Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham (1989)

This book has to be one of the better books that I have read about aromatherapy. Scott Cunningham has a lot of research behind all of his works, and he has written the books in a very easy to understand way.

For those looking to get helpful advise about aromatherapy, or those that are more advanced will find this book very beneficial.

The introduction into the aromatherapy book starts with a mini-history lesson identifying ways that aromatherapy and scents have been involved and passed down through the centuries.

Scott Cunningham mentions the Egyptians and Pharoahs using aromatic woods and plant perfumes to appease the gods and goddesses, and then Sumerians and Babylonians using incense. Next, he mentions the Greeks and Romans use of scents from plants and incense that were medicinal and used for healing ailments.

He follows up discussing the American Indians use of plants for things besides food, but rather as body art and scent. They used materials to create items used today: brooms, rattles, clothing, and many other items.

It is a very nice "background" look at how this has evolved over the generations.

Next, the book delves into the methods and techniques on creating your own scents/oils. It has a very nice mention on how the oils should be used, gathered, created and used. Very beneficial for someone new into the art of aromatherapy!

The next section is devoted to discussing the aromas. This section is wonderfully written to assist young and old alike about the "scents" or items use. Not only does it provide the English name, specific name, and also know as (aka), but it provides information on the part(s) used to create the scent. To those magically inclined, there is a mention of the magical influences, lore, and information on the ruling planet and element.

It ranges from simple items such as black pepper to lemon, to pine needles and bergamot mint. Did you realize that pine needles, when crushed, produce a wonderful scent that promotes purification, healing, and protection? (Maybe that's why Pine Sol is so popular!)

The final section of the book breaks down the items into tables based upon ritual needs, desires and uses. It also links the herbs, scents, and oils into common things such as lunar cycles, season, days of the weeks, zodiacs and a few other things.

Those looking for a detailed book that will assist them in understanding the power of the scent, what they are good for, and how to use scents, will be thrilled with this book.

This book helps to define the scents and identifies whether the scent should be diffused, simmered, or if the plant should be crushed to bring out the best scent, and other things that people will find beneficial.

For those looking for more natural way to use nature and all of her wonderful scents, this book will be very helpful!

Thank you for spending time with me today!