Scent-Based Activities

Scent-based activities correspond with the Melancholic Temperament, Black Bile, Cold/Dry, Earth Element, the Tarot Suit of Coins, Winter (Hermetic Golden Dawn), the Physical Body/Material World, the Tree of Life: World of Assiah (of Making, Materializing or Made), Root (Muladhara) Chakra, shades of Red, Brown, and earthy tones, the Red Aura Color Personality, Sense of Smell, The Emotion of Depression, and LAM (part of God's name).

Just breathe. Breathing could also be associated with movement under the sense of "Touch". However, I placed it here as most people associate breathing with the nose and the sense of smell. There are more elaborate breathing exercises, but try this simple one to start. Sit or lie quietly and listen to your breath. Begin by inhaling through the nose to a normal count of 4 (hold for 2 seconds), then exhale to a count of 4, making sure to empty your lungs (pull in your belly). Repeat. Try for at least eight repetitions while sitting. You're breathing right if your tummy expands on the inhale and flattens on the exhale. Try to do this every day or whenever you need a stress reliever. Breathing deeply triggers a natural relaxation response during inhalation, helping the body relax. If you feel lightheaded at all, don't breathe in quite so deeply at first. Breath is life. Breathe deeply. 

 

Experiment with a new cologne. A new cologne might be just what you need. Do you wear the same cologne year after year? You are known by your scent. It's your label. It's who you are. Maybe it's time to redefine yourself. Go to the store and sample some new cologne. You might be surprised at who you have become.

 

Smell the roses. Roses are not my favorite flower, but when they begin to bloom at the park, I have to go out and enjoy their fragrance. A particular rose (pale orange with dark reddish-orange edges) transports me to another place and time. Smell the flowers, take in their fragrance, and live a little.

 

Bake something. Nothing compares to the smell of baking in the house to evoke a sense of ease and appreciation for pure goodness. ​​

 

Inhale essential oils, smelling salts, or light some incense. Have you ever been stopped at a light in traffic and gotten anxious when someone else's car exhaust started infiltrating your airspace? Are you a Highly Sensitive Person? If so, you might become lightheaded or feel nauseous when confined to areas with bad or strong smells. The opposite is also true. Studies show that a wonderful scent can calm you down immediately. Incense isn't just strong and mossy anymore. There's a world of scent in incense land. There's sure to be at least one you will enjoy. Incense chases away negative vibes, makes the home smell nice, and lifts the spirits. So, go ahead. Light one up!