theintelligentlife:

In collaboration with Verdant Tea and Prohibition Kombucha, we’ve reopened the bar at the Intelligent Nutrients Salon in Minneapolis. Now called IN Spirits by Prohibition, we’re serving up classic cocktails with an aromatic twist. Crafted with seriously cool mixology, each cocktail on the menu blends a spritz of certified organic IN aromas with top shelf liquors to create an experience we’re certain you’ve never had before.

Come escape with us every Thursday and Friday from 4-8 pm at IN Spirits by Prohibition for a new kind of happy hour or wow everyone at your next party with our uniquely crafted aromatic cocktails. 

Recipes

#1 Awaken | Margarita

1.5 oz Clase Azul Plata Tequila
.5 oz Lime Juice
1 tsp Gum Syrup
2oz 2011 Argyle Brut

Combine Tequila, Lime Juice, and Syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Spray IN #1 Awaken into a Martini glass at a distance of 12 inches. Strain cocktail into glass and top with Brut. Garnish with a stalk of lemongrass.

#3 Attune | Negroni

2 oz Ransom Aged Old Tom Gin
.5 oz Avion Quina
.5 oz Gran Classico Amaro

Spray IN #3 Attune into lowball at a distance of 12 inches. Fill with ice and build in glass. Garnish with a strip of fresh Burdock.

#4 Nurture | Whiskey Sour

2oz Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon
.75 oz Lemon Juice
2 tsp Gum Syrup
1/8 tsp Elderberry Powder
1 drop Madagascar Vanilla Paste

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Spray IN #4 Nurture into a Double Old Fashioned Glass at a distance of 12 inches. Place a 2" ice cube in glass, and strain cocktail into glass. Garnish with a large swath of Grapefruit Peel without squeezing for oil.

#7 Focus | Gin & Tonic
2oz Martin Millers London Dry Gin
1 dropper Cinchona Bark Tincture
.5oz Lime Juice
The Sicilian by Prohibition Kombucha

Spray a highball with IN #7 Focus at a distance of 12 inches. Fill with ice. Build cocktail in glass, and fill to top with the Kombucha. Garnish with Lemon Peel, squeezed for oil.

We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this fantastic collaboration!

New Year New Skills – Scrying with Black Mirror

New Year New Skills – Scrying with Black Mirror

The universe spent the latter part of 2021 bombarding me with information about black mirror scrying from any number of directions but particularly in the form of a private course from Jason Augustus Newcomb. Historically I’ve not got on well with the practice and have largely passed over it for other practices and a focus on dream interpretation because of the insistence that burnt incense is a…

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Try cleansing your aura in a bath once a week. Through out our busy lives we can’t help but pick up bits of negative energy, and unless you take the time to sever those ties you can become weighed down by it. Baths are a great way to cleanse you aura since you don’t need a lot of extra supplies, water is a natural spiritual cleanser.

Start by running your favorite relaxing bathwater. This could mean adding bubble bath, bath bombs, flowers, herbs, or essential oils, whatever makes you feel the most grounded and relaxed.
Helpful Essential Oils:
Lavender- promotes peace and relaxation
Myrrh- protection from evil
Rosemary- promotes healing
Vanilla- promote happiness
Cedar- protection from misery and misfortune

Next light some candles. (Not necessary, but I always find them comforting myself)
Helpful Candle Colors:
Black- neutralize negative energy
Light Blue- promote peace and tranquility
White- protection
Dark Green- counteract feelings of jealousy in yourself and from others

Now this last step is really the most important. You are relaxing in your bath. Starting at your toes and working your way up muscle by muscle consciously relax each and every part of your body. Let your mind drift. Close your eyes. Let a white light fill your mind. Let the white light fill your body. Hold it there. This is your inner fire, purging any traces of negative energy that is piggy backing on your aura. Then slowly let it fade. Settle into yourself. Take a few controlled deep breathes. When you are ready sit up, and drain your water. It is very important to begin draining the water before you step out of the tub in order to release all the gunk you just washed away. Then pat yourself dry, slap on your favorite lotion and head back out into the world feeling light and refreshed.

