Dragonfly

Good Morning and Blessings Everyone!


Today I decided a great topic to discuss would the symbolism of Dragonflies. I don't know about you but I love to watch the beauty of a Dragaonfly in flight. A few years ago I was lost and confused. I know some of you are saying, "You lost and confused, no way!" hahaha As we all know, we all get that way from time to time and I am no different than anyone else. There was a time in my life I could hide it but over the past few  years I am no longer able to do so. It is out there for all to see when I am what I call dislocated! Any way back to my story. A few years ago I found myself wondering what I was doing with my life. I asked for some kind of a sign that God was even on my side. I was just getting out of my car at the time and no sooner I close the car door I was surrounded by Dragonflies! Not just Dragonflies but also a peacefulness that told me all was going to be OK. I didn't run from them, I had no fear of them, I felt peace and those of you who know me, know I do not get along well with insects but this was different this was a message sent and received. 

This past week I was away in Pa. with my Joey, my boyfriend. Before we left there was so much clouding into our lives I was lost and concerned about everything and everyone. I prayed and meditated for a positive solution and once again asked for a sign, that I would recognize, telling me all would be well just to have faith. On the very first night of our vacation once again as I was getting out of the car to go and have dinner, when a single Dragonfly came to the car and danced around the front end on my side of the car as we got out. It stayed there just floating around me as if to say, "You asked and I am here!" I felt renewed once again. So as you can see for me Dragonflies have a very special meaning.

Let's start with the Native American Symbolism of a Dragonfly. Native Americans believe dragonflies are a symbol of change. They also see them as messages of enlightenment and wisdom. Now you understand why I felt the way I felt when I had the dragonflies visit me. They are a communication from the elemental world with a lesson for us to give thanks for all that we have. They help people to see past the negative and turn it all into positive so they may believe in the Divine and in themselves. For some Native American tribes they believed the dragonflies are the souls of the dead.

A dragonfly is a powerful force which symbolizes renewal. He is a creature of the wind and represents change. Just as the wind changes direction the dragonfly can symbolize changes to come in your life. A very good lesson that is taught by the dragonfly is to live life to it's fullest. Many believe that is because their time here on earth is so short lived. A dragonfly only flies for a fraction of it's life. Usually not for more than a few months. I think that is why I feel so honored to have one come and visit me when I am in need. The way they live their life is an example of living in the moment. If you were to live in the moment then you would be aware of who you are, where you are, what you are doing, what you want, what you don't want, and where you want to be in life. You would be able to make informed choices in a snap.With this ability you would live your life without regrets. 

A dragonfly symbolizes maturity and depth of character. In almost every part of the world a dragonfly symbolizes change. A change in the how you see yourself, in mental and emotional maturity as well as in the understanding of a deeper meaning in life.  Have you ever seen a dragonfly in flight scurrying across the water just kissing it but never crash landing in it? This act symbolizes going beyond the surface and looking deeper and harder into the aspects of life. Maturing and seeing as you grow.

Watch a dragonfly in flight if you are lucky to have the chance. Observe the way it can move in all directions. The sharp turns it takes and never seems to miss a beat. It gives a sense of power and poise which come with maturity and age. Did you know a Dragonfly has a speed of 45 miles per hour? Heck it can pass some people as they drive down the street. It has the ability to just hover over you like a helicopter. That is what I saw whenever they came for a visit, they just hovered over and around me. Also it has the uncanny ability to fly backwards like a hummingbird or straight up in the air as well as straight down like a nose dive and it can switch it's move to either side in just a blink of the eye. To watch a dragonfly in flight is inspiring as it moves through the air with such power, poise and grace. 

A dragonfly represents new light, joy and happiness, good luck, prosperity, purity, strength and courage. It brings you hope for new beginnings, change, love, and wealth. It teaches us to never give up. To believe in yourself, in the Divine, in all this world has to offer. 

I have a friend who has been battling diabetes since she was a baby. Bess is an inspiration to us all for her courage and ability to live life to it's fullest. She is funny, happy, and an all around good person who has so much love in heart you can feel it just in the smile she passes your way. The reason I mention this here today is because she posted an image of a mug yesterday on fb with the image of a dragonfly on it. This mug is for hope for a cure to diabetes. Below is a picture of the mug and the webpage you can purchase one at. I think the message is for this one, "If you believe, we can achieve!" 

https://diabetes.greatergood.com/store/dbs/item/51684/?origin=DBS_FACE_AWARE_ECOMM_JUSTBELIEVE_51687_071913

Show your support!

As I promised more essential oils and their meanings:

DRAGONS BLOOD ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a mysterious, sweet, and earthy aroma. Aromatherapy Uses: Enhancing mental ability, for some people it has been known to help them sleep well. Magickal Uses: It can be used in mystical and spiritual ritual applications, magick, space clearing, and purification. It promotes the clearing negative energy. Burn for love, protection, exorcism, courage, magickal power, energy, strength, purification, determination, cleansing. Add a bit of Dragon's Blood to any spell to add to the spells potency. Use in any spell to boost the power of your work! Can be blended with Sage, Frankincense, Myrrh, and Lavender. 

EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a refreshing and invigorating scent. Aromatherapy Uses: It clears blocked sinuses and soothes minor headaches, sore throats, coughs and helps you to maintain a good attitude It's also a decongestant and good for muscular pain.Magickal Uses: Eucalyptus Essential Oil is a great oil for purification as well as protection. Can be blended with Cedar, Frankincense, Lavender, Orange, Peppermint, Tea Tree, and Ylang-Ylang. 

