Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Friday, February 8, 2013
Cleansing, Consecrating, and Charging
Cleansing
Cleansing is fairly simple in concept. Places, items, and people all gather dirt and grime over time - physically and spiritually - and cleansing is simply getting rid of that gathered grime. Just as you wouldn't go without washing yourself for long periods of time, or invite your family over without tidying a bit first, it's good to also spiritually clean yourself and your spaces.
There are many different ways to cleanse, and it's really about choosing what's best for your situation, and something that won't damage the item you're cleansing.
The smoke of smudge sticks and other purifying incenses are quite popular. However, you could also dip an item in water with a bit of salt - or sprinkle that salt water onto the item, person, or around the place. Instead of salt water, a light tea of purifying herbs could also be used. An item might also be simple sprinkled in salt or herbs. The light of the sun is cleansing, and some use moonlight for the same purpose. You could pass an item over a flame. Use running water (a shower or bath is a good way to cleanse yourself both physically and spiritually). Sound can also cleanse - a sharking rattle, a tambourine, bells, flutes, or singing bowls can all be used to cleanse. Get creative and experiment with different methods.
When exactly to cleanse is also often a personal matter. Some always cleanse any space before holding a ritual, but in my personal practice this is not something I usually do when working outside. If a space doesn't feel right, I find a place that does. These places are not my home, and I would rather go where invited than try to push my way into a space, but this is something people will have different views on, of course. I cleanse my home about once a month, but I find doing it before every last working is not necessary as I have dedicated ritual space. Again though, it is really personal preference. Some do it more, some do it less.
When it comes to purification of items, I do this as needed, and always at Imbolc. Others do it once a month at the new or full moon. Some just do it only when it's needed.
As for purification of the self? This is easy enough to do with each shower or bath, if one wishes to do so. It can be nice to let all the spiritual gunk dissolve down the drain with the physical dirt. Taking a shower or bath before a ritual is common practice. At other times a ritual washing of the hands, and sometimes face or mouth is enough. Then there are times that you might be physically filthy, say if there's a long muddy hike to the ritual space, but a light spiritual cleansing of the self is still done as a gesture of respect.
Consecrating
To consecrate something means to dedicate it to a particular purpose, usually a sacred one. As with cleansing, there are many ways this can be done, but personally I prefer a fairly simple approach. After giving an item a good cleansing, I anoint it with a dab of blessed oil, and simply state what the item's purpose will be, and ask for the blessings of those it will be going into service of. I then spend a while meditating with the item, thinking about it's new purpose in my practice. It is then ready for ritual use.
In my opinion, it is only necessary to consecrate an item once if it remains in fairly active use. (For myself, that means at least once a year.) However, if a particular item had to go into storage for some time, or something like that, it certainly would not hurt to cleanse it and re-dedicate it.
Likewise, you might find you no longer need a particular item, or perhaps only needed it to act as a sacred tool temporarily. In either case, it's wise to remove it from service. Again, a simple way to do this is just by holding the item and saying some words to return the item to day to day use.
Charging
To charge an item means to imbue it with energy. This can be your personal energy, energy from the sun, moon, or other natural energy, or energy that you have raised and set to a particular purpose.
For example, if you wanted to make an amulet to use for protection, while crafting the amulet you would think of it's purpose. This begins to charge it. When it is complete, you would raise and focus energy as you would for any other working that required it, and it would then be focused into the item.
To charge an item with your person energy, you would simply have to spend time with it. This often happens on it's own with ritual tools we use frequently. To charge it with the energy of some natural force, you'd simply allow it to spend time in that force. Buried in the earth, under the sun or moon, hanging from a tree, dipped in ocean water, and so on. One might even ask a spirit or deity to bless an item with some of their energy.
Cleansing is fairly simple in concept. Places, items, and people all gather dirt and grime over time - physically and spiritually - and cleansing is simply getting rid of that gathered grime. Just as you wouldn't go without washing yourself for long periods of time, or invite your family over without tidying a bit first, it's good to also spiritually clean yourself and your spaces.
