, individual artistry, formulating and more!

Free Online Event

The Essential Oils & Aromatherapy Summit

with Botanical Medicine Expert David Crow

October 23-26, 2018

This first-ever gathering of today’s top distillers, botanical medicine experts, acupuncturists, doctors, educators, clinicians, scientific researchers — including Rosita Arvigo, Kurt Schnaubelt, Arjun Das, Acharya Shunya, Nyssa Hanger, Eric Scott, Jessie Hawkins, Florian Birkmayer, Kelly Ablard, Cha Roberts, Michael Scholes, Kailash Dixit, and others — will be hosted by botanical medicine expert, David Crow.

I’m honored to join 25+ of my esteemed colleagues to share with you insights, practices, and teachings for experiencing the profound benefits of essential oils for your health, wellbeing, longevity, and spiritual transformation.

I hope you’ll join me for this special online gathering presented by The Shift Network.

RSVP here for The Essential Oils & Aromatherapy Summit — at no charge

During this inspiring 4-day summit, you’ll discover:

• How to use essential oils easily and effectively for healing and vitality
• A holistic understanding of essential oils and aromatherapy
• Key Ayurveda aromatherapy essential and base oils
• Confidence in creating essential oil blends from scratch
• How to use oils with specific applications for integration & healing
• The use of essential oils & the power of sacred aromas to unblock the channels of intuition
• And much more!

Plus, you’ll quickly see that working with essential oils and aromatherapy can complement any existing practice and help you achieve greater fulfillment and success in life — for you and (if you’re a health care professional) your clients.

Here’s what just a few of the speakers from this incredible lineup will be sharing with you:

Rosita Arvigo will explain how to use common aromatic plants like basil, marigold, and rosemary to relieve emotional disturbances such as fright, grief, and fear.

Kurt Schnaubelt will reveal why essential oils are effective remedies to fight bacteria, yeasts, and viruses.

Arjun Das will explore ways use essential oils to promote a vibrational protection for yourself when caring for your clients… so you don’t absorb their energy.

Acharya Shunya will highlight how aromatherapy has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

Nyssa Hanger and Sylla Sheppard-Hanger will reveal grassroots data they collected, clearly showing that there are injuries and adverse effects occurring from improper use of essential oils… and they’ll share key points for helping prevent future damage.

Jessie Hawkins will discuss pediatric toxicology, aromatherapy, and how to safely use essential oils to heal your little ones (even the 4-legged, furry types!)

Eric Scott (one of my faves!) will share insights on artisan essential oil distillation and the value of domestic and regional distillation.

Florian Birkmayer will introduce ways you can connect with the wisdom of  aromatic plants to transform life’s obstacles into opportunities.

I had the opportunity to meet David in Los Angeles during the mid nineties when he inspired by his reverence for the plants, knowledge of ancient medicine and razor sharp focus. He has such a vast understanding of nature from the poetic to the scientific, which has helped his empire build Floracopeia. What a tremendous honor and opportunity, I'm truly humbled. Please check out the upcoming summit, as so many of my friends and colleagues are adding their wisdom to the collective. 

Opening photo of David from the Floracopeia instagram feed, most likely taken by his lovely wife Sara Crow, other photos Roxana Villa from NAHA conferences in Utah and Bastyr in Seattle.

Oakmoss

"A rolling stone gathers no moss."

In my palette as an authentic nature perfumer, oakmoss is one of my most cherished base notes. The damp, forest floor quality of this lichen lends a rich, full bodied, earthiness that reminds me of Demeter. As you may recall, she is the ancient Greek Goddess of the harvest and agriculture who governs over the fertility of the Earth and the mother of Persephone.

Oakmoss is also known as tree moss or Mousse de Chene, and goes by the latin Evernia prunastri. Although the name can be deceiving, it is a species of lichen from temperate forests in Northern Hemispheres. The fragrance note is a key component in the composition of historical Chypre and Fougère type of perfumes. I tend to use it in small amounts paired with complimentary resins and woods in chords which are then added to the final orchestration of the fragrance. 

Oakmoss has been used to construct many of my perfumes but is most obvious in Hedera helix, Q, Figure 1: Noir, Terrestre, Figure 5: Bois and GreenWitch. She is quite robust and requires a delicate hand, but, rewards those who can cultivate patience. 

