Aromatic Journeys: Elemental Earth

Greetings and salutations from the wooded hills in Southern California! Our journey into the world of aromatics today takes us into elemental earth. The earth element in many traditions is considered grounding, centering and abundant at its best. The negative attributes are associated with constriction.

In the mid-nineties when I was an initiate with a Celtic Shaman we learned the positive and negative qualities of each element. During journey work we came up with inventive ways to break free of the negative aspects of each element. Those were fun times!

During these more challenging times becoming aware of nature and how to nurture ourselves in harmony with nature is really helpful. So many of us, me included, spend much of our time sitting in front of computer screens. Nature, specifically the elementals water, air, fire and earth help restore balance and nurture our weary bodies.

Today we will use the health benefits of earth creating your own facial mask using natural clay. The healing properties of mineral rich clay have been used for centuries both internally and externally. First uses of clay medicinally go as far back as pre-historic times.

There are many types of clay each offering different beneficial properties, the most easily found used is Bentonite. While in Vancouver a few years ago I purchased a green clay by the company A.Vogel which is what I am using in this demo. According to the package handout green clay is used as a beauty mask for those with oily (me) and problem skin. White is used for dry skin and gray for normal to mixed skin types.

To make a clay mask you will need:
1. A clean glass or ceramic container with a firm fitting lid.
2. Clay (Bentonite or a packaged clay like the one from A.Vogel)
3. Distilled or purified water
Optional: Pure essential oil, NOT fragrance oils, only pure essential oils.

Instructions:
Place two tablespoons or more of the clay into your container.

Slowly add a small amount of water at a time and gently stir with a metal spoon. If the mixture becomes to liquefied add more clay, the ideal consistency is a smooth paste.

At this point add a few drops of an essential oil for a pleasant aroma and to facilitate a desired affect. Suggestions: Rose, Geranium, Frankincense, Lavender and Roman Chamomile are all good for the complexion.

Set the container aside to stand undisturbed for one hour.

Apply to the face with clean fingers and let harden.

Once the mask has hardened and cracked remove with a warm wet cloth or in the bath or shower.

The mixture should be stored in the fridge and used within approximately one month. If it becomes overly hard add more water.

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Please tune in again next month as we take a new journey into the world of aromatics here at the Lillyella blog with something to make as a holiday gift.

~Roxana of Illuminated Perfume

Images: CarpeDiem Painting ©Greg Spalenka, Photos by Roxana Villa, Model Eve Neuhart.