Why are you a natural perfumer? *was* This is only me, You don't have to agree with me opinion

[Guest guest]

At 10:59 AM 5/23/2005, you wrote:

>I have been thinking all weekend about 's elegant question in which he

>asked if the growth of natural perfumery is something we really want.

Hi Gail:

's question, which was very open-ended did not address any one issue,

was not followed up by his clarification, despite several requests that he

do so. You took it to mean the spiritual and historic framework in which

you practice. Others have interpreted it to address ecological issues.

Since has not responded to the gracious answers to his linden blossom

question, or his off-hand question about our growth as an art and

discipline, I encourage him to post. We have never seen a post from him

before, and I like to encourage all members to post, or at least have the

courtesy to respond when others have taken their valuable time and

expertise to answer.

>I honor the ancient art of perfumery by practicing it in its purest form,

>and with its original intent: To Heal, To Inspire, To impassion

So well said, Gail. Many of us follow this path, some choosing healing

(more in line with aromatherapy), some inspiration (meditation, trance

work), or passion (sensuality, empowerment.) When i'm working on a blend,

in my own humble way, I try, when invoking a concept, to focus on the

Intent. That is the course for any artist, and we're all artists here, at

all different levels of development.

>And I don't mean physically healing. I leave that to others. My form of

>aromatic healing is one in which it is clearly understood that Ancient

>perfumery practices were the sole domain of the Gods

>and Priest/Kings. To wear

>natural perfumery is to accept the heavy responsibility of the prophet,

>the seer,

>the visionary.

I know exactly what you're saying here, Gail, and knowing your open nature,

I know you'll accept that i take a more populist view of this. The ancient

practices were, to me, held in the hands of the few to the detriment of the

many. Today, someone like you can keep those rituals and practices alive

while being a kind and nurturing to your clients, making the best of both

words.

I believe that we can find prophets, seers, and visionaries among the

" common folks " and that is why I promote natural perfumery to the masses,

and don't limit my practice as much as you do, or for the reasons you do. I

want everyone to have the chance to have their inner soul opened up by the

natural aromatics, to help wean them off the chemical soup of modern

culture. A fleeting moment of having their heart chakra touched by

frankencense can turn a garbage collector into a visionary. An engrammatic

jolt of real rose can awaken the Priestess or healer in a teen girl. Or, at

least, make them feel better :-)

That is the path I'm on -- I wish to elevate everyone I can with the

gorgeous aromatics.

Anyone else wish to chime in with the reason they're natural perfumers?

Anya

http://anyamccoy.com

" Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. "

Mark Twain

[Guest guest]

> At 10:59 AM 5/23/2005, you wrote:

> >I have been thinking all weekend about 's elegant question in which he

> >asked if the growth of natural perfumery is something we really want.

Hi all,

My story is not as eloquent and I admit I am not a great writer...but here

goes...

Why am I a natural perfumer? I was led here. By invisble hands. This may sound

odd to

some but in looking back on my life and my search for " Who I am " I find have

been led to

this path in a straight line when I felt I was wandering many roads for so long.

When I was born my Mother said I was " born French " . She being a Buddhist just

figured it

was reincarnation. My school chums nicknamed me as a kid because my Thai name

(Apasara) was too long. I became Passy. Coincidence?

When I was 5 I read a book (precocious kid) about Lavender and the farming

families/

perfume makers in Grasse. I wanted this life. We had a farm...I could just move

right? But

upon further study I found I had to be an heir to one of these families and...a

boy! Phooey!

I started blending my own concoctions from my Dad's garden and Grandma's farm. I

discovered essential oils when I was a bit older and " made perfume " . I had no

idea there

WERE synthetics. I was a goofy kid who played in the band, liked math and

tinkered with

smell. Nerd city.

As I got older I became very sensitive to smells (synthetics) and became very

ill, opening

my eyes to the invisible world around us all. Chemical soup! (Well said Anya!) I

soon met

others who had the same sensitivities and that is when I discovered the world of

synths.

Perfumery as a profession was now lost to me as I thought the synths had taken

over.

There was no room for me. I was archaic. So I became an Archaeologist and hung

out with

archaic things...also by chance.

Ten years of feeling lost...but still playing with scent. Aromatherapy comes to

the forefront

and it is lovely, but not classic perfumery per se. I go to Paris for kicks and

find a a Street,

a place and a dead person called Passy. Intrigue! Enfleurage! Mom was right.

French soul. I

knew every street. I even spoke the language well enough to eat and be called a

" damn

Southerner! " . ;-)

Now, I look back and realize I was actually led here to this group and all of

you . Doors

have opened to this NP path when I was aiming in a completely different

direction. I was

hiking the desert drawing maps and rocks!

My Spiritual path was winding and wonderful and for another time....

Yes, I want to share NP with others. I also want to be the Lorax and speak for

the

sandlewood trees.

The history of culture, environmental preservation, spiritual openess,

aroma/plants for

healing and my dear natural perfumery for sheer enjoyment....I want to marry

these things

together and share them. The hope is that it will keep Earth whole and unite

hearts.

Blessings,

Apasara