Aromatique Essentials Magazine Issue 10 & 11

Š Aromatique Essentials 2011

Disclaimer: This information is made available with the understanding and agreement that Aromatique Essentials, the author and any associated entities will not be held liable for any actions or the result of any actions taken by any person on the basis of the information or activities contained herein. Although every attempt has been made to ensure the information provided is relevant, accurate, current and free from omission or error, Aromatique Essentials, the author and any associated entities will not be held responsible for any omissions or errors this contains and make no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of its content.

The information is provided for educational instruction only and persons should obtain professional advice if necessary. info@aromatiqueessentials.com.au www.aromatiqueessentials.com.au

Cover photography by Amy Nelson-Blain

Table of Contents Aromatique Erotica Our Products Tantra: The Art of Conscious Loving ‘Ethereal’ Range ‘Sink Into You’ a poem by S.Dawn Sievers Astonishing Light Venus: Our Beauty, Our Love and Our Value Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Sizzzlin’ Sacred Sensuality Living Your Passion Romance in the Fast Lane Patchouli Essential Oil Aromatherapy for Romance Amariel & Alassea The Power of Intention Interview with Deanne Kalda

1 7 9 15 17 19 23 25 27 29 31 37 39 41 53 57

Part II

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly! 67 Aromatherapy for the Heart 69 Dance the Songs of Life 74 Give Peace a Chance 75 Chocolate Treats for Christmas 77 More and More Joy 81 Celebrating Individual Uniqueness 84 Earth Lights 85 “Because I’m Worth It” 87 The Best Loans in Life are Free 89 What is Lavandin? 93 Chris Burder 94 Interview with Monika Meulman 97 Experience Birthing Bliss 99 Aromatique Essentials Webinars 101 Our Contributors 103

“Capture the Essence of Your Soul, with Aromatique Essentials” Photography by Amy Nelson-Blain

Welcome A note from your Editor. . .

Hello and welcome to our 10th issue of Aromatique Essentials Magazine!

This is a special issue and I believe that everyone will enjoy reading it. What have we got for you?

Something that is a very important part of our everyday lives, sex and sensuality.

After chatting with many friends about sexual relations and our sensuality I have realised that so many people just push it to the side because they are too busy, too tired, lack confidence, they are board and lack knowledge on the art of love making.

So here it is, we have provided you with some tools and exercises to help raise your libido get you in the mood and feel excited about the Art of Love Making. Your bed is for sleeping and yes intimacy, however step outside of that room and experience, have fun and be playful. There is so much more to the Art of Love Making than intercourse.

Remember to practice safe sex, it does not have to be an interruption to “the moment”, incorporate it into your love play.

Also I would like to acknowledge and thank all of the won-

derful women that share their expertise and knowledge by contributing articles for all to enjoy, experience and learn from!

Tantra, Aromatique Erotica, Romance, Playfulness and Venus in the star signs. Do you know where Venus sits in your birth chart? She is the Goddess of love and beauty, how much does she influence you?

Aromatique Erotica Written by Julie Nelson

Often, a subject that some may find difficult to talk about, yet secretly they desire Erotic play.

Let us discover and play with Aromatique Essentuals to awaken your senses and experience the passion you desire through the art of using essential oils and other sensual delights for lovemaking.

Aromatique Preference ~ Here, I will share recipes and essential oils, however keep in mind that our own smell preference is vital. We each are individuals and may have some aromas that we either love or simply cannot stand to smell for whatever reason, which is not always known. Be mindful of the essential oils you choose to use and make sure that you both find the scents pleasing.

The Senses Smell plays such an important role in our everyday living and if we enjoy what we are smelling it will assist in improving our health and wellbeing as well as stimulate our senses. Smell can evoke pleasure, on all levels emotionally, psychologically and physiologically.

When choosing your essential oils for love play take the time to smell them, take note of how you feel, what you feel, are you smiling, do they do it for you?

Taste how sweet and satisfying it is when we eat our favourite food, this alone can be a sensual experience. Some of my favourite sensual fruits are figs, pomegranates, juicy mangos, strawberries and lychees. As far as vegetables go Asparagus is a very sexy edible as in the way we eat it!

Chocolate of course... spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and chilli, seafood especially caviar, crayfish and oysters. Honey is a wonderful treat applied to the nipples and sensuously licked off. The colour, texture, aroma, flavour and look can all give a hint of sensuality. Even the way you eat. Finger food can be very sensual. Experience tasting morsels of food shared with your partner by feeding one another.

Touch the power of touch... slow gentle caressing, massaging, using feather light fingers or feathers themselves. On hot balmy days and nights gently massaging with an ice cube can be a very sensual experience.

Sight for me personally, I love to have beautiful things around me... lush cushions and soft thick blankets to lie on. Curtains that are light and gently move in the breeze, fragrant candles lit, essential oils diffusing, flowers.

Setting the scene taking and into account the visual affect will have a positive impact.

Hearing music is a must, nothing like heavy metal where you feel like the walls are shaking that could work for some ... there is so much beautiful music out there some is soft and sensual or some can be very romantic and even music that evokes a more passionate tone, we all have our favourites.

Setting the Scene Create a magickal space for your sensory awakening. Above I have touched on the senses, use some of the examples to help create your magickal space. Let us start with soft lighting using fragrant candles or t.lites in pretty glass jars placed all around the room. Incense and essential oils can be burning as the aromas gently disperse and enhance our feelings, music to help with relaxing and getting into the spirit of the moment. The temperature of the room should be warm and cosy.

Fragrant fresh bed linen, soft comfy pillows and cushions, you may have a fire going in winter or a beautiful breeze gently blowing through an open window on hot balmy nights. Flowers or petals can be scattered, a bowl of exotic fruits and vegetables prepared and ready to indulge with. Warm, spicy mulled wine or champaign with Hibiscus flowers and syrup to sip on.

Be creative and allow Venus the Goddess of Love and Beauty to guide you...

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“Seduction isn’t making someone do what they don’t want to do. Seduction is enticing someone into doing what they secretly want to do already.”

- Waiter Rant

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Conscious Breathing Here is an exercise that you can do together. Sit opposite one another either on the floor, lying down facing each other or sitting on a chair if that is more comfortable, keeping your back straight.

Place one hand on your partner’s heart chakra. Breathing in and out at the same time, slowly and rhythmically count to 10 for each breath, 5 on the in breath and 5 on the out breath, do this for ten minutes or more. This will connect you on all levels spiritually, emotionally and physically... breathe together and be as one. From here you may enjoy gently caressing of each other... gently playing and keeping the connection with your breathing.

preferences. Explore and enjoy your partner’s body. Breathing is important breathe and caress with intention and rythym.

Move with the music.

Caress with your imagination! To finish massaging, use a large soft feather, your finger tips, a soft fragrant flower, or a soft fluffy mitten, gently, lightly moving from top to toe.

Sensual Massage Start by applying your essential oil blend (not too much) all over your partner’s body as you apply your esscentual creation take your time to feel the softness and smooth texture of your lovers skin, do this with some pressure, however not to firm.

Ask if the pressure is to light or to firm, we all have our own

Scentual Aromatiques Captured from Plants Rose, Jasmine, Tuberose, Cinnamon, Ginger Co2, Neroli, Sandalwood, Cacoa Co2, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Pimento Berry, Basil Tulsi, Geranium, Nutmeg, cardamom, vanilla Co2, Peru Balsam, Clary Sage, Black Pepper and Coriander.

The Erotique Banquet Sensual Fruit ~ Pomegranates, juicy mangos and peaches, grapes, lychees, figs drizzled with rosewater honey, Sumptuous Finger Food ~ shredded crayfish, crab meat and fish, oysters and caviar, asparagus, sliced salad greens dripping with your favourite dressing.

Breakfast in Bed Sweet Sensations ~ Belgian chocolate mousse with cream and Imagine waking up and your bed has been sprinkled with fra- fresh berries, dark soft Belgian truffles coated in cinnamon grant rose petals or freshly picked jasmine flowers... what a sugar and cocoa, chocolate waffles or pancakes, drizzled with beautiful fragrant and pleasurable experience. A glass of cham- fresh pouring cream and rosewater honey. paign with guava juice and breakfast in bed... sensual fruits and chocolate crossants...

Scented Notes and Love Letters Use beautiful parchment paper and handwrite with a fountain Bathing or calligraphy pen, you can also add a drop or two of essential Water Play can be cheeky, sensual and exotic, a prelude to a oil to the pen ink. Place a drop of your lover’s favourite essential sensual massage. Share some juicy mangos, grapes and straw- oil or perfume that you wear on your love letters and notes berries. Sip on some bubbly...Gently wash each other. Explore and for all of you beautiful sensual women leave a lipstick kiss each other and take your time... as your signature.

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Sensual Creations by Aromatique Essentials - ‘Luthian’ from our beautiful new range Ethereal.

- Essentual massage oil.

Belgian Chocolate truffles by ‘Coco~ Aroma’ 400g of finely chopped dark Belgian chocolate.

180ml of fresh pouring cream.

Good quality cocoa powder, organic coconut sugar and cinRecipes namon powder to dust, you can even add a pinch on chilli - Seductive Champaign Cocktail powder! Or keep simple and use cocao powder. Shredded coIn a Champaign flute place 1 hibiscus flower and a teaspoon conut is also a wonderful coating and gives added texture. of hibiscus syrup or a spoon full of frozen crushed raspberries and half a teaspoon of coconut sugar. Top up with your Place the chocolate and cream in a saucepan over low heat and stir until completely melted and smooth. Line a bowl with nonfavourite bubbly! stick baking powder and pour this mixture in, place in the Rosewater Honey fridge and leave for around 3 hours or until set. Using a tea25ml of organic honey blended with 50 ml rosewater, this beau- spoon roll the truffle mix into balls and dust with the spiced cocoa powder. Place on a beautiful plate with dried pink rose tiful sensual syrup can be drizzled over your body or food. petals.

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Face and Body Cream - $97.00 inc postage

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Essential Massage Oil - $60.00 inc postage

Exclusive Perfume Bottle - $245 inc postage *Does not include personalised perfume

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matique Essentials Click on each product to be taken to the Aromatique Essentials Boutique to make your online purchase.

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The Art of Conscious Loving Written by Tiffany Manning You enter a doorway into a candlelit bedroom where your beloved awaits. (If you don't have a beloved right now, imagine your ideal man or woman). You begin by sitting quietly together, meditating or praying or simply opening to the sounds around you. Then you bow to one another, acknowledging the sacred or divine within you. As you embrace and kiss you feel your throats, hearts, bellies and genitals align and your breathing come into harmony.

Lying down side-by-side, you begin to touch one another with utmost sensitivity, bringing all your presence and love into every caress.

With awareness, you help one another gently open to the places inside where you may feel fear, shame, or aversion. Looking deeply and soulfully into one another's eyes, you whisper endearments and tender words of love. As your passion increases, you touch one another with greater urgency, never losing the heart connection or the deep conviction that your lovemaking is a sacred activity. There's no performance anxiety because there is no particular goal you're trying to achieve.

As the charge between you increases, you experience a powerful current of energy connecting you at the genitals, rising up to the heart, bridging the space between you and dropping back to the genitals again. Although your lovemaking continues for an hour or two, the energy between you continues to grow and expand, owing from your heart like a never-ending fountain of love. At times, all sense of separateness dissolves and you feel yourself to be one with everything.

Now take a moment to notice how you've responded to this vignette. Are you feeling uneasy or even annoyed at the juxtaposition of sexual passion and spiritual experience? Or maybe you long to achieve similar heights in your own lovemaking.

Perhaps you feel a nagging sense of shame about what you perceive to be your own sexual inadequacies. Then again, you may

be inclined to dismiss the whole thing as some silly new age fantasy. "Who has time to make love like that these days anyway? With two jobs, the house and the kids, we barely have enough energy at the end of the day to kiss one another goodnight" Whatever your response, it's clear that many of us feel uncomfortable when sex and spirit are mentioned in the same breath.

Blame it on the body-negative values of our Judeo-Christian heritage or the ambivalent, do-as-I-say, not-as-I-do attitudes of certain Eastern gurus, but few of us have managed to forge a secure and fulďŹ lling link between our sexuality and our spirituality. Although all of us have genitals and most of us presumably use them, we have difficulty communicating openly about our sex lives, even with our closest friends and we may be so confused and conicted about sex that we seek asylum in spiritual teachings that counsel us to avoid it entirely.

In the culture at large, of course, the split runs even deeper.

Despite the sexual revolution, the women's movement, Masters and Johnson and the Hite report, sex for many remains a brief and loveless encounter fueled by loneliness and lust but largely devoid of true passion, intimacy or heart. Beneath our sexual impulse as a species lies a desire to penetrate the veil that separates us from one another. But rather than risk exposing our vulnerability, we hurry about in search of the right partner, or the right position, or a better vibrator or a more titillating obsession.

If we choose to remain monogamous, we may simply fail to show up for sex, either emotionally or spiritually. (How often have you caught yourself planning your schedule or fantasizing about your favorite movie star in the midst of an ostensibly sensitive moment?) Or we may respond to our sexual shame and confusion by shutting down and withdrawing from relationships entirely.