FRANGI PANGI ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a complex, rich, lush, floral aroma, with a soft spicy background. Aromatherapy Uses:It's an exotic scent that is both sweet and fruitlike. This scent rejuvenates the mind and body and refreshes your body. Magickal Uses: It can cause others to confide secrets, confess indiscretions and trust the user implicitly. Used to attract love, respect and admiration. A strong love drawing oil. You can use it in all love spells, rituals and ceremonies. Frangi Pangi invokes the highest form of spiritual and sensual love. Can be blended with Ylang -Ylang and Sandalwood. 

FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a strong balsamic scent. Aromatherapy Uses: Great for bronchitis, colds, coughs and voice loss, as well as to reduce anxiety and cultivating internal peace and placing past obsessive states into perspective. Magickal Uses:Frankincense is a sacred oil used for anointing objects and to bring blessings. It can be burned in rites of exorcism, purification, and protection.Use Frankincense to anoint tools, sachets or the body. Frankincense is used for spirituality, exorcism, purification, luck and protection rites, blessings, consecration, love, energy, strength, visions, healing, meditation, power and courage. Can be blended with Myrrh, Rose, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Grapefruit, Orange, Lemon, and Lavender. 

GARDENIA ESSENTIAL OIL: Smells like a sweet summer garden. Aromatherapy Uses: Great for memory problems, relaxes muscles, and helps people with sleep disorders. Magickal Uses: A protective oil which will stop others from creating strife in your life. GardenIa Essential Oil is a good oil to use for health, healing, love, peace, psychic awareness, and spirituality. Can be blended with Jasmine, Neroli, Lavender, Sandalwood, Lemon, Chamomile, Orange, Ylang-Ylang, Vetivert, Bergamot, and Patchouli. 

GARLIC ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a strong and spicy scent. Aromatherapy Uses: It's reputed to have antibacterial, and can be used to prevent infections and the flu. It is also believed to be a powerful detoxifier and is regarded to rejuvenate the body and relieve tiredness. Magickal Use: Garlic Essential Oil is good to guard against evil, repel thieves, and turn away the envious. Also good for blessing a new home. Rub Garlic Essential Oil on lodestone and it will lose it's magickal powers. Be prepared folks when opened this smells as if it is coming out of your pores.

GERANIUM ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a wonderful aroma of a rose. Aromatherapy Uses: It can be used for quieting and balancing your body, mind and emotions, easing mood swings, aiding in PMS relief, and helping children with anxiety. Magickal Uses: Geranium Essential Oil is said to act as a hex breaker, good when used with a blockbuster candle. Can be blended with Rose, Rose of Sharon, Gardena, Lavender.

GRAPEFRUIT ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a crisp and clean smell which induces euphoria and is otherwise known as a mood lifter.Aromatherapy Uses: It's also a great digestive aid, a lymphatic stimulant, and helps reduce water retention. Magickal Uses: Can be used forpurification, concentration, meditation, spiritual uplifting. Can be blended with Ginger, Clove, Ylang-Ylang, Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, and Patchouli.

GREEN PEPPER ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a very exotic, masculine, and spicy scent. Aromatherapy Uses: It boosts the immune and digestive systems, and helps relieve colds, indigestion, vomiting, and stimulates appetite. Magickal Uses: Green Pepper Essential Oil is good for love spells. Can be Blended with Orange, Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang, Lemon, Lime, Ginger, Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, and Juniper.

HELIOTROPE ESSENTIAL OIL: Aromatherapy Uses: Soothes nerves, calming, and an aid in controlling anxiety. Magickal Uses:Heliotrope Essential Oil protects you from physical harm and at the same time, attracts wealth, cheerfulness, gaiety, prosperity, and protection. Use heliotrope essential oil in rituals of Drawing Down the Sun or in magickal workings requiring strengthening of the solar aspects of the self. Also good for prophetic dreams. 

HONEYSUCKLE ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a strong and sweet floral scent. Aromatherapy Uses: Once used in Chinese medicine to release heat and poisons from the body. The Europeans used honeysuckle to treat asthma and colds. It's now commonly used for perfumes due to its uplifting, "feel happy" aroma. Magickal Uses: Honeysuckle Essential Oil can be use to anoint your temples to help you pass a test. Good for health, healing, love, creativity, prophetic dreams, protection, psychic awareness divination, clairvoyance, anointing, balance, draws money, success, and quick abundance, aids in persuasiveness, confidence, and sharpens intuition. It blends well with all other floral and woodsy aromas.

HYACINTH ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a strong and very pleasant floral aroma. Aromatherapy Uses: It is known as a healing oil used for overcoming grief, love, and giving a restful and peaceful sleep. Magickal Uses: Helps keep the spirit of eternal youth alive and well. Can be used to heal a broken heart, make a new start, and let go of attachments. Used to comfort those who are grieving for a loved one. Can be blended with all other floral and woodsy aromas.

HYSSOP ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a fresh, powerful, camphor-like scent. Aromatherapy Uses: It can be used for respiratory issues and to regulate blood pressure, anxiety and depression. It has long been used for purifying sacred places. Magickal Uses:Hyssop Essential Oil is a holy oil, dress all candles with this before you use them and add to bath water. Lightens vibrations, promotes spiritual opening, used for cleansing and purification. Use Hyssop essential oil to consecrate magickal tools or items made of tin. Add to bath sachets, infuse and sprinkle on objects or person to cleanse them, purge negativity and evil. Blends well with Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Clarey Sage, Fennel, Mrytle, and Sage.Do not use if pregnant or have epilepsy!

