opening, accepting and rejuvenating with rose
Roses have long been considered flowers of love in all of their forms. They often bring into a physical expression some of the most tender, deeply emotional moments and memories that many hold dear to their hearts. Considered the royalty of essential oils, Rose essential oil has immensely powerful benefits for the body and psyche. Its deep floral fragrance is often interwoven with the associations of love, comfort and wholeness, which it so beautifully brings to the table. Studies show that Rose essential oil is able to produce the body’s ‘feel good’ hormones, in turn truly uplifting the spirit from the inside out. Rose essential oil has been used to treat depression and anxiety, and the results have been astounding. It is also well-known for its ability to potentially balance reproductive hormones and reduce period pain. It is also known for being one of the most potent aids for healing issues with the skin. Rose essential oil and its innumerable topical benefits are widely utilised in cosmetics, perfumes and medicines.
A rose’s rarest essence lives in the thorn. – Rumi
It is sometimes difficult to embrace reality in its entirety. We are at a pertinent time in life where humanity’s consciousness is shifting, changing and evolving. We are all watching the future unfold, change and readjust before our eyes, feeling each other deeply as we get to witness each other’s pains and strengths. A new way of being is upon us, and it is so close we can almost smell it – the final flowering, immaculate, gorgeous, radiant. And yet, fully supported in its becoming by the many thorns.
If the rose is a beautiful flower, it is also because it opens itself. – Charles De Leusse
To maintain an open heart and remain in a space of acceptance, that in itself has been a deep and turbulent challenge for everyone over the past two years. Many have experienced fear, isolation, disempowerment and division. To remain open and loving, whilst in the face of trials and adversity, is also the only way one is able to receive, evolve and prosper.
A rose dreams of enjoying the company of bees, but none appears. The sun asks: Aren’t you tired of waiting? Yes, answers the rose, but if I close my petals, I will wither and die. – Paulo Coelho
the month of love
This February, the month of love, commit to opening and unfolding in your own intricate, and magnificent way. Always bloom with the essence of love. Ask yourself: how do you return non-love with love in every given moment of your life?
Not only to others but also to yourself. Collective understanding only deepens through the sharing of tender emotions, and moments of care. How could you better care and love yourself, so that your cup may be overflowing, so that your blossom may be the most beautiful, and highest inspiration for yourself and others evermore?
Stay open to give and you shall receive. As the bee shares its responsibility freely, to pollinate; in return, its collective receives the honey. Roses are gifts of tender love and care that keep on giving in their multitude of forms, vibrating only with the essence of pureness, acceptance and the inspiration to bloom!
Bulgarian Rose Festival
In Bulgaria, around the towns of Kazanlak, Karlovo, and Kalofer, which line the southern slopes of the magnificent Balkan and Sredna Gora mountain ranges, the natural synthesis and blossoming of the aromatic Damask Rose has been commemorated for centuries.
It isn’t known what exactly, but there is something in particular about the atmosphere, climate or soil that simply creates beauty, harmony and abundance by every means in the Rose Valley.
The first Rose Festival occurred in 1903 and is held in celebration and honour of the flower, its incredible aromatic beauty, its historical gifts to the country, and the array of colourful traditions surrounding it
The main attractions of the festival occur in the first week of June, with a multitude of magnificent events like rose harvesting, parades, dance, music, and all forms of artistic expression to experience; all to truly celebrate the hospitality of the Bulgarian culture. The main three day celebrations begin with the crowning of a local high school’s most fascinating, beautiful girl as the ‘Queen of Roses’ with Rozober, known as the “Rose-picking” ritual held in the gardens near Karlovo.
Locals dress in traditional costumes, carrying baskets full of delectably fragrant, pink petals. Folklore groups wear traditional masks that excite your eyes and senses, and the profoundly ancient and spectacular Kukeri dancers move rhythmically to drive away evil and invite positivity and blessings. The Queen of Roses honours the workers who are picking each rose by hand, and guests are decorated with wreaths and garlands of roses.
Following such is the tasting of the splendours, rose-jams, liqueurs and brandy. During the festival, the distilleries and museums are also important aspects of the celebration. Conferences and gatherings are held in dedication to the scientific study and celebration of the Rose and all of its qualities.
Endeared as a celebration of arts, talent and beauty for all involved, many people travel from all over the world to enjoy the timeless, exquisite nature of Bulgaria’s Roses and celebrations. The final parade is a grand demonstration, exhibiting the youth and cultural knowledge so it can be passed down to future generations.
Bulgarian Rose Essential Oil
Bulgarian Rose Oil, or Rose Otto, is the essential oil that is extracted from the petals of the Bulgarian Rose Damascena. During the festival, guests are presented with the opportunity to smell and purchase this incredibly rare oil. Rose Otto has incredible properties and has been used in skincare products, medicine, aromatherapy, and fine perfumery. There is an extremely limited supply every year. Pure Bulgarian Rose Otto is considered one of the most precious essential oils in the world.
the ultimate blend to open your heart for february
- 2 drops Rose
- 2 drops Jasmine
- 1 drop Neroli
- 2 drops Lemon
Simply add these oils to your diffuser or dilute them into a carrier oil for a warming massage blend. Massage onto your back, chest and the bottoms of your feet for a gentle and loving experience.