Essential Oil Spotlight: Bergamot

Bergamot

Latin name: Citrus Bergamia

Origin: Ivory Coast

From: Fruit Peel

Process: Cold Expression

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Aroma Profile: Bergamot oil yields a citrus-like fragrance, with a distinctive spicy-floral quality. The scent is both spicy and sweet and is prized in perfumery for its ability to blend well with other aromas to produce pleasing, complex scents.

Historically, bergamot essential oil was an important ingredient in Eau de Cologne, a perfume originally concocted by Johann Maria Farina at the beginning of the 18th century. 

Emotionally speaking, Bergamot oil is all about one's sense of self: self-love, self-worth, self-acceptance, self-judgment, self-hatred. This oil helps us do the work necessary to step out of our fears of not being good enough, or our habits of holding back for fear of rejection of Who We Are, and helps us to learn to love and accept ourselves. It teaches us to find validation within, accept our own authenticity, and not spend so much time worrying about what others will think about it.

Some people treat a skin condition called psoriasis by applying bergamot oil directly to the skin and then shining long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light on the affected area. Bergamot oil is also applied to the skin (used topically) for a tumor caused by a fungal infection (mycosis fungoides) and for pigment loss (vitiligo). It is also used as an insecticide to protect the body against lice and other parasites.

Bergamot oil is used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety, particularly during radiation treatment.

Contraindications:

⚠️ Bergamot oil has several active chemicals. In some people, these chemicals can make the skin sensitive to sunlight. Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs) interacts with BERGAMOT.

⚠️ Diabetes: Bergamot might lower blood sugar levels. This could affect blood sugar control in people with diabetes and cause blood sugar levels to go to low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

⚠️Surgery: Bergamot might lower blood sugar. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during surgery. Stop using bergamot at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

⚠️ Not for consumption. 

⚠️ Oils must not be used to replace medicine.

Magickal Attributes:

Element: Earth, Fire, Air

Spiritual Properties: Balance, Joy, Strength

Planetary Attributes: Sun, Mercury

Zodiac: Gemini, Virgo

Deities: Persephone, Fortuna, Hermes, Mercury

Ritual uses: Abundance, Confidence, Vivid Dreams, Happiness, Joy, Love, Luck, Peace,  Protection, Physical Energy and Success.

Bergamot Essential Oil is one of the Angelic Fragrances. It can clear away the fogginess that often muddles us, allowing the higher spiritual self to become attuned to our helpers. This has no specifics attached, except it is a receiver.

Feminine Energies: Bergamot Essential Oil is original and persuasive. It can help manage the effects of depression and is also said to aid in one’s sex life. It mitigates out crises and allows you to get what you want.

All products mentioned in this article are available for purchase from Fata Morgana - just drop us a DM through our FB page, or through our Instagram page.

Bibliography:

www.back-to-basics.com.au

www.webmd.com

The Complete Books of Incense, Oils & Brews by Scott Cunningham

www.aromaweb.com

Crystals for Students

 

Exam season is stressful, and every year it just seems to be this never-ending process. Today we'd like to share with you our top 20 crystals which can be useful to have around whilst studying. 

1) Black Tourmaline 

Black Tourmaline is excellent for grounding, and dispelling negativity. Carry a piece on you to help dispel the sense of being overwhelmed and to help you keep calm.

2) Malachite 

Malachite helps let go of behaviours that no longer serve us - it is therefore a great motivational stone and can help you overcome procrastination. Keep one on your desk to help remind you that it is time to focus and get some work done. 

3) Green Aventurine 

Green Aventurine is a stone that helps improve creativity and optimism, and also attracts prosperity. Being one of the Heart Chakra stones it also helps regulate emotions. Carry a piece with you, and use it as a worry stone - a fancy way of saying a fidget toy, essentially -  whenever you feel like giving up. 

4) Smokey Quartz 

Smokey quartz reminds us that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Having one handy instills a sense of hope and positivity, and encourages us to keep going as the end of the road is not far off. This stone is also excellent for grounding, and is said to help clear up brain fog brought on by stress. 

