tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2205997658871467512024-02-15T21:35:05.052-07:00Illuminated PerfumeIn the tradition of alchemists and perfumers of ancient times, Roxana creates an illuminated line of botanical fragrances.Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.comBlogger1435125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-44243183367477107832022-08-10T00:17:00.003-07:002022-08-10T00:18:37.363-07:00Calendula Flowers & the Sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9jY6ebTE3K4iFk1q5k83oojnVc2ce2ulk9hb-ZRoNRdXsoVyCww7j6fiolDExBT6kefcqoSoasEFltl31VynxuZlHQnqZ44-jFlk9mf2ZFITV85xhZv-8t987QA_WL3YsdtO4-mBOX0vWUC9ED4YbYu7E_kMfQLAblBZIRIoYfwMfybHq9Hb2_msAg/s2098/4516bt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="2098" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9jY6ebTE3K4iFk1q5k83oojnVc2ce2ulk9hb-ZRoNRdXsoVyCww7j6fiolDExBT6kefcqoSoasEFltl31VynxuZlHQnqZ44-jFlk9mf2ZFITV85xhZv-8t987QA_WL3YsdtO4-mBOX0vWUC9ED4YbYu7E_kMfQLAblBZIRIoYfwMfybHq9Hb2_msAg/w640-h484/4516bt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The calendula seedlings I purchased at <a href="https://smart.bio/reunityresources/" target="_blank">ReUnity Resources</a> on April 30th are blooming abundantly! It makes such a difference to purchase vital, organic plants, especially here in the high desert, where conditions can be challenging. We also want to be supporting local and small businesses as much as possible. I also look for companies/organizations that are not selling items that pollute, destroy bee colonies and have integrity, even in their personal lives. Santa Fe is such a small community that its super easy to know what's going on, for example, if a business owner is cheating on his wife, then I won't support that business.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRghDgozsTAIhS16ijlnbdaF55x8tUySsaw99DqR6Nd1ZWXiAuiFwH1fFev8IuOyQnjuHTE7iSBQZGCHyagnHuHpGVL4Xt_BhBg_XjDwq-QNr9Q8oPeQDU9jobA9vAfUUOa53k5hrPQcnoqyhkfQXXCyqn7SqWa8ZVavPU-KwYmWbRXYKZtowSaG9eQ/s1142/4441t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1142" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRghDgozsTAIhS16ijlnbdaF55x8tUySsaw99DqR6Nd1ZWXiAuiFwH1fFev8IuOyQnjuHTE7iSBQZGCHyagnHuHpGVL4Xt_BhBg_XjDwq-QNr9Q8oPeQDU9jobA9vAfUUOa53k5hrPQcnoqyhkfQXXCyqn7SqWa8ZVavPU-KwYmWbRXYKZtowSaG9eQ/w640-h560/4441t.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>The alchemical path teaches us to look beyond, to observe and dive into a deeper understanding of essence, the vibration of a plant, object, human being. We are beckoned to "feel" into meaning, perceive patterns and symbols....beyond the thinking mind.</p><p>In plants we observe the color & shape, as well as where it grows, to determine its healing attributes. As you can see, calendula (Calendula officinalis) has an affinity with the sun, notice the circular bright orange flowers with petals that radiate outward. I am also observing how they look very lion-like, especially in the photo below.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_GQvHykN_w1Ujq-8x6b1vUK5c3OBs14WtenlWtL7eJ-9RNAlHECfdPEHbJqfXiUrEO5ELhjw_1GYbPolfyshLKk6NEATKcJ-bVXdIz5AjzrqKIvc3CX4mptQChy5AxcXrPxV-YLICwfYzzxhfaNhYivq_b1zGfmZzG9olMpsso-tMpAyXys1G3hxkg/s1000/4454SQt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_GQvHykN_w1Ujq-8x6b1vUK5c3OBs14WtenlWtL7eJ-9RNAlHECfdPEHbJqfXiUrEO5ELhjw_1GYbPolfyshLKk6NEATKcJ-bVXdIz5AjzrqKIvc3CX4mptQChy5AxcXrPxV-YLICwfYzzxhfaNhYivq_b1zGfmZzG9olMpsso-tMpAyXys1G3hxkg/w640-h640/4454SQt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>The sun, related to elemental FIRE, home of our beating heart and the constant drum beat within, home of passion, warmth, and direct knowing. Home of the Child, youthful abundant energy, and motivation. The spirit medicine of Lion dwells here, providing strength and courage.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SorQSyuP25UFyTrJKo72Hk-XWulisDC0BqqgpXfzxUOFRYWVXg_Mjev-vfztQO-_6DGATb2tigjT6MGijjljy-m-eOLKsNOhWbISSF4q7FFHEJSEC9EtOSsL4F1vn5-OYTY0_zJIb8AvWVv5q1IEFBwiva8dZ_9pgFdMrt3MOKojrGTs1LpImmHFHg/s705/The%20Alchemist.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SorQSyuP25UFyTrJKo72Hk-XWulisDC0BqqgpXfzxUOFRYWVXg_Mjev-vfztQO-_6DGATb2tigjT6MGijjljy-m-eOLKsNOhWbISSF4q7FFHEJSEC9EtOSsL4F1vn5-OYTY0_zJIb8AvWVv5q1IEFBwiva8dZ_9pgFdMrt3MOKojrGTs1LpImmHFHg/w544-h640/The%20Alchemist.jpg" width="544" /></a></div><p>As the center of our solar system, plants associated with the sun re-mind us of who we are at a core level, empowering a strong sense of self and shining bright where clouds may have obscured lightness of being.</p><p>Sunny calendulas nourish on so many levels, specifically where there is a loss of vitality and wounding. This is why calendula is so wonderful for dry skin and used in salve making. The youthfullness of their vibrant appearance calls to our inner child to come out and play, have fun in the sun and be free.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-HJpNIUUfeuTqhzjY39av1MZTznTNyIZ8bUAB9heiLYc_JORm_z4HAmI0yPtFay-OamZtz9ti7aj1q2OVplxVIrlDglhI1J7FAxjkeQ4KEOWGFYoJien2Ris4-iZLTeRxmhl7Xf-vatv8UItAyUOdgiYQx5bHOHkUIYUJvjBSJo3u1ZU2brIhZpDqQ/s1000/4491SQt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-HJpNIUUfeuTqhzjY39av1MZTznTNyIZ8bUAB9heiLYc_JORm_z4HAmI0yPtFay-OamZtz9ti7aj1q2OVplxVIrlDglhI1J7FAxjkeQ4KEOWGFYoJien2Ris4-iZLTeRxmhl7Xf-vatv8UItAyUOdgiYQx5bHOHkUIYUJvjBSJo3u1ZU2brIhZpDqQ/w640-h640/4491SQt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>Working with plants ground and bring us into the sacred moment. By mimicking and being in harmony with nature, we then flow in the current of the cosmos.</p><p>Related posts: <a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2022/04/the-doctrine-of-signatures.html" target="_blank">Doctrine of Signatures</a> & <a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2020/08/the-principal-of-correspondence.html" target="_blank">The Principal of Correspondence</a></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos & words ©Roxana Villa. alchemical image: The alchemist who has achieved illumination, from Andrea de Pascalis, Alchemy: The Golden Art. The Secrets of the Oldest Enigma</span></p>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-29133076472267563042022-06-19T23:08:00.008-07:002022-06-20T23:44:49.672-07:00Following Bliss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuW7yV9SxSDyHKkLsopv5UH0p2WMCAMxNm6P0pn29tzwSwOMwyUxc1Xk0Qa1tRQPSHNLfBPkQAk71ppD0aXj1-cwAr7qL_9IzhtJLrgjr5rBI0a1Ljw9tcXtLqzzJljiEhzHIFqca6kt-LanGunJOf31fby-nvsfmQqPz8GnrQwKB3VOGF-FLoJPKDA/s1600/Roxana-and-Robert-776834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="1600" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuW7yV9SxSDyHKkLsopv5UH0p2WMCAMxNm6P0pn29tzwSwOMwyUxc1Xk0Qa1tRQPSHNLfBPkQAk71ppD0aXj1-cwAr7qL_9IzhtJLrgjr5rBI0a1Ljw9tcXtLqzzJljiEhzHIFqca6kt-LanGunJOf31fby-nvsfmQqPz8GnrQwKB3VOGF-FLoJPKDA/w640-h590/Roxana-and-Robert-776834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p> In June of 2007 (fifteen years ago!), at the Ojai Lavender Festival, I stepped out of my shell and "officially" launched Illuminated Perfume. </p><p>This adventure all began with a Valentines Day newsletter sent in 2007, with a focus on Following One's Bliss. My subscribers at the time were a mix of aromatherapy and natural perfume students along with customers and clients of my art and illustration business.</p><p>Shortly after the newsletter went out I received a note from aromatherapy colleague Sandy Messori of Rivendell Aromatics. She was organizing the Ojai Lavender Festival on Saturday, June 16th, 2007 and asked if I wanted to be a speaker and have a booth.</p><p>I immediately answered "Yes!" and with the kind of vigor and drive a formal goal date can offer, my focus became laser beamed.</p><p>Although I had been making perfumes for myself and clients, as well as teaching classes and attending perfume events, I had been somewhat on the fence with moving forward. The reason for my hesitancy was all the infighting and back stabbing within the tiny natural perfume industry and the deception of indie perfumers using the word natural when they were using synthetics or a mixed palette. The opportunity to both speak and exhibit at the festival provided an impetus to boldly step into a new creative venture.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogLlzWs2-kaBgZr80rHCZya9t6D6uLoXDmOAD9yW4OprWyA91Bo9r1Pdq9-6JHnfOMWEdrcctWhUa5grRST1PjvFCSxLPv8iDPFNb0A6aK2Ov-xci3D9hMAsAoUFn3MycyaX0oA1L4D_h9jdtje8KYEvLqMmr4wAixcYaL41yhO86vtyIxh7UQKSUrg/s1215/IP_box_set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1215" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogLlzWs2-kaBgZr80rHCZya9t6D6uLoXDmOAD9yW4OprWyA91Bo9r1Pdq9-6JHnfOMWEdrcctWhUa5grRST1PjvFCSxLPv8iDPFNb0A6aK2Ov-xci3D9hMAsAoUFn3MycyaX0oA1L4D_h9jdtje8KYEvLqMmr4wAixcYaL41yhO86vtyIxh7UQKSUrg/w640-h640/IP_box_set.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Several of the perfumes I had already created Q, Aurora, Lyra, Sierra, Chaparral and Vespertina, would be part of the launch with a few small tweaks. I also decided to formulate a special fragrance for the event that would become Vera, with the story of its construction woven into my presentation. At the time I was only offering liquid perfumes.</p><p>Read the details of what transpired that day by following <a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2007/06/" target="_blank">this link</a> here at the journal </p><p>The initial intention of the brand, which continues to be one of its pillars, was/is to bring beauty and light to plant fragrance without using any synthetics, isolates or animal ingredients, hence the use of the adjective <i>illuminated</i>.</p><p>I am so very proud to still be offering this work and extremely grateful for all the support along the way, thank you for being part of this wonder filled adventure!</p>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-69441862078492993092022-05-20T16:49:00.005-07:002022-05-20T17:26:57.143-07:00World Bee Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwul5s86aN2T9ssNKnCZJrIPEzj2P7mMajfb2pdxFgUPe0y3133yY4TEpEPnAM4oPs--972A7YFQD6pj462hDbh2w1G-0zDTGWDfJoj7eOrGbBulX0UZe1M5TpGBARh0sHf5LSaqyQz4IHyCF0wTYIVxdbaAC4TWydvSBrHs_y6sIyFWnF7Mm0xqirXQ/s1148/BuddhaBeesSQ2t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="1148" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwul5s86aN2T9ssNKnCZJrIPEzj2P7mMajfb2pdxFgUPe0y3133yY4TEpEPnAM4oPs--972A7YFQD6pj462hDbh2w1G-0zDTGWDfJoj7eOrGbBulX0UZe1M5TpGBARh0sHf5LSaqyQz4IHyCF0wTYIVxdbaAC4TWydvSBrHs_y6sIyFWnF7Mm0xqirXQ/w640-h640/BuddhaBeesSQ2t.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Happy World Bee Day!! In May 2010 a swarm of honey bees decided to build their new home in the compost bin of our California home. This felt quite auspicious because:<div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>In August of 2009 I had joined a local group of beekeepers with the intention to have a hive.</li><li>The day the bees arrived was a Friday, like today, which is attributed to Venus/Aphrodite.</li></ol></div><div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Backwards Beekeepers</h4><div><div>The gift of this swarm of winged alchemists, my code word for the honey bees, felt so very auspicious, as if I had been given a nod by the divine that the path I was intending to journey was correct. Since I had found my bee guru, Kirk Anderson in August, with the intention to eventually start a hive, the arrival of this little group of very sweet, friendly honey bees was a joyful surprise.</div><div><br /></div><div>I contacted John Lyons, one of the expert bee mentors in the bee club, who came to help us transfer the bees from the compost bin to a temporary nuc box. Read and see pictures of that event <a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2009/08/bee-happy.html" target="_blank">following this link</a> or follow the jump below titled Bee Happy. Regrettably that swarm choose to depart, but left me a bit of beautiful white beeswax.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zWK1JoJZFVp5FvWSKZ_rU6MivqE-Edp4JKOYQ0cXi-4-ncQWJCsH1BXMfh9nRItMmUn0La3NBCJBjBV36jagzke3JM1g23yeZC_5uIvDZQ_HKgbUVASujFDotBJnSmftXD8KDF2OAYFjm8qMv_kx4Lr9-3LRw4c7eKgFVzH-YtyizSSOWzf5xaZnAQ/s1000/WhiteComb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zWK1JoJZFVp5FvWSKZ_rU6MivqE-Edp4JKOYQ0cXi-4-ncQWJCsH1BXMfh9nRItMmUn0La3NBCJBjBV36jagzke3JM1g23yeZC_5uIvDZQ_HKgbUVASujFDotBJnSmftXD8KDF2OAYFjm8qMv_kx4Lr9-3LRw4c7eKgFVzH-YtyizSSOWzf5xaZnAQ/w400-h300/WhiteComb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile one of the fellow members of the group said I could have her "bird house" bees if I came to get them. Thus, those bees were relocated and took over thee periwinkle bee hive box we had set up for the original swarm. Meanwhile, Greg, Eve and I quickly began learning the art of beekeeping.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-I8P-I_fS0x_tQpY6SZ-b1KD_k2_oLQtI4H4C_SGLTBm6ksGSVHTAk2SCJpCSREVa55Lhn1weNBg07QAWpAnqsFdemTdLdNCJGUsyc2Wy8d_elYtMUtMFPhQhfcactrwm22DFuINBsWfA1ES0OqzydkFSPjZj2fYe9ALtFqR-EN39-wXqKJvV44-FQ/s1100/Birth_of_Venus_Botticelli7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1100" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-I8P-I_fS0x_tQpY6SZ-b1KD_k2_oLQtI4H4C_SGLTBm6ksGSVHTAk2SCJpCSREVa55Lhn1weNBg07QAWpAnqsFdemTdLdNCJGUsyc2Wy8d_elYtMUtMFPhQhfcactrwm22DFuINBsWfA1ES0OqzydkFSPjZj2fYe9ALtFqR-EN39-wXqKJvV44-FQ/w640-h640/Birth_of_Venus_Botticelli7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Venus / Aphrodite</h4><div>The book The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall states "The bee is sacred to the goddess Venus and, according to mystics, it is one of several life forms of life which came to earth from the planet Venus millions of years ago."<span style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span> The Greek Goddess of beauty Aphrodite is also associated with the planet Venus which governs Friday.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdpuNQnVk2LvPriFmcFf_Bh1Q0P6SSZc9upHZxqT6eB6fULifyGsSY2wkvt3QYwVwMB1YROQPEreR-Cc63f9C_tNkRHBQWm3rjdHj_drweJBEyE6F1SKGSuIiQjbYdcU9vy-NmN2q3H0Rkd0s4G5ip7OPh5mX_0dRSMf7t3WnP9R5EjeA7ROQijCfSg/s1050/BeeSwarmSQt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1050" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdpuNQnVk2LvPriFmcFf_Bh1Q0P6SSZc9upHZxqT6eB6fULifyGsSY2wkvt3QYwVwMB1YROQPEreR-Cc63f9C_tNkRHBQWm3rjdHj_drweJBEyE6F1SKGSuIiQjbYdcU9vy-NmN2q3H0Rkd0s4G5ip7OPh5mX_0dRSMf7t3WnP9R5EjeA7ROQijCfSg/w640-h640/BeeSwarmSQt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Sometimes May flowers bring us more than just floral bouquets!