A long time ago, I mentioned the process of making a crystal elixir. Well, I’ve finally made one using my amethyst! It tasted pretty funny, but I had a really fun idea besides drinking it: to use it in my scent diffuser! I’m currently using it to disperse lavender oil!

Nearly endless in its beautiful varieties, the orchid flower almost seems to float on air as it invites one to contemplate its beauty. There are over 30,000 different varieties of wild orchids growing across this Earth, from the jungles of the equator to the arctic tundra and everywhere in-between! That’s not even counting over 200,000 hybridized varieties that florists have bred into existence. Orchids come in so many different varieties which love so many different growing conditions that, no matter where your garden, you’re sure to find a variety that’s right for you!

Energy ~ Feminine
Planet ~ Venus
Element ~ Water
Deities ~ Aphrodite, Qu Yan

Most varieties of orchids grow in jungle conditions, clinging to tree bark with thick white roots that are adept at drawing out moisture and nutrients. Because these varieties like to grow high in the tree tops, they’re ravenous for intense sunlight and thrive on 12-hour days — close to midsummer conditions in temperate regions. Many varieties of orchids are difficult to grow, to be sure; even professional growers can struggle to bring them to bloom! But even if your thumb isn’t quite green enough to get these fussy flowers to take to your garden, there are dozens of natural varieties and hundreds of hybridized species who are perfectly content to grow on a windowsill or under lights.

If you want to give your orchid the best possible chance of growing, do thorough research into which varieties are the best fit for your region, and purchase the most mature plant you can: younger plants are very difficult to please. If possible, buy it while it’s in bloom — that way you’ll immediately know what you’re striving for! While there are simply too many varieties of orchid to give general growing instructions for all of them, a look at the plant’s physical characteristics should give some clues. Plants with few or leathery leaves will likely prefer high-light environments, while plants with soft, limp leaves are probably light-sensitive and should not be placed in sunny south-facing windows.

In addition to one variety of orchid being our source for vanilla, the tuberous root of the plant is filled with a highly-nutritious and starchy substance, which is famous for a sweetish taste and somewhat unpleasant smell. This substance, known as bassorin, can be used to replace starch as a reserve material, or to make a drink known as salep — named after an Arabic word for orchid — which was sold in stalls from the Middle East to the streets of London until being supplanted by coffee. In addition to this drink’s purported rejuvenating properties (being lauded as a strengthening and demulcent or anti-inflammatory agent), Chinese medicine has recorded uses for orchids dating back over 3,000 years, noting varieties of the Dendrobium genus of orchids as one of nine ‘faery herbs’ said to be a gift from heaven. Different types of orchids are used in remedies for a huge variety of purposes, ranging from improving memory to treating rheumatism to even easing the symptoms of tuberculosis! Many cultures, including Greece and China, use the plant as an aphrodisiac, and orchid fragrance is also used in perfume and aromatherapy.

In terms of magick, old texts tell of witches using orchid tubers in their philters, the fresh tuber being given to promote true love whilst the withered one checks wrongful passions. Culpepper refers to orchids as being under “the dominion of Venus,” and tells us that, among other things, when “being bruised and applied to the place” they cure the King’s Evil. Orchids also correspond to beauty and elegance, expressing uniqueness, ecstasy, spiritual intuition, and Goddess energy. Some varieties of orchids are also used in creating visions, entering trance-states, and inducing psychic powers.

Confucius wrote many poems on the orchid’s beauty, and even based some of his teachings on this delicate flower! He wrote, “The orchids grow in the woods and they let out their fragrance even if there is no one around to appreciate it. Likewise, men of noble character will not let poverty deter their will to be guided by high principles and morals.” Whether you ascribe to the teachings of Confucius or not, the many multitudes of orchid varieties have a great deal to give us on all levels of our life: whether contemplating them philosophically, utilizing their medicinal properties, or simply savoring their beauty, orchids are a treasure to be cherished.

Different colors of orchid have different meanings, but generally speaking, in flower language it means “Love, Beauty, and Refinement.”

May the Tree of Life always shelter you!

Specific Areas of Healing

The following will address certain areas of healing and the best scents and oils to help you. This being said these are ASSISTS, if you are suffering from a condition these may help but you should never neglect professional medication prescribed by doctors. For a good portion of my life I’ve suffered from Insomnia, lavender and citrus oils helped for awhile but as time grew on and my condition got worse I had to get prescribed Melatonin. It never makes you less of a witch to use prescribed or un-prescribed medication.

