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 💜

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

Samhain! Halloween! Today!

Blessed Samhain! Happy Halloween! 

Although this year it won't be possible to celebrate as we normally would due to the pandemic, it doesn't make this time if the year any less exciting! 

Halloweenies Soaps - Vegan - Stock Item

Over at Fata Morgana this year, I set up 1 single photo album and divided each category within the album with a divider image. It is bittersweet to think that this particular album will not have any new stock uploaded to it soon! 

Having said that, it will be nice to share a vaster variety of goodies to the rest of the photo album, and diversify the content shared on both the Facebook page as well as on the instagram feed. 

So, what makes this the best time of the year, you might be wondering? 

Broom Parking sign, Besoms & Hat - Stock Items 

 

There is no short answer I can give, but I will do my best to put in writing my perspective. 

In everyday life, I find that people are too rushed, trying to keep up with the rat race, and not really taking time to connect with their inner child. Halloween brings back a childlike glee and rekindles the flame of playfulness and finding amusement in the little things. We get to play dress up, carve pumpkins, be inventive in the kitchen to use up all the pumpkin flesh that is a delicious casualty of the Jack off Lanterns' creation. Trick or treating not only allows us to spend more time with our children, but it also allows up to connect with our neighbours in the day and age where one rarely knows who their neighbours are, let alone have a connection with them. 

Spooky Mystery Bags - Stock Items

Another aspect of the awesomeness of the Spooky Season is the fact that the unspoken rule that one isn't allowed to grieve beyond a few days, and should go back to "business as usual" flies out of the window. It is suddenly ok to remember our dear departed, and it is suddenly socially acceptable to both cry over the loss as well as laugh at the memories of the good times we would have shared with those who have passed away. 

It is said that the veil separating the world of the living, and that of the dead, is at it's thinnest on Samhain. I must admit that this thought is comforting, and makes it feel like I'm due my annual reunion with all the people dear to me who have died over the years.

Skull Incense Burner - Stock Item

 

Every year, I look forward to Samhain, lighting up a bonfire, and celebrate with fellow witchy-type people. This year things will have to be conducted online, so we don't have to miss out on celebrations, at least! 

From a shop perspective, I love encountering so many Halloween Fiends such as myself and being able to provide spooky stuffs to bring little moments of joy. 

This year, I decided to hold a Spooktacular Giveaway for whoever picks up their order as opposed to having it delivered. The giveaway runs until The Best Day of the Year - today- and it closes at 8pm Malta time. 

Spooktacular Giveaway 2020

 

It has been a super busy week, and as I write this, I'm expecting one of you lovely folk to drop by at any minute. It has been wonderful seeing so many of you visit! Many familiar faces, and quite a few new ones too! 

Now, to finish up my coffee, and continue cooking and baking and celebrating at home with my little Spooky Monster High student. 

Until next time! 

Ros

Death in Tarot

 

Anansi Boys - Stock Item 

 

Today I'd like to touch on the subject of Death. Morbid of me, right? Death is something that affects us all, and yet few people feel comfortable discussing it. It is seen as the ultimate personification of the unknown, something to be feared. And yet, it is unavoidable. We can postpone our due date, but there is no escaping it.

 

Around this time of the year, many of us will start preparing for the upcoming Spooky Season, as I like to call it. And yet, what is Halloween, Samhain, Dia de Muertos - call it what you will - without Death?

Death sign - Stock item

Whilst I could go on about literal Death for quite some time, that is a subject for another day. Today I'd like to explore Death within a Tarot context.

 

Death is an undeniable fact that will touch everyone at some point in time. Many people tend to think that when they get the Death card in a tarot reading, it means literal death - that they, or a loved one, is about to die. 

In Tarot, Death means changes and new beginnings. 