5) Citrine 

Citrine is a great motivational stone, like a delightful ray of sunshine in crystal form. It is a wonderful companion to have with you during your studies, as it helps boost one's mood enhances one's concentration, and revitalises the mind.

6) Amazonite 

Amazonite is said to help with self expression and eloquence - both very important traits when one needs to put across their knowledge and thought process in a formal manner such as what's often needed when undergoing education. It is also a stone that is said to soothe emotional trauma, and alleviate worry and fear.

7) Tiger's Eye 

Tiger's Eye is your perfect crystalline wingperson.  It is a stone of protection and courage, and is also known to bring good luck to the wearer. It is said to help focus the mind and promote mental clarity.

8) Red Jasper 

Red Jasper is another stone that has very good grounding properties - however it is also said to enhance your energies and allow you to feel more stable and calm. It is a great crystal for clearing negative thought patterns and allow you to focus on the task at hand.

9) Blue Lace Agate 

Blue Lace Agate is fantastic for concentration. It is said to help increase one's creative thinking and improve communication skills. It is especially handy for those studying languages and the arts.

10) Carnelian 

Carnelian is a wonderful stone to enhance one's organisational skills and increase self esteem and enthusiasm. It is a stone of inner strength and positive energy.

11) Fluorite 

Fluorite is said to aid with concentration and focus, and to strengthen one's memory. It is especially helpful with more complex topics.

12) Hematite 

Hematite is a very grounding stone, and besides from helping with concentration, it is also said to help one achieve restful sleep. It promotes clarity of thought, calm mental states, and a more practical approach towards problem solving.

13) Lapis Lazuli 

Lapis lazuli is one of the best known concentration stones, encouraging focus and determination. It is also associated with wisdom and communication, and is said to enhance intuition.

14) Labradorite

Labradorite is said to strengthen one's memory, enhance their energy and even stimulate decision making and problem solving skills.  It is said to banish fears and strengthen intuition.

15) Rose Quartz 

 Rose Quartz is great at banishing negativity, thus allowing one to focus on the present and approach their studies in a calmer manner. It is also said to be a mood booster, especially useful to ease stress and tension.

16) Yellow Calcite 

 Yellow Calcite is best known to stimulate mental activity and improve memory as well as communication skills. It is a wonderful motivation aide.

17) Snow Quartz 

Snow Quartz is one of the stones mostly sought after when it comes to stress management and improving focus and mental clarity, especially when dealing with athletic or artistic performance.

18) Lepidolite 

Lepidolite is a wonderful stone to use when the need to eliminate stress and anxiety is a top priority. It is a beautiful and helpful stone to have, and is said to be  nurturing as well as calming.

19) Black Agate 

Black Agate is another grounding stone - and it is great at dispelling negative emotions and  is said to stimulate one's higher mental capacity whilst boosting one's mood. It is a great tool for concentration and improving one's memory.

20) Green Moss Agate 

Last but not least, Green Moss Agate! This crystal is known to have a calming effect on people and cleansing one's energy in order to improve one's emotional state and increase self confidence. It is especially handy to have when going through manual tasks that require absolute concentration and aptitude.

Until next time!

Ros

Love, Love, Love

 

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching! Many people nowadays consider it to be an overly commercialised day, however the increase in public displays of affection - or private ones - never fail to elicit a reaction, as cringe worthy as it may be, it is still likely to be a positive one. But where did it all start?

The origins of St Valentine's Day are unclear. Many believe that, given their similarities,  the holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which took place in mid-February. 

Luper-what? 