“When you start working with essential oils to address health issues, begin with just one symptom or issue you would like to heal. Focusing on that, limit your selection to only a few essential oils. Once you have all the basics down, you can create your own wonderful oil blends and also determine which are best used as perfumes, in bath salts, or added to melted candle wax at the base of a candle (never add while the candle is lit).” - The Good Witch’s Guide by Shawn Robbins and Charity Bedell

Stress

Several essential oils can be effective for relieving stress. Stress often has side effects, including anxiety, upset stomach, and rapid breathing. One essential oil that works well on stress and anxiety is peppermint. It relaxes the mind and body and helps with digestion. Lavender is another good choice, as it relaxes muscles and the vapors can help regulate breathing.

Pain and Muscle Tension

Muscle tension is something many of us deal with. When using essential oils for pain relief from muscle tension, the best approach is to create a massage oil to rub into the affected area. If you are trying to relax muscles and ease pain, allspice is an excellent choice. Geranium essential oil is a good alternative - it reduces inflammation and muscle tension and provides stress relief.

Chest Congestion

The common cold, the flu, and seasonal allergies can all result in chest congestion, so this ailment can happen at any time of year. To use essential oils to relieve chest congestion, apply a few drops of diluted oil across the chest and massage them into the skin. The best oil for congestion relief is eucalyptus oil, which can break up congestion from coughs, colds, flu and allergies and helps restore proper breathing. Thyme oil is another excellent choice for relieving congestion.

Concentration and Focus

Everyone sometimes has difficulties with concentration and focus. This can result from a lack of sleep, stress, anxiety, depression, or a reaction to life events. To use essential oils for help with focus and concentration, apply a few drops to the temples, middle of the forehead, and base of the neck. Rosemary is an excellent oil when you need to focus intently or commit things to memory. Spearmint helps relax and calm the mind, which promotes mental clarity.

Fatigue

Many people feel exhausted at the end of the day even if they think they’re getting enough sleep. The best way to use essential oils for issues related to energy and fatigue is to apply a few drops to your wrists and rub them in. Lemon or lime oil work great here. Both of them uplift mood, relieve fatigue, and provide mental clarity and focus. Lemon also helps balance the nervous system.

Insomnia

Many people just can’t seem to fall asleep. Apply a few drops of essential oil to your forehead and at the base of the neck and see if the soothing scents relax your mind and body. Lemon balm is an excellent oil for this, as it addresses anxiety and stress and promotes restful sleep. Ylang-ylang oil can also help you sleep, and it relieves muscle pain that may be getting in the way of a good night’s sleep.

Anxiety

This is a horrible issue that involves the physical and mental body. Physical symptoms many include anxiety or panic attacks, asthma attacks, feelings of paralysis, and tremors. Nonphysical symptoms many include clouded thoughts, racing mind, feelings of confusion, and a sense of being disconnected. To treat anxiety with essential oils, apply one drop each to the forehead, base of the neck, wrists, and along the collarbone or upper chest. Chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm are excellent oils for relieving anxiety and relaxing the body.

Crafting Your Own Oil Blends

“The thing to remember about essential oils is that a little goes a long way. They are concentrated forms of the essence of plants, so you need very little to accomplish much. Less is more! One undiluted bottle of an essential oil should allow you to create several blends and treatments. 

You don't need much in the way of supplies to make your own essential oil blends. You need a mason jar with a lid, a carrier oil, and essential oils. Vitamin E oil can also be added to many blends as a stabilizer and preservative. If you do not have all the essential oils for a particular remedy, you can substitute herbs. When making oil blends with essential herbs and oils, additional supplies you will need include a scale, herbs, a grinder, and cheesecloth.

As before, when you are making your essential oils, use 1/8 cups (30ml) of carrier oil to 10 drops of essential oil. When adding herbs, use ½ a cup (120ml) of carrier oil instead of the 1/8 cups. The additional oil is there to absorb the scent and natural oils of the dried herbs.

