By Day of Greenleaf, Yaiyr
(An excerpt from Day’s book, Magdalene the Wizardess)
Magdalene spoke two long sermons that were centered on herbal topics. The first of those two sermons was the topic of our previous chapter on Herbal Cleansing Practices. The second of those sermons is on Herbal Body Care Products including Massage Oils, Aromatherapy Scents and Methods, Tinctures, Beauty and Therapeutic Treatments, and Related Topics with a Description of the Essene Medicine Bag. As with her first sermon on herbal topics that served as the focus of our previous chapter, I will again let Magdalene’s own words speak for her in this second chapter of the portion of this book that I am calling ‘The Magdalene Herbal’. My words will be few and far between so as to present this sermon of the Magdalene in the style and feel of an old-world ‘Herbal’, a listing of her herbal teachings, practices, and recipes. But I will launch this chapter with some words of my own that will explain the meaning of the Hebrew word used in the title of this sermon: Mirqachath.
The Meaning of The Hebrew Word Mirqachath
In Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, the pronunciation of the Hebrew word Mirqachath is given: meer-kakh-ath. The meaning of that word as it is used in the mainstream Bible is: “an aromatic unguent, also an unguent pot prepared by the apothecary’s art, compound, ointment.” In The Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible – a more modern version of the original Strong’s named above – the meaning of Mirqachath is given as: “mixture of fragrant spices, blend of perfumes: apothecaries’ compound, ointment.” In Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, the meaning of the related word Merqacha – pronounced mer-kaw-khaw – is given as “an unguent-kettle (for preparing spiced oil): pot of ointment.” The Strongest Strong’s gives the following definition of Merqacha: “ointment jar, spice-pot, pot of ointment.” So, the first word examined above – Mirqachath – typically is used when describing the various sorts of products linked to the art of an apothecary but sometimes is used as a word for the jar, pot, or kettle used to make or store the products, whereas the related word Merqacha is exclusively used in the latter sense. Magdalene is herein using the word Mirqachath as the inclusive one-word catch-all for the rest of the terms in the title of her sermon. In that sense, ‘Mirqachath’ is to be understood as her word for the entire gamut of ‘Herbal Body Care Products’ including everything described in the course of this sermon.
Like the Hebrew word Mirqachath, the Greek word Apothecary is sometimes used in the sense of the Storehouse where we keep our herbal ingredients and oils and finished products, and sometimes is used as a word for the Herbal Practitioner; other times it is used as a word for the whole gamut of products that the Herbal Practitioner creates. In the Middle Ages and before, Europeans typically used the word Apothecary to mean Herbal Practitioner or the Storehouse of herbal medicinals, but in more modern times have used the word to mean Pharmacist or Pharmacy.
You are now prepared to receive Magdalene’s Sermon titled, Mirqachath: Herbal Body Care Products including Massage Oils, Aromatherapy Scents and Methods, Tinctures, Beauty and Therapeutic Treatments, and Related Topics with a Description of the Essene Medicine Bag.
A Description of Miriam as a ‘Natural Beauty’
In The Holy Megillah: Nasarean Bible of The Essene Way, Miriam’s ‘Sermon on Mirqachath’ is prefaced with the following words from her adopted daughter Sarah (also known as Jahleel). It is Sarah that wrote down the words of Yahshua and Miriam in the New Testament (‘Holy Godspell’) portion of The Holy Megillah, and she chose to insert this following description of Miriam as a ‘Natural Beauty’.
4. I, Sarah, the Scribe of the Lord and Lady, feel called to inform the reader that Miriam was a natural beauty.
5. Though She dressed simply, She was always clean and smelled of lavender and other wonderful scents.
6. Her countenance was radiant, Her skin beautiful, Her figure sculpted by daily exercise and right diet.
7. Her body was supple and graceful, this due to twice-daily yoga, each morning on arising and again just before bed.
8. Perhaps it was Her contagious smile that people found most attractive.
9. Yahshua often told Her: “Your smell is wonderful, your smile beautiful!”
10. Even when on the road, Miriam bathed and anointed her body with pleasing scents of flowers, spices, and herbs.
11. She made Her own body-care ointments and perfumes of fragrant oils.
12. She made Her own soaps for body and hair, even an herbal soap for the teeth!
13. Wherefore, when She preached the following sermon, it was from a position of self-evident credibility.
Miriam Introduces Her Sermon and Defines Some Key Terms
14. Miriam began Her sermon by defining some key words and terms.
15. Miriam said, “The word Mirqachath [meer-kakh-ath], as I use it in this talk, refers to the whole gamut of herbal items found in the Nasarean Essene Medicine Bag and the storeroom of the Nasarean Master Herbalist, including finished products like salves, plant oils and their mixes, sachets and more, as well as the unfinished ingredients used to make the products.
16. I use the related word Merqacha [mer-kaw-khaw] to mean any large or small jar or pot related to making and storing the ingredients and finished products of Mirqachath.
17. That includes such things as jars for salves and oils, spice-pots and various kettles for heating ingredients.
18. I call a certain sub-category of Mirqachath – the category of beauty treatments including massage and/or facials and the products used in the beauty treatments/massages/facials – by the name Tamruq.”
Quick note from Day: The Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible gives the following definition ofTamruq: beauty treatments (including massages and cleansing rituals), cosmetics… things for purification.
Magdalene continues giving her definitions:
19. “By the term Aromatherapy Scents, I mean: scents – aromas – that have therapeutic or other value and are used in Essene Aromatherapy.
20. A therapeutic purpose of an ‘aroma’ can be medicinal but also might be for mood-enhancement or other values not typically considered ‘medicinal’.
21. However, mood-enhancement is, in fact, very therapeutic.
22. A good mood, a joyous mood, a positive mood, these kinds of moods are conducive to wellness and healing.
23. In the same way that foods can have positive or negative effects on our body, mind, and emotions, so can aromas.
24. Certain plants – including some trees – are more aromatic than others.
25. The scent – the aroma – of those plants is found in their oils.
26. Strongly-scented oils are called Aromatic Oils.
27. Aromatic Oils that are therapeutic are also classified as Essential Oils.
28. But not all Essential Oils are classified as Aromatic Oils for the following reason.
29. Plant oils that are therapeutic – or used for other values – but are not aromatic, having little or no noticeable scent, are not Aromatic Oils.
30. Often, a small amount of an Aromatic Oil is combined with a larger amount of a non-aromatic oil referred to in recipes as ‘the carrier oil’.
31. “I will also speak on Herbal Tinctures and provide related key definitions.32. “One of My favorite forms of aromatherapy is one of the simplest: Hanging Aromatic Herbage In The Living-Quarters.
33. One even simpler method of aromatherapy is to walk through an herb garden or the wilds and simply pinch a bit of an aromatic herb and sniff it!
34. Just the act of inhaling as one walks through an aromatic herb garden is a simple form of aromatherapy!35. “I will also speak on the making and use of Herbal Sachets, another form of aromatherapy.
36.“I will speak on Herbal Salves.
37. By the word salves, I refer to herbal ointments and balms and all other herbal unguents intended to heal or soothe.
38. Salves are commonly applied to wounds, skin irritations, burns and other conditions.
39. The word unguant means to anoint in the manner that we spread a salve or oil on a portion of our skin.
40. The word ointment means: a fatty substance applied to the skin for healing or cosmetic purposes.
41. The word balm means: an oily or gummy aromatic resin obtained from certain trees and shrubs and used as medicine; the word is also used more loosely to refer to any fragrant oil used for therapeutic purposes or anointing rituals.42. “Several of you asked Me to include information on clay today, after seeing Me heal a man with it last week.
43. Facials and ‘mud-baths/clay-baths’ that include clay are also included in the sub-category I call ‘Tamruq’, ‘Beauty Treatments’.
44. Though clay is not itself herbal it is entwined with our herbal therapeutic and beauty treatments so as to warrant being included in this talk.45. “Herbal Cosmetics are a part of Herbal Body Care Products that, at least as a sub-purpose, includes wellness of body and mind – thus being somewhat therapeutic.
46. The word Cosmetic is from the Greek words Cosmos and Cosmein and means: any preparation that helps to beautify the skin or hair.
47. The word Cosmos means Universal Order and here implies the Beauty of Harmony that exists when things are all in the right place.