I consider this very dark and viscous material a scent ally for me, especially since moving to the desert. The scent profile has agrestic notes of decaying earth but also a lyrical component which harkens the dwelling where you find the elves of Middle Earth from the Tolkien series. It's no wonder Wendy Froud wrote this after receiving her compact at the San Diego Comic Con.

"I love fragrances and everything that my favorite ones evoke but I was truly captivated by Roxana's Q perfume the first time I experienced it. It evokes something ancient and at the same time very intimate and personal. To me it's a "remembered" fragrance that taps into the green world of Faerie in the same way that a painting or sculpted image can. When I wear it, which is often, I feel closer to that elusive and magical world."

Photos ©Roxana Villa

Elves image from Movie Magic

Mercury Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the move, again!

Tomorrow, Sunday, we are moving from Tesuque to the old ranch area here in Santa Fe that is turning into the new arts district. No one in the area has told me what the district is called, so I'm referring to it as "the new arts district" until someone corrects me. Tesuque is just north of historic, downtown Santa Fe, where as the arts district is south. Both areas have a very different vibe, Tesuque is more like Santa Barbara where as the arts district has a bit of an edge, like the surrounding areas of downtown LA. Although I will miss Tesuque very much, the new homestead is better in many ways. I'll post more about that once we are settled.

There will be a delay in sending out orders as I unpack and set up once more. Our new space is on our friends property, it's a bit of an art compound with musicians and visual artists, and now an "aromatic" artist being added to the mix of creatives.

The landscape is quite different from the Pinon wood lands we have been inhabiting the last three months. While packing to move last night I found a jar filled with dried plant bits from my California garden. The cowboy pure fume of oak, artemisia and different sages all preserved and ready for inhaling deeply. It’s a very different scent imprint than we have here in the high desert of New Mexico.

Aroma, Alchemy and Medicine of the Soul in Words and Images

Last Thursday (I can hardly believe its been a week already!) Cathy Skipper and Florian Birkmayer arrived in Los Angeles from Albuquerque for the transformative Alchemy and Medicine of the Soul classes and experiences beginning with the Panel on Alchemy in Cypress Park.

Originally we had set up the discussion to take place at a friends home in Woodland Hills, but as the RSVP's continued to mount I began searching for a new location. Out of the blue, we had a very generous offer via e-mail from Meike Kopp informing me that we could use her gorgeous space as a venue. Although we lost many attendees from the San Fernando Valley stretching up to Ojai, we gained the same amount back and also had a glorious, large open space which we took advantage to film the event. As soon as the footage has been edited I will share it here at the journal.

The next day the Hydrosol Distillation began at 3pm up on the warm, sunny plateau of Topanga. It was an absolutely gorgeous day which started off with taking Cathy and Florian over to visit the perfumery, lunch at Blue Table, a stop at the house to cut the white sage and then hauling all the gear up the mountain and setting up.

Auspiciously the flowering Salvia apiana, white sage, from my garden had already been pollinated by the honey bees. This was confirmed by Cathy as she used her magnifier to examine the botany of a flower. So, besides her wand, a little medicine bag with crystal offerings for plants and her journal Cathy also has her magnifier at the ready!

"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate."

Saturday and Sunday was the two day workshop, what I consider the main course of the aromatic venue. Each morning everyone arrived and squeezed into the teaching space of the perfumery where Florian lectured about Jung, our collective imagination and shared his point of view on the Alchemical processes as a tool to recognize and move through emotional challenges. Cathy interjected regularly adding her strong intuitive approach and her own personal stories of transformation.

On Sunday we finished traversing all the alchemical processes with some work on our shadow, culminating in creating a blend and a group photo.

Monday evening was the dessert, featuring an encounter of the aromatic kind with sipping gorgeous and very diverse hydrosols. As we inhaled and sipped the high vibrational plant waters we each tuned into the message shared with each of us through the elixir.

The five days were a magical mystery ride with Cathy and Florian as the chauffeurs in partnership with the botanical intelligence from the plant kingdom. Personally, I was able to re-visit work in a very similar vein as an initiate in a Celtic Shaman group. The facilitator, Kaitryne, also had a Jungian psychology background which she had woven with Celtic & Native American shamanistic concepts. Thus there was quite a bit of overlap as well as concepts I had introduced with The Tree Of Life presentation at Bastyr.

