July 1, 2011: Cancer New Moon Solar Eclipse (exact at 1:54 am PDT)

Today’s Cancer New Moon is also a Solar Eclipse. It’s the third Eclipse in the past month. The first—a Gemini Solar Eclipse—took place on June 1 with the second—a Sagittarius Lunar Eclipse—taking place on June 15. The next Eclipses this year don’t occur for a while: The Sagittarius Solar Eclipse falls on November 24 (Thanksgiving) while the Gemini Lunar Eclipse falls on December 10. Even if we can’t see an Eclipse in the sky where we live, these celestial events are renowned for being very powerful in the way in which they can impact our lives.

A New Moon Solar Eclipse signifies a time for beginnings. While something may inherently be coming to a close, there is great focus on the initiation of the new that it brings. Like Lunar Eclipses, a Solar Eclipse is often accompanied by identifiable life-changing events that manifest around the time of its occurrence. It’s a very auspicious time to plant the seeds for that which you want to manifest over the coming months.

This Cancer New Moon provides an opportunity to resolve some familial wounds. This is because Cancer is the sign of the family, the home, and the past. The sign of the Crab is associated with that which gives us roots and grounded nurturance. It relates to those whom we call our tribe, or wish to call our tribe. When Cancer energy is strong we are more inclined to come from a place of subjective emotions and want to fiercely protect that which we love.

While you may feel you are being urged to begin a new chapter of your life, it’s natural that you may feel like you are facing some resistance. This may be even more evident today given that structured Saturn is squaring the Sun and Moon. Try to work through the fear of change that Saturn may inspire by focusing on channelling its planetary energy another way. See if you can use it to help you created a structured plan that will allow you to achieve the changes you want in your life, knowing that they are built upon a solid foundation. When’s Saturn’s strong, we have to do the work—there’s no proverbial “free lunch”—yet if we are responsible and accountable we also get the jewels. This includes a greater sense of authority, the sense that we are actually being responsible for authoring our lives.

In reality even if we attempted to resist the changes the Eclipse is inspiring, it may seem futile given that Pluto is opposing the Sun and Moon. This may manifest as an incredible intensity where we are connecting to provocative and deep feelings as well as awareness. Compulsions and power struggles are also often prevalent when Pluto is strong so watch for this in your interactions, as well as within yourself. As Pluto inspires letting go of that which doesn’t forge alignment, consider giving into the urge to release and jump right into the whirlpool of your personal transformation, abetted by a life vest of faith.

This month’s New Moon falls at 9 degrees of Cancer (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Cancer or the other cardinal signs—Aries, Libra, Capricorn—it may impact you more intensely. Also, take note of the house in your personal astrology chart that the eclipse falls in as it represents an arena of your life that will hold special import over the next 6 months.

New Moon Solar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

Cancer rules the stomach, sinuses, body fluids, and breasts. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

Jasmine essential oil: As the jasmine flower is governed by the Moon—the planetary ruler of Cancer—enjoying its aroma can help support the energetics of this Solar Eclipse. Jasmine has a rapturous fragrance that arouses our ability to connect to the feminine spirit within us. It’s a lauded aphrodisiac as well. Use it as perfume, combine it with body oil for a sensuality-inspiring massage, or sprinkle a few drops in a bath and soak in its feminine revelry.

Mariposa Lily flower essence: Cancer is the sign of the mother and the maternal nature that exists within all of us. Yet, some people feel disconnected from a sense of maternal nurturance. It may be that they perceived their mother didn’t meet their needs, an imprint that then shapes their connection to expressing warmth and radiance as well as nourishing themselves and others. If issues related to your mother and the caring feminine energy within you are arising during this time, consider Mariposa Lily flower essence. It helps to inspire maternal consciousness and a sense of warmth and caring, enlivening a reconnection to mother and the mother archetype. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)

Since Aries and the New Moon both symbolize the ushering in of new beginnings, this lunar event is an auspicious time to start a new project. If you’re looking to kick off a diet or amp up your exercise regimen, the exuberance of palpable energy that the Aries New Moon affords may be a great motivator. Also, if you’ve wanted to tackle a problem but found yourself lacking in the moxie department, the Aries New Moon may give you an infusion of courage and daring that can help you persevere.

