The Unknown Land

“Crowned Past” April, 22nd, 2021

Labdanum + Marigold

 

Cistus ladanifer -Labdanum absolute

Origin: India

Plant part used: Wax

Source: Wild crafted

Method: Solvent Extract

 

Labdanum (aka Cistus) Absolute

Plant: Cistus ladanifer

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Description

We have been searching for a good source of labdanum or Cistus essential oil for a long time., because it is very helpful in our approach. We ended up asking Moosa on the off chance if he could find any in India and he did. His labdanum absolute was exactly what we were looking for. It has a rich, deep aroma with leathery, earthy undertones. It is exactly what we wanted and it is alive.

We call this oil the ‘Master of the Shadow’. It is an excellent ally when doing shadow work. It helps us to discover hidden, unknown aspects of ourselves. We use it intensively when working on transgenerational trauma and healing. It enables us to really tap into our intuitive skills and touch on information tucked deeply into our cellular memory. There is a clairvoyant side to it. It shows us what we need to know in order to move forward. It is forthright and active. It does not beat about the bush, rather it goes directly to what needs to be revealed. A master at revealing family secrets. We always say be careful. This oil should not be used unless you’ve been properly initiated.

Labdanum is one of the oldest produced aromatic substances. It is a resin exuded by the Cistus ladanifer plant, a type of rock rose and was one of the first ‘distilled’ aromatic substances. It was used for ritual purposes by several ancient cultures. For example, Egyptian pharaos put labdanum in their beards—not for grooming but as spiritual technology.

 

Tagetes erecta L. - Marigold

Plant part: Flowers

Origin: India

Pure and Natural – For External Use Only

Source: Cultivated

Method: Hydrodistilled

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Description

This Marigold essential oil is from ‘African’ marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) which is actually native to Mexico and has been used there for centuries to connect with the Dead, for example on Dia de los Muertos and is known in Mexico as ‘Flor de Muerto’ (Flower of the Dead). To the Aztecs, it was the  flower sacred to the goddess Cihualcoatl-Quilaztli (snake woman), a mother and fertility goddess.

This Marigold species took advantage of human trade and colonial routes to make its way to Africa and India. It has also been incorporated into ritual and worship in India. It is also important to know that this is not Calendula, which is sometimes also refered to as Marigold. Most of the Marigold (Tagetes) essential oil available is Tagetes minuta, which has a very different personality and aroma.

Our Marigold (Tagetes erecta) essential oil embodies the light that is also seen in the bright color of the flowers. It is this light that reaches the dead. It is the light of communication with our ancestors. Regardless of where your ancestors are from, this is a superb, alive aroma that helps with contacting them and doing ancestral healing. It is a powerful, pungent aroma that has a deep slow heartbeat.