Hmmm, Ylang Ylang and Sandalwood sound good, but yes, I'll have to sample them and relate them to my deck myself.
Indeed! I have to admit, I'm afraid if I attempt direct contact of drops of oil with my cloth they may stain it (because unfortunately, it's not very easy to find perfect quality essential oils, and even if you do, they are oils at the end of the day...), so I have thought of the following method:
I intend to use a pot or a bowl. Fill it with water, put the drops of the essential oil in, soak the cloth in the bowl, and then, logically, there should be no stains. What do you think of this plan?
Hi kx5.
Yes - I think the "soaking in infused water" could work to produce less staining. You could add a little alcohol to help fractionate the oil - i.e. "break the oil up into smaller particles" as it will of course float on the water (choose your alcohol carefully - over the years I found the one I liked the smell of best was "Parrot" brand rum - I think... The scent was sweet and flowery.).
Like RiverRunsDeep I have massage training and Aromatherapy background - and agree with her oil summary and conclusions. Choose the ones which you most like.
Do be aware if you're doing face-to-face readings - some people may be sensitive/allergic to the scents. And different people have varied reactions to them too. One of my friends gets anxious in the presence of Lavender (completely contrary to it's accepted/documented use.).
Personally, I love scents, but would not mark a particular cloth with one, because what I like to smell - differs according to my mood/state of mind. So in my case - it's far better to put the required scent into an oil burner or spray bottle for any particular time.
I'm also quite sensitive to scents.
I purchased a 2nd hand deck once that had patchouli-oil suffused into the tarot bag it came in. This means the cards themselves carry the scent too. Sometimes I like it - and sometimes I can't stand it.
Jasmin and Ylang Ylang I like - but the "cloying" nature of their scents, usually give me a headache. Lavender, I associate with good sleep - not so good if I want to stay awake to read for somebody
Eucalyptus reminds me of home (I love the scent) - but it's also quite a "sharp" smell, which makes me thirsty over time. I think of it in terms of working on "banishing illness", and general "banishing" - also to do with "journeying of dead souls to the other side" (I used it once in a ritual for a dying newborn - wishing it the best.) - not quite the correct mindset when I'm doing a reading for someone.
Ofcourse - essential oils (as with many herbs), have a load of magical correspondences.
Here, I very briefly quote directly from Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (he was a solitary modern Witch - highly regarded in modern magical circles.)
Rose: For love and psychic powers. Associated with the element of Water and Venus.
Jasmin: For love and prophetic dreams. Associated with Water and the Moon.
Ylang Ylang: Nothing in his book. Guess he never had access to it. Ylang Ylang physiologically lowers blood pressure. It's also an exotically sensual scent. I might "magically" use it for issues around self-confidence, and the enhancement of feelings of stability - helping with "grounding".
Sandalwood (White): For protection and healing. Associated with Water and the Moon.
Chamomile (German): For banishing and for attracting money. Associated with Water and the Sun.
Lavender: For happiness, peace and longevity. Associated with the element of Air and Mercury.
Eucalyptus: For healing and protection. Associated with Water and the Moon.
Happy oil sampling!