Next stop for Cathy and Florian is teaching the two day workshop in Seattle followed by returning to New Mexico to finish up their online course.

A is for April & Alchemy!

Since we have gotten an amazing community already signed up for the Alchemy happenings in April, I thought I'd post a few details all in one place, including a FAQ's.

Here is the list of activities we have planned so far, more are in the works! For ALL these events please arrive unscented. Be mindful of laundry, cosmetic and bath & beauty products on this special day. We need to keep our palettes clear and free of odorants and be respectful of the flora and fauna we will be working with.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 20th - 7pm

Alchemy Panel Discussion

with Cathy Skipper, Dr. Florian Birkmayer, John Steele and Roxana Villa

LOCATION

Huron SubStation
2640 Huron Street, Los Angeles, CA 90065

FREE
The panel discussion is free and open to everyone who RSVP's in advance

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FRIDAY, APRIL 21st - 3-6 pm

Distill Your Own Hydrosols

with Cathy Skipper and Dr. Florian Birkmayer

LOCATION

Details provided upon registration.

FEES

If you are registered for the Alchemy & Medicine of the Soul workshop this class on distillation is included in your tuition. To purchase la carte the cost is $40.00

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SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 22nd and 23rd

9:30 am - 5 pm

Alchemy & Medicine of the Soul

with Cathy Skipper and Dr. Florian Birkmayer

LOCATION: 

Roxana Illuminated Perfume in the Atrium of  Whizin Market Hall
28914 Roadside Drive, second floor, unit 219

Agoura Hills, CA 91301

FEES
Early bird registration $296
After March 31st, $350

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MONDAY, APRIL 24th

7 pm - 9pm

Hydrosol Encounter

with Cathy Skipper and Dr. Florian Birkmayer

LOCATION: 

Blue Table at  Whizin Market Hall
28914 Roadside Drive

Agoura Hills, CA 91301

FEES

$40 which covers all the expenses, including the very special and unique hydrosols 

we will be sipping and exploring.

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FAQs

1. Can you recommend a hotel in the area?

Homewood Suites by Hilton Agoura Hills

The group rate has expired, but ask just in case: ILLUMINATED PERFUME WORKSHOP

2. How many students will you consider a full class to be?

We are not sure yet, 23 is the maximum my perfumery can accommodate. 

If we get more we may move it to another space.

3. Will you be sending us a list of things we need to bring?

"For the participants in the Alchemy & Aromatherapy 2 day class:

Participants are to bring 2-3 essential oils. This is for the last two exercises. 

Only a few drops (at most) will be used, they will be returned."

4. Any pre-requisites?

Nope.

If you have any more questions or need more details please contact me:

roxana <at> illuminatedperfume <dot> com

or use the contact page on my website.

Alchemy Panel Discussion, Distill your Own Hydrosols & Hydrosol Encounter

As part of the Alchemy & Medicine of the Soul workshop we have three other happenings taking place all within the Santa Monica Mountain area. Please note there is limited space available for some of these events, be mindful to grab your seat while they are available!

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Alchemy Panel Discussion

with Cathy Skipper, Dr. Florian Birkmayer, John Steele and Roxana Villa

April 20th, Thursday evening

The word alchemy is often associated with essential oils due to the transformation of physical matter through the process of distillation. Historical origins of alchemy point back in time suggesting that Hermes Trismegistus, which in Egypt was called Thoth was the father of the art.

Learn more about the different points of view on alchemy and its relationship to essential oils, aromatherapy, botanical perfume, psychology and altered states in this unique panel discussion.

Free to attend with RSVP

Location: Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills, CA

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Distill Your Own Hydrosols

with Cathy Skipper and Dr. Florian Birkmayer
April 21st, Friday 3pm-6pm

The process of obtaining the essence of a plant through the process of distillation goes back in History to the early alchemists in Egypt. In this afternoon workshop we will distill native plants personally selected and harvested with Cathy and Florian.

The word hydrosol, ‘hydro’ water and ‘sol’ solution means water solution and refers to the fact that a hydrosol is water that contains plant molecules and is produced alongside essential oil in the process of steam distillation, it is sometimes referred to as flower water.

