Re: Alchemy and notes

[Guest guest]

>

>

> Dear Friends,

> I have been reading a book on Alchemy and it got me wondering if there

> is a possibility to apply the " Square of Opposition " to smells. In

> other words, can we apply the elements to smell? Is there any

> literature trying to do this? Or, can we apply the characteristics of

> wet, dry, hot and cold to smells? This could be used to initiate the

> process of making a specific perfume for someone, or in blending

> different EO.

> Any thoughts or recommendations?

> Thanks

> Ezio

I'm wondering if there is any way one can relate these to the perfume families.

Orientals seem hot to me - exotic, warm, deeply sensual; Tobacco and leather

scents, seem dry; green scents are cooler and floral and fougere seem to be on

the wet side. Just a quick and random thought....

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends,

I have been reading a book on Alchemy and it got me wondering if there

is a possibility to apply the " Square of Opposition " to smells. In

other words, can we apply the elements to smell? Is there any

literature trying to do this? Or, can we apply the characteristics of

wet, dry, hot and cold to smells? This could be used to initiate the

process of making a specific perfume for someone, or in blending

different EO.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks

Ezio

 

I dont know that much about alchemy, however I am familiar with astrology,

magick, and the elements.  There are many correspondence tables with aromatics

and plant materials that have elemental connections, almost any occult book will

have them.  The thing is, many of the information is conflicting!  For example

spearmint has said to be ruled by air, but I've also heard water.  I've heard it

ruled by the planets Mercury(the most common), Venus, and Saturn!   I could go

on and on about specific plants and scents and how they seem to be in many

places at once!   I suppose this would give you much leeway in designing

fragrances based on elemental concepts.    Check out books that are about

incense, especially with a magickal bent-all of Cunningham's books are

excellent for this purpose.  There is also a book called The Book Of Incense, I

can't think of the authors name right now.  I also have a book called Wylunts

Book Of Incense that

has aromatic correspondences.  

 

  In general herbs, especially feathery ones like dill, anise, and fennel, are

ruled by air, as well as lavender and lemongrass,  spices and many resins, as

well as some conifers are ruled by fire,  flowers and fruits and anything from

the ocean or other bodies of water are ruled by water, and anything that smells

" earthy " i.e. patchouly, vetiver, oakmoss, and valerian, as well as most grains,

are ruled by earth.   Of course this is a big generalization, but even without

the specifics, you can see how these categories of plants and aromatics partake

of the qualities of the elements. 

  We've had discussions on here in the past about aromatics and their elemental

associations.  Many members responses were intuitively based,  mine are a

combination of my own impressions and associations and what I've learned from

books. 

[Guest guest]

There are many works on elemental scent. Try some metaphysical/ pagan

sources that trace herbs and flowers and trees to their ancient

correspondences and elemental attributes.

The 4 elements relate to the 4 states as in the Greek philosophy I

believe. There are ancient sources that were probably referenced in

alchemy, including planetary and kabalistic. I 'm sure that Micah

could speak on this.

A book you could try is " The Magical and Ritual use of Perfumes " by

& .

here is a start ....opinions will vary, these are what I consider when

making elemental incense and is in no way complete...

The Elements

The Scents of the Element of Air - Dry

Lavendar, Mastic, , Fennel, Sage, incense, Mint, Linden,

All tree born flowers and herbs that spread out and reach up

The Scents of the Element of Earth - Cold

Vetiver, Patchouli, Labanum, Cypress, Mugwort, Pine, Cedar

Mosses, ferns musks. Roots, Low shade loving plants, barks heavy

grasses, gums and berries

The Scents of the Element of Fire - Hot

Dittany , Basil, Cinnamon, Olibanum, Carnation, Clove,

Allspice,Saffron, Benzoin

Sun-loving flowers, spices and warm resins. Hot smelling things and

heat-emitting oils.

The Scents of the Element of Water - Wet

Lotus, Jasmine, Orris, Nard, Melon, Cucumber, Gardenia, Lily,

Mints, Camphor, Narcissus, Apricot

Fruits, seeds and melons, bulbs and cool smelling things

The Scents of the Element of Spirit - Aether

Ambergris, Olibanum, Lotus, incense

Katlyn Breene

Mermade Magickal Arts (since 1984)

katmermade@...

http://www.mermadearts.com/