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Reviews
Scott Cunningham' Magickal Aromatherapy
By Scot Rhoads
Essential oils are gaining in popularity in ritual and holistic use. Each ounce of these concentrated fluids (they are not true oils) seem to have the power of all the pounds of plants that go into making it. All this rarefied Earth energy concentrated into one tiny (and expensive) bottle can be a potent adjunct to ritual or visualization.
Though using them can be simple (you smell them), there are some caveats to observe. They are inexpensive to use, because you need only tiny quantities at a time; but, even in several milliliter quantities, the price can be steep. For this reason there are many false essential oils to be aware of and avoid. Some essences can be dangerous: in addition to individual allergies, some have noxious chemicals highly concentrated in the essence. Therefore, you may want an introduction to the field. Scott Cunningham's Magical Aromatherapy is a helpful and inexpensive choice.
[It may seem inappropriate to review of one of Scott's books in a magazine that features him. True, I won't print a negative review. But I won't print a dishonest review, either. Also, I would be happy to give consideration to a rebuttal.]
With Magical Aromatherapy, Scott adds another title to his list of highly respected earth magick books. Those who have read his
Magical Herbalism or Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic will recognize this book's format. Though Scott's new book can stand on its own, Magical Aromatherapy is primarily an extension of his Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs and Magical Herbalism. Scott has been working with aromas for nearly two decades, but this is the first time he addresses them specifically. The book concentrates on essential oils, but also addresses scents of fresh and dried plants.
Cunningham's typically broad approach to his narrow subject includes cross-references, correspondences and recipes; a historical outline (brief, because of the spotty record); a list of distributors and organizations; an index (so it is usable) and a bibliography (so it is not channeled). This is a very user-friendly book. However, it lacks depth. Though it lists most of the essential oils that one would be able to use, it explains little of the method of use. One could consider the book a framework, which relies on the some experience or the initiative on the reader's part.
Scott concentrates on the use of scent with visualization. However, the correspondences offer enough information to use the scents effectively with other forms of magick. Scott makes it clear that he bases his correspondences primarily on personal experience and invites the reader to develop his own. The hard core ceremonial magician might balk at this lack of a rigorous system—the Earth magician would expect nothing else.
Since genuine essential oils are often expensive, difficult to get and volatile, artificial scents are very attractive. Scott warns against these and tells how to avoid them. He says that any effect which artificial scents might have can only be a placebo effect. While I agree that natural is better, I'm not convinced that synthetics are never worth their lower price. (Perhaps this is cognitive dissonance on the part of one of us.)
The meat of this book is the specific entries. Scott catalogs just over one hundred commonly available scents in entries similar to his previous books. Compare the following three listings for Sage, they will give you an idea of the similarities and differences between the many redundant entries.
With the advent of the `New Wage,' it is difficult to find anything of substance for less than $10. Llewellyn publishes Magical Aromatherapy at the refreshingly low price of $3.95. This book is not for everyone; there is little reason to get it if you don't intend to use it. But, it would not take more than a mild interest in the subject to make this a worth while purchase. For those heavily involved in the magickal use of scents, there is little excuse not to get this book. After all, if you can afford essential oils, you can certainly afford this book.
—S.R.
Encyclopedia of
Magical Herbs:
SAGE (Salvia officinalis)
Folk Names: Garden Sage, Red Sage, Sawge
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Air
Powers: Immortality, Longevity,
Wisdom, Protection, Wishes
Magical Uses:
Sage has been utilized to endure a long life — sometimes even immortality. This is done by eating some of the plant everyday, or at least in May, for:
He whou would live for aye
Must eat sage in May.
Sage is carried to promote wisdom, and the leaves are used in countless healing and money spells.
To guard yourself against contracting the dreaded evil eye wear a small horn filled with sage.
There are a few curious gardening tips concerning sage: first, it is bad luck to plant sage in your own garden; a stranger should be found to do the work. Second, a full bed of sage brings ill luck, so ensure that some other plant shares the plot. Incidentally, toads love sage.
If you desire to make a wish come true, write it on a sage leaf and hide it beneath your pillow. For three nights sleep upon it. If once you dream what you desire, your wish will be materialized; if not, bury the sage in the ground so that you do not come to harm.
Magical Aromatherapy:
SAGE
(Salvia officinalis)
PART USED: fresh leaves,
dried leaves
PLANET: Jupiter
ELEMENT: Air
MAGICAL INFLUENCES: Memory,
Conscious mind, Wisdom, Money
The leaves of this common culinary herb possess such a strong, heady scent that they have long been used in magic. American Indians utilized white sage and other species of this fragrant plant in religious rituals.
Since at least the 16th century, sage has been sniffed to strengthen the ability to memorize and to tone the conscious mind. With visualization it can also be used to promote wisdom.
European folk magicians use sage as a bringer of money. Crush fresh or dried sage leaves between your fingers. Visualize money coming into your life or, if desired, those things which money will bring to you. See them manifesting in your life.
Warning: Sage essential oil contains high levels of the ketone thujone, a dangerous substance. It should not be used at all, particularly by pregnant women. The fresh or dried herb is safe for use.
Magical Herbalism:
SAGE (Salvia officinalis)
Gender: Hot
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Earth
Part Used: The herb
Basic Powers: Healing, Prosperity
Specific Uses: Add to healing and prosperity sachets, incense, and amulets. | 