There are many different ways to cleanse, and it's really about choosing what's best for your situation, and something that won't damage the item you're cleansing.
The smoke of smudge sticks and other purifying incenses are quite popular. However, you could also dip an item in water with a bit of salt - or sprinkle that salt water onto the item, person, or around the place. Instead of salt water, a light tea of purifying herbs could also be used. An item might also be simple sprinkled in salt or herbs. The light of the sun is cleansing, and some use moonlight for the same purpose. You could pass an item over a flame. Use running water (a shower or bath is a good way to cleanse yourself both physically and spiritually). Sound can also cleanse - a sharking rattle, a tambourine, bells, flutes, or singing bowls can all be used to cleanse. Get creative and experiment with different methods.
When exactly to cleanse is also often a personal matter. Some always cleanse any space before holding a ritual, but in my personal practice this is not something I usually do when working outside. If a space doesn't feel right, I find a place that does. These places are not my home, and I would rather go where invited than try to push my way into a space, but this is something people will have different views on, of course. I cleanse my home about once a month, but I find doing it before every last working is not necessary as I have dedicated ritual space. Again though, it is really personal preference. Some do it more, some do it less.
When it comes to purification of items, I do this as needed, and always at Imbolc. Others do it once a month at the new or full moon. Some just do it only when it's needed.
As for purification of the self? This is easy enough to do with each shower or bath, if one wishes to do so. It can be nice to let all the spiritual gunk dissolve down the drain with the physical dirt. Taking a shower or bath before a ritual is common practice. At other times a ritual washing of the hands, and sometimes face or mouth is enough. Then there are times that you might be physically filthy, say if there's a long muddy hike to the ritual space, but a light spiritual cleansing of the self is still done as a gesture of respect.
Consecrating
To consecrate something means to dedicate it to a particular purpose, usually a sacred one. As with cleansing, there are many ways this can be done, but personally I prefer a fairly simple approach. After giving an item a good cleansing, I anoint it with a dab of blessed oil, and simply state what the item's purpose will be, and ask for the blessings of those it will be going into service of. I then spend a while meditating with the item, thinking about it's new purpose in my practice. It is then ready for ritual use.
In my opinion, it is only necessary to consecrate an item once if it remains in fairly active use. (For myself, that means at least once a year.) However, if a particular item had to go into storage for some time, or something like that, it certainly would not hurt to cleanse it and re-dedicate it.
Likewise, you might find you no longer need a particular item, or perhaps only needed it to act as a sacred tool temporarily. In either case, it's wise to remove it from service. Again, a simple way to do this is just by holding the item and saying some words to return the item to day to day use.
Charging
To charge an item means to imbue it with energy. This can be your personal energy, energy from the sun, moon, or other natural energy, or energy that you have raised and set to a particular purpose.
For example, if you wanted to make an amulet to use for protection, while crafting the amulet you would think of it's purpose. This begins to charge it. When it is complete, you would raise and focus energy as you would for any other working that required it, and it would then be focused into the item.
To charge an item with your person energy, you would simply have to spend time with it. This often happens on it's own with ritual tools we use frequently. To charge it with the energy of some natural force, you'd simply allow it to spend time in that force. Buried in the earth, under the sun or moon, hanging from a tree, dipped in ocean water, and so on. One might even ask a spirit or deity to bless an item with some of their energy.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Opinions vs. Facts
Alright, here's something that's been popping up a lot over the last week or so, and it's really starting to bother me...
"I don't like onions, they taste awful." That? That's an opinion. Some people will have conflicting opinions on the subject, after all some people actually like the taste of onions, and that's fine. People might debate a bit on the merits of onions, various cooking methods, varieties, and so on, but at the end of the day...? It's all just personal opinion. Not much can be done about it - although it could possibly change over time on it's own. (I hated yellow mustard as a kid, and in the last year I've fallen in love with it.)
