Of all the scents and sounds that we may appreciate as traditional sensory symbols we must be reminded of the wonderful influence of frankincense.  In western countries we are fortunate to be able to procure it both in granules and as an essential oil and so find it entirely suitable to use as our Christmas church incense and for our private spiritual meditations.

Frankincense, also known as Olibanum, is derived from the tree Boswellia thurifera. For centuries it has been employed to assist in elevating the emotions and in particular, our feelings of aspiration and spiritual devotion. Inhalation of the subtle emanations or the burning fumes really helps relieve depression and to soothe frayed nerves. It is a popular aid to help our mood for meditation when a drop or two rubbed between the hands ensures that we have a prolonged time to enjoy its scent.

In cold countries of the northern hemisphere other timbers are also equally used. Sandalwood is the most powerful, yet balanced aromatic that is protective and very pleasing to inhale. Cedarwood and the conifers of all kinds are for some an essential influence at Christmas time with the tree used as a focus for celebrations.  Pine is of course favoured by people all over the world.

This is the time to give a gift to introduce the masculine perfumes of natural origin to those unaware of subtle ways for a man to use these attractive scents.

Tags: cedarwood, christmas scents, frankincense, pine, sandalwood

Its scent has a universal appeal and has the capacity to lift the spirits, add joyful vibrations either to the one inhaling it scent, or to permeate the general atmosphere with positive, happy and beautiful influences. It is traditionally used in church ceremonies, christenings and weddings.

Many women choose it as a personal body perfume.

When using this wonderful natural tonic and elixir as a direct inhalant in preparing for meditation, there is no need to persuade yourself to take deep slow breaths of its perfume. This will tend to occur naturally. You will feel an almost immediate sense of upliftment, enough to call it a perfume that is ‘heavenly’.

The powerful and beautiful influence of the vapours of neroli need little explanation.

All that is required is to inhale its fragrance and experience for yourself the additional help in provides in elevating consciousness towards the realms of spiritual joy, emotion and beauty.

Tags: essential oil exquisite, heavenly perfume helps, lifts depression, neroli perfume, orange blossom

Many a rose lover will be inclined to slip into a type of meditative state, absorbed in the beauty and the perfume of a rose garden to experience a spontaneous psychic response of pleasure and appreciation of nature.  However, when constructing a deliberate exercise for conscious meditation there are some steps that assist in preparing an atmosphere and immediate environment that will bring about satisfying states and a mood that is inwardly or spiritually rewarding.

Place the rose at a comfortable eye level for you when you are sitting, whether in the classical x- legged position or in a chair that allows an upright spine. It is usual to adopt a position that allows a slightly downward eye focus to avoid strain. Once the body is comfortable and still and the eyes can be held to focus on the rose, we are tuned in and prepared to meditate.

The eyes should gaze upon the rose without blinking (trataka) for as long as possible. Once any strain is felt and the eyes blinked or relaxed ready to begin again, we continue to hold our gaze as we observe the rose as if we are seeing for the first time. This means that in the stillness of our body position, and the steadiness of our eyes, we have a chance to observe keenly everything about the rose – its petals, form, colour, beauty and its radiance that is often observed as a subtle light around the flower. We are able to consciously inhale its perfume as we breathe easily and relaxed.

After a period of time that varies with us all, when we feel compelled to shut our eyes, the next stage begins. Perhaps we will see an ‘after-image’ of the rose, or refresh its image using our imagination. But more importantly, we contemplate the quality of the rose, a flower that is universally accepted as the symbol of beauty and of love.  We contemplate the wonder of nature that can create the softness of the petals, the beauty of its form and retain our connection with its soul as we inhale its perfume.

Then, providing we are still comfortable, with our eyes closed and our breathing easy, we cease effort of any kind and feel free to slip into a peaceful state as if we are mentally ‘listening’ or just ‘watching’ any thoughts or feelings that arise. This is a time to experience the result of previous use of your faculties and to rest with no further effort. It will result as a pleasant experience that is totally spontaneous and unique to you.

These few minutes of personal experience may seem simple, beautiful, inspiring or produce various reactions but certainly you will feel soothed by having related more intimately to the energies of nature that created a living flower. It would afterwards seem natural to be more aware and appreciative of the importance of beauty, affection and peace in your life, as a result.

We began our meditation using a little preparation, keen observation, a little concentration, a little imagination, gentle breathing and are rewarded.

Tags: flower, focus upon rose helps meditate on beauty and love, fragrance of rose, rose, rose attar, rose essence

Modern sophisticated science of perfumery through the additional use of synthetics presents us with an overwhelming variety for personal selection of our body perfumes. These usually contain small amounts of natural ingredients but in the main reflect the wide use of chemicals.

As certain artificially produced scents can be harmful when inhaled, they are not recommended for use in either aromatherapy or for meditation.  The olfactory sense is extremely delicate and can be seriously injured, as can the brain, by inhalation of the smell or vapours of toxic materials and by some chemical combinations. Only essential oils, resins or other plant material is safe to use in aiding meditation.

Churches burn copious resins and oils in their traditional ritual incense following recipes that have proven themselves over centuries. Some of the ingredients are available to the public through church stores and this is a reliable basis for creating your own incense for private devotions.

However, many find incense sticks a safer and easier method of censing. However, there is also need for discrimination as to the choice and quality of the materials used. Some commercially produced incense sticks contain questionable ingredients that cause respiratory problems or aggravate asthma. Sticks guaranteed to be based upon sandalwood dust are usually of good quality but there are many adulterants and substitute timbers used by unethical companies.  It is best that a sample is tried before regular use.

There are various other ways to use perfumes and incense to enhance your meditative mood.

Essential oils are strong, and usually require only a drop or two with any application.

A drop of perfumed oil on a tissue provides a simple means of direct inhalation as you prepare for meditation by practising Yoga pranayama.

Your favourite perfumed oil rubbed between the palms of the hands or gently massaged onto the chest will usually endure throughout and this is a pleasant way to complete your preparation for meditation.

Tags: breathe well, enjoying meditation, fragrance, healing, mysteries of perfume, nature's perfumes, subtle senses