</div><div><br /></div><div>Honey Bee inspired Illuminated Perfumes:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.illuminatedperfume.com/pages/to-bee" target="_blank">To Bee</a></div></div><div><div><i>Birth date: Summer Solstice 2011</i></div><div><i>Fragrance family: Earthy amber</i></div><div><i>Notes: Dark honey & mead</i></div><div><i>"Emblematic of the warm musky scent of a bee hive"</i></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arapey, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arapey, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><a href="https://www.illuminatedperfume.com/search?q=mellifera&options%5Bprefix%5D=last" target="_blank">Mellifera</a></div><div><div><i>Birth date: October 2014</i></div><div><i>Fragrance family: Herbaceous</i></div><div><i>Notes: Resin, herb, golden wild flowers</i></div><div><i>"Sun drenched meadows buzzing with bees"</i></div></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">Here is a list of posts exploring the honey bee related topics, mostly at the journal</p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2009/09/bee-here-now.html" target="_blank">Bee Here Now: September 2009</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2009/08/bee-happy.html" target="_blank">Bee Happy: August 2009</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.artistasbrand.com/news/2010/05/bee-here-now" target="_blank">Bee Here Now: May 2010 (via Artist as Brand)</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2010/06/birdhouse-rock.html" target="_blank">Birdhouse Rock: June 2010</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2010/07/hive-report.html" target="_blank">Hive Report: July 8, 2010</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2010/08/hive-report.html" target="_blank">The Hive Report: August 2010</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2010/08/beeville.html" target="_blank">BeeVille: August 2010</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2010/12/jingle-bee.html" target="_blank">Jingle Bee: December 2010</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2011/02/bee-fever.html" target="_blank">Bee Fever: February 2011</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2011/03/red-barn-bee-rescue.html" target="_blank">Red Barn Bee Rescue: March 2011</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2011/06/soliloquy.html" target="_blank">Soliloquy: June 2011</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2012/01/hive-report.html" target="_blank">Hive Report: January 2012</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2012/03/backwards.html" target="_blank">Backwards: March 2012</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2012/04/love-peace-and-bees.html" target="_blank">Love, Peace & Bees: April 2012</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2012/08/the-hive-report.html" target="_blank">The Hive Report: August 2012</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2012/08/honey-bee.html" target="_blank">Honey Bee: August 2012</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2013/10/bee-references-in-shakespeare.html" target="_blank">Bee references in Shakespeare: October 2013</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2014/10/introducing-mellifera.html" target="_blank">Introducing Mellifera: October 2014</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2015/03/spring-honey-harvest.html" target="_blank">Spring Honey Harvest: March 2015</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2015/11/word-rant-wednesday.html" target="_blank">Word Rant Wednesday: November 2015</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2016/02/busy-as-bee.html" target="_blank">Busy as a Bee: February 2016</a></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-37604616057112045672022-05-19T22:30:00.000-07:002022-05-20T13:02:22.323-07:00Who By Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5_AP0F7V1nc85Ew6zWzY0A6B7afp1Xw57uMNDEQYXpAnzg0M2uCzNY4u22D5lDHYEbYorfXQwSVjfztF_wvK8hXpeblzl29ymxWr-tGLZoBKoxzqmWlT_yHZ6ckU4RHD7T7f06jqmU6Z1ChTVy6zmQj7RibdSrk6qMyfmZYMm4rEz-69G19BVMIz1w/s507/Ignis_t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="507" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5_AP0F7V1nc85Ew6zWzY0A6B7afp1Xw57uMNDEQYXpAnzg0M2uCzNY4u22D5lDHYEbYorfXQwSVjfztF_wvK8hXpeblzl29ymxWr-tGLZoBKoxzqmWlT_yHZ6ckU4RHD7T7f06jqmU6Z1ChTVy6zmQj7RibdSrk6qMyfmZYMm4rEz-69G19BVMIz1w/w640-h640/Ignis_t.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>On April 6th a prescribed burn by the National Forest Service here in Northern New Mexico has grown to be the largest fire in our state’s history. The travesty is that if anyone bothered to ask us who live here when is the WORST time to do a controlled burn we would have all chimed in APRIL, when the land is dry and the winds are strongest.</p><p>Alchemically we witness how the dynamics of the wind combined with very dry conditions has awakened elemental Fire. Of the four elements Fire has a strong relationship with transformative energies since it is destructive, purifying and regenerative, there is are also associations with passion. Fire acts as the primordial source of life. Traditionally plants associated with elemental fire tend to be saps and those that are warm and spicy.</p><p>The pagan holiday Beltane, celebrated here in the northern hemisphere, on the Eve of May Day honors the rebirth of life.force. The festival has a strong association to elemental fire, referring to the return of the light half of the year and the rising of lusty passions. Traditionally bonfires are built and leaped over as an act of purification.</p><p>Elemental FIRE is the home of our beating heart, where we feel the constant rhythm within, the place of our passion, warmth, and direct knowing. Fire is ruled by the SUN and has a relationship to the spirit medicine of the courageous Lion.</p><p>The Sun has been emitting quite a lot of significant X-Class solar flares lately. These powerful solar eruptions are said to be part of the upgrade of human beings and activating our pineal gland.</p><p>In an outline of the Seven Hermetic Principals within the book The Kyballion, the Principal of Correspondence "embodies the truth that there is always a Correspondence between the laws and phenomena of the various planes of Being and Life. The old Hermetic axiom ran in these words: "As above, so below; as below, so above." And the grasping of this Principle gives one the means of solving many a dark paradox, and hidden secret of Nature. There are planes beyond our knowing, but when we apply the Principle of Correspondence to them we are able to understand much that would otherwise be unknowable to us.</p><p>This Principle is of universal application and manifestation, on the various planes of the material, mental, and spiritual universe — it is an Universal Law. The ancient Hermetists considered this Principle as one of the most important mental instruments by which man was able to pry aside the obstacles which hid from view the Unknown. Its use even tore aside the Veil of Isis to the extent that a glimpse of the face of the goddess might be caught. Just as a knowledge of the Principles of Geometry enables man to measure distant suns and their movements, while seated in his observatory, so a knowledge of the Principle of Correspondence enables Man to reason intelligently from the Known to the Unknown. Studying the monad, he understands the archangel." <span style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqRqJDMldW5FhtG0PBNt3IH-KY3ePJNB8jtPk9L1XGaAJeLGfO5wsZ5tgTRNwUQ86YNp6Yog8N2mfVu0P_One3nMsM7TpdeZac9AyMsHipgBaLZswv0vxrddBPVOkH8UwKOsmJHnRi_qycKTZTfzo4QJnAjk2Ieoju1zuuLE0jCf5QjKNLmHPzpHKlg/s1000/FireSQt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqRqJDMldW5FhtG0PBNt3IH-KY3ePJNB8jtPk9L1XGaAJeLGfO5wsZ5tgTRNwUQ86YNp6Yog8N2mfVu0P_One3nMsM7TpdeZac9AyMsHipgBaLZswv0vxrddBPVOkH8UwKOsmJHnRi_qycKTZTfzo4QJnAjk2Ieoju1zuuLE0jCf5QjKNLmHPzpHKlg/w640-h640/FireSQt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><p></p><p>Applying this alchemical axiom to the fires here in Northern New Mexico, and the heightened solar flares from the Sun, we observe that we are in a massive phase of transformation and evolution. The question to be asking is "What do I want eliminate to transform and evolve into a new human for the new Earth?"</p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1. The Kybalion</span></p><p>Related posts: <a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2019/05/a-perfumed-bestiary-letter-for-axolotl.html" target="_blank">A for Axolotl</a></p>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-30823112500491427552022-04-13T22:24:00.007-07:002022-06-06T00:05:22.438-07:00The Doctrine of Signatures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jVtx5eLiy_ta_FNCjKEyAQUsVwOPdYzOH47XQeMkyxoXsxvCGpB4ngbqA8nPfTjGVwJnzGS6h56_tc3UHusrN8aIEcI3I-m7gZaXFhy2VNFg9_UbHvwsXEFG0ICfrOFhz8NXAAwAQzvJ9nxJtNx65aczrp3TLKatLkUeSLX1ZaXo3rPCdHZi08qibw/s1000/Calendulas_3643SQt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jVtx5eLiy_ta_FNCjKEyAQUsVwOPdYzOH47XQeMkyxoXsxvCGpB4ngbqA8nPfTjGVwJnzGS6h56_tc3UHusrN8aIEcI3I-m7gZaXFhy2VNFg9_UbHvwsXEFG0ICfrOFhz8NXAAwAQzvJ9nxJtNx65aczrp3TLKatLkUeSLX1ZaXo3rPCdHZi08qibw/w640-h640/Calendulas_3643SQt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I've been infusing calendula flowers at the perfumery. Each time I work with these sweet flowers I am reminded of their star signature, the celestial imprint that they are encoded with.</p><p>Plants retain and transfer the vitality of the Earth to us, facilitating an upgrade to where it is most needed. Calendula flowers have an affinity to the sun, as we can witness by their Doctrine of Signatures, which acts as a mode of communication without words, where the plant shows us through its shape & color what it's star signature is.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6mhl0FYmurLdU-os5XAGBqUgTCfZODwHAA_4bSGXmKB8YrViHH5XnHAo059uEUEXBsDRjeIkAg-_y_7L8G4_DwPmEME6_5XL_BHUBnPAyjxXeZ2G2AUqIGRrfn2t2WP5_U3sAeu_jcEXiNf1gmFZGUSO8dQOwaSVSuV_OYhVeJoZJwnFYsdc-9pt4w/s2000/GK_3657e.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="2000" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6mhl0FYmurLdU-os5XAGBqUgTCfZODwHAA_4bSGXmKB8YrViHH5XnHAo059uEUEXBsDRjeIkAg-_y_7L8G4_DwPmEME6_5XL_BHUBnPAyjxXeZ2G2AUqIGRrfn2t2WP5_U3sAeu_jcEXiNf1gmFZGUSO8dQOwaSVSuV_OYhVeJoZJwnFYsdc-9pt4w/w640-h508/GK_3657e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>In a recent review of the Green Knight fragrance, a couple internet trolls, hiding behind their fake names, attacked the concept of the Doctrine of Signatures. The trolls remarked that the Doctrine of Signatures isn't real, not even a little bit and that its a bunch of yogababble.</p><p>We each have the lenses we use to perceive the world around us. The ancients, throughout all traditions, observed plants to understand the non-linear language being communicated, it is a very right brain mode of perception, where we observe patterns and archetypes.</p><p>For individuals who have become very "land locked" within the left brain, functioning in a narrow, mechanistic paradigm, these concepts are completely out of their sphere of perception. Instead of opening themselves up to new ideas, they automatically move into their reptilian brain and attack.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRz1_PfoQnmQtXZgbc253ncOlpjaX97NK-cs96nkGBazf8F8Clkw2QtqonqWnYShIUweIHBr9oqPNksygLhx1sOq3KDKiRq-GHEJdXbbAxM_jw4A8XJ7r09nJxtPVXHQqkOLu9D3jwnpgfkTF39vRsc33bTyfnjMU1zr_200eRTOYWo2bYlWSvrBZgA/s2000/GreenKnight_Illum_e.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="2000" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRz1_PfoQnmQtXZgbc253ncOlpjaX97NK-cs96nkGBazf8F8Clkw2QtqonqWnYShIUweIHBr9oqPNksygLhx1sOq3KDKiRq-GHEJdXbbAxM_jw4A8XJ7r09nJxtPVXHQqkOLu9D3jwnpgfkTF39vRsc33bTyfnjMU1zr_200eRTOYWo2bYlWSvrBZgA/w640-h508/GreenKnight_Illum_e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>As I contemplated what was occurring, it became clear that this challenge was a manifestation of the tale of The Green Knight, playing out in the comments of the review. When we bravely share ideas, concepts and our creativity in the world it can sometimes feel like we are the Green Knight offering our axe to others to cut off our head. What they don't realize is, in that act of cutting of my/our heads, they have accepted the challenge of having their heads cut off.</p><p></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: center;">As above, so below / As within, so without</p></blockquote><p></p><p>Thank you to Eli, one of my students in Spain, who posted this little nugget in the comments of an instagram post where I mentioned this challenge.</p><p></p><blockquote><p>"In the human spirit as in the universe there is nothing above or below, everything demands with equal right a common center that manifests its secret existence through the harmonic relationship of all the parts with respect to it. All disputes of the ancients and of the moderns, up to the most recent times, are born from the separation of what she has produced unitarily in her nature. We know quite well that in singular human natures, the predominance of any faculty or capacity is habitually imposed and that a unilateral way of representing things is necessarily generated from it, since man knows the world only through himself and, therefore, naively. presumption, he believes that the world is built according to him and his wishes." </p><p>- Goethe</p></blockquote><p></p><p><br /></p>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-47884740135285003592022-03-22T23:58:00.004-07:002022-06-07T16:15:39.324-07:00The Equinox, Spring and VIRIDITAS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGNVMjFFvZMnnaQP0KrqrZkN42Cg7UhA-XIdPkW65VQ-LADQ2ZkQ1zXb7ZIhSPzRZ31uIU4VrCSBCqZze_EIxbUcBGRy-_fJEGnc2yTOuJsw713StX-aJzIYtpv02h98gTApAwnJf0P2JBu35Q1jRqihEAaPYEAkO3WFdL4paLJCbwveIvAYqx7ljHg/w640-h640/Compass_2632SQt.jpg" width="640" /></div><p>The Great Wheel of the Earth has birthed itself once more, we stand together at a threshold of a new astrological year. Some astrologers, like Pam Gregory, view the arrival of new Earth on the horizon, although not quite in the "visible realm" as of yet.</p><p>Whether in the Northern or Southern hemisphere, this is a time we honor a transitional point of equality between the light & dark. A beautiful symbol of the balance point in this dualistic reality here on planet Earth.</p><p>This is a portal is a time of high magic. Sit with what is emerging within for this new cycle of transformation and dream big!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="2000" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQ_2t0kHtYirUrvyqg6rg_kTrXF5PD_5dPQmADVXbaueeNXlPl67cFi1MJLQ0X1Ac6HzwpEqXrMGe0ikshjqczJJxyiyXjhyomZSX8deIiTMeSf2qEBao7gidDi46g0meWTEBhPl6MmzzLRLtkK9Mza7wSeLDTf-b2CA_O69WmzJ3j9YBg1KmN_EdzQ/w640-h508/Viriditas_3574e.jpg" width="640" /></div><p>Viriditas is a guiding theme used constantly in the work of abbess Hildegard von Bingen. Literally meaning "greenness," the word has been translated in various ways, such as greening, freshness, vitality, fruitfulness, life-force, or growth.</p><p>Viriditas is a metaphor for spiritual & physical health, often as a reflection of the divine word or as an aspect of the divine nature."<span style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span></p><p>With the arrival of Spring and inspired by the concept of Viriditas, I created a <a href="https://www.illuminatedperfume.com/products/viriditas-solid-perfume-discovery-set-of-four" target="_blank">discovery set</a> containing:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Hedera helix,</li><li>Q</li><li>Green Witch &</li><li>The Green Knight</li></ul><div>And since I am working on the new Ritual Box I have made the Green Knight fragrance available as a <a href="https://www.illuminatedperfume.com/products/the-green-knight-discovery-set-eau-de-parfum-aromatic-spray-and-solid-perfume" target="_blank">sample set of the solid and EdP version</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>For further exploring, I have added new perfume pages on the website <a href="https://www.illuminatedperfume.com/pages/perfume-pages" target="_blank">here</a> so that you can explore the his/her story of more fragrances.</div><p></p><p>Aligning with this green theme, healing and dreaming big, check out this <a href="https://vimeo.com/539231317?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=84919383">film</a> by Tom Flanagan introducing a song cycle titled Viriditas. It was created by Irish artist and vocalist Ceara Conway for The Deepest Shade of Green, an Arts and Health program for Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture. It includes newly composed contemporary songs, traditional European healing songs and rhythms, songs inspired by conversations with staff and patients, and songs which incorporate recordings of hospital equipment, plants, and the tools of sound healers. The album was performed as a series of intimate live performances in wards and corridors, televised to patients’ bedsides from a hospital chapel, recorded as a CD for gifting to patients across the seven hospitals of Saolta University Health Care Group, and is available for download at saoltaarts.com for everyone.