Natural Perfumes – Ghosts and Grief
As the veil between the worlds thins during the October and November, many cultures, particularly in our rich Irish tradition, take time to honour the connection between the living and the dead. This time of year invites us to reflect on those who have passed, as well as on the many forms of loss we encounter throughout our lives. Crafting a natural botanical perfume for this purpose can be a beautiful and meaningful practice, using essential oils and absolutes linked to mourning, transition, and spiritual connection.
The Tradition of Fragrance in Death and Spirituality
Fragrance has played a significant role in rituals of death and mourning across cultures. Here in Ireland, we embrace our grief with a strong sense of community, celebrating the lives of those who have passed while recognising that grief isn’t just about the physical loss of life. We experience grief in many ways—through the loss of a job, a friendship, or even a sense of identity. Each type of loss carries its own weight and requires its own healing.
The following essential oils, chosen for their historical and cultural significance, form the foundation for our spirit perfume:
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Spikenard: Revered since ancient times, spikenard is linked with burial rites and transition. The scent was used in Ancient Egypt and by early Christians to anoint the dead, symbolising a peaceful passing.
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Frankincense: This ancient resin, burned in temples and during funeral rites, purifies and uplifts the spirit, creating a sacred connection to the divine.
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Myrrh: Used in Egyptian embalming practices, myrrh is associated with both physical and spiritual healing, making it a key ingredient in rituals of mourning.
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Rose: Universally tied to love and compassion, rose essential oil eases the pain of loss and offers emotional healing.
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Cypress: The scent of cypress is often used to signify the transition from life to death, guiding the soul on its journey.
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Sandalwood: Highly valued in meditation and spiritual ceremonies, sandalwood calms the mind and allows for a deeper connection with the divine, perfect for reflecting on the afterlife.
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Patchouli: With its earthy, grounding qualities, patchouli helps with letting go and provides emotional support during times of grief.
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Helichrysum: Known as the ‘Immortal’ flower, helichrysum comforts the bereaved and assists in emotional healing, encouraging the release of sorrow.
Galbanum: A green resinous note with a sharp, eerie quality that can evoke damp forests adding an unsettling mysterious touch.
Crafting Your Own Spirit Perfume: A Custom Blend for Remembrance
Base Notes (Grounding the Blend)
- Spikenard, Myrrh, and Sandalwood provide depth and longevity, grounding the fragrance in sacred tradition.
Heart Notes (The Soul of the Fragrance)
- Tuberose, Rose, and Jasmine represent the emotional connection to the departed and the soul’s journey.
Top Notes (The Opening of the Fragrance)
- Galbanum, Cypress, Helichrysum add lightness, symbolising transformation and reflection, helping the living to release emotional burdens.
Make notes while blending to create your custom perfume. This natural botanical perfume can be worn or used in a meditative or ritual space to connect with the spirit world, offer comfort, and honour the memory of those who have passed.
Creating an Incense Blend for the Spirit World
Incense has been used for thousands of years in spiritual practices as a way to cleanse, purify, and connect with higher realms. You can create a custom incense blend using similar ingredients to those in your perfume, allowing the aromas to fill your space with intention.
Ingredients for Spirit Incense:
- Frankincense resin (purification and sacred connection)
- Myrrh resin (healing and mourning)
- Sandalwood powder (spiritual depth and meditation)
- Rose petals (love and emotional healing)
- Cypress leaves (mourning and transformation)
- Helichrysum flowers (comfort for the bereaved)
How to Make the Incense:
Prepare the base: Start by grinding your frankincense and myrrh resins until they’re in fine pieces.
Add plant material: Combine with sandalwood powder and dried rose petals, cypress leaves, and helichrysum flowers.
Bind the mixture: For loose incense, mix the dry ingredients and burn over charcoal. To create incense cones, use a natural binder like tragacanth gum and shape into small cones, allowing them to dry.
Burn with intention: Use your incense during rituals or moments of remembrance, focusing on sending love and peace to the departed and healing for the living.
The Power of Scent in Spiritual Practice
Crafting spirit perfume and incense allows us to honour not only those who have passed but also to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of grief that accompanies loss in all its forms. The scents we create can be a source of healing, helping us navigate the emotional landscapes of letting go and moving forward in peace.
In Irish culture, we often gather to celebrate life and share stories, finding comfort in community. As you wear or burn your custom blend, take a moment to reflect on the joys and lessons from the past, embracing the transitions in your life with love and acceptance.
By embracing the fragrances of ancient traditions, we can bridge the gap between worlds, offering peace and solace to all. May your journey through grief and healing be accompanied by the gentle whispers of the spirits and the warm embrace of remembrance.
Beautiful!
Beautiful text. A Meditation.
Thank you so much Ane* Walsh