"All species of bear eat bamboo in their natural habitat." That? That is not an opinion. It's a fact. Facts, as we know, can be wrong - this one is, of course, wrong.
Now sometimes the line isn't always clear. One might have an opinion based on the facts available to them. If those facts are wrong? Well, we can see what that might do to their opinion. Pointing out this issue should not really be seen as an attack on the individual, yet that's often how it's taken.
Now that, I just... I don't get it. If I had based an opinion or belief on something incorrect, I'd want to know! It's happened before. I'm sure it will happen again. I'm not perfect, I've believed incorrect information, and I have held beliefs that just plain old did not make sense. When that was brought to my attention? I considered the new evidence, or what was being said to me, and if appropriate I changed my opinion to reflect the new information or ideas.
Evaluation of personal opinions and beliefs is not a bad thing. If you never examine your personal beliefs, how are you ever going to grow, or develop a deeper awareness of them? Of course, this is now starting to get into an issue I wrote about many months back. It's okay to think someone's beliefs are wrong, and it's okay to debate beliefs.
It's not a matter of discussing a particular individual's belief, and after discussion they still believe in it - that's fine! You can look at a belief, question it, examine it, get other opinions on it... and still have that same belief after all is said and done. That's a good way to form strong, well thought out beliefs.
The problem is when people seem to want to stick their opinions and beliefs up on these untouchable pedestals. They want to share them with the world, but when someone disagrees? No, no, you can't do that. That's not nice. Of course, the same people seem to take no issue with giving out their opposing views. They're just giving their opinion. If you want to disagree with, or discuss that opinion? Nope, can't do that - that belief is way up on that sacred pedestal.
If you only want to hear the people that agree with you, what's the point?
"I don't like onions, they taste awful." That? That's an opinion. Some people will have conflicting opinions on the subject, after all some people actually like the taste of onions, and that's fine. People might debate a bit on the merits of onions, various cooking methods, varieties, and so on, but at the end of the day...? It's all just personal opinion. Not much can be done about it - although it could possibly change over time on it's own. (I hated yellow mustard as a kid, and in the last year I've fallen in love with it.)
"All species of bear eat bamboo in their natural habitat." That? That is not an opinion. It's a fact. Facts, as we know, can be wrong - this one is, of course, wrong.
Now sometimes the line isn't always clear. One might have an opinion based on the facts available to them. If those facts are wrong? Well, we can see what that might do to their opinion. Pointing out this issue should not really be seen as an attack on the individual, yet that's often how it's taken.
Now that, I just... I don't get it. If I had based an opinion or belief on something incorrect, I'd want to know! It's happened before. I'm sure it will happen again. I'm not perfect, I've believed incorrect information, and I have held beliefs that just plain old did not make sense. When that was brought to my attention? I considered the new evidence, or what was being said to me, and if appropriate I changed my opinion to reflect the new information or ideas.
Evaluation of personal opinions and beliefs is not a bad thing. If you never examine your personal beliefs, how are you ever going to grow, or develop a deeper awareness of them? Of course, this is now starting to get into an issue I wrote about many months back. It's okay to think someone's beliefs are wrong, and it's okay to debate beliefs.
It's not a matter of discussing a particular individual's belief, and after discussion they still believe in it - that's fine! You can look at a belief, question it, examine it, get other opinions on it... and still have that same belief after all is said and done. That's a good way to form strong, well thought out beliefs.
The problem is when people seem to want to stick their opinions and beliefs up on these untouchable pedestals. They want to share them with the world, but when someone disagrees? No, no, you can't do that. That's not nice. Of course, the same people seem to take no issue with giving out their opposing views. They're just giving their opinion. If you want to disagree with, or discuss that opinion? Nope, can't do that - that belief is way up on that sacred pedestal.
If you only want to hear the people that agree with you, what's the point?