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The reason for our confusion about sex, is that we were never initiated into the mysteries of lovemaking by knowledgeable elders, but instead gleaned what little we know from sex manuals, women's magazines, locker room banter and limited personal experience. The combination of our early conditioning and lack of formal education in this area leaves most people in an interesting predicament: We don't know how to feel of give love sexually or how to mix passion and intimacy in the beautiful blend that sexual loving can be.

Ironically, many of us have glimpsed the possibility that lovemaking can be a gateway to a higher state of consciousness.

We may have had peak moments in sex when all sense of separation fell away. Or we may simply have the intuition that our sexual longings have a higher purpose. As a Georg Feuerstein points out in his book, Sacred Sexuality, "Sexual love is the most intense and tangible way that ordinary men and women strive for a union that transcends the boundaries of our everyday experience." For some people, notes Feuerstein, "sex –or to be more precise sexual love –can be a hidden window onto the spiritual reality." For the rest of us, without guideposts or role models, sacred sex remains little more than an empty oxymoron.

Of course not everyone experiences such sexual frustration and sexual angst. Some of us have warm, supportive, reasonably fulfilling relationships in which we give and receive love freely.

Or do we? "It's not that my husband and I don't love one another," explains one woman in her mid-40's. "We do. We still make love every week, and even meditate together daily. But when he has an orgasm, which is generally within a few minutes, he abandons me emotionally. I lose him for several days.

Of course he makes sure I have an orgasm too – but it's not the same. I keep thinking there must be more to lovemaking than this." Or, as one man puts it, "No matter how much meditation I was doing, as soon as I'd become sexual, I'd become a different person. All the old conditioning and anxiety would come back about how a man is supposed to behave."

If popular authors and workshop leaders Charles and Caroline Muir are to be believed, there can be more to lovemaking than this.

"The essence of Tantra," the Muirs teach, "is to bring all of your consciousness and all of your love to the bedroom and to transform your lovemaking" from a brief and entirely genital encounter into an "extended meditation that affects you on every level of your being: physical, emotional, mental, energetic and spiritual."

Indeed, many of us, the Muirs note, are more than simply uneducated –we have been deeply wounded or even abused in our early sexual encounters and bring a history of pain into the bedroom with us. As a result, we've learned to split our hearts and our genitals, "having sex" without really "making love." Before we can become fully empowered sexual beings, they claim, we must heal this split through the practices that Tantra provides.

"Tantra teaches important tools for today's couples who are searching for a significantly different way of relating to each other” Charles Muir explains. Before he became a teacher of tantra, Charles, 47, was for many years a successful and widely respected yoga teacher and felt confident of his spiritual accomplishments. Then, in 1980, the breakup of his first marriage and his precipitous return to the single life threw him into an emotional turmoil and forced him to face his sexual duplicity.

"In professional life I was the model yogi, but in my sexual life I was just acting out old scripts. I decided to like Charles, Caroline Muir, 51, began practicing hatha yoga in the late 60's when she was a "frazzled, cigarette-smoking housewife and mother," who had relocated to New York from the Midwest.

When she and her family moved again, to California six years later, she happened upon a class being taught by Charles and enjoyed it so much that he became her "yoga teacher of choice."

For many years she attended the weeklong workshops Charles led each year in Rio Caliente, Mexico. "Those retreats opened my chakras and transformed my life," Caroline recalls.

When Charles started adding Tantra yoga to the curriculum, Caroline was fascinated. "I'd always been a very sexual person and a very spiritual person, but never the twain did meet.

As soon as I'd get to the bedroom, I'd go into overdrive and become goal oriented. I lost my sense of connection with myself and my husband, and that made me very sad."

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Sexual Healing Through a series of exercises incorporating asanas and breathing techniques derived from hatha yoga. Sex is not seen as merely the rubbing of two bodies together, but as an energetic exchange in which two people nurture and empower one another.

In the traditional Tantric view, the universe is the play of two polar energies (the masculine Shiva, pure consciousness, and the feminine Shakti, pure energy), and sexual intercourse is used to rouse the shakti, or Kundalini (believed to lie coiled at the base of the spine), and thereby fuel the process of spiritual awakening. "The differences between men and women can be used as a positive force in a partnership," they write, "and the proper combination of these differences can produce a nearalchemical reaction, an ether in which everything flourishes, in which the garden of our relationship bursts with color and new life and growth and you and your beloved thrive."

Passion is a crucial component in an enduring relationship, the Muirs believe, and must be cultivated if the relationship is to survive. When a couple lessens their lovemaking, they begin the not-so-slow process of starving their love. Love is nourished by the sexual energy the couple generates. Yet the generation of sexual energy need not involve intercourse, or even foreplay in the usual sense. For example, busy couples are counseled to spend at least 10 minutes a day practicing one of several exercises for sharing and harmonizing their energy.

When couples come to realize that lovemaking can enhance their vitality and empower them in the rest of their lives, sex becomes much more attractive and their sexual connection is renewed. "Right now we only have one avenue for this creative sexual energy," says Charles Muir, "It moves downward and outward to create a baby. Tantra teaches us to move the same energy inward and upward to regenerate and recreate ourselves.

Couples are counseled to revere one another in their lovemaking as god and goddess, embodiments of the divine masculine and feminine.

For couples who want to enrich their relationship, it can release a particular kind of energy that can bring about harmony between them and increase their sexual pleasure and intimacy.

In sum, tantric sex can create an extraordinary partnership.

Couples today are looking for a commitment from each other, but a special kind of commitment—one that contains a spiritual as well as a physical element and emotional and psychological aspects as well as material ones. Now, as we approach the turning of another century, men and women seem to want to face life together. This may be the start of the “we” generation, a generation that desires an end to the battle of the sexes and the beginning of a new form of relationship in which partners work together as a team to satisfy needs, uplift one another, and journey together toward personal growth and sexual and spiritual fulfillment.

A passionate partnership not only needs the nourishment sexual energy provides, it also needs maintenance--conscious maintenance. As much care, thoughtfulness, and attention should be paid to a relationship as to a career, a family, or a cause. Unfortunately, this is not a popular concept. More popular, but less realistic, is the theory that love, having visited itself upon us, is here to stay; that a relationship, once established, will operate on automatic, will be self-sustaining, and will not interfere with the partners getting on with their individual lives. Furthermore, couples expect their relationship to augment and complement them professionally, creatively, socially, and economically. That’s a lot to ask of a coupledom; but in fact a loving relationship can provide nourishment in all areas of life. It can generate energy enough not only for itself but also for work, family, friends, and hobbies. But this doesn’t happen by magic. A relationship is like a garden. If it’s not watered, weeded, pruned, fertilized --cared for--its yield suffers.

If it’s untended, it goes to seed. One of the main reasons relationships deteriorate is that the partners neglect them.

Men and women today look for similar things in a relationship and they desire them to similar degrees.

We want psychological security from one another; we want to be able to trust one another; we want to support one another, emotionally as much as economically; we want to share similar experiences, to be playmates as well as responsible partners; we want to improve ourselves through our relationship and we hope that the relationship will improve with us; and truly, we want to love one another for a lifetime together.

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The fact that a couple shares similar goals for their relationship bodes well for them because it signifies the couple’s appreciation for their partnership as an entity in and of itself. It focuses them on it as separate from us, and this point of view is crucial to the health and well-being of the partnership.

However, while men and women may not be so different in what they want for themselves as a couple, we know from research that they are very different when it comes to what they want--in fact, need—for themselves as sexual individuals in the relationship. We have different desires, men and women— they are physiological, basic to our male and female natures.

They seem, if not opposite to one another, at least not conjunct.

How can these differences be reconciled?

Tantra seminars and workshops which are based in part on the tantric “lifestyle” that was designed centuries ago specifically for householders – that is couples. The tantric texts are explicit on how the differences between the sexes can be used as a positive force in partnership, how the proper combination of these differences can produce a near-alchemical reaction, an ether in which everything flourishes, in which the garden of your relationship bursts with color and new life and growth, and you and your beloved thrive. The tantric goal is to achieve a state where opposites cease to exist, where yin and yang are in perfect balance and duality is eclipsed. On a spiritual level this condition is considered a state of bliss, of ecstasy, of Unity.

On a worldly plane, the goal is the same—tantric partners want to fit together as neatly as yin and yang. They seek a perfect balance where their differences are complementary. They aim for an ecstatic combination—the experience of bliss, love and

Unity—in their relationship.

When partners are healers to each other, when they create light inside each other as a kind of radiation therapy for pain or fear or distrust, they make a profound connection. This connection involves two forms of energy: the energy of intimacy and the energy of sexual passion. These are the two main ingredients in tantric loving.

Today, men and women can learn to teach each other, and Tantra can help them. They might consider Tantra as a kind of extension course – a master class in love and relationship.

In this continuing education, they guide each other, and the experience can be extremely powerful. Tantric lovemaking promotes health and vitality, and both the man and the woman benefit physically.

Psychologically, too, Tantra is a healing art. Tantric practices can discharge the negative power infusing the second chakra (the energy center for the genitals), and in so doing make enormous resources of positive energy available to all areas of life, not just the sexual. You will discover an energy you never knew you had, a creative energy that will refresh your mind, replenish your stamina, and restore your enthusiasm.

Lovemaking in the tantric sense, conscious lovemaking, does not come naturally; it must be learned, and couples must learn it together. They must be teachers, one to the other, and pupils of one another as well. Tantra is most explicit in its instructions for carrying out this education in the art of lovemaking, a multimedia art that combines increased consciousness with the five physical senses, as well as the more ethereal psychic and spiritual senses, to compose its dance of love.

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Sink Into You A long moment shared

Bodies tightly clasped together Eyes closed, absorbing the moment of a passionate embrace Sink into me Sink into you S.Dawn Sievers

Astonishing Light Written by S.Dawn Sievers

It was a small thing, really. Just a quick glance, a social smile shared between strangers walking into a building. He politely held the door in a gentlemanly manner, allowing me to precede him inside. Yet something about him seemed sad to me. We separated in the foyer of the building, going in opposite directions. I accomplished the business that I came there to do and walked back outside.

It was a stultifying, hot summer day. We were in the grip of a killing heat wave and drought at the time, so I wasn't inclined to linger in the parking lot. Yet, I did linger. I glanced about and noticed an ornamental park with benches in the shade. I can't explain why I chose to walk in that direction and sit on one of those benches, but I did it. The heat was oppressive, so much that not even the wildlife seemed to have the energy to make accustomed nature sounds. It was quiet in the manner only a humid summer day can be.

Perhaps ďŹ ve minutes after I sat down, steps approached and paused, causing me to look up. It was the man with the sad eyes, holding two frosty bottles of water.

"Can I join you?"

I smiled and nodded, and he offered me one of those bottles of water.

"I saw you through the foyer window and thought something cold might be appreciated," he said.

I accepted the kind gesture and we began to chat. I could tell something was beneath the surface causing his eyes to look sad, but I didn't probe or press. He was kind and cordial, and the conversation was pleasant. We discovered a few things in common, discussed the local area, and drank our cold water in the shade, sitting on that park bench. It occurred to me that I had snacks in my purse and I pulled out two packages of those cheese crackers with peanut butter. When I offered him one, he appeared to be delighted.

"A feast!" was his comment. We munched in companionable silence. Another several minutes passed, with more conversa-

tion.

Finally, he looked at me with a very serious expression.

"Today, I was going to go home and turn the gas stove on in my kitchen, blow out the pilot light and let nature take its course. I felt that I had no other choice. I went into that building to visit my lawyer and make sure all my legal papers were in order so that my family would be taken care of."

This was the cause of the sadness behind his eyes. I knew that whatever was happening in his life, I was not qualiďŹ ed to counsel him properly and I said as much. He smiled, shook his head and placed a hand over my own.

"You're imminently qualiďŹ ed, young lady. There's a light about you. A brightness in your smile that you shared with me when we both walked into that building. You didn't have to even look at me, but you took a moment to acknowledge me... and really SEE me. It mattered, and I wanted to thank you. I was hoping I would see you before you left that building. And somehow, I got lucky."

We talked some more, and he revealed that his business had failed due to the lagging economy. His house went into foreclosure and he wasn't able to continue to pay for his two kids' college tuition. I didn't have a lot of advice to offer; mostly, I just listened. He was a lovely man. Clearly intelligent, well spoken, obviously very well mannered, and just as obviously tormented on a very elemental level. We did not know one another at all, save for that unexpected meeting at the front door of an office building, and a shared impromptu drink and snack on a park bench. For me, it was a moment to simply be there for another person who was troubled. I never once felt uncomfortable, or pressed to create a miracle. I didn't have that power. This man's life was in an admittedly challenging place.

I doubted seriously that anything I could offer could make much of a difference.

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What I did know was that listening was something I could do.

So, that's what I did.