With a small, portable, inexpensive, copper still, Hydrosols are easy to make, much safer and easier to use than essential oils and have great potential for use both in physical ailments and when working on a subtle, emotional level.

Mankind has distilled plants in order to extract their aromatic core for thousands of years and there is evidence that all the major civilizations used this form of extraction.

Making one’s own hydrosols and being a part of the process from the harvesting to the final product is not only easy with a small home still but also extremely revealing. The plant seems to open up on another level allowing us to come into contact with its healing vibration with ease and clarity, thus deepening our knowledge and intuitive information about it. There is a time for everything and although there are herbalists that have been distilling and using hydrosols regularly for years, I believe that now is the time to integrate their use into regular practice, they do not replace other forms of plant preparation but add a precious element to the medicinal plant tool box.

The one-day introduction to Hydrosols will include:

• Practical distillations
• Learning what constituents a hydrosol
• How to use hydrosols

DATE and TIME: Friday, April 21st in Topanga Canyon, CA from 3pm - 6pm

LOCATION: Details provided upon registration.

Please arrive unscented. Be mindful of laundry, cosmetic and bath & beauty products on this special day. We need to keep our palettes clear and free of odorants and be respectful of the flora and fauna we will be working with.
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Hydrosol Encounter

with Cathy Skipper and Dr. Florian Birkmayer

April 24th, Monday evening 7pm - 9pm, Blue Table, Agoura Hills, CA

As part of the Alchemy & Medicine of the Soul weekend workshop we are offering an evening encounter with hydrosols, led by Cathy Skipper & Dr Florian Birkmayer MD.

During the distillation process plant matter gently imprints the water with its molecular trace particles resulting in an aromatic water that is useful in skin care, therapeutic applications, refreshing sprays and in cooking. Although these "waters of life" are part of daily life in our recent past, hydrosols are one of the lost arts that is now circling back and finding a home as a new form of aromatherapy. The waters that result from distillation have been described as “the soul of the plant”, able to transmit non-verbal messages, bypassing the thinking mind

In this informal gathering at Blue Table in Agoura Hills, we will explore the transformative subtle frequencies of several hydro distilled elixirs. Our focus will be the emotional and spiritual "properties found in the barely detectable aromatic trace molecules which exist in concentrations of parts per billion, bringing the worlds of matter and spirit."

"Drinking exotic plant hydrosols such as Jasmine Sambac, Blue Lotus, Golden Champa and Frankincense is an immersive experience which is exquisite, both in smell and taste. These plant teachers invite us to participate in a subtle, yet often euphoric, aromatic conversation with the natural wisdom of botanical intelligence."

Join us in this profound inquiry into the relationship between smell and higher consciousness — and feel it spark into your own work. Celebrate the extra-ordinary in the moment as you feel yourself elevated by botanical intelligence.

DATE & TIME: Monday, April 24, 2017, 7pm-9pm

LOCATION: Blue Table at  Whizin Market Hall, 28914 Roadside Dr, unit #219, Agoura Hills, CA 91301, find a map here.

Please arrive unscented. Be mindful of laundry, cosmetic and bath & beauty products on this special day. We need to keep our palettes clear and free of odorants.

“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 

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FEES

The panel discussion is free and open to everyone who RSVP's in advance. If you are registered for the Alchemy & Medicine of the Soul workshop the class on distillation is included in your tuition. If you would like to attend the Hydrosol Encounter, the fee is $40 which covers all the expenses, including the very special and unique hydrosols we will be sipping.

Alchemy and Medicine of the Soul

Alchemy & the Medicine of the Soul 

The Wounded Healer, A Journey Through the Alchemical Stages & the Sacred Union

A Workshop with Cathy Skipper & Dr Florian Birkmayer MD
Seats are limited sign up here

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“We each have something to contribute to the global healing process, a particular gift or vision, 

skill or song. Individual healing has a lot to do with finding this gift and using it 

for the world’s sake, finding our song and singing it.” 

~ Miriam Greenspan, Healing Through the Dark Emotions

I am delighted to host a spectacular series of events which includes a weekend workshop with two very heartfelt souls and leaders in the transformative power of aromatic plants, essential oils and hydrosols. Cathy Skipper and Dr Florian Birkmayer bring together a knowledge- and skill-set that encompasses French medical aromatherapy, holistic psychiatry, spiritual alchemy and intuitive plant communication.