48. The Greek word Cosmein means to beautify.
49. Wherefore, Herbal Cosmetics, when used with the intention of beautification, fall into the category I call Tamruq.
50. An Herbal Cosmetic is a cosmetic that is made from herb-based preparations, though it may also include some non-herbal complementary ingredients.51. “As in the previous talk on Herbal Cleansing, I will again emphasize the significant role of water.
52. Water is so important that, having given some key definitions related to this talk, I will now speak a bit about the importance of Daily Bathing for Health and Beauty.”
Magdalene on Daily Bathing for Beauty and Health
53. Miriam said, “I preach the virtues of daily bathing for health and beauty.
54. For health and beauty, submerge your entire body in water.
55. Rub well with a towel when you exit the water.
56. This way, you cleanse the pores of your skin so that better elimination occurs.
57. Better elimination leads to enhanced beauty.58. “Cold baths have a purpose, and so do warm baths.
59. When sick, it is good to alternate between the two, a bit of one followed by an equal bit of the other, several times.60. “You can, on occasion, add various herbs or herbal products to your bath water, including aromatic and/or therapeutic oils and essences.
61. Some of My favorite examples follow.”
Delicate Herbs and Rose Petals Bath
62. “Pamper yourself occasionally with a warm bath in delicate herbs and rose petals!
63. Delicate herbs are those that are tender enough to release their essence into the hot bath water.
64. The water that you heat to add to the bath to make it warm can have herbs steeped in it; that way you can heat them hotter than you would in a bath and extract more of the essence.
65. Then throw the most delicate herbs in the bath water.”
Advice on Adding Essential Oils to Your Bath
66. “If you add pure essential oils to a bath, be very cautious on the dose: several drops go a long way.”
Queen Rose and King Jasmine: Two Great Scents for Tantra
67. “Rose oil is so expensive because it takes so many roses to make a single drop.
68. For that reason, I typically use rose petals or rose water in My bath rather than rose oil.
69. Even so, as an occasional blessing, I sometimes add a few drops of rose oil to My bath.
70. It is delightful and therapeutic.
71. And afterward I feel sensuous and delicious, ready to snuggle with Yahshua!2. I like him to wear a bit of Jasmine Oil after I bathe in rose water because the combination of the masculine scent –
Jasmine is called the King of flower oils – with the feminine scent – Rose is called the Queen of flower oils – is extremely tantric.”
73. Noticing that more than a few of the gathered Nasarean Herbalists were blushing, Miriam said: “Forgive Me for speaking so boldly!”
74. Also noticing that one old woman that had been close to snoozing was now wide awake and that the entire group seemed noticeably more alert, Miriam added: “Now at least I am blessed with your rapt attention!”
75. Everyone laughed good-naturedly.
Three Favorite Oils for Bath and Massage: Olive, Almond, and Lavender
76. “Three other favorite oils of mine are olive, almond and lavender.
77. Lavender is extremely feminine and extremely tantric.
78. Dilute it in a base of olive or Almond Oil.
79. Olive Oil and Almond Oil are great carrier oils to combine with a few drops of aromatic oil such as Rose Oil or Lavender Oil.
80. Almond is lighter oil for massage than olive; it leaves less residue.
81. However, that bit of residue from Olive Oil is good medicine!
82. Though Olive Oil is not as light as Almond Oil, it is an extremely therapeutic oil and, if plenty is applied throughout the massage, it works great alone or when combined with aromatic oils like lavender.
83. Let the Olive Oil remain for awhile before washing the skin if you want the full therapeutic benefit.”
Pregnant Women and Nursing Mothers Should Be Cautious and Have No Big Exposures to Most Essential Oils Until the Baby is Weaned
84. “Pregnant women should be especially cautious since they are sharing their blood with their unborn child
85. Olive Oil is an excellent choice for the massage or self-massage of a pregnant woman.
86. It is okay to use a bit of Olive Oil with a few rose petals or other mild herbs on your skin when pregnant.
87. As you will learn in your studies, some essential oils should never be used when pregnant.
88. If in doubt, err on the side of caution.
89. Consult not one but several experts.”
More on Olive Oil and Almond Oil as Carrier Oils
90. “Olive Oil by itself is an excellent massage oil, as is Almond Oil.
91. Either is sufficient for a wonderful Simple – one ingredient – Facial.
92. Each is wonderful for the skin.
93. In addition, when I want an excellent carrier oil – a non-aromatic or little-aromatic oil – to serve as a base for a few drops of an aromatic oil – two of my favorites are Olive Oil and Almond Oil.94. “In regard to Olive Oil, unlike some virtually scentless carrier oils, it adds its own mild scent to a formula.
95. That scent is mild enough to not overpower stronger aromas – that is why it works as a carrier oil for strongly aromatic oils – yet contributes its own therapeutic benefits along with a subtle sub-scent that conjures well-being.”
Magdalene Advises Women to Practice Self-Massage of Their Breasts and Tummy with Olive or Other Mild Oils
96. Miriam said, “I advise women to happily receive massages from their lover or trusted friend or chosen healer, but do not neglect doing some self-massage with a mild oil.
97. I especially recommend a regular routine of self-massage of your breasts and tummy.
98. Olive Oil is mild and therapeutic, perfect for self-massage of intimate areas.”
Magdalene on the Significance of The Personal Vibration of The Therapist in Touch-Healing or Massage and Other Hands-On Treatments
99. Magdalene said, “When you permit another to perform Touch-Healing, Massage Therapy, or other hands-on treatments – including beauty treatments such as facials – you will experience a direct connection to their personal vibration and body-mind-emotional energies and, truly, even their very soul.
100. Ask yourself, ‘Do I want to be intimately linked by physical touch with that person?’
101. Only proceed if the answer is clearly ‘Yes’.
102. Everything I just said also applies to a sex partner.103. “Know this: the personal vibration of a healer matters.
104. Also know this: your own personal vibrations likewise matter.
105. Don’t practice hands-on treatments of others unless you are free of lower motives and are not thinking about making money from it.106. “Only receive touch-treatments, including massage, facials and other beauty treatments, from those of clean, wholesome, positive vibrations.
107. Cultivate those vibrations in yourself, that you might be a good giver of touch-treatments of various kinds.”
Some of Magdalene’s Favorite Massage Oil Recipes
108. “I now will give some of my favorite massage oil recipes.
109. I will first list my favorite ‘Simples’ – massage oils consisting of only one ingredient – and then provide more complex and exotic recipes, including some recipes that are intended for specific purposes.”
Five Favorite ‘Simple Oils’ For Massage (Massage Oil Consisting ‘Simply’ of One Ingredient): Olive, Almond, Borage, Sesame, Sunflower
110. “A ‘Simple’ oil for massage is one that consists ‘simply’ of a single ingredient.
111. Five of My favorite ‘Simples’ for massage are: 1) Olive Oil; 2) Almond Oil; 3) Borage Oil; 4) Sesame Oil; and, 5) Sunflower Oil.
112. There are other excellent ‘Simples’; most vegetable oils can stand alone.
113. But these five are among My favorites.114. “Always use the best ‘Simple’ or best ‘Blend’ for the intended purpose of the massage treatment.
115. Some of the best recipes for specific problems may not be the ones listed here.
116. Diligent students and teachers of Nasarean herbal teachings dedicate themselves to ongoing study of how various herbal treatments work for various conditions.
117. My talk today is simply an introduction to the topics named in the title, and My given recipes are but a small sampling of the many recipes that I teach.118. “Although a ‘Simple’ can itself be great as a massage oil, it is the ‘Blends’ – massage oil recipes of two or more ingredients – that most take advantage of the aromatic oils.
119. Most ‘Simples’ are not the most aromatic, often being mild-scented oils that do not burn the skin, thus making them perfect carriers of the less-mild, more-aromatic oils.
120. For example, without a mild carrier oil, straight Lavender Oil – one of the best aromatic oils – will irritate the skin of some persons.”
Some Favorite Massage Oil Blends of Miriam the Magdalene: Recipes that Blend Two or More Ingredients
121. The Magdalene next spoke on Massage Oil Blends.
122. Miriam said: “Any massage oil that includes more than one ingredient constitutes a ‘Blend’.
123. Here are some of My favorite recipes for Massage Oil Blends.
124. The oils that I designate ‘aromatic/therapeutic’ in these recipes are those that you limit to a few drops per massage; the carrier oils make up the largest portion of each recipe.125. “1) Using Almond Oil as the carrier oil, include some aromatic/therapeutic Rose Oil.
126. 2) Using Olive Oil as the carrier oil, include some aromatic/therapeutic Lavender Oil.