Lupercalia was an ancient, quite possibly pre-Roman pastoral annual festival, observed in the city of Rome from the 13th to the 15th of February to avert evil spirits and purify the city, releasing health and fertility. Lupercalia was also called dies Februatus, after the instruments of purification called februa, which gave February (Februarius) its name. The festival is also said to have been originally known as Februa ("Purifications" or "Purgings") after the februum (singular of februa) which was used on the day. It was also known as Februatus and gave its name variously, as epithet to Juno Februalis, Februlis, or Februata in her role as patron deity of that month; to a supposed purification deity called Februus; and to February (mensis Februarius), the month during which the festival occurred. Ovid connects februare to an Etruscan word for "purging". Some sources connect the Latin word for fever (febris) with the same idea of purification or purging, due to the "sweating out" commonly associated with fevers.

The name Lupercalia was believed in antiquity to evince some connection with the Ancient Greek festival of the Arcadian Lykaia, a wolf festival (Greek: λύκος, lýkos; Latin: lupus), and the worship of Lycaean Pan, assumed to be a Greek equivalent to Faunus, as instituted by Evander. Justin describes a cult image of "the Lycaean god, whom the Greeks call Pan and the Romans Lupercus", as nude, save for a goatskin girdle.

Guardian of the Pack - Stock Item

The statue stood in the Lupercal, the cave where tradition held that Romulus and Remus were suckled by the she-wolf (Lupa). The cave lay at the foot of the Palatine Hill, on which Romulus was thought to have founded Rome. The name of the festival most likely derives from lupus, "wolf", though both the etymology and its significance are obscure. Despite Justin's assertion, no deity named "Lupercus" has been identified. The equivalent of Pan in the Roman pantheon would in fact be Faunus.

The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I forbade the celebration of Lupercalia and is sometimes attributed with replacing it with St. Valentine’s Day, but the true origin of the holiday is vague at best.

Wolves Block Calendar - Stock Item

The Lupercalia had its own priesthood, the Luperci ("brothers of the wolf"), whose institution and rites were attributed either to the Arcadian culture-hero Evander, or to Romulus and Remus. The Luperci were young men (iuvenes), usually between the ages of 20 and 40. They formed two religious associations based on ancestry; the Quinctiliani and the Fabiani. In 44 BC, a third association [also known as a college], the Juliani, was instituted in honour of Julius Caeser^. The college of Juliani disbanded or lapsed following Caesar's assassination, and was not re-established in the reforms of his successor, Augustus.

At the Lupercal altar, a male goat (or goats) and a dog were sacrificed by one or another of the Luperci, under the supervision of the Flamen dialis, Jupiter's chief priest. An offering was also made of salted mealcakes, prepared by the Vestal Virgins. After the blood sacrifice, two Luperci approached the altar. Their foreheads were anointed with blood from the sacrificial knife, then wiped clean with wool soaked in milk, after which they were expected to laugh.

Moonstruck Canvas Print - Stock Item

The sacrificial feast followed, after which the Luperci cut thongs (known as februa) from the flayed skin of the animal, and ran with these, naked or near-naked, along the old Palatine boundary, in an anticlockwise direction around the hill.  The Luperci completed their circuit of the Palatine, then returned to the Lupercal cave.

A Festival of Love?

During Lupercalia, men randomly chose a woman's name from a jar to be coupled with them for the duration of the festival. Often, the couple stayed together until the following year's festival. Many are said to have fallen in love and married. 

Carnelian Heart Necklaces - Stock Item

Valentine’s Day uses some of Lupercalia’s symbols, but whether it is intentional or not is subject to debate. Two that come to mind are the colour red which represented a blood sacrifice during Lupercalia and the colour white which signified the milk used to wipe the blood clean and represents new life and procreation.

Essentially it can be said that the origins of Valentine's Day, whilst still pretty mysterious given that it is likely that more than one person called Valentine existed, it is still linked to some degree of love. 

Modern Day Valentine's Celebrations

Many people nowadays choose to celebrate Valentine's Day irrespective of their beliefs, and it has become one of the most popular secular holidays. Some people feel it is too heavily commercialized, and so opt to celebrate it as a day for self love and self care. 

Sensual Himalayan Bath Salt blend - Stock Item

Living a very fast paced life will often leave us with little time to focus on our own physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Using this day for some much valued and sorely needed me time is a great way to celebrate a festival of love. 

