It is time we stop thinking we must protect nature and recognize that as much as every other life form on Earth, we are nature.1
I have often suggested that the reason people are drawn to aromatherapy is a desire to reconnect with nature. In my latest book, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Volume III - Psyche & Subtle, I explore the relationship between scent and spirituality. I suggest that biophilia, awe, sacred space, ritual, myth and neurobiology are all pathways that contribute to the spiritual dimension of scent.2
The concept of biophilia suggests humankind is shaped both cognitively and emotionally through the interactions with nature. However, the prevailing view held by many Western societies is that humanity is set apart and even above nature. Many believe that it is this disconnect with nature that has led to many of the global challenges we now face.
In my new book, I have a chapter on Re-Shamanising Aromatherapy. A very important section in this chapter examines the blatant disregard and desecration of the traditional life-sustaining spiritual practices and the negative impact this is having on us all. I refer to the insightful wisdom of Lambert, editor of Wise Women of Dreamtime – Aboriginal Tales of the Ancestral Past who claims that the feminine must be empowered in order to allow this reconnection with nature and the earth. She goes on to state that the feminine must be empowered in order to allow the healing of humankind.3
Elder and tribal councilwoman of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma, Casey Camp Horinek further states:
Our Mother the Earth is the source of life. Water is her lifeblood. The well-being of the natural environment predicts the physical, the mental, the emotional and the spiritual longevity of our communities. Mother Earth’s health, her nature and that of our Indigenous Peoples are intertwined, inseparable. As indigenous Peoples, we are of the Earth and the Earth of us. Mother Earth is life. This inseparable relationship must be respected through rights-based instruments for the sake of our future generations and for the wellbeing of the Earth herself, for all people, for all life.4
It is not surprising that Nicole Redver, author of The Science of the Sacred, states that in order to re-establish our connection with nature we must understand and respect the traditional healing practices of Indigenous Peoples.5
This wisdom is repeated in Vandana Shiva’s classic 1988 book Staying Alive: Women, Ecology and Survival in India, who says that women and nature have been the victims of male-dominated patriarchal society, and it is only through the recovery of the feminine principle that we can embrace the sacredness of nature.6
It is wonderful that in 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 22 April as International Mother Earth Day. In doing so, member states acknowledged that the Earth and its ecosystems are our common home, and expressed their conviction that it is necessary to promote harmony with nature in order to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations.7
I often like to express my feelings and opinions through the blends that I create. In creating Mother Earth essential oil blend, a unique blend of cardamom, geranium, sweet orange, rose absolute, patchouli and vetiver, it was my vision to create a scent that reminds us the importance of harmony and balance with nature. The rich, warm, floral and earthy scent of Mother Earth blend awakens and reconnects us with the feminine nurturing aspect of nature which is quintessentially ‘mother earth’.
Rose absolute epitomizes the essence of compassion and gentleness, a nature inherent in Mother Earth. On the other hand, when we feel burdened with the despair and a sense that humankind is not doing enough to protect Mother Earth, the warm spicy aroma of cardamom will give us the courage and confidence to be responsible custodians of Mother Earth.
Sweet orange reminds that Mother Earth is vibrant and abundant while the feminine nurturing qualities of geranium will promote harmony and balance. It is no wonder that Valerie Ann Worwood states that geranium resonates with Mother Earth encompassing the feminine, while Robbie Zeck recommends geranium whenever we are disconnected with the rhythms of nature.8,9
Meanwhile the grounding qualities of patchouli help to heal the disconnect that many of us have from both our body and nature. It is no wonder that patchouli has allows us to experience our senses as a sacred gift. On the other hand, vetiver will always bring us back to close contact with nature and earth. Through vetiver we experience a deep connection of all life.10
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share with you Mother Earth essential oil blend. As you envelop yourself with the scent of Mother Earth, I hope that you feel one with nature.
References
1. Biggs S et al. Rights of Nature & Mother Earth. Movement Rights, Women’s Earth & Climate Action Network, Indigenous Environmental Network, Oakland, 2017.
2. Battaglia S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Volume III - Psyche & Subtle. Third edn, Black Pepper Creative, Brisbane, 2021.
3. Lambert J. Wise Women of Dreamtime – Aboriginal Tales of the Ancestral Past. Inner Traditions International, Rochester, 1993.
4. Casey Camp Horinek, Opening of the rights of nature tribunal. In Biggs S et al. Rights of Nature & Mother Earth. Movement Rights, Women’s Earth & Climate Action Network, Indigenous Environmental Network, Oakland, 2017. Pages 12-14.
5. Redvers N. The science of the sacred. North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, 2019.
6. Shiva V. Staying Alive: Women, Ecology and Survival in India. Zed Books, London, 1988.
7. https://www.harmonywithnatureun.org/
8. Worwood VA. The fragrant heavens. Transworld Publishers, London, 1999.
9. Zeck R. The blossoming heart – Aromatherapy for healing the spirit. Aroma Tours, East Ivanhoe, 2004.
10. Battaglia S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Volume I - Foundations & Materia Medical. Black Pepper Creative, Brisbane, 2021.