</p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 </span>hildegarden.com/viriditas</p>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-44358810856281131492022-02-28T22:17:00.002-07:002022-04-03T17:56:24.860-07:00Movie Monday: Fight Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg87Bckuah24yYw3bvwUZ6E0Vw_0nF_kkGUlPyr_Uue6PhGR4oH34vbXRjmm6QTZWjrkNFwRS4KNKSzLdv7AcaEDjF8tWGt6QqkHftQoFLIEVztHHlXoRi3p-yOfhq5fxtXvUjZmRtjvq_j8t4mkb4h2mG45Eepxxn3IR09Ukk0pj6dmCAkORpGntr_ug=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1385" data-original-width="1500" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg87Bckuah24yYw3bvwUZ6E0Vw_0nF_kkGUlPyr_Uue6PhGR4oH34vbXRjmm6QTZWjrkNFwRS4KNKSzLdv7AcaEDjF8tWGt6QqkHftQoFLIEVztHHlXoRi3p-yOfhq5fxtXvUjZmRtjvq_j8t4mkb4h2mG45Eepxxn3IR09Ukk0pj6dmCAkORpGntr_ug=w640-h590" width="640" /></a></div><p>On January 31st, 2017, I wrote a Movie Monday <a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2017/01/movie-monday-lalaland-and-city-of-gold.html" target="_blank">post</a> that echo's some of the thoughts I am about to share. The difference is, that in 2017 I felt comfortable in sharing my feelings and being out spoken. Fast forward to present time, where life is quite different and many have started using code words to avoid the sen sir. So hard to believe this is occurring in 2022, in what once was the land of the free.</p><p>What felt like doom and gloom after the 2017 election was just a primer for what was to come. Auspiciously, the film <i>Fight Club</i>, released in 1999 and directed by David Fincher, also reeks of the searing burnt flesh my soul was feeling back then. </p><p>Watching <i>Fight Club</i> again, in the winter of 2022, is uncomfortably prophetic. It is a masterpiece of film making, which like the original Blade Runner, was castrated by critics at the time. Yea, its gritty, dark, bloody and muy, muy macho, so much so that most sensitives and feminist's won't be able to sit through it. I don't plan to share any spoilers, just in case you haven't read the book or seen the movie.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="378" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dfeUzm6KF4g?controls=0" title="YouTube video player" width="672"></iframe></p> What makes this film brilliant, besides the impeccable acting by Edward Norton, Brad Pitt and Helena Bonham Carter, is a combination of Fincher's direction, stunning visuals, brilliant editing with an equally brilliant sound track. The original novel the film is based on was written by Chuck Palahnuik. Published in gluttanous 1996, a young man is confronted with the emptiness of his life as a white collar worker. Set mostly in an edgy, city environment of nocturnal animals, similar to the underbelly of Batman's Gotham City, the story telling and dialogue are smart as we are shown a picture of just how tragic modern life in a bustling metropolitan city has become.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOOvGBNWcFRtuGgVvjxcwFiKZyOsa8oFqAAh_X7nBZ2K7G8nXpFgMqxY9WMRGjLCmWViNrloaBv9dQxAfwxiYytPyE6D3R9-zMxLqchNgS7JwtVBfQSlD1sPZ8SOK96DZQKIQ_yjNWY0zddlI9AXGLA1rCxnx7Peba04O6FVqWa9RgVJ04IklNV684_g=s1369" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="1369" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOOvGBNWcFRtuGgVvjxcwFiKZyOsa8oFqAAh_X7nBZ2K7G8nXpFgMqxY9WMRGjLCmWViNrloaBv9dQxAfwxiYytPyE6D3R9-zMxLqchNgS7JwtVBfQSlD1sPZ8SOK96DZQKIQ_yjNWY0zddlI9AXGLA1rCxnx7Peba04O6FVqWa9RgVJ04IklNV684_g=w640-h314" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><p></p><p>The film reveals more about our lives than is comfortable to confront, particularly in the hindsight of current reality, as more and more people fall into depression and suicide rates continue to escalate. <i>Fight Club </i>is a symbol of what happens when the masculine completely loses its soul, where the lower chakra runs the show, where boys never grow up and humans blindly follow a Trojan Horse or Emperors without clothes. The main character lives a soul less life, living within a concrete grid without the benefit of dreaming. He wonders through his life in a self induced somatic state, feeling small and worthless until the hip, confident Tyler Durden enters the picture. Tyler is everything our protagonist is not, sexy, handsome and energizing, he represents an even more dangerous persona than the lost insomniac. One of Tylers slogans is "empowerment through chaos & disruption", which as someone interested in personal growth, I totally get.</p><p>The prophetic aspect of <i>Fight Club </i>includes the destruction of buildings via controlled demolition by a group of terrorists. Consider that the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 10, 1999, two years almost to the day the Twin Towers came down.</p><p>There is also this idea of "fighting" that we all must ponder. Why are we fighting each other, doesn't it make more sense to fight the beast among us instead? Is the true monster a difference of opinion, blue versus red, or is the true monster the corporate regime that has blinded and muzzled us? As some of us attempt to fight back with small or large acts, we are met with individuals in daze of righteousness and obedience, often resorting to childish name calling.</p><p>Getting back to the film <i>Fight Club </i>I am intending that we will rise above the some of the ugly aspects in the film that are mirrored in our everyday lives, such as being ruled by a patriarchal system, the feeling of living a soul-less life in a somatic state and a need to slay each other. The real task before us is to shine the light on what is lurking within our own shadow realm, inside of us. What is it that keeps us feeling separate from our fellow human beings. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Use our ears in proportion to our mouths</li><li>Understand each others point of view</li><li>and, perhaps most of all, pay attention to your inner voice not what is being broadcasted.</li></ul><p></p><p>It's a very chilly and windy evening on this last day of February, I am aware that the planet Uranus, associated with revolution and the unexpected, is square to Saturn. This placement is auspicious and signals change during these intense and turbulent times. Instead of staying safe, I practice cultivating love, peace and aligning with <a href="https://www.illuminatedperfume.com/pages/the-green-knight" target="_blank">The Green Knight</a>...cutting off my head (the ego / monkey mind) and operating from the heart.</p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Opening image from <a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2014/08/san-diego-comic-con-2014.html" target="_blank">the San Diego Comic Con in 201</a>4 ©Roxana Villa, screen shot of Brad Pitt found on the web from the film Fight Club.</span></p><p></p></div>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-75647789388130407012022-01-02T23:00:00.002-07:002022-02-28T22:40:02.107-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIinSkCZ42ZBsZ98GtXT9Br8t-xb2jVpqpsg2FouzVySRWgrn7GCAw7CWzp_flHDqplHXy6Db8MSPbLk6KHyGGjCbFpBLlVyVpgn3n0uDOaRB9wa8A1UCYK3YC3H5KuulwTISJrXEXDLKhaPgexdwncDINJVeswduYtemni-JxNy5S-0RhMtAtALl_uw=s1325" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1325" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIinSkCZ42ZBsZ98GtXT9Br8t-xb2jVpqpsg2FouzVySRWgrn7GCAw7CWzp_flHDqplHXy6Db8MSPbLk6KHyGGjCbFpBLlVyVpgn3n0uDOaRB9wa8A1UCYK3YC3H5KuulwTISJrXEXDLKhaPgexdwncDINJVeswduYtemni-JxNy5S-0RhMtAtALl_uw=w640-h484" width="640" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Happy New Year from the oak woodland in Topanga State Park!</div><div><br /></div><div>Time is perceived linearly, associated with duality, such as beginning and ending, day to night, birth to death, etc. The truth beneath this concept is quite different, instead of a line with a beginning and an end, time is complex, like an old growth oak forest.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>I’m visualizing us at this new threshold, holding hands, walking together with open hearts and the power of the wild magick by our sides.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Celtic word for oak is 'duir' meaning door. The archetype of the OAK is related to strength in all three realms -> the physical, the spiritual and the mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>Longevity and fortitude of the physical body, and elevating our perception out of duality, to the spiritual realm.This concept stems from the wood being hard and dense, without rotting, along with the oaks vast root system. Adding to the idea of power and steadfastness is the oaks ability to withstand the strikes of lightning, amongst other severe conditions.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjelnYsETa-TW6_HE9ZSLXA63uso02WMFD8rc-4d-LuWS7HAX74yIZTswZLrBR3VsVDtSH35vzrBOF9g6CRuu4q5biHnrRgE-wtZqsX1OY1EXNgvSKROPzegltI5HAb0bS-cBEdX36Uob45qRod6gCUirdaDi2G1xfC-AVd3Hqi0lTgwpS-9OAnRqE_ZA=s816" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="816" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjelnYsETa-TW6_HE9ZSLXA63uso02WMFD8rc-4d-LuWS7HAX74yIZTswZLrBR3VsVDtSH35vzrBOF9g6CRuu4q5biHnrRgE-wtZqsX1OY1EXNgvSKROPzegltI5HAb0bS-cBEdX36Uob45qRod6gCUirdaDi2G1xfC-AVd3Hqi0lTgwpS-9OAnRqE_ZA=w640-h440" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Tolkien referred to the ancient oaks as Ents, “shepherd trees”, in his epic and rather foretelling tale of a dark lord attempting to control Earth and her sentient beings.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a list of symbols relating to the oak</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Divine and inner strength</li><li>Wisdom</li><li>Knowledge</li><li>Courage</li><li>Overcoming any problem, especially in terms of physical health</li><li>Protection at all levels</li><li>The recovery of self-confidence</li><li>Strengthening the auric field</li><li>Renewing vital forces</li><li>Balancing the energetic realms of the entire being</li></ul></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7vjCcexm8T_ZOtVOtHtE6QJhsA670hMx7DBnYgps8Pp-FJBedpZCIehrD-bzXyJO9qV0yd_XKv5tUMwqaYypkGrVsM1Uf_VUTXl4kR8qV4m3Mq82JU54KJskj7MOQYgpoRB7M1TKdt_Mhf2nw-HRKm7Fg77UjTNcr_Ke3-M9nWihFoAJFlPGW6D8dgw=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1500" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7vjCcexm8T_ZOtVOtHtE6QJhsA670hMx7DBnYgps8Pp-FJBedpZCIehrD-bzXyJO9qV0yd_XKv5tUMwqaYypkGrVsM1Uf_VUTXl4kR8qV4m3Mq82JU54KJskj7MOQYgpoRB7M1TKdt_Mhf2nw-HRKm7Fg77UjTNcr_Ke3-M9nWihFoAJFlPGW6D8dgw=w640-h508" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Anoint yourself with Q while intending these qualities, breath deep, connect with your inner oak, especially when you feel yourself being pulled off center by chaos. Now, focus on what you want to create!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_3IOWdhanPIUzGUvV-Oy9mcFle9c1uNSzLp1KwVnRCevfXRgXot8-8FdCavSJpWBJCyFgvSdEWEw2UygguzkQfa1JpkdgEuWf_9q8Q-WQeUqHsEHuHRT6KjMYQZYSdUjU8ZjVBBFJgmSw3e9AaQOtpobqSPZ_8nyOhK7jd8IsFWbo-2l3n0UTc3Ln7Q=s1100" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1100" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_3IOWdhanPIUzGUvV-Oy9mcFle9c1uNSzLp1KwVnRCevfXRgXot8-8FdCavSJpWBJCyFgvSdEWEw2UygguzkQfa1JpkdgEuWf_9q8Q-WQeUqHsEHuHRT6KjMYQZYSdUjU8ZjVBBFJgmSw3e9AaQOtpobqSPZ_8nyOhK7jd8IsFWbo-2l3n0UTc3Ln7Q=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div></div>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-41122301480691642342022-01-01T22:18:00.009-07:002022-01-01T22:23:54.151-07:00Twelve Principals of Regeneration<p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEou1DuV80Gi1470by1tSphe9iFBdt0bNmywFhtqWkvC8Yilqdybxrzy6yKpo_vVeXejRub99JetVAK5U7fxWNJcoKFE5c2Ic_KEQyP2SVBscMSMHudy6Dq-9AlvJyrXyB6Q8YiO068MtlZ4_jXighURpQcrwm1hYkIol7IrCPWwvpuOKoNL2t8w-C3Q=s1000"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEou1DuV80Gi1470by1tSphe9iFBdt0bNmywFhtqWkvC8Yilqdybxrzy6yKpo_vVeXejRub99JetVAK5U7fxWNJcoKFE5c2Ic_KEQyP2SVBscMSMHudy6Dq-9AlvJyrXyB6Q8YiO068MtlZ4_jXighURpQcrwm1hYkIol7IrCPWwvpuOKoNL2t8w-C3Q=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></blockquote><p></p><p>Mark Scisenti, a friend and chocolate maker, posted the following on his instagram page -></p><p>"Are you worried about climate doom?"</p><p>Paul Hawkins has one word for you REGENERATION.</p><p><br /></p><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Regenration (noun)</p><p style="text-align: center;">To place life at the centre of every action and decision.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><span><!--more--></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p>How do we do that in our lives?</span></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p>Here are twelve guiding principals:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Does the action create more life or reduce it?</li><li>Does it heal the future or steal it?</li><li>Does it enhance human well-being or diminish it?</li><li>Doe it prevent disease or profit from it?</li><li>Does it create livelihoods or eliminate them?</li><li>Does ir restore land or degrade it?</li><li>Does it increase global warming or decrease it?</li><li>Does it serve human needs or manufacture human wants?</li><li>Does it reduce poverty or expand it?</li><li>Does it promote fundamental human rights or deny them?</li><li>Does it provide workers with dignity or demean them?</li><li>In short, is the activity extractive or regenerative?</li></ol><div><br /></div>Photo ©Roxana Villa, please respect my copyright<p></p>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-8926495207636626762021-11-16T00:54:00.002-07:002021-12-06T14:18:04.249-07:00Ramblin' Rose Hat Co.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglITT2dYBkDpaVzRDpAWldo2hjnxLrp0fTPkYnyLHU5lEVWjkO7V1s2f-zEna0GrD1HLtNlaW31AlMFvd3avdVZtX3QH3g21IpXcDAiKXu4rkMgnWHgPDdKKCqHCXCL-Z0EpwfxDrHo15b/s1435/Sign_1484t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1435" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglITT2dYBkDpaVzRDpAWldo2hjnxLrp0fTPkYnyLHU5lEVWjkO7V1s2f-zEna0GrD1HLtNlaW31AlMFvd3avdVZtX3QH3g21IpXcDAiKXu4rkMgnWHgPDdKKCqHCXCL-Z0EpwfxDrHo15b/w640-h446/Sign_1484t.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This past August, after years of waiting for the right moment, I was able to fulfill a wish of having a hat made just for me. The idea of doing something like this was planted by my local friend Geninne, who when I shared how my current hat doesn't stay on my head if there is wind, said that if I were to have a hat custom made that would not happen. She then told me about the local hat maker Sam of <a href="https://www.ramblinrosehatco.com/" target="_blank">Ramblin' Rose</a>. I had heard of Sam via the small maker community we have here in Santa Fe, but hadn't explored her work. Once I did, it was clear that this would be the way to go, however the timing wasn't quite right.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxaada6e2QEn4OCQBEwin64VbfutYeklAXo-FP5a9dOV8LYAhXjQ9B1dSUjimyRTefjWdeZQoBXgpxAyjoWilQy77ZRLvTb-U_2218mN0nnDjZ3ePWXc-356boy5dy5YSLCN8AYtKWs_B/s1198/Hats_1487t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1198" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxaada6e2QEn4OCQBEwin64VbfutYeklAXo-FP5a9dOV8LYAhXjQ9B1dSUjimyRTefjWdeZQoBXgpxAyjoWilQy77ZRLvTb-U_2218mN0nnDjZ3ePWXc-356boy5dy5YSLCN8AYtKWs_B/w640-h534/Hats_1487t.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Then, in August two things happened collided:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>It was my birthday month and Greg asked me what I wanted.</li><li>I received Sam's "first to know, custom hat spots" email, stating that she was now open for new bookings.</li></ol><div>The synergy between 1 & 2 was quite auspicious, thus I moved forward with my wish.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nlZejm0ucl3lobgFjlPb_vyyUVHa45Pxf3gUVaj-18ELdHjeNDdoP3caITje9dbktYdMsyoD1SFTWq0NJFZLT0ocR0ZACcSpGwzMboEUz0T-zRQobkeQ34c6-Rqk7L8MvtKD__DovpZ4/s2048/Hats_1486t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2009" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nlZejm0ucl3lobgFjlPb_vyyUVHa45Pxf3gUVaj-18ELdHjeNDdoP3caITje9dbktYdMsyoD1SFTWq0NJFZLT0ocR0ZACcSpGwzMboEUz0T-zRQobkeQ34c6-Rqk7L8MvtKD__DovpZ4/w628-h640/Hats_1486t.jpg" width="628" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEn_xDRsrv6EatkqkJOOYTuFXKKiGEALwRaselwxeHwI9cJjOguabc9onrEcUD7Tcw5uO8X1Gvdgu8LBMq60Jm-pKInTTQ7bhyCJHvZEAi0-Os5PDiv3F1RqXaGd_TWPI5_J9lheNc23CR/s1004/Studio_1491t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1004" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEn_xDRsrv6EatkqkJOOYTuFXKKiGEALwRaselwxeHwI9cJjOguabc9onrEcUD7Tcw5uO8X1Gvdgu8LBMq60Jm-pKInTTQ7bhyCJHvZEAi0-Os5PDiv3F1RqXaGd_TWPI5_J9lheNc23CR/w640-h638/Studio_1491t.