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Winter Wednesday
Two pictures today, on a similar theme...
 |
| Dried autumn flowers frozen in ice. |
 |
| Oak leaves and pine needles in thin ice. |
Monday, February 4, 2013
How to Make Infused Oils
(Not sure what an infused oil is? Confused about carrier oils? Read this first.)
There are two main ways to make an infused oil at home. For both methods, you will need a carrier oil, such as olive oil, some plant material (such as rose petals, cinnamon sticks, or dried bay leaves - or even a mix of a few different plants), a sterilized glass jar, and a strainer.
Preperation
If you are planning to use fresh plants, start by thoroughly washing them, and patting them dry with a towel. You want to make sure your plants are totally dry before starting. It can be helpful to lightly bruise the fresh plants a bit, as this will help them to release their oils easier. If you're using a long stem of something - say, a sprig of rosemary - break it up into small pieces. If you're using dried plants, they're likely ready to use as they are, but they might also need to be broken up a bit.
First Method
For the first method you simply need to put some of your chosen plant into the jar. You do not need to stuff the jar full, and personally I usually do not fill the jar more than a quarter full, but it does depend a bit on the specific plant. Then fill the jar the rest of the way with oil, making sure that the plant material is completely covered. Then tightly cover the jar.
It will take several days for the herbs to really infuse into the oil. It's best to allow the jar to sit in a warm (but not hot) spot somewhere in the house. Each day you'll want to lightly agitate the oil a bit by gently tipping the jar upside down, then right side up again. Gently rolling it a bit also works, but you don't want to shake it. After about seven days open the jar and smell the oil. If it's as scented as you want, strain the plants from the oil, return the oil to the jar, and seal it.
If the oil is not as scented as you'd like, strain out the old plants, and simply repeat the process using fresh plants and the same oil.
Second Method / Heated Method
For the second method, you'll need a glass baking dish - do not use metal. Put your plants and the oil into the baking dish, and put it it into an over set on it's lowest setting. Some plants might only need to be set in the oven for perhaps an hour or two, while others may take longer. Check the oil often to see if the scent is where you'd like it to be, keeping in mind that it will be a little less scented once it's cooled.
Once it's done, allow the oil to fully cool, strain it, and store it in a tightly sealed sterilized glass jar.
Storage and Shelf Life
Infused oils should be stored in glass jars that are well sealed, and kept in a cool place that is out of direct light. Heat and light will both cause oil to break down and start to go rancid sooner. Some people like to keep some of the plant in the oil after it's made as a decoration. In many cases, this can also cause the oil to go rancid quicker.
How long the oil actually lasts depends a bit on plants used, method used, and how they are stored. They can last a while, but really it's best to make small quantities as needed. When your oil starts to smell funky, it's time to toss it and make a fresh batch.
"Oh no, botulism!" and Other Warnings
Botulism is an extremely nasty, if rare, disease. If you are planning to ingest your infused oils, please do a little extra research on the topic, and take a look at the extra steps you should take to avoid botulism and any other sort of foodborne illnesses or issues.
Likewise, please do a bit of research on the plants you intend to use for your infused oils. Even plants we usually consider to be non-toxic can cause some issues for people - as an example, oil infused with clove or cinnamon can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Beyond oil, you can also infuse vinegars, alcohol, and a host of other liquids... but that's for another post.
There are two main ways to make an infused oil at home. For both methods, you will need a carrier oil, such as olive oil, some plant material (such as rose petals, cinnamon sticks, or dried bay leaves - or even a mix of a few different plants), a sterilized glass jar, and a strainer.
Preperation
If you are planning to use fresh plants, start by thoroughly washing them, and patting them dry with a towel. You want to make sure your plants are totally dry before starting. It can be helpful to lightly bruise the fresh plants a bit, as this will help them to release their oils easier. If you're using a long stem of something - say, a sprig of rosemary - break it up into small pieces. If you're using dried plants, they're likely ready to use as they are, but they might also need to be broken up a bit.