Love Ritual Jar Candle - Stock Item

Running a warm bath, or shower, can be a self love ritual within itself. Focusing on yourself, checking in with your body to see how it is doing, limb by limb, can help you find out what areas you need to take care of. That mystery bruise, that ache which you thought was due to bad posture, that mark left behind on your skin from your clothes - what can be done to help you feel more comfortable in your own skin? This is the perfect exercise to carry out during such a brief break from the frantic life you usually lead. 

Aphrodite - Stock item

Now is the time to get in touch with your inner Aphrodite - irrespective of your gender. Aphrodite is not just the Goddess of Love - she is also Goddess of Lust, Beauty, Pleasure, Passion, Procreation - and a Warrior Goddess too. Being associated with the sea makes a self love bath even more appropriate in this case! 

Anyway, I could go on and on forever (and a day) about this topic - I'll stop here for today. Back to focusing on other work duties I go! It may be a public holiday here in Malta today, but for me, it is just another work day. And on that note, my next appointment is at the door. 

Until next time! 

Ros 💜

New Year 2022 - Updates re pricing

 

Happy new year! 

Back in September, we received notification that there would be an increase in some oils that we stock from an EU based supplier would see a price increase as a consequence of Brexit. We decided to absorb the cost increase until the end of 2021, and new pricing would come into effect as of the 3rd of January 2022. 

 

Here is a quick update with the FAQs for you the check out. Transparency has always been a top priority, so expect the answers to be somewhat technical at times. 

Q. 1) If you import from within the EU, what has Brexit got to do with the price increase? 

A. 1) Ancient Wisdom, as a company, started off in the UK, and then branched out. We import from their EU branches, however the UK hub remains the largest one. Part of the UK hub houses production - so for the EU branches to stock the oils that have been created in the UK, there has been an increase in cost. As a consequence, they have had to also increase the pricing for their clients. This means that on some oils - the ones with the highest price increase specifically, they became more expensive to buy wholesale than what we sold them for in the past, retail. 

Q. 2) How many oils will be impacted price wise? 

A. 2) 24 Essential Oils out of the 74 we currently stock, and 2 Carrier Oils out of the 13 we currently stock. 

Q. 3) What are the oils impacted, and what will their new price be? 

A.3) Below is the full list highlighting the oils, their old prices, and the new prices. As you will see, there is a variety of small and big price differences. As small or as big a price increase it may be, it is the lowest we could make it for it to still make sense to stock these oils.

Q.4) Where can I find the new list?

 

A.4) The new list can be accessed through the following link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sgwKhTTpnRqm9JB1Irs3KbqhpZk_P0T6/view?usp=sharing

 

Q.5)  How big are the oils you stock?

A.5) All essential oils and blends are 10ml in size, whereas carrier oils are 100ml in size.

Q.6) What if I need a larger size?

A.6) Custom orders have always been on the table - so that has not changed. Essential oils come in 50ml or 0.5kg sizes, and Carrier Oils in 1 litre sizes as well, but we don't keep a stock of those. Get in touch and we'll be able to check stock availability and work out the pricing for you.

Q.7) My question isn't on here.

A.7) Get in touch! We'll be happy to answer your query at the best of our ability. You can either drop us a message via our Facebook page, Instagram, TikTok, or email us on fata.morgana.malta@gmail.com 

Until next time!

Ros

Crystals for Samhain

 

With Samhain being round the corner, it is time to gather our energies and focus on this time where the veil between the world of the living and that of the dead is at it's thinnest. 

Whether you'll be celebrating the Sabbath on your own, or with like minded individuals, crystals can very well play a major role in your process. 

Here are a few Crystals that are appropriate to use for the occasion, as well as a brief explanation as to why. (Oh, by a few, I mean 30).

1) Fluorite

Fluorite allows the mind to flow freely, thus making it an excellent crystal to use during this time of the year, where the so called veil between the world of the living and that of the dead is at its thinnest. 