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>First step to kick off the process was making an appointment at her super cute workshop on upper canyon, to nail down measurements and design.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gxthDb0gW14_VcBXsmJ0scme5dwmS3WxsRT7_b8ijX3groo91GXzJ4b-e8Dhe0JT4FdQv9z-oMWY9MtkJoLSUE_Ni7VXU2WMOmasHerVFFbxKXV1ZXwFs778I9IVW8HKncRhW-_roUNr/s1247/Measure_1483t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1247" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gxthDb0gW14_VcBXsmJ0scme5dwmS3WxsRT7_b8ijX3groo91GXzJ4b-e8Dhe0JT4FdQv9z-oMWY9MtkJoLSUE_Ni7VXU2WMOmasHerVFFbxKXV1ZXwFs778I9IVW8HKncRhW-_roUNr/w640-h514/Measure_1483t.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The process can take anywhere between 6-8 months, depending on supply chains, etc., thus, I've been practicing patience, knowing that it likely wont be ready until mid January if I'm lucky.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">SHIFTING, thinking circular</h3><div><br /></div><div>Supporting Sam is a step in empowering and investing in a small, local business. Former investment banker <a href="https://secretspaceprogram.org/media/catherine-austin-fitts-4/" target="_blank">Catherine Austin Fitts</a> shares how the most important investment we can make is in our community. This requires a paradigm shift, instead of making purchases in anything having to do with the conglomerates, that invest our money in global companies who do not have the best interest in human beings, the animal kingdom nor Mother Earth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since "sen sir ship" has become a thing now, where we are not allowed to speak our minds and our freedom of speech is being threatened, I will begin to use code, like the ancient alchemists who had to hide their work and develop symbols to communicate under the guise of the dark lords.</div><div><br /></div><div>Supporting and placing our money into specific investment companies (V), is undermining all of us. It' super important to step outside of that box and think in a circular format.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">INDIE!</h3><div><br /></div><div>I am also supporting an indie, female maker and the slow fashion movement. Instead of purchasing a less expensive hat, investing in a handmade item that is made for me, by the hands of a local maker is part of the new economy which we all can be part of manifesting.</div><div><br /></div><div>There's a phrase going around that states fashion is the second most polluting industry after oil, guess what, that's not completely true, another example of why its so important to do thorough research on things before just taking someones (a conglomerate or an organizations point of view, especially when an organization is funded by a creepy computer company.) Getting back to fashion, the most important aspects to keep in mind when making purchases is the follow, inspired by a list on <a href="https://ecocult.com/now-know-fashion-5th-polluting-industry-equal-livestock/" target="_blank">EcoCult</a>:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Consume less new, conventional fashion.</li><li>Buy secondhand instead of new whenever possible</li><li>When you have to buy new, buy it from an indie maker, or if its a bigger company choose a more sustainable label that has measured its emissions for the company or per product and is striving to reduce and offset its footprint.</li><li>Support political action to limit global carbon emissions from every source. However, be mindful, once again everything is not what it seems Part of the dynamic here on planet Earth is that duality is everything.</li></ul></div></div><div><br /></div><div>If we each make the effort of spending our time, energy and money in a mindful way, we will be part of the big shift into a circular, holistic based system that holds the micro along with the macro in our collective heart.</div><p></p><div><br /></div>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-23128950496750648192021-10-19T00:43:00.001-07:002022-10-13T21:34:38.810-07:00The Mark of Hands<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPGdM3x5HOLoAY8yUt85plbEi3SRxZzQgS_0fSIB_EnsOUWIlbbSs8zidEFZbmxITxFv2b7slohZgeRbXJwGAOTHE_7wpL4tv-FnS2sL_OBZoZdiOpOFBnHvfWtysPjJLiuHG10Yvnl27/s910/LilacHands_8525GC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="910" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPGdM3x5HOLoAY8yUt85plbEi3SRxZzQgS_0fSIB_EnsOUWIlbbSs8zidEFZbmxITxFv2b7slohZgeRbXJwGAOTHE_7wpL4tv-FnS2sL_OBZoZdiOpOFBnHvfWtysPjJLiuHG10Yvnl27/w640-h402/LilacHands_8525GC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My hands with Santa Fe lilacs ©RoxanaVilla</span></div><p></p><p>As our world continues to rotate more and more toward automation and tech, it is crucial to acknowledge and uphold the heritage of the mark of hand and fragrance making. By respecting traditions, along with the linguistics that accompany those rich customs woven with wisdom, we then acknowledge the cultures who birthed these ways of being in the world. From this perspective, there exists an inherent balance, bringing us into living at peace and in harmony with the Earth.</p><p></p><blockquote><p>“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.”</p><p>― Henry David Thoreau</p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODYFS2JawglMdUNAyRkVAcfrrou95wzFoIsr97LRulsvTuavBvOVnO0e_b184ALYsNCTlWGagZST5dbW4ma-CD2zYMMW_tCVtMbZurQWDV9VFyn1qxDhu2erAjXRCrSskA9mvftLI78AE/s800/Perfume.Enfleurage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODYFS2JawglMdUNAyRkVAcfrrou95wzFoIsr97LRulsvTuavBvOVnO0e_b184ALYsNCTlWGagZST5dbW4ma-CD2zYMMW_tCVtMbZurQWDV9VFyn1qxDhu2erAjXRCrSskA9mvftLI78AE/w640-h640/Perfume.Enfleurage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Perfume, the story of a murderer film screen shot </span></div><p></p><p>Enfleurage, a method of capturing scent from delicate flowers, likely invented by the Ancient Egyptians and then resurrected by the French was highlighted at the recent Pitti Fragrance conference in Italy.</p><p>After some investigation, I see that although the highlighted process is being termed enfleurage, it is actually an oil infusion of flowers performed in India that the flavor and fragrance manufacturer have decided to refer to as enfleurage.</p><p>Once more, we have the re-invention of a traditional word attributed to a process, or term, of something other than what it is. I've seen this occur with the word Cologne, a city in Germany that has deep historical roots in creating a light and refreshing citrus and herb spritz. The term cologne is now being used to define a fragrance for men of a solid fragrance, instead of using the generic word perfume, that appears to have taken on a feminine connotation.</p><p>The challenge with ascribing new and/or different meanings to words, is that the true origin and historical context of the actual definition diminished and under valued. </p><p>This occurs within the corporate fragrance industry, as illustrated with the attribution of the term enfleurage at the Pitti conference, but also in the indie maker community. At the root of this conjuring trick, like the shell game on the streets of New York City, this sleight of hand ripples out and undermines cultural legacies.</p><p>The cause of dismissing humanities lineage is most often rooted in greed and ignorance. Becoming more and more obvious, with each day, is the domination of corporate institutions who favor special interests and profits over the benefit of the planet and or human beings. </p><p>Joel Bakan's book, which was made <a href="https://youtu.be/CvzTq_X9KLk" target="_blank">into a film</a>, <u>The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power</u> is an excellent example. If we observe the actions within a range of industries such as: pharmaceutical, oil, manufacturing and advertising, greed is the primary behavior at the core. When this occurs, the value of cultural legacy is significantly undervalued. One example that illustrates this concept quite vividly is the hunger for domination by the killing, removing or polluting indigenous people and their lands. Here in New Mexico, the mining and milling of Uranium being used for nuclear energy is a prime example. "This practice has caused problems, including on Navajo lands where more than half of small, abandoned uranium mines from the middle of the 20th century and their wastes remain."<span style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span></p><p>On the other end of the spectrum are the artisan makers who are not primarily motivated by greed, but sometimes possess a bit of ignorance and/or lack of education where they then ascribe a historical word to fit their needs. Like with the word cologne, as mentioned above, you can read more of my rant regarding the misuse of perfume words <a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2015/05/eau-de-parfum-and-other-fragrance.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>Whether with a conglomerate, a perfume organization or an indie maker we observe a deficit of respect. Perhaps its due to our modern times, with so much greed running the world. Certainly our political leaders are not good role models. Gee, have you seen the documentary <a href="https://planetofthehumans.com/" target="_blank">Planet of the Humans</a>, produced by Michael Moore? That was eye opening, and although enlightening, very depressing. </p><p>The best role model I have found that embodies integrity is Vandana Shiva, if you don't know about her check out <a href="https://vandanashivamovie.com/" target="_blank">The Seeds of Vandana Shiva</a>. When we honor our roots and esteem those who came before us in tandem with deeply bowing to Mother Earth, then appropriating and redefining words for corporate and self interest will no longer surface as a prominent behavior amongst humans.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjr4orhNuxlbg2fhc-6sFPhL8onnAnXeuMLPSntziyIQFKZB3vWzUI6ZucPZfwTLYp6V_nqpKnOpGaKmo5wNIPgxgUPo2LpzKMfvEk5DuC32AplyYShbY-DdZGmOocfJSzHUvWxrj1CHpZ/s1197/PureFumeDame_SQ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1197" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjr4orhNuxlbg2fhc-6sFPhL8onnAnXeuMLPSntziyIQFKZB3vWzUI6ZucPZfwTLYp6V_nqpKnOpGaKmo5wNIPgxgUPo2LpzKMfvEk5DuC32AplyYShbY-DdZGmOocfJSzHUvWxrj1CHpZ/w640-h640/PureFumeDame_SQ.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Related to the long tail of honoring words and their original definitions is supporting small, indie and handmade as a form of respect, preservation and spiritual path—a small act that does great good. As the world continues to shift, we gain more perspective on the critical need for each of us to become more fluid and aware.</p><p>If you’ve been following my work as an artist, whether visual or aromatic, than this may be repetitive. I bring it up again as a crucial reminder to our evolution. By focusing our attention on the arts, beauty, indie makers, those who work with nature and their hands, we contribute to the entire fabric of life. It is one of those very small acts that has great value, and undulates out, diminishing the power of the corporations and their ferocious need for greed.</p><p>It's crucial that we each take individual responsibility for what has happened to the world and begin to focus on small acts that contribute to the entire ecosystem and our personal role in the survival of humanity, nature and kindness</p><p>The mark of the hand, whether in a teacup, a journal, a bracelet, a small plant or food grown from traditional seed—each contains the subtle energy of a maker, each contains a vitality of incalculable worth.</p><p><br /></p><p>1. EPA.gov website</p>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-91474667965946058032021-09-13T00:09:00.002-07:002021-09-13T00:17:05.792-07:00Blue Tansy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZgB_ELa2dBTHgmFr3a5Udh6LaOER8KvdNvOG21OvRWJ4Umx5ReZyDLUNPXIra0guHhCUQGqY9wDOfHoGL1udm0fhin6OflZ73yJIoZ-U6JLA8nhsuojxwgozWbz6D1b1BLWo12s5pnFF/s2048/BlueTansy_1696SQt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZgB_ELa2dBTHgmFr3a5Udh6LaOER8KvdNvOG21OvRWJ4Umx5ReZyDLUNPXIra0guHhCUQGqY9wDOfHoGL1udm0fhin6OflZ73yJIoZ-U6JLA8nhsuojxwgozWbz6D1b1BLWo12s5pnFF/w640-h640/BlueTansy_1696SQt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Blue Tansy</h2><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>The blue tansy flower, <i>Tanacetum annuum</i>, 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.</p><p>During the steam distillation process the chamazulene compounds turns a beautiful deep blue hue.</p><p>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:</p><p><b>1. Assisting with inflammation due to these compounds:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Chamazulene</li><li>Sabinene</li><li>Camphor</li><li>Myrcene</li><li>Pinene</li></ul><p></p><p>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.</p><p><b>2. Emotional Support</b></p><p>Aromatherapy books refer to this oil as aiding in providing a sense of relaxation and grounding. </p><p><b>3. Respiration</b></p><p>There is evidence that Blue Tansy is anti-bacterial and helpful with congestion and support of the respiratory system.</p><p><b>4. Moisture</b></p><p>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.</p><p><b>5. Antihistamine</b></p><p>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.</p><p><b>5. Insect Repellant</b></p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p><p>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.</p><div><br /></div>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-30697475598966595412021-05-26T14:02:00.005-07:002021-05-26T14:02:46.639-07:00Smell like an Egyptian<h2 style="text-align: center;">Exploring the Olfactive History of Ancient Egyptian Culture<br />with Dora Goldsmith</h2><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUVrhkMcrLPwKqLmHIuxpoKLlRDBvnNl69gQS_ICZJXvNnLiS5yVWKtUIRex8J_5hoqHl6Yx4M4TQZktaUOw__TDbYgdO2Zw153nv0pbfdZpwomshshuYylhmfL9Rtjgz-qWtllHWW15D/s1918/%2540RoxanaVilla_MET_9655_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1918" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUVrhkMcrLPwKqLmHIuxpoKLlRDBvnNl69gQS_ICZJXvNnLiS5yVWKtUIRex8J_5hoqHl6Yx4M4TQZktaUOw__TDbYgdO2Zw153nv0pbfdZpwomshshuYylhmfL9Rtjgz-qWtllHWW15D/w400-h249/%2540RoxanaVilla_MET_9655_h.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazuKBrG2Ba0Z6EpD9FZWLBaxWsvLW39f1XcsRSGW2xyyM3bnMDnRBV7vBHfzlPvUtAWleFXdvbovQ97Fj-b4d2QIDtZK3QRhEFWK9mc0ncEcnLnD4FGI4RGZ3q7R4r7OzwSXeukAVNC9J/s1500/Eye_of_Horus_2340806_2e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1500" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazuKBrG2Ba0Z6EpD9FZWLBaxWsvLW39f1XcsRSGW2xyyM3bnMDnRBV7vBHfzlPvUtAWleFXdvbovQ97Fj-b4d2QIDtZK3QRhEFWK9mc0ncEcnLnD4FGI4RGZ3q7R4r7OzwSXeukAVNC9J/w400-h318/Eye_of_Horus_2340806_2e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">AWE & WONDER</h2><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaLftKpyxXJCp5jg7LU6kCETZbOzRw0ysqzJ-3zwa4zWstkKbg3ycRmlIBGwH3oow3Ftw264X_VaHKk_DuqSXGYCZ2kX-hCLIIAQV9Gk5AfhDn1w1o4hT0kZNlH039zZncs1zVvaYPEqs/s900/%2540RoxanaVilla_MET_9651SQt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaLftKpyxXJCp5jg7LU6kCETZbOzRw0ysqzJ-3zwa4zWstkKbg3ycRmlIBGwH3oow3Ftw264X_VaHKk_DuqSXGYCZ2kX-hCLIIAQV9Gk5AfhDn1w1o4hT0kZNlH039zZncs1zVvaYPEqs/w400-h400/%2540RoxanaVilla_MET_9651SQt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</div><div>A wonderful sensorial journey through ancient Egypt</div><div><br /></div><div>"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."