JASMINE ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a sweet, exotic and richly floral smell. Aromatherapy Uses: It's useful for lifting depression, easing nervousness, soothing coughs, promoting relaxation and easing tension. Magickal Uses: Jasmine essential oil is a powerful love oil. You can use this oil for charging quartz crystals, to bind someone to you, and for divination. Use it in sachets and spells to draw love to you and attract your soul mate. Other uses for this essential oil are anointing, balance, luck, fortune, justice, happiness, harmony, peace, prophetic dreams, meditation, money, riches,and astral projection. Can be blended well with Bergamot, Rose, Sandalwood, and all citrus oils. Do not use if pregnant! 

JUNIPER ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a fresh, woody-sweet like aroma. Aromatherapy Uses: It's used for the treatment ofaddictions, nervous tension, hangovers, and over-eating. Magickal Uses: Used to ward off evil spirits and to rid your home of negativity. Can be blended well with Vetivert, Lemongrass, Cedarwood, Cypress, Grapefruit, Lavender, and Bergamot. Do not use if pregnant or have kidney problem!

A Dragonfly

By Toni Gamarro

Amazing to watch a dragonfly in flight,

No reason to run away in fright,

Watch it as it moves to and fro,

Dancing all around, where will it go?

Up and down and all around,

Skimming it's belly across the ground,

Amazing how this insect can move,

As it teaches us we have nothing to prove,

No one to impress in this live we live,

But too ourselves we must be hones and give,

This life we have been blessed with a chance,

We must embrace it and not tap dance,

All around what life has to offer us,

Living life to it's fullest is a plus,

Soak in all the knowledge you can gather up,

Next fill up the happiness cup,

With positive thoughts and smiles,

Which go on and on for miles,

There is a lesson to learn here,

Live life to it's fullest with nothing to fear,

Believe in yourself and who you are,

This path you take will go far,

Do not lose faith, always believe,

You will find you will achieve,

Enlightenment, wisdom, and maturity,

Happiness, peace,and purity,

All that you believe in, that you live for,

Will be knocking at your door,

Do not lose faith do not despair,

For the dragonfly is here to answer you prayer,

On his wings he brings a message of things to come,

Watch as they flutter, listen to them hum,

Feel the peacefulness of this creature,

Understand the wisdom of your teacher,

Know that life passes us by in a blink,

This dragonfly teaches you to quickly think,

And live life to it's fullest each day,

Thankful for the blessings sent your way,

Do not dwell on the past,

For life passes by too fast,

Learn from the lessons you have been taught,

Listen to the messages you have been brought,

Start each day in a positive light,

Relish the beauty of a dragonfly in flight,

For you alone know the messages he brought you,

To believe in yourself and all that you do,

So never give up and stay strong,

Just believe and nothing can go wrong!

To Be Continue.......

                     

Grief

Good Afternoon and Blessings Everyone!

I love to sit with my family and friends enjoying their company. I find when I do that on a regular basis I become whole again. I often talk about my life with my Great Grandmother and all the wonderful things she has taught me over the years I was blessed with knowing her. She was a big influence in my life. I was blessed to have had her for so long.

Today I want to talk about grief. When you lose someone you love what you go through. Within the past year I have lost my father who was a big part of my world. Perhaps the last string to feeling I was part of a bigger picture. Oh I have my children whom I love dearly but my father was what was holding me together for a long time. Now that string has stretched to the other world and I will admit there are times my friends I feel so lost and alone even in a room full of people. He was and still is my heart.

There are five stages of grief so lets go over them. The first is Denial. When we lose someone we love those of us left behind are in a state of shock and denial. We go numb and there is no rule to how long this feeling will last. We often wonder if or how we can go on or why we should. We get up in the morning and try to find a way to get through the day sometimes pulling ourselves out of bed and forcing ourselves to work.  Just going through the motions. This first stage is essential in helping us cope and pace our feelings of grief. As the days go on and we start accepting the loss then you start asking questions. This is the beginning of the healing process. Each day your grow stronger and the denial fades away but the grief process has just begun and all those feelings you pushed away, all that denial comes to the surface.

Next stage Anger! You are saying to yourself you have nothing to be angry about but again this is a necessary part of healing after the loss of a loved one. You need to be willing to feel your anger. There were days I thought my anger would never end. I snapped at everyone including those I love the most, especially those I love the most. I was also angry with my father as stupid as that may seem. Yes I told him to go and be with my mother but there was a part of me that was angry because he listened and left me here. I felt abandoned, alone. Another biggie is my anger with God because he took my father of 84 years away from me. There was no rationalizing with myself that Papa was suffering and it was best for him. Not at this point.

It hurt, I felt deserted, abandoned, and scared. This is all normal. Grief makes you feel as if you have been swallowed up by the sea just floating out there drowning and on one is throwing you a life raft.You don't feel connected to anything or anyone not even those you love because it is better to keep your distance and not get hurt again, never feel this pain again.The anger is something to hold onto making us feel something is better than feeling nothing at all or so we think as we grab onto the anger for strength and structure.

Next step is Bargaining: I began my barraging with God long before Papa passed. I asked him to help heal my father, not let him forget who I was, to keep him happy and smiling so I can always see the delight in his eyes. I promised to be a better daughter if he would just give my father a better quality of life and allow him to be happy here with us. Once he was gone however my bargaining took a different approach. I begged to wake up from this nightmare. I asked God if I am the best person I can be can he please bring him back to me, make me wake up from this nightmare but we all know logically this is not going to happen.