127. 3) Blend various proportions of Borage Oil and Olive Oil and aromatic/therapeutic Lavender Oil.
128. 4) Blend various proportions of Sunflower Oil and aromatic/therapeutic Rose Oil.
129. 5) Blend various proportions of Sunflower Oil and aromatic/therapeutic Lavender Oil.
130. 6) Blend various proportions of Borage Oil and Almond Oil and aromatic/therapeutic Lavender Oil.
131. 7) Using Sesame Oil as the carrier, include some aromatic/therapeutic Rose Oil.
132. 8) Using Sesame Oil as the carrier, include some aromatic/therapeutic Lavender Oil.
133. 9) Using Almond Oil as the carrier, include some aromatic/therapeutic Lavender Oil.
134. 10) Using Sunflower Oil as the carrier, include some aromatic/therapeutic Chamomile Oil.
135. 11) Using Almond Oil as the carrier, include some aromatic/therapeutic Chamomile Oil.
136. 12) Using any good carrier oil, include one or more good aromatic and/or therapeutic oil from the list I am about to provide.137. “Also, try variations of all the above recipes substituting other carrier oils such as sesame, sunflower, borage, and grapeseed.
138. I note that though rare, Sunflower Oil – I give thanks to the Alefim sailors that bring Me such gifts – adds good vibrations to any recipe, besides being a great carrier oil.
139. “Many of the oils that I will list are possible additions to a massage oil recipe, but are also used in other ways.
140. Some have already been mentioned in relation to massage; others have not.
Magdalene Lists Twenty-One of Her Favorite Oils to Use in Therapeutic Treatments and Beauty Treatments Including Massage
141. “Thanks to My relationship with Alefim sailors and their affiliated network of herbal distributors – chiefly Nasarean Green Wizards of White Magic – I enjoy access to many oils, teas, and herbs that most folks find difficult to obtain.
142. So, do not feel stressed if you cannot find all of the following oils that I now list.
143. You can do wonderful health and beauty work with whatever oils are readily available in your region.
144. Olive Oil itself will work wonders in a variety of uses, and it is very easily obtained.
145. “Nevertheless, I now list some personal favorites, again giving heartfelt thanks to the Alefim sailors that supply My Home Apothecary with herbal blessings from around the world.
146. The only reason I will not include Olive Oil in the following list is that I have already made clear that it is one of My favorites; the same is true for any other oils that were already mentioned and are not in the following list.
147. When I do repeat one, like Lavender Oil, it is because I want to provide additional information about it.
148. In no particular order, some favorites are as follows.
Sandalwood Oil
149. “1) Sandalwood (the oil is from a tree) conjures transcendental mystical consciousness and thus is an aid in meditation.
150. Sandalwood Oil is an exotic addition to a massage or facial – combined with a carrier oil – as it is excellent for skin care.
151. Sandalwood Oil is also said to raise the sexual energy and so is great for Tantra Meditation.
152. However, Sandalwood and other tree oils must be harvested without destroying living trees; wherefore, I only use Sandalwood Oil that has been certified by the Nasarean Tribe of Gatherers to have been harvested from trees that have recently fallen naturally in storms or trees that legitimately needed thinning due to overcrowding.
153. That is why My Sandalwood Oil is so expensive: only small quantities of such ethically harvested oil is available.
154. Whether or not I mention this principle – ethical harvesting – in relation to other tree oils, know that it applies to all of them.
155. I tell you truly, I would rather pay twice as much for an ethically-harvested oil than pay less but support bad karma.
156. Even so, as with all her herbage, it is not the will of Mother Nature to deny the bosom of her bounty to her human children.
157. The key is in being respectful and not over-harvesting from an area.
158. The Nasarean Tribe of Gatherers receives special training in making this determination, but let every Nasarean – and every other friend of Mother Nature – seek to find the place of balance of the ethical harvester.
Mint Oil
159. “2) Mint is a great scent to include in a therapeutic sachet and in various treatments to relieve headaches and lift the spirits.
160. Mint Oil conjures cheerfulness and so is included in many rituals and treatments.
161. I have yet to meet a person that does not enjoy the festive scent of Mint Oil, and children love it.
162. Anyone, especially children, that inhales – or swallows – too much of this stimulating oil will be overly stimulated; so, err on the side of caution in dosage – a single drop goes a long way!
163. Mint Oil is too stimulating to use during pregnancy.
Patchouli Oil
164. “3) Patchouli is powerful and thus is diluted in a carrier oil.
165. It can be used as a deodorant; a drop under each armpit is enough.
166. It lifts the mood in general and is said to raise sexual energy.
167. It is ideal for spending time with your lover.
168. Like Jasmine, Patchouli Oil is an especially great scent for the man to wear while the woman wears Lavender Oil.
169. That is not to say that women do not enjoy occasionally wearing Patchouli Oil.
170. Patchouli Oil also conjures an aura of transcendental mystical consciousness and thus is an aid to meditation in general, not only Tantra Meditation.
171. It is also appropriate for scriptural study.
172. Try anointing yourself with a drop or two some Sabbath just before a session of scriptural study.
173. Of course, of the oils that help induce transcendental mystical consciousness, Ganjah Oil wears the crown; however, Patchouli is an excellent alternative for those persons not wanting the much stronger Ganjah Oil experience.
174. Patchouli Oil is obtained from a shrub; wherefore I say: Even a lowly shrub – low to the ground – may lift a seeker sky high!
Nutmeg Oil
175. “4) Nutmeg – the oil is obtained from the seed – is a good oil for aromatherapy treatments when there has been serious physical, mental, or emotional stress.
176. Include Nutmeg Oil in your Medicine Bag when visiting the stressed.
177. It is mildly psychoactive and lifts the mood while alleviating a variety of pains and stresses.
178. Do not overuse this oil; save it for treatments where there is a legitimate need for deep stress reduction and temporary relief from pain.
179. It is a great ingredient to include in facials for those that feel stressed-out and also have aches and pains.
Neroli Oil
180. “5) Neroli is one of the most important oils for beauty treatments including massage and facials.
181. Cut it with a carrier oil.
182. Neroli Oil can relieve anxiety.
183. The great masters of Nasarean Aromatherapy teach that Neroli Oil can be used in rituals and treatments to help purify the subtle bodies by conjuring a supportive vibration at deep emotional levels.
184. Neroli Oil is considered an aphrodisiac.
185. Very versatile, it is anti-spasmodic, great for skin care and mouth and gum problems, and a wonderful ingredient in a scented bath.
186. The oil is distilled by steam from the flowers of the Bitter Orange Tree.
187. Again, I give thanks for the Alefim sailors that bless Me with such exotic oils, even assuring Me of ethical harvest!
Myrrh Oil
188. “6) Myrrh Oil is extracted from the resin from the bark of the tree.
189. It is very aromatic and extremely therapeutic.
190. It is praised by the masters of Nasarean Essene Aromatherapy as being a very versatile essential oil.
191. Those masters tell us that it has the ability to enhance our quality and level of Chai, Universal Life-Force.
192. They also teach that it is an aid in meditation, as well as being helpful in pain relief and various therapies.
193. It is anti-inflammatory.
194. I tell you truly, inflammation is one of the most common of all signs of unwellness.
195. Myrrh Oil is great in skin care recipes, and so is an important ingredient in many recipes for facials and lotions.
196. As with many essential oils, it should not be used during pregnancy in aromatherapy practices.
Frankincense Oil
197. “7) Frankincense Oil (the oil is from a tree) is one of the most obviously transcendental scents of all, aiding meditation and religious rituals.
198. Frankincense is also used to support physical and emotional therapies because it helps physical wounds [it is anti-septic] and has a positive effect on the wounds of The Emotional Body.
199. Also, Frankincense Oil is good against physical respiratory illness and likewise benefits The Emotional Breath.
200. Are you surprised to hear Me refer to The Emotional Breath?
201. I tell you truly, breathing is a universal act and each one of our four bodies has its own way of breathing.
202. Not the least of the virtues of Frankincense is the ability to lift the mood.
203. Who does not prefer a good mood?
204. Versatile Frankincense Oil is also a great ingredient to include in a massage oil recipe or a facial.
205. It is used extensively in White Magic Enchantments.
206. Wizardess Gilgalah taught that Frankincense conjures an increased openness to deeply giving and receiving forgiveness.
Clary Sage Oil
207. “8) Clary Sage Oil is obtained from the flowers of that plant.
