Bay Leaf Ritual for the New Year

HI would like to share with you a ritual I do every New Year's that is quite involved and requires a lot of thought and meditation time. It is derived from an ancient Greek ritual for prosperity and fertility. As you may recall, ancient Mediterranean Kings and Queens used to wear garlands of bay leaves (as well as olive leaves) as crowns. Bay leaves, and often bayberry leaves, are often used in Alexandrian magic as well, as well to draw success in business and finances. I like this ritual because first of all it is very "white" and it also involves writing down of your wishes. The writing down of your wishes on 108 bay leaves works in same way as a positive affirmation. The stating of your goals and desires allows you to properly manifest them in real life. Every year I pull out my old bay leaves and sort through them and I am always astounded by how many of my wishes have actually been granted. For this you will need: a blank check a gold or silver pen (but a green will do if you can't get those colours) Cinnamon incense a green, an orange or a yellow or GOLD candle (whichever colour attracts you most) Orange oil, bergamot or success oil or Horn of Plenty oil a package of bay leaves (whole) an envelope pretty ribbon This ritual is for multiple wishes and is best done when you have at least two hours to spare in meditation and quiet. It is best done within ten days before or after New Year's. After New Years or on New Year's Day is preferable. First of all, take a bath in your favourite bubbles (Calgon, take me away!) and put yourself in a calm and peaceful state. You can play some steady rhythmic music if you like - anything that puts you into a bit of a trance (chanting, new age.) The first thing you are going to do is light cinnamon incense. Cinnamon is related to planet Mercury and symbolizes communication and quick results. Then I want you to scratch your name and birth date on side of candle. Put candle plate that is wrapped in tin foil (to represent moon). Then I want you to take blank cheque and write amount of money that you think you would like to make this year or amount you need to get out of trouble using a gold or silver pen. Make cheque payable to order of yourself and be sure to add a few more bucks in there as fun money.

The idea here is to make this cheque as pretty as possible. Decorate it with lucky symbols such as dollar signs, hearts and flowers so this money is brought to you with a sense of joy. Once you are happy with your cheque, and have signed and endorsed it and everything, I want you to anoint all four corners of cheque with one or more of oils mentioned above. To make it even more person adds a dab of your personal perfume.

Common Scents For Emotional Well Being

Aromatics which include essential oils, perfume, centred candles and incense, have been used for centuries to affect mind (and also, ultimately, body) in a positive a This practice finds its origins in religion and primitive beliefs. Aboriginal Australians burned leaves of eucalyptus to fumigate an area from viruses. Aboriginal Americans use sage and cedar and Slavs, such plants as sunflower, pine and garlic peels for same purposes. This was done because occult powers were thought to be sensitive to fragrances and could protect against fever, sorcery, epidemics and demonic charms. Today scents are often used to calm, uplift or sedate a troubled mind. This is called psyche-soma effect. The theory is that bloodstream might absorb scents entering nose and cause a chemical effect in brain. Here is a list of common scents you can find in form of incense, perfumes and oils that might help you to cope with certain unpleasant emotional states. Orange: In tenth century Europe, Arabia and China orange scents were used to aid with nervousness, epileptic fits, melancholia and depression. It helps one to relax, regenerate and calm down. It is comforting, refreshing uplifting and warming and is used by some to calm down hyperactive children. Patchouli: This "hippie scent', which originally came from India has been used since 1800s has been used to treat headaches and nausea. It has an earthy, grounding quality that is excellent for those who feel spacey, dreamy and detached from their physical bodies. Mint: The Greeks and Romans used mint to stimulate circulation, heart and boost intellect and memory. It is helpful for headaches and migraine. If you are dozy and have a big report or deadline, this is this scent you want to have wafting through room. It has a soothing and stimulating effect on brain. It is also has a long-standing reputation as an aphrodisiac. This includes both Peppermint and Spearmint. Vanilla: Made from seedpods of orchids, vanilla is a warming, cheering scent that is good for depression, sorrow, and grief. Its effects are warming and uplifting. It also has a longstanding reputation as an aphrodisiac. Cedar: Cedar has a stimulating, elevating and opening effect on mind and psyche. It helps relieve anxiety and quell anxiety, irritation and fear. Cedar is frequent mentioned in Biblical and Arabic texts as a fragrant wood that enhances "spiritual power." Lavender: Cultivated since ancient times, this classic floral is used to treat headaches, nervous tension, depression, sorrow and grief. It is also used to induce peaceful sleep and increase feelings of well being in general. Cinnamon: Cinnamon was brought to central Europe at time of crusade where it was used as an aphrodisiac and for heart problems. Cinnamon is thought to be good for faintness, weakness, depression, nervous exhaustion and other stress related conditions. Eucalyptus: This Australian herb is thought to relieve blocked states of mind as well as balance out emotions and relieve mood swings. It is good for sluggishness and fresh aroma is thought to have a revitalising, stimulating effect on nervous system as a whole.