Making oil blends is fairly simple. Start by cleaning your mason jar inside and out. If using, put the weighed and ground herbal ingredients into the jar. Add half the carrier oil. Next, add the essential oils. Add the remaining carrier oil. Cover the jar with a lid, shake the jar twice daily. After four weeks, strain a small portion of the oil into a small glass to test the scent. If it has the aroma you were trying for, transfer the strained test oil into a new mason jar, and then strain the rest of the oil into the new jar. If it’s not as strong as you would like, return the strained portion of the oil to the original jar. Add a few more drops of each essential oil. Shake twice daily. Wait two more weeks, and repeat the strain test.

WARNING: This post addresses Aromatherapy as a healing assistant, you cannot compromise vaccines with scents.

Today we will be looking at Aromatherapy and the magick of scents.

“The sense of smell is arguably the most underestimated sense we have, as it can actually be one of our most powerful healing allies. Aromas can trigger pleasant memories - from the smell of cookies baking in the oven to the scent of a loved one’s perfume to the fragrance of a flower - as well as unpleasant reminiscences. Aromatherapy is the art of using the power of scent to heal the body, mind, and spirit.

Aromatherapy and the use of scent in healing rituals, magick, and spirituality is not a new thing. Humans have always enjoyed the scent of flowers and have long observed the different effects plant odors have on the human mind and body. In the ancient world, the use of the aromatic properties of herbs in healing, magick, and ritual was well known. The ancients understood the connection between the mind and body in health, happiness, and well-being. The ancient Egyptians honored their gods using a variety of incenses and oils, the preparations of which were very ritualized and held deep spiritual meaning. Native American peoples used herbs for spiritual purposes as well as for healing and health. Many cultures still use fragrant herbs in healing rituals and to honor the dead, the spirits of nature, and the divine.

Today, the practice of aromatherapy is once again widespread, and the use of scented candles, bath salts, and potpourris have become particularly popular. Health-food stores carry lines of essential oils and oil blends. Even department stores carry synthetic oils and scented candles. Aromatherapy is accessible to everyone, and it is an effective and simple way to make positive changes to your health in mind, body, and spirit” -The Good Witch’s Guide by Shawn Robbins and Charity Bedell

Essential Oils

The simplest way to work with aromatherapy is by using individual essential oils. The oils are unique, and many of them have multiple uses. By learning the different uses of essential oil, you can focus your work on the oils that have the most beneficial effect on your health. While working with individual essential oils, you will discover that some are too strong for you, and others may even produce a negative reaction.

Essential Oil Associations;

