An Angelic Holiday Season

By Guest Author: Joni Keim

“Make yourself familiar with the angels and behold them frequently in spirit;
for without being seen, they are present with you.” ~St. Francis de Sales

The holidays are upon us, and the signs of the season adorn our surroundings: Christmas trees, mistletoe, images of Santa Claus, Kwanza candelabrum, Christmas stockings, menorahs, candy canes, and angels. These symbols and decorations evoke nostalgic memories of the past and set the stage for the glorious present and the promise of the future.

Since childhood, the images and decorations of angels have always been my favorite. There is a beauty and enchantment that captured my heart long ago, as they do now. Angels have a unique presence during the holidays in both their imagery and well as their mission. They are loving, peaceful, and non-judgmental, and virtually every major religion makes reference to them. (Their hierarchy and roles vary depending on the faith.)

The archangels and guardian angels are those that watch over mankind, and they are available to everyone. There are angels specially for writers, artists, soldiers, animals, children, and more. At the mere mention of their names or the asking, they will be with us. They strengthen our spirit, comfort us, heal us, and help us to be good human beings. They protect us, guide us, and encourage us. They fill us with hope and joy and help us to find the right direction for our lives. They also tend to us when we leave our earthly life. Thankfully, they never abandon us.

There are signs and symbols that let us know when an angel is nearby; finding a feather (especially a white one), hearing a high-pitched sound in one ear, or seeing flashes or twinkles of lights. It can be having a sense of being touched when no one is there, having the feeling of not being alone when we are or witnessing an angelic appearance in our dreams or daydreams. It can be seeing an image in the clouds (such as angels, hearts, or flowers) or noticing a sequence of numbers (such as 111, 222, 333, etc.). It can also be catching a whiff of a heavenly aroma when the source of the aroma is not apparent.

Angels & Aromas celebrates this association of angels and aromas. The best-known angelic aroma, detected upon their arrival and their departure, is described as something close to rose—an exquisitely beautiful, floral aroma—complex, sweet, and rich. There are also accounts of other types of aromas, such as earthy, light, or bright.

Essential oils, the natural aromas from plants, work wonderfully with the angelic realm. Specific aromas represent and affirm the responsibilities and characteristics of specific angels, helping to bring the angels close to us while enlivening our senses. We do not need an aroma to be in the presence of angels. Angels will be with us at any time and any place, but if we enjoy the beautiful and enticing aromas of essential oils, they can be used to enhance our encounters and experiences with the angelic realm.

NOTE: An important part of using essential oils with angels is to be clear about the intention of their use. Thoughts are energy, and intention directs that energy. Thinking about something is the first step to its manifestation, nothing that has ever been accomplished that was not, at first, a thought. Wayne Dyer, in his book, The Power of Intention explains how “our intention creates our reality.”

“The more that you trust and believe in angels, the more they will
pour their blessings upon you.” ~Denise Linn

Angels & Aromas profiles 21 angels and the guardian angels (as a group). Following is an example. Archangel Michael (the angel of protection) has been chosen because he is one of the best-known angels as well as one of the most popular.

Michael ~Archangel “He who is like God”

Michael is the angel of protection. He protects all things—people, animals, belongings, cars, and reputations. He especially protects us from negative forces. He is also the leader of the archangels.

The color that surrounds Michael may be royal blue, royal purple, or gold. He is courageous, strong, reliable, and has fiery energy. His symbols include a sword, a shield, blackbirds, and the sunshine. When he is nearby, you may see flashes of blue or purple lights. When you feel the sun upon you, think of Michael.

Other Duties and Associations: Courage, truthfulness, action, motivation, emotional strength, life purpose, confidence, career ambition, hope, repairing electrical and mechanical things, overseeing light-workers (those who have global missions), soldiers, patron of police officers

Primary Essential Oil for Protection: Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) Frankincense protects and comforts the heart, mind, and spirit. It promotes courage, fortitude, integrity, and reliability. It grounds and emotionally strengthens. It calms the mind and promotes mental clarity and focus. It supports positive, masculine energy.

Frankincense’s spiritual teaching: Life begins when we take our first breath and ends when we take our last. If our breathing is deep, slow, and regular, our mind and body relax. In the subtle realm, breathing represents an ever-present rhythm of taking in to renew and letting out to let go. Frankincense, on a physical level, slows and deepens the breath, which promotes relaxation. On a subtle level, it creates a calm, meditative state in which we can experience and integrate spiritual guidance and love. Frankincense guides us to breathe—taking in that which is nurturing and life-enhancing and then letting out and releasing that which is no longer needed or beneficial. It teaches us that peace and healing are ever-present and just a breath away.

NOTE: The spiritual teaching information is from Aromatherapy Anointing Oils: Spiritual Blessings, Ceremonies & Affirmations by Joni Keim and Ruah Bull.

Additional Essential Oils for Protection:

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha): Protects, grounds, and calms. Promotes courage, fortitude, and a sense of well-being. Strengthens the spirit.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): Protects and emotionally strengthens. Promotes confidence, courage, and reliability. Strengthens willpower and promotes action and perseverance. Invigorates the mind.

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides): Protects, grounds, and emotionally strengthens. Calms and stabilizes the mind. Protects against over-sensitivity. Strengthens willpower, perseverance, and decision-making. Promotes a deep sense of security.

“Angels speak to those who silence their minds long enough to hear.” ~Proverb

A Michael Blend for Protection
4 drops Frankincense
4 drops Myrrh
1 drop Tea Tree
1 drop Vetiver

This blend can be prepared and used 3 different ways. Whichever way you choose, when you inhale the aroma, hold the positive intention in your mind.

(1) As a concentrate: Mix essential oils together in a small glass bottle with a tight-fitting cap. Put one drop on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose from the tissue. Pause. Repeat 3 times. Avoid touching the tissue to your skin.
(2) As a skin lotion or oil: Mix essential oils together in 1 ounce of fragrance-free lotion or MCT oil. Store in a glass jar or bottle with a secure cap. Massage about 1/2 teaspoon into your hands. Inhale the aroma from your palms. Pause. Repeat 3 times.
(3) As a mist: Mix essential oils together in 4 ounces of purified water in a mister bottle. Shake well before each use. Mist the top of your head, the area around you, and the palms of your hands. Inhale the aroma from your palms. Pause. Repeat 3 times.

NOTE: The essential oils and blends are designed for adult use and not intended for children

Joni Keim is the author of Angels & Aromas, a guide to using essential oils with angels available here.