A caveat, though. With so much initiating energy around, it may seem as if everyone wants things to happen now, or even before. Since Aries prizes immediacy, impatience and/or bursts of anger—within yourself or expressed by others—may be heightened around this time. While the go-get-‘em energy instilled by this New Moon can help motivate us into a challenge, rushing can often lead to rashness, a surefire prescription for stress and accidents.

This month’s New Moon falls at 24 degrees of Aries (the location of both the Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Aries or the other cardinal signs—Cancer, Libra, Capricorn—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Aries rules the head, muscles, and circulatory system. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

Impatiens flower essence: As its name implies, Impatiens flower essence help quell impatience, one of the premier characteristics associated with Aries. So, if you find yourself being overly impetuous or running a short fuse, consider this remedy. Take a few drops several times a day until you feel the impatience lifting. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)

Scalp massage: Start your New Moon morning with a scalp massage. It’s simple to do and only takes a few minutes. Just take a nourishing oil (such as coconut or avocado) and rub it into your scalp before you shampoo your hair. Start at your hairline and work backwards toward the nape of your neck, rubbing your scalp with moderate pressure in small circular motions. For additional scalp-health benefits, add some rosemary essential oil to the massage blend. Regular scalp massages—which you can even do without the oil—can help stimulate circulation, alleviate tension, and reduce flaky scalp conditions.

April 17-May 11, 2010: Mercury Retrograde

Retrograde periods are times for reflection and heightened inner awareness. Since Mercury symbolizes communication, they way we learn, our siblings, and our neighborhood, this period can yield great insights in related areas of our life.  Mercury retrograde lasts about three weeks and occurs three to four times per year; the last one took place December 26, 2009 – January 15, 2010.

Mercury represents the bridges and channels that allow us to connect varied pieces of information in order to synthesize them into the whole of understanding. During Mercury retrograde periods, the inherent weaknesses of these conduits may be revealed. As such, this period is known for the breakdown of tools that help us to share information (such as phones, computers, and printers) and well as those that assist us as we move from place to place (such as cars, bikes, and buses); therefore, do what you can to make sure they are in good working order, before Mercury goes retrograde if possible. With data and information transfer stressed, it’s a great time to ensure you’re backing up your hard drive, keeping track of whether you’re due for an oil change, or inventorying your supply of extra batteries necessary for the remote or your child’s favorite toy.

Any planetary retrograde reflects a period where the energy is focused more internally. Therefore, it’s a wonderful time to turn communication inward to seek insights and understanding. Meditation, journaling, and nondominant handwriting are great activities to do during Mercury retrograde to help you find the pieces of the puzzle and the teachings of wisdom that you seek.

While inner reflection is heightened, external communication may be stressed. Therefore, try to avoid misunderstandings by being extra diligent about the words you use, while also making sure to listen even more attentively than usual. Whether it be with writing or speaking, put a little extra effort into dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s. Be especially aware of this if you have to sign any binding contract during Mercury retrograde (putting off doing so if possible), as oftentimes all of the information you need to make a decision isn’t available or especially clear.

When you think of how to approach this period, remember the first two letters of the word retrograde—“re”—and apply it to the activities you undertake. As such, Mercury retrograde periods are a great time to reassess, review, reanalyze, revisit, rethink, re-edit, and recommunicate.

During this retrograde period, Mercury travels from 13 degrees Taurus to 3 degrees Taurus. While everyone experiences the energies of Mercury retrograde, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around or aspecting these degrees, it may impact you more intensely.