208. It is one of the essential oils that should be avoided during pregnancy as it is a fairly strong muscle relaxant.
209. However, if not pregnant, it is great for menstrual pain and cramps and is one of the best ingredients to use in a facial or other treatment of a person feeling stressed with tense muscles.
210. Clary Sage Oil is an excellent ingredient to include in a massage oil or bath water.
Cinnamon Oil
211. “9) Cinnamon Oil is usually obtained from the bark of the cinnamon tree but can be also obtained from the leaves and berries of that tree.
212. However, the oil from the leaves and berries is unlike the familiar Cinnamon Oil from the bark.
213. The oil from the leaves is similar to Clove Oil, whereas the oil from the berries is similar to Juniper Oil.
214. Rightly so, Cinnamon Oil is praised as one of the most important scents in aromatherapy, culinary arts, and herbal medicine.
215. It is especially famed for its use in sachets.
216. It is not generally used directly on the skin, as it tends to burn.
Bergamot Oil
217. “10) Bergamot Oil is from the perfumed flowers of a shrub tree, a citrus cultivated by our sources in the south of Italy.
218. The best oil is obtained by hand-pressing.
219. Bergamot Oil is a digestive aid but is also excellent for skin care including facials, and as an ingredient in massage oil.
220. It fights cold sores, acne and other skin conditions, and is a relaxant that works against anxiety.
221. It is also excellent in a hot compress.
222. However, be aware – and make others aware – that Bergamot should not be applied to the skin of anyone planning to get sun exposure soon after the application; that interaction can cause a rash.
223. Thus, in treatments, this is a great ingredient to use after sunset.
224. It is an excellent ingredient in an underarm deodorant.
Clove Oil
225. “11) Clove Oil has many uses in various therapies, but is especially effective for toothaches and as an aid in respiratory illness.
226. It makes an excellent ingredient in body care products such as deodorants and soaps.
227. The cloves themselves, not the essential oil, are used in many of My favorite herbal tea blends.
Basil Oil
228. “12) Basil Oil is praised by the Greek and Roman healers, but no more than it is praised by Nasarean Healers.
229. Basil is native to India where I lived seven years at the Nasarean encampment outside Benares.
230. Basil Oil is included in many beauty treatments and is linked to the vibrations of love and beauty.
231. It is considered a subtle aphrodisiac on various levels.
232. It is perfect for deep communion with one that you love.
Spikenard Oil
233. “13). Spikenard Oil has a very powerful, very strong smell; a single drop goes a long way!
234. Spikenard Oil conjures protection and thus is used in a wide variety of treatments, but not when a sweet aroma is desired!
235. Spikenard Oil does not smell as pleasing as many other oils I have listed, but that powerful scent evidently chases away many negative entities!
236. Spikenard Oil has a meditative, transcendental property that makes it appropriate in many spiritual rituals and magical enchantments.
237. Spikenard Oil is especially used in treatments and/or rituals that include anointing for protective purposes.
Lavender Oil
238. “14) Lavender Oil is one of the most feminine scents of all the oils.
239. It is My favorite oil for a feminine perfume/deodorant.
240. I often wear a drop or two for another reason; it is a declaration of My manifestation of the Divine Feminine.
241. It can be that for you as well!
242. It invokes feminine spirituality in both females and males.
243. A man wishing to come into contact with his own feminine side or to have a deep communion with the Divine Feminine can benefit from an occasional sniff of Lavender Oil!
244. Lavender is one of the most therapeutically beneficial oils of all, for both women and men.
245. Lavender Oil is good for menstrual pain, skin care, muscular aches and pains due to heavy physical work – it is anti-inflammatory – and is also an insect repellent.
246. Great for the bath and as an ingredient in massage oils, Lavender Oil is a mood enhancer not just for the wearer, but also for those that come near the wearer.
247. Lavender Oil works not only on the physical body but also on the emotional body.
248. Lavender Oil burns the skin of some persons unless diluted in a carrier oil.
Chamomile Oil
249. “15) Chamomile Oil is a soother of the nervous system and promotes a gentle uplift of the emotions.
250. It is very relaxing before bed, an excellent ingredient in any treatment intended to reduce stress.
251. Chamomile is excellent for insomnia and various physical and emotional upsets, but is also great for general skin care in any beauty treatment including facials and massages.
252. When feeling any lower feelings like resentment or envy or jealousy, apply a drop or two to the solar plexus (third chakra) area and affirm ascension into the higher emotions.
Cedar Oil
253. “16) Cedar Oil is one of the several best oils for use in sacred rituals.
254. It conjures an enhanced sense of the sacred and empowers affirmations by strengthening Will Power, provided that your will is in harmony with the Divine Will.
255. Cedar Oil is also often used when performing Green Wizardry – Green Magic – in the context of White Magic.
256. It lends strength to our life choices, but only when those choices are wise and helpful, being of the Upward Spiral.
257. Since it is also a mild aphrodisiac and good for the aches and pains related to advanced age, Nasarean lore calls Cedar Oil ‘the scent that brings a smile to the elderly’ and ‘the oil of youthful vigor and strength’.
258. It is also called ‘the oil that helps us transcend fear’ because it is said to actually support our doing so.
259. It helps sore muscles, making it a great ingredient in massage oils.
260. To be safe, avoid use during pregnancy, as with so many other essential oils.
Marjoram Oil
261. “17) Marjoram Oil, another to avoid when pregnant, is from the leaves of the plant.
262. Marjoram Oil is used in aromatherapy applications because it tends to support a joyous mood and relieve anxiety and stress.
263. It is also said to conjure the awareness of love within and around.
264. It provides good relief from mild coughs and certain kinds of headaches, especially those linked to stress.
265. It is good for relief from muscle aches when combined with a carrier oil.
266. The great Nasarean Wizardess Gilgalah wrote that the scent of Marjoram Oil helps one to relax and focus the mind so as to handle any challenge in a manner that is both effective and joyful, even issues involving the overcoming of sorrows such as the death of a friend or loved one or the loss of health or other things held dear.
267. Zibiah taught that Marjoram Oil is good for certain menstrual problems.
268. I have heard Negohah recommend it to those that have constipation or gas and I trust her teachings.
Rosemary Oil
269. “18) Rosemary Oil is distilled from the needles and/or flowers of the plant.
270. Gilgalah wrote that it supports and strengthens the mind and, like spikenard, causes negative entities to flee.
271. It also helps protect the Emotional Body from various forms of negativity.
272. It is also used in physical therapy for muscle pain.
273. I have seen two people with very sensitive skin get a rash from Rosemary Oil; thus, I advise that each person first test it on a small part of their skin.
274. Cut it with as much carrier oil that is best for you.
275. It is yet another essential oil that should be avoided when pregnant.
276. However, that does not mean that a pregnant woman can’t hang a sprig of the herb itself in a room or place a sprig beneath her bed or use a sprig in a Green Magic Enchantment.
277. Essential oils are far more concentrated than a sprig of herbage and are thus more likely to be avoided during pregnancy.
Juniper Oil
278. “19) Juniper Oil is often used by Nasarean Healers for cleansing a sick-room or a wound or other acts of purification.
279. It helps fight infections and is good for the skin and for certain types of pain.
280. It wards the patient from mental and emotional attacks from unseen entities.
281. It can be used in spiritual work in much the same manner as spikenard.
282. It is said to purify the blood.
283. It is yet another essential oil to be avoided when pregnant.
Cypress Oil
284. “20) Cypress Oil is used in rituals that we perform on the behalf of dead friends or relatives because, according to the ancients, the oil is a link between the worlds, opening a door for positive prayers to move from one realm to the next.
285. Cypress Oil is also used in enchantments to transcend anger and become open to forgiveness of self and others.
286. Gilgalah wrote that Cypress Oil can lift the spirit of the broken-hearted when used in aromatherapy.
Palmarosa Oil
287. “21) Palmarosa Oil is extracted from the leaves of a plant that grows in India.
288. It is very helpful for various skin problems and is not banned during pregnancy; nevertheless, I advise extra dilution in the chosen carrier oil if pregnant.
289. It has strong cooling properties, physically, mentally, emotionally and, according to the ancients, aids deep forgiveness thereby having a ‘cooling’ effect even on angry souls.
290. It is a perfect oil to include as an ingredient in massage oil recipes or facials where either – or both – skin problems or anger-issues exist.”