2) Obsidian

Obsidian is associated with magickal activities such as scrying, and is a great stone to be used for protection and grounding.

3) Smoky Quartz

Looking through Smoky Quartz feels like one is looking through smoke to see what's on the other side. It is an excellent stone to use in meditation around this time of the year, and can help connecting with the spirit world be an easier process. It is also a good grounding stone. You might be noticing a pattern already - grounding is crucial in day to day workings, but even more so at some a highly energetic time. Unless properly grounded, it can become a very overwhelming experience, very quickly.

4) Hematite

Hematite stimulates concentration and focus, enhancing memory and original thought.and - you guessed it - is an excellent grounding stone. The shiny nature of this black crystal makes it also ideal to use for scrying.

5) Labradorite

Labradorite is associated with divination and intuition, and is also an excellent tool for those of us who might still be dealing with the trauma of loss. It is a good emotional healing crystal.

6) Howlite

Howlite is associated with communication, patience and helps to eliminate rage, pain and stress. A calming stone, Howlite facilitates awareness and encourages emotional expression.

7) Botswana Agate

Botswana Agate is a comforting, protective stone that can bring comfort to those of us dealing with loss. It is sometimes called a 'Stone of Change', and is a great tool to use for grounding and to help release repressed emotions to allow room for healing.

 

8) Rhodonite

Rhodonite is a stone of compassion and balance. Around this time of the year, it is particularly useful as it allows those of us dealing with the aftermath of losing a loved one to acknowledge and deal with our emotions, whilst still functioning and forging ahead in our mundane lives. 

9) Rose Quartz

Not the crystal you were expecting to find here, right? Most commonly known for its associations with romantic love, many seem to forget that Rose Quartz is primarily a stone for self love. It is an excellent emotional healing stone, and is provides us with comfort.

10) Unakite

Unakite is a stone of vision, opening the third eye and useful for scrying - not as a scrying mirror, but to lend its energies to help make it happen.It is therefore of little surprise that this crystal is very much sought after around this time of the year. And, guess what? It is also a great emotional grounding tool too!

11) Amethyst

Besides from being a healing stone, and very pretty [an irrefutable opinion], it is also a stone of calmness and levelheadedness. It is a very useful stone to use in meditation, and it is said to alleviate sadness and grief.

12) Angelite

Angelite is said to be a very high vibrational stone that activates and aligns our throat, third eye, and crown chakras. As a consequence, Angelite helps attune oneself to a higher frequency, which is useful for connecting to one's guardian angels and spirit guides.

13) Apophyllite

Apophyllite is also linked to the higher chakras, and particularly useful to help connect with the spirit world. It is a crystal that is particularly useful to help develop one's Clairs - that is, clairvoyance, claircognizance, clairaudience, clairsentience, clairalience, and clairgustance. 

14) Apatite

Apatite is said to clear away confusion, apathy or negativity, and to stimulate the intellect to expand knowledge and truth. It is also a great stone with work with when dealing with the aforementioned Clairs, especially clairvoyance, clairaudience and clairsentience. Apatite also can help expand the awareness of past-life experiences.

15) Aventurine

Aventurine is a stone of compassion and empathy, and stimulates feelings of wellbeing. Aventurine comes in a variety of colours, but the three colours that work best for Samhain are Green Aventurine, Yellow Aventurine and Red Aventurine.

Green Aventurine is a comforter and heart healer, and assists with past life work.

Yellow Aventurine helps balance emotions and alleviate grief.

Red Aventurine helps one be more open to receiving other people’s suggestions and creative feedback, and help incorporate these new ideas into one's expanded consciousness. 

16) Emerald

Emerald is said to enhance psychic abilities, specifically Clairvoyance. 

Emerald is also associated with the eighth planet Mercury in the Solar System. Lord Budha (Devanagari: बुध ) (Tamil: புதன்) is considered as the god of the planet Mercury. According to Hindu mythology Lord Budha is considered as one among the nine Navagrahas. He represents green color and gemstone emerald. He is also the god of merchandise and protector of merchants. He is of Rajas Guna and represents Communication. as well as the Navagraha.