Mercury Retrograde Apothecary Suggestions

Nondominant handwriting: This exercise is easy to do and takes minimal time commitment. Just think of a question to which you seek an answer, something that you’ve been pondering. Then pick up a pen or pencil and place it in your nondominant hand (the left one for righties, and the right one for lefties) and write out the answer on paper. Write freely and don’t judge what may seem like chicken scratch. The beauty of this exercise is that by using our opposite hand we are able to access more of our subsconcious mind and tap into our intuitive knowingness. What you compose on the paper should provide you with an insightful perspective on your question.

Spring cleaning: Mercury retrograde is a great time to literally clean your closets. That’s because our abilities to reassess, reevaluate, and reconsider are heightened. Cleaning closets can be wonderfully therapeutic: It provides a trip down memory lane and it also helps to unburden ourselves of things that no longer best serve us. If your closets don’t need to be cleaned, consider organizing your desk drawers or pantry shelves.

April 26, 2010:  Saturn opposite Uranus

Today, we experience the fourth of five exact oppositions of Saturn and Uranus, an astrological alignment that has been coloring our recent personal and collective past. These planets began dancing in this relationship in 2008, with their first opposition occurring on November 4 (Election Day in the U.S.). This was followed by an opposition on February 5 and one on September 15, 2009. In addition to today’s, there is one more that will occur in the current cycle, on July 26, 2010. (All except for the July 2010 opposition feature Saturn in Virgo and Uranus in Pisces; the July one will occur with Saturn in Libra and Uranus in Aries.)

On the surface, this push-pull between Saturn and Uranus can be extremely challenging; after all, they seem to represent polar-opposite energies. Saturn upholds rules and limits, promoting the status quo and all that has come before. Uranus, on the other hand, represents the revolutionary desire to upturn that which is accepted in hopes to find a solution that promotes evolution.

Simply said, with Saturn and Uranus, we have Same vs. Change. We may feel like we are on a see-saw, one minute wanting to “just throw it all away” and start fresh while the next minute holding on, with dear life, to all that we have created.

Yet, Saturn and Uranus can dance together really graciously. These energies can be rectified, dialoguing in a way that enables empowering and realistic change to come to life. Remember, Saturn provides structure in order to make things manifest. So if it’s change that you want, if you want to create something new in your life, Saturn can help provide the foundation and support to help make it happen. When making Uranian changes, just remember to pay homage to Saturn by infusing some pragmatism into your thinking when deciding how you can reinvent areas of your life.

Consider the proverbial apple cart as an example of working with the energies of Saturn and Uranus. During this time, you may feel a desire to overturn the apple cart. If you do, just remember to pick up the fruit and rearrange them (either on the existing cart or a new one) in a way that better serves you. This re-structuring (and Saturn-honoring) approach to change may be more productive than just moving on, with “apples” strewn on the ground, providing no benefit for anyone. Saturn/Uranus gives us a sandbox for structured chaos, which can be a really creative and provocative experience.

During this opposition, Saturn will be at 29 degrees Virgo and Uranus will be at 29 degrees Pisces.  While everyone experiences the energies of the Saturn/Uranus opposition, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Virgo, Pisces, or the other mutable signs—Gemini and Sagittarius—it may impact you more intensely.

Saturn/Uranus Opposition Apothecary Suggestions

Free-form dance: With Saturn ruling the body and Uranus associated with independence and individuality, free-form dancing—including Ecstatic Dance, Dances of Universal Peace, and others–can be a great approach to healing during this celestial alignment. Dancing allows us to move our bodies, enhancing circulation and promoting mind/body/heart connections. It can be especially helpful in times when there’s heightened energy (Uranus) that may have a tendency to crystallize (Saturn) in our bodies.

