September AroMagic 2018 Purchase

Magic of Rome

Herbs and Oils for Cutting the Cord 

This September, we are exploring ancient Rome, a culture with an unshakeable belief in the power of spirits. Romans believed spirits to be supernatural forces that inhabited every facet of their lives, including people. They participated in the sacred Festival of Lemuralia every year – the Roman Day of the Dead – where they would honor spirits with offerings. While the Festival of Lemuralia traditionally takes place in May, it still holds great significance for the sacred traditions surrounding Mabon and Samhain. The herbs and oils that were used during the Festival of Lemuralia are also reflected in this month’s class. It’s time to raise your vibe, cut any negative spiritual cords, and work with extra protective padding as we dive deeper into shadow season.

Violet Leaf (Viola papilionacea) Northern Hemisphere; Europe; western Asia
Planet: Venus, Pluto
Zodiac: Aquarius, Cancer, Libra, Scorpio, Virgo, Taurus
Element: Air, Water
Quality: Feminine
Chakra: Third Eye

In ancient Rome, violets had many uses. Romans made wine from violet blossoms, used the oil from its leaves for love and protection, and scattered its leaves around tombs as symbols of innocence and modesty. The leaves of the violet is where a lot of its magic lies – violet leaf has the power to absorb evil spirits, guard against deception, and bring in energies of trust and honesty. When mixed with lavender and rose, the violet leaf is a potent ingredient for love potions. When violet leaves are placed in a shoe, its wearer is said to receive good fortune for seven days. To this day, violet is considered the flower of Italy. When weaved and worn as a crown, violet leaves cure headaches, promote restful sleep, enhance creativity, and invoke prophetic dreams.

• Discussion Question: Would you use violet for love or protection? Or both?

Blood Orange (Citrus × sinensis) Southern Mediterranean region
Planet: Sun, Venus
Zodiac: Libra
Element: Fire
Quality: Feminine
Chakra: Sacral

The joyful, uplifting vibrations of blood orange have given it a reputation as a powerful mood elevator. Its oil invokes feelings of protection and facilitates the flow of suppressed emotion. The crimson color of blood orange symbolizes the vitality, strength, and passion that runs through your being. Blood orange carries youthful energies of imagination and creativity, and has been used in potions for longevity and inspiration. It also opens the Throat Chakra and promotes communication. Legend has it that the infamous golden apple Juno presented Jupiter on the day of their wedding was actually an orange. Because of this, the fragrance and use of orange during weddings provides luck in matrimony. The blood orange tree appears in the works of Bartolomeo Bimbi, a prominent Italian painter. Blood oranges were eventually brought to America by both Spanish and Italian immigrants.

• Discussion Question: Do you use blood orange in your recipes?

Rosemary Leaf (Rosmarinus officinalis) Mediterranean region
Planet: Mercury, Moon, Sun
Zodiac: Aquarius, Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Virgo
Element: Fire
Quality: Masculine
Chakra: Root

Rosemary leaves are protective and cleansing. Traditionally, it has strong ties to the Roman goddess, Venus, and when burned, will purify and cleanse your spirit and space. Rosemary is a healing and protection herb that wards off evil, reduces nightmares, and attracts love and strength for the one who keeps it. It is one of the oldest incenses used for purification, along with frankincense and myrrh. Rosemary is a powerful herb for memory enhancement and in turn, will also make you more memorable to others. It is also an old tradition for newlyweds to dip rosemary leaves in a glass during their reception, then take turns sipping the infused drink to ensure a happy marriage, free of difficulty and distrust. Good luck follows the couple who plant rosemary in their garden, together, on their wedding day.

• Discussion Question: Have you used rosemary to smudge?

Olive Leaf (Olea europaea) Mediterranean region; Asia; Africa
Planet: Jupiter, Mercury, Moon, Sun
Zodiac: Aquarius, Aries, Leo
Element: Air, Earth, Fire, Water
Quality: Masculine
Chakra: Sacral

Olive trees are a symbol of peace, friendship, patience, and immortality. They are also a symbol of tradition and witnesses of eras gone by – the dead were often decorated with its leaves. Some even believe that the tree of life in the garden of Eden was an olive tree. The Romans would hang olive branches on their front doors to protect them from evil spirits, prevent lightning strikes, and invoke good fortune. When eaten, olive leaves are said to induce fertility in men, arouse lust, and ensure fidelity. Olive leaves, when worn, are said to attract a marriage partner, induce fertility in women, and provide good fortune everywhere you go. Olive leaf is natural medicine that produces serotonin, boosts the immune system, and destroys proteins in the brain that provoke Alzheimer’s disease. Olive leaves also have the ability to fight off infections due to their antimicrobial effect, literally helping you release what doesn’t serve you. In Italy today, there lives an olive tree that is about 3500 years old.

• Discussion Question: Do you use olive leaf for medicine or ritual?
  

Bonus Oil – Anima

Anima literally translates to soul, core, heart, ghost, or center. Your Anima bonus oil contains potent oils of the spirit with a blend of Roman chamomile, cypress leaf, juniper berry, vetiver, and geranium. Chamomile primarily works its magic in love and money rituals. Carrying its flowers will attract abundance, and anointing yourself in its oil will increase your attractivity. Vetiver’s aphrodisiac properties are put to use in love spells and love draw rituals, in attraction magic to draw money, and as a protection tool to ward off thieves. Vetiver unearths deep inner wisdom, buoys self-esteem, and summons integrity. Juniper berry is traditionally used to purify and protect ritual spaces or magical tools. Juniper has also been used for divinatory practices, as it connects you with the spirit realm while keeping you protected during your passage. Earthy cypress stimulates happiness and energy, and supports you in the fire of transformation and change. Its scent is warming and comforting, bringing gentle harmony and grounding. The sweet smelling fragrance of geranium will uplift your spirit by its aroma alone. Geranium oil supports new cell growth, helping you look, and stay looking, young. Its ability to support new growth also applies to all levels of transformation, including your spiritual evolutionary journey.