I questioned everything and anything I did for my father. I asked myself what if I quit my job and stayed home with him all the time. I said things like, "if only I didn't need the aids to help me then maybe he would still be here."  "What if" and "If only" were the only two ways I started my thoughts where my father was concerned. I still question and wonder if I hurt him in anyway. There are days my guilt is so overwhelming I cry for hours. I blame myself because I wasn't strong enough to lift him and care for him. I also blame myself because I wasn't his son and he wouldn't let me change him or clean him up. If only I was then he wouldn't have needed an aid. Things like What if he felt abandoned by me because he had an aid to care for him instead of me.

I am still bouncing back and forth between these stages. But that is normal. There is no rule to grief folks you just have to let it take it's course. I can go days without even thinking about this and then all of a sudden I am deeply depressed and questioning once again,

Next stage Depression. Once you start focusing on the here and now, the present you start to feeling empty. This feeling for me feels as if it will last forever but I do know there is a light somewhere at the end of the tunnel. The important thing is to know this is not a mental illness it is your grief talking to you. We withdrawal from life, indulge in the sadness deep in our souls, we wonder, think perhaps this or that, and even think is there any reason to go on alone? People often say we need to snap out of it and get on with our lives. But depression is a normal part of grief and no one can tell you how long it will last or should last as each person is different in their own grief.

You have to be ready to face it. If you did not experience depression after you lose someone you love would be unusual. When realization sets in that this person you love from deep inside your soul is not coming back no matter what you say, what you promise, how you bargain it is only normal depression sets in. This is part of the healing process.

Next step Acceptance: Just because you have come to accept the lose doesn't mean all is ok with it. You may never feel OK with the loss of the one you love. Acceptance isn't about being alright with losing someone you love it's about accepting the reality of it all. Accepting the fact that this person will never physically be here again, they are gone and your world has changed. Its not what we wanted in our lives but it is what we will learn to accept and move on in time. It is what we must learn to live with in order to go on. You will still miss that person in your life, miss seeing them, being with them. The past has been changed forever and we must find a way to accept the present. Even roles in the family are reorganized in order for everyone to gel together and continue to be the family they always were.

We find ourselves having more good days and less bad ones but we also find ourselves feeling as if we are betraying the ones we lost because we are moving on with our lives. Falling in love, enjoying life, beginning to breath again is not a crime you are not betraying anyone. It is what those we lost would want for us. They know they will never be replaced but they also know we need to make new connections, relationships need to grow and we need to experience life. No more denying our feelings and wallowing in self pity. We need to listen to our inner voice, make changes, grow and evolve. Start getting involved in our lives again and noticing what is going on around you, your family, and friends. Find a way to begin to live again. This all takes time and we have to give grief it's time to heal. No one can put a time schedule to it since your grief is your own and that makes it unique in itself.

For me lately I am finding surrounding myself with family and friends as well as the man I love is making me come out of my shell. I still have days where I want to run away and hide but a good nap and new start often helps. I find exercising helps relieve the stress for me and when I take the time to dance I close my eyes, put on a good Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin song and have a dance with my father whom I know is always watching over me.

You know all you need to do is have a seat and talk to them. I spend many a time during the day reaching out to my father, mother, sister, or anyone else I lost and loved over the years. I talk to them as if they were here in the room with me and sometimes I sense they are there next to me. For those of you who know me this is one of my gifts being able to communicate with those who have past but it doesn't always happen as we wish. When I take the time to mediate and talk to them I can hear their words and I know I am not alone. I also know we all don't have this gift but if you take the time to talk to them and suddenly start to feel at ease. As if you have been hugged and this warm beautiful feeling sweeps over you then you know two things. One they heard you and are there and two you are listening and heard them as well.

Remember you don't own grief it is a part of you for a short period of time but as we work through it we learn it is not something to hold onto or life goes stale. That is not what those we love want for us. My father always told me, "Life goes on," the important thing is we have to allow it. If ever you need someone to talk to, a shoulder to lean on, a prayer to show you the way, reach out and I will be there. I am just a message away.

 Letters of Love

By Toni Gamarro

Time has past but not my love for you,

Life goes on nothing else to do,

Being sad won't make it better,

In my journal I wrote you a letter,

Telling about what is going on here,

About all of us you hold so dear,

About the parties and weddings we attend,

Whats going on with your best friend,

How the family is beginning to grow,

And life again beginning to flow,

I always sign it wish you were here,

I will always love you my dear,

These letters are not meant for me to dwell,

They are written to make me well,

To help me heal and begin to mend,

So I can once again tend,

To the needs of those around me,

And once again I can see,

Life will go on,

With each new dawn,

With the light we will wake,

And a new day will break,

Beginning to see the light,

Gather my strength and might,

Know I am never alone,

Even though you don't have a phone,

All I need to do is talk,

Close my eyes and go for a walk,

Visualize you here with me,

The way it used to be,

Listen to what you have to say,

Then hug you good bye and be on my way,

Knowing you are always there for me,

I'm just not always able to see,

So if need to reach out,

All I need do is give a shout,

That's what these letters do,

They help me reach out to you.

They give me the voice that I need,

They help me heal so I can proceed,

To live my life as it was meant to be,

Just as you would want for me.

Also as I promised the next set of Essential Oils.....hmmm bet you thought I forgot!