Walnut flower essence: Sometimes we want to make changes but feel blocked by a lack of confidence and certainty, which may have been instilled within us as a result of accepting others’ visions for how we should live our life. These self-limiting thoughts may often create doubt and stand in our way of pursuing our true path. If you need support committing to a change in your life that you know, in your heart of hearts, truly will help you to evolve (regardless of what the “old tapes” say), consider Walnut flower essence. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)

April 28, 2010: Taurus/Scorpio Full Moon (exact at 5:18 am PDT)

During the Taurus/Scorpio Full Moon we experience the juxtaposition of the practical (Taurus) and the emotional (Scorpio). The interplay between these two signs helps us to forge an awareness that what we see—what has form—is reliant upon that which is unseen but deeply felt.

As it reflects the relationship between the ground (Taurus) and the underground (Scorpio), a garden is a great image to consider when looking at the meaning of this Full Moon. Our senses appreciate the glory of the flowers, trees, ferns, and other earthly Taurean gems that flourish. Yet, it’s important to remember that none of this growth would be possible were it not for that which occurs out of sight, below the surface—such as the complex root structure, the hardworking earthworms, and the decay that feeds the soil. What we are called on to appreciate during this Full Moon is that the beauty we see is not just on the surface but also exists in the places that we may often shy away from, those we may consider “unseemly” or “out of bounds.” Given that Mercury is aligned with the Full Moon, we may be able to more readily connect with the words and images that can help us give voice to these reflections.

There is a tenacity that fills the air during this Full Moon since both signs are known for this quality: Taurus is stubborn and likes to do what it wants while Scorpio clenches tightly to that which it desires to possess. Combine this with the sexuality inherent in both signs—Taurus from the perspective of enjoying the sensual and Scorpio because of its appreciation of transformative experiences—and you’re looking at a day filled with passion and pleasure.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 8 degrees of Taurus (Sun) and Scorpio (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Taurus, Scorpio, or the other fixed signs—Leo and Aquarius—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Taurus is associated with the neck, throat, and inner ears while Scorpio is associated with the genitals, bladder, and large intestine. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Flower petal bath: Submerge your body in a sensuality-inspiring bath. Fill a small drawstring muslin bag (available at health and beauty-aid stores) with petals from your favorite fragrant flowers. While the bath is filling, hang the flower bag on the tub’s spout, and then let it float in the water after the bath is ready. (If you have a good drain cover, consider floating some petals themselves in the bath.) Enhance the aromatics of your experience by adding a few drops of floral essential oils—such as jasmine, rose, or rose geranium—to the bath.

Mud therapy: Mud holds great therapeutic benefits, including detoxification and muscle relaxation. As mud reflects aspects of Taurus (the earth) and Scorpio (the dark and dirty), treatments using this powerful material are well suited during this Full Moon. Many spas offer body polishing mud treatments (also known as fangotherapy). Or purchase some mud at a natural apothecary, applying it as a mask to your face and/or body, reveling in its ability to uncover more of your natural beauty.

As a way to celebrate International Astrology Day, an esteemed group of astrologers–including Donna Cunningham, Mandi Lockley, and CJ Wright–spearheaded a Blog-a-Thon. Dedicated to providing insights that will help us face the challenges of the Cardinal T-Square between Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto, the Blog-a-Thon is a coordinated collection of 70 articles and multimedia events certain to inspire. It is scheduled for March 19 – 21, 2010 (yet, the articles will be available indefinitely; links to them are offered below).

Here’s the schedule of collections that will emerge over the 3-day period:

Friday, March 19, 2010

Pluto Problems Got Your Perplexed? Here’s What Helps!

Find the links to these transformative articles at this page.

Vibration Magazine Presents: A Collection of Articles about Combining Essences and Astrology

This is a collection of articles on flower essences and astrology; find the link to them at this page. (I am  honored to have been invited to be among my esteemed colleagues and offer my Stress Reduction Tips for Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn as a part of this collection.)

Voices from the Past – Sound Bytes at the Astrologers’ Memorial

This beautiful dedication can be found here.

Cosmic Art Gallery

This wonderful astrological imagery is featured at this page.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Look After Saturn and Saturn Will Look After You

Find the links to these structure-inspiring articles at this page (the links will go live on Saturday).

