Nowadays there's a lot of marketing behind the word alchemy and its uses. Although it may sound as an old fashion discipline, alchemy is still practiced by few.
If I would ask you to define what's exactly an alchemist, would you know the correct answer? Possibly not as the true alchemy has been manipulated for centuries, misinterpreted, misunderstood and got lost as time went by.
I'm strongly committed to bring back this magical wisdom; not only with my products but also sharing with you these small things in life that produce that big different. I'm not going to start talking about complicated symbology, nor sophisticated formulas you would need time to understand. What I'm going to share with you are those things you might incorporate on your daily routine producing a big change for a perfectly harmonised and balanced life. In order to achieve this goal, unveiling the past turns to be an essential part for a better understanding of the process. Hence let me take you into this journey, a pathway full of stories with a hint of history loaded of magical fragrant recipes. Shall we?
Ancient alchemic cosmetics (potions and lotions) were always made using knowledge of the following five areas of science: botany, phytotherapy, astrology, cosmetics and medicine.
Knowing how to identify different varieties of herbs and plants (botany), and then how to apply them therapeutically (phytotherapy) was essential. The knowledge of astrology provided information about the right moment for the harvest, the sowing or pruning of the plants, to both maximise their effects and optimise the formulas. The movement of the planets and our Moon affect so much of what is on Earth; following the rhythms of nature is the way to achieve best results.
The development of cosmetics used to be a science where oils, creams, balms and ointments were produced to help recovery or healing rather than embellishment. It was the beginnings of modern-day pharmacology. Alchemists often used to have knowledge about medicine, as understanding how the body works, gets sick and recovers, they could create remedies to counteract the illnesses.
Knowledge of all these sciences shaped ancient alchemy - a discipline that looked for the transformation of elements in a way that would help people enhance their body, mind and soul. An alchemist is the person who follows these principles and creates in a holistic way.
My family has been following these principles for centuries, and I keep creating under this same basis rigorously with my brand Sonia Orts Botanical Alchemy. I strongly believe that through the alchemic transformation of organic raw ingredients - and applying the above rules - I can help you alter your body, mind and soul from inside out, thus achieving more balance, harmony and wellbeing.
In Spain, aromatherapy is an art. The alchemic art of using essential oils to bring health, wellbeing and beauty.
Aromatherapy is as old as humankind. Back in ancient times human beings noticed that the smoke created by burning some specific plants brought about beneficial properties. This moment gave birth to the origins of perfumery ( from the Latin word per fumo meaning by smoke) Through distillation, alchemists started obtaining essentials oils by transforming a plant into a very concentrated substance - increasing the plant's beneficial properties exponentially.
Aromatherapy is a modern word; in 1937 the word first appeared in print in a French book on the subject: Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles, Hormones Végétales by René-Maurice Gattefossé. However it has been practiced for more than 5000 years and was called alchemy. From an alchemical point of view, "Aroma-therapy" is the transformation of our body, mind and soul by using pure essential oils. This is because a truly pure essential oil represents the body and the “soul” of the plants that they are sourced from.
In short, in order to create an alchemic product you will need to manage information of the five areas of science. If you're willing to practise alchemy when making a product; it's time to start practising the following:
Define what is what you're going to treat, your purpose.
Which is the most suitable product? Lotion, toner, cream, oil...
Which are the more suitable plants to treat it? You'll also need to know their benefits and applications.
When would be the best time to make my potion in order to enhance its benefits? Day/night? or which is the most appropriate moon? Waxing, waning, full or new moon?
And more importantly, create a positive connection to your making as your feelings, thoughts and emotions will be imprinted on it and therefore will be transmitted to the user.
Becoming an alchemist takes time and practise, don't give up to quickly. It might be sometimes a little bit overwhelming but I can guarantee it is worthy.
In the next blog posts I'll be helping you to answer all these questions. Essential oils are very important ingredients on an alchemic product. However not all of them are suitable for practising alchemy. Would you know how to make the difference between a pure essential oil and another that is not? I will unveil the answer on the next blog post.
Wishing you a magical day!
Sonia x