I am going to discuss some of my favorite scents for fall and both their health and therapeutic benefits, as well as, their magical and ritual uses. I know that pumpkins and apples often bring thoughts of fall, but I will only address those plant spirits that are available in essential oil or loose herb form. I caution anyone; in particular witches from avoiding synthetic scents. The can often be toxic and will not provide any physical, mental or spiritual benefit. In addition, if you follow an Earth based path please honor the mother by using her gifts and not lab created candles and so- called magical oils. When using essential oils by the highest quality therapeutic and organic oils you can afford.

Cinnamon Bark- Cinnamon is probably one of the most recognizable scents in history and definitely is a scent for fall. However if the essential oil is used, caution must also be used. The oil should be avoided in pregnancy, and should not be used on the skin or in baths because it is an irritant. It can however be used by dropping some oil on a cottonball and sniffing, or you can buy cinnamon sticks and crush them and leave little bowls throughout the house. Because this is a highly potent oil I do not recommend beginners to use it for health and healing (just stick to using the spice and bark), but inhaling it and using visualization aids in tapping into the psychic mind and can also be used to ward off spite and malice.

Cypress Oil- An ancient Mediterranean pine tree that has great affect on the respiratory and circulatory system. It is an oil that can be both stimulating and relaxing depending on frame of mind, and amount used. Add 10-20 drops to a bath or to an ounce of carrier oil and massage in to relief sore muscles or menstrual cramps. It can also be blended with other oils (such as ravensara and naiuoli) and massaged into the back or feet to relieve respiratory congestion and coughs. Magically, cypress oil when inhaled or diffused helps to smooth transitions, particular the loss of friends or loved ones; therefore this is a perfect oil to celebrate our elders with during Samhain. Cypress is also an oil that can be used to honor the Goddess Hecate.

Myrrh Oil or Resin- Myrrh the mother of spiritual plants (frankincense being the father) has been revered since the beginning of time. Beyond ritual its health benefits are cooling and cleansing, and it can be used as an anti-fungal. I also use it to calm tense muscles. It can be used in a bath, diffused, or mixed with a massage oil. It will stimulate the 6^th and 7^th chakras. Myrrh can be used to consecrate objects or inhaled to awaken your awareness into the spiritual realm. It also wards off negativity and will protect you during a ritual. Again, for Samhain if Hecate is the Goddess you want, myrrh will certainly make her happy.

Oak Moss Oil- Oak the sacred tree of the Druids is one of my favorite scents; there is no comparing the earthiness. Oak Moss is actually a lichen taken from the base of an oak tree and is an extremely viscous oil. It is difficult to get even one drop out of a bottle, but it’s worth it and that is all you need. Normally used as a perfume fixative I also use it on the sinus points to clear congestion. Inhaling oak moss promotes fertility, power, balance and protection.

Orange Oil – (sweet never bitter) Oranges always remind me of fall, being Italian we ate more fruit and nuts than sweets for dessert and there were always oranges and tangerines at our Thanksgiving table. Orange oil helps the digestive system and is an anti-depressive and nerve sedative. I diffuse it in the house and add it to my bathwater any chance I get. It is also highly anti-viral and dissipates bad odors quickly so I use it in my cleaning products. Orange increases you bioelectric energy field so it is an ideal oil to use during divination practice, and will ensure you are entering into your divination without depression and at peace with yourself.

Patchouli Oil- Yeah, yeah I know so many people laugh at patchouli because it was so overused in the 60’s but it really is such a glorious earthy-musky scent that I encourage people to give it another try. It can be an aphrodisiac so I encourage wearing it, putting it into the bath or diffusing it if you would like at little romance to culminate your Samhain Sabbat. It is also a nerve sedative and anti-depressant. It also great for dry, oil or wrinkled skin just blend a few drops in vitamin E and jojoba oil and apply. Patchouli can also be used to manifest money if inhaled and proper visualizations are done. Patchouli is also associated with Samhain, Hecate and the Underworld.

I hope you enjoyed this list of oils and their uses. I chose to feature oils associated with the Samhain Sabbat and the Goddess Hecate as the honored Goddess for the holiday. These oils can all be used at the altar, or if you do a bathing ritual prior to celebrating all oils (except cinnamon) can be put in the bath. If there are any questions on the use or where to get these oils feel free to email me. I normally use Mountain Rose Herbs because there oils are all organic or responsibly wildcrafted and the prices are reasonable.