The Highlights
- The Five Petaled Rose and the Sacred Feminine
- My Personal Journey with Rose Garden
- Introducing all the amazing power of Rose Garden for rebalancing female and male energies
- All things Free Lion containing Rose. Scroll down for the lists.
The Five Petaled Rose and the Sacred Feminine
Fossil records of roses from more than 33 million years ago have been discovered in both the North American Pacific Northwest and eastern Europe. These are what we would call Wild Roses today—five-petaled flowers, distinctive oval serrated leaves and colourful hips.
Interestingly this five petaled wild rose flower is at the core of the pattern the planet Venus makes in the sky every 8 years, relative to the Earth. It looks like a giant Spirograph drawing, called the Dance of Venus. FYI, the Dance of Venus is the geometric pattern at the centre of the Free Lion Eye and on the Face Chai labels. I’ve felt resonant with Sacred Feminine wisdom and rebellious female energy for as long as I can remember.
There have always been priestesses, practitioners and shamans throughout time who have kept the flame and wisdom of the Sacred Feminine alive, especially through times when she was suppressed and persecuted. Think witch burning here. Or goddesses being replaced in Myth in the wake of Patriarchy—like strong, independent Shakti being replaced with subservient Parvati; or Lilith being replaced by Eve because she did not agree to be less than Adam. It has not always been an easy gig.
The Sacred Feminine has had to disappear or go underground during these Patriarchal times of dominant power over shared power; rational supremacy over the intuitive; action over contemplation; and survival mind over deeper universal heart. Without her in her right place, the balance is disrupted and things turn toxic. If you’re wondering what that looks like, It’s happening all around us right now, from the personal to the planetary.
But the Sacred Feminine is in the process of a comeback. When the world is in chaos, it’s easy to feel helpless. But in actuality, we are not. Chaos is a necessary part of evolution. We just have to put our energies where they can make a difference. Where this is will be different for all of us, as we each express a different aspect of Creation.
In keeping with the alchemical phrase, As Above, So Below, it helps to remember that the micro is mirrored in the macro. Whatever we do in the personal, affects the planetary, at the level of quantum fields and collective consciousness. So if we can heal our own female and male energies of toxicities and bring them back into balanced union, we are doing our part to bring harmony to the world around us.
I feel strongly that the Earth is also going through her own experience of rebalancing right now. Her purging and clearing often takes the form of what we call Earth events— earthquakes and tsunamis. Ours is a human version of that. Again, as above, so below.
My Personal Experience with Rose Garden
The aroma of roses reminds me of happy celebrations. It is the smell of a good party; of rose infused food and drink; of lots of dancing; of couples or community coming together. Rose is not defined by gender in India–any one can wear Rose. It is not just the smell of the women’s garba (Gurjarati dance) circle alone. It is also the smell of bros dancing the Natu Natu!
On festive community occasions, like a wedding or Khushiali (meaning happiness and enjoyment), Rose water is sprinkled on the crowd, as a gesture of welcoming everyone to the festivities with a purifying, refreshing aroma cleanse. It is a way of opening the Heart to love, unity, celebration and joy.
Rose is also a powerful healer, helping open the heart to release suppressed emotions or stale toxic beliefs that have outstayed their welcome. I had been smelling Rose Garden over the past few days, while writing this blog, feeling my Heart Chakra open. Then this morning I was hit by two songs that randomly came into my head, one of the ways that intuition/spirit speaks to me.
Both songs brought up grief for lost parts of myself in past relationships—when I had experienced abandonment, abuse, toxic martyrdom, self-doubt and fear. The relationships had ended decades ago, and I have done a lot of work to reclaim my missing parts. But feelings of regret for not valuing myself, my inner knowing, or my own intuitive wisdom enough were still rolling through my being. in my Heart were still residual feelings of sadness and self-blame that needed a vent.
I inhaled Rose again, and my Heart Chakra opened. My chest expanded, pushing out through the front and back of my chest. I inhaled again and felt the energy travel to my Root Chakra and My Crown Chakra at the same time. I’m not sure if this happens for everyone. But I take it to mean that this is how Above connects to Below, through the Heart in the Chakra system.
I put on both the songs and had a good cry and finished my session with journaling. I began writing out a conversation between my Yin and Yang about their experiences in these relationships, their feelings, their wishes. I wrote until the feelings began to resolve into forgiveness, self-acceptance and finally, a release.
In the past when I have done this process I have experienced a resurgence of all those sad, bad, mad feelings. But not this time. There was no familiar heart wrenching pang. This time, it seems, I was officially done. And Rose Garden had held my hand right through the process.
The Power of Rose Garden for Harmonizing Your Yin and Yang into Self-Loving Acceptance
Rose Garden is a blend of Rose, Geranium and Cedarwood (with a smattering of sandalwood and light citrus notes). It was designed with the Grandmothers to help you open your heart while staying both grounded and connected to expansive unconditional love. It is the scent of palaces and back yards, safety and sovereignty, a reminder that you are at home wherever you are.