We lingered there for about 90 minutes, in that humid summer day. I refrained from using the word "should" in any part of that conversation, simply because I strongly felt that he didn't need to hear what I thought he should do. I figured he had probably heard many "you should's" as he struggled to cope with the challenges in his life. I did ask him to seek some form of counseling, because the thought of this very kind man ending his life alone, defeated and sad was heart breaking. I also asked him to take my phone number and promise me that he would text me, at the very least, for the next five days, so that I knew he hadn't given in to the temptation of his earlier plan to end his life. He agreed to this request.

Eventually, our conversation ended. We sat in silence and he finally looked at me and smiled again. To my eyes, it appeared that the sadness had eased somewhat behind his eyes.

He stood and offered a firm handshake, then gathered the debris of our water bottles and snack wrappers. He took them to a garbage can, then returned to walk with me towards our cars in the parking lot.

I wanted to hug him, but refrained because I didn't want to presume or cause any awkwardness. We stopped at my car and I smiled and reminded him of his promise to text me for five days.

"I will do that. In return, I want you to promise me that if a day hits for you in the future where you feel sad, or defeated, or that you're not making a mark on the world, promise me that you'll call me. Maybe then I can return the favor. You made a difference today, and you did it with a smile and being a genuinely beautiful person. God bless you."

And with that, he put a hand briefly on my shoulder, then he walked away to his own car. In the proceeding five days, I received a single text each day that said, simply, "I'm still here."

On the sixth day, the text that came said, "I'm smiling again."

These days, he occasionally sends a random text, and we have developed a friendship that is solid. I have met his family; his children are now back in college, and he and his wife are in a stable living situation. He is in a different career and seems to be recovering well.

Why am I relating this story? I don't know. I actually thought that I would never share it on a public level. I never felt it was my story to reveal. And for the most part, I remain devoted to protecting this friend's privacy by not giving his name or any other personal information. The other day, I read a quote on Facebook that has always been one of my favorites. It was on my sidebar on my Facebook page and it was from the "On this day in 2010, this was your status..." section.

This is what my status was on that day in 2010: “I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being.” – Hafiz Obviously, I found that quote to be beautiful when I posted it to my Facebook wall in 2010, and when I saw the repeat post on my sidebar, I was prompted to share this story. I posted the quote again on my Facebook wall, and added this comment: *How's that for a good reminder of our own beauty?* I didn't have any special skills, or any magical answers for this gentleman that I met unexpectedly that summer day. Something...a set of circumstances... brought us together and I was led to take the steps that I did. Happily, they resulted in a positive outcome, with not only this man choosing a different outcome, but with a genuine friendship that continues to this day.

The above Hafiz quote was a good reminder to me that many times, we're given chances to make a difference. And sometimes, that difference can occur just from sharing that "astonishing light of our own being". Sometimes, many times, that alone is more than enough to make a profound difference.

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“Listen closely, to the voice that speaks to you each day, Open up your heart and mind and hear what it has to say -Inner Voices, Sweet Honey in the Rock.

Self Love,

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Self Acceptance.. Rose Essential Oil

Venus

Written by Joanne Faulkner Venus, the magnificent namesake of the Roman goddess of love and beauty embraces the arts, sensuality and everything we value – including money. This seemingly pale goddess in the sky reaches her most twinkling brightness either shortly before sunrise or shortly after sunset, thus she is often known as the Morning Star or Evening Star.

In astrology, she has also been known to twinkle brightly, play the Diva, or behave like a spoiled child. How she behaves depends on how she interacts with the different signs!

Venus in Aries shows an often-impatient goddess… one who lives by her own rules and can sometimes be cruel to those whom she professes to love. It is not that she does not care for the object of her desire; it is simply that her fiery affection tends to be temporary. This self- interested Mars maiden can get bored easily! If you are able to hold her interest with a little bit of mystery and a touch of aloofness, you are in for a very passionate ride!

With Venus being in her ruling sign of Taurus, she brings steady, earthy benevolence to those she adores. Taurus also rules the second house of personal finances and things we value, so it is no wonder our lady expresses herself through making things comfortable, cozy and financially secure! This is an excellent position for making money! Antiques, fine art and anything else that can provide potential security for the future are also highlighted here… including sweet, sentimental love notes and mementoes!

Venus in Gemini is another matter indeed! The twins can be very comforting or very confounding to themselves… and everyone around them. The airy intelligence of Mercury can give our dear goddess quite a headache… and heartache! She can be a very sweetly loving friend who will go out of her way to let you cry on her shoulder, but watch what you tell her since her hidden twin may hold it against you later.

Venus in Cancer is very similar to our Taurean girl since she loves tender gestures and blooms with suitors’ words of ado-

ration. She also revels in finding an exceptional antique or piece of art. The big difference is, this lady is very emotional and can even be a bit needy and clinging with people in her life. She is a child of the moon and as such is susceptible to all of Miss Moon’s phases – from invisible to lunatic! Reassure this tender Venus – it is well worth it for nothing is more beautiful than a confident, luminescent goddess in the full moon light!

Fiery Leo brings a bold, vibrant outlook to Venus. There is simply no holding this lady back when she steps into the limelight!

She is the sun and as such, she is generous, dramatic and most likely speaks her mind quite well. This goddess can also have a very large ego so be careful of stealing her thunder. She can shower you with glittering expressions of love – or throw you under the bus so it is best to stay on her best side and let her be the star!

Virgo brings Venus back to earth and after the charisma she just came from, her expression here can seem a bit subdued.

Do not let that fool you! Mercury again lends a hand and brings a wonderfully quick-witted and practical energy to our girl. She values intelligence, hard work and like all earth signs – loyalty. Since she has both feet planted firmly on the ground, she is fun and enjoys the company of those she loves… she can also be a perfectionist who might say something she feels will enhance you somehow, yet it just might hurt your feelings. She does not intend to be rude or hurtful, she simply seeks perfection and wishes to enhance that which seems lacking. Once she realizes everything is perfect being imperfect, she is much more relaxed and happy!

Libra not only allows airy Venus to return to the area she rules, she is balanced in her expression here! Ruling the seventh house of relationships, she seeks harmony, beauty and joy in her interactions with everyone and everything. Full appreciation of art, music and everything that beautifies us and the world around us are of great importance to Venus here.

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She would truly like nothing better than to have what most of us want – Peace on Earth.

Watery Scorpio brings mysterious surprises to Venus. Here she becomes a tantalizing temptress who can ensnare those around her with her hypnotic eyes and voice! You will never get to know this sensual woman’s heart fully – even if you have been with her for years. If she truly loves you, she will be yours forever for she does nothing half way! If you break her heart, neither of you will ever forget it. Pluto’s sting is deadly and she does not deal with betrayal well! This scorpion is intense!

Sagittarian Venus is lively, optimistic, lucky and simply beautiful! Fire brings an open enthusiasm to ladylove here and you cannot help but want to come along for the ride! She is gregarious, enthusiastic and a great girl to have at your side – especially at the gaming tables!

Do not be surprised if she presents you with a gift she knows you will adore – it gives her pleasure to find the prefect something for a friend or lover. No head-trips or fools here, thank you! This Jupiter woman knows who she is and will not be willing to put up with slackers, idiots or whiners. Live, love and laugh are her mottos!

Dear Capricorn, you are not really cold, boring and aloof, and Venus revels in your steady, faithful service! While Cappy does seem a bit introverted amongst the high flying and twinkling signs, Saturn bring Venus the grounded connection and willingness to reveal itself fully to those worthy enough to wait pa-

tiently for the beauty of her heart to burst into full bloom. She is secure here, knowing that if love is lost, the lesson is learned and she is mature enough to know that it truly is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Business can flourish here through Venus’ embrace!

Innovative Aquarius brings an entirely different Venus to the world! This Uranian loves to shake things up and the bigger the better! She may seem like a goddess at first glance, but watch out!

She will change directions quicker than a hummingbird and may leave you wondering what is happening! She is lively, original and completely without boundaries. If you enjoy a great deal of mental stimulation, creativity and just plain fun, this is the one for you!

Venus in Pisces is our dreamy, water goddess who shows us the calm surface, or the deep dark depths of herself. Playful, sensitive and highly intuitive, this girl feels a thousand different feeling in the time it takes to say Hello. Since Neptune is in charge here, she can have atendency to misunderstand, to take something to heart or even to be caught up in illusions.

Keep your communication clear, calm and be patient. Once her emotional seas start churning it is best to wait the storm out before approaching a sensitive subject again. It can be a safe harbor or a perfect storm. Using your stars to navigate can make all your hopes and dreams come true!

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Ylang Ylang

Such a beautiful and exotic essential oil is Ylang Ylang Written by Julie Nelson

Intensely feminine and passionate, calm and balanced, Ylang Ylang personality is the femme fatales, the lover, the mistress, the casanova. They delight in the erotic and the sensual. They are usually charasmatic, bewitching, gracious and delightful company.

Use Ylang Ylang to bring forth these qualities Self confidence, Emotional warmth, Calm, Joy, Sensuality and balance { 25 }

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Sizzzlin' Sacred Sensuality Written by Suzy Manning

Speak the word sensuality slowly. Feel how it sizzzls with energy as it rolls off of your tongue. Sensuality is an energy. It comes from within. It has nothing to do with the size you are, how you dress, or your makeup. Sensuality is a feeling. It is an aliveness. It is loving who you are, embracing your life purpose, and living your life to the fullest.

Sensual moments in nature that capture your attention are the sun kissing your face, the breeze gently caressing your body, the feel and smell of the moist fertile earth beneath your feet, or the gentle rain washing away your pain. Envision a flower opening up for you to gaze at its inner most beauty, its brilliant

colors, and mesmerizing fragrance.

This is you beautiful ladies embracing your sacred sensuality.

Nature is a mirror reflection of your magnificence. Connect with the powerful teachings of nature. Feel and be that captivating energy. It is the confidence in your stride, the way you enter a room, your magnetizing energy that draws people to you, your welcoming smile, and your open heart that embraces people unconditionally. It is your innate inner beauty, warmth, and genuine caring for all of life. Sizzzlin' sensuality knows no size or age. Sensuality is the expression of your most authentic self at your sacred core.

Living Your Passion Written by Edel O’ Mahony

I speak to many clients about living their passion to be resonating the correct frequencies to attract wealth, success and happiness into their lives.

Love is the greatest frequency of all, it is where true abundance lies and this also applies to you sexual passion. In fact your sexual passion is the key!

So many people when they get immersed in their day to day existence, with running their business or raising children and transmuting their sexual energy. Sex transmutation is channelling the high intense sexual energy into other areas of your life, in order to accelerate success in these areas.

So many people do this unconsciously and find in time that their intimate relationship begins to suffer without realising why.

When you begin to understand how energy works it is possible to allow the movement of energy into all areas of your life.

Maintaining your sexual energy is one way of making that communication.

When you experience deep sexual pleasure, where you give yourself over to your feelings, you are in fact connecting to your energy essence. In sensual pleasure you let go and allow your body to use its natural instincts, which is letting energy take control.

In the act of making love, giving yourself unhurried time to really explore each other, to be completely ‘in the moment’ using all your senses, you are naturally moving into high vibrational frequencies, making love is the highest form of energy you can attain and it is bringing back that feeling, in times when you feel yourselves not in control or stressed that will automatically help to raise your frequency again.

As energy beings having experiences through these physical bodies it is all about living your passion in every area of your life. Sexual Passion is no exception, it is an essential part of your experience as it shows you how to let go and live in the moment, it makes you aware of what unconditional love feels like and how you feel when allowing passion to guide you.

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Romance in the Fast Lane Written by Annie Evatt on behalf of Inspired Wellness

It’s undisputed that our lives and society has changed dramatically since the days our parents dated, making their advice and experiences outdated and irrelevant.

Our modern world is governed by industry, invention and technology with most of our lives being played out either on line or in solitude.

Dating and romance has either become an interactive shopping experience or routine drudgery causing most of us to become disconnected. Its crucial therefore to plan for romance as part of a healthy lifestyle whilst juggling variety and security.

Whether you are finding love for the first time, or reigniting romance in a long term relationship, its imperative to remember that romance is about the little details and the small moments.

Love is about being passionate, fun and fearless with that special person with trust and great communication being the cornerstones of a longer term relationship.

Try some of these quick tips for Romance on the Run. Due to technology and our hectic lifestyles, most people spend much of their interactive time chatting online, engaging in a level of conversation that keeps their facial expressions and true thoughts hidden behind emails rather than connecting on a personal basis in face to face relationships.

Instead of shunning this style of communication, harness it for moments of passion, enticement and teasing with your partner.

Obviously ensure that you do not send anything graphic, tasteless or material which will be picked up by the security systems at work; but rather make your own code for things, body parts or actions using mundane or unrelated objects.

You will be surprised how much fun it is to SMS or email your partner about buying milk and dog biscuits when there is a hidden coded message inside.

Use email or SMS or by keeping a scrabble board out on a bedroom surface or utilising magnetic words on fridge to create

sexy messages to one another. Agree to begin with how many words the sentence will have and the intention of the message.

One way is for one partner to periodically send one word at a time over the day to make up a sentence. Another is for each partner to take turns in building the sentence.

You may agree that the sentence is to describe something you love about the other person, or about what you’d like the other person to do with you. Agree before you start to when the act will take place.