First Method
For the first method you simply need to put some of your chosen plant into the jar. You do not need to stuff the jar full, and personally I usually do not fill the jar more than a quarter full, but it does depend a bit on the specific plant. Then fill the jar the rest of the way with oil, making sure that the plant material is completely covered. Then tightly cover the jar.
It will take several days for the herbs to really infuse into the oil. It's best to allow the jar to sit in a warm (but not hot) spot somewhere in the house. Each day you'll want to lightly agitate the oil a bit by gently tipping the jar upside down, then right side up again. Gently rolling it a bit also works, but you don't want to shake it. After about seven days open the jar and smell the oil. If it's as scented as you want, strain the plants from the oil, return the oil to the jar, and seal it.
If the oil is not as scented as you'd like, strain out the old plants, and simply repeat the process using fresh plants and the same oil.
Second Method / Heated Method
For the second method, you'll need a glass baking dish - do not use metal. Put your plants and the oil into the baking dish, and put it it into an over set on it's lowest setting. Some plants might only need to be set in the oven for perhaps an hour or two, while others may take longer. Check the oil often to see if the scent is where you'd like it to be, keeping in mind that it will be a little less scented once it's cooled.
Once it's done, allow the oil to fully cool, strain it, and store it in a tightly sealed sterilized glass jar.
Storage and Shelf Life
Infused oils should be stored in glass jars that are well sealed, and kept in a cool place that is out of direct light. Heat and light will both cause oil to break down and start to go rancid sooner. Some people like to keep some of the plant in the oil after it's made as a decoration. In many cases, this can also cause the oil to go rancid quicker.
How long the oil actually lasts depends a bit on plants used, method used, and how they are stored. They can last a while, but really it's best to make small quantities as needed. When your oil starts to smell funky, it's time to toss it and make a fresh batch.
"Oh no, botulism!" and Other Warnings
Botulism is an extremely nasty, if rare, disease. If you are planning to ingest your infused oils, please do a little extra research on the topic, and take a look at the extra steps you should take to avoid botulism and any other sort of foodborne illnesses or issues.
Likewise, please do a bit of research on the plants you intend to use for your infused oils. Even plants we usually consider to be non-toxic can cause some issues for people - as an example, oil infused with clove or cinnamon can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Beyond oil, you can also infuse vinegars, alcohol, and a host of other liquids... but that's for another post.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Imbolc
A very happy Imbolc to those celebrating, whenever you may be celebrating it! (And a happy Lammas to those in the southern hemisphere.)
Good old Punxsutaweny Phil didn't see his shadow, which according to the folklore means we'll be seeing an early spring this year. It was mostly cloudy when I peeked outside as well, so perhaps we'll see an early spring here as well? I suppose we'll know for sure soon enough.
Well, at least the extreme cold we've been having seems to have lightened up a bit. It's only going to get down to 20F tonight, which is a good bit nicer than dipping below zero. Still, aside from days that are a little longer, there aren't too many other signs of an approaching spring. In my personal practice, I tend to leave many of the spring aspects to Ostara and Beltane. At Imbolc I know that spring is coming, but I'm still working with winter concepts, ideas, and of course winter weather.
It's a time to rest a bit, to just enjoy this quiet time of year, before the light half of the year brings all it's activity and growth. It's a time to look through my small supply cabinet, and take stock of what I have, what I need more of, and what I no longer need to keep. A time to clean off altars and purify them, a time to purify ritual tools and items, and to do self-purifications as well. It's a time to look inward, to face the good and the bad, and to think about changes that need to be made.
It's also time to look forward a bit. If I'm going to keep a bit of a garden this year, and I'd like to, I need to start thinking about what's going to go into that garden, when do I need to get seeds started, what gardening equipment is already here, what do I need to pick up?
I have given a little thought to what I want to grow. I'd like to try growing a few stalks of corn. We did that one year when I was much younger. Garlic is simple to grow, and I go through tons of it, so garlic is on the list. What else? Maybe some potatoes, or beets? Then some herbs... lavender for sure, perhaps rosemary, or thyme? That's all something I'll need to figure out in the next week or so, anyway.