</div><div><br /></div><div>~ Paula M on May 10, 2021</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiutMktcQnv9PFJRoqUpZorWkOWf_Oar44S3oKpKmXCQKSEsbbQ4E7DSIJvAlkbmiujJJ40DElFbgTymu0ai_oCagT3gXrp2gEfIJTpklhrVWwks8U9as2wykyRC8rvfEvo4hjBUT_4slL/s1500/DoraGoldsmith4e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1500" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiutMktcQnv9PFJRoqUpZorWkOWf_Oar44S3oKpKmXCQKSEsbbQ4E7DSIJvAlkbmiujJJ40DElFbgTymu0ai_oCagT3gXrp2gEfIJTpklhrVWwks8U9as2wykyRC8rvfEvo4hjBUT_4slL/w400-h318/DoraGoldsmith4e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Read more & grab your spot</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.illuminatedperfume.com/products/scents-of-egypt-workshop-series-exploring-the-olfactive-history-of-ancient-egyptian-culture" target="_blank">HERE</a></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKd388b3uO5JR70efwQ4PTlGjat48v-0n-pzHQN2sCA3NF2KAYbpG2AJFKUIKxJhUL1c0EuNQWuwPLPII5mnaNsYHo-c81yxTk7l2hR14mHe6im4EaDTRfBHnEynBXORwt4FHY6EMsml3/s1500/FragrantTempleOfferings_e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1500" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKd388b3uO5JR70efwQ4PTlGjat48v-0n-pzHQN2sCA3NF2KAYbpG2AJFKUIKxJhUL1c0EuNQWuwPLPII5mnaNsYHo-c81yxTk7l2hR14mHe6im4EaDTRfBHnEynBXORwt4FHY6EMsml3/w400-h318/FragrantTempleOfferings_e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The SCENTS of EGYPT WORKSHOP SERIES is a comprehensive certificate program, taking place over seven weeks via LIVE* Zoom sessions with Egyptologist Dora Goldsmith.</div><div><br /></div><div>Each class in this workshop series offers three hours, including live instruction with handouts and a dedicated hour for Q&A.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aromatherapy practitioners receive: 3 NAHA CE credits per class.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHcDeqyRiZiiXjDXTRkhiis2xQeFW2TImSr8cFJ3hCQvqp1sR__B5zGOeO92FUGI-b2uBtMAjrJuLYIJXyS2WEXd6_d0eRUZhiRdCKmii-YT9EBbkAv8_KW3vfVfHtio6sF3Ytpt2wSgQ/s1500/TheBlueEgyptianWaterLily_TheTempleOfFlora_e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1500" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHcDeqyRiZiiXjDXTRkhiis2xQeFW2TImSr8cFJ3hCQvqp1sR__B5zGOeO92FUGI-b2uBtMAjrJuLYIJXyS2WEXd6_d0eRUZhiRdCKmii-YT9EBbkAv8_KW3vfVfHtio6sF3Ytpt2wSgQ/w400-h318/TheBlueEgyptianWaterLily_TheTempleOfFlora_e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Join us for individual classes or the entire series</div><div><br /></div><div>Kyphi</div><div>Unguent Cones</div><div>Temple Smells</div><div>Garden Scents</div><div>Scents of Lovemaking</div><div>Scents of Mummification & the Afterlife</div><div>Hknw, Meaning JOY</div><div><br /></div><div>BONUS Class: June 6th, 2021: Smellscapes</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7FSCOAbx2DyOybCV5wjoD6f22EasA3H-MoFqLWALZazQOad2P5ZnMlZiRlqUO-2HgsuG1MjiWkpK8HO-cARrUE9avWC0z4R6fmOHxbXbFExJs5dEFh9fMbd0gIAAL7wcQPsrrCLn7erL/s1500/TheHypostyleHall_D.Roberts_e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1500" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7FSCOAbx2DyOybCV5wjoD6f22EasA3H-MoFqLWALZazQOad2P5ZnMlZiRlqUO-2HgsuG1MjiWkpK8HO-cARrUE9avWC0z4R6fmOHxbXbFExJs5dEFh9fMbd0gIAAL7wcQPsrrCLn7erL/w400-h318/TheHypostyleHall_D.Roberts_e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Still not sure is this is for you?</div><div><br /></div><div>Join us for this FREE* class on</div><div>June 6th, 2021</div><div><br /></div><div>SMELLSCAPES</div><div><br /></div><div>In this two-hour lecture, we will go on a smellwalk in an ancient Egyptian city to uncover hidden realities unexperienced and unimagined.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>*Use coupon code: smellwalk06</div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASWhwoBIWe_QsOCrSINmdzfIPRjtSCZDl1oRbjf2a4m4ceFxnHLYCcutbXz_UHf8WqkaowGT1GOoZrXMA7uMIBD_GotpdV8AYcnurBXDulAdnXuofGcjRuDMPf2rMUx4XG63SX-8gbIUw/s1314/Dora+translating+texts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1314" data-original-width="1314" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASWhwoBIWe_QsOCrSINmdzfIPRjtSCZDl1oRbjf2a4m4ceFxnHLYCcutbXz_UHf8WqkaowGT1GOoZrXMA7uMIBD_GotpdV8AYcnurBXDulAdnXuofGcjRuDMPf2rMUx4XG63SX-8gbIUw/w400-h400/Dora+translating+texts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>OUR INSTRUCTOR: DORA GOLDSMITH</div><div><br /></div><div>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).</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXN4hgPJBIjjfFknhNLWOISGin67vWUGHXOKKFM0LHDJh5u4WenmxfcSwEAv0mpP7Xz5LQktODXLXlrs3dBXcT6j_erf4D8w724zudZ8FBmOPzzKZo_CYzqeKqiKPPC1-9uO-8PSPZ8ds/s1489/Hknw+Kit_e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1489" data-original-width="1191" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXN4hgPJBIjjfFknhNLWOISGin67vWUGHXOKKFM0LHDJh5u4WenmxfcSwEAv0mpP7Xz5LQktODXLXlrs3dBXcT6j_erf4D8w724zudZ8FBmOPzzKZo_CYzqeKqiKPPC1-9uO-8PSPZ8ds/w320-h400/Hknw+Kit_e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️</div><div>Ancient Egypt Lives Again!</div><div><br /></div><div>"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!"</div><div><br /></div><div>~ Kevin on April 25, 2021</div>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-84228298690307300472021-01-12T23:42:00.004-07:002021-01-12T23:44:23.395-07:00The Dark is Rising<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCUQQzkERxigLkaf7emZDjma3FSOYVaotbMVStu_1JgxWsRB9aHvw8CZLjKEooA9sxlAUl1wBhOFUeCOi16u_IY4m6ZT740a2xNSm1lU4lQ4u_ASGTci8XJmlwg3txYum853Dd5t0Kn4T/s1778/DarkWoodsPhotos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1778" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCUQQzkERxigLkaf7emZDjma3FSOYVaotbMVStu_1JgxWsRB9aHvw8CZLjKEooA9sxlAUl1wBhOFUeCOi16u_IY4m6ZT740a2xNSm1lU4lQ4u_ASGTci8XJmlwg3txYum853Dd5t0Kn4T/w640-h360/DarkWoodsPhotos.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I re-listened to the Dark is Rising, one of the novels in Susan Cooper's series from the 1970’s. The story feels so familiar with the current timeline we've been living. I also recognize that the dark has reared its head many times through existence on this earthy plane.</p><p>Here's a quote from Susan Cooper that I found on her website: thelostland.com</p><p></p><blockquote>"There were two things about that childhood that helped to turn me into a writer of fantasy. Since we weren’t allowed out after dark (every house in England was blacked out at night, to be invisible to the bombers) and there was no television, I read everything I could find, from fairy stories to Dickens. And since every air-raid was a reminder that an enemy was trying to kill us, I developed a very strong sense of us and them, good and evil, the Light and the Dark."</blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">🌚🌝</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMqnrJJ4E2NTYQk2ZDpP36UuSdMAwreRJUIeOFZQt7zLBCf3umYcY29Mx0-uqxkj7qFKMkOj8dFtAM7nxlyUcTZ0KTeLrBDAMitvciTnNcYl2sKCUcgcc0bjjwP-hIQboprF7_NbcXMcc/s1513/Cernunnos2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1513" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMqnrJJ4E2NTYQk2ZDpP36UuSdMAwreRJUIeOFZQt7zLBCf3umYcY29Mx0-uqxkj7qFKMkOj8dFtAM7nxlyUcTZ0KTeLrBDAMitvciTnNcYl2sKCUcgcc0bjjwP-hIQboprF7_NbcXMcc/w640-h424/Cernunnos2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>I've been contemplating the origins of the Twelfth Night with elder legends of the Wild Hunt. There is Odin, the horned God Cernunnos and his more modern archetype Herne the Hunter from Shakespeare.</p><p>From the matriarchy we have Holda, a complex archetype, often called the White Lady because of her white hair. She is the wise crone, who can embody the triple Goddess similar to Hecates. Holda, also called Holde, is a sky goddess who rides the wind, and a female leader of the Wild Hunt.</p><p style="text-align: center;">🦌🦌🦌</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8MjO8kISS6_fDJgdxmpCLZw63UCudYp8cbLz5vTbj1mNfmwGT5BLslWl0yKKEzNjg-mzRs80biZLwPeJd9nn68xxowSRt_tRzAPAPmS7_gf6D9fQam-PY4AonDFCkT9043A5cq26msuh/s1227/Cerunnos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1227" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8MjO8kISS6_fDJgdxmpCLZw63UCudYp8cbLz5vTbj1mNfmwGT5BLslWl0yKKEzNjg-mzRs80biZLwPeJd9nn68xxowSRt_tRzAPAPmS7_gf6D9fQam-PY4AonDFCkT9043A5cq26msuh/w640-h510/Cerunnos.jpg" title="Cernunnos" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The symbolism of horns often represents that primal, raw power of nature, often referenced as the uncontrollable wild magic of nature.</p><p>In Coopers book Greenwitch, the "Wild Magic is equal in strength to both the Dark and the Light, but that it stands apart and is unaffected by either.”</p><p>This evening of the Twelfth Night represents the time of the wild hunt, we can use this energetic imprint to go deep within, access our shadow self, lurking at the fringes of our unconscious and releasing those demons out into the dark night.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShOUyTNTQOIK8dNeNJBSCaTDX4Qd1Sgy8X_4ug0A5sfEhkeglKUixrVPzB4V1aCY2WPawWi3p0GxoC6r_1_V8SeFjl3GF7jYtZyFcTzbMQrYfkphGFevVGfB-4ZzQuPg3vVNzjz0pntVK/s550/Figure1NoirSQ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="550" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShOUyTNTQOIK8dNeNJBSCaTDX4Qd1Sgy8X_4ug0A5sfEhkeglKUixrVPzB4V1aCY2WPawWi3p0GxoC6r_1_V8SeFjl3GF7jYtZyFcTzbMQrYfkphGFevVGfB-4ZzQuPg3vVNzjz0pntVK/w640-h410/Figure1NoirSQ.jpg" title="Figure 1: Noir Natural Perfume" width="640" /></a></div><p>A few associated perfumes for anointing: Q for the power of the Oak, where Herne is said to reside, Figure 1: Noir, Figure 5: Bois, La Dame Blanche and Terrestre.</p><p>In related news, GreenWitch will be back shortly.</p>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-63069495176059210462021-01-09T23:23:00.007-07:002021-07-05T21:34:46.367-07:00Amanita muscaria inspired perfume<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1T7Fag1_wRRDbllV2g1C-WV4wuAYunhHmPKt6VPIj4UGtbIXCn0eNT4jVlXDh4GVrMoyPTE3G3F-bXORK5sf7H4xHlXn3r0LhVUuxdJd23DkxBNtkZImuN_P-Zub8SLD_OejaNwm-r0s/s1000/Fly_agaric_SQt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1T7Fag1_wRRDbllV2g1C-WV4wuAYunhHmPKt6VPIj4UGtbIXCn0eNT4jVlXDh4GVrMoyPTE3G3F-bXORK5sf7H4xHlXn3r0LhVUuxdJd23DkxBNtkZImuN_P-Zub8SLD_OejaNwm-r0s/w640-h640/Fly_agaric_SQt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>After listening to a very magical story about the relationship between the Amanita muscaria mushroom, reindeer and Santa Claus by Paul Stamets I decided to make a Mushroom perfume.</p><p>In plant fragrance making we use a mushroom absolute, sometimes referred to as Cepes (<i>Boletus Edulis</i>), that provides a wonderful earthy, base note. This is one of my personal favorite materials to work with, a tiny amount adds depth and a mossy, dirty, vegetative quality to chords and perfumes.</p><p>The absolute is obtained by the solvent extraction of the Boletus edulis, a mushroom which is most often found growing under conifers, like the Amanita muscaria.</p><p>I have started working on a perfume which features Boletus edulis extract but also weaves in some of the magical aspects of the Amanita muscaria for the main story.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8uTNw9IBxoN4VO6XptWl7kxjE-X0qw2ySQuGbnIc8YINveeM_zADROdYaok6PI4LGAV3nnfuqXMNAFPGozR7pDZ7OG1b3JfXNbCbZsCE8ND558dCRfr5a5xUIJo4puxvxP-Lba2Rq_Jg/s1000/Mushroom_2t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1000" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8uTNw9IBxoN4VO6XptWl7kxjE-X0qw2ySQuGbnIc8YINveeM_zADROdYaok6PI4LGAV3nnfuqXMNAFPGozR7pDZ7OG1b3JfXNbCbZsCE8ND558dCRfr5a5xUIJo4puxvxP-Lba2Rq_Jg/w400-h280/Mushroom_2t.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I highly recommend watch the Paul Stamets video below</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" center="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r0-KqjdRkkg" text-align:="" width="640"></iframe><div p=""><div><br /></div><div><p><br /></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4a7HEBVj-Dg8WRSJZgquAFyOEaKdyzgVhZJfTzYI6sg3pXJusJvxvaR5jVEuXqr1qWkGeaiaLmrqcpynqSeBgJkmpTon_1b7TTxNP6q3Jux5_UPP_ERn-zvjDPSB_cGoZe0U6x6SNUT0B/s1133/MushroomEngraving.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4a7HEBVj-Dg8WRSJZgquAFyOEaKdyzgVhZJfTzYI6sg3pXJusJvxvaR5jVEuXqr1qWkGeaiaLmrqcpynqSeBgJkmpTon_1b7TTxNP6q3Jux5_UPP_ERn-zvjDPSB_cGoZe0U6x6SNUT0B/w318-h400/MushroomEngraving.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>When the perfume formerly debuts I will donate a portion of the profits to <a href="https://fantasticfungi.com/" target="_blank">Fantastic Fungi</a></p><p>Thank you in advance for your participation and sharing the love & magic!!</p>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-79625142836731207242020-10-31T17:01:00.000-07:002020-10-31T17:01:42.743-07:00At the Cross Roads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1q9pC4TOwfsnVq7LCSL0xMJ72BMJVWXAW6aViDt54wtw95w3Kp59Cra04tIYKv8AKiHT2HqxgpzDtXCPF9tFjEVgYAS4PoUKSvWaaAHIsMAM_uy2GJW7n4oS4EXVxqVNKAgpOjxeKKfy8/s940/Circle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="824" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1q9pC4TOwfsnVq7LCSL0xMJ72BMJVWXAW6aViDt54wtw95w3Kp59Cra04tIYKv8AKiHT2HqxgpzDtXCPF9tFjEVgYAS4PoUKSvWaaAHIsMAM_uy2GJW7n4oS4EXVxqVNKAgpOjxeKKfy8/w562-h640/Circle.png" width="562" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Around the circle we go, with the shift from light to dark becoming more apparent. The spiral has led us to the footsteps of the fire festival of Samhain, which has many other names such as All Hallows Eve, All Souls Night, Halloween, etc.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqj2U5eW7gi2gkPTzkm1DxdvFxH-skWVLtFMfycQfFLc-N8uxI4naVcixQFkPjN-TJfEvbSt5EnJ0j5DbPHhrhDgXfWKAcwNuyOCs78wlA92VPYnX6o-UFGC29Cx81eH2XapJZWPb4czQ/s864/commutatio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="550" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqj2U5eW7gi2gkPTzkm1DxdvFxH-skWVLtFMfycQfFLc-N8uxI4naVcixQFkPjN-TJfEvbSt5EnJ0j5DbPHhrhDgXfWKAcwNuyOCs78wlA92VPYnX6o-UFGC29Cx81eH2XapJZWPb4czQ/w408-h640/commutatio.jpg" width="408" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Samhain reminds us that the cycle of life includes death and decay, an aspect that western humans have a challenging time accepting, unlike other cultures. The Egyptian Book of the Dead and The Tibetan Book of the Dead come to mind. The later being an ancient Buddhist text based on a large corpus of writings titled The Bardo Thodol. The popularized version here in the west was written by Dr. Walter Y. Evans-Wentz and first published in 1927 by Oxford University Press.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the alchemical tradition, we observe nature as a mirror of our self. As the landscape colors shift, the flowering cycle ends and leaves fall off trees, these individual elements shift. In their decay they have a vibrant afterlife, nourishing fungi, animals and becoming part of the collective mulch, all part of the gears in the fabric of life. Somehow, more than ever, humans are gripping, with bloody fingers, to a one dimensional timeline of living. Obviously, with the onset of the Anthropocene, we are at a significant crossroads with an end of life scenario looming out on the visible horizon, at least according to one timeline.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNNfIE67yaz2O0kVgMhLc6pv64O97LJlLAJKVm8FQ2V4RKSKPpi3SEvUqdC-SFuUVTnWSrJ_VOidbHh4lO_fu0pHhRpWd-6MZdYEgeKjwuGz98wW1i6-0TxjSgFoNRJEnpadVtuahr9CU/s803/waterhouse_the_magic_circle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNNfIE67yaz2O0kVgMhLc6pv64O97LJlLAJKVm8FQ2V4RKSKPpi3SEvUqdC-SFuUVTnWSrJ_VOidbHh4lO_fu0pHhRpWd-6MZdYEgeKjwuGz98wW1i6-0TxjSgFoNRJEnpadVtuahr9CU/w430-h640/waterhouse_the_magic_circle.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The holiday also brings with it a myriad of other traditions like the honoring of ancestors, embracing our shadow elements and a host of archetypes, including my favorite -> the witch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Generally I get a little triggered by the one dimensional, incomplete manner which she is portrayed this time of year. Luckily we have wise women like Caroline Myss and Clarissa Pinkola Estes who have provided us with a much richer and dynamic perspective on her as the crone in the triple aspect of the Goddess.</div><div><br /></div><div>We honor her at this crossroads, where she guards the gate between the worlds during this time, when the veils at their thinnest. Be mindful if you encounter her, she is wise and powerful, often challenging us to encourage our own growth and awareness.