Then, over the period of a day, add one word at a time. The feelings of anticipation and sly giggles as your next word appears will set the scene for a relaxed and fun filled experience with your partner.

Setting this up will take the longest; but can be a fun activity for both of you to complete together.

Cut slips of paper from colourful or quality stationary.

Write small acts of kindness and service that either you would like performed – or could gift to your partner. (Examples being, cook dinner tonight, foot rub, 10 min back massage, clean out pantry/plastics drawer/ fridge) Include some saucy ones as well – to be integrated in a more intimate setting.

Place your dip jar somewhere accessible. Every few days, offer one another a dip in the jar – particularly if one of you have had a rough day.

For many couples, the word romance is linked to spending great amounts on materialistic gifts. For most, these gifts are hollow and meaningless.

Romance is to do with the moment that it is created and the mood that is established.

When a couple keeps this in mind, almost any moment can be a romantic one. An important distinction too needs to be made between romance and intimacy. Romantic moments do not always need to end in physical intimacy.

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Indeed, the anticipation and build up to those moments can be more delicious if its not rushed.

To paraphrase a famous quote, “The quality of your life is not how many breaths you take, but rather the moments the take your breath away.”

Capture the small moments and make them memorable. Examples might include • An evening walk under a full moon or in the dark of the moon under a star dotted sky with the rule that you are only allowed to talk about how you feel about that exact moment.

• Hold hands as you stroll (not rush) along anywhere – shopping, at the park, on the way to a meeting – and stop only for the occasional tender kiss; ensuring that each person looks the other fully in the eyes and breaths in before you break apart again to walk. This is fully giving and being in the moment with your partner.

• A Memory Jar or Book. Fill a jar or book with snippets and memories of you as a couple.

Include silly jokes or sayings, photos, observations, songs and music you shared. Every few days, pull a memory out and share it with your partner. As new memories occur – ensure that you add these to the book/ jar.

There is a tendency of falling into the trap of taking our partners for granted and for accepting the mundane as the norm.

To keep romance hot, variety needs to be introduced to some extent. Spicing things up starts with the environment and setting – so try some of these: • Drive in Theatre – for some good old fashioned necking in the back seat or for just a different way to see a latest film.

• Stargazing pack a picnic of snacks and hot chocolate, bring big pillows and warm rugs and head out into the countryside; away from the city lights. Lay in a field on your rug and look up into the heavens. The silence will ease conversations bringing an intimate closeness.

• Feed the ducks – Most parks have ducks and water fowl des-

perate to eat stale bread.

Soothing and fun, this outing can open opportunities to talk about less mundane or run of the mill things as you throw bread.

• Salsa Dance class. Get hot and sweaty with your hips swaying in rhythmic unison in public.

• Pick your own. Many small farms who offer pick your own fruit are situated close to city centres. Pack your picnic basket and wander the fruit trees or berry bushes to pick your own fruit.

• Sunrise on the beach or on a mountain. Pack a small picnic of croissants, orange juice and hot coffee, couple it with a blanket and head to either a beach or a mountain top to watch the sun come up. Theres something magical about the awakening day.

Alternatively you can try some fun packed silly dates such as • Mini golf • Go carting • Horse back trail riding • Quad bike riding • Hiring a tandem bike – or just single bikes • Peddlecar boats on a lake • Ten pin bowling • Canoeing Just to remind yourselves that you are never too old to have fun or to discover a new interest. The important thing about these silly dates, is that it gives couples a shared experience to talk about.

For some it may be opening up a fear of undertaking that activity, for others a delight in learning new skills or remembering how much one had loved it when they were younger.

Although it has been said numerous times in many ways, most couples don’t fully appreciate the wisdom of communication being the cornerstone within a relationship.

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Talking beyond the pedestrian day to day events and sharing moments, experiences, fears and joys creates intimate moments, trust and mutual respect.

Just with any business venture, managing your romance requires consistent input, emotional buy in and forward planning.

Whilst some events may run spontaneously, most beneďŹ t from solid planning and goal setting; where all participants look at

the outcomes they’d like to achieve.

Planning for romance needn’t be an arduous task – just a mindful one.

Choose key ingredients and spices to be added to brew a quality portion of love.

By adding equal parts of trust, mutual respect and a dash of fun, you should have a delectable feast that will satisfy the hunger of companionship and intimacy.

Aromatique Chocolat

Coming Soon!

Organic Chocolate for your palate, your health and happiness!

Cacao has been part of ancient cultures since 1100BC. To the Aztecs and Mayans, cacao pods symbolised life and fertility and it was the food of the gods. A spicy, bitter drink was used in ancient ceremonies, which became known an elixir that bestowed wisdom, strength, alertness, power, health and fertility. The beans became so highly prized they became a form of currency used to pay tributes to the Aztec Emperors and to conquerors.

In the 16th century, the Spanish brought cacao beans across the seas to Europe where it became a court favourite. It was luxurious. It was exotic. It was expensive. So you can image that only the richest of the rich were able to indulge.

Fast forward to today. Chocolate is so commonplace that we have an amazing selection of quality and flavours. But good chocolate is still something quite special. The secrets of finding exceptional chocolate is whispered about by chocolate lovers around the world.

Coco Aroma shares that secret with you. We use the finest cacao beans grown from the original heirloom royal criollo amazonico cacao from Peru. We retain the pure organic qualities of the ingredients we use and have created a range of organic chocolate products that will not only tantalise your senses … they will tap into your inner mystic.

I love Patchouli, it takes me back in time to the hippy days and flower power! Everywhere you went Patchouli oil and patchouli incense were diffusing and lingering.

It is one of those aromas that you love or hate.

I find Patchouli to be emotionally warming, when you are feeling sad, lonely and lost this oil is like having your self wrapped up in a soft thick cuddly blanket. You feel nurtured, comforted, loved, protected and cared for, you are not alone.

Patchouli has a sweet earthy, rich, musty, woody scent. It brings

Patchouli Written by Julie Nelson

peace, is very grounding, liberating, connecting our body, mind and soul.

Patchouli is arousing to the senses, SENSUALITY in a bottle!

It has long been used for perfumery and is an essential oil that improves with age.

An excellent essential oil in all skin care and one of my most used essential oils.

Blending it with Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Rose or Geranium is simply Divine in my books!

Aromatherapy for Romance Written by Sharon Falsetto

As a clinical aromatherapist, I studied the properties and actions of essential oils in the course of my studies and how certain essential oils can be used to help a particular health problem.

Using aromatherapy for romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when thinking in clinical aromatherapy terms, but there are several essential oils that you can use to initiate a little romance into your love life! In fact, a couple of my clients have returned to me in the past stating that the particular blend that I gave them had “helped” them get a little action in the bedroom – and I have had at least one husband come up to me and ask for a repeat of whatever aromatherapy blend I had given to his wife!

Throughout history, certain aromas have been used to set the mood for love, and today several essential oils are described as “aphrodisiac.” Aphrodisiac is defined in Webster's College Dictionary as: “arousing or increasing sexual desire.”

(4th Edition, 2009, published in the United States) How Aromatherapy Stimulates Romance Although there is no guarantee that an essential oil that is described as having “aphrodisiac” properties will get you a result in the bedroom, the aroma of such oils are quite intoxicating and relaxing.

Essential oils work in a number of ways but the quickest way the aroma of an essential oil reaches the body is by inhalation through the nose; smells trigger responses in people through the stimulation of the limbic part of the brain, where moods

and emotions are governed.

Combined with a sensual massage, essential oils induce romance both through inhalation and sensual touch. Romantic essential oils can be used in the bath, in a massage lotion or oil or simply inhaled to set the mood for romance. Some of the most popular aromatic oils for love include rose, patchouli, ylang ylang, neroli and sandalwood and these are the five essential oils that I have focused on below.

Rose Oil for Love Rose is the most familiar essential oil for love! It has been prized for centuries by ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.

Cleopatra of Egypt and Josephine Bonaparte of France are just two historical figures who were known to use rose, in one form or another, to seduce lovers.

Rose essential oil is a base note oil, so use little for maximum effect; pure rose oil is expensive and anything less is probably a substitute or an adulterated form of rose oil. Combine rose oil in a massage lotion or oil or add a few drops to a romantic bath.

Patchouli Oil for Romance Patchouli has commonly been used as perfume base, since its introduction to Europe from the Far East in the 1800's; it became popular in the hippie era of the 1960's when it was frequently used as an incense. Patchouli essential oil is also a base note oil and is a heavy-fragranced oil.

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Ylang Ylang Oil for Lovers Ylang ylang is another exotic-sounding oil that is used for love and romance; in Indonesia, the owers of ylang ylang are laid out on the bed of the bride and the groom, in an attempt to stimulate passion.

Ylang ylang essential oil is also used as a tonic to help overcome sexual difficulties, in addition to its aphrodisiac properties. Use ylang ylang in moderation to avoid headaches.

Neroli Oil for Brides Neroli, or orange blossom, has been used in weddings for centuries for its aphrodisiac properties; Victorian brides wore a sprig of neroli in their head dress and carried neroli in their bridal bouquets in an attempt to calm nerves and stimulate romance on their wedding night! Be careful that you choose true neroli essential oil for full effect - and not an adulterated, waterdowned version.

Sandalwood for Seduction Sandalwood is known for its meditative and relaxing properties, but it is also an aphrodisiac oil; sandalwood is used frequently as a ďŹ xative in many perfumes. Sandalwood essential oil is a base note oil and is also expensive; however a drop of sandalwood in a massage lotion or a bath may stimulate a romantic encounter or two!

Romantic Aromatherapy Oils There are other essential oils that contain aphrodisiac properties but the above oils are some of my personal favorites! Just make sure that you consult a qualiďŹ ed aromatherapist and pay attention to any warnings associated with a particular essential oil for certain conditions before use. Always dilute an essential oil in a carrier such as lotion, oil or water. If you use them correctly, essential oils are a natural solution for putting a little bit of love and romance back into your life!

Amariel & Alassea Photography Amy Nelson-Blain Styling and Set Design Julie Nelson Hair and Make-Up Bernadette Talbot Jewellery Make A Strand Silk Flowers Teeki Designs Talent Kat Andersen and Alex Brenner @ AVA Model Management Featuring Aranel, Belle & Arwen

‘Amariel’ & ‘Alassea’ are Signature Perfume Blends created by Aromatique Essentials for their ‘Ethereal’ Range. Perfume’s can be purchased through their online store. www.aromatiqueessentials.com.au

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Skirts, bow-tube and floral head pieces Julie Nelson White embroidered blouse Stylists Own

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Teeki Designs

The Power of Intention Written by Mercedes Leal

How One Wonderful Mother Defied a ‘Terminal’ Diagnosis.

The doctor in charge of the Intensive Care Unit in the little village hospital run by nuns tells me there is little hope my mother will recover. I tell him she has astounded the medical profession before. He retorts she may have used up her nine lives. I tell him we must ask then for thirteen. He responds that he has seen some strange things happen. I feel hopeful.

He has called me into a private room to tell me that they would like me to consider ‘pulling the plug’ on my mother, who has been breathing via a support system for several days. At 84 and ‘terminally’ ill for over a decade, the doctor thinks my mother’s final days have come. I am consumed by sorrow but cannot give up and asked him, as an exercise, to see my mother as fully recovered and to give her a sporting chance of recovery.

The doctor dashes my hopes by standing up to tell me that most people of my mother’s age who recover after that length of time unconscious are ‘vegetables’. With a curt goodbye, after ten minutes with me, he is off. To him, my beloved, adorable mother is just a statistic: a geriatric one, at the bottom of the priority pile. I wonder why more people in our western culture do not see the phenomenal value of our elderly citizens, who have so much to offer and who sacrificed so much for our freedoms. They should be revered.

I feel sick and know I have to talk seriously to my mother, to ascertain whether she can hear me or not. She is lying utterly motionless, in the same silent position in intensive care that she has occupied for several days. I ask to see her, for her unit is locked and accessible only with special permission which, to next of kin, is usually granted. I cannot allow even the thinnest filter of negative thought to enter the arena of recovery of my mother. I know, somehow, she can pick up my thoughts and those of everyone around her.

The resonance of medical resignation towards the demise of sick, elderly people does not sit comfortably with me. I believe some doctors and nurses are playing God. I do believe their

thoughts can influence the sick and even the comatose. I feel I have to supercharge my intention to combat theirs; but I need to ensure that I can communicate somehow with my mother.

So far, no one can get through and I sit and simply watch, hoping for a flicker of activity to give me hope; but there is nothing.

Some nurses are kind and understanding; others are cooler, courteous yet lacking in warmth. I am friendly and kind to all.

I need everyone’s goodwill.

I settle myself beside my mother’s bed as she lies motionless, her eyes closed peacefully. Only her breath, gently rising and falling, tells me she is still alive. I take her left hand as I lean over her bed and I talk to her.

‘Mum’ I implore urgently, you MUST wake up. This is important. They want to pull the plug on you. Please tell me you can hear me.’ Nothing happens. I ask again, altering the words. Still nothing happens. Then I suggest methods of communication - raised eyebrows, smile, eyebrow frown, etc. Nothing works.