Rider Waite Tarot Deck

Death from 'Rider Waite Tarot' - Stock item

"The Death card shows the Messenger of Death – a skeleton dressed in black armour, riding a white horse. The skeleton represents the part of the body which survives long after life has left it; the armour symbolises invincibility and that death will come no matter what. Its dark colour is that of mourning and the mysterious, while the horse is the colour of purity and acts as a symbol of strength and power. Death carries a black flag decorated with a white, five-petal rose, reflecting beauty, purification and immortality and the number five representing change. Together, these symbols reveal that death isn’t just about life ending. Death is about endings and beginnings, birth and rebirth, change and transformation. There is beauty in death, and it is an inherent part of being alive.

A royal figure appears to be dead on the ground, while a young woman, child and bishop plead with the skeletal figure to spare them. But, as we all know, death spares no one.

In the background, a boat floats down the river, akin to the mythological boats escorting the dead to the afterlife. On the horizon, the sun sets between two towers (which also appear in the Moon Tarot card), in a sense dying each night and being reborn every morning."

- source: Biddytarot

Thoth Tarot deck

Death from 'Thoth Tarot' - Stock Item

Death is the thirteenth card, and renders 'total change'. The Death figure wears Osiris' helmet, linking it to the previous card. This is the resurrection - the Hanged Man- has been through the agony, and now there is rebirth; the redemption, the salvation, the change had come to pass. Death is the ultimate operative of the natural cycle, destruction being the force in nature that paves way for the new. Change occurs in life, whether desired or not. This has to be met with acceptance. The card also signifies alchemical transformation, and life and death are illusions from a perspective superior to the human senses. To the universe, as a concept of all-there-is, no matter or energy has 'left' it when an organism dies. 

- source - Hellshaw.com

Themed Decks

Most decks out there are based on either the Rider Waite system or the Thoth system - however the imagery used can vary quite a bit, especially in themed decks. For example, this is the Death card in the Animal Wisdom Tarot:

 

Animal Wisdom Tarot - Stock Item 

This, on the other hand, is the Death Card from the Oceanic Tarot:

Oceanic Tarot - Stock Item

 

As you can see, the theme greatly influences the imagery used - but not the meaning.

 

No matter what deck you use, know that Death is not to be feared. It is but the next step one has to take in life, in order to keep evolving and growing and adapting to the ever changing reality around them.

Until next time, stay safe!

Ros

Hello September!

 

Here at Fata Morgana September 1st means we can start the countdown until Halloween! Although there is still one more Sabbat left before Samhain - namely Mabon [a.k.a. Autumn Equinox], it is hard to hold back excitement over our favourite day of the year happens!

This year, all Spooky Season items will be gathered in one single album for ease of browsing. Each category will be divided with images that act as separators, setting expectations of what items will follow. Yesterday I set up the album with what will act as the cover photo - namely:

Halloween 2020 Album

This morning I have also placed an order for some items which will eventually be added to the abovementioned album, and I just can't wait until I'm able to share with you lovely lot the goodies in store [ha. store. *grin*]

In the meantime, I'm planning on a number of blog posts, and special stock items that will be made by yours truly, so expect a lot more updates around here! I suppose one can consider it to be a good outlet to share the excitement with fellow Halloween Fiends!

 Oh! I almost forgot!

We are finally in a position to restart appointments at our base in Tarxien! Drop us a message either via our Facebook page or Instagram account  if you'd like to come over. The only thing we ask is that you wear a mask and let us know if you will have anyone else joining so we can ensure that we adhere to social distancing measures. 

Now I'm off to continue preparing for our Gozo Escapade taking place on the 13th of September. And by escapade, i mean delivery day, of course! You're still in time to place an order to be delivered on the day - let us know if there is anything you need! Delivery is, as always, at no additional cost.

Fata Morgana - Gozo Delivery Day - 13th September 2020

So, until next time, stay safe!

Ros

Essential Oils: The Basics

Essential Oils & Carrier Oils in Stock - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pvT-HlQWhyGLBw0wfdtJpycZj28G-uS8/view?usp=sharing

 

Essential oils are all the rage at the moment - some use them for aromatherapy, others just to have a nice smell in their home. Others still will use them for massage, or as complementary health treatments. 

One of the most common question I get is "What is a Carrier Oil?" - and so this is where we will start.