May we humans bear witness to the shadow realm, honor our ancestors and embrace the cyclical journey of life, including the recognition that death and decay are part of the whole.</div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1n7wVfE2aiJZLcG4j21Dp2W22X4UtfDmrJORhqUDsUk5UmC0_eINcSTtxAE2z0CR5ajnj584A2rufyPgpEiZhyNHQTewkaHoGvd3MUaYTvj5aNj1Wi7LEUpNQjH8WKaaRJWKzj_e8yNpj/s1013/SilverMoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1013" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1n7wVfE2aiJZLcG4j21Dp2W22X4UtfDmrJORhqUDsUk5UmC0_eINcSTtxAE2z0CR5ajnj584A2rufyPgpEiZhyNHQTewkaHoGvd3MUaYTvj5aNj1Wi7LEUpNQjH8WKaaRJWKzj_e8yNpj/w640-h640/SilverMoon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>FRAGRANCE</h3></div><div>Several scents come to mind for this holiday, such as the warmth of Aumbre, providing an internal glow, like a candle as we move through the shadowy realm. There is also the power girls, like Vespertina, GreenWitch and La Dame Blanche, which all have an affinity and legacy with Samhain.
I've decided to anoint with La Dame Blanche for this auspicious time, because it has a watery element relating to both the full moon, titled the Blue Moon and Samhain.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZki0tQfOJe_w3q0AS8NdGVwRTiiZXqf6Hf9Mkrshne0e0m7uebS2i6KCMgVhyJGGrqPW1WKJ96nvCi-kCr7K-fN0WQHcsMHSiGCyGnihEeynooUNaoQBuOf520IfB0eW1qw-yX38i4XeO/s640/LaDame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZki0tQfOJe_w3q0AS8NdGVwRTiiZXqf6Hf9Mkrshne0e0m7uebS2i6KCMgVhyJGGrqPW1WKJ96nvCi-kCr7K-fN0WQHcsMHSiGCyGnihEeynooUNaoQBuOf520IfB0eW1qw-yX38i4XeO/w640-h640/LaDame.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>This fragrance was created in 2014 and launched on this day, which you <a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2014/10/samhain-and-la-dame-blanche.html" target="_blank">can read here</a>. It was the brainchild of perfume blogger Beth Schreibman Gehring who requested a fragrance relating to the Book series Outland. Ultimately the perfume became about the protagonist, Claire, who takes on the name La Dame Blanche within the series.</div><div><br /></div><div>La Dame Blanche as a fragrance is a heart centered, blossoming floral. The perfume features rose partnered with wood in the heart, a touch of smokey incense and an effervescent golden mist.
The fragrance acts as a romantic balm of pleasure blooming with a floral hum and the steadfastness of a woodland stag.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Images:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Commutatio by @GregSpalenka</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Magic Circle by William Waterhouse</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">La Dame Blanche Illumination by @GregSpalenka</span></div>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-39570729055512197422020-10-05T16:47:00.003-07:002020-10-05T21:54:40.850-07:00The Perfumery in Santa Fe, New Mexico<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVl1mIjdvp-7yxypWjjMSW2dgTwJqV_u5hW9NHog1nKYZEHfiDcNvn11FoIwiF_7Yrk7eTvbbCxPJTH0v3vEcIwG8eh8l5bBWdDRwpZnIxwyiRem5wlLYF4q8GszyHoDifT-AM4OUQVHA/s1500/Illuminated+Perfume+08SQt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVl1mIjdvp-7yxypWjjMSW2dgTwJqV_u5hW9NHog1nKYZEHfiDcNvn11FoIwiF_7Yrk7eTvbbCxPJTH0v3vEcIwG8eh8l5bBWdDRwpZnIxwyiRem5wlLYF4q8GszyHoDifT-AM4OUQVHA/w640-h640/Illuminated+Perfume+08SQt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The Perfumery in Santa Fe, New Mexico is one part apothecary, (referencing my great grandfathers homeopathic farmacy) one part alchemical lab (where I distill and transform plant matter into golden elixirs), one part naturalist/artist studio, one part wizardress/priestess, and one part stylist.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2d_-9pyTSpXn64dfAVCUKJmoPXLckw12OVaSzU5aHJjNrhUv8fqX7USUqnnODgu5sZHPdiXk18aPwqknJXCdvokh2NabpWPe11CJs4rw3sGkWpC3Ihmn2pfXL1Gqxu4aMFqwoVP-xmXz/s1650/RIP_4506t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1100" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2d_-9pyTSpXn64dfAVCUKJmoPXLckw12OVaSzU5aHJjNrhUv8fqX7USUqnnODgu5sZHPdiXk18aPwqknJXCdvokh2NabpWPe11CJs4rw3sGkWpC3Ihmn2pfXL1Gqxu4aMFqwoVP-xmXz/w426-h640/RIP_4506t.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p></p><p>All these parts are all the aspects of a modern day perfumer and myself as a multidisciplinary artist. If you have not yet watched the video interview with Ron, of our local art supply store here in Santa Fe called Artisan, then follow <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ_tAtmm6ts" target="_blank">this link to the YouTube video</a> or the embedded video at the end, from when he came by the visit. The entire video is just under thirty minutes long, thus set aside the time and enjoy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaFRGUQjqxfmog2u5HZyNry72uSpI2SMZpeypue_nrV6Oc006EP8D-IQtG5Q-0E4CGg4vSsLP7sUvHDlNGkHrzeXM7Ud271BFO21EYzQNd8mWhJvTJsdduUK9ytRow-fadoekHgaYFkDe/s1500/2014RIPt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaFRGUQjqxfmog2u5HZyNry72uSpI2SMZpeypue_nrV6Oc006EP8D-IQtG5Q-0E4CGg4vSsLP7sUvHDlNGkHrzeXM7Ud271BFO21EYzQNd8mWhJvTJsdduUK9ytRow-fadoekHgaYFkDe/w640-h640/2014RIPt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The first out of the home perfumery, above, was located in Agoura Hills, California, just a short drive to Malibu. In mid-March of 2014 I came upon the location while celebrating Greg's birthday, and rather auspiciously the Universe aligned and the glorious space manifested into a work / showroom / teaching space.</p><p>I was there for about three years and would have stayed if it weren't for the shared ventilation system which caused synthetic aroma molecules to drift into the perfumery from the other units as well as a challenge with having any control as to the temperature of my space. Regrettably the landlord was not interested in working with me and thus I left, setting in motion the move to Santa Fe, New Mexico.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWFzpNWS4i7Dd0qbkw_VI6vJW5_zQE5TSEaaIm0yaKlaHxs3Z1m2EMv1ymvu4JHirvt76WURXdMfu9KyGf3srEvt_fyu-kgDcRrunGHRi2qTlAK1ksL7_rtppXxGKL5rxRUH0RBbOL-BS/s1200/RIP_6911t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWFzpNWS4i7Dd0qbkw_VI6vJW5_zQE5TSEaaIm0yaKlaHxs3Z1m2EMv1ymvu4JHirvt76WURXdMfu9KyGf3srEvt_fyu-kgDcRrunGHRi2qTlAK1ksL7_rtppXxGKL5rxRUH0RBbOL-BS/w426-h640/RIP_6911t.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><p>The current perfumery is located in the mid town area of Santa Fe, New Mexico within a hidden complex called Lena Street Lofts with the anchor business being the original Iconik Coffee, with their roaster situated amidst tables & couches. Iconik happens to be in building A, the same as the perfumery, albeit they are at one end and I am at the other in unit A6.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GTe8PB8s-9a3bX9SeHxaLxboDPI3L3euy4afUtSfdG0OxYPq_Yo0GMs55uHLWKhir9SZ9pLShOYGK9YRevBXnOQG52EHoQdzCPgjSWdcVoquqSd1ftU-2Rp499hTZMGlA3tVkQHRxORR/s1660/RIP_case_5883t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1660" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GTe8PB8s-9a3bX9SeHxaLxboDPI3L3euy4afUtSfdG0OxYPq_Yo0GMs55uHLWKhir9SZ9pLShOYGK9YRevBXnOQG52EHoQdzCPgjSWdcVoquqSd1ftU-2Rp499hTZMGlA3tVkQHRxORR/w640-h424/RIP_case_5883t.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Although I wanted to be in downtown Santa Fe or along Canyon Road, at the time no affordable or acceptable spaces were available. I was also told that mid-town would be a better location so that people, especially locals, could park easily. I still yearn for a spot in one of those two locations due to the vibe and visibility. It may still happen one day, while keeping the current space more for larger classes and product making.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXn2OzrAj9gvNeUVyXBJXGe-8dTALkt9NxHFw5IUzhdrw_5j3wQbKAPpSxx51IU09UkM0XB7pCvMeX9LIb55HZb7oqU6_tRyB3EoPVbhSVVlTL0P17XZWGJHu9mOKWB9bTnjKxqvzncDKw/s900/LaFarmacia4e.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXn2OzrAj9gvNeUVyXBJXGe-8dTALkt9NxHFw5IUzhdrw_5j3wQbKAPpSxx51IU09UkM0XB7pCvMeX9LIb55HZb7oqU6_tRyB3EoPVbhSVVlTL0P17XZWGJHu9mOKWB9bTnjKxqvzncDKw/w640-h640/LaFarmacia4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I'm loving the connection and antique vibe of the perfumery with my great grandpa's homeopathic farmacy in Buenos Aires, Argentina called La Farmacia de la Estrella. Here are a few pictures above and below, so that you can get a flavor for it, there are more in the video linked above and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ_tAtmm6ts" target="_blank">here</a>, or at the end of this post.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrt5NuWZ9YGjxgX80x-_vNZahUmUFynXMp1z_bJjIHHwhXzyL0qAYjL2vm7X7KqI4vZ-bKtaSuy49lJEbhoU9xKCus2BcgUnhVRSPGmuE_2Z3YwNwSs6x3EhZkZQoznNWqkrTiCOq6URh/s1138/FarmaciaEstrella_t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="1138" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrt5NuWZ9YGjxgX80x-_vNZahUmUFynXMp1z_bJjIHHwhXzyL0qAYjL2vm7X7KqI4vZ-bKtaSuy49lJEbhoU9xKCus2BcgUnhVRSPGmuE_2Z3YwNwSs6x3EhZkZQoznNWqkrTiCOq6URh/w640-h640/FarmaciaEstrella_t.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtcGRQBE98-puRJz5JMdvZ14OUwxjWAPplPlJeAsnf4l2NcsroC7RCeJKWJcJkLF1UZQB_5kbI_H9RpMHMRwqbd_hzVxcJpZwq5WzyTVTIdC71rykaLftfQknJCL5UScS3wI1XUPBIfME/s880/Farmacia_de-_a_Estrella.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="588" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtcGRQBE98-puRJz5JMdvZ14OUwxjWAPplPlJeAsnf4l2NcsroC7RCeJKWJcJkLF1UZQB_5kbI_H9RpMHMRwqbd_hzVxcJpZwq5WzyTVTIdC71rykaLftfQknJCL5UScS3wI1XUPBIfME/w436-h640/Farmacia_de-_a_Estrella.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YQ_tAtmm6ts" width="560"></iframe></p>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-66283224848471496342020-10-01T23:35:00.000-07:002020-10-01T23:35:11.401-07:00A Perfumed Bestiary, I for Iridogorgia, Part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCh9BXBmcPyHcU-v92fRSkaVWAuAA_Cin6yLDTNhKE3wf-XeODs3ygzLIfj2s8g5mfMtZ-RILwFwJvPDOnFZVkzeqdYvdtjZuXKolqSrnHlhtrL6ZOuOpMqJ4dcKn-XtRggtMxyfkE55m/s1600/deep_sea_octocoral.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCh9BXBmcPyHcU-v92fRSkaVWAuAA_Cin6yLDTNhKE3wf-XeODs3ygzLIfj2s8g5mfMtZ-RILwFwJvPDOnFZVkzeqdYvdtjZuXKolqSrnHlhtrL6ZOuOpMqJ4dcKn-XtRggtMxyfkE55m/w640-h360/deep_sea_octocoral.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The letter I in the Perfumed Bestiary has us embark on a journey to the inky depths of the Pacific and Atlantic ocean for what appears to be fireworks frozen in time. Our creature is Iridogorgia, a "soft" coral referred to as an Octocorallia, or octocoral, which according to UC Berkeley is not a true coral, the main difference being that this deep water octocoral does not possess the symbiotic relationship with algae (zooxanthellae). Iridogorgia is a genus in the Cnidaria phylum containing over 11,000 species of aquatic animals.</div><div><br /></div><div>Octocorals have an eightfold radial symmetry. Each polyp has eight hollow tentacles fringed with little branches called pinnules, which distinguishes them hard corals.</div><div><br /></div><div>The strange name, Iridogorgia, is derived from the Greek iridos or iris. For us, the word iris is most often related to are the flower or colorful parts of the eye. For the Greeks the word meant "rainbow". The second part of the name, gorgia, is Latin for splendid or showy.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UUMoStgPYA8" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Like the coral reefs, these beautiful DNA-like structures are being destroyed at an alarming pace due to human activities such as overfishing, pollution, climate change and invasive species.</div><div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">IRIDOGORGIA as an ANIMAL TOTEM</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Iridogorgia shares similar themes with the perfume in this series titled C for Coral such as living in fluidity and a symbiotic relationship with others in your shared community. These slow moving, spiraling skeletons show us how to anchor ourselves and move in a naturally spiraling round and round in an upward movement from the deep, dark ocean floor.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As a water element being, Iridogorgia embodies a beautiful geometrical structure which is fluid, even when the currents change direction. Allow yourself to be loose, to flow in the constantly changing stream of Universal flow. Find a firm place to anchor yourself in, despite of the dark watery depths, and radiate out your magnificence, whirling, twirly, as lite as a feather, slow and steady.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of the questions that Iridogogia may be asking you are:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Are you anchored, happy and content? If not, is there any fear behind your resistance to change? Remember elemental water supports us to be fluid, allow this embryotic environment to face your fear, heal and move forward slowly, with grace and awareness</div><div><br /></div><div>Iridogorgia move slowly in a graceful manner. Are you rushing through your life? Do you allow the crazy turbulent waters of life to sway and push you along with know anchor? Moving in flow with awareness while remaining open and anchored is the path that is being suggested to you at this time. </div><div><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Crystals associated with the medicine of the Iridogorgia:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Chiastolite </div><div style="text-align: left;">Amazonite </div><div style="text-align: left;">Tangerine Quartz </div><div style="text-align: left;">Snowflake Obsidian </div><div style="text-align: left;">Hematite</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Letter I for Iridogorgia, Part 2 will be linked here shortly</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: left;">Images:</div><div style="text-align: left;">NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span><div style="text-align: left;">References</div></span><span><div style="text-align: left;"><span>1</span> Ocean Service, NOAA</div></span><span><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span>2 </span></span><span>RealMonstrosities</span></div></span><span><div style="text-align: left;"><span>3</span><span> UC Berkeley</span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>4</span><span> </span>Ocean Explorer, NOAA</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">5 WORMS, Marine Species</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6 Cambridge, Journal of the marine biological association of the United Kingdom</span></div><div><br /></div></div>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-37801500465030980472020-08-19T23:39:00.297-07:002020-08-24T23:37:02.654-07:00New Mexico Adventure: Las Conchas Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5i7fGNUGzuHTZ5AOkVcdSnmpT0WN4UfqBSL8v_a-sH3R2CBBTfiorT0O2EJYudtFmgF6ocDXnVw3soTfWvmOMAkkF0tK_TIafb0FGZV1JFM2zyc5472kzaDE8Uk7lmTip7wHWe7dlizew/s1143/LasConchas_7571t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5i7fGNUGzuHTZ5AOkVcdSnmpT0WN4UfqBSL8v_a-sH3R2CBBTfiorT0O2EJYudtFmgF6ocDXnVw3soTfWvmOMAkkF0tK_TIafb0FGZV1JFM2zyc5472kzaDE8Uk7lmTip7wHWe7dlizew/s640/LasConchas_7571t.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>On Monday, August 17th, we decided to head toward the Jemez Mountains and River to get some forest bathing in from a different area than our usual fifteen minute drive up to our local woods. Since we had not been to the area, and most of the lodging sites that met our criteria were booked, we deemed the trip would be more of an "exploratory mission" for a grander, future adventure.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Los Alamos</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTV64E-Cz21rpnJ7QrwT2flVUnE3Xdbqp7-JbDNM7zliaTB8BcadkRRuqhBEbfhLHY_WbNqyogDUV9Alq-8H2asZjZCpTOJBMuM9M1khUWtLRi_mDS2Ei7yu3cQl6r4mjPkOYxhhzYApjH/s1500/TowardLosAlamos_5119t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTV64E-Cz21rpnJ7QrwT2flVUnE3Xdbqp7-JbDNM7zliaTB8BcadkRRuqhBEbfhLHY_WbNqyogDUV9Alq-8H2asZjZCpTOJBMuM9M1khUWtLRi_mDS2Ei7yu3cQl6r4mjPkOYxhhzYApjH/s640/TowardLosAlamos_5119t.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnJDh0yyiVbJk8qz4tTibgtdTj78G3CkOpMDhWe-torI3AgLh5bl3QtIO82-LuO7vOxXL3JOyydyrQm_xj61od8rnupSB_HMg2Cdf8wKjuhAW6Mi6rSbLfbP_imvWOsBwsMmKtrQ3_RDM/s1100/Macaroons_5123b_t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1100" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnJDh0yyiVbJk8qz4tTibgtdTj78G3CkOpMDhWe-torI3AgLh5bl3QtIO82-LuO7vOxXL3JOyydyrQm_xj61od8rnupSB_HMg2Cdf8wKjuhAW6Mi6rSbLfbP_imvWOsBwsMmKtrQ3_RDM/s640/Macaroons_5123b_t.jpg" /></a></div><p>From Santa Fe we headed North for 35 miles, up winding roads toward the town of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Alamos_National_Laboratory" target="_blank">Los Alamos</a> where we stopped at the French cafe Fleur de Lys to grab a few items for a picnic in the forest. I find the city of Los Alamos slightly creepy, mostly due to its history with creating <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan_Project" target="_blank">nuclear weapons</a> and the Manhattan Project where the government recruited scientists to live as virtual prisoners during the infamous Manhattan project. There is a quiet, unsettling energetic quality in the Los Alamos area, reminiscent of The Hawkins National Laboratory from the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIJDHYVEvbE" target="_blank">Stranger Things</a> TV series or perhaps a better example is the high-security facility in Guillermo de Toro's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAWmwdNLb7s" target="_blank">The Shape of Water</a>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxTg10Gbd8o1UK8uwHuxm_tDUved44mMDVF21Etvhufme6HchVXjpsAs05x313q3zNDne0dIFKTW60poTMSDRuWiDWQ_KkvguKGtT5i6ul0kUPh0mvO3qUbkaxbIE-UUvcNrAwPSMHfvM/s1277/LasConchasForest_7531t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxTg10Gbd8o1UK8uwHuxm_tDUved44mMDVF21Etvhufme6HchVXjpsAs05x313q3zNDne0dIFKTW60poTMSDRuWiDWQ_KkvguKGtT5i6ul0kUPh0mvO3qUbkaxbIE-UUvcNrAwPSMHfvM/s640/LasConchasForest_7531t.