I ask her to lift my hand, which is now clutching hers gently, waiting for a sign.

My heart is pounding as I look inward for inspiration. I beg her to raise her hand or to squeeze my fingers to give me some kind of sign. I run out of ideas.

I’m now calling on God. I need top drawer inspiration.

I am sitting there, wondering what to do next. I feel no temptation to give in.

Somehow, I know there must be a way to enter my mother’s cognitive space.

I start to create mental pictures in my head of her home life. I communicate with her through images and show her how wonderful our lives will be when she is back home again, just as they were before. I show pictures of her grandchildren, lively and laughing and my desperation becomes so great that I start to look forward to these events too. The family mood starts to feel real to me.

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My spirits start to rise and my heart settles as I live those imaginary scenes. Then something very strange happened.

Suddenly, my hand, which is holding my mother’s soft fingers, flies into the air and almost lands an uppercut to my chin. I realise with delight and awe that Mum has lifted it two feet in the air with the strength of a Russian shot putter with biceps the size of water melons. What a feat! I keep talking, excited as I gently stroke her hair or cheek to keep her buoyant, continuing with the imagery, now describing the idyllic family scenes and plans with words whispered into her ear. Soon, her eyes flicker open and she looks at me. She smiles in recognition and I am heartened. At least she knows who I am. I would care for her in any condition, gladly; but she is vain and would not like to be a dribbling wreck nor to be a ‘vegetable’. There is no way of knowing yet.

There is no expression on her beautifully serene and rested face as I talk and talk and talk. Soon I realise she cannot talk back.

Her vocal chords seem paralysed. I have an idea and place a notebook before her and a pencil in her hand and I encourage her to tell me how she feels. I want to make sure she still possesses her faculties. I ask her to write her name, happy to love her just as much if she cannot. She carefully and slowly starts to write. I follow the letters as she takes time to write them. It takes minutes and minutes and yet more minutes and she pauses between each word; but the message is clear and heartening. She as not written her name, but I laugh aloud at her message.

One by one, I read the large capital letters: “I W A N T T O G O H O M E” Tears flooded my eyes as I put the letters together. She wants to go home!

She is coherent, cogniscent, all is well. I thank God with a song in my heart. My gratitude brings tears to my eyes. I am so very, very thankful. My mother points to her throat and makes a

‘thumbs down’ sign. She is trying to tell me she cannot speak and yet I know that any current, physical shortcomings will be overcome with love, compassion and patience. I am so deeply gladdened by her sudden recovery and know she will be back home soon. The imagery of just the life she loved had worked – and that connection to God provided the inspiration I needed.

My mother had been diagnosed in 1994 with chronic heart disease so severe that her condition was described by her general physician as ‘imminently terminal’. Her doctor told me, not her, leaving me to face this burden alone for many years, for I knew I could never tell anyone, in case this information returned to her or, even worse, in case people would start to see her life as over and survey her with pity. I wanted the opposite for her. I wanted people to make plans with and for her and to see her as the vibrant spirit she saw in herself. I knew all attitudes would reach and touch her and the less than positive ones would lower her spirits and hamper her recovery. I supercharged my faith, got up close and personal with God and just gave my best all the time. I provided my mother with a Calendar of Joy. Every day was an adventure of happiness and laughter.

However, there was an element of reality we still had to face; as was usual with our local private hospital set in a country village, she would come out with bed sores and wounds which had disintegrated. The nurses used very aggressive compounds on her delicate skin, which would literally burn her flesh away.

I complained but they always seemed to wait until I had gone before they did what they wished to do any way. Strangely, the doctors were far more flexible but one or two nurses adhered to their set routines which were very destructive to my mother’s delicate skin and gentle constitution.

She would invariably go into hospital with one thing and return home with two or three.

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My mother was too polite and weak to object to harsh conditions from the occasional downright cruel and abrupt nurse.

Most were extremely kind and thoughtful but one or two were not. I had stayed with her every single day, from just after sunrise right up until she was about to sleep at night, arranging for someone else she loved and whose company she enjoyed to be there on the occasions I could not. Whenever I was allowed, I slept in a chair next to her bed overnight. She trusted everyone and just went with whatever they suggested until the day, against her wishes, a ghastly nurse insisted on her having an x-ray she had already refused. The cardiologist had said it was optional; yet the nurse had gone ahead and caused great upset to my mother; she was affected badly by that.

Some doctors were extraordinarily supportive, as were some nurses and they saved my sanity for these nicer ones supported me fully and became a part of an silent army who helped to keep my mother going for long after her body had disintegrated. I could never pretend to have done it on my own. Even my father helped – from beyond the grave.

One night, a few years earlier, as my mother slept in the private wing of a local NHS hospital and I dozed deeply on a chair next to her, I suddenly felt her fist cuff my arm. It knocked my supportive arm from under my face and I lurched with shock.

I opened my eyes to find her staring maniacally at me.

“Whatever was that for, Mum?” I asked, confused as I rubbed the painful bruise on my arm. My mother blurted out her relief.

She thought she had been dreaming, but it had all seemed too real. She said she had just had a dream where she was standing on the edge of a river, with my late father on the other side of the water, dressed in a brown robe, next to a figure with a long white beard and wearing a white robe. My father deferred to the figure in the white robe and both were beckoning my mother to come into the water, indicating they would meet her and help her over to the other side. My mother was most indignant she was not ready to go but she knew she was expected to leave her current realm. She was aware she had used up all of her life ‘credits’. She begged my father to allow her to remain with ‘our children’, even though my brother was a grandfather and my daughter was thirty years old.

She said my father, her late husband, turned to the figure in white and communicated telepathically. She knew he was begging for an extension on her behalf. If it was refused, she would have to go into the water and never return to life. The figure in white nodded affirmatively, as my father communicated to my mother that she had been granted a reprieve; but my mother’s foot had touched the water and the fear made her wake up. Seeing me with my eyes closed on the chair next to her bedside made her fearful that I had also been swept away by the tide, hence her need to deliver a punch! My mother was the kindest, most gentle pacifist, so that kind of violent behaviour was very out of character. Her will to live was powerful.

She told me she felt she had been very lucky to have been given an extension of life.

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After I had identified her primary interest during her coma, which was obviously the love of her family, and not shopping, parties or travelling, all of which I had tried as sources of interest to get her to recover, I decided to use this carrot again and again and again, to keep her striving to remain alive. I would fly my brother, his children and other relatives to visit us on a regular basis so that as soon as one jolly event was about to occur, there would already be another imminent and in the planning stages. I decided there must never be a lull.

As I escorted my mother towards the exit of the hospital the day after her dramatic recovery, I knew I was on the right track in providing her with a constant Calendar of Family Joy. She was beginning to chat animatedly and all her faculties were safe.

My darling Mum was looking forward to being home and seeing her family and friends and this proved to me that the key to keeping our loved ones with us for as long as we can stems from providing them with whatever THEY hold most dear, not what we think might enjoy. That telepathic communication with them, even when it seems all is lost, will still be picked up and may just provide that right spark of inspiration to turn them back from St Peter’s Celestial Gates, so they return to the wonderful challenges of the life and the deep devotion of their loved ones. The choice is always theirs to return or not; I am grateful my mother took the option she did for her life continued joyfully until March 2008, six months after that almost fatal coma and fourteen long and very happy, active years after

that first ‘imminently terminal’ diagnosis when she was only seventy one years old. It was five years after the reprieve from the water incident in her dream.

My darling mother died in my arms, aged 85 and yet the essence of her kind and loving personality and her incredible, divine guidance grows stronger as each year passes. I know my father - her beloved husband - would have returned to help her through that river, having fulfilled his part of their life extension pact.

My mother continues telepathic communication with me and what she has proved to me and to those who have witnessed the miracles she has helped to generate since her transition is that life is eternal and there is only life after life. There is only the thinnest of veils between us and the loved ones we have lost - and the magic of intention allows loved ones to slip in and out of those veils to connect by the simplest of loving thoughts.

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“Ancient lovers believed a kiss would literally unite their souls, because the spirit was said to be carried in one’s breath.”

- Eve Glicksman

Interview with Deanne Kalda Written by Julie Nelson

I would like to introduce my friend Deanne Kalda and fellow Aromatherapist. Deanne is as passionate about Aromatherapy as I am and she kindly had this interview with me to share a bit about her life. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Dee and encourage you to check out her mobile business, Tranquility Zone.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Deanne. I’m originally from Sydney but now live not far from Port Douglas in Queensland, Australia with my husband and 3 pussycats. I love living here & running my mobile massage & day spa business. I have a passion for aromatherapy, massage & spa. In my spare time I enjoy reading, photography, long walks & relaxing at home.

What/Who inspires you?

My husband, who has always had confidence in me & supported me, inspires me to be the best I can & do what I believe in. I’m always inspired by happy, positive people, successful business women & anyone who gives fantastic customer service. I am also constantly inspired by the beauty in nature.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about aromatherapy, massage, spa, my home, photography, art, colour, reading, my pussycats, fashion, shoes...

How long have you been an aromatherapist?

I finished my aromatherapy training in 2001 & since then have been practising aromatherapy... I continue to love and learn more about it all the time.

What was it that attracted you to this beautiful profession?

I was attracted to aromatherapy by a desire to lead a happier & healthier life myself and to help people improve their lives though better physical & emotional health.

Tell us about your business Tranquillity Zone.

Tranquillity Zone is a mobile massage & day spa business in and around Port Douglas in tropical north Queensland. I have a small experienced team to provide you with a deeply relaxing experience in your home or holiday accommodation. We bring everything to you, all you have to do is find a quiet space for your treatment & let us pamper you! I also have a studio at my home in Julatten, in the tropical Tablelands. All of the treatments are based on aromatherapy. I use certified organic ingredients wherever possible & have recently expanded my business to include a retail range of natural aromatherapy face & body products. I aim to help improve my clients overall well-being through the treatments I give as well as offering products for the client to take away with them so they can continue to benefit.

What do you most love about your business?

I don’t think I can choose one thing that I love about my business as I love it all!!! I love using aromatherapy to help my family, friends and clients. I love the feeling of seeing my clients happy and relaxed after their treatments. I love the freedom of running my own business. I love seeing clients improve their health & well-being. I love being creative with my aromatherapy blends, products & treatments. I love connecting with like-minded people.

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Tranquility Zone

Mobile Massage & Day Spa www.tranquilityzone.com.au

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly!

Part 2 - Issue 11

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A note from your Editor. . .

Here we are in the Season of CELEBRATION!

Take some time to reect and celebrate all of your accomplishments you have carried out during 2011.

The depth and size does not matter, what matters is, you did it! Write them down, acknowledge your tremendous efforts and reward yourself.

I want to say THANK YOU to the beautiful people that support myself and Aromatique Essentials by sharing their love, experiences and knowledge. Thank you for believing in this beautiful Magazine.

THANK YOU to all that come back to read Aromatique Essentials magazine. My wish is that YOU are able to take something from here that will assist you, your family and friends in improving your health and well-being on all levels.

I love the Buzz in the city at this time of year you can feel the vibrant energy building. I love Christmas, always have and always will. It is a time of gatherings, being with family and friends, sharing, laughing, reminiscing ... such joy puts a smile on my face and my heart sings. My most favourite part is that I truly love giving and every year I look forward to creating and making gifts to give, it is Magickal.

Happy CELEBRATIONS Lovelies ♼ I wish you Joy, Happiness, Good Health, Success in all that you do and most of all I wish you Love and Peace.

Remember to Smile for Smiles are Magickal, a gift that is received and returned with LOVE.

Aromatherapy for the Heart Written by Julie Nelson

Written from my Heart to Your Heart. ‘Tis the season to be Jolly and that is my wish for you.

I love Christmas, it is a time of gatherings, love, laughter, sharing and caring. I so enjoy waking up to a infusion of aroma’s gently swirling around finding their way through our home... especially Christmas trees, and home baked goodies fragrance wafting from the kitchen. I love the energy that surrounds and emanates from everyone... I am taken straight back to my childhood with my Mum, Dad, sisters and brother... I feel that excitement and how I would feel like I was going to burst with joy... the sounds of chatter, family arriving if they hadn’t slept over, waking up early, everyone pitching in to lend a hand.

Mum would have the lounge door closed so we couldn’t sneak in and rattle our presents...Also we were not a family of financial wealth and some of our presents were handmade. Mum would gather our favourite dolls and have them sitting on the lounge with new clothes on! I tell you that was so exciting and to this day I still have my walkie talkie doll with some of the

clothes my Ma made...so precious!

Right... now that I have finished my outburst as I travelled down memory lane, I want you to think of all of the happy times you have had in your life, write them down in a journal.

What do you remember?

Aromas, conversations, what you were wearing, who were you with, how old you were... by now I would bet you are smiling deeply and feeling the love from each wonderful moment.

Keep these happy memories within you, when you read or think about them, feel the feelings that stir in your body, mind and soul for they are precious and very healing.

For some, I understand that this is not a happy time and I truly wish you peace and joy with love.

