Of heaven and earth: blending planets and plants - essential oils - Brief Article

In ancient art of astrology, each day of the week is associated with a particular celestial orb said to possess healing properties. Whether you believe in zodiacal mysteries or not, you can use this chart to match your mood or intuitive need with a complementary essential oil.

It's a week of do-it-yourself aromatherapy, and it just might make you feel more centered--perhaps even more joyous.

some suggestions for home use of essential oils

* If you need a lift during the day, place two to three drops of the recommended oil on a tissue and inhale periodically.

* For restful slumber, place two to three drops of the recommended oil on a cotton ball, and place it inside your pillowcase.

* Dilute 10 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil and 3/4 oz. of a base oil-such as olive, almond or grapeseed--to make an aromatic massage oil.

* For the ultimate bath-time escape, dilute five to 10 drops of the recommended essential oil in a full bathtub. Oils such as peppermint or lemongrass are quite strong and may irritate the skin, so one drop of these oils is sufficient.

                             SUNDAY                    MONDAY

astrological body             sun                       moon

     associations    healing, spirituality         sleep, healing,
                    strength and protection    compassion, friendship,
                                               purification, fertility

      zodiac sign             leo                      cancer

   essential oils   Bergaptine-free bergamot     Lavender (Lavendula
                     (Citrus aurantium var.      officinalis -- cell
                       bergamia -- anti-        proliferant, tonic,
                    depressant or tea tree         antidepressant,
                    (Melaleuca alternifolia     sedative) or jasmine
                       -- immune system         (Jasmine officinalis
                           stimulant)            -- antidepressant,
                                                      sedative)

                           TUESDAY                   WEDNESDAY

astrological body            mars                     mercury

     associations   passion, sex, courage      conscious mind, study,
                    aggression, protection             travel

      zodiac sign          scorpio                 gemini, virgo

   essential oils    Ylang ylang (Cananga        Peppermint (Mentha
                    odorata -- aphrodisiac   piperita -- mind and brain
                      antidepressant) or        support) or rosemary
                    geranium (Pelargonium           (Rosmarninus
                        graveolens --         officinalis -- mind and
                       antidepressant,             brain support)
                      antiseptic, wound
                       healer, hormone
                          balancer)

                           THURSDAY                   FRIDAY

astrological body           jupiter                    venus

     associations      expansion, money,         love, friendship,
                    prosperity, generosity    reconciliation, beauty

                          sagittarius                 taurus
      zodiac sign
                    Basil (Ocimum bacilicus      Rose attar (Rosa
   essential oils     -- tonic, mind and      damascena -- aphrodisiac,
                        brain support,            tonic, promotes
                    stimulant, expectorant)      menstruation) or
                     or juniper (Juniperus    frankincense (Boswellia
                         communis --             carteri -- tonic,
                      anti-inflammatory;            astringent,
                       anti-spasmodic,         pulmonary antiseptic)
                          stimulant)

                            SATURDAY

astrological body            saturn

     associations      longevity, endings,
                        homes and houses

                            capricorn
      zodiac sign
                     Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus
   essential oils    globulus -- antibacterial,
                    antixiral, hypertensive)
                          or lemongrass
                          (Cymbopogon
                    citrates -- tonic, insect
                      repellent, refresher)

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COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group