Everything is energy...
Essential oils and the moon are no different.
Both provide different energy frequencies that impact how we feel both physically and mentally. And when we use essential oils intentionally with the different moon phases, we are able to amplify their effects.
When I first started using moon water and essential oils I was open-minded knowing the benefits already that the moon and water has as well the oils but I was still a bit skeptical until I saw the magic and medicinal benefits combined first hand. I have always believed everything has energy but to what extent was and is always a learning tool as we use it and learn thru experience, not only thru studies.
Energy thru all things... YES! Even the moon along with all its phases.
All plants and animals are directed to its rhythm. There are cultures that worship the moon and others that orient their livelihoods by it. Nearly every culture views the moon as a symbol, and quite logically, many see it as a symbol of change. Borrowing from a number of sources and considerable personal experience,
Essential Oils and Lunar Phases identifies essentials oils that correspond well with the different phases of the moon and corresponding ceremonies, and more specifically, the intentions that are associated with each lunar phase. For example, the full moon is a time to let go of what no longer serves us and the new moon is a time for new beginnings. Using subtle aromatherapy (energetic or vibrational attributes of essential oils) and essential oils effects on the mind and emotions, specific essential oils can be selected and used to support the intentions of each moon phase and associated ceremonies. Complementary essential oils or blends can be diffused during the lunar phase or added to a lunar ritual, ceremony or celebration.
Lets look at four phases of the moon: the New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon and Waning Moon. But, it should be noted that the cycles of the moon are sometimes further broken down to include more phases such as Black Moon or Half Moon. This is a common Wicca tradition. For some, each full moon that rises throughout the year on a nearly monthly cycle has its own distinctive qualities and symbolism. In this blog series we cover just the main four phases without distinguishing seasonal variation in moons. Here, also, we focus on the subtle aromatherapy attributes of essential oils. All lunar phase represent some aspect of transition – beginnings, adjustments, releases, etc. I personally feel that all transitions benefit from some energetic clearing (smudging) so I always use a few essential oils that do this well. Those that immediately come to mind are:
Cedar (Cedrus atlantica)
Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens)
Juniper berry (Juniperus communis)
White sage (Salvia apiana)
Some additional information on clearing or smudging with essential oils, and/or basic inexpensive diffusers. There are many websites and books with information about lunar rituals. Taken together, the information is varied and contradictory, perhaps reflecting the many traditions that embrace the significance of the moon. I tend to pick and choose according to feels right to me and fits into my personal and healing framework.
A quick and easy reference book is: Sage and Smudging: The Ultimate Guide.
THE FULL MOON Northern Hemisphere sky The Full Moon is about releases, endings, and letting go of what no longer serves you. It’s a great time to kick habits, sell things, spring clean, change jobs, and move. It’s also a time for detoxing, purging, and energetic clearing. Moon Energy and Letting Go Full-Moon endings are complete while Waning-Moon releases are about the process of change. For example, during the Waning Moon, you could decide it’s time to leave a particular job and begin to look for another one. In contrast, during the Full Moon, it’s time to submit the resignation letter. The Waning Moon provides time for reflection and consideration of options. It’s a preparation period. The Full Moon is about commitment and action. In a sense, the Waning-Moon is yin (inward and reflective) in nature and the Full Moon is yang (outward and action) in nature. Many releases and endings have two vantage points. For example, if a woman decides she wants a divorce, her husband has to agree. Full Moon ceremonies are comprised of two steps: letting go and accepting or embracing the new. This view is not shared by everyone. Many people see the Full Moon simply as a time for release and endings. For me, it can be any type of release and ending but should be definitive and complete and entails action. The person who is letting go is no longer mulling over the choice but rather committed to act. Because the Full Moon is about endings, it can also be associated with a sense of loss and even grief. One can experience sadness and grief even when a change is desired. Grief can accompany the excitement and enthusiasm for change as well. Where a choice is particularly difficult or courageous, it can entail fear and require fortitude and confidence and/or yield a sense of liberation and achievement. The emotions depend on the individual, and how s(he) feels once s(he) has resolved to act. Many people believe that as the moon waxes, grows from a thin crescent to a thick semi-spherical form, and finally becomes a full sphere, its force and influence intensifies. Following this logic, the Full Moon is the most powerful and dramatic time to let go or end something.
ESSENTIAL OILS AND THE FULL MOON
Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia)
Fragonia (Agonis fragrans)
Galbanum (Ferula glabaniflua)
Hyssop (Hyssopus oficinalis)
Myrtle (Myrtus communis)
Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium)
Rose (Rosa damacenus)
Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)
Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Tangerine (Citrus reticulata blanco)
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternafolia)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Essential Oil Attributes Taken as a group, the following essential oils support transitions on a number of different levels: mental, emotional, and energetic, or spiritual.
Ylang Ylang is the quintessential essential oil for release whether the release is in the form of deep-seated patterns or blockages, negative mental or emotional patterns or toxins or suppressed feelings, ideas, or emotions.
Galbanum and hyssop are excellent essential oils for shedding old ideas, beliefs, and behaviors.