I encourage you to take the time and allow yourself to have a happy time, surround yourself with those you love, do things that give you pleasure and most of all be Kind to Yourself and Love You.

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Blends..

Bergamot ~ Rose ~ Geranium ~ Sandalwood Geranium ~ Ylang Ylang ~ Vetiver Grapefruit ~ Cardamom ~ sweet Orange ~ Neroli Cinnamon ~ Peru Balsam ~ Cacao ~ Clove Frankincense ~ Cedarwood ~ Cinnamon ~ Cardamom Spruce ~ Oakmoss ~ Champa ~ Cinnamon Peace ~ Love ~ Joy ~ Laughter ~ Grace

“The arms of love encompass you with your present, your past, your future, the arms of love gather you together.�

-Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Dance the Songs of Life Written by Suzy Manning

As we engage with the shift happening on the planet at this time, life seems to be moving faster and faster. Life is becoming more hectic and less satisfying. We need to ask ourselves “what are we running to” or “are we running from something”? Are we running to find happiness or is the emptiness so painful within us that we think if we move fast enough it will lose its grip on us.

dom.

- Connecting with our animal friends who are always receptive to love us back.

- Walking in nature soaking up the balancing energy the plant world gifts to us.

- Preparing a meal with family & friends to celebrate nutritious food and friendship.

Life is to be celebrated. However, we seem to be looking in all the wrong places to find happiness. We need to slow down to discover the beauty in the simplicity of life. Life will only slow down when each of us decides to find the magic and happiness in everyday moments. Everyday happenings that are extraordinary moments in time are: - Hanging with friends who love us no matter what mistakes we make in life.

- Receiving and giving unconditional support to colleagues, friends, and family.

- Intergenerational sharing of life stories, life lessons, and wis-

One of my favorite sweatshirts has the Earth painted on the front of it encircled with life with the quote “Feel the rhythm of the Earth. Dance the Songs of Life.” It is the celebration of all of life and our interconnectedness to all of life that we so often miss. We lose ourselves in societal demands that leave us angry, medicated, and numb. For our sanity and survival, not only as individuals, but also as a species, we need to retreat from the dull, agonizing clamor society calls progress to dance with life. It is in recognizing these special intimate moments in everyday life that we gain peace, happiness, and meaning.

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Give Peace a Chance Written by Joanne Faulkner

Although most astrologers would scold me for my choice of the timing of this piece, my strong and impetuous 8th House, Leonine Uranus is thumbing its nose and plowing boldly ahead.

My subject – December 22, 2011 Solstice at midnight Greenwich, ENG, (officially at 5:30am).

While the planets are still in the same basic configuration, with very slight changes in degree or orb, the significant difference is the houses these planets occupy, and the aspects those few hours represent.

The Sun is 29° in the honest, friendly and expansive sign of Sagittarius in the 3rd House. Here there is a strong wish to learn, understand and communicate with others in a higher, more informed and open way. Since the Sun is on the cusp of the 4th House, this brings a desire to be at home or anyplace which represents home, with family and extended family. Mercury is also in the 3rd House, its natural home, and adds to the yearning to have connected fellowship with those around us and with Pluto in Capricorn in the 4th House, there is a strong need for a stable, loving environment.

Whew! The old saying is “home is where the heart is” and if the above was not enough, we are about to have more reasons why this can be true now.

Because Libra is the Ascendant of this chart, its ruling planet Venus is the Chart Ruler and brings the focus to love, beauty and everything we value. That also means all of her interactions with other planets and the houses they reside in are of key importance here. Venus is at 1° Aquarius in the 4th House. Bringing in a bit of Capricorn’s stability and dependability, the

Aquarian influence asks us to focus on the Earth and humankind as a whole. It charges us to feel the collective Spirit of the Creator within each of us and to work through love and peace to ignite that Spirit within everyone we come in contact with – beginning with our families and ourselves.

Although both Jupiter (optimism, expansion) and Saturn (pessimism, restriction) square Venus, the challenge here is to balance everything with love. These squares address Saturn’s need to embrace yourself worth, without negative ego and to nurture the things you need to be whole, while Jupiter insists you bring that love and glory out into the world. I believe these two opposites are saying that we need to start with ourselves and be the master of our personal temples first. Then, as we feel that self-love and Divine spark fill us, it will naturally overflow into those around us and then into the world. What a Heavenly thought!

Our lovely goddess Venus is also sextile Uranus, which is at 0°Aries in the 7th House. Partnerships of all kinds need to hold on to their hats! Uranus represents sudden changes and 0°Aries is known as the Aries Point, which is action, action, action! If there are things which are causing discord in personal or business relationships, that is about to change for the better!

Love and peace will have the opportunity to reign supreme and dissolve any debris, which may be causing difficulty. Bringing this aspect globally, those in business who truly care about and have integrity for what they are bringing to the table will no longer allow a few bad seeds to take advantage of them or their lifework. Love may truly conquer all!

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Now, the main reason I choose the midnight chart is to talk about a special, somewhat rare aspect that is present at that time. It is a YOD, or “Hand of God”. This one is significant since it consists of a sextile between Jupiter in the 8th House (occult, transformation) at 0° Taurus and Neptune in the 5th House (pleasure, children) at 28°Aquarius. Jupiter here brings charity, stability and belief in the power of positive thinking along with optimism and faith in our fellow man. This sextile allows us to use our emotional energy to tap into our human connection and use it to uplift humanity as a whole. Neptune dissolves former thought patterns of seeking personal indulgence and inspires us to blend philosophies, social and political beliefs with each other in a way that can heal and uplift us all.

We can collectively become Spiritual Seekers by being of loving service to each other. In addition, both these planets form inconjuncts, the focus of the YOD, back to the place we started today – back to our Ascendant in Libra.

Libra is all about balance, harmony, co-operation and, of

course, love. The Jupiter arm of YOD indicates we must re-adjust, open our ears and hearts and learn to compromise with each other, while the Neptune arm says we need to learn to be of generous service to each other for our individual soul advancement. The two work in perfect unison to achieve balance.

The entire message of this chart says that we are coming to a place where we have the opportunity to move beyond our selfish motives that keep us stuck and learn to create harmony by honoring, listening and co-operating with each other.

Through the power of love and peace, we can begin with ourselves and allow respect and joy to replace egocentric insecurity and fear. Working together for the good of us all in turn causes each us to be better individually. It becomes a synchronistic circle – Yin and Yang gracefully balanced in Spirit, Love and Peace.

As the late, John Lennon encouraged us decades ago – Give peace a chance. All you need is Love!

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Chocolate Treats for Christmas Written by Julie Nelson

I came upon this yummy treat when perusing through one of my Delicious magazines (November 2011, collectors edition) and had to share it with you.

Mendiants are traditionally eaten at Christmas time, however I think they would be a great all through the year Treat!

- 100g Belgian or Organic dark chocolate, roughly chopped.

- 25g Belgian white chocolate, roughly chopped.

- Edible organic rose petals.

- Edible gold leaf.

- Walnuts or almonds candied in coconut sugar and ginger.

Melt the dark and white chocolate separately by placing them in heat proof bowls, then place each of them over a pot of barely simmering water. Be careful not to let the bowls touch the water. Stir until the chocolates are melted and smooth. Then

remove from the heat to cool slightly.

Have a tray ready, pre-lined with baking paper. Lightly wipe the tray with butter to hold the paper in place.

Drop teaspoonfuls of dark chocolate onto the baking paper, allowing them to spread out to a at disc. While the chocolate is still warm place a drop of white chocolate into the centre and gently swirl it around to create a decorative pattern. Garnish with gold leaf, rose petals and walnuts. Chill for 10-15 minutes or until set then serve.

Chocolate should not be kept in the fridge. Keep at an even temp in a cool dark cupboard or eski.

Traditionally they are topped with nuts and dried fruits. You can use toasted coconut and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on tops for some variety.

Enjoy!

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“Kindess in words creates confidence.

Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.

Kindness in giving creates love.�

- Lao Tzu

More and more Joy Written by Jyoti McKie

CELEBRATING AND HONOURING YOUR LIFE: FINDING WHAT BRINGS YOU MORE AND MORE JOY. To celebrate life more than you mourn that’s quite a remarkable hat trick in this current day and age so let’s begin with how you create just this sort of magic. You might say ‘How can I celebrate when all around I see human life is going to rack and ruin?” Or ‘How can I celebrate when he/she just did this to me?” So what do I mean and how do you discover ways of celebrating and honouring your life?

When you celebrate you rejoice. It may be for a special event like a birthday or a marriage or a new baby’s birth. To rejoice is to express joy and happiness and to share your joy and happiness with others. It builds upon itself and multiplies so that more and more joy arises. Creating special events when all agree to come along and have a good time together is one obvious and wonderful way of celebrating life. So don’t decide to give up on having that birthday dinner just because you did the same last year, so what that was last year, here’s a new opportunity to share joy. But I am not just talking about special events, great though they can be, I am talking about making this life in each moment a celebration and that may include the difficult times as well as the good times. Now that sort of celebrating takes courage and faith and a special kind of open, powerful awareness.

Let’s first take ‘honouring’ and see how this truly fits with developing the courage, the faith and the power of awareness. To honour your life is to accept yourself as the unique and valuable human being you are. It is to realize that you count and have been born into this world to experience, understand love and grow through that experience into knowing your true self to the maximum. So who are you? This life is an adventure to find out who you truly are. It has all been given as a gift and just like those gifts from loved ones you receive on your special celebration days give thanks and honour first of all the miracle of living, of being here right now. Real honouring involves knowing your passion and courage. The courage to live right here in this moment, no matter what is being brought to your door

and the passion to go for what your deepest heart wish calls you to do. These will bring a life lived with more and more joy.

In my twenties I was living a half life and didn’t want to know about it. I was teaching children with learning difficulties and though I loved the kids my heart was calling me in a very different direction. One fateful day during a holiday along the East coast of Scotland my partner and I were driving home to our rented cottage by the sea. It had been an idyllic day exploring castles and exquisite gardens and stopping off for lunch at the pretty fishing harbour of Stonehaven. We’d watched the sun setting and then as he drove our old Morris Minor van slowly around a steep bend another car swerved over to our side of the road and hit us head on. There was a strange silence within me as my body plunged forwards and hit the wind screen.

Blood spurted and I watched blots of it spreading on my partner’s white sweater. He pulled me from the van and I was quickly dispatched to the nearest hospital in Aberdeen. After this event I had a moment of great clarity and the thought came so clearly that I had not yet lived the life my inner self was calling me to live. I had a second chance so I chose to live it from then on to the best I knew how.

I honoured that calling and quit my job at first pursuing work as an artist and then discovering my rewarding and creative spiritual pathway with many visits to India and America learning from the spiritual depths of my life and the teachings of great masters. often your spiritual family. Find out how to live in more harmony with your family through the power of gratefulness. Learn courage by being kind to your fear, but not letting it deter you from acting upon your dreams. Honour the steps you have taken so far including your mistakes for from these you learn so much. Love like there is no tomorrow and that is true. Know the strongest power of all is love. It may take years to know like the slow dripping of water on the hardest rock or it may hit you just when you least expect it and propel you on the most fantastic journey of self discovery you’ll ever know

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Celebrating Individual Uniqueness Written by Edel O’Mahony

Why it's Cool to be You! You know for so long we humans have been burying our own magnificence, allowing ourselves to be shuffled along the conveyor belt of conformity, trying to fit in with what society says we should be doing, acting and believing. All we have managed to do is to be living other people's life experiences rather than our own.

Many years ago when I was entrenched in an abusive marriage, totally controlled by my partner, not seeing the damaged he was doing to my family, I had my first real understanding of what it means to let go of expecting others to conform.

I had brought up my eldest daughter from 6 months to 5 years old on my own, she was, at the time my reason for living, I loved her with every fibre of my being. I married and had two more daughters and in this time my husband showed his true colours, with a violent temper he would totally control me and the children, focusing most on my eldest daughter because she was not his. My daughter stopped smiling by the age of 7 yet I could not see that this all went back to what my husband was doing. Then something happened that took the ground from under my feet. My eldest daughter was now 15 years old and though very introverted had developed a strength inside her. One morning I woke to get everyone up as usual and on entering my eldest's bedroom found her room empty, just a scribbled note saying she could not take any more aggression from my husband and that her survival training with the scouts had taught her to survive.

Firstly I was numb, then more scared then I had ever been in my life, not for me, for my beautiful baby girl somewhere out there alone. I called the police; I searched all the local places she used to go, I asked her few friends, even driving hour after hour in the car looking for her. It was no use...she had disappeared. For the first time in my life I felt like I had been pushed off the edge of a cliff, all the rules and regulations that I had expected my daughter to abide by for her safety had in fact had the opposite effect. I was helpless, distraught and eventually resided myself to expecting a call to say they had found her body. 2 weeks went by and eventually I had the call, not the one I expected however. The police called me

to say they had her in a police station in London after she tried to shop lift, she gave them my number, though refused to talk to me or come home. So they put her in a half way hostel in London.