Good old Punxsutaweny Phil didn't see his shadow, which according to the folklore means we'll be seeing an early spring this year. It was mostly cloudy when I peeked outside as well, so perhaps we'll see an early spring here as well? I suppose we'll know for sure soon enough.
Well, at least the extreme cold we've been having seems to have lightened up a bit. It's only going to get down to 20F tonight, which is a good bit nicer than dipping below zero. Still, aside from days that are a little longer, there aren't too many other signs of an approaching spring. In my personal practice, I tend to leave many of the spring aspects to Ostara and Beltane. At Imbolc I know that spring is coming, but I'm still working with winter concepts, ideas, and of course winter weather.
It's a time to rest a bit, to just enjoy this quiet time of year, before the light half of the year brings all it's activity and growth. It's a time to look through my small supply cabinet, and take stock of what I have, what I need more of, and what I no longer need to keep. A time to clean off altars and purify them, a time to purify ritual tools and items, and to do self-purifications as well. It's a time to look inward, to face the good and the bad, and to think about changes that need to be made.
It's also time to look forward a bit. If I'm going to keep a bit of a garden this year, and I'd like to, I need to start thinking about what's going to go into that garden, when do I need to get seeds started, what gardening equipment is already here, what do I need to pick up?
I have given a little thought to what I want to grow. I'd like to try growing a few stalks of corn. We did that one year when I was much younger. Garlic is simple to grow, and I go through tons of it, so garlic is on the list. What else? Maybe some potatoes, or beets? Then some herbs... lavender for sure, perhaps rosemary, or thyme? That's all something I'll need to figure out in the next week or so, anyway.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Animal Lore: Chickadee
 |
| Black-capped Chickadee on a suet feeder. |
In addition to their chick-a-dee call, they are known to sing quite a few calls, often fairly complex in their nature. Another of their more distinctive calls is their 'fee-bee' call. If you've got Chickadees in your area, there's a good chance you've heard this call before.
 | |
| Chickadee taking some suet. |
Chickadees are year round birds, although they may occasionally go north or south with the weather within a limited range. Chickadees have the ability to lower their body temperate in cold weather, which allows them to preserve energy.
Many Chickadees are bold little birds, and if you're patient it is possible to get one to feed on seed right from your hands. They're known to be curious, and are not as fearful around humans as some other birds.
Because of their traits, Chickadees can be symbolic of bravery, curiosity, intelligence, resourcefulness, and perseverance. Chickadees can warn one of coming danger, and are said to be able to discern the true nature of an individual and their intent.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Essential Oils, Infused Oils, and Carrier Oils
Essential oils contain a strong essence of the plant they were derived from. Essential oils are generally very concentrated, and usually no more than a few drops at used at a time.
Essential oils are frequently made though a distillation process, but there are some other methods used as well, such as using a press to extract the oil from the plant. Essential oils are not made by simply steeping plant material in oil, that results in an infused oil.
When the distillation method is used, it produces both the essential oil, as well as what may be called an essential water. For example, if you were to use roses in this process, you would end up with both rose essential oil, as well as rose water, which is often used in cooking, baking, or as a beauty product. The essential water is not always kept, as depending on the plant used it may have an unpleasant smell or taste.
It is difficult to make essential oils at home, as generally one will need special equipment, and it requires a lot of plant material to get a good amount of oil for your efforts. One example I've seen given is that one would need 5000 pounds of roses to make a single pound of the essential oil. Many essential oils can be quite expensive because of this - but again, since a very little can go a long way, a single bottle will usually last a long while when stored properly. Essential oils should be stored in a tightly sealed (ideally dark colored) glass bottle, and left in a cool, dark place. Too much exposure to air, sunlight, heat, or extreme temperature changes will start to break the oil down.
