by Anya McCoy
Part 3
The Psychology and Spirit of Natural Perfumery
Mainstream perfumery – we all know what that’s about, attraction, seduction, empowerment and adornment.
Natural Perfumery takes a different approach. Sometimes. Yes, it can be about “aspiration” – to feel better, sexier, prettier, younger, and more elevated psychologically. But the really beautiful element at the core, the heart, of Natural Perfumery is that the perfumer, if they are very sensitive and spiritual, will work with the client to create a scent that addresses the spirit, body and mind.
This is only possible, of course, when the perfumer works on a one-to-one basis.
Most perfumers start out with themselves as a client in the training and evolutionary process necessary to get to know the ingredients. The Natural Perfumer can still aspire to heal the end consumer that is unknown, that is, not a personal client, by composing a perfume that contains a theme, a focus, and a real goal.
You can always tell a Natural Perfumer who comes from aromatherapy from one who doesn’t – there is a real effort by the aromatherapist to put healing elements into the perfume. They have studied, and understand, the aromachology and spiritual nature of the essential oils. They celebrate more of a palette to play with, and they just take the healing effects to another level with the narcotic effects of tuberose, the grounding effect of ambrette seed, or the sacred solemnity of nagarmotha (a gorgeous incense-y scent often used in Ayurvedic healing.)
Not to say the Natural Perfumer who does not come from an aromatherapy background cannot heal and delight the client. The very act of identifying oneself as a Natural Perfumer indicates the person has turned away from mainstream perfumery, the synthetic chemicals and harshness, and to the true essences. They are on a path of enlightenment of spirit, psyche and body and soul.
They come from varied backgrounds: soaper, esthetician, nature-lover, and lifelong perfume addict. They have a finely attuned nose that can discriminate between true and synthetic essences. They want to create a fragrance of beauty, one that inspires, seduces, delights and yes, sometimes, on a basic level, heals the client.
Thus, many different people, from many different backgrounds gather under the soft, wafting breezes that carry the ribbons of scent, designed the Natural Perfumery way, to a new, eager clientele. And thus the new discipline and art of aromatherapy marries with the ancient discipline and art of perfumery to fashion an evolved perfumer, one who is hopeful to bring a fresh, beautiful, non-toxic scent to life.
Click here for Part 4 of Natural Perfumery - A Fragrant Evolution For Aromatherapy
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