 

Carrier Oils

A Carrier oil, also known as a Base oil, is a vegetable/plant oil that is safe to use as is on the skin [with some health exceptions - for example Neem Oil should not be used by pregnant people, and Sweet Almond Oil isn't to be used by people with nut allergies]. Carrier Oils are used to dilute Essential Oils and Absolutes before they are applied to the skin in massage and aromatherapy. The term Carrier Oil comes from their purpose - which is, to 'carry' the essential oil onto the skin. Diluting essential oils is a critical safety practice when using essential oils. Examples of Carrier Oils include Grapeseed Oil, Hempseed Oil, Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil and so on.

Smells

 

Quite often, I get people asking me for recommendations - "I want something that smells nice" is the most frequent comment I get. 

There are several ways to categorise essential oils - personally, I find it the easiest to go with two methods - Scent family, and Notes. 

There are 8 types of scents that oils can be categorised in:

Wheel of Scent Families

Floral:

This one is quite self explanatory. Floral oils are oils that are made from flowers. Some practical examples are Lavender, Rose, Geranium, Chamomile, Rose Geranium and Jasmine. 

Minty:

This is another easy one to figure out - there are many types of mint plants, or minty plants out there, from which essential oils can be made. Some examples are Peppermint, Cornmint,  and Spearmint. Each Minty essential oil has its own note, with Spearmint being a Top note, Cornmint being a middle note, and Peppermint being a base note.

Citrusy:

Citrusy oils often have what can be described as a bright, fresh and clean smell - which makes them well loved in cleaning products and deodorising blends. They are also excellent to use when you need to improve concentration levels,  and boosting one's mood is necessary and they have an uplifting and energising effect.

Many citrus oils have a low to moderate odour intensity and are top notes, meaning their scent is mild and fades fairly quickly. Blending them with base note oils can help their scent to last longer.

Resinous:  

Resinous Essential oils are made from tree resin, and the best known out there are probably Frankincense and Myrrh. They are typically associated with spiritual practice, especially given that several religions and cultures have used them for such purposes over the aeons. Resinous Essential Oils are typically base notes, or middle to base. Their smell can be described as almost smoky, warm, calming and mellow.

Woody/Earthy:

Woody/Earthy Essential Oils are exactly what they sound like. Picture yourself walking through a grove of trees. The smell of the earth and trees instills a feeling of calm and groundedness. Essential Oils that belong to this category include Cedarwood, Cypress, Juniper Berry, Sweet Birch, Sandalwood, Scots Pine, Patchouli and Vetiver. They are typically middle to base notes, and blend well with the majority of aromas. 

Herbaceous:

This family of aromas is comprised of those plants that we commonly call Herbs - Thyme, Basil, Oregano, Clary Sage, Rosemary, Marjoram, Bay Leaves and so on. Each smell is unique, but is easy to picture for those of us who use a lot of herbs in the kitchen. Their notes tend to vary depending on the oil.

Spicy:

Think of the spices you cook with - and typically associate with the colder months. The warmth of these aromas, which includes Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Nutmeg, Ginger and Clove - is one reason why they are linked with Autumn and Winter months. They are typically base notes,  and are very often used topically [once diluted] to help with aches and pains especially linked to the back and joints.

Camphoraceous:

Camphoraceous Essential Oils can be described as having a strongly aromatic, almost medicinal scent. Because of their pungency, they are often used for aromatherapeutic purposes rather than for room fragrance reasons. They are very commonly used to help with respiratory issues such as blocked sinuses, and this family includes oils such as Cajaput, Camphor, and Ravensara.

Blending Oils

  

A Guide to Blending oils

When it comes to blending oils to create a unique aroma, there are many recipes out there. What you need to bear in mind is that when you have a number of oils, the amount of drops one uses of each will impact the final outcome of the smell one gets. So, for example, if you were to mix 5 drops of lavender essential oil, 10 drops of tangerine essential oil, and 5 drops of rosemary essential oil, the smell will be considerably different than if you were to mix 10 drops of lavender, 5 drops of tangerine and 10 drops of rosemary essential oils.

If you're new to blending oils, the best advice I can give you is this - start small. Always err on the side of caution and use the bare minimum amount of drops, then add more if you so wish as you build up your blend.