Orange can help one overcome destructive, obsessive, and addictive habits. Tea tree assists in the release and clearing of mental and emotional stress once a new perspective is gained and the actions are taken.
Yarrow works on an energetic level. It reintegrates energy that has been disturbed through the process of change.
Additional Essential Oils to Support Release There are also many essential oils that ease the sadness and grief that often accompanies endings and transitions. Examples include bergamot, neroli (Citrus aurantium), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), sandalwood, marjoram (Oreganum marjorana), and hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis). Sandalwood also helps one let go of worldly attachments. Both geranium and rosewood lend support to those undergoing mental and emotional stress associated with grief and especially loss related to love, relationships, and personal attachments. Frankincense (olibanum) or Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) facilitates the release of fearful emotions and even those deep in the cellular memory. Citruses, in general, are uplifting and instill optimism. For example, orange and tangerine, and to a lesser degree, bergamot, are uplifting and optimistic. They bring emotional vitality to transitions. Myhrr is a sedative scent and is known to lift negative moods, promote the feeling of being grounded, and encourage the feeling of spiritual awakening. Tangerine allows one to realize change without a great amount of anxiety, drama, or trauma. Orange helps one detach from drama, expel negativity, and feel confident and courageous. It releases negativity and draws in positive energy. Bergamot helps one let go of the need to control and instead be open to new and uncertain situations. Confidence and fortitude were are often required for difficult transitions .These emotions are also associated with the Full Moon, letting go and endings. Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is an excellent essential oil to garner confidence, courage, and fortitude. Yarrow also instills courage.
Detoxifcation The essential oils listed above for room clearing can also be used for Full Moon transitions because letting go involves clearing. Going one step further, essential oils for detoxing may be appropriate as well. Some of the more common detox essential oils are grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi), lemon (Citrus limon), juniper berry (Juniperus communis), cypress, cedar (Cedrus atlantica), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare).
USING THE FULL MOON ESSENTIAL OIL OR BLEND How one uses a Full Moon blend of essential oils varies with beliefs and spiritual practices. Essential oils, essential oil blends, or dried herbs of the same plant or botanical species can be added to the ceremonies.
Dried Herbs Note- that it’s important to know the botanical name of the plant species because you want the specific healing properties of that species in particular. Dried herbs can be burnt along with traditional smudging herbs or sticks. Essential Oils Essential oils should not be burnt. They can be diffused using a proper essential oil diffuser
Diffuser Oils Diffuser oil can be added to any ceremonial space. Just a few drops of the blend will be sufficient because less is more when it comes to subtle aromatherapy. However, a ceremony isn’t necessary. One can simply set an intention for the lunar phase and use the diffuser oils during the phase. The blend can be diffused a couple of days before the lunar phase begins for preparation and a couple of days after for continuity. Personal Inhalers Personal Inhalers provide an easy, convenient way to carry the blend with you over a few days during the lunar phase of choice. The supportive scent can be inhaled wherever desired.
Ritual Baths Essential oils can be added to ritual baths. Baths are often the ritual of choice with the moon because of the intrinsic relationship between the moon and water. Make sure to use these wonderfully powerful natural substances safely. Choice the right essential oils, use only a few drops and use a dispersant to assure that the oils and water mix or emulsify. With or without a Full Moon ceremony, always set a clear positive intention. Perhaps write the intention down and place it in a special place: in a Reiki box, under a crystal grid, or in some other special box or dish. It doesn’t matter where you place it as long as the space is treated as a special place (or a sacred place) with a special or designated purpose.
Here are a few recipes I use, offer samples of and sell for those that prefer the convenience and would rather not make it themselves...
Diffuser Blend for Lights Out
If you have trouble sleeping during a full moon, it may be because of the extra light. This is because our bodies only produce melatonin in darkness. The pineal gland secretes melatonin and controls our natural circadian rhythms, so essential oils that stimulate this gland can help. Try this blend of sleep-enhancing essential oils in the diffuser at bedtime.
2 drops sandalwood
2 drops cedarwood
5 drops palo santo
2 drops lemon
3 drops frankincense
Calm & Collected Essential Oil Roll-On
If lunar phases make you a little loopy, this blend may bring relief. Apply it to relieve tension and encourage clarity, focus, and grounding.
Ingredients
4 drops ylang ylang
5 drops bergamot
4 drops frankencense
4 drops myrhh
5 drops sweet orange
Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E ( my favorite) or Fractionated Coconut oil (or the carrier oil of your choice)
Instructions
In a 10 mL roller bottle, combine essential oils and swirl gently. Top off with your carrier oil of choice. Roll on wrists, neck, and behind the ears to help you unwind.
Harness The Moon
Channel all that energy.
Ingredients
5 drops sage
2 drops rosemary
2 drops ylang ylang
1 drop geranium or rose (your preference)
3 drops vanilla extract
Instructions
Combine essential oils in a 10 mL roller bottle, and gently shake. Top off with your carrier oil of choice. Roll on as desired.
Sources my studies, personal first hand experience and use, essential oils dot life