Aromatherapist Anne Williams shares her unique model of spiritual aromatherapy in this one-hour introduction for massage therapists. We’ll discuss the relationship between plants and people through history to understand how plants develop spiritual symbols and meanings. Then, we’ll use the cultural histories of juniper trees, bergamot, and lavender to create spiritual aromatherapy blends to apply in aroma mists, massages, baths, and showers. We’ll learn that every plant has a history. Every plant has a truth. Every plant has a story that can help us regenerate our energy and bring our best selves to the practice of massage and the practice of life.

On a side note, the image at the left is called the Priestess of Bacchus (1885-1889) by British Pre-Raphaelite painter John Collier. Bacchus is the Roman God of the grape harvest, wine, music, and ecstasy (The Greek version is Dionysus). Devotees of Bacchus were called Bacchante or Maenads, which means “raving ones” in Greek, because the Maenads danced themselves into a frenzy and ended a night of revelry far from home. Grape plants and wine are associated with the spiral of self and the search for self and represent freedom from society’s constraints and fears.

What’s most interesting to me about this image is the pine cone staff held by the priestess. Pine cone staffs may trace their origins to the Akkadian Empire of Mesopotamia (2234-2154 BCE). In Mesopotamian myth, pine cones were used by the gods to pollinate the tree of life. Priests of Mesopotamia used pine cones to shake water on people and temples for purification and spiritual healing. We learn that pine branches, needles, and cones are used for purification all over the world from ancient to modern times and often symbolize healing from slow healing emotional wounds. 

Learn how plants develop their spiritual meanings.

Develop a spiritual relationship with juniper berry, lavender, and bergamot essential oils.

Use purification methods motivated by juniper trees to “cast out what weakens you.”

Explore the compelling cultural history that inspires lavender’s noble heart.

Rest in the beauty of “small moments” with the whimsical aroma of bergamot.

Combine selected essential oils for their spiritual symbols to create life-affirming synergies.

Balance the aromas in a synergy to create blends that smell pleasing and unique.

Apply spiritual synergies properly using electric diffusers, aroma mists, massage lubricants, baths, and showers.

Use aromatherapy to live with greater mindfulness, intention, and ease.

Video Presentation: Watch a beautifully designed video presentation of the course material. 

Presentation Notes: Read the comprehensive presentation notes and view additional images and tables. 

Aromatherapy Blending Guide: Download an aromatherapy blending guide to achieve balanced and beautiful aromatherapy synergies. 

Research-Informed: This content is comprehensive and carefully referenced with up-to-date research and information. 

Text Translation: English as a second language? Instantly translate the text into your native language.

Mobile: Access your course on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone anywhere you have Internet access.

Note: This material is included in Aromatherapy Foundations for People Serious about Authentic aromatherapy. If you have purchased Aromatherapy Foundations, you will not want to also purchase this course. 

This course is offered for informational purposes only. There are no CE hours approved for this course. 

Subscription Period: Ongoing access.

After Purchase: Once you purchase this course, you’ll log into massagemastery.online with your email and password. The course will be waiting for you on your dashboard. Click the course access button and follow the directions.

Welcome

Plants in Culture: We’ll discuss the relationship between plants and people in history to understand how and why plants developed spiritual meanings.

The Spiritual Symbols of Plants: We’ll examine the cultural histories of juniper, bergamot, and lavender to understand how these plants can inform our best lives.

Spiritual Synergies: We’ll combine essential oils from selected plants to create beautiful spiritual blends that inspire mindfulness, intention, and tranquility.  

Wellness Applications: We’ll apply spiritual synergies properly through diffusers, aroma mists, massage lubricants, aromatherapy baths, and aromatherapy showers.

Resources and Supplies: We’ll identify reputable aromatherapy suppliers and talk about additional learning opportunities.

Closing: We’ll close with the encouraging words of Jeff Foster from The Way of Rest.