Having listed twenty-one favorite oils, Magdalene next spoke about making your own herbal body-care products.
Magdalene On Making Your Own Body-Care Products
291. “It is safest to make your own body-care products, provided that you are an expert and have access to the best ingredients.
292. Otherwise, obtain your body-care products from Nasarean Green Wizards of White Magic if possible, or at least from a trusted source.”
Note from Day: Because the various herbal products including oils mentioned in this sermon by Magdalene are directly related to our religious practice, the Mother Temple of our church makes them available. For a list of available Nasarean Essene Wellness Botanicals including Magdalene Massage Oils, Aromatherapy Oils, Ritual Oils, and other items described in this book, contact us at either of the two following addresses: Essene Church, Box 516, Elmira, OR 97437 or Essene Garden of Peace Monastery, 18624 Hwy 36, Greenleaf, OR 97412. Our Mother Temple maintains a full Nasarean Apothecary of oils and herbs, including the formulas mentioned in this scripture as adapted by Day of Greenleaf.
Magdalene Praises Aloe for Occasional Skin Problems and Regular Weekly Maintenance
293. A woman of the assembled circle of herbalists in attendance asked the Magdalene, “Miriam, Your skin is so beautiful, do You use an herb on Your face?”
294. Miriam replied, “When you see beauty in the face of another, you see your own reflection!
295. For, lo: Those who see beauty are themselves beautiful.
296. So, the greatest beauty secret is to notice and admire the beauty that surrounds us.
297. Nevertheless, good nutrition and wise use of herbs enhance our beauty, as does a sincere smile and a spirit of joyfulness.
298. The most important herbal anointment for many skin conditions is Aloe.
299. I anoint My face with Aloe once a week as a preventative that doubles as a beauty treatment.
300. For, I tell you truly, once a problem is noticed, in the skin or elsewhere, its spiral already has momentum.
301. This is one of the chief reasons for preventative maintenance; once a disease spiral – or any spiral – has gained much momentum, it is more difficult – but not impossible – to shift it to a healthy spiral.
302. Thus, it is good to nip a problem ‘in the bud’ before it fully flowers and, going to seed, spreads unwellness throughout your body.
303. But it is even better to prevent the problem from arising in the first place.
304. In our lifetime, we do some of each.305. “I also give and receive facials with other ingredients as the situation moves Me.
306. Since you asked about herbal facial treatments, I will share the portion of this talk dedicated to sharing some favorite facial recipes, especially those that include ingredients related to aromatherapy.
307. Then I will share information on other methods of aromatherapy.”
Some Examples of Recipes For Herbal Facials
308. Miriam shared a number of facial recipes with the group including the following.
309. Miriam said, “The appropriate ingredients for a facial for yourself or another person depends on the purpose of the treatment.
310. Is it strictly a beauty treatment or is it intended to also have other therapeutic benefits?
311. Ask yourself this question: What are the needs of the recipient of the facial in this particular moment?
312. Perhaps there is more than one purpose for the treatment, in which case the recipe may include various ingredients for various purposes.
313. Here is just a small sampling of many recipes that I have prepared.
314. “I have already mentioned the Aloe Facial.
315. While the Aloe Gel is a great solo ingredient in a facial, it can be combined with other ingredients in both beauty and therapeutic treatments.
316. Since Aloe is not particularly scented and is used as a gel not as an oil, you can create various Aromatic Facials by simply adding one or more aromatic oils.
317. Consider trying the following recipes that include Aloe Gel with one or more Aromatic Oil.318. “Aloe Gel with Lavender Oil makes a wonderful facial that has both therapeutic and beauty benefits.
319. You need not pre-mix the Aloe and Lavender.
320. You can spread the Aloe Gel on the face and then add a bit of Lavender Oil in a carrier onto the gel.
321. The gel performs the facial work while the aromatic oil performs aromatherapy.
322. To keep the oil out of the eyes – always important! – apply it to the upper lip near the nostrils.
323. You can also pre-mix the ingredients, mashing the fresh-peeled aloe gel with the Lavender Oil and its carrier.
324. I always prefer fresh Aloe Gel, preferably from spears harvested within a day or two of the giving of the facial.325. “The simplest – and My most frequently-used method – of an Aloe Facial is to simply peel back the hard skin of the spear and directly rub the gel on My face.
326. However, that is not an example of an aromatic facial, as the Aloe Gel has no strong scent.
327. In that case, I often employ a small Aromatic Sniffing Jar filled with Lavender Oil or another aromatic oil.
328. “For a deeply peaceful facial that has both beauty and therapeutic benefits, add both Chamomile Oil and Lavender Oil to the Aloe Gel.
329. Try substituting the Lavender Oil with Rose Oil.
330. Whether I mention it or not from this point forward, know that I always recommend combining whatever aromatic oil you use in a facial with a carrier oil.331. “In times of deep stress for the receiver of the facial, add to the Aloe Gel – unless the giver or receiver is pregnant – Clary Sage Oil and Rose Oil.
332. “In times of mild stress for the receiver of the facial, add to the Aloe Gel the mildly relaxing Chamomile Oil.
333. “Try Bergamot Oil with Aloe Gel in beauty and therapeutic treatments such as facials when the recipient has mild nervousness.
334. The same recipe is a great beauty treatment for those that have acne.
335. Remember that Bergamot Oil should not be used soon before exposure to the Sun or it can cause a rash in some persons.
336. Facials that include Bergamot Oil are best done in the evening.337. “Aloe Gel can be used with many other ingredients, but now I will give some examples of facial recipes that do not include it.
338. “Using Olive Oil as the carrier oil, include Chamomile Oil as an ingredient.
339. “Using Olive Oil as the carrier oil, include any of the ingredients that I previously combined with Aloe for a facial.
340. “Using Olive Oil as the carrier oil, include Cedar Oil as an ingredient for a facial.
341. “Using Olive Oil as the carrier oil, include Marjoram Oil as an ingredient for a facial.
342. “Using Olive Oil as the carrier oil, include Rosemary Oil as an ingredient for a facial.
343. “Using Olive Oil as the carrier oil, include Juniper Oil as an ingredient for a facial.
344. “Using Olive Oil as the carrier oil, include Cypress Oil as an ingredient for a facial.
345. “Using a good carrier oil of your choice, include Palmarosa Oil and, if you wish, any aromatic oil that you feel like enjoying.
346. “Try any of the following excellent carrier oils with Palmarosa: Olive Oil, Almond Oil, Sesame Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Grapeseed Oil.
347. These excellent carrier oils, while not strongly aromatic, have therapeutic benefits besides their ability to carry and dilute the aromatic oils.
348. Any one of them is in itself an excellent Simple Facial.
349. Try each of these carrier oils with Palmarosa Oil and this one facial recipe becomes five recipes!
350. Likewise, each of the other facial recipes I have given can also be altered to include any of these great carrier oils.
351. Also try adding one or more additional aromatic or therapeutic oil to each given recipe and, behold, the list of facials grows very long!
352. Let your intuition and mood – and your head – guide you in the selection of your oils and other ingredients for facials, massages, and other treatments.
353. Remember that I am only listing some examples of recipes for facials to give you the general idea.
354. This list is not exhaustive; rather, it is suggestive.355. “Remember: the first time you use any essential oil on your skin, try only a bit on one spot of your arm.
356. Each body is unique in its reaction to herbal products.357. Your body – or that of a person that you are helping – may not react the same as most people.
358. Something that is helpful in most cases can be harmful or deadly in a few cases.
359. Only when you are confident that you do not have an allergic reaction to an herbal product should you use it in a normal dose or over much of the body, as in a massage or facial.360. “I will now share information on the use of clay or mud in a facial, as I was asked to do by some present here today.
361. After doing that, I will share more methods of aromatherapy.
Clay and Mud as Ingredients in Facials and Other Treatments
362. Miriam said, “I need a volunteer with excessively oily skin to come forth and receive a clay facial.”
363. As a woman came forth to volunteer, Miriam praised the healing power of clay.
364. She said, “Clay is a great example of something seemingly humble and beneath our feet that is highly exalted by healers and beauticians.
365. It draws toxins from your skin and promotes the tightening of flabby skin, healing and beautifying at the same time.”
366. The woman volunteer now sat in front of the Magdalene.367. Miriam said to the group, “Experiment with different colors of clay for various purposes.
