Spirit Medicine

A few years ago I was asked to create an aromatherapy product for a group who actively supported people who desired to transcend during their dying process. I was honored to contribute to this worthy endeavor and excited about the opportunity to just “live with” the energetic qualities of certain essential oils.

I had the opportunity the last few days to use these products with a friend who peacefully passed this morning after a long bout with cancer. Perhaps as a tribute to her and the inspiration she was in my life, I feel moved to share my thought-process in creating these two products. I’ll also share the formulas, along with my blessing to use.

My intention for both these products was to uplift and provide support for the individual’s transcendence. I was not looking to target any individual system of the body nor address any physical ailments. In every sense, my choice of oils and their route of application were guided by my understanding of essential oils as “messengers of energy and consciousness.” [i]

The first product was a massage oil, for which I chose jojoba as the base. I chose organic jojoba for its purity, subtle aroma and molecular approximation to the skin’s natural sebum. Since it is highly moisturizing, I thought it would be a good choice for the elderly and/or bed-ridden. The fact that it does not go rancid was a plus.

The second product was a spritz that could be sprayed around the client’s head. The base for this was distilled water.

I chose skin and inhalation routes because both applications allowed direct access to the circulatory system, thereby reaching every inch of the body.  Since the nasal cavity lacks a stratum corneum (the top protective layer of the skin), absorption is rapid. Absorption through the skin, by way of a massage, is slower. I liked that the products would provide both immediate and slower-acting absorption rates.

I took into consideration a balance between top, middle and base notes, with a result of two top, one middle and four base in all.

I also wanted the rhizome, wood, resin, flower and fruit parts of plants to be representative in the blends. A rhizome is present to support the person in time of fear and instability, and offer strength, balance and connection in a time of big change. The wood offers core support and centeredness; conducts energy and pushes one to go deeper. The resins, of which there are two, have been used traditionally to support inner reflection and meditation; to offer protection and heal wounds. The fruit uplifts, cleanses emotions, clears energy, protects and brings light to the heart and mind. The two flowers are calming and soothing to the mind, and offer emotional support. They encourage love and forgiveness. I thought that all of the above qualities would be useful at the time of one’s passing.

In addition to selecting oils according to their psychological and spiritual properties, I also created the massage oil to include all of the Five Elements: water, wood, fire, earth and metal. The Five Elements is one of the two main pillars of eastern medicine and is most simply described as the phases or movement of energy, each of which either supports (creates) or controls the process.

My friend was unresponsive the last few days, resting peacefully, thanks to the loving attention of Community Hospice of NE Florida’s caregivers, so I have no tangible way of knowing if the oils and my contact with her feet eased her passage. I trust that they did though, as I know they soothed my loss.

Formulas shared in next two posts.