Essential Oil Notes Guide

Top Notes

Top Notes are sometimes also called opening notes or head notes. They are generally the lightest of all the notes, and will be the first aromas you smell, as well as the first to fade. We can call them the 'first impression' of scents.

Middle Notes

Middle notes, sometimes called the heart notes, can usually be smelled once the top notes evaporate. They are considered the very heart of blends. They will be the second layer of a blend that you smell, and will last longer than the top . They in turn hold a strong influence on the base notes.

Base Notes

Base notes are the final fragrance notes that appear once the top notes are completely evaporated, and middle notes start settling in and begin to evaporate. They will be the last you smell in a blend, and will last the longest. Base notes provide the lasting impression, and their scent will often linger on the skin for hours after the top notes have dissipated.

In Essence?

Whilst bearing the above information about Aroma Families, and Notes, in mind, you will often find that the familiar and note boundaries of quite a few essential oils are fuzzy. The Aroma Guide and the Notes Guide infographics serve to help you decide better what sort of scents to go with, should you come across an oil or three you're unfamiliar with. If in doubt, feel free to ask!

Should you wish to purchase any Essential Oils or Carrier oils, you can find the current up-to-date stock list here. 

 

Until next time, stay safe!

Ros

Good afternoon beautiful souls!

Welcome to Fata Morgana's INKLings! Today we are celebrating 2 years of Fata Morgana, and what better occasion than this to launch our brand new blog? 

There are times when I want to share lengthier, informative posts, but social media is not the right platform for such ramblings. I find myself skimming over long posts if they are on facebook or other social media. However, if I go to a blog, it is because I want to read. That, is why, I decided to take the plunge with this. 

This year, the shop's birthday celebrations have started early! We started them off with a Gozo Delivery Day - it was our 2nd such delivery day, and the plan is to continue delivering in person to our Gozitan friends on a monthly basis. 

Here are some snaps from the day:

Photo credit: Lorenzo Belmonte, Edit: Ros

We ran into Lucifer Morningstar himself whilst in Qala. No, really!

[Not really, no. This was me offering someone to have his face hidden, should he wish. Given that we share a mutual love [or rather, a mutual love hate relationship] with the actor who plays the part, I said I'd swap his face with Mr Tom Ellis. And so, here we are!]

We finished the day with a little Full Moon Celebration, as can be seen below:

Photo credit: Lorenzo Belmonte, Edit: Ros

We have also set up a 2nd Birthday Giveaway - which ran for a few days, and 2 winners were randomly selected! The prizes were 2 wire wrapped crystal necklaces made by yours truly.

Left: Leopard Skin Jasper, Right: Chevron Amethyst. Wire wrapping, photo & edit by Ros

On Friday the 10th of July, two winners - Enn Gee for #teamjasper and Kirsten for #teamamethyst - were randomly selected, and their prizes will be delivered to them today:

Winners of Giveaway announcement - Photos + edits by Ros

Finally, here is a bit of a background for those of you unfamiliar with Fata Morgana.

My name is Rosalind, and I hail from sunny Malta, Europe. I found my path in Paganism when I was maybe 9 years old? I forgot the exact age to be honest. Growing up in a country which was, at the time, predominantly Roman Catholic, it was a challenge to find books and other paraphernalia to allow me to practice my path as I desired. I yearned for a one stop shop, but there was none such place to be found. At age 18, I decided I would do something about it, and started what was then named Esoteric. That was short lived, as it was not the right time for such a business venture. And so, the concept was put on the back burner, whilst life happened. Fast forward to 8 years ago. 

I started my own little family, and it was quite a ride, to say the least! A couple of years ago, things calmed down enough to allow me to explore setting up shop, properly this time. 

I wanted to give the shop a Maltese flavour, and that, is how Fata Morgana came to be. 

I was still working elsewhere during the day when I set up Fata Morgana - but as of right now, I am now solely focusing on the shop! That opens up my daily schedule wide open - which means appointments and open days will be happening very soon!

Hello! Its'a me, Ros!