BANANA ESSENTIAL OIL:This essential oil has the sweet fruity scent of a fresh banana. Aromatherapy Uses: Can be used as acalming scent. The sweet fruity scent can bring cheerfulness to your home. Magickal Uses: Can be used to bring sweetness to your life, to excite passion between you and your partner. Can be blended with Apple, Cherry, Strawberry, grapefruit. 

BASIL ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a crisp and clean, almost perfume like smell. Aromatherapy Uses: It is said to be useful instimulating healthy hair growth and helpful relieving fatigue. Magickal Uses: Basil essential oil has many uses. Burn basil in your home toexorcize negativity. If you want to do a good deep cleansing and protect yourself and your home first sprinkle a little basil in the corner of each room of your home and then for yourself, add it to your bath water. It helps mend lovers quarrels and brings good luck and happiness to your home. It will also protect you in crowds. Can be blended with Bergamot, Geranium, Neroli, Marjoram, and Lavender. Do not use if pregnant.

BAYBERRY ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a bitter, but yet aromatic scent. Aromatherapy Uses: It helps in the treatment of cold, flu,skin infections, and is associated with brightening dispositions, and happiness. It also has been known to grow hair faster. Magickal Uses:Bayberry Essential Oil is a great oil to help bring money to your pockets and a blessing to your home. Also a great oil for Yule rituals. It blends well with most oils.  Do not use if pregnant!

BERGAMOT ESSENTIAL OIL: Has basically a citrus, yet fruity and sweet aroma, with a warm spicy floral quality. AromatherapyUses: It's used to alleviate depression and helps with respiratory problems, colds and flu, PMS and SAD. Magickal Uses: Increases physical and magickal energy and increases the flow of money into your life. It can also help to ensure that you spend wisely and take advantage of offers to earn more. Can be blended with Clary Sage, Frankincense, Jasmine, Nutmeg, Orange, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vetivert and Ylang-Ylang. 

BLACK NARCISSUS ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a sweet spicy floral aroma with warm herbal notes. Aromatherapy Uses: Createscalmness, harmony, love, and peace of mind. Magickal Uses: To change your luck for the better, bring positive energies around you and goodthings into your life. Can be blended with any floral, or sweet, or spicy aroma oil. 

CAMPHOR ESSENTIAL OIL: Camphor has a strong menthol scent. Aromatherapy Uses: Can be used to relieve congestion, openlungs, heightens your energy. Magical Uses: Adds power to your spell, brings harmony to your home, releases negative energy. Helps you when you are working with divination, prophetic dreams, and psychic awareness. Camphor is a substance distilled from a tree that is native to Japan and China. The essential oil comes from the root, stump and branches of this tree. Burn Camphor in the home to purify the air or clear the home of disease.

CARNATION ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a sweet spicy floral aroma with warm herbal notes. Aromatherapy Uses: Creates calmness, harmony, love, and peace of mind. Magickal Uses: It is a good offering for the Goddess. Use this oil for anointing, protection, strength, health and healing, as well as, energy, power, blessings, and consecration. It is a great oil to be used in protection spells. It can be blended with any floral, or sweet, or spicy aroma oil 

CASSIA ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a warm, sweet, spicy-hot fragrance. Aromatherapy Uses: Said to assist with the alleviation offevers, colds, flu, low vitality, chills, and will also support the digestive system.Tones down stress and can help increase your concentration.Magickal Uses: Cassia is the highest form of Cinnamon. Use this oil in place of Cinnamon Essential Oil when doing spells that call for Cinnamon. Wonderful to use for meditation and defense. Use it in spells for creative work, divination, energy and power. Wear it for protection. Use it in spells for protection, success, health and healing, love, lust, money, riches, and purification. It can be blended with, Frankincense, Ginger, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Geranium, Coriander, spice, and citrus oils. 

CEDARWOOD ESSENTIAL OIL: Cedarwood is not at all the scent you would expect it has a sweet, clean scent, aroma.Aromatherapy Uses: It is said to be good for treating bronchitis, cystitis, and urinary infections. Magickal Uses: Cedarwood Essential Oil is a great way to purify. The scent of cedarwood is said to enhance psychic abilities.cedarwood is good for work in purification, health and healing, luck, good fortune, happiness, banishing, releasing, exorcism, money, riches, justice, harmony, and peace. It blends well with Bergamot, Chamomile roman, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lavender, Orange, Neroli, Rosemary, Sandalwood, and Ylang-Ylang.C

CHAMOMILE ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a sweetish-warm, spicy, herbaceous odor, Armotherapy Uses: It is effective as an analgesic, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antibacterial, digestive, and sedative. Magickal Uses: Chamomile is a Druid sacred herb. It brings the power of the sun to your love potions, money spells, and rites of purification. When sprinkled around the house to remove hexes, curses and spells. I like the use of fresh Chamomile for such things. I often sprinkle it outside my home as well to keep away the unwanteds or if you have the room plant Chamomile outside your front and back entrance ways to your home for protection. Use Chamomile essential oil for love, luck, fortune, justice, prosperity, purification, meditation, and rest. Can be blended with Bergamot, Clary, Sage, Lavender, Geranium, Jasmine, Neroli, Patchouli, Tea Tree, Rose, Lemon, and Ylang-Ylang. 

