I was introduced to essential oils in the 1980s. At that time, my interest was metaphysical rather than physical or aesthetic. My friends and I would take the train from New Haven to visit Herman Slater’s famous NYC shop, the Magickal Childe, to purchase oils as we explored new-found magical knowledge; that we might have some ability to control our circumstances and manifest our desires.

Fast-forward to 2019. Now, many people understand the Law of Attraction, and high-quality essential oils are routinely used for physical and emotional healing. The disconnect I see is that often, essential oil enthusiasts don’t understand or remember that what heals our body can also enhance our intuition and work with the energy around us to manifest our needs and desires.

In order to address this disconnect, yoga studio owner Robin Brace and I are presenting an ongoing occasional series of workshops that explore the intuitive and magical properties of these powerful oils.

Here are the oils we featured in our most recent workshop, presented at True Bikram Yoga in New Haven, CT, on April 7, 2019. The first five were our featured oils, which we experienced through ingestion, diffusion and anointing as we explored their effects on intuition and meditation.

We offered the second group specifically for use in a candle manifestation exercise.

If you couldn’t join us for this great workshop, you can explore these popular oils on your own.

Featured Oils

Eucalyptus, in healing, is a broad-spectrum anti-microbial. Use eucalyptus to help with respiratory issues, and to boost your immune system.

Invoking the element of Air, eucalyptus clears and focuses the mind. Use eucalyptus to release obsessive and intrusive thoughts, and for psychic protection.

In manifestation work, use eucalyptus to bring physical and mental protection.

Ginger is anti-inflammatory. Use it to strengthen the immune system and soothe an upset stomach.

Ginger invokes the element of Fire, stimulating Kundalini energy.

In manifestation work, ginger adds speed to any intention. Use ginger to add passion to existing relationships in need of a boost.

Cardamom is an expectorant. It is both antibacterial and antiviral.

Invoking the element of Water, cardamom opens the heart, relaxes the body and clarifies the mind.

Cardamom stimulates attraction, lust and eloquence. Use it to charm a would-be lover or captivate an audience.

Myrrh is a remedy for coughs, colds, indigestion and skin blemishes.

Myrrh is considered feminine, and has qualities of Earth, Water and, to some extent, Fire. Use myrrh to create sacred space, and for purification. It assists with meditation and the release of negativity. Myrrh helps with psychic development and spiritual attunement.

Myrrh will strengthen any intention, and help you access your own magickal energy.

Copaiba can reduce pain, lower blood pressure, speed healing and tighten the skin.

Copaiba quiets the mind. Use it to enhance intuition and introspection. This oil enhances dreamwork and psychic visions.

Use copaiba to draw love and prosperity, and to add power to any intention.

To assist in manifesting your intentions, try these herbs.

Bergamot will draw wealth and luck in money. You can also use bergamot to lift your mood and your confidence.

Oregano will help you forget old lovers, heal from heartache and release grief.

Geranium will open your heart to love and release anxiety and anger.

Clary Sage improves mediumship and increases clairvoyance.

Lavender draws love and healing. It will bring a calm energy to any situation.

Our planet offers us so many opportunities for healing of body, mind and spirit. The recent accessibility and popularity of high-quality essential oils is a boon to those of us interested in taking control of our wellbeing on every level.