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>As we drove through the town, past Oppenheimer Drive, (named after Julius Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist credited with being the "father of the atomic bomb") that uneasy feeling continued, exasperated by the charred trees viewed topping the mountain above the city. The skeletal trees sticking up out of the landscape like matches were due to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Conchas_Fire" target="_blank">Las Conchas Fire</a> of 2011, that burned over 150,000 acres. Both Greg and I felt emotionally impacted by the sight of the devastation. Little did we know that a fire had started in the Rio En Medio area of the Santa Fe National Forest. Perhaps on an unconscious level we were picking up on it.</p><p>Luckily the forest that burned in the Las Conchas wildfire is slowly coming back, evident by the scrub oaks and aspens. I asked a Forest ranger about this and she confirmed my suspicion explaining that <i>pioneer trees </i>appear first. The scrub oak is one such tree, arriving on the scene early, as a slow-growing tree that are unpalatable to livestock and thus able to mature at significantly reduced sizes in arid, nutrient-poor soils, under harsh conditions. Other common pioneer tree species include red cedar, alder, black locust, most pines and larches, yellow poplar and aspen. <span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span></p><p>As the scrub oaks become dominant, their crowns form a thick canopy laying down a layer of leaves to produce mulch and, eventually, soil. By the time they have matured (which can take 40 years or more), the oaks have produced a layer of relatively rich, crumbly topsoil under a mulch of forest litter. With continuous cover, the forest soil will now be shaded and cool, and humidity within the environment is increased providing hospitable conditions for the taller trees to move in. They could not have survived in the harsher environment which the scrub trees prefer. But thanks to the enhanced soil and air created by the scrub forest, the taller trees are soon thriving. They’ll eventually shade out the older, shorter, slower-growing scrub. Once that occurs, then a “climax” forest has begun to form. At this point, the woodland is returning to a steady state of relative stability, and is on its way to becoming a mature forest once again. <span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span></p><p>This is reminding me of the slow moving Ents from Lord of the Rings, and how human time is completely different from the great cycles of nature and trees.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Valles Caldera</h3><p>Continuing on our journey along Highway 4, we descended down into the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/vall/index.htm" target="_blank">Valles Caldera National Reserve</a>, the site of "a spectacular volcanic eruption created the 13-mile wide circular depression now known as the Valles Caldera"<span style="font-size: x-small;">3</span> over 1.25 million years ago.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFvBMPCbV5uDjJFw9mtZEAzEqUnAcmz7J7oPDefDWl4O1R55n_I8XP79copAKWYfNi5gWt_tyKqfzUJ6whyrhFiws2dccuuSTf_1A4TrbtO4Zr5yHt2Z4uyDefRi1bjyBQj3k3BwzP2SN/s1500/VallesGrande_7584t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFvBMPCbV5uDjJFw9mtZEAzEqUnAcmz7J7oPDefDWl4O1R55n_I8XP79copAKWYfNi5gWt_tyKqfzUJ6whyrhFiws2dccuuSTf_1A4TrbtO4Zr5yHt2Z4uyDefRi1bjyBQj3k3BwzP2SN/w800-h533/VallesGrande_7584t.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The beautiful view of the Valle Grande meadow contains what appears to be an island, Cerro Jara, rising out of the expanse of prairie. It was humbling knowing that we were standing on the site of major magma flow as recently as 50,000 years ago. For context, the incident which created this magnificent valley was formed by an eruption 500 times greater than that of Mt. St. Helens in May of 1980! Regrettably the photo above does not quite do the beauty and magnificence of the scene much justice.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Las Conchas</h3><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ywDsD_-xycXDgKYktjQNFTw6YQIXSLbv4fWdEIJ23-YKL5Fr_tsP4Etq0RyJoymGrllvuMz4mNEvyS2cSz-TorWJyAi-Ep3_QszCL1CKYF7vpZcG42jg6lNnwnR-zuzjFvble33O3P1W/s1500/LasConchas_7568t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ywDsD_-xycXDgKYktjQNFTw6YQIXSLbv4fWdEIJ23-YKL5Fr_tsP4Etq0RyJoymGrllvuMz4mNEvyS2cSz-TorWJyAi-Ep3_QszCL1CKYF7vpZcG42jg6lNnwnR-zuzjFvble33O3P1W/w800-h533/LasConchas_7568t.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p></p><p>Continuing along highway 4 we arrived at what we thought was going to be the first stop on our adventure, the <a href="https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/regions/southwestern/LasConchasTrail/index.shtml" target="_blank">Las Conchas Trail</a>, which is located along the East Fork of the Jemez River. We parked and headed in stopping along the path to have our picnic lunch and then continuing along the scenic trail.</p><p><br /><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><blockquote><blockquote><h4 style="text-align: left;">Concha</h4><p style="text-align: left;">Before moving forward with this tail, let's chat about the word concha for a moment, since I can almost hear my Argentine family and friends chuckling.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In terms of the people of New Mexico, what first comes to my mind is the indigenous, first people of tribes such as the Navaho and Zuñi, regrettably the Spanish Conquistadors, who arrived in the 16th century were the ones to put names to places, streets, etc. Thus, instead of having names that stem from the tribes, instead you have many Spanish words.</p><p style="text-align: left;">When a couple friends mentioned going to Las Conchas trail, I chuckled and thought of my mom, who would scream <i>"La concha de tu madre!"</i>, when she was angry. Concha in Argentina, where I am from, as well as other South American countries is an insult, it means vagina. The literal translation is "<i>Your mothers cunt!"</i> In some countries however concha means sea shell. Although the phrase "<i>La concha de tu madre!" </i>is used as a swear phrase in Argentina, it's not found to be offensive as the english equivalent "cunt." </p></blockquote></blockquote><span><!--more--></span><p> </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRwCGCl6aNUvwlYpOycmo9PpW7WI-jTm6nkQ7gQ-MRSlORjoRPga1bcV3KGEF8CVVSjVtizg-KTFJqZyKVULy6j16rz4Pc-gpMLTnBgJsGpU2Xzv8inNZpybhGxvTgWG9dQJFIuz8Vk7a/s1266/Rox_0104composite_SQt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="1266" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRwCGCl6aNUvwlYpOycmo9PpW7WI-jTm6nkQ7gQ-MRSlORjoRPga1bcV3KGEF8CVVSjVtizg-KTFJqZyKVULy6j16rz4Pc-gpMLTnBgJsGpU2Xzv8inNZpybhGxvTgWG9dQJFIuz8Vk7a/s640/Rox_0104composite_SQt.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On our way back to the car, we stopped for a little meditation and connection with the mighty Ponderosa trees, those tall, fragrant dwellers of our forest. Auspiciously my attire for the day matched the rock face in both color and texture.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />As I mentioned at the start of this tale, our plan was to head further into the area of the Jemez Mountains, specifically to find a soaking spot at one of the nearby outdoor hot springs, but we were too exhausted from an afternoon of sun, instead we headed back home to our casita in Santa Fe for hot baths in our porcelain tub with epsom salts and my essential oil tree blend.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photos & Words: ©RoxanaVilla</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1 & 2</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.frontlinewildfire.com/how-forest-recovers-wildfire/" style="font-size: small;">Frontline Wildfire</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">3</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Valles Caldera National Preserve website</span></div>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-64591857905754546842020-08-13T18:23:00.011-07:002020-08-13T19:43:31.955-07:00The Principal of Correspondence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYF6M3-mQhf_fLRYXJIzGeX-_Kcjq_7pkcNasvlpGopXCeQuS9w9zhtiAh3QdNKhZJI3ZVOu4yfP-ldJTRmt0Dk_bbCjF6-KlrdL3Vj8rS6FlG6PyhhTox5PvKDwU_2-kselqZ_nQ1TNEg/s1100/Datura%252BSky_7476SQt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1100" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYF6M3-mQhf_fLRYXJIzGeX-_Kcjq_7pkcNasvlpGopXCeQuS9w9zhtiAh3QdNKhZJI3ZVOu4yfP-ldJTRmt0Dk_bbCjF6-KlrdL3Vj8rS6FlG6PyhhTox5PvKDwU_2-kselqZ_nQ1TNEg/s640/Datura%252BSky_7476SQt.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">Yesterday, I left the perfumery a bit earlier than usual, arriving at the casita with enough time to fully experience and take some time breathing in the spectacular biome of Santa Fe at sunset. At first I was just standing in awe, looking out at the landscape and sky, then as the mind began to settle down, I closed my eyes and visualized roots streaming down from my feet into the red, rocky earth.</p><p></p><p>All of a sudden the wind kicked up, so I connected with the elemental and felt the clarifying, clearing vibes that the wind offers us. As I did so, I perceived the note of “petrichor” a rather earthy scent that rises from dry soil when the rain falls. Thus, I was reminded of nourishing elemental water which is so important here in the high desert. I opened my eyes, and in the distance, traveling quite quickly, fog and rain clouds were heading our way.</p><p>I then looked straight above me and noticed the last rays of the setting sun, elemental fire, were hitting the clouds as in the opening photo. Sun, as an example of elemental fire, creates life and relates to creativity, passion, the spark of life and intuition.</p><p>As I walked back to our casita, past the fragrant and gently swirling open of the daturas buzzing with the sounds of nectar hunting honey bees filled my being. It’s at that moment that I noticed how the colors of the sky, in that one sacred moment, mirrored the color of the datura flowers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobbmKyuF3m6Wsrb6g5dxNYEEz7ocXRevEB7A3PVbpTr-H4eB5nRveW9w5upAoSh3sW7szMqKmAojdTxGVIOD_uulO97REAHY9dfuYlK_rDmVDsOAjMXLdPoxmygYs6qIrUiA405-M4MM3/s1100/Datura_7385SQ_t.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1100" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobbmKyuF3m6Wsrb6g5dxNYEEz7ocXRevEB7A3PVbpTr-H4eB5nRveW9w5upAoSh3sW7szMqKmAojdTxGVIOD_uulO97REAHY9dfuYlK_rDmVDsOAjMXLdPoxmygYs6qIrUiA405-M4MM3/s640/Datura_7385SQ_t.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">⛰💨💧🔥</p>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>Auspiciously, or rather "correspondently", I have been re-visiting The Kybalion by Three Initiates, "a study of basic hermetic teachings that outline an ageless wisdom. In ancient times (and even today) these teachings were not understood by the lay person, but were readily understood by students, after the axioms and principles had been explained and exemplified by the Hermetic Initiates and Masters to their Neophytes. The Kybalion was originally written in the early 1900's and is now in the public domain. A priceless gem!"<span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span><div><br /></div><div>Just before arriving back at our casita I had listened to a brief outline of the Seven Hermetic Principals, the second being The Principal of Correspondence which "embodies the truth that there is always a Correspondence between the laws and phenomena of the various planes of Being and Life. The old Hermetic axiom ran in these words: "As above, so below; as below, so above." And the grasping of this Principle gives one the means of solving many a dark paradox, and hidden secret of Nature. There are planes beyond our knowing, but when we apply the Principle of Correspondence to them we are able to understand much that would otherwise be unknowable to us. This Principle is of universal application and manifestation, on the various planes of the material, mental, and spiritual universe — it is an Universal Law. The ancient Hermetists considered this Principle as one of the most important mental instruments by which man was able to pry aside the obstacles which hid from view the Unknown. Its use even tore aside the Veil of Isis to the extent that a glimpse of the face of the goddess might be caught. Just as a knowledge of the Principles of Geometry enables man to measure distant suns and their movements, while seated in his observatory, so a knowledge of the Principle of Correspondence enables Man to reason intelligently from the Known to the Unknown. Studying the monad, he understands the archangel." <span style="font-size: x-small;">2</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">1. & 2. </span>The Kybalion</div>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-25917715207001811832020-08-08T18:00:00.003-07:002020-08-08T19:41:22.352-07:00The Lions Gate<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uUV3ZZfqUWS2l4NlBUBc97y2j5acB8nuHOHTTncCRxlv3R-9LxvdGtVhY-_q6bO0VGnZzQQRVVdurGwYHmL6TjBjIgc87FxX-3YnlLiVo8S6C47_RVcBCJmClFbgxg8vQXgcI5ircISu/s1197/GregSpalenka_Narnia.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1197" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uUV3ZZfqUWS2l4NlBUBc97y2j5acB8nuHOHTTncCRxlv3R-9LxvdGtVhY-_q6bO0VGnZzQQRVVdurGwYHmL6TjBjIgc87FxX-3YnlLiVo8S6C47_RVcBCJmClFbgxg8vQXgcI5ircISu/w800-h479/GregSpalenka_Narnia.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p>Once again the Earth aligns with the planet Sirius opening The Lion’s Gate Portal so that we may receive a flood of cosmic activations. Although I had heard of this the last two years, it was in a <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/-ONXKLPZ8TtIWq-U60TZWJ8bJJ7cX6a81SMfq_QEmh7PwfM5odGNjCNbKFKB7OMa " target="_blank">teleconference call </a>with a local shaman here in Santa Fe, named Robin Coale that I was reminded of this special time.</p><p>Since arriving to the high desert I have noticed an opening in my intuitive and psychic abilities, this I have been listening more deeply and paying attention to patterns, or what Paulo Coelho in his book The Alchemist refers to as omens.</p><p>Thus on this eighth day of the eighth month, with this special portal open I thought I would share a special meditation that started presenting itself to me a few years ago and has finally coalesced. If you have time today and for the next week, I suggest listening to Robin's teleconference and take a moment to embrace the flood of cosmic energies.</p><p>Here is the meditation that came to me:</p><p>Find a peaceful place to sit quietly, ideally outdoors. As you ground your self into mother earth and become aware of the circulating air, warmth of the solar rays, and luminosity of the stars and lunar beams,</p><p>observe a vertical figure eight before you, the same height as your body. The image slowly begins to pulse with energy moving along the path of the form.</p><p>Consider how the top of the form mimics the bottom, “As above, so below, as within so without." The form now turns on its side, finding its central axis at the solar plexus and begins to spin around you, resembling a flower. The spinning geometric form eventually generates a light bubble all around you.</p><p>Standing within this loving sphere of light, perceive how vibrant threads descending from the cosmos flood into your body through the crown of your head, pausing to illuminate your pineal gland and then both recharging and rejuvenating your entire system. While this takes place breath in gratitude for being here on this planet during this very special time, as we “activate” our ascension codes and manifest our individual and collective dream.</p>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A1FJdAls0ko" width="560"></iframe></p><p>Above is a video Greg amended from when he did visual development for the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Narnia Film. He describes the symbolism like this:</p><p>On the 8th day of the 8th month, the Lions Gate opens. Metaphysically this is a powerful day for transformation and visualization. There is a scene I worked on for the "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" motion picture which encapsulates this concept.</p><p>One of the characters has been turned into a dragon through a greedy activity. He is in danger of being slain because no one knows that this is not his real form. After realizing his error he asks for forgiveness and Aslan, the sacred lion turns him back into his human form... with some intense dramatics.</p><p>This scene symbolically represents the dragon of our lower nature, and the power of transformation using right thoughts, and right actions.</p><p>The animatic shows our dragon/boy floating up from the ocean (his subconscious) as a sand bar pushes him above the water. When he opens his eyes (waking the portals of perception) he sees the sun rising which turns into Aslan standing on the water. Aslan roars and rushes the waking dragon (the wind of realization). He tears him open with his claws (removing the ego) and the transformation begins from lower nature to higher being. The changing consciousness is washed over by a huge wave (infinite love), setting in motion a rebirth.</p><p>Meditation and Visualization are tools that help us calm the mind and open the portals of perception.</p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Artwork by Greg Spalenka, concept design for The Voyage of the Dawn Treader film.</span></p><div><br /></div><p></p>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-86173753137558943272020-07-24T01:02:00.000-07:002020-07-28T14:32:10.419-07:00The alchemical trinity of Chaparral<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The perfume Chaparral is not a reference to the creosote bush, <i>Larrea tridentata</i>, which sometimes goes by many name chaparral, as well as greasewood and la gobernadora. I named the fragrance after the California biome distinguished by wet winters, hot summers and drought-tolerant shrub land. This biome is also found in the Mediterranean, South America, Australia and South Africa. The word chaparral comes from the Portuguese and Spanish word “chaparro" meaning evergreen oak shrub land.</div>
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Back in 2006, when Chaparral was conceived and launched, my intention was to bring awareness to this community of plants which are very undervalued in Los Angeles where residents opt for pesticide and water hungry lawns and non native palm trees, rather than the local sages, artemisias, oaks, etc. </div>