CHERRY ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a sweet and uplifting for the mind and spirit. Aromatherapy Uses: Great for memory recall. Used for sleep disorders. Female aphrodisiac and stimulant. Relaxes you in social and stressful situations. Magickal Uses:Cherry Essential Oil has long been used to attract love. It is a great oil to use for healing and creativity. When working with old recipes that call for use of blood you maysubstitute the blood with cherry juice. Can be blended with: Cinnamon, Clove, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Patchouli, Jasmine, and Ylang-Ylang. 

CHOCOLATE ESSENTIAL OIL: Chocolate essential oil has the sweet aroma of the cocoa bean. Aromatherapy Uses: Can be usedto reduce stress and anxiety levels, relieves depression, helps with lung congestion, diarrhea, bronchitis and infectious disease of the intestines.Magickal Uses: It can be used to open the heart chakra, help heal on emotional, phsycial, and spiritual levels, can bring an emotional enhancement in pleasure during sexual activities. Can be blended with Sandalwood, rose, peppermint, Cinnamon, and vanilla. 

CINNAMON ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a fresh almost minty aroma. Aromatherapy Uses: Increases alertness and helps clear thinking. Stimulates menstrual flow in women, and is a male aphrodisiac and stimulant. Helps alertness and concentration. Magickal Uses: The essential oil for Cinnamon is distilled from the leaves and trees. A great oil to use for meditation, defense work, creativity, divination, energy, power, protection, success, healing and health, love, lust, money, and riches. Can be blended with Clove, Nutmeg, Ylang-Ylang, Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Frankincense, Lemongrass, and Patchouli. 

CITRONELLA ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a well rounded lemon citrus scent, though it is much softer than actual Lemon. It also has subtle wood tones. Aromatherapy Uses: It is an antiseptic, tonic and stimulant. Magickal Uses: Citronella Essential Oil is used in magickal spells to deter anything. On the flip side Citronella brings friends to the home and customers to a place of business. Can be blended with Bergamot, Orange, Cedarwood, Lemon, Lavender, and Pine. Do not use if pregnant! 

CLOVE ESSENTIAL OIL:Has a strong and spicy scent. Aromatherapy Uses:It can be useful in treating bronchitis and dizziness, depression, and memory loss. Magickal Uses: Clove Essential Oil is distilled from the leaves and flower buds. Clove can be used for divination, love, lust, banishing, releasing, inspiration, and wisdom. Can also be used for purification, to ward off negative thoughts and stop others from talking about you. Can be blended with other spice oils including Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Grapefruit, Peppermint, and Rosemary. Do not use if pregnant!

COCONUT ESSENTIAL OIL: This essential oil has sweet fresh fruity aroma. Aromatherapy Uses: Can help heal skin irritations, encourages healthier skin, antibacterial, antiviral, thought to stimulate hair growth. Magickal Uses: Coconut Essential Oil is a great oil to be used in anointing a candle for fast luck, purification, and protection. Can be blended with Heliotrope, Cherry, Banana, Rose of Sharon. 

COFFEE ESSENTIAL OIL: Coffee essential oil is strong, rich, aroma of fresh brewed coffee. Aromatherapy Uses:This essential oil is for those who enjoy the aroma of coffee without the side effects of caffeine. Have a craving for a hot cup of coffee then set this essential oil in an oil burner heart it up with a tealight candle and enjoy the fresh brewed scent. Magickal Uses: Can be used in spells for healing, opening your mind, opening the road for better things to come, bringing in business. Can be blended with hazel nut, Vanilla, Chocolate, Almond. 

CORIANDER ESSENTIAL OIL: Coriander essential oil is a sweet, spicy, and slightly fruity aroma. This scent is warm, as well as, welcoming and relaxing. Aromatherapy Uses: Coriander can be helpful in stimulating appetite, ease indigestion, and relieving neuralgia. It is known to be an antispasmodic and anti inflammatory. A great addition to rubs that are used for aching muscles, anti-flu blends, as an anti-bacterial. Magickal Uses: Can be used in spells assoicated with healing and love. Also good for energy, uplifting, aphrodisiac, connecting with your you creative side. Can also be used to treat arthritis, colic, fatigue, gout, nausea, and rheumatism. Can be blended with Cypress, Frankincense, Jasmine, Juniper, Sandalwood, Pine. 

CYPRESS ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a fresh, woody and pine like aroma. Aromatherapy uses: It has antiseptic qualities and may beuseful in soothing nervous tension, sadness, and sinus congestion. Magickal Uses: Use Cypress Essential Oil for astral projection, blessing, comfort, consecration, healing, protection, purification, happiness, harmony, and peace. Can be blended with Bergamot, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Pine, Rosemary, and Sandalwood. Do not use if pregnant!

To be Continued,.............................

Essential Oils

Good Morning and Blessings Everyone!


Today let's talk about the use of Essential Oils. I love these oils for a number of uses. Of course I use them when casting spells but I also use them in spiritual work and for aroma therapy. So now the logical question is what are essential oils?

Essential oils are a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. Ah, you are saying, now I get it! Nah, no you don't because that explanation stinks lol. Let's talk in English here so everyone can understand.  Simply put an essential oil is the oil of the plants they are extracted from. There are a lot of plants that we are able to extract essential oils from. I love working with these oils and creating my own blends, but I am getting ahead of myself here. Each flower, each plant, carries it's own distinctive scent so it only stands to reason that each oil will as well, this is why it is called an essential oil. 