 

17) Kyanite

Kyanite is an excellent stone for meditation and attunement.  It is a stone that is said to align all chakras and subtle bodies instantly., providing balance of yin-yang energy and dispels blockages, moving energy gently through the physical body.

 

Its blockage removal properties make it a great stone to use to allow channeling and mediumship to take place.

 

18) Malachite

Malachite clears and activates the chakras and attunes to spiritual guidance.  It is a crystal that is said to enable you to absorb and process information, release negative experiences and old traumas, and stimulates dreams. It is of no wonder that it is an excellent stone to work with during this time of the year.

19) Ruby Zoisite a.k.a Anyolite

Ruby Zoisite is said to help create an altered state of consciousness, and stimulate psychic abilities.   Anyolite instills joy, spontaneity, laughter and courage, bringing passion and a zest for life.

20) Citrine

Citrine is found both in its natural form, as well as in a heat-treated form. In the photo above, you can very clearly distinguish which one is which - naturally formed Citrine tends to be more of a pale to lemony colour, whereas heat treated Citrine is more of an amber-orangey colour. Heat treated Citrine is made in a lab environment where amethyst is, quite literally, treated with heat, to change its colour. If you'd like to read more about the process, you can check out this very sciency article here. Citrine and Amethyst, together with Prasiolite, tend to often form in the same areas, and the mineral inclusions in them as well as the heat under which they form determines the end result. Some people, like myself, don't mind whether the Citrine is natural or heat treated, whereas others like to solely use naturally formed Citrine.

Naturally formed Citrine is somewhat uncommon to come across and therefore tends to be pricier than the other 2 aforementioned crystals.

Citrine is an excellent crystal for interpersonal relationships. It smooths family or group problems and promotes solutions and cohesiveness. Citrine healing properties can help with physical, emotional, and spiritual balance and issues. Its foremost energy is to aid in manifestation.

21) Sunstone

Sunstone provides a source of strength if you are dependent on others emotionally, or have suffered the sudden loss of a partner.  Sunstone instills good nature, heightens intuition and allows the real self to shine through happily. It dissipates fearfulness

22) Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is one of the most sought after stones in use since man’s history began. Its deep, celestial blue remains the symbol of royalty and honor, gods and power, spirit and vision. It is a universal symbol of wisdom and truth.

 

A stone of truth, Lapis encourages honesty of the spirit, and in the spoken and written word. It can be used for all forms of deep communication.

 

23) Selenite

Selenite is said to provide clarity of the mind, helps with expanding one's awareness of the self and of ones surroundings.  It is also said to open the crown and higher crown chakras and accesses angelic consciousness and higher guidance.  It is a stone that can be used for past life regression and is an excellent stone to use in meditation and psychic workings.

24) Moonstone

A stone for “new beginnings”, Moonstone is a stone of inner growth and strength.  It soothes emotional instability and stress, and stabilises the emotions, providing calmness.  Moonstone enhances intuition. 

It is said that in Hindu legend, the belief was that Moonstone is made of solidified moon beams.

This stone is sometimes compared to a moon hiding behind clouds, and is brilliant to bring out that which is hidden, shining its light to break through the darkest moments. It is therefore a good stone to use during this time of year, as it helps bring respite from melancholy and feelings of loss.

25) Dragon's Blood Jasper

Dragon Blood Jasper is said to contain properties that manifest themselves in the form of great courage and adaptability. It is said that Dragon's Blood Jasper helps awaken the kundalini, which once  activated, it allows the soul and mind to persist through hardships by becoming more resilient and adapting to ever-changing circumstances.

 

26) Black Tourmaline

Black Tourmaline is an excellent stone for protection and grounding - which when doing any ritual work is always good to have, but during this time of the year, things can get very intense very quickly, therefore having Black Tourmaline handy is.. well.. very handy indeed. 

