Yarrow & the Sacred Wound
The fragrant yarrow of the Catskill Mountains
Tonight the Full Moon conjuncts Chiron. This celestial body harbors the energy of the Wounded Healer -- and the moon now illuminates it with the question to each of us, "What is your sacred wound?"
The centaur Chiron was the teacher and master of medicinal arts, yet he carried a wound that wouldn't heal. He had been shot by one of Hercules arrows which would have killed any mortal soul, but it left Chiron with an incurable wound of body and soul. In the end, Chiron decided to willingly walk into the realm of Hades- the Underworld- and offered his immortality to heal his suffering.
This story of Chiron deeply relates to the medicine of the plant Yarrow, Achillea Millefolium. Indeed, it was named after the warrior Achilles from whose legend we receive the phrase 'our achilles heel'. It's a euphemism used to describe our sacred wound -- our weak spot, which penetrates to the core of who we are. It is through seeing and healing this wound that our soul may grow, develop, and evolve into who we came to be.
Yarrow encourages us to face this wound, which we might resist confronting. This resistance may hide our sacred wound in shadow - in the underworld. Yarrow offers us willingness to go into darkness to see our trauma, guiding us to integrate it so that we may transform.
This is an opportune time to work with this plant, and for shadow work in general. Since trauma is stored in the body, I really love rubbing Yarrow Soul oil on sensitive places that harbor memory or dense energy. For me, this is largely in my womb and solar plexus.
Drop into conversation with Yarrow and your body-- ask what is my sacred wound? What block must I heal in order to grow and expand? Tune into visions, sensations, subtleties. Connect with the wounded part of you -- whether they're part of this life or a past one. See what they need; show them love and support.
An important affirmation for me as I do this work lately- in speaking to my younger self & me right now: I love who you are, who I am, and who we are becoming.
Anoint your skin with this botanical oil for a fragrant, embodied experience that will transport you into the Soul of Yarrow. After all, in Alchemy, the oil of a plant is considered its Soul.
This is not your typical bottle of Yarrow-infused oil. Look at that color! Like with all of my Soul Oils, I use a unique extraction method to make this herbal oil as potent and fragrant as possible without adding essential oils. Ideal for sensitive skin. With a base of Jojoba, this oil will also be shelf stable for several years.
❀ About Yarrow ❀
: : : Wounded Healer ❈ Protectress ❈ Empathic Boundaries : : :
Yarrow's strength is in fortifying boundaries. On a physical level, the herb has been coveted in herbal wisdom as an aid for the skin-- the main boundary of our body. On an energetic level, Yarrow helps prevent our energy from bleeding out to others and strengthens our field so that we do not allow energy to seep into us unwanted. This makes this oil essential for empaths and healers so they may hold open-hearted space for others while not taking on any energy that does not serve them.
As such, this oil is multi-purpose: it works to establish empathic boundaries on an energetic level, yet it also offers care to the skin. With a base of Jojoba, Yarrow Soul is non-comedogenic and gentle for sensitive skin. This oil can act as a potent facial serum to soothe skin, and it can even be used as an oil cleanser (see below for more info on that!). It's the perfect oil for fresh and aged tattoos!
Last but not least, Yarrow also has an archetypal relationship with the Centaur Chiron, often referred to as the Wounded Healer. He is said to have invented medicine in order to heal himself. In connection to this, Yarrow's medicine illuminates our deepest wounds and the possibility to heal them as part of our spiritual journey.
❀ About Jojoba Oil & Soul Oils ❀
Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax that most closely resembles our skin's natural sebum. As such, Jojoba absorbs much more easily into skin than other oils. It is non-comedogenic and can be used to cleanse and moisturize the face without causing break-outs. Jojoba oil is rich in the skin-nourishing antioxidant Vitamin E (known for keeping age-related changes at bay) plus Vitamins A and D. It also contains the minerals chromium, copper, and zinc, plus Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids. All good-for-you stuff that will plump up your skin and help keep it nourished.
I created Soul Oils to offer fragrant, potent herbal oils that are safer and more sustainable than Essential Oils. Through the Soul Oil extraction method, some of the plant's natural essential oils will be extracted, but not in extreme strengths that might imbalance sensitive skin and bodies. Plus, with Soul Oils, the final product maintains the vitamins, antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and whole-plant extracts that get lost in the process of distilling essential oils. It's a win-win for your skin and the Earth!
You can read more about my journey into making Soul Oils on my blog here: https://sensitiveearth.com/blog-post/2019-03-07-soul-oils/
❀ How to Use ❀
I use an intensive and unique extraction method to make these oils *super* potent. You can tell by their colors. Soul Oils can be used as-is or diluted. Add them to your botanical creations (their dark colors will impart color to your oils!) or enjoy them in their potent simplicity to connect to the soul of this plant ally. Great for anointing before meditation or ritual, and beautiful to add to a bath.
Slather all over! Herbal-body oiling is a powerfully calming practice, where the fat of the oil on your skin can seep down in to nourish your nervous system. The medicine of oils is best absorbed by your feet, so if nothing else, massage your feet!
Note that this oil is for topical use only. While Jojoba oil is non-toxic, it's not properly digested by the human body.
PACKAGING NOTE: Although we loved the gold droppers, we recently upgraded to leak-proof black, ribbed droppers. They're more ergonomic if hands are slippery due to water or oil use. Updated photos are coming soon.
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** Disclaimer: These statements and products have not been federally evaluated. This product is not intended to diagnose, cure or treat any disease. Since humans are complex, results may vary depending on individual physiology. Sensitive Earth LLC is not responsible for reactions that occur due to the use of our products. The buyer assumes all responsibility for items once purchased. **