"Long Night Moontime": A Guided Aromatic Encounter with Amy Anthony
Wednesday December 11 at 7pm
Amy Anthony will guide through the fourth and final of a series of aromatic encounters with seasonal themes. December’s theme is around “Long Night” moontime and the clarity of aromatic resins such as Frankincense, and Conifer needles from trees such as Balsam fir. As we approach the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, our thoughts and energy continue going inward, the darkness and increasing cold inviting us to quiet our minds to invite deep listening and awareness. Clarity is called upon to support these states, as well as mental and spiritual cleansing, and connecting with nature’s wisdom. Aromatics like Frankincense and needles from Conifer trees aid in this process. Look forward to tasting Frankincense water, and being led through two guided aromatic encounters, each paired with a blend of essential oils prepared exclusively for this event. As a solstice gift, the artist is giving each participant a 5ml bottle of Frankincense essential oil.
This series was inspired by the artists “Luna Aroma” series created in 2020-2021, turned into podcast episodes in 2022-2023. The concept rests upon the Lunar calendar, full moon, to full moon (or new moon to new moon, in the case of Luna Aroma) and observing the seasonal changes that occur during each 29-30 day cycle. This is lunar monthly time, which references observation and feeling over liner, analytical, clock or solar time. What does each time smell and feel like? This varies region to region and person to person. The artist chose to pair essential oils with each seasonal moon-time that they feel represents the feeling (embodies) of that particular moontime.
The goal of these encounters is to feel scent by going beyond perception and recognition, thereby connecting to the scent on a deeper, emotional and physiological level. We will talk about strategies of engaging with smells beyond the analytical mind and about the essential oils used in the blend. At the end of the session, participants are encouraged to share their experiences during the encounter.
Our guide, NYC Aromatica's Amy Anthony, is immersed in plants and oils on a daily basis, Amy’s knowledge goes beyond theory. Her practical experience includes maintaining her own garden, distilling aromatic plants, studying herbalism, and educating others. Amy’s contributions extend to teaching levels 1 and 2 aromatherapy certifications at esteemed institutions like the former New York Institute of Aromatherapy and former New York Institute of Aromatic Studies and workshops at the New York Botanical Gardens among several other institutions.