Infused oils are much easier to make at home than essential oils. To make an infused oil one simply needs to let some plant material steep in a base oil, such as olive oil, long enough that the scent and flavor from the plant can transfer into the oil. For more information on how to make and store infused oils, please see this post.
Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils, and may also be used to make infused oils. Many carrier oils have very little scent of their own, which make them good bases to work with. There are many different kinds of carrier oils, but some of the more popular choices include olive oil, almond oil, canola oil, walnut oil, peanut oil, or apricot kernel oil.
Which carrier oil you use will come down to personal preference most of the time. For making infused oils that will be ingested, olive oil is probably one of the most popular choices. Chances are you've seen, or eaten, flavored olive oils in the past. For other uses, some carrier oils may be a bit thicker than others, have slightly different scents, colors, prices, and so on. Some are readily available in the grocery store, while others may be harder to find. Look around, experiment a bit with what's out there, and see which work best for your needs.
I'm often asked if mineral oil, or baby oil, can be used as a carrier oil. Obviously if you're going to be ingesting your oil, you probably don't want to be using mineral oil. If you were making something like an anointing oil for use on your skin, mineral oil might be an okay choice - however, mineral oil doesn't absorb into the skin very well. So while it can be used in some cases, one of the plant based carrier oils will usually make a better choice.
Essential oils are frequently made though a distillation process, but there are some other methods used as well, such as using a press to extract the oil from the plant. Essential oils are not made by simply steeping plant material in oil, that results in an infused oil.
When the distillation method is used, it produces both the essential oil, as well as what may be called an essential water. For example, if you were to use roses in this process, you would end up with both rose essential oil, as well as rose water, which is often used in cooking, baking, or as a beauty product. The essential water is not always kept, as depending on the plant used it may have an unpleasant smell or taste.
It is difficult to make essential oils at home, as generally one will need special equipment, and it requires a lot of plant material to get a good amount of oil for your efforts. One example I've seen given is that one would need 5000 pounds of roses to make a single pound of the essential oil. Many essential oils can be quite expensive because of this - but again, since a very little can go a long way, a single bottle will usually last a long while when stored properly. Essential oils should be stored in a tightly sealed (ideally dark colored) glass bottle, and left in a cool, dark place. Too much exposure to air, sunlight, heat, or extreme temperature changes will start to break the oil down.
Infused oils are much easier to make at home than essential oils. To make an infused oil one simply needs to let some plant material steep in a base oil, such as olive oil, long enough that the scent and flavor from the plant can transfer into the oil. For more information on how to make and store infused oils, please see this post.
Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils, and may also be used to make infused oils. Many carrier oils have very little scent of their own, which make them good bases to work with. There are many different kinds of carrier oils, but some of the more popular choices include olive oil, almond oil, canola oil, walnut oil, peanut oil, or apricot kernel oil.
Which carrier oil you use will come down to personal preference most of the time. For making infused oils that will be ingested, olive oil is probably one of the most popular choices. Chances are you've seen, or eaten, flavored olive oils in the past. For other uses, some carrier oils may be a bit thicker than others, have slightly different scents, colors, prices, and so on. Some are readily available in the grocery store, while others may be harder to find. Look around, experiment a bit with what's out there, and see which work best for your needs.
I'm often asked if mineral oil, or baby oil, can be used as a carrier oil. Obviously if you're going to be ingesting your oil, you probably don't want to be using mineral oil. If you were making something like an anointing oil for use on your skin, mineral oil might be an okay choice - however, mineral oil doesn't absorb into the skin very well. So while it can be used in some cases, one of the plant based carrier oils will usually make a better choice.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Animal Lore: Bears
Various types of bears are known in many parts of the world. Here in New Hampshire we've got black bears, and it's not uncommon to spot them in the more rural areas now and again. Every couple years one will wander into our neighborhood, pulling down bird feeders and getting into trash cans for a day or two, before wandering back into the woods when it realizes that no more food is being left around. Up north camping areas have very strict rules about food and trash. While, all in all, black bears are not one of the more aggressive bears, we are taught to respect them and to give them plenty of room.
