Aromatherapy Anointing Oils

Spiritual Blessings, Ceremonies, & Affirmations

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Second Edition

 

 

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Aromatherapy Anointing Oils is suggested to be read third in the trilogy.

 

 

      Spirituality is an inherent and integral part of being human. This has been demonstrated throughout history and is evident today. However, there is no specific, agreed-upon definition of spirituality because there are many different spiritual practices. There are paths that are both theistic (belief in God) and non-theistic (no belief in God), as well as the contemporary path of secular humanism or atheism, which has many of the aspects listed below. Yet within this amazing diversity, we do find common threads of agreement.

In order to establish a foundational understanding of spirituality for the purpose of this book, we do not offer a definition, but instead, offer the following experiences that express the essence of human spirituality, and are often described by people on a personal, spiritual journey.

 

*  Being aware of an intelligence, being, energy, force, or reality that is vaster than our personal world. It may be called Spirit, God, the Sacred, the Holy, the Source, the Emptiness, the Mystery, or the Divine.

 

* Being aware of the inter-relationship and connection of all life forms—plants, insects, animals, and people. This awareness draws us to the practice of compassion, service, and love.

 

*  Having a sense of meaning and purpose, coupled with the belief that there is goodness in the universe. NOTE: Among secular humanists or atheists, there is often an agreement that service to the greater common good brings meaning and purpose to one’s life.

 

*  Experiencing joy, bliss, or peace from aligning our smaller selves with something greater, and sensing, for even a moment, a spiritual or sacred realm.

 

*  Sensing that the mystery of spirituality is so beyond our human comprehension that we only experience glimpses of its magnitude, and will never be able to fully describe, analyze, or understand it with our limited, rational mind.

 

*  Longing to experience spirituality on a personal level.

 

* Experiencing personal transformation within the context of one’s spiritual beliefs, and an awareness that stages of transformed consciousness and life unfold on the spiritual journey.

 

*  Believing that one IS spiritual.

 

      During the past fifty years, there has been a profound evolution in religion and spirituality. Combined with the search for the mystical depths of spiritual nourishment is the desire that the experiences be meaningful and vibrant, not only for ourselves, but also for our families and our community. Dogma may or may not be important, but there is an insistence that spirituality be alive and resonate with truth and personal meaning. 

We recognize that people learn about and experience spirituality in unique and individual ways. In America, many who left the religion of their childhood during the social turbulence of the 1960s and 1970s, later found themselves longing for, and returning to, their spiritual roots. Others have been drawn to paths of different cultures, such as those of Eastern, early European, and Native American traditions. Still others have embraced a combination of practices and beliefs from spiritual teachings gathered from around the world, as well as diverse disciplines such as transpersonal psychology and holistic body therapies. There are also those who have remained faithfully engaged in their original religion. Indeed, spirituality today may be a blend of traditional religions, eastern religions, esoteric traditions, humanistic psychology, and philosophy.

The intention of this book, Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, is to offer an avenue for evoking, experiencing, nurturing, and affirming spirituality in a personal, meaningful way through the sacred art of anointing combined with the spiritual teachings of essential oils. 

 

 

Additional Testimonials for Aromatherapy Anointing Oils

 

“Aromatherapy Anointing Oils is a heartfelt invitation to experience the Divine. Every major religion has taught that nature’s aromas can awaken us to the sacred. Anointing, the spiritual act of “touching with oil,” is a powerful way to spark that awakening. Joni Keim and Ruah Bull teach us how to turn “simple acts into sacred occasions.” This book is an uplifting, practical guide to reunite with your divine nature.”

– Bill Thomson, former editor of Natural Health magazine

 

On Amazon, verified purchase: “I love Aromatherapy Anointing Oils: Spiritual Blessings, Ceremonies, and Affirmationsand read it often. While I identify with Judaism, I find this text helps me to select oils to create sacred meaning from the sacred and secular aspects of my life. I can’t be without this text. It will go a long way towards helping me as I study essential oils and aromatherapy to help me help my clients in a very effective way to enhance their quality of life on a physical and spiritual level. I’m so glad I found this book and made the investment.”

 

 

Excerpt from Aromatherapy Anointing Oils

 

The following excerpt is the beginning of 

Chapter 3: Creating Sacred Space for Aromatherapy Anointing

 

      A “sacred space” refers to a time and a place that is dedicated and devoted to connecting and being with Spirit. It provides the setting and environment for aromatherapy anointing and can be created any time and any place by clearing the area, protecting the area, asking for guidance, and setting intention. These four steps can be accomplished in a matter of moments or they can be a part of a longer ceremony. 

      Sacred space can be enhanced by the addition of things that have special meaning to you or that you are drawn to such as affirmations, candles, colors, crystals, the elements, essential oils, flower essences, food, drink, images, incense, blessings, prayers, sounds, stones, or visualizations. One or all of these can be included, depending on how elaborate or simple you want your anointing ceremony to be. NOTE: More information about all of these is provided in the book.

      Many spiritual traditions remind us that all space and time are sacred. “Creating sacred space” (also known as “opening sacred space”) simply helps us to become particularly aware of and focused on the spiritual dimension within and around us.  