368. Because clay has the property of pulling moisture from the skin, it is a good facial for anyone with oily skin.
369. Because of that same property, clay is also used to help pull impurities from the skin on any part of the body, including on some wounds and rashes where the properties of pulling and drying are deemed helpful.”370. Miriam gave the woman a clay facial that was accompanied by occasional sniffs of Geranium Oil from an Aromatic Sniffing Jar.
371. Miriam spoke words of prayer and enchantment for the drawing of all poisons from the body and face.
372. Then Miriam said, “Though I have not yet mentioned it, Geranium Oil is another of My favorites.
373. In Africa, I walked amongst fragrant geranium flower gardens.
374. Now I keep some of the oil for use in special rituals and beauty treatments.
375. Geranium Oil is protective like Spikenard, yet smells sweeter.
376. It aids in the drawing forth of emotional poisons and also has a quality that induces cheerfulness.
377. Though in this particular clay facial, I have chosen to use Geranium Oil in an Aromatic Sniffing Jar, it can also be used as an ingredient in a facial.
378. In non-clay facials, the Geranium Oil can be the chief ingredient to address oily skin.
379. Geranium Oil is also a great ingredient in an Aromatic Sachet.”380. After the clay was washed off the face of the volunteer, Miriam said: “Behold, when you wash the clay off, whether from the face as in this facial, or from other body parts in other treatments, that is a perfect time to affirm that all negativity has, indeed, been drawn out and washed away.
381. That is an example of adding an enchantment to a treatment.
382. Since clay is of Mother Nature, we can call this enchantment an example of Green Wizardry – also called ‘Green Magic’ and ‘Natural Magic’ – in the context of White Magic.
383. The enchantment is White Magic because it affirms a positive, good outcome.
384. When enchantments affirm hurtful, negative outcomes – such as seeking successful vengeance on another person or unethical financial advantage – they are not of White Magic.
385. When a White Magic enchantment includes nature-elements such as herbage or stones or, in this case, clay or mud, then we have Green Wizardry in White Magic.
386. A good, loving enchantment that does not include nature-elements is White Magic but is not Green Wizardry.
387. Green Wizardry – Green Magic/Natural Magic – specifically relates to the use of nature-elements in wizardry.
388. In the given example of clay being washed off with the recitation of a positive enchantment, Green Wizardry and White Magic are being employed to support a healing/wellness practice.”
389. Miriam hugged the volunteer and sent her back to her seat.390. Miriam said, “Though I keep a variety of clays of different colors in My Home Apothecary, and though I often carry some clay in My Essene Medicine Bag, you can do a great facial simply by digging up a bit of clayish earth and applying it!
391. The Queen of Beauty, Negohah the Wizardess, the eldest woman in My group of companions, often finds a muddy pool in which to do a mud bath.
392. Yesterday, she asked a couple of the young men to dig her a body-sized pit in a muddy place near a spring.
393. Lying down in the pit, she covered her skin with mud and relaxed for a long while.
394. Then she bathed in the clean spring water.
395. Wherefore I say, behold: even simple mud will work wonders in the absence of special clays!
396. Even so, as you build your Home Apothecary, I advise that you acquire clay of various colors: green – like the clay I used in this facial on our volunteer – but also red, yellow, white, and any other shades that you discover.
397. You will learn in your ongoing studies and by personal experience which colors of clay are best for various conditions.
398. I have found green clay to be the most powerful for many purposes.
399. Red clay is My second-most-used clay; I use it in magic rituals to represent the element of earth.
400. What better to represent ‘Adamah’, ‘Red Earth’, in a ritual than red clay?”
Magdalene Teaches That Flower Waters Are Great Ingredients in Facials and Other Herbal Applications Including Hydrosols
401. Miriam said, “In the same way that you can soak Rose Petals in water to drink, that same water – and other appropriate Flower Waters – makes an excellent ingredient in a facial.
402. Even by itself, Rose Water is an excellent simple treatment for the skin.
403. And a handful of rose petals are far easier to come by than expensive Rose Oil.
404. Beautiful skin is not just for the rich!
405. Beautiful skin is for the wise woman – or man – that uses Flower Waters and other inexpensive ingredients wisely!406. “The soak-water from many other sun-exposed flowers can be used similarly and with great benefits.
407. Roses are but one wonderful example.
408. But first study the topic extensively; not all flowers are equally appropriate to apply to the skin, even in mild form as Flower-Water.
409. And some should not be used internally, as a beverage.
410. Study, study, study!411. “Some of the most pleasant body care products are hydrosols.
412. They are a special type of Flower Water because they are prepared a bit differently.
413. Rather than simply soaking the flowers or petals in water, a hydrosol uses steam to extract even more of the essences.
414. Hydrosols last longer than the simple soakings, and the greater array of significant essences extracted results in a stronger medicinal water and far more scent.
415. I prefer steam-distilled hydrosols to herbal formulas that use alcohol to extract and preserve the essences of flowers.
416. Although alcohol preserves an Herbal Extract longer, ‘hard alcohol’ – ‘alcohol in more concentrated form than wine’ – is a poison.
417. The problem with ‘hard alcohol’ in herbal products taken internally is that it is so concentrated that it ‘burns/disrupts’ the soft tissues of your innards.
418. The only form of alcohol that I Myself use in herbal formulations is wine, which I call ‘soft alcohol’ because, being less-concentrated than ‘hard alcohol’, it has less of a ‘burning’ effect.
419. I will speak more on this topic when I introduce Herbal Tinctures.
420. Now I simply am making clear that one reason that I love steam-distilled hydrosols so much is that they extract and preserve herbal essences well-enough without the downside of hard alcohol.”
Aromatic Sachets and Essene Medicine Bags
421. Miriam moved on to the topic of Aromatic Sachets and Essene Medicine Bags.
422. “What is an aromatic Sachet?
423. It is a pouch or small bag that includes at least one aromatic herb or spice but often is a mixture of various ingredients of aromatic herbage including spices and, as the individual case will dictate, possibly one – or more – oils dripped onto herbage.
424. The difference between an Aromatic Sachet and the typically larger Essene Medicine Bag is that the sachet consists of a particular recipe for particular symptoms or purposes while, on the other hand, an Essene Medicine Bag is likely to include many ingredients that can be used in various recipes, not just any one particular treatment.
425. An Essene Medicine Bag might include many more herbs and oils, and perhaps the makings for various amulets and talismans and the like.
426. A large Essene Medicine Bag serves as a traveling Nasarean Apothecary.
427. Who carries that traveling bag?
428. Why, traveling Nasareans of course!429. “On longer journeys we carry larger Essene Medicine Bags because we are away from our Home Apothecary, our storeroom of ingredients.
430. When we are departing from home to treat a person, we will load our bag with the ingredients we are most likely to use.
431. But an Aromatic Sachet, though it is also a cloth bag with herbal ingredients, is not used as a carrying bag.
432. Rather, an Aromatic Sachet is typically a treatment, a recipe made to cause a particular effect in a particular situation.
433. Essene Wellness Practitioners use both.
434. For example, I might visit a person and prepare them a healing tea and a salve from ingredients in My Essene Medicine Bag.
435. And I might leave with that same person an Aromatic Sachet with instructions to wear it around the neck or to sleep with it.
436. A large Essene Medicine Bag might include in its contents one or even several Aromatic Sachets that will be given to those we visit.437. “Essene Medicine Bags come in various sizes and most Essene Wellness Practitioners own several sizes.
438. Whereas most Essene Medicine Bags are made of strong and durable hemp fabric, Aromatic Sachets are often made of a lighter fabric that permits the scent to more easily exit the cloth.
439. Hemp fabric can work as a sachet bag but must be woven thinner and more porous than we would for a carrying bag.
440. That is because the whole purpose of an Aromatic Sachet is to be aromatic.
441. The cloth of the bag is thin and porous to more easily permit the aroma to escape the bag so as to be breathed by the one receiving the treatment.”
Magdalene Shares Some Recipes for Aromatic Sachets
442. Miriam said, “I will now share just several examples of many possible recipes for Aromatic Sachets.
443. Some of these examples also relate to the use of Aromatic Sachets in Nasarean Green Wizardry in White Magic; I will point them out.”
A Chamomile and Frankincense Sachet for Relaxation and Spiritual Uplift with a Description of an Aromatic Pillow
444. “When you or another go to bed at night and have excessive nervousness, try this recipe for a relaxation-inducing Aromatic Sachet: Chamomile Flowers with Chamomile Oil added – dripped onto the flowers – with a bit of Frankincense Oil.