I had mixed reactions, firstly such relief she was alive and ok, then indignation that she could have put me through so much grief and anxiety without letting me know she was fine. Then I began to be rational, retraced my steps to see what had made my daughter feel this was her only option and I had to acknowledge it all came back to the restrictions and limitations enforced on her (mainly by my husband). I vowed in that moment never to impose my will or way of living on anyone of my children ever again. I spent years developing myself, researching and learning about the human potential and how we are meant to thrive. What became of my daughter? I went to see her regularly, until I divorced later that year, she then came back home and I helped her find the expression of her creativity. She is an amazing free spirit and was soon off on another adventure though this time she kept in contact with me! We have an undying and unconditional love for each other and see each other as much as possible now. What did I learn from this experience? We are not machines, not here to live other people's life experiences for them. We are here to live our own unique life experiences and this happens when we allow creative energy to flow.

It is about honouring and respecting the members of our family to live the experiences they choose, by supporting their choices. I kept my promise and always tried to guide my children the best I could, supporting their choices and decisions, leaving them to freely express their natural creative energy. It has provided a rich and loving relationship with all four of my children. In my evolvement, I now know why freedom of expression is so important, we are fundamentally energy, having life experiences through these physical bodies and only when we are living our own unique passions do we truly create our abundance.

There is no great act of unconditional love then to celebrate your own uniqueness and recognise and respect this uniqueness in every member of your family. It really is cool to be you!

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Earth Lights Written by S. Dawn Sievers

The theme for this quarter’s publication is celebration, honoring and acknowledging our family and friends, and focusing on how all of this unites us on a global level, encouraging the creation of love and peace. We are moving into the holiday months of the calendar year. In the United States, where I live, we have Thanksgiving towards the end of November. By its very nature, the word “thanksgiving” is a happy thing. It celebrates the very foundation of my home country, giving simple thanks for our blessings. It encourages us to come together with family and friends and share a meal of appreciation.

Similar celebrations will ensue as we move into the month of December, depending upon each person’s specific religion or spiritual leaning. The continuing vibration is one of fellowship, community, love, appreciation, celebration of blessings and a true and conscious wish for peace across the world.

I’ve written in the past how I think that these special days the high holy days of each religion…. lift the vibration of the planet.

I feel the same thing occurs during the Olympic Games. When we come together with focused, purposeful intention of love and peace, how can it do anything other than impart a higher vibration?

My family is a large one and we hold a yearly family reunion each summer. We also get together during the rest of the year whenever an opportunity presents itself. This tradition has gone on for more than 40 years. Prior to each meal, we take a moment to join hands and offer a blessing… a prayer… and I am

always brought to tears by the beauty of that moment. I gaze around me at this large group of people that I was so blessed to be born into. I see how we’ve all grown, watch the children bringing a new vibrant energy into our midst, and recognize the wisdom in the faces of my elders. And my heart is always filled to overflowing with the sheer brilliance of that moment.

I always imagine that if I could share my impression with others, you would be nearly blinded by the combined energies of the love present in that room at that moment. I believe that it produces a combined Light, a physical manifestation of the love present in that moment that beams into the Cosmos and also envelopes the earth.

In this manner, on a larger scale, I believe that the winter holidays perform a level of benediction on our planet. We often lament the fact that this same sense of brotherhood and peace is not carried throughout the year, and I do not dispute that this is a shame. I don’t think it true that such a mindset cannot be sustained. I think that it can, but I also believe that might be challenging for the whole planet, as we are all at such varying and different levels of emotional and Soul development. During winter months when our highest holy days approach, many of us are able to focus on that bright, happy and loving mindset so sharply that I honestly do feel it lifts the overall energy of the planet. I imagine that Mother Earth basks at these times, absorbing the beautiful energies with a smile, as all of her children shine more brightly.

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I know that when I am able to spend time with those that I love the most, my whole demeanor changes. I am, at heart, a generally happy person. This tendency increases exponentially when I am around my family, when we are able to come together at family reunions and holiday gatherings. I am one to say that my heart and Spirit are given a good polishing and buffing, and that I sparkle a bit more brightly for several weeks afterwards. I take that energy with me everywhere I go and people notice and comment on it.

We live in troubled times, this is a constant truth, and it has been throughout the march of time. Mankind appears to embrace chaos and war with much enthusiasm. I still see beautiful moments, and I see energies being put forth that combat those negatives. Each winter, my heart is gladdened by the way that conscious energy shifts towards holiday cheer.

The rituals we perform with holiday meals, decorations in the home, celebrations at churches and synagogues, galas that support charities….it is all a lifting of energies to a higher vibration. In this increased state of vibration, we all benefit. I find it to be a gentle method of evolution, as love is the guiding force and emotion at play. Those rituals, many whose beginnings are cloaked in the mists of time, had an original purpose, I believe, to do this very thing – to lift vibrations and perform this act of benediction. There is a quiet strength and sense of peaceful purpose that embraces the world during the winter holidays.

I do believe we can exist in this same high vibratory state throughout the year, and indeed, many highly evolved Souls do that very thing. If each of us take a moment to think, we have most likely met a few people who are that highly evolved and they are a joy to be around. This is a personal choice, of course, for each person to decide what path to embrace.

I will be spending time with many who are dear to my heart during the winter holidays, and the very thought makes me smile. In my small space in the world, I am confident that I will be present during moments that literally shower the planet with beautiful, loving energy, laughter and enjoyment. My physical being will experience that buffing and polishing and I will go forth and share that sparkle with everyone I meet. I know this to be true, and I look forward to the happy moments.

I imagine that the planet will be literally covered in sparkling patches. This is how I imagine the Earth must look to the spiritual eye, to that Divine Source, when we are emitting harmonic, loving and peaceful energy. Earth enrobed in spiritual, harmonic lights. To each of you who take time to read my column here at Aromatique Essentials each quarter, I thank you and wish you a bright, safe and happy holiday season spent with those you love the most.

“Because I’m Worth It” Written by Tiffany Manning

Do you deny your desires and settle for less than you want?

This may seem admirable on the surface, but it creates discord and discontent within you. If you are interested in your patterns of settling for less, here is a Christmas/ New years self -rating test that will give you some 'food for thought'.

Take a good perceptive guess, on a scale of zero to ten, rate your response to these statements. One being the least comfortable, ten is very comfortable.

I have settled or compromised on less than I deeply desire for most of my life. Deep down I believe that others deserve priority over me I am second, or third in line getting my needs met, and that’s ok. If I decided today to fight for what I really wanted, that would be wrong. My friends would abandon me if I told them I was finally going for what I wanted. My friends would support me if I told them I was finally going for what I wanted. My family would support me no matter what. My family would abandon me if I didn't fulfil their needs. I am always willing to settle for less for what I need and desire. I will never make myself the priority. I will never give myself permission to stop settling for less. I’m not strong enough to become my own priority. I shouldn't honour and respect myself as much as I do for others. It is too much of a cost to my family for me to have me be that happy. Others will feel abandoned if I go for what I want. I’m afraid if I get what I need and want, others will be deprived. I’m responsible for meeting other peoples needs and wants. Denial is easier, it doesn't rock the boat. It would be too discordant for everyone around There are no ways to get my desires met, without hurting others. I have never seen someone get their needs met without creating hurt. I am willing to believe it's possible to get my desires fulfilled without ruining their lives. It is possible to get

my desires met, and for others to be responsible for themselves.

It's possible to get my desires met, and not feel guilty forever.

I believe there is going to be a way to make myself an equal priority. I am willing to release guilt. I am beginning to understand that by me having my desires and wants met, it might just be a catalyst for everyone else to win too.

I am a kind and loving person, I believe I can create win/win scenario's and not have to compromise any longer. I am a good an honourable person, I have complete confidence I can create a win/win situation where everyone is a winner in the end. I believe I'm worth it. I release this guilt, totally, willingly and happily, of considering myself worthy of getting my needs, wants and desires met - that I might be equally worth it.

If feels good to admit and consider the things that I need to be, do and want that feel important to me.

I feel ready to make myself a living equal of everyone else. This is an exciting feeling, to allow more joy into my life without feeling guilty. I feel as though I deserve anything and everything that is important to me. I give myself permission to be equal priority and say so. There is no overall score for this quiz. Each statement offers you valuable clues as to where you might want to do some affirmations, healing or journal work. Did the statements make you feel very disturbed, angry, helpless or the opposite?

Notice that the statements moved from a position of complete hopelessness to one of empowerment and change.

At what point did you feel a shift internally to more or less comfortable?

Over the Christmas season you might notice yourself reflecting back on your responses, mentally adjusting your score to and fro. Time for some New Year Resolutions perhaps?

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The Best Loans in Life are Free Written by Mercedes Leal

Many people take the best gifts in their lives for granted. They grow up, perhaps, in material luxury and become used to such levels of comfort; or they have supportive, loving family and friends and assume that life will always remain the same.

Those people then build a cosy habit of living, thinking every new day will be just like the rest and for many, childhood can often give way to maturity without those dreams being shattered by any losses at all; but spiritual development is about growth and growth is about learning and learning is about knowing all there is to understand about human nature – and that is where the complexities start.

Without the benefits of experience or inner strength which is borne of an understanding of spiritual cycles, disappointments later in life can be more devastating than they are in childhood, because often there is no support system instantly available for adults in crisis and they are often expected to grin and bear it alone. Many crash as a result when faced with divorce, bereavement or separation.

Children will often fare better, for they usually have a team of loving family supporters, teachers and friends; yet in adults these pains often can be softened if the subconscious is programmed carefully in advance.

My beloved mother used to drum into me at every opportunity a little poem which at first meant nothing; but as I grew older, it took on a new significance. It was, ‘To meet, to know and then to part is the sad tale of many a human heart’. Without the experience of knowing, loving and parting – either through death, breakups or geographical separation - and the excruciating pain which so often follows - one cannot mature and develop the art of understanding the most vital cycle of life and constant regeneration. What my mother did with this little tuneless ditty was to help me to understand sad situations before they hit my life like a tsunami and washed away my spirit in a sea of grief. She also taught me to value everyone and everything, EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY. At the age of three, I had a vague idea of what Mum’s little

poem meant, although I had not yet experienced any losses which a devoted mother’s love, hugs and kisses could not assuage quickly, especially if accompanied by a piece of homemade cake or a rare barley sugar wrapped in a piece of pretty, sparkling, gold and crackly paper. Just the rustling, crisp sound of that sweet being unwrapped brought instant recovery from a host of toddler disappointments like losing drops of blood after minor tricycle collisions with walls or having to leave friends at a good party because my parents arrived before anyone else’s. Some psychologists may scowl, but a recovery system was being set up. I was finding there was advantage ‘spin’ to adversity. The support this little poem offered when I had to change schools or lost a friend through rows or even death was immense. It helped me to understand that we did not remain with people forever – and that parting was all right and had to fit into life, even if it hurt. Unknown to me at the time, I was being introduced to the cycle of Nature and the best loans in the world. I learnt that nothing was permanent and that made everyone and everything very, very special. I understood through my mother’s guidance that as one good thing comes its natural end, another good – and often better thing is waiting to take its place. I would love and value the replacement too.

My mother made it all a part of natural development, like invisible teachers arriving to help me to graduate when I had absorbed sufficient good from any situation and was ready for the next upgrade. It was a marvellous way to teach a child value, acceptance and appreciation and to expect good out of anything at all, even if it seemed at first seemed dried up, final and irretrievable. Nothing, I discovered, really ever ‘finished’; something was always there to take its place in the minds of those who expected such cyclical outcomes. If something was not there, I was reminded by my mother about eternity and the everlasting quality of love which unites people who love forever.

This was the Law of Attraction long before it hit the media mainstream and it served as the most wonderful buffer from life’s unavoidable ills as I grew older.

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As time passed on, these lessons expanded. If my mother noticed that I was upset because of something cruel another child had said, she would whisper that not everyone was blessed to see how precious I was – and that negativity from other people was perfectly all right! I had to learn the gift of tolerance and acceptance of other views without judgement and without taking things personally; it was nothing to do with me but was about circumstances over which I had no right to try to control.

It was an easy way to eliminate before they started, the destructive triplets of futile rage, offence or revenge. Other people’s views were as valid as my own, she said and if other people did not like me, I had to accept their views and not take them to heart as I moved on without any shred of retaliatory behaviour. I also had to reclaim the reins of my feelings, rather than hand them to someone else. Acceptance of other’s opinions without judgement and rancour became a sparkling diamond to be coveted. I wanted more of these jewels, because the acquisition of each brought me greater and greater inner peace and serenity to a high level I had never known.

If a younger child simply could not grasp the rules of a game which he or she wanted to play with me or with others, my mother pointed out gently that my kindness to that child would grant me the jewel of patience in my crown of wisdom; but of far greater importance was that it would also help my understanding of other people if I could help that child, with love and patience, to learn – and I really wanted to acquire as much knowledge as possible so that I could emulate the powerful image I had of my perfect Mum, whose life was the most charmed I had ever seen.

