Today’s post continues the series on rose but it is perhaps a slight deviation from the usual type of posts that I write. However, I thought that it was both interesting, and relevant, to take a brief look at what rose means as a feminine essence, and the divinity attached to it throughout the centuries. How does that apply to rose as an essence, an aromatic to be used in therapeutic and perfume blends? Well, here’s my interpretation of that concept!
Symbolism of Rose Throughout the Centuries
There is no doubt that rose has been a sacred and divine symbol for many different cultures throughout the centuries. Think about how rose was incoporated into the church; its exuberant use by lovers such as Cleopatra and Marc Antony, and Napoleon and Josephine; and the decandance use of rose by the Romans who threw lavish parties with rose petals.
Rose has symbolized love, purity, Greek goddesses, and sisterhood – and therein lies the common thread, the feminine. Rose is often called the Queen of the Flowers, its flower petals and aroma as soft as a woman’s touch.
The Heart of Rose
In perfumery and aromatherapy, rose is regarded as a base note oil and aroma, or a soul note. To me, rose can cross that divide between a middle note, or heart note, and a soul note, depending upon the extract and exact rose species. Rose is both the heart and soul of a blend; after all, rose has a long association with matters of the heart – love – which also affect the soul, hence the term soul mate.
We often talk about following your heart’s desire, or in other words, connecting with your true life purpose. This can also be described as the feminine or divine essence, truly connecting with the Earth, its gifts, and each other.
The Creativeness of Rose
Why chose rose as the flower and aroma to connect to this divine essence? Rose parallels a lot of characteristics associated with the feminine essence and the female form. For instance, rose petals are soft, colorful, and aromatic (sometimes) but there is also the thorny, protective side of rose. Many women can also identify with these characteristics, and it should not be something we run or hide from, but embrace in all of its imperfectiveness.
Rose as an aroma is made up of so many complex components that not all of them have yet been identified. We are talking hundreds of different, subtle chemical components that give each rose its fragrance. Imagine blending, and creating, with all of these subtle changes! Not only does it inspire creativity in the aromatherapist and perfumer, but also the artist, the flower grower, the florist, the gardener, just YOU – all can tap into the creativity that this complex aroma presents.
Aromatic Blending with Rose
Rose is a versatile therapeutic aroma; it is used in all types of skincare products for different skin issues; it is used for stress, depression, and anxiety; it aids in sleep and with headaches; and it addresses many problems that women encounter through their life cycle. It’s gentle enough to be used with babies and children and may help to increase confidence and reduce jealousy in little ones. To me, it is a nuturing and protective oil, another parallel with the feminine.
From an aromatherapist’s and perfumer’s point of view, the aroma of rose can be found not just in rose itself, but in other plants and fragrances, too. Examine the different layers that each plant and/or oil presents, and you will discover that rose exists in many forms. In my opinion, blending with rose can help you to grow as an aromatic formulator and it may help you to truly tap into your divine feminine!
Learn More About Rose with Sedona Aromatherapie
I will conclude this double rose trilogy with a double post of rose aromatic recipes, over the next two weeks, to demonstrate the topic discussed in this post. In addition, don’t forget to check out the Sedona Aromatherapie Linguistics of AromaticsTM Program.
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The views expressed in this article belong to the author but the author is a 20 year veteran in the health care and aromatherapy industry, a UK-certified aromatherapist, published author in aromatherapy, an approved education provider for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), an aromatherapy business owner, a consultant, and Chief Editor for the NAHA Aromatherapy Journal.