    

How are essential oils extracted from a plant. You can't just go pick a punch of lavender and squeeze it till you get the oils out of it. Essential oils are usually extracted through a process known as Steam distillation. There are of course other ways of getting the oils out such as expression or solvent extraction but still the most used process is Steam distillation. Once these oils are extracted from the plants they are used for many different reasons such as perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, incense, and of course just plan old essential oils. Actually there is nothing plan about an essential oil once you learn the many uses of these oils for both magickal reasons and as an aromatherapy. Essential oils are even used in household cleaning products or blended together you can make such things as a healing oil for your aching muscles or an insect repellent for your animals and even yourself. 

Through out history essential oils have been used medicinally. These uses range from skin treatments to cancer remedies. Of course you can't put a blend together and give it to someone claiming for a fact it will cure them of this ailment or that. After all we are not doctors and can lay claim to being able to heal anyone. Whenever you make a blend of anything be it herbs, oils, or whatever treatment you deem would be beneficial you can not tell someone it will cure them. Again we are not doctors and doing so would have a legal issue attached to it. Always make sure whomever you are making a medicinal oil or herbal blend for continues to see their doctor and understands that is not who you are. It keeps things nice and legal! Now back to the lesson at hand. These treatment for cancers and such are regulated in most countries so this is why you need to be extremely careful in stating a fact or treating someone as if you have the cure. 

Although modern medicine does not use essential oils as they once were it doesn't make it wrong to see the benefits of these plants and their oils. In my opinion and my opinion alone, there is nothing wrong with going back to the basics when all else fails. Of course no one else has to see it my way or use my words as law because we all have the right to choose what we believe in. I believe in the old ways for so many reason. In recent decades essential oils have gotten some notice once again as an aromatherapy. Of course these oils are not ingested so this is an alternative medicine in that these oils are burned for the benefits of the aroma they give off. Again some people prefer to just open the bottle and let it do it's work but I find I prefer to burn them in a oil burner. Of course when you buy an essential oil to use for any thing you are not buying the pure essential oil in a half ounce size for a few dollars. Trust me if you were to buy the pure oil it would cost upwards of a hundred dollars or more depending on the scent you are purchasing. 

Essential oils are broken down or diluted in a carrier oil. Once this is done you can use it in massages because a pure essential oil will burn your skin. This is a true story, about two years ago I went with my partner in business at the time, to my supplier and ordered a one pound bottle of cinnamon essential oil. The girl told me we had to wait because they had to put it together. Translation it needed to be mixed. Not a problem I was in no rush. We got the oil and I stored it away to be used later since I already had some cinnamon oil opened for my customers use. One night I was in my shop making some special candles and I was in the process of anointing them when one of the girls who was staying late with me said, "Did you scratch yourself? Your neck is all red" Of course I had not so I paid no attention to it. I continued to do my work. A couple of seconds later the girls looked at me and the shock on their face said it all. They said, "Mama, you better go look in the mirror." When I did I saw my face had now broken out. Funny thing was my hands hand not broken out yet but they suddenly started to burn as my eyelids got red and swollen. Not a good sign. I immediately put my hands in ice as well as made an ice pack for the rest of me. The new girl at my supplier didn't blend the oil properly and I got 95% pure cinnamon oil not knowing it or I would have diluted it myself. I was so happy I hadn't given it to a customer.

So what is a carrier oil? It is a base oil or vegetable oil used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin or even used in aromatherapy. The reason they are called carrier oils is because they carry the essential oil to the skin without allowing the essential oil to burn you. They do not have an aroma so they can not mess up the scent of the essential oils and they do not evaporate like the essentials do. 

There are many different carrier oils and choosing the one you would want to use depends on what you are using it for. If you are going to be using the oil for a message you may want to consider grapeseed oil because it is a very thin oil and easy on the skin, or maybe sunflower or almond oil. Of course if you want a thicker oil then Olive oil would be the one to go with. As I have said some of these oils have a mild distinctive odor and that would be true of olive oil but it will not disturb he scent of your essential oil. If you are to buy these oils already blended you must ask the supplier what they use because some use a chemical for a number of reason. First it gives it a longer shelf life, second it brings the cost down of the oil, and third it is safe for the skin but not to ingest.

All carrier oils should be kept cool and away from strong light especially the sun. Of course all carrier oils can go rancid so you have to watch the life of your oil when use a natural carrier oil. These oils should be kept in a cool place, refrigerated to preserve their freshness for some but others such as avocado oil. 

When an oil is kept cold it could appear to be cloudy but it will clear up when it is becomes room temperature once more. 

Over the years I have put together an extensive list of the oils I have used in my work and the blends I have made. From here on out for the next few months I will be giving you an few oils with each posting. No matter what the post is about it will always end with a few oils listed at the bottom. Please keep these in you bos for your own references. If you need any further help with essential oils all you need to do is ask. 

ACACIA ESSENTIAL OIL: This oil has a warm sweet spicy floral fragrance. Aromatherapy uses: It will fight inflammation, relieve stress and nervous exhaustion. Magickal uses: You can burn this oil in alter offerings. It will aid you with your psychic powers and will help you develop your Psychic Awareness. Acacia is said to be a good aid if you are looking for the right words to say or a little encouragement. Use this oil if you are looking for aid in achieving wisdom, help with visions, prophetic dreams, and attracting money to you. This is also used for anointing and protection as well as spirituality. 

ALL SPICE ESSENTIAL OIL: This oil has a fresh, warm, spicy smell. Aromatherapy uses: Its properties are anesthetic, analgesic, stimulating and tonic. It's a great antioxidant and combats stress and depression. Magickal uses: Allspice can be used for prosperity, courage, health/healing, luck, determination, magickal power, energy, and strength. Add it to mixtures of herbs and oils to ask for money and good fortune. Apply it to your wallet when seeking to attract money to you. Can be blended with Ginger, Lavender, Orange, Patchouli and Ylang-Ylang.