445. Use enough Chamomile Flowers to fill the sachet to be the size of a closed fist or a bit smaller.
446. Larger Aromatic Sachets can be made and used like a pillow; however, in that case they are called by another name: Aromatic Pillow.”
Turning the Chamomile and Frankincense Sachet into an Example of Green Wizardry in White Magic by Adding an Enchantment
447. “Now, let us turn the above recipe into an act of Green Wizardry in White Magic.
448. The recipe is the same as that just given, but now you will include appropriate words of enchantment such as the following.
449. ‘May the chamomile flowers and oil in this sachet bring relaxation of the body, mind, and emotions of all that smell their aroma, and may the frankincense relax even the soul itself so that it may remain focused on Jah-Jah and Elohim in Yah and do Their will of sharing Love in Wisdom.’
450. It is good to repeat an enchantment like this three times.
451. It is good for the maker of the Aromatic Sachet to speak these words at the time of making, then again when actually beginning to use the sachet.
452. If you transfer the sachet to another person to use, they can join you in reciting the words three times.453. “If you are personally involved with the harvesting of any of the ingredients for this or another Aromatic Sachet, you can also speak a similar enchantment at the time of the harvesting.
454. If you do not know the specific use of an herb at the time of harvest, you can speak a more general enchantment such as: ‘May these Chamomile Flowers bless all that will experience their taste or aroma.’
455. “Since ‘setting’ – location/place – can also be used to enhance Green Magic, you can use or gift the Aromatic Sachet in a particularly powerful nature spot, thus adding yet another nature-element.
456. One example of that would be to stand beside a stream in a spot where you feel the sunlight and a bit of wind on your skin as you use or gift the sachet.
457. In that case, you are directly experiencing Earth, Water, Air, and, in the form of sunlight, Fire.”
458. Miriam then gave another recipe for an Aromatic Sachet.
An Aromatic Sachet for Those with a Stuffed-Up Nose and a Cough Due to Mild Illness
459. “For those with stuffed-up nose and a cough due to mild illness, try a mix of dried peppermint leaves anointed with a liberal dose of aromatic Cinnamon Oil and Marjoram Oil, with a bit of Juniper Oil and Peppermint Oil also dropped onto the peppermint leaves.
460. Have the patient sleep with the sachet near their bed.”
An Aromatic Sachet for Those with a Stuffed-Up Nose and a Cough with a Sore Throat Due to Mild Illness
461. “If the patient described in the previous recipe also has a mild sore throat, in addition to giving herbal teas that treat a sore throat, you can also add Bergamot Oil to the sachet recipe I just gave.
462. Remember: Essene Aromatherapy including Aromatic Sachets can be used in conjunction with other appropriate Essene Wellness Therapies including Essene Herbal Teas.
463. In the case at hand – a person with a mild illness of the upper respiratory system that includes a sore throat – it would be unusual if appropriate teas were not used in conjunction with an Aromatic Sachet.
Geranium Oil Aromatic Sachet to Promote Cheerfulness
464. “Geranium Oil is a great ingredient in an Aromatic Sachet to promote cheerfulness.
465. It raises the spirits and chases away negativity.
466. Try dripping it on dried mint.
467. For use before bed, replace the dried mint with chamomile flowers.”
If Bad Dreams Are a Problem Try This Sachet: Aromatic Sachet to Transform Bad Dreams
468. “Try the following Aromatic Sachet if you or another person is being bothered by bad dreams.
469. Using enough dried peppermint to fill the small sachet-bag, drip the desired amount of each of the following aromatic oils onto the peppermint: Neroli, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Jasmine, and Frankincense.470. “The making of this Aromatic Sachet To Transform Bad Dreams is transformed into an act of Green Wizardry in White Magic by adding words of enchantment when you drip some drops of one or more of the aromatic oils onto the dried peppermint.
471. Even before adding the oils, affirm the specific Magical Purpose of the dried peppermint that is being used as the base ingredient.
472. For example, you can say: ‘Even as the scent of peppermint conjures joyfulness when I am awake, I hereby affirm and enchant that in this sachet the scent of peppermint will bring Joy to the dreams of all that smell it!’473. “Then, as you add the drops of aromatic oil to the base ingredient – dried peppermint – speak appropriate words of affirmation and enchantment.
474. For example, when you add the Neroli Oil, say something like: ‘The scent of Neroli Oil in this sachet will conjure a supportive vibration at deep emotional levels bringing deep peace, a peace that is deep enough to include the dreams of all that inhale it!’
475. Repeat that affirmation three times.
476. Likewise, when you add the Cinnamon Oil, say something like this: ‘The scent of Cinnamon Oil in this sachet will conjure deep happiness in the dream world of all that inhale it.’
477. Repeat that affirmation three times.
478. When you add the Rosemary Oil, say something like: ‘The scent of Rosemary Oil in this sachet will bring Wisdom to the dream world of all that inhale it.’
479. Repeat that affirmation three times.
480. When you add the Jasmine Oil, say something like: ‘The scent of Jasmine Oil in this sachet will bring the Masculine Lion Vibration of Protection to defend us while we sleep and dream.
481. Let the first Master of Zahyen, Judah, now serving as the Chief Angel of the Branch of Power, protect us while we sleep and dream, with all his holy helpers, the ascended masters of the Lions of Zahyen Universal!’
482. And when you add Frankincense to this sachet, say something like: ‘The scent of Frankincense Oil in this sachet will heal any emotional wounds that may have contributed to the bad dreams that we hereby remedy.
483. This Frankincense Oil will also help all that smell this sachet to be centered in the Crown Chakra when awake or asleep so as to receive transcendental spiritual vibrations, the cure-all of all cure-alls!’484. “The ‘right amount’ of each oil is that which creates the amount of aroma you prefer; you determine that by adding a drop or two at a time until it ‘smells right’.
485. “If the recipient of this sachet has been having trouble sleeping along with bad dreams, replace the peppermint leaves with chamomile flowers.
486. In that case, alter the words of the enchantment to refer to chamomile rather than peppermint.”
If You Believe that You Are Being Attacked by Negative Entities Either When Asleep or Awake Try Adding Spikenard Oil to the ‘Dreams Sachet Recipe’ Just Provided
487. “If you or another believe that you are being attacked by negative entities either when asleep or awake, just add one additional ingredient to the Aromatic Sachet To Transform Bad Dreams that was just given: A liberal dose of Spikenard Oil!
488. “In addition to the words just given for the ‘Dream Sachet’ affirmations, name Spikenard Oil and say something like: ‘This Spikenard Oil will provide protection from all negativity by bathing that negativity in the Transforming Light of Self-Awareness in Yah Consciousness.
489. That is the ‘Spiritual Fire’ that illuminates Heaven Most High like Spiritual Stars.
490. These Stars are Seeds of Light that shine in every heart of every part of the All!’
491. In this Spiritual Light of Self-Awareness, all darkness of negativity is transformed.’
492. Feel free to substitute the following short-version: ‘This Spikenard Oil will illuminate and cast out negative entities.493. “And when you recite those words about Spikenard Oil, know this: the true winner in Universal Life is only known when all things are deeply revealed, illuminated to the core by Supernal Light.
494. Supernal Love wins every time at that level of illumination, as acknowledged by Wisdom itself in the Nod of Wisdom to Love, the Nod that is Eternal Life itself.
495. And that is true precisely because the Ultimate Truth turned out to have always truly been – and always will be – Ultimate Universal Salvation.
496. Ultimate Universal Salvation is the Ultimate Good according to the Most Unlimited Love that is the Most Merciful Love.
497. The Most Merciful Love is revealed by Highest Wisdom to be absolutely unlimited and thus truly ‘Supernal’.
498. That Supernal Love is eternally the Ultimate Winner of the Ultimate Victory, the victory of All-Inclusive Unlimited Love.
499. No negative entities can harm anyone in this Spiritual Light.”
Magdalene Describes Aromatic Sniffing Jars
500. Miriam said: “One of the simplest and best methods of receiving aromatherapy is by taking an occasional sniff from an Aromatic Sniffing Jar.
501. Within the jar can be the Essential Oil itself, often diluted in a carrier oil, or unfired incense or other strongly aromatic ingredients.
