Contemplative Aromatherapy and Aromatic Alchemy

“When we smell a botanical fragrance with deep concentration we are able to gradually perceive the cosmological energies they convey. In this way we can study not only the fragrance and its therapeutic effects but also the underlying elemental influences that were metabolized by the intelligence of the plant; ultimately, we can come face to face with the botanical intelligence itself. Through this practice of contemplative aromatherapy, we can develop an understanding of how human consciousness is inseparable from the processes of life within the biosphere and the greater cosmos.”
— David Crow, The Practice of Aromatic Alchemy

Botanicals can help us arrive at deeper meditation. Aromas inspire steady breath, a calm mind, and a way to connect to the present moment. When we use plants in mindfulness practice we can more easily connect with their innate rhythms and intelligence. Try these practices to cultivate a deeper relationship with yourself and plant medicine.

“There are two basic ways to use essential oils with meditation practice. The first is to use the oils to enhance meditative states, and the second is to use meditation to study the oils.”
— David Crow

• For direct palm inhalation, rub a couple of drops of essential oil between your palms and hold to your face to inhale the aroma. Try relaxing oils like Lavender Kashmir, Vetiver, or Relax Blend.
• To infuse your practice space, add essential oils to your diffuser before you meditate. Choose a sacred fragrance such as Palo Santo, Frankincense Serrata, or Spirit Blend.
• Anoint yourself on your pulse points when you sit down to practice. Consider Agarwood Attar, Khus Attar, or Rose Infused Botanical Perfume.
• To use meditation to study an oil, choose an application such as a perfume strip or your palm, and focus on the scent. Allow your curiosity to explore the aroma, noticing its qualities and its effects on your consciousness. Visualize the plant and take time to meet its healing intelligence.

“The use of fragrance in meditation, contemplation and devotional practices is widespread in the form of incense and altar offerings. Many of the ‘sacred scents’ such as frankincense, sandalwood, palo santo and agarwood that are used routinely in ceremonies and rituals now have documented research confirming their psychoactive properties as antidepressants, anxiolytics (anti-anxiety) and general mood enhancers.”
—David Crow

To set ceremony with incense:

• A few small chips of Sandalwood in your electric incense burner will fill your space with a mystical and enlightening smoke ideal for meditation. The fragrance is soothing to the mind and calming to the nervous system.
• Burning sticks of Palo Santo purifies your space by clearing out stagnant energies. This wood smoke assists energetic detox and manifestation; the aroma inspires a clear mind and easy calm.
• Resin from Frankincense trees forms in fragrant tears that facilitate prayerful meditation when heated in an electric incense burner. This sweetly uplifting botanical has been referred to as “crystallized sunshine” and carries with it the vibrant energy of the sun.