Rose
Roses have left their fragrance on humanity for millennia, across many different cultures. Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest valued regional rose species for food and medicine, using rose hips for nutrition and antioxidants, and rose leaves for healing poultices or teas. In Chinese medicine, rose petals invigorate the blood and soothe the spirit, while Ayurveda considers rose cooling and calming, beneficial for balancing Pitta dosha. In Egypt, rose was used in balms, and rose water featured prominently in Cleopatra's skincare routine. Ancient Greece associated roses with love and devotion, while in Rome, roses signified desire, beauty, and secrecy—depicted on banquet room ceilings to indicate confidentiality ("sub rosa").
Roses appear in various sacred contexts: stained glass windows of Rosicrucian churches; at centre of the labyrinth at Chartres; as a metaphor for Divine Beauty and mystical union in Sufi poetry; as a symbol of paradise in Islam; and of sacred marriage between masculine and feminine energies in Gnostic traditions.
In aromatherapy, rose is revered as a harmonising and balancing scent. It is often associated with the heart chakra, the energy centre governing love, compassion, and emotional balance. The aroma of rose can evoke feelings of peace, contentment, and harmony, enhancing one's capacity for self-love and acceptance.
Geranium
Geranium essential oil has a long and esteemed history. Ancient Egyptians cherished its therapeutic qualities, integrating it into skincare regimens and aromatic rituals. In Ayurveda, geranium oil is used for its ability to balance the doshas and soothe the mind and emotions. Its pleasant scent calms the nervous system and lifts the spirits. By the 17th century, European botanists recognized its medicinal benefits, contributing to its adoption in traditional herbal medicine. In skincare, geranium oil is valued for its cleansing and rejuvenating properties, promoting a healthy glow. In massage, it induces relaxation, relieves muscle tension, and enhances overall well-being.
Geranium helps create a sacred space to access the characteristics of The Divine Feminine within you.In aromatherapy, geranium's floral fragrance aligns with the heart chakra, promoting harmony and reducing stress and anxiety. Spiritually, it encourages inner peace and self-acceptance, fostering harmonious relationships with oneself and others. This leads to a natural flow of compassion and empathy, fostering a deep connection with all living beings.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood essential oil has been valued over time for its aromatic and medicinal properties. Ancient Egyptians used cedarwood oil in cosmetics, perfumes and in embalming practices, believing it could help preserve the body in the afterlife. In Mesopotamia, cedarwood was used in religious ceremonies and as a natural insect repellent. The indigenous people of North America burned cedarwood as incense during rituals for purification purposes. In Ayurveda, cedarwood oil is cherished for its grounding and calming effects, often used to pacify Vata and Kapha doshas. It's believed to enhance mental clarity and promote emotional balance.
Cedarwood essential oil is associated with the root and sacral chakras, supporting a sense of stability, security, and creativity. Grounding and stabilizing, Cedarwood essential oil anchors the spirit to the earth and promotes a sense of security and belonging. Its woody aroma evokes feelings of strength and resilience, helping individuals feel supported and empowered in their journey. Cedarwood is also known for its ability to enhance focus and concentration, making it an excellent choice for meditation and mindfulness practices. Within Citrus Cedarwood, Cedarwood provides a solid foundation for personal growth and self-exploration, allowing individuals to connect with their innermost desires and aspirations.
Sandalwood
Revered in Indian culture and Ayurvedic medicine, sandalwood holds a special place for its cooling and calming properties. It's used to balance all three doshas, particularly Pitta, by pacifying heat and inflammation in the body. Ancient Indian scriptures mention sandalwood as a sacred wood, used in religious ceremonies, meditation, and healing rituals. Sandalwood is also prized for its skincare benefits, and used to soothe dry, irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and improve overall complexion.
Sandalwood essential oil is associated with the heart and root chakras. It supports emotional balance, fostering feelings of love, compassion, and inner peace. By aligning with the root chakra, sandalwood oil aids in grounding energies, promoting a sense of stability and security.
Sandalwood’s woody and earthy aroma is cherished for its grounding and centering effects., Emotionally, it's known to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting emotional well-being and relaxation. Spiritually, sandalwood oil is believed to enhance spiritual awareness, deepen meditation practices, and facilitate a connection with the divine.
Citrus Notes
Derived from the peels of fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, Citrus essential oils have been used for incorporated into perfumes, cosmetics, and medicines for centuries. In Chinese medicine, citrus fruits are prized for their ability to regulate the Chi. In Ayurveda, citrus oils are used to alleviate stress, boost energy, and promote mental clarity. Citrus oils also offer a multitude of benefits for the skin, especially their astringent properties that help to tone and tighten the skin, reduce oiliness, and improve overall complexion.
In aromatherapy, citrus oils are known to uplift spirits, alleviate anxiety, and promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Citrus essential oils are associated with the solar plexus chakra, the seat of self-confidence, vitality, and personal power. By balancing this chakra, citrus oils help to increase motivation, boost self-esteem, and encourage a positive outlook on life. Citrus oils are believed to cleanse and purify the aura, promoting spiritual growth and inner harmony.
Try Rose Garden in:
Our Scents for the Soul Collection which includes Scent oils for Uplit, Roll on Perfume, Spritz for Body and Linens