Did you know that throughout history, wormwood has been used as a protection against all evil? And that juniper was even considered a gatekeeper to other worlds? Or that the cypress tree was associated with Hades, the god of the underworld, and today it is perceived as a symbol of transformation? Let’s discover together the magical herbs associated with Halloween and how their magical aromas in the form of essential oils and flower waters affect our emotions. We have a special Halloween selection with practical tips for you! Let’s read it!
Magical Wormwood
Did you know that Wormwood is referred to in folk tradition as a “magical herb”? In ancient times, it was used as protection against all evil. Its floral water relaxes the body and stimulates the soul with its distinctive warming herbal aroma. Add it to your evening bath to 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, which helped digestion with their bitterness.
Spiritual frankincense
October is the month of quieting down and slowing down. And it is in this gathering that all kinds of emotions jump out at us. We are not afraid of them. Let’s learn to accept and perceive them. Frankinincense is a great helper for this. Did you know that the spiritual and meditative effects of frankincense have been used by mankind for more than 5000 years? The soothing, slightly resinous fragrance of its flower water (hydrolate) provides spiritual and emotional support. It helps to recover from loss or post-traumatic stress. And as a bonus, it relaxes skin suffering from excessive stress.
Brave Juniper
The courage needed to process emotions is given by the sweet-bitter woody tones 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 prevention against the spread of diseases. In the Middle Ages, it was considered an all-purpose medicine. In the 12th century, Saint Hildegard noted the remarkable effect of crushed berries in a hot bath for respiratory infections. The history of smoking juniper berries continued 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. Ax – Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine). Today, the world-famous alcoholic drink with the aroma of juniper berries is gin.
Guardian of the gate to other worlds
In the past, juniper was attributed magical effects in many cultures. It was worshiped 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. E.g. in ancient Greece it was believed to be the mediator between life and death. The soul of the deceased remained stuck in a juniper bush after death, which could mean the hope of its return to the world of the living. In the Middle Ages, people believed that juniper branches repel demons. Juniper also got into the “horror” fairy tale of the Brothers Grimm, which you really shouldn’t read to children before bed ;-).
Juniper essential oil and hydrosol
The essential oil from wild growing hand-picked Juniper fruits (berries) 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. Cleans the space from negative energy. Detoxifies and refreshes the space. Juniper hydrosol from hand-picked wild fruits (berries) not only cleans, tones and detoxifies oily and problematic skin and scalp, but is also suitable for energy work with the aura, e.g. in yoga or meditation practice. This hydrosol is also very beneficial for so-called heavy foot baths.
Transformation cypress
Another scent that supports adaptation and our ability to cope with sadness and change is Cypress. Its woody-resinous scent is calming and grounding. Did you know that in history it was first used as incense?! We find mentions of it in the papyri of 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 cemeteries. This connection has been preserved in the Mediterranean until today. Its essential oil is very suitable in times when we have to deal with sadness. In this context, it is also used in palliative care.
Halloween blends
Try these original Halloween blends in a diffuser or aroma lamp
Haunted castle
2 drops of orange
2 drops of cedar
2 drops of frankincense
1 drop of ginger
2 drops of cloves
Halloween Love Potion
1 drop of clary sage
2 drops of lime
2 drops of juniper
Magic potion
2 drops of juniper
1 drop of frankincense
1 drop patchouli
1 drop of lavender
Vampire breath
3 drops of orange
3 drops of sage
2 drops patchouli
1 drop of ginger
Whether you quietly and reverently remember deceased loved ones, or enjoy the excitement of Halloween and let yourself be tickled by the mystery, fine-tune the right atmosphere with 100% essential oils and floral waters with magical aromas and meditative effects.
Watch the live recording of the “Halloween Special” .
Buy 100% essential oils here .
Buy 100% flower water here .
Sources:
S. Catty – Hydrosols The Next Aromatherapy, 2001.
Gabriel Mojay – Aromatherapy for the Healing of the Soul, 2019.
Dr. Josh Ax – Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine, 2016.
A. Naďová – Žena v proměnách roku , 2021.
About Halloween
Halloween is based on the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain. The Celts believed that at this time the souls of the deceased return to the earth’s surface, and that the living can visit the underworld. Even then, people lit candles outside their windows and changed into old rags and masked their faces to protect themselves from evil forces. A reflection of this Celtic tradition survived in the popular Halloween (October 31).