• Allspice- Reduces stress, calms, relaxes tight muscles, uplifts mood, improves digestion, naturally disinfects
• Basil- Calms, relieves pain, relieves fatigue, improves mental clarity, purifies the body
• Cardamom - Relieves pain, uplifts mood, improves digestion, improves mental clarity and memory
• Catnip- Anti-dirrheal, relieves indigestion, relieves anxiety, uplifts mood
• Chamomile- Reduces anxiety, promotes restful sleep and relaxation, relieves pain
• Cinnamon- Relieves pain, uplifts mood, relieves fatigue, naturally disinfects, improves digestion, increases appetite
• Clove- Relieves pain, uplifts mood, improves mental clarity, improves digestion, naturally disinfects
• Coriander- Relieves pain, relieves fatigue, improves digestion, improves mental clarity and memory
• Eucalyptus- Breaks up congestion, relieves pain, naturally disinfects, vapors help with breathing
• Frankincense- Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, improves digestion, expectorant, sedative
• Geranium- Relieves stress and tension, uplifts mood, anti-inflammatory, soothes itchy skin
• Ginger- Relieves pain, uplifts mood, relieves fatigue, improves digestion, increases appetite
• Juniper Berries - Relieve pain, energize, improve mental clarity and memory, anti-inflammatory, repel insects, soothe insect bites
• Lavender- Relieves stress and anxiety, promotes restful sleep, uplifts mood, balances mood swings, vapors help with breathing, improves digestion, naturally disinfects, breaks up congestion
• Lemon- Balances the nervous system, uplifts mood, relieves fatigue, improves mental clarity and memory, naturally disinfects
• Lemon Balm - Relieves anxiety and stress, promotes restful sleep
• Lemongrass- Calms, balances nervous system, uplifts mood, anti-inflammatory, vapors help with breathing, improves digestion, naturally disinfects, repels insects
• Lime- Relieves fatigue, uplifts mood, naturally disinfects, improves mental clarity and memory
• Mandarin- Reduces stress and tension, calms, uplifts mood
• Myrrh- Helpful in meditation, uplifts mood, anti-inflammatory, aids in healing skin
• Neroli and Orange Blossom (both come from blossoms of the bitter orange tree) - Remove nervous tension, promotes restful sleep
• Nutmeg- Relaxes tight muscles, relieves pain, improves digestion
• Palmarosa(a lemon grass genus) - Relaxes tight muscles, relieves pain, uplifts mood, helps regenerate skin, anti-inflammatory
• Peppermint- Relieves pain, uplifts mood, relieves fatigue, breaks up congestion, anti-inflammatory, vapors help with breathing, improves digestion, increases appetite, soothes itchy skin, improves mental clarity and memory
• Petitgrain(from leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree) - Reduces anxiety and stress, promotes restful sleep, uplifts mood, improves mental clarity and memory
• Pine- Lessens pain, uplifts mood, relieves fatigue, breaks up congestion, naturally disinfects, improves mental clarity and memory
• Rose- Relieves pain, uplifts mood, anti-inflammatory, aids in healing skin
• Rosemary- Relieves pain, stimulates nerves, relieves fatigue, vapors help with breathing, improves digestion, improves mental clarity and memory, naturally disinfects, repels insects
• Spearmint- Relieves pain, uplifts mood, relieves fatigue, breaks up congestion, anti-inflammatory, vapors help with breathing, improves digestion, improves appetite, improves mental clarity and memory, soothes itchy skin
• Tea Tree - Relieves pain, naturally disinfects, aids in healing skin, vapors help with breathing
• Thyme- Relaxes tight muscles, relieves pain, uplifts mood, breaks up congestion, anti-inflammatory, improves digestion, increases appetite, improves mental clarity and memory, naturally disinfects
• Ylang-Ylang- Relaxes tight muscles, relieves pain, promotes restful sleep, uplifts mood, naturally disinfects

Other Associations for Incenses

• African Violet - Burned for protection and to promote spirituality within the home
• Amber Love - Comfort, happiness and healing
• Ambergris- Dreams, aphrodisiac
• Angelica- Protection, harmony, integration, insight, understanding, stability and meditation
• Anise- Emotional balance
• Allspice- Money, passion, swift moving or urgent matters
• Apple Blossom -Happiness, love and friendship
• Basil- Fidelity, prosperity, protection, fear of flying, concentration, assertiveness, decisiveness, trust, integrity, enthusiasm, mental clarity, cheerfulness, confidence, love, good luck, sympathy, wealth, cleansing bad influences, harmony
• Bay - facilitate psychic powers, promote prophetic dreams
• Bayberry- Protection, prosperity, happiness, control and attract money
• Benzoin- Astral projection, purification, clears negative energy, emotional balance, eases sadness, depression, weariness, grief, anger and anxiety
• Bergamot- Money, prosperity, uplifting of spirits, joy, protection, concentration, alertness, confidence, balance, strength, courage, motivation and assertiveness
• Blue Berry - Keeping unwanted influences away from your home and property
• Cardamom- Mental clarity, concentration, confidence, courage, enthusiasm and motivation
• Carnation- Protection, strength, healing, love and lust, traditionally used for healing
• Cedar/Cedarwood- Purification, stimulate and strengthen psychic powers, attract love, prevent nightmares, healing, purification, protection, money, balance, grounding, clarity, insight and wisdom
• Chamomile- Healing, babies, children, animals, reversing bad luck, attracts money, helpful in family matters, harmony, peace, calm, spiritual, inner peace
  