ALMOND ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a pleasant and sweet aroma and diminishes cravings for sweets.Aromatherapy uses: Increases slow metabolisms and heart rates. It's energizing and great for people who want to lose weight. Magickal Uses: Almond Essential Oil is a great oil to use for money, riches, and wisdom. It is a great oil for ritual anointing and can be used as a carrier oil for anointing blends. It is a great base for bath, body, and skin care products. Can be blended with Cinnamon, Clove, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Patchouli, Jasmine, and Ylang-Ylang. 

AMBER ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a warm and smoky aroma with an undertone of floral citrus. Aromatherapy Uses: It's a great calmative, antispasmodic, expectorant, and it gives harmony and balance. It's used to treat ailments such as asthma, and rheumatism. Magickal Uses: Amber essential oil is great to use to draw love to you and help you keep it. It is also good for comfort, happiness, and healing. Can be blended with Pine, Cedarwood, Myrrh, Frankincense, Clove, Anise, Lemon, and Orange. 

ANGELICA ESSENTIAL OIL: Has peppery top note with a herbaceous, earthy, woody notes and a spicy undertones. Aromatherapy uses: It is said to be helpful in easing muscular aches, soothes joint pains, eases indigestion and flatulence, and improves poor appetite. It is also recommended for fatigue and stress related illnesses. Magickal uses: Angelica Essentail oil is also known as Angel Food, Wild Parsnip, Archangel, and Herb of Angels. It can be used to ward off negativity and purify the home. You can also use it for protection, divination, exorcism, healing, health,and visions. 

ANISE ESSENTIAL OIL: Has a warm, sweet and spicy aroma often compared to licorice. Aromatherapy Uses: It's used to ease fearful people, while aiding the digestion, easing migraines and alleviating hangovers. It's also useful for asthma, colds and all breathing problems, as well as quelling nausea and vomiting. Magickal Uses: Anise essential oil is a great oil to avert all evil. Use anise essential oil for work involving protection, purification, divination, and psychic awareness. It is a great oil if used to entice spirits to aid in spells. If you were to put a little anise essential oil with anise seeds in a pillow it will ward off nightmares. Can be blended with Cedarwood and Orange.

APPLE ESSENTIAL OIL: Smells like fresh cut apples. Aromatherapy Uses: Said to help inprove alertness giving you more energy to get through your day, helps control your appetite. Magickal Uses: Apple oil is a good oil to draw love to you, can aid in bringing you friendship, happiness and success. Rub a little Apple essential oil on your temples to awaken all it's powers. Great to blend with Cinnamon. 

APPLE BLOSSOM ESSENTIAL OIL: Apple Blossom essential oil has a soothing floral fruity bouquet of green apple with a slight sweetness of rose. aroma. Aromatherapy Uses: Used to aid in relaxation, soothing, comforting. Magickal Uses: Can be used to draw love to you, help you with friendship,bring you happiness, and success. Add it to love sachets, brews, and incense. Rub it on your temples or hot spots to draw things to you or burn it in an oil burner or use it in an infuser to bring happiness and success to you and everyone in your home. Can be blended with Carnation, Chamomile, Apple, Peach, Melon. 

                                                                      Essential Oils

                                                                     By Toni Gamarro                                                                       

                                                          Oh the sweet smell of flowers everywhere,

                                                          Their aroma fills the air,

                                                          A little lavender or a relaxing day,

                                                          A touch of cinnamon to bring success your way,

                                                          Ah the power of essential oils is a wide range,

                                                          Mixing them together their scent can change,

                                                          A touch of Cinnamon a drop of Heather,

                                                          Will draw you luck in all kinds of weather,

                                                          Oh to sit and make an oil mix,

                                                          Some will take two while others six,

                                                          Different types of oils to make one blend,

                                                          I listen to what my guides recommend,

                                                          As i pass my hand over one bottle then the next,

                                                          Some are easy to remember others complex,

                                                          So I take the time to jot it down,

                                                          On a peace of paper which is brown,

                                                          Then I transfer it to my book,

                                                          In case it is needed I know where to look,

                                                          Each blend I put together for a special reason,

                                                          I even have blends for each season,

                                                          Some to heal others for smell,

                                                          Then there are some I would use in a spell,

                                                          These are an essential tool to my trade,

                                                          Burn them and their scent will fade,

                                                          Wear them to draw your wishes to you,

                                                          Add them to the spell work you do,

                                                          The choice is yours to do as you please,

                                                          Some scents will your relax you, put you at ease,

                                                          Others will open doors to welcome the spirits in,

                                                          Know what you are doing before you begin,

                                                          This is a tool in magick with great power,

                                                          Know how to use it so your spell does not sour,

                                                          An essential oil can be added to all your work, 

                                                          Give it a pick me up, help it to perk,

                                                          Or it can help to heal the pain,

                                                          Of a soar muscle or even a migraine,

                                                          But no matter what you use it for,

                                                          Know what you are doing before you pour,

                                                          Knowledge is a very important tool, 

                                                          Be sure to study as if in school,

                                                          Take plenty and read all there is,

                                                          Even give yourself a pop quiz,

                                                          And then when you are sure you know what to do,

                                                          Ask your guides to see you through,

                                                          For they will never steer you wrong,

                                                          Believe and your power will be strong!

To Be Continued..........