These lessons, with many others, provided the foundation of my incredible life, full of joy and an above average number of amazing miracles. Of course, I did not know until much later that my mother’s compassionate influences stemmed from her mother and the deeply ingrained, spiritual developmental principles practised by my maternal grandmother in the late 1800s, which provided nearly one and a half centuries of sound, qui-

etly miraculous, deeply altruistically loving familial influences through five generations. I think my mother said little about her mother’s supernatural talents, because her mother was a practising and very successful psychic at a time when spirituality was clumped with less pure forces.

There was no doubt my mother also had such innate supernatural skills but she chose not to work with them and to use them to enhance her life and the lives of all who passed her doorway. She taught me and my brother in such a gentle manner that it did not seem like teaching at all. We absorbed her precious influences almost as if by loving osmosis as we simply observed how she gave and gave and gave – and was joyful whether she received or not; and she received a lot in terms of love, kindness and influence.

Above all, I learned from my mother that where love existed, so did light and that in giving altruistically as much as we could of the former, stocks of the latter would also automatically grow. The highest possible value was placed on the quality of love by my mother, who glowed as if lit up from within by a million, high wattage, halogen bulbs. She filled every moment of every day with laughter, devotion to her family and kindness to others. Our home was constantly a joyful amalgam of family, friends and lots of eating! Sharing became a joy and my mother, willingly aided and abetted by my generous father, was the nucleus. There was never one single moment in my life when I did not feel the utmost gratitude for having been her daughter.

What that little poem taught me most of all was that our loved ones are only ever on loan – and we never know when those loans to us, or ours to them, will be called in; so it is vital to live as my mother lived. That meant spending every single precious second valuing those we hold most dear. Observing my mother showed me that it was not enough to wait for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas to say ‘I love you’, for I heard it many, many times a day and it was forever fresh and inspirational. It was not enough to wait to forgive, so I grew up forgiving, even if I was not forgiven.

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It was not enough to wait to receive, so I was encouraged to just keep giving altruistically from the sheer joy of being able to do so. It was not enough to wait to be loved. I had to love – and I had to give it in its purest, maternal form, without measure and without expectation of reciprocity – and it came back by the ton, completing the glorious cycle of Nature to the rhythm of the even, karmic pendulum. Love was the foundation from which everything else sprang and on which all else was built and the thread which was weaved seamlessly with its by-product of light into every single situation with which I was connected.

For my entire life, I have marvelled at how such a simple little rhyme could have produced such a dynamic and successful blueprint for permanent joy from one’s own personal resources, without dependence on anything or anyone and from a heart which was only ever taught to love and accept.

Some lessons I took on board immediately, some took longer to attain and to become automatic because ego got in the way.

My mother never placed any pressures on me to be less egoistic – but her humility was obvious; nor did she ever ask for anything at all in return from us, her pupils, for spiritual development must be gentle and utterly without force, taking place at the individual pace of each student. The more gracious the acquisition of the precious jewels of love, compassion, and forgiveness , the more powerful will be the rewards.

I now teach others the way my mother taught me and her mother taught her and the family. Formula is easy and enjoyable and can turn lives around for the better in as little as ninety minutes for those who are ready open and keen to move on and up. From one simple little poem, my mother’s influence has spread to help many, many others. If you would like to know how to soften the anxieties of life using this gentle Formula, please visit my website or send me an email. I’d be delighted to help to turn your loans into everlasting gifts and to send you fantastic free tips to help you to get you started.

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What is Lavandin?

Written by Chris Burder

A very fair question which not many know the answer to, as are sterile; their seed cannot be used to grow new plants. The much of the time lavandin is passed off as lavender. Here are most common way to grow them is by propagation of cuttings. two sections from the FAQs on my website that I hope will help your readers: What is the difference between Lavender and Lavandin?

There are a few differences: What is Lavandin?

- Lavender is a smaller bush which grows less owers "Lavandin" is the traditional name given to the lavender-like - Lavender oil contains very little, if any, camphor. Camphor plant which has an abbreviated botannical name of "Lavandula has a "nose-clearing" effect. x intermedia". This plant is not a true lavender; rather, it is a - Lavender, because of its lack of camphor is used by some for hydrid of two Lavandula species. These are Lavandula angus- culinary applications. tifolia Mill.(True Lavender) and Lavandula latifolia - The lack of camphor also makes Lavender very suitable for Medik.(Spike Lavender). Interestingly, Lavandula x intermedia the perfumier.

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Chris Burder Written by Chris Burder

One door closes, another door opens; so never give up.

Since 1999 I was an IT trainer, teaching high-end systems to corporations all over the world. My wife and I found our perfect block of land in Central Victoria in late 2001, built a small house and moved there in mid - 2002. As usual, we were working to pay the mortgage; I could only enjoy our new home one day a week before ying out again. As a one-person business, I knew we would lose everything if something were to happen to me so I took out insurance to cover that.

In 2007, we decided to commence trials for a lavender farm and distillery, as a view to keeping busy in retirement. Years of research followed, and by the beginning of 2009 the theory was all done, along with the initial plantings. Not much could happen, however, due to my "day job".

In April 2009, I started to have full-blown epileptic seizures.

The neurologist sent me for an MRI, only to ďŹ nd two brain tu-

mours that had apparently existed since birth. Thankfully they were benign but as I aged, they interacted with me differently, in the same way as our joints start to creak as we get older.

The insurance kicked in (just enough to stop us getting thrown out by the bank) and now that I can no longer work, I spend my time here; tending to the lavender, distilling essential oils and enjoying life more than ever before. Sure, I have had a continuous headache since 2009, severe memory and concentration loss, severe tinnitus and other issues, but when I take on a simple physical task, one step at a time (like the upcoming harvest) I can function.

Now, at 48, the biggest lesson I have learned is that we never know what is around the corner and we should take every opportunity to enjoy life, in the time we have been given. What goes around comes around, so be kind and ethical to all forms of life. Never give up :)

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“Living consciously involves being genuine; it involves listening and responding to others honestly and openly; it involves being in the moment.�

- Sidney Poitier

Interview with Monika Meulman Written by Julie Nelson

I want to introduce you to my lovely friend Monika Meulman, another Passionate Aromatherapist!

Monika and I have become friends through social media, we love to tweet about Aromatherapy, through sharing our knowledge and experiences. I am so excited to be able to connect with other passionate Aromatherapists around the world.

I have been working as an Aromatherapist for over 13 years.

During the past decade, I have added the Tao, Energy work, meditation, and fresh herbals to my aromatherapy sessions.

Most of my clients come for the amazing experience of aromatherapy massage. Usually a booked client will walk into the office and actually exhale the stress of everyday life as they are entering with a deep sigh. This is the beginning of their healing process during our session.

I have taken extra care to make the therapy room as earthy and grounding as possible, since many people are simply too busy to stop rushing around in their life. The massage table is wood, with a thick pad. The carpet is sisal on a wood floor and the decor is a simple wooden bookcase full of soft, flannel sheets and reference books.

No disruptions, no flashy colours, no fancy designs. Just simple ‘Earthly’ goodness. This makes the effects of the session all the more long lasting - sometimes my clients say the full effect of the relaxation aromatherapy massage is felt most after 48 hours.

Wow! That is wonderful to know.

I would add that I read people and I heal people with a blend of Aromatherapy massage, some talking/coaching, and custom blending of Mother Nature's ingredients for home use.

During a treatment session I can often see parts of the person's life (literally I will see vignettes, like little movies) as I work on massaging different body parts. I also get a clear sense of what emotional, psychological ties are bonded to what body areas.

The person then has a much greater awareness on how to listen to his/her body when at home or at work.

Monika Meulman, CAHP, HonBSc The Healing Muse™ Apothecary The Healing Muse™ @ Six Senses of Tranquility Providing inspired healing since 1998 www.healingmuse.com

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Experience Birthing Bliss Written by Katrina Zaslavsky

Feeling anxious, alone or in the dark as a new mother to be?

Where do you go to get your questions answered when you don’t have any mothers as the “wise woman” to turn to, the doctor is too busy to inform you of your options or discuss the pros and cons of various drugs and procedures on the menu, and you read virtually every magazine in the waiting room before he/ she can see you for five minutes at a time?

Meanwhile, random strangers decide it is their maternal duty to share their birth horror stories when they spot the bump and the hospital antenatal classes leave you feeling even more fearful and anxious than you were before you walked in!

worries,” says Shannon Dunn, expectant mother.

Generously sprinkled with inspirational quotes and topped with a compelling Afterword by Dr Sarah Buckley, internationally renowned author of “Gentle Birth Gentle Mothering”, this is the ultimate mind body preparation guide every woman in bloom has been waiting for!

Competition: We are running a competition for one special person to win this Fabulous new book “A Modern Woman's Guide to a Natural Empowering Birth” by Katrina Zaslavsky.

A collection of inspiring birth stories, expert tips & practical Just when you thought you couldn’t bear to hear another horror insights to overcome your fears and reclaim your birth power story, along comes a fresh new book that is the answer to your in a modern world. prayers. Brimming with positivity, A Modern Woman’s Guide to a Natural Empowering Birth offers inspiring birth stories, Afterword by Dr Sarah Buckley MD, internationally renowned expert tips, practical tools and insights to reclaim your birth author of "Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering" power and overcome your fears.

Now you can connect with a positive community of women To enter this competition for your chance to win this Book we without leaving home. “Reading it is very much like being sur- ask that you write in 25 words or less why this book is a must rounded by wise women teaching the lessons of birth we wish for you! we all had received as young women”, says Jenne Alderks from the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services. More than just Send your answer to: a random collection of stories, the author Katrina Zaslavsky, julie@aromatiqueessentials.com.au takes you on a powerful journey of discovery and gives you This competition will close on the Midnight 16th January 2012 The winner will be drawn on the 23rd January 2012 the keys to transforming your birth experience.

We wish you luck and please feel free to share this with your “I now know exactly how I want my labour to be and am look- friends! ing forward to experiencing every second of it. No fear, no

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Aromatique Essentials Webinars Discover the power of Aromatherapy with Julie Nelson These webinars have been designed for people interested in Post graduate students will also find these webinars a very valulearning how to use Aromatherapy safely and with confidence able reference to have at hand for clinical situations. for home use and the workplace environment . A valuable reference that can be a part of your library for as long as you want. What will you learn?

What will they involve?

There will be 3 series of webinars covering 40+ essential oils this includes an in depth look at their properties, what conditions they benefit, how to apply them and a myriad of recipes to treat specific conditions on all levels emotionally, physically and spiritually. They are the foundation to more advanced webinars to follow.

In Julie's advanced Aromatherapy series you will discover which essential oils to use and how to use them for natural beauty and skin care, general first aid, pet care and a special series on specific conditions such as PMS, Menopause, Skin conditions, respiratory conditions, arthritis, pain management and more.

Each Webinar will give you a complete guide to two essential oils which inludes the properties of the essential oils, the contra-indications (when not to use them), suitable application methods for individual conditions (how to use them), and a myriad of essential oil combinations to use for common condition's for example PMS, menopause, muscular aches and pains, acne, colds, burns, wounds, scars and natural beauty to improve your skins integrity, nourish and hydrate your skin to keep it looking and feeling beautifully silky and smooth.

Each session is available to purchase individually for $12.97 or Your investment for the complete package is $97.95 this includes all 12 sessions including 3 demonstration webinars.

There is over 13 hours of information and personal experiences from Julie Nelson who has been a practising Aromatherapy trainer and practioner for over 15 years.

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Watch the Promo Video..

Visit the Aromatique Essentials Boutique and make your online purchase.

Buy the Webinars!

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Our Contributors Edel O’Mahony

Mercedes Leal

UK’s Leading Expert in Energetic Communications

Motivational Speaker

www.edelomahony.com

www.mercedesleal.com

Julie Nelson (Editor)

Joanne Faulkner

www.aromatiqueessentials.com.au

Astrologist (Two Hands Talking) www.tohata.com

Katrina Zaslavsky

S. Dawn Sievers

Aromatherapist (Aromatique Essentials)

Freelance Writer, Editor, Blogger & Social Media Consultant www.sdawnsieverswritingservices.com

Inspired Wellness www.inspiredwellness.com.au

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Sharon Falsetto

Amy Nelson-Blain

Aromatherapist www.sedonaaromatherapie.com

Photographer, Cinematographer & Graphic Designer www.amynelsonblain.com

Suzy Manning

Jyoti McKie

Transitional Coach, Speaker, & Author www.sizzzl.com

Spiritual Teacher www.jyotimckie.com

Tiffany Manning

Chris Burder

Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner tiffany@kookaburracottage.net

Grower and Distiller of Pure Essentials Oils - Lavender & Lavendin www.stonerisefarm.com

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Cover Photography Credits: Photographer: Amy Nelson-Blain Stylist / Shoot Co-Ordinator / Editor: Julie Nelson Talent: Alex Brenner @ AVA Models Hair and Make-up: Bernadette Talbot Jewellery Designer: Make A Strand (Amanda Webb) Burlesque feather fan: Cheeky Entertainment (Wendy Brown) All other photographic material is supplied by Corbis and iStock or their respective owners unless otherwise stated.

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Thank you for reading.

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