 

Clearing the Area

      Just as we clear a space on the kitchen counter to prepare food, we clear a specific area, energetically, for the sacred work of anointing. This begins with a mindful, three-step process: 

1. First, shift your consciousness to be fully present in the here and now, focusing your body, mind, heart, and energy on Spirit. 

2. Release all other thoughts and intentions, as best you can. 

3. Put your hands over your heart and intend that the area is dedicated to Spirit. 

 

      Then, use one of these three suggested clearing techniques:

1. Take a deep breath and release it slowly. Now walk around the area and move your hands as if clearing away debris. Visualize the area being cleared of all unwanted and negative energy. When you feel it is done, put your hands over your heart and thank Spirit.

 

2. Use essential oils in a diffuser or mister to clear the area combined with your intention that the area is being cleared of all unwanted and negative energy. (To use a diffuser, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. To make a mist, mix 10 to 15 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a misting bottle. Shake well before each use. Mist the area from as high up as you can reach so the mist falls through as much air as possible. Avoid getting the mist in your eyes.) When you feel the area is finished being cleared and cleansed, put your hands over your heart and thank Spirit. NOTE: The essential oils that are especially appropriate for cleaning are listed in the book.

 

3. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath and release it slowly. Open your eyes. Hold the intention and visualize that the area is cleared of all unwanted and negative energy. Then say an affirmation, such as, “This area is now clear, dedicated to Spirit, and ready for anointing.”  Or say a blessing or prayer, such as, “May this space be cleared of all that is not aligned with Spirit, the highest good, and the intention of this anointing.” When you feel it is done, put your hands over your heart and thank Spirit.

 

Protecting the Area

      Protect the area to create a safe, comfortable, secure, and contained space for the aromatherapy anointing ceremony. A contained space supports the sacredness of the area and all that would interfere is kept out. To do this, first turn off phones and put out a “Please Do Not Disturb” sign, if needed. Then, choose and prepare an essential oil to diffuse or mist in the area. (To use a diffuser, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. To make a mist, mix 10 to 15 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a misting bottle. Shake well before each use. Avoid getting the mist in your eyes.) NOTE: The essential oils that are especially appropriate for protecting are listed in the book.

      Next, imagine drawing a boundary line in the shape of a circle or square around the area to clearly define it. You can do this by walking the perimeter and using your hand as if holding a pencil to “draw” the imaginary line, or you can simply “draw” the line in your mind. Then, turn on the diffuser or begin misting the area while visualizing and intending that the area be protected. Also visualize a wall of white or golden light surrounding the area. Picture its semi-permeable qualities and intend that all that is good and positive is in the area and all that could be destructive is held out. Walk around and through the area, holding the intention of it being protected. When you are done, thank Spirit.

 

Asking for Guidance

      Ask for guidance by inviting a special spiritual being or guide to be present during the aromatherapy anointing ceremony. Examples include a particular angel, Jesus, Buddha, Quan Yin, or a special animal or plant. It can also be someone you love who has passed away, such as your grandmother or a favorite teacher. Invite one or more guides, as long as they are meaningful to you, and they bring positive, helpful energy to the ceremony. 

      There is a saying in the Christian tradition, “Ask and you shall receive.” The technique of asking for guidance is as simple as that. You can ask silently or out loud, such as, “Dear Archangel Gabriel, please be here during this aromatherapy anointing ceremony.” Direct your sincere invitation to those you want present, and trust and visualize that they will be there. 

      A guide is invited for help, support, positive energy, and protection. Their presence amplifies both your intention and the potency of anointing, and it helps to ensure that what you ask for will be for the highest good—for you and for all. Their invitation to be present also provides you an opportunity to ask for specific guidance or support during the ceremony. At any time, feel free to ask for it. 

      Your chosen essential oil can be diffused or misted in the area. (To use a diffuser, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. To make a mist, mix 10 to 15 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water in a misting bottle. Shake well before each use. Avoid getting the mist in your eyes. NOTE: The essential oils that are especially appropriate for asking for guidance are listed in the book.) It can also be made into an anointing oil and used to anoint objects in the area that represent guidance, as well as your 6th and 7th energy centers, if you like. (See Chapter 6 for directions for making an anointing oil.) When the oil is being diffused, misted, or anointed, hold the intention that your requested spiritual being or guide is present. When you are done, thank Spirit.

 

Setting Intention

      When you set intention, you declare, silently or out loud, the positive purpose for the aromatherapy anointing ceremony. For example, “This anointing is to support me as I begin my new job.” Affirmations are appropriate, such as, “I am strong and confident as I begin my new job.” Blessings or prayers can also be used, such as, “May this new job be rewarding and satisfying.” A single word that represents an appropriate desired state can also set intention, such as, “grateful,” “enthusiastic,” or “appreciated.”

      It is also helpful to set intention by visualizing an image of your desired situation such as happily working at your new job, or an image that represents your desired state of mind, such as a calm lake or a fully opened rose. 

Lastly, meaningful movements can also help set intention, such as opening your arms wide to welcome the new job experience, bowing to honor and show gratitude for the new job, or making the sign of the cross to connect with spiritual support for your new job. 

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