The pleasure of meeting Florian and Cathy was akin to that feeling when we discover kindred souls, it took place at the first Beyond Aromatics conference in Seattle Washington, at the time Greg and I were rooming next to Florian and the two had not gotten together as a couple. At the conference, both Cathy and Florian presented topics that were perfectly paired for their profound approach to working with plants, essential oils and psychology—which would set the stage for this profound workshop. Florians approach has since evolved further by working closely with Cathy — whose own expertise as a herbalist, aromatic medicine practitioner and workshop leader is the product of decades of experience and study.

Cathy and Florian share their unique insight into the healing potency of essential oils by bringing to bear teachings distilled from spiritual alchemy, Jungian psychology, and their own unfolding healing journey... aromatically infused with plant wisdom from both the blue plateaus of Provence and the sagebrush deserts of New Mexico.

Florian will show how the Jungian understanding of alchemy is a revealing model for aromatic soul medicine, elucidated by his experience of using essential oils to treat people with post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues in his work as a psychiatrist. Cathy will draw from her long experience of French clinical aromatherapy, plant communication and kinesiology. Both Cathy and Florian have a personal and professional background in ‘healing the healer’ — a central theme of the workshop.

The workshop is suitable for aromatherapists, herbalists, bodyworkers and psychotherapists, and all those working in the healing arts wishing to deepen their relationship with aromatic plants as well as their own healing journey. Join us for a memorable weekend of learning, sharing and aromatic inner healing... but please don’t delay in booking your place, as numbers are limited!

COURSE COMPONENTS

• Distillation with Cooper Alembic of California Native Plant Flora.
• The seven alchemical stages and their relationship to distinct phases within the cycle of growth and healing.
• Identifying the different emotional/energetic states that arise within each alchemical stage and the essential oils that can help to transform them.
• Exercises and experiential work to deepen our understanding of each alchemical stage and the psycho-therapeutic actions of specific essential oils.
• Looking at ways this work can be used with clients in an aromatherapy or psychotherapy practice.

This workshop is intended to:

• Help participants develop a deeper and more personal, intuitive relationship to aromatic plants and essential oils.
• Offer participants a model of transformation that can be used to assist them on their own healing journeys and those of their friends, family and clients.
• Highlight the importance of soul healing in achieving a state of inner harmony, vitality and optimum health.

Cathy Skipper
Workshop Co-Facilitator

English by birth, Cathy Skipper spent her adult life in rural France, where she farmed, trained and worked as a herbalist and aromatherapist, and taught practical herbalism, botany and aromatherapy at the L’Ecole Lyonnaise de Plantes Medicinales in Lyon. She participated for four years in an approach to energetic healing called Life Cell, under French Kinesiologist Caroline Gupta. Her medicinal plant education in France included a two-year course with Claude Lefebvre in Plant Communication. She emigrated from France in 2015 to live and work in New Mexico with her partner, Florian Birkmayer.

Cathy’s work involves building bridges between aromatic medicine and herbalism as well as recognizing the importance of healing the healer and reconnecting with nature. In her teaching she marries theory, practical work and energetics with the intention of helping students develop an intuitive relationship between themselves, the plant/essential oil and the patient, as a poweful impetus for healing.

Cathy’s work with Florian has a core vibration with the work of Carl Jung, the psyche, aromatic molecules, and the mind. She is co-author with Patrice de Bonneval of Aromatic Medicine.

For more info about Cathy follow this link to her blog and this post which delves deeper into this workshop we are presenting.

Dr Florian Birkmayer MD
Workshop Co-Facilitator

Florian Birkmayer is a Wounded Healer and the co-developer with Cathy Skipper of AromaGnosis, which synthesizes Jungian depth psychology and aromatherapy. A holistic psychiatrist, he has an extensive background in trauma and addiction as well as Equine-Assisted Therapy. A bridge-builder between different medical worlds, Florian works closely and respectfully with a wide range of healers.

Florian received his B.A. from Princeton University and his M.D. from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York. He completed his psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico. He has previously served as the director of the Dual Diagnosis Clinic at the University of New Mexico Psychiatric Center, and as the director of the Substance Use Disorders program at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albuquerque, USA.