Passing the Tests and Trials of Saturn to Build Better Relationships

Find the links to these foundation-building articles at this page (the links will go live on Saturday).

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Uranus in Aries: Claiming a Self-Reliant Future

Find the links to these insight-triggering articles at this page (the links will go live on Sunday).

Enjoy!

During this New Moon in Aquarius–which is aligned the sympathy-inspiring planet, Neptune–we may find ourselves turning our attention from our personal lives to larger collective issues. Inherent within, there’s a knowingness that we are not separate, that a connection unites us to those we hear or read about around the globe. If there were a theme song for the day, “We Are the World”—the 1985 pop-star-riddled ballad that raised money for humanitarian aid—may very well be it. The energetics of this day may readily inspire within us the awareness that we are not isolated beings, but rather global citizens, and that what happens on the other side of the world can feel as proximate–and relevant–as what is happening down the street. If we focus on integrating our thoughts and desires, we may find the momentum needed to take action in the service of helping a cause in which we believe.

Another potential manifestation of Neptune’s involvement with the New Moon is for an ushering in of disappointment that may be experienced personally or collectively. We may have hoped for something only to find that it wasn’t able to—or never really had the capacity to—manifest. It may also be that we see that what we had envisioned as having potential was more a reflection of our hopes and wishes than of a reality able to be born. Instead of letting disillusionment get the better of us, and abandoning our ideals, we can take the opportunity to reflect upon our visions and dreams, identifying which ones we can stay fully committed to even if we do so with a level of detachment.

This month’s New Moon falls at 25 degrees of Aquarius (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Aquarius or the other fixed signs—Taurus, Leo, Scorpio—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Aquarius is associated with the calves, ankles, peripheral circulatory system, and the body’s bionergetics. Pay attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this New Moon.

Energetic healing: With Aquarius the sign ruling subtle energies and alternative approaches, enjoying a healing method that focuses on your body’s bio-energetic system may be especially powerful during this New Moon. Some practices to consider include reiki, qigong, and acupuncture.

Yarrow flower essence: Neptune infuses an openness that allows us to be porous to all that surrounds, while Aquarian energy gives us a greater ability to connect and network with others on many levels. To channel these energies best, we need to ensure that we can be open and yet contain and circulate them, rather than have them overwhelm our own circuitry and psyches. If you feel notably sensitive to your environment—both physically and emotionally—in a way where you feel vulnerable rather than empowered, yarrow flower essence may be of benefit. It helps to bolster the aura, reinspiring the radiance that glows within, while enhancing compassionate awareness so that we can feel at once connected and protected. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores and holistic pharmacies.)

During this New Moon in Aquarius–which is aligned the sympathy-inspiring planet, Neptune–we may find ourselves turning our attention from our personal lives to larger collective issues. Inherent within, there’s a knowingness that we are not separate, that a connection unites us to those we hear or read about around the globe. If there were a theme song for the day, “We Are the World”—the 1985 pop-star-riddled ballad that raised money for humanitarian aid—may very well be it. The energetics of this day may readily inspire within us the awareness that we are not isolated beings, but rather global citizens, and that what happens on the other side of the world can feel as proximate–and relevant–as what is happening down the street. If we focus on integrating our thoughts and desires, we may find the momentum needed to take action in the service of helping a cause in which we believe.

Another potential manifestation of Neptune’s involvement with the New Moon is for an ushering in of disappointment that may be experienced personally or collectively. We may have hoped for something only to find that it wasn’t able to—or never really had the capacity to—manifest. It may also be that we see that what we had envisioned as having potential was more a reflection of our hopes and wishes than of a reality able to be born. Instead of letting disillusionment get the better of us, and abandoning our ideals, we can take the opportunity to reflect upon our visions and dreams, identifying which ones we can stay fully committed to even if we do so with a level of detachment.