• Cherry- Attract and stimulate love
• Cinnamon- Stimulation, wealth, prosperity, business success, strength, lust, healing, attract money, stimulate healing powers, passion, regaining lost memory, psychic awareness
• Citron- Healing rituals and strengthening psychic powers
• Citronella- Cleansing, warding off, healing 
• Clove- Pain relief, intellectual stimulation, business success, wealth, prosperity, divination, exorcism, protection, eases fear, improves memory and focus
• Coconut- Protection and purification
• Copal - Love, purification, uplifting spirits, protection, spirituality, attract love
• Cypress- Strength, comfort, healing, eases anxiety and stress, self-assurance, confidence, physical vitality, willpower and concentration
• Damiana- Facilitate psychic visions
• Dittany of Crete - Astral projection and divination
• Dragon’s Blood - Protection, purification, courage, dispel negativity, attract love, enhance psychic awareness, fierce, anti-curse, male potency
• Elecampane- Strengthens clairvoyant powers and scrying abilities
• Eucalyptus- Healing, purification, protection
• Frankincense- Spirituality, astral strength, protection, consecration courage, dispel negativity, aid meditation, induce psychic visions, good luck, wealth, joy, travel
• Frangipani- Friendship, love, home
• Fennel - Travel, house sales, moves, banish harm
• Gardenia- Peace, love, healing
• Ginger- Wealth, lust and love
• Hyssop- Love commitment, healing, spirituality, protection, cleansing artifacts
• Hibiscus- Divination, love and lust to attract love
• Honeysuckle- Money, happiness, friendship, healing, good health, luck, psychic power
• Hyacinth- Happiness and protection
• Jasmine- Love, money, dreams, purification, wisdom, skills, astral projection, attract love, attract money, general luck, luck in love
• Juniper- Calming, protection, healing, increase psychic powers, break curses and hexes, purifies homes, male potency
• Lavender - Cleansing, healing, love, happiness, relaxation, sleep and rest, attract love
• Lemon and Lemongrass - Repels spite/malice and gossip, helps psychic awareness and travel, mental clarity, healing, love, purification
• Lemon Verbena - Breaking bad luck, protection against negativity, protection from evil eye
• Lilac- Soothing, increases psychic powers, attracts harmony
• Lotus- Elevates mood, protection, spirituality, healing, meditation for inner peace and outer harmony, opening the third eye
• Mace- Stimulates and increases psychic powers
• Mint and Peppermint - Increases sexual desire, attracts money, energy, mental stimulant, healing, drives away negativity, success
• Musk - Aphrodisiac, prosperity, courage, creates a sensual atmosphere, courage and vitality, heightens sensual passion
• Myrrh- Spirituality, meditation, healing, concentration, ancient incense for protection, healing, purification and spirituality, peace, overcoming grief
• Myrtle- Lasting marriage, mature love, domestic happiness, property and security
• Nutmeg- Aids meditation, increases psychic powers and attracts prosperity
• Oakmoss - Attracts money
• Orange- Divination, love, luck, money
• Patchouli- Money, growth, love, mastery, sensuality, attracts money and love, promotes fertility.
• Passionflower- Peace of mind, soothes sleeplessness
• Pine- Grounding, strength, cleansing, healing, attracts money, drives away harm from home and family, guarding properties, immortality
• Poppy Seeds - Promotes female fertility, attracts love, good luck, money
• Rose- Love, house blessing, fertility, healing, courage, induce prophetic dreams, attract love, return calmness
• Rosemary- Remembrance, memory, energy, healing to purify, prevent nightmares, preserve youthfulness, dispel depression, learning, love, fidelity, prosperity
• Rue- Helps restore health
• Sage- Wisdom, clarity, purification, longevity, good health, examinations, interviews, tests, protection of home and family
• Sandalwood- Spirituality, healing, protection, astral projection, heal, protect, purification, spiritual awareness, leadership, justice, compensation, sexuality
• Strawberry- Love, luck, friendship
• Sweet Pea - Friendship, love, courage
• Tangerine- Attracts prosperity
• Tarragon- Courage, anti-bullying, shedding of old burdens like guilt, fears and destructive relationships
• Thyme- Psychic cleansing of land and possessions, health, memories of past worlds/lives, drives away night terrors
• Vanilla- Lust, mental alertness, stimulate amorous appetites, enhance memory, calming, soothing, vitalizes energy, happy and healthy environments, good fortune
• Vetivert - Money, peace, love, breaking bad luck, protection from theft and negativity
• Violet- Wisdom, luck, love, protection, healing
• Yarrow- Courage
• Ylang-Ylang- Love, harmony, euphoria