For more info about Florian, visit: aromagnosis.com

LOCATIONS AND DATES

• Friday, April 21, 2017 California Native Plant Distillation, Topanga Canyon
Time and location to be announced

• Saturday & Sunday, April 22 and 23, 2017 (2 days).
Times: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm daily.
Course Fee: Early Bird $296
Please note that the course fee is in all cases non-refundable and non-transferable.
Tel: 818-992-0490 for further info.

REGISTER

To book a place in the course, please submit your contact details and the course fee in any one of the following 3 ways:
• To book in person please contact Roxana to meet at the Perfumery.
• To book by making a credit/debit card payment, please follow the link to the website.
• To book by post, please send a cheque (payable to Roxana Villa) with your name, address, tel no and email address to: Roxana Villa, PO Box 884, Woodland Hills, CA 91365

Accommodations

For overnight accommodations near the Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills, we recommend this hotel in the area: Homewood Suites

Scent and the Honey Bee

A little over a month ago the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy hosted the second Beyond Aromatics Conference. This year it was held at University Salt Lake City University in Utah. Shortly after arriving and getting a quick bit to eat Greg and I headed over to the Red Butte Botanical Garden for a self guided tour with a group of attendees and presenters.

The following morning the conference began promptly at 8:30am until Sunday afternoon, followed by two post conference workshops on Monday. Greg and I exhibited our wares in the Trade Show section at a shared booth with The School for Aromatic Studies.

Aromatherapy conferences are generally very nurturing and inspiring events due to the all the healers and essential oils present. I loved getting into the elevator each day and smelling essential oils! We stayed at the University Guest House which was originally built for the athletes attending the 2002 Winter Olympics.

I really like Salt Lake City, it's very easy to use public transportation and friendly population. As we were riding the UTA Trax green line from the airport I spotted a sheriff car with a beehive on the side door. Turns out that the state symbol is the beehive! Since my workshop was titled Scent and the Honey Bee I saw this as a very auspicious symbol.

Most of our meals were at the University, which didn't quite compare to the organic meals served at Bastyr two years prior. Although I really liked Utah and the hospitality, the University garden and eco lodging at Bastyr was something really special. On Saturday evening we headed over to a spectacular Mazza Middle Eastern restaurant with a large group. I had a Pumpkin Kibbeh, a baked vegan dish with pumpkin, spinach, walnuts, bulgur, spices and aromatics. So good!

The conference featured the usual suspects of luminaries within the professional aromatherapy industry.

We were treated to an artisan co-distillation of juniper and artemesia at Sunnyside Park just as the sun was starting to set. Just prior to getting on the bus, Cathy Skipper presented a fascinating introduction to Alchemy and Medicine of the Soul holding a wand throughout the entire lecture. I couldn't help but feel like she was Hermione from Harry Potter presenting to a group of peers at Hogworts.

The Gala Banquet was held at the Rice-Eccles Stadium, Scholarship Room high above the University of Utah Stadium just as the sun was beginning to set over the city. The eclectic keynote address was by my dear friend and neighbor in Agoura Hills, Dr. Habib Sadeghi.

Gabriel Mojay, one of my favorites, presented "In the Garden of Hecate: the TCM-energetics and Pharmacodynamics of Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil in the Integrated Treatment of Anxiety and Anxious Depression."

I presented Scent and the Honey Bee at 8:30 on Sunday morning. The multi-media presentation included Vanishing of the Bees film footage generously donated by George Langworthy with Greg's orchestration of imagery to my words.

The presentation concluded with the orchestration of a "honey bee" inspired perfume using a sample set of essences donated by the generous Eden Botanicals. We are currently building a website for Scent and the Honey Bee, stay tuned for its debut with footage and content from the presentation.

Angela and Kristina, the gals from Uncommon Scents Movie, were at the conference filming interviews for their upcoming documentary about aromatherapy. I am humbled and absolutely thrilled to be part of their project. Below is a photo Greg took of me while they were sitting up for the shoot.

As with Beyond Aromatics held at Bastyr two years prior, I feel so deeply grateful to have been part of this conference. The Proceedings of the Beyond Aromatics II conference and the audio of each lecture will be available from NAHA, check their site for updates and to find an aromatherapist near you!

Follow this link for related posts here at the journal.