This month’s New Moon falls at 25 degrees of Aquarius (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Aquarius or the other fixed signs—Taurus, Leo, Scorpio—it may impact you more intensely.

New Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Aquarius is associated with the calves, ankles, peripheral circulatory system, and the body’s bionergetics. Pay attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this New Moon.

Energetic healing: With Aquarius the sign ruling subtle energies and alternative approaches, enjoying a healing method that focuses on your body’s bio-energetic system may be especially powerful during this New Moon. Some practices to consider include reiki, qigong, and acupuncture.

Yarrow flower essence: Neptune infuses an openness that allows us to be porous to all that surrounds, while Aquarian energy gives us a greater ability to connect and network with others on many levels. To channel these energies best, we need to ensure that we can be open and yet contain and circulate them, rather than have them overwhelm our own circuitry and psyches. If you feel notably sensitive to your environment—both physically and emotionally—in a way where you feel vulnerable rather than empowered, yarrow flower essence may be of benefit. It helps to bolster the aura, reinspiring the radiance that glows within, while enhancing compassionate awareness so that we can feel at once connected and protected. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores and holistic pharmacies.)

February 28, 2010: Pisces/Virgo Full Moon (exact at 8:38 am PST)

The Pisces/Virgo Full Moon calls on us to see both the differences and the similarities. While we may be drawn to classify and criticize, remembering that everything is connected—even if we can’t immediately perceive it—can yield a greater acceptance of self and others. This Full Moon provides an opportune time to heal imbalances in our physical bodies through meditation, prayer, dreamwork, and our creative imagination.

If we find ourselves called on to be of assistance, it’s important to remember that service need not equal sacrifice. To give is one thing, to give everything away is yet another. If we don’t replenish our personal ocean of inspiration, we will experience an emotional drought that will not only deplete our life force but also our ability to be of service to others.

The energetics of this Full Moon shine especially bright given that it is aligned with the planet Jupiter, which is swimming through Pisces this year. Whatever Jupiter touches it expands, which includes the impact of this Full Moon. The Jupiterian tie-in may infuse the day with a stream of optimism and sense of self-abundance. It may feel as if everything is possible. And while, on some level, this is true, it’s important to remember–notably when Jupiter is emanating strongly–that it often takes diligence and work to transform the possible into the probable.

This month’s Full Moon falls at 10 degrees of Pisces (the location of the Sun) and Virgo (the location of the Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Pisces, Virgo, or the other mutable signs—Gemini and Sagittarius—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Apothecary Suggestions

Pisces is associated with the feet, pineal gland, and the immune/lymphatic systems while Virgo rules the intestines and digestive system. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this Full Moon.

Pedicure: Why not give your Pisces-ruled feet a treat during this Full Moon? If it’s not convenient to schedule a salon pedicure, you can easily do one at home. Whether or not you apply polish, a pedicure can including soaking your feet for a few minutes in a warm mineral-salt bath. After drying your feet well, massage them with some lotion or body oil. You can add a few drops of peppermint oil for a pedi-pick-me-up or some myrrh oil if cracked heels need some tending. During the massage, consider paying special attention to the reflexology areas associated with the small intestines—governed by the sign Virgo—and the liver—ruled by the planet Jupiter. Use this interactive map to find the locations of these sole connections.

Sandalwood: Sandalwood essential oil is a divine fragrance that can help you open to the Piscean gifts of imagination and connection that are more accessible during this time. It is a great aid for a meditation practice and said to stimulate the pineal gland, associated with psychic abilities in spiritual traditions. Sandalwood is calming and centering and may help alleviate spells of anxiety. Like with other essential oils, you can use sandalwood in many ways; for example, you can mix it with body lotion, use it in an aromatherapy diffuser, or add a few drops to a mister bottle of water and use as a room spray. (Note that the widely used sandalwood variety, Santalum album, is now close to extinction in India because of unsustainable harvesting; therefore, look for alternate varieties such as Santalum austrocaledonica.)