502. I highly recommend a sniff of Lavender Oil from such a jar.
503. Even a small jar of dried lavender flowers has a strong enough aroma to be beneficial.
504. Try a mix of rose petals and lavender flowers!
505. The Aromatic Sniffing Jar is typically quite small if it contains essential oil, a bit larger for aromatic herbage.506. “I also recommend that you perform ‘The Wedding of King Jasmine and Queen Rose’ with two sniffing jars: one of Jasmine Oil, the other of Rose Oil.
507. First sniff the Jasmine Oil, then sniff the Rose Oil.
508. Or you can reverse the order.
509. When Rose Oil is not available, substitute Rose-Scented Geranium.510. “After educating yourself on the virtues and cautions related to the various aromatic oils, you will know which of the oils and other strong scents are best at any particular time.
511. Caution is especially important when pregnant.”
Magdalene On Hanging Aromatic Herbage in Your Living Area
512. Miriam said: “An even simpler form of receiving aromatic therapy is to hang aromatic herbage in your living-quarters.
513. Choose herbage known to have beneficial aromas.”
Dry Aromatic Potpourri
514. Miriam said, “Another method of aromatherapy is to make an Aromatic Potpourri.
515. Choose some aromatic herbage and spices that have the qualities desired for your purpose and place them in a container with a lid in a dark area for one Moon (Month) to ‘ripen’.
516. I recommend also including ground citrus peels as a ‘fixative’; a ‘fixative’ is a ground substance that well absorbs the oils of the aromatic herbage.
517. After the ripening period, it is ready for use.
518. Remove the lid and inhale whenever you like.
519. Leave the lid off awhile whenever you want to scent a room.
520. Properly made, an Aromatic Potpourri is potent for many Moons.
521. I often include lavender flowers with rose petals and cinnamon as key aromatic ingredients, with the ground citrus peels as the fixative.
522. If you like, after the ripening period add some drops of essential oil to the herbage for additional aromatic and therapeutic benefits.”
Hot Water and Essential Oil
523. Miriam said, “Yet another method of aromatherapy is to add several drops of aromatic oil to steaming water and inhale.”
Aromatic Sprigs, Flowers, and Unfired Incense in Ritual Enchantments and Simple Aromatherapy
524. “It is extremely simple to use a handful of aromatic sprigs, fragrant flowers, and/or unfired incense in ritual enchantments and aromatherapy.
525. Obviously, one can also apply heat to the incense or, as in the Aromatic Potpourri, apply heat to the herbs and flowers to increase the aroma, but now I am giving the teaching that you can perform simple, mild aromatherapy by simply sniffing a handful of aromatic herbage.
526. This is the sort of preventative aromatherapy that a healthy person might use, not needing a medicinal dose yet wishing to enjoy these natural scents.”
Aromatic Herb Gardens
527. Miriam said: “Talking about a simple form of aromatherapy, it does not get much simpler than going for a walk in an Aromatic Herb Garden!”
Unfired and Fired Incense
528. Miriam said: “Many varieties of Aromatic Incense can be used either without heating or by adding heat to release more aroma.
529. Heat – such as burning an incense lump on a hot coal – releases more aroma but can also add unwanted smoke or ash into the air.
530. I nearly always prefer unlighted incense and the cleaner air!
531. However, one incense that I love to smell fired on occasion is frankincense!
532. How very transcendental that scent is!”
Magdalene’s Introduction to Herbal Tinctures
533. Miriam said, “I will describe five types of Herbal Tinctures.
534. Each of the five types employs a different Menstruum, a different Solvent, to extract herbal essences.
535. Each Menstruum differs in regard to which essences it is capable of extracting from each herb, and also differs in regard to how long it will preserve the extracted essences.
536. The various Menstrua also differ in regard to healthfulness.
537. The five Menstrua I will describe are: Water, Hard Alcohol, Water Mixed With Hard Alcohol, Wine, and Vinegar.538. “Water is a great solvent and healthful but is not good at preserving what it extracts.
539. That is why we drink Herbal Teas shortly after brewing them.
540. An Herbal Tea can be considered a type of Water Tincture.541. “Hard Alcohol – alcohol stronger than wine – is a great solvent and is good at preserving but, in My view, is too ‘fiery’ for your innards and thus not very healthful.
542. Most of you have never seen Hard Alcohol.
543. Some Nasarean Alchemists have produced it for use in certain aspects of their work.
544. Some use it as a Menstruum for certain herbal tinctures.
545. We call this type of tincture a Hard Alcohol Tincture.
546. Personally, I do not use this type of tincture, since I consider it less healthful than a Wine Tincture or Vinegar Tincture.547. “Hard Alcohol Mixed With Water is a milder Menstruum than Hard Alcohol by itself.
548. It extracts and preserves very well, but is still harsher on your innards than wine or vinegar.
549. This type of tincture is called a Hard Alcohol With Water Tincture.
550. Personally, I do not use this type of tincture; it is still too harsh for Me.
551. “Wine is a great Menstruum for an herbal tincture.
552. It extracts well, preserves well – though not nearly as long as Hard Alcohol – and, in small quantities, is not too harsh on the innards.
553. Also, because Wine is from the fruits of nature, it carries the vibrations of the fruits of which it is made.
554. A tincture that uses Wine as the Menstruum is called a Wine Tincture.
555. I use and share Wine Tinctures, as well as Vinegar Tinctures.556. “Vinegar is a wonderful Menstruum.
557. Although it may not preserve as well as Hard Alcohol or even Wine, it does a reasonably good job of that while adding its own unique – and healthful – qualities.
558. In regard to the shorter ‘shelf-life’, I like to make a Vinegar Tincture with the intention of it being used that month.
559. That is why I also call My Vinegar Tinctures, Moon Tinctures.
560. I make one for each month, the recipe each month relating in some way to the Tree of Life Branch or Root Force for which the month is named on the Nasarean Calendar.
561. Even if but one Vinegar Tincture recipe was repeated each month of the year, you could change the words of enchantment at the time of making the tincture each month to correlate with the Tree of Life names of each month.
562. In that case, the words of enchantment would each month be linked to the Branch Force or Root Force featured that month.
563. Although the same thing can be done with Wine Tinctures, Vinegar tinctures, having less shelf-life, work especially well with a monthly making-routine.564. “Whether I am using Wine or Vinegar as My Menstruum, the method by which those Menstrua are employed to extract herbal essences is called Maceration.
565. Maceration means Extraction By Soaking In A Menstruum.”
Aromatic Ointments Including Salves
566. Miriam said, “I will end this talk by sharing a bit of information on Herbal Salves.
567. By the word salves, I refer to herbal ointments and balms and all other herbal unguents intended to heal or soothe.
568. Salves are commonly applied to wounds, skin irritations, burns and other conditions.
569. The word unguent means to anoint in the manner that we spread a salve or oil on a portion of our skin.
570. The word ointment means: a fatty substance applied to the skin for healing or cosmetic purposes.
571. The word balm means: an oily or gummy aromatic resin obtained from certain trees and shrubs and used as medicine; the word is also used more loosely to refer to any fragrant oil used for therapeutic purposes or anointing rituals.
572. The possible ‘therapeutic purposes’ include not only physical healing or soothing, but also the healing or soothing of mental and emotional distress, as well as general mood-enhancement.573. “Here is an example of a salve recipe that has both aromatic and non-aromatic ingredients and qualities.”
Miriam Gives a Salve Recipe for Sore Muscles
574. Miriam said, “This is just one salve recipe from the many dozens of good recipes for various purposes.
575. The variations in salve ingredients from one recipe to the next relates to the purpose or purposes for which a particular salve is being used in a treatment.
576. Simply put, salves are a combination of oils and beeswax treated with heat to make a good ointment for a particular purpose.577. “Let us imagine that an oldster not used to heavy labor has labored long and hard on a yearly outdoor task and has sore muscles.
578. Your task in treating the sore muscles of the oldster is to ease his or her aches with a salve that will include oils known to provide that relief with as little chance of negative side effects as possible.
579. So, with the beeswax and a carrier oil, you would include oils such as those in this recipe: Lavender Oil, Nutmeg Oil, and Clary Sage Oil.580. “Although I gave the example of an oldster, younger persons with similar sore muscles could benefit from this salve treatment.
581. “You get the general idea: a salve includes the particular oils deemed beneficial for an intended purpose, combined with beeswax and treated with heat to make an ointment.”
Magdalene’s Final Words of Advice on Herbal Practices
582. “Feel very free to change your mind about any particular ingredient or method at any time, based on your best – and always expanding – current information and life experiences.
583. So taught My Mother, Zibiah the Herbalist, and so I teach.”