27) Red Jasper

Red Jasper is reported to increase emotional focus and balance. Red Jasper can also be used for increasing memory of dreams.It is an exceptional grounding stone that helps one better engage with the world around them - both the physical and the spiritual.

 

28) Carnelian

Carnelian is believed to help timid speakers become both eloquent and bold - thus helping with communication. Carnelian lends the courage needed to help overcome difficulties. It improves concentration and removes irrelevant thoughts in daydreamers, and during meditation.

 

29) Bloodstone

Bloodstone - also known as Heliotrope - heightens intuition and stimulates dreaming. It is a grounding and protecting stone. Bloodstone is regarded as a gem of noble sacrifice and can offer courage and solace to all who are called to give of themselves for the good of others. Heliotrope was called "stone of Babylon" by Albert the Great and he referred to several magical properties, which were attributed to it from Late Antiquity. Pliny the Elder (1st century) mentioned first that the magicians used it as a stone of invisibility. Damigeron (4th century) wrote about its property to make rain, solar eclipse and its special virtue in divination and preserving health and youth.

 

 

30) Black Onyx

Black Onyx is a great stone for protection and shielding from negative energies, and is a good stone for grounding. It is said to assist in facing one's shadow side with courage and learn important lessons so that old patterns and traumas can be released. It is therefore said that Black Onyx can help banish grief.

All of the above crystals are in stock at Fata Morgana in varying amounts.

I hope that this list of sorts has been helpful! Feel free to get in touch should you wish to claim any of the above-mentioned crystals.

Until next time,

Ros

 

Spooky Season 2021

Hello everyone! 

Apologies for the radio silence around these parts - if you follow the Fata Morgana Facebook Page you'll know how busy we've been these past few months, so finding time to sit down and write has been very difficult. 

Today, Spooky Season has been launched! Friday 13th seemed to be the perfect opportunity to get started on the Halloween stock 🎃

Jay Statuette - Stock item

There is a lot that will be shared on the page, as well as on the shop's instagram - so the best way to be kept up to date is to follow the accounts if you don't do so already. 

Another thing I'm trying to stay on top of is the Fata Morgana TikTok account - there you will find a mix of stock related posts, and silly posts. After all, work can - and should be - fun! 

This summer I have held a workshop already, and am currently working on the material for the next one. I'm going to tentatively say it'll happen at some point in September - but that entirely depends on how much material I prep for it, and how quickly I manage to get it done. 

So, between regular shop things, keeping 3 social media accounts up to date, writing material for the workshop, and creating stock items myself, it is a constant race against time. I'll try to write again soon... Promise! 

Until next time, 

Stay spooky! 🎃

Ros

Chakra 101: The Root Chakra

You will hear people referring to chakras in popular culture, in conversations, and in spiritual practice - but do you know what Chakras are and how to work with them? It all sounds like a bunch of jargon at times, I know. So, this is where I shall attempt to drift away from the proverbial mumbo jumbo, and explain it in as simple a way as possible. 

Chakra Art Tapestry - Stock Item 

 

The Root Chakra

Sanskrit: Muladhara (मूलाधार, Mūlādhāra

Meaning: "root and basis of Existence."

Etymology:  Mula means root and adhara means basis.

Number: 1 of 7 Primary chakras.

Origins: Hindu tantrism. 

Symbol: A lotus flower with four red petals and a yellow square in the centre. On each petal, there sometimes are Sanskrit letters - va, scha, sha and sa. In the center, there would be the syllable lam - which is the Mantra of this Chakra. 

Colours: Red or Pink. 

Muladhara is located near the Tailbone beneath the sacrum - which is a large, triangular bone at the base of the spine that forms by the fusing of sacral vertebrae S1–S5.

The Root Chakra's kshetram, or superficial activation point, is located between the perineum and the tailbone/pelvic bone. 

Because of its location and connection with the act of pooping, it is associated with the butthole. 

It is also believed that Muladhara is a subtle abode of the Hindu God Ganapati.

