Did you know that wormwood was historically used as protection against all evil? And that juniper was even considered a guardian of the gate to other worlds? Or that cypress was associated with the god of the underworld, Hades, and today is perceived as a symbol of transformation? Let's discover together the magical herbs associated with the Halloween season and how their magical scents in the form of essential oils and floral waters affect our emotions. We have a special Halloween selection for you with practical tips! Read on!
Witch wormwood
Did you know that Wormwood is referred to in folk tradition as a “witch or magical herb”? In ancient times, it was used as a protection against all evil. Its flower water with its distinctive warm herbal aroma, it relaxes the body and stimulates the soul. Add it to your evening bath and loosen stiff and strained muscles. By the way, wormwood is also a plant that is suitable for the end of October. People used to make “wormwood wine” and various liqueurs, the bitterness of which helped with digestion.
Spiritual incense
October is the month of quieting down and slowing down. And it is in this gathering that various emotions come to us. Let's not be afraid of them. Let's learn to accept them and perceive them. Incense is a great helper for this. Did you know that humanity has been using the spiritual and meditative effects of incense for more than 5000 years? The soothing, slightly resinous scent of its floral waters (hydrolate) provides spiritual and emotional support. Helps recover from loss or post-traumatic stress. And as a bonus, relaxes skin suffering from excessive stress.
Brave Juniper
The courage needed to process emotions is given to us by the sweet-bitter woody notes of juniper oil, which dissolves and cleanses negative influences and at the same time strongly strengthens our courage and determination. The cleansing effects of juniper have been known to mankind since ancient times. Already in ancient times, the Greeks used it as a ritual incense and to prevent the spread of diseases. In the Middle Ages, it was considered a versatile medicine. In the 12th century, Saint Hildegard noticed the remarkable effect of crushed berries in a hot bath on respiratory infections. The history of smoking juniper berries continued all the way until the 19th century, when they were lit preventively in French hospitals during smallpox epidemics (G. Mojay – Aromatherapy for Healing the Soul). Juniper tea was even used to disinfect surgical instruments (Dr. J. Axe – Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine). Nowadays, gin is a world-famous alcoholic beverage with the aroma of juniper berries.
Guardian of the Gate to Other Worlds
In the past, juniper was attributed magical effects in many cultures. It was revered as a tree with powerful protective powers, as a guardian of the gate to other worlds and the seat of supernatural creatures and forces, and as such had an important place in folk traditions and superstitions. For example, in ancient Greece it was believed that it could be a mediator between life and death. The soul of the deceased remained trapped in a juniper bush after death, which could mean hope for its return to the world of the living. In the Middle Ages, people believed that juniper branches repel demons. Juniper also found its way into the “horror” fairy tale of the Brothers Grimm, which you really shouldn’t read to children before bedtime ;-).
Juniper essential oil and hydrolate
Essential oil from wild, hand-picked Juniper berries (berry) with its distinctive sweet-bitter woody aroma dissolves and cleanses negative influences and at the same time strongly strengthens our courage and determination. It helps to overcome mental stagnation and restart life. It cleanses the space from negative energy. It detoxifies and refreshes the space. Juniper Hydrolate from hand-picked wild fruits (berries) not only cleanses, tones and detoxifies oily and problematic skin and scalp, but is also suitable for energy work with the aura in yoga or meditation practice. This hydrolate is also very beneficial for baths for so-called heavy legs.
Transformational cypress
Another scent that supports adaptation and our ability to cope with grief and change is Cypress. Its woody-resinous scent is calming and grounding. Did you know that it was first used as incense in history?! Mentions of it can be found in papyri from ancient Egypt. In ancient Greece, it was dedicated to Hades, the god of the underworld and the afterlife. That is why it was planted in burial sites. This connection has been preserved in the Mediterranean to this day. Its essential oil It is very suitable in times when we have to cope with grief. In this context, it is also used in palliative care.
Recipe book for original “fragrant toys”
Try these original “fragrance toys” for your diffuser or aroma lamp
Haunted Castle
2 drops of orange
2 drops cedar
2 drops of frankincense
1 drop of ginger
2 drops of clove
Halloween Love Potion
1 drop clary sage
2 drops lime
2 drops juniper
Magic potion
2 drops juniper
1 drop of frankincense
1 drop patchouli
1 drop lavender
Vampire's breath
3 drops of orange
3 drops of clary sage
2 drops patchouli
1 drop ginger
Whether you are quietly and respectfully remembering deceased loved ones, or enjoying the excitement of Halloween and being tickled by mystery, create the right atmosphere with 100% essential oils and floral waters with a magical scent and meditative effects.
Watch the live broadcast recording “Halloween Special”.
Buy 100% essential oils here.
Buy 100% floral water here.
Sources:
S. Catty - Hydrosols The Next Aromatherapy, 2001.
Gabriel Mojay – Aromatherapy for Healing the Soul, 2019.
Dr. Josh Ax - Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine, 2016.
A. Naďová – Woman in Transformations of the Year, 2021.
How was Halloween??
All Souls' Day, or the commemoration of all the deceased (November 2.11), is based on the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain. The Celts believed that at this time the souls of the deceased returned to the earth's surface, and that the living could visit the underworld. Even then, people lit candles outside their windows and dressed in old rags and masked their faces to protect themselves from evil forces. A reflection of this Celtic tradition has survived in the popular Anglo-American Halloween (October 31.10).
