TRANSFORM A HABIT INTO A RITUAL

Many of us are in the habit of using oils and creams as a form of literal protection against the elements. If you take a moment to slow down, breathe and apply that same unguent with intention, you create a ritual of care. It is that intent which is transformative. To be anointed.

In an age of speed, nothing could be more luxurious than paying attention - Pico Iyer

HISTORICALLY -

The process of anointing the body has a rich history that is both secular and religious -in the past, quantities of oils were poured over the head or hands, or massaged into the body as a from of aromatic spiritual and physical protection (or cleansing). There is a strong connection between the sensual application and the cravings we have for aromatic pleasures.

Early historical records of several cultures show the use of anointing as a form of healing, thought to protect the body from spirits that intend harm: Egypt, Jewish culture, Africa and India.

Oil-based rituals for wellness were so widely accepted that ancient bathhouses of Rome had special rooms dedicated to the process. In the Unctarium the body was slathered with fragrant oils before a visit to the gymnasium, or sauna to induce purification through sweat, then scraped and scrubbed before soap was applied and the body bathed.

The spices, herbs and resins were believed to be so powerful that people of means went to great lengths to acquire the raw materials to prepare the anointing oils. We know of many potent plant treatments for fighting inflammation and infection (modern science bears this out). And in ancient times procuring the spices were dangerous and expensive and therefore the commodity was treasured.

PRACTICALITY -

There are even practical reasons to bathe with oils - and it’s a common practice today with your facialist to pre-cleanse, or double cleanse your skin. First an oil is massaged into the skin that will lift and dissolve fat-soluable debris. Then, a gentle foaming cleanser is applied to remove the loosened dirt. The same process can be repeated at home, or applied to the whole body before bathing (especially in winter).

Its also true that skin is well nourished with oil, and not dry and dehydrated will help protect the body from losing heat in the winter - helping you to feel warmer.

Some of the fragrant materials used in anointing oils are precious - and the idea of pouring a whole bottle of saffron absolute over the head sounds divine - but also extraordinarily expensive.

Our blends were thoughtfully curated: read below about the proposed benefit of each one. Use with intention to create a ritual from a habit. They are light and lovely and designed to lavish the body with luxurious scent.

They are personal incense which honors the ritual of anointing in the secular and religious traditions. Anointing is a symbolic gesture of welcome, comfort and cleansing.

ALCHEMY ANOITING OILS

Saffron: The warm temple-incense of saffron is subtle and soothing, and the plant is a symbol of truth and immortality. Saffron has a rich, warm, spicy, herbaceous bouquet, with powdery-floral undertones. Ingredients: Golden jojoba, sweet almond oil, saffron absolute, rose absolute and neroli essential oil.

Hinoki: In Japan, eight trees are revered and protected in the forests for Shinrin Yoku (bathing in the forest), Hinoki (a cypress) is one. The aroma is dry, fine woody, with herbal/lemony overtones, and slightly spicy undertones. Ingredients: Golden jojoba, sweet almond oil, steam distilled Hinoki essential oil, lavender essential oil, lavender absolute

Amber: The aroma we associate with amber is a fantasy, constructed of labdanum (rock rose/cistus), benzoin resin and vanilla - often with additions that are warm and enveloping. The aroma profile is honeyed, resinous, balsamic, rich and seductive. It acts on the limbic system to trigger a response that makes us feel warmer. Ingredients: Golden jojoba, sweet almond oil, and an alchemical blend of benzoin, labdanum, vanilla absolute, and wild chamomile.

THE RITUAL

Add a few drops of your chosen oil to the palm of the hand. Warm the oil to release the aromatics by massaging the palms together. With pinky-side of the palms together, bring the hands close to the nose and inhale deeply with your eyes closed. Inhale and exhale completely three times. Any remaining oil can be massaged into the hands, arms or body.

It takes three complete breathes to change out the old oxygen for new
Just 20 seconds of focused breathing is enough to begin an energetic sift
With repeated use, the aroma will trigger relaxation- reducing stress markers like elevated heart rate and blood pressure, slowing respiration.

MORE

Massage into scalp and body before getting into the shower (do not slip in the tub)
Add a couple caps full to your bath water
Pour 1/4 cup into a small jar and stir in sugar to create a scrub for hands, feet, elbows, etc (no slipping)
Massage into your feet at night before bed, wear socks to lock in moisture

Floracopeia Blog -History of Anointin

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