The Root Chakra's Function

The Root Chakra keeps us grounded and roots us to familial beliefs that support the early formations of identity and a sense of belonging. It is all about family dynamics, and basic needs like feeling safe, supported, and provided for.

One might say that the Root Chakra is the centre for all of our primal needs. The main focus of this chakra is food, sex, shelter, and survival. Given that Humans are Pack Animals, this chakra also encompasses loyalty and honor to the “pack.”

The Muladhara is gorgeously primordial with earthly feminine power. It is the power of touch during love-making, or the loving affection in the form of hugs and kisses we give to our children.

The Root Chakra is the foundation of life and it urges us to procreate and express physical and supportive love to those we cherish.

How to Activate the Root Chakra

Activating and Healing the Root Chakra are two sides of the same coin. There are various ways to focus on your Root Chakra in order to heal it, balance it, and ultimately, activate it. 

If you're into Yoga, the Yoga Poses for the Root Chakra include the Warrior One, Triangle Pose, and Eagle Pose. 

 

All Crystals are Stock Items 

The crystals portrayed above serve many purposes, but I figured I'd highlight their most relative properties within a Root Chakra workings context - 

Black Onyx - Grounding, Protection, Dispelling Negativity

Bloodstone  - Grounding, Motivation

Brecciated Jasper  - Creativity, Uplifting, Calming

Carnelian  - Drive, Determination, Organisation

Garnet - Passion, Creativity, Inner Strength

Golden Tiger's Eye - Courage, Determination, Relentlessness

Hematite - Grounding, Attract positivity, Stability

Kalahari Desert Jasper - Positivity, Joy, Grounding

Kyanite - Ancestral Healing, Self Acceptance, Grounding

Lava Stone - Renewal, Self growth, Positivity

Leopard skin Jasper  - Courage, Self Acceptance, Motivation

Mookaite Jasper - Self Realisation, Energising, Motivation

Red Jasper - Determination, Self Love, Centering

Red Tiger's Eye - Determination, Centering, Relentlessness

Rhodonite - Balance, Self Awareness, Growth

Smoky Quartz - Dispelling negativity, Clarity, Uplifting

Snowflake Obsidian - Grounding, Protection, Balance

Tourmaline - Grounding, Protection, Dispelling Negativity

 

 

 

Essential Oils - Stock Items 

 

Essential Oils are another good tool to use for Root Chakra work. All of the above oils are fit for purpose. I know that they all seem to be a big jumble, so I've created a handy guide for the oils, indicating both the Aroma family they belong to, as well as what Note they are. If you're confused by the mention of Aroma and Notes, check out the previous blog post where I explained these in quite a lot of detail. You can find it here.

All Essential Oils are stock items - Please get in touch for full list

 

Remember to always dilute an Essential Oil using a Carrier Oil if you intend to apply it topically.

 

If oils aren't your thing, Incense is a great alternative. Incense comes in a variety of formats. Resin incense is quite possibly my personal favourite when it comes to Chakra work.  It can be used in a couple of different ways - which I had covered in this previous post. 

 

Resin Incense - Stock Items 

 

If you're more of an Incense Stick kind of person, there is also a selection of such incense you might want to use when working on the Root Chakra, such as the below:

 

Incense Sticks - Stock items 

Else, if you're like me and are somewhat clumsy, which means you too have a few incense stick burn marks in your sleeves and/or on your arms, Incense Cones might be better suited - such as the below:

 

Incense Cones - Stock Items 

Oh, and if you're wondering what the Red tubes featured in both Incense Sticks and Incense Cones photos are - they are Strawberry Scented incense that come with their own little incense holder, on which the Root Chakra symbol is featured. Also - the reason I included Nag Champa is that, it is a Sandalwood based blend.

 

The Chakra Bible - Stock Item 

And on that note, it is time to bring this post to an end. If you're too antsy to wait for the next Chakra 101 post, and want to read more about the topic, I would highly recommend the Chakra Bible, as displayed above. It is a treasure trove of a book!

Until next time!

Ros