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In creating the perfume Chaparral®, I weaved together my love and commitment to the indigenous plants of California with skills in aromatic plant preparation and the artistry of perfume formulation.</div>
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“Art arises when the secret vision of the artist</div>
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My husband, Greg Spalenka states that there are three main components of great art which applies to the full spectrum of the sensory realm including visual, auditory, culinary and olfactory orchestrations.</div>
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He adheres to these three components as a trinity of "Mind, Body and Spirit":</div>
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Mind; the idea and/or concept</div>
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Spirit; the love, passion, integrity and/or soul nature</div>
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In alchemy the trinity is Sulfur, Mercury, and Salt, code words for what is also referred to as "Soul, Spirit, and Body"</div>
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Sulfur = Soul = Consciousness </div>
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Mercury = Spirit = Mind</div>
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Salt = Body = Mineral</div>
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So if we go back to Greg's trinity, I have overlayed Greg's trinity with that of alchemy in this way, substituting Greg's word Spirit for Soul/Love.</div>
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Mind; the idea and/or concept / Mercury = Spirit</div>
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Body; representing the materials / Salt = Body</div>
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Soul/Love, passion, integrity and/or soul nature / Sulfur = Soul, Consciousness</div>
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All these components, working together at a high level of sophistication and awareness, create a synergy, where each component becomes more than the sum of its parts.</div>
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In perfume the mind aspect (Mercury) is the concept that the fragrance is built on, encompassing much more than a scent based on a fragrance family or type. The body aspect (Salt) is made of the materials contained within the perfume, the artist’s palette. Soul (Sulphur) is the burning passion of your creation, this is where the true artist weaves their own authenticity into the constructed artwork using their consciousness. Each is important and is required for the finished art to transcend the ordinary, to reach the heights of the sublime.</div>
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Over the last twenty years I have come to keen realizations regarding California natives and their value. The journey beginning with guided instructional walks led by herbalist David Crow back in the 90's when he would lead nature walks in the Santa Monica Mountains. Davids introduction than deepened with lessons from communicating with the mighty Oaks on my property and its surroundings, when we lived in the Santa Monica Mountains.</div>
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The California native Coastal live oak was the one who spoke to me and revealed the value of native plants just as I began organizing my community to protect four large trees on an lot next to us. In an attempt to secure the safety of the trees I created a perfume devoted to them. The perfume is called “Q” for <i>Quercus agrifolia</i> and was the first in a series titled Californica.</div>
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The second perfume in the series, Chaparral® was birthed in October 2006 when I was researching incense. Incense was used by a variety of cultures depending on the plant material in their particular region. The indigenous people of California use the sacred white sage, <i>Salvia apiana</i>, to clear a space or fumigate an individual. I chose to create an incense themed perfume devoted to the California indigenous people based on the plants of the area.</div>
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The trinity mentioned above works in Chaparral like this:</div>
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Mind/Concept | Mercury/Spirit: The native plants of California, the chaparral.</div>
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Soul/Love: The soul nature of this perfume is expressed through the mindful harvesting and preparation of the plant material. The fragrance is created by hand with an intention to expand awareness of native plants.</div>
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Body/Material: actual, vital plant material used in tinctures and essential oils to represent an “authentic” fragrance of the regions native plants.</div>
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California native plants add tremendous value to a California garden including: authenticity to a landscape design, low water needs, benefits to wildlife habitat, increased biodiversity, and the ability of these plants, particularly the Coastal Live oak, to sequester carbon. Learn more about the chaparral at the website for the <a href="https://californiachaparral.org/" target="_blank">California Chaparral Institute</a>.</div>
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Related links here at the journal:</div>
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<a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2011/04/restoring-wood-land.html" target="_blank">Restoring the Woodland</a></div>
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<a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2010/05/california-dreaming.html" target="_blank">California Dreaming</a></div>
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<a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2009/06/shadow.html" target="_blank">The Shadow</a></div>
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<a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2009/06/medicine-wheel.html" target="_blank">Medicine Wheel</a></div>
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Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-87415878854330884342020-07-08T17:40:00.003-07:002020-07-08T18:46:42.215-07:00NATURE not natural<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrTPbmvD6G_wJtRVX8Bbi9TGntpztM1qT-aBo8amCh1tqWIte4IJk5SRimsmwDnK2Su8oYaGXDSEITvFxfSzSCnZylHfXMWgxMFp5SpumceCjXwfTV4e_ECEdzVoh2PmGJUNnKoXpQ99C/s1288/Nature+not+natural.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="1288" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrTPbmvD6G_wJtRVX8Bbi9TGntpztM1qT-aBo8amCh1tqWIte4IJk5SRimsmwDnK2Su8oYaGXDSEITvFxfSzSCnZylHfXMWgxMFp5SpumceCjXwfTV4e_ECEdzVoh2PmGJUNnKoXpQ99C/w500-h500/Nature+not+natural.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The word natural is getting even more abused than when I first started making fragrance. Most perfume brands claiming to be “natural" go to extreme measures to hide that they use any type of synthetics by greenwashing their wording and confusing the public.<div><br /></div><div>A few terms I have been seeing a lot lately are:</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"100% Natural Derived"</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Plant Based Perfume Made From 100% Plant and Flower Materials"</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Beyond Clean” </div><div><br /></div><div>The reason this is happening is because there is a demand for true plant fragrance, the tragic part is that these terms above, and many others, don’t actually mean anything. It’s really challenging when your brand is based on authenticity. As I have mentioned before, these smoke & mirror shenanigans make my job really difficult.<br /><br />My “people" then think they are allergic to all perfume, including those made from plants, when what they are actually allergic to is the synthetics and isolates contained within fragrances. In the past I confronted a few perfumers about their use of words and was answered with "The word we live in is all maya anyway." What the heck kind of answer is that!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few post here at the journal that provide more information on this topic:<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Word Rant Wednesday series:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="<a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2016/01/word-rant-wednesday-isolates.html" target="_blank">" target="_blank">Isolates</a>, <a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2015/11/word-rant-wednesday.html" target="_blank">Bee keeper</a> and <a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2015/09/word-rant-wednesday.html" target="_blank">Natural</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="<a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2009/02/botanical-perfume-defined.html" target="_blank">" target="_blank">Botanical Perfume Defined</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2012/12/lets-get-authentic-shall-we-part-1.html" target="_blank">Let's get authentic shall we?</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2009/06/immortal.html" target="_blank">Immortal</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="<a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2015/05/eau-de-parfum-and-other-fragrance.html" target="_blank">" target="_blank">Eau de Parfum and other fragrance terminology</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="<a href="https://journal.illuminatedperfume.com/2013/09/is-botanical-perfume-for-you.html" target="_blank">" target="_blank">Is Botanical Perfume For You</a></div></div>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-32026236390711068952020-06-30T01:15:00.001-07:002022-01-27T00:00:15.137-07:00The Swallowtails Message<div style="text-align: center;">
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On Saturday, while upstairs in the lab working on new editions of Terrestre, Chaparral and Muse, I was nudged to go make sure that I had locked my car. Reluctant to step away from my concentrated work, I waited for a good pausing point from the very tedious and meticulous work of pouring essences in specific weights based on notations in a three ring binder. Yes indeed, I use an old school three ring binder, lined sheets of paper and a thin black marker to make notations while blending.<br />
<br />Finally, I headed downstairs with car keys in hand, opened the front door and clicked the closed lock icon on my keys. Since I was down there I turned to check on the potted rose plant next to the door. To my surprise I noticed a Swallowtail butterfly tucked in the corner. I starred down in awe, wondering what she could possibly be doing tucked down there under the thicket of rose branches....and was she still alive?<br />
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I zoomed up the stairs of the perfumery like lightening to grab my phone, camera, our dedicated insect tweezers and a small cardboard box, then zoomed back down intending she was still there. Sure enough, there she was. As I surveyed the situation and contemplated what to do first, I heard someone say "I see you found the butterfly I left for you..." I turned around to see Rachel, the manager here at Lena Street Loft smiling from her white Prius. She had just turned the corner of building C as I was standing out there speculating on what to do. I said to her "Oh it was you! I was wondering how she got in there!" Then Rachel said "I found her in the parking lot right over there." I placed my hand on my heart and thanked her for being so thoughtful.<br />
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Next, I took the tweezers and very gently pulled her out of the corner, careful to avoid the leaves of the rose bush and placed her into the box. As I walked upstairs, marveling at such a splendid gift, I considered how that voice had taken me out of the revelry of blending to discover the butterfly and have Rachel drive by the perfumery just as I was contemplating what to do.<br />
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It also did not escape my thoughts that butterflies are a symbol of transformation, which we as a collective are most definitely experiencing in a giant way. In every sacred moment we have the opportunity to choose love, elevated consciousness, hope, faith and to operate outside the box, in the circular field of oneness.<div><br />
Dr. Zach Bush, who I have mentioned before, is an absolutely fascinating young doctor with the vision of an old soul, a Merlin of sorts, who can pierce reality and contribute deeply to our understanding of what is transpiring. His non-political, loving and spiritual approach is unique and punctuated by a resounding equilibrium dripping with truth.</div><div><br /></div><div>He speaks of the collapse of human health alongside with social, environmental systems as one collective monoculture, like corn, soybeans and wheat. We have created an artificial landscape that is diseased. "There is an opportunity here to change the terrain and create a biologically healthy society. We can't help biologically foster society unless we have a diverse microbiome. The device of a microbiome in society is communication, diversity of voices."</div><div>
<br />If we are to birth our selves a new, like the process the Swallowtail goes through to become a beautiful, new being with wings, then we must see and recognize both our unity and diversity. Feel into the circular, where all the spokes lead us to the center. They are us and we are they, its time to step into the field of recognition and new paradigms.</div><div><br /></div><div>I encourage you to let go of all the BS that the mass media is spooning out, stand at the center without bias and see clearly, with courage and resolve. There are many interviews and podcasts with Dr. Zach Bush, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RAtFBvKrVw&feature=youtu.be&autoplay=1&mute=0">here is a rather lengthy one</a> I suggest watching in parts and drinking in deeply.</div>Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-220599765887146751.post-45900316575551623492020-06-09T23:36:00.005-07:002020-06-10T00:37:51.359-07:00Know Thyself<pre style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LXi-ajTX5triFLvrpvwVxLRCYfS5UplT8-jSXQUMfPr1ylrTXs62ckyrmPp9krlE2oBzWdkbm0FJjs-Sie4CruyuxwPx2sgqB9atHnEqeGH5z3vTnW8bnup4iQNbfvCyrY2x7DV8FUPZ/s1191/KnowThyselfNavigationF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1191" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LXi-ajTX5triFLvrpvwVxLRCYfS5UplT8-jSXQUMfPr1ylrTXs62ckyrmPp9krlE2oBzWdkbm0FJjs-Sie4CruyuxwPx2sgqB9atHnEqeGH5z3vTnW8bnup4iQNbfvCyrY2x7DV8FUPZ/w640-h640/KnowThyselfNavigationF.jpg" width="640" /></a></pre>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><font size="2">Have you ever had that unsettling feeling that you have been sailing through life without a compass?</font></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><font size="2">These are timeless questions and a clue to their answers can be found at the Temple of Delphi in Greece. Amongst the ancient ruins of this Goddess-based civilization is an ancient Greek inscription prescribing to “Know Thyself.”</font></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><font face="georgia" size="2">This Thursday Greg will be teaching his AWE inspiring online workshop titled where he guides you deep into the Temple of your own Delphi Oracle to discover that virtuous ambition planted inside your heart, the one that navigates you on the path to a fulfilling existence. It is only a matter of being aware what it is and creating a plan to see it blossom in the world.</font></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><font face="georgia" size="2">Greg has taught this technique to over a thousand students. It works!</font></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><font face="georgia" size="2">Start living a life long adventure that will inspire you to rise from your bed in the morning ready to greet the new day, everyday.</font></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><font face="georgia" size="2">A. Realize how the soul of your life is aligned with your heart.</font></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><font face="georgia" size="2">B. Design an emblem that represents this newfound knowledge.</font></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><font face="georgia" size="2">C. Create a vision board that will align your heart virtue with a plan to share it with the world.</font></span></li>
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<font face="georgia" size="2"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><b>Time and Date:</b> Thursday, June 11, 2020, 12pm-3pm US-MT</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;">UK: 7pm / US East coast: 2pm / US West coast: 11am / Australia: 4am</span></font></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><font face="georgia" size="2"><b>Cost:</b> $95</font></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><font face="georgia" size="2"><b>Location:</b> Zoom</font></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.spalenka.com/collections/study/products/know-thyself-reveal-your-lifes-purpose-wisdom-from-the-temple-of-delphi" target="_blank"><font face="georgia" size="2">Learn more and register here</font></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><i><font face="georgia" size="2">“I feel so hopeful, </font></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><i><font face="georgia" size="2">like I have never felt before,</font></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><i><font face="georgia" size="2">and I want to thank you.”</font></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><i><font face="georgia" size="2">~ V. Lavorini</font></i></span></div>
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Illuminated Perfumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11774665887359640600noreply@blogger.com0