Bears have played an important role in many different cultures through history - more than I could list here. Some examples include the legendary creation of Korea, where it was the son of a bear turned woman who founded the first Korean kingdom. Bears also play a significant role in the mythology of the Ainu people. They consider bears to be mostly benevolent creatures, and their meat and fur are important staples.
Berserkers, Norse warriors, were often said to wear shirts formed from bear pelts into battle (berkserker is derived from the Old Norse for bear shirt), and were known for fighting in a fierce trance-like fury.
In the folklore of some Native American tribes, bears became associated with dreams because of their winter dormancy.
Bears were one of the sacred animals of the Greek Artemis. The cult of Artemis at Brauron was especially linked with bears. It is said that a gentle she-bear was known to visit Artemis' sanctuary at Brauron. One of the girls at the sanctuary provoked it, and was injured because of it. The girl's brothers killed the bear because of this, and Artemis punished the people with a plague. An oracle told the people that the plague could only be removed if young girls played the role of the bear in the rites preformed at Brauron.
It is one of Artemis' nymphs, Kallisto, who eventually became the constellation Ursa Major (of which the Big Dipper, one of the more widely known constellations, is a part of). Kallisto's son, Arcas, became Ursa Minor.
Generally speaking, bears hold a bit of a dual symbolism. Gentle and benevolent, yet strong and fierce. Associated both with the sun and moon. They are seen as powerful protectors, symbols of bravery, and they are linked with sovereignty, acceptance of self, and, of course, motherhood. Watching bears fish and forage can teach us a little about patience and perseverance.
Bears go into the earth in the winter for a dormant period, linking them with death - and as they emerge in the spring, resurrection and new life. Especially the mother bears, who often give birth during these winter months, and emerge in the spring with their new cubs.
Their descent into the earth during the winter months also links them to the shamanic underworld, the dream world, and they are powerful symbols of wisdom, ancestral knowledge, and healing knowledge because of this. Their winter dormancy can also be seen as a metaphor for going into the self and communing with the sub-conscious, with connecting with our intuition and instinct.
Bears have played an important role in many different cultures through history - more than I could list here. Some examples include the legendary creation of Korea, where it was the son of a bear turned woman who founded the first Korean kingdom. Bears also play a significant role in the mythology of the Ainu people. They consider bears to be mostly benevolent creatures, and their meat and fur are important staples.
Berserkers, Norse warriors, were often said to wear shirts formed from bear pelts into battle (berkserker is derived from the Old Norse for bear shirt), and were known for fighting in a fierce trance-like fury.
In the folklore of some Native American tribes, bears became associated with dreams because of their winter dormancy.
Bears were one of the sacred animals of the Greek Artemis. The cult of Artemis at Brauron was especially linked with bears. It is said that a gentle she-bear was known to visit Artemis' sanctuary at Brauron. One of the girls at the sanctuary provoked it, and was injured because of it. The girl's brothers killed the bear because of this, and Artemis punished the people with a plague. An oracle told the people that the plague could only be removed if young girls played the role of the bear in the rites preformed at Brauron.
It is one of Artemis' nymphs, Kallisto, who eventually became the constellation Ursa Major (of which the Big Dipper, one of the more widely known constellations, is a part of). Kallisto's son, Arcas, became Ursa Minor.
Bears go into the earth in the winter for a dormant period, linking them with death - and as they emerge in the spring, resurrection and new life. Especially the mother bears, who often give birth during these winter months, and emerge in the spring with their new cubs.
Their descent into the earth during the winter months also links them to the shamanic underworld, the dream world, and they are powerful symbols of wisdom, ancestral knowledge, and healing knowledge because of this. Their winter dormancy can also be seen as a metaphor for going into the self and communing with the sub-conscious, with connecting with our intuition and instinct.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)