River

Sweet, sweet River. I realize the label looks like”River Water”, but I don’t hate that. I live near many rivers in so called Saint Louis Missouri. Some of these bodies are gentle and flowing, some have much greater power and movement. Some waters have held me, offering much needed support when I am feeling just too heavy, and I have related with others from a far. I love this oils namesake, I hope you do, too.

As a body based product, River is carried in sunflower and vitamin e oil which makes this blend especially hydrating. Accompanying the oil is an infusion of marshmallow root, calendula, and rose petals. This combination has given River a sweet, rosey scent with a refreshing sensation. This reminds me a bit of that feeling I get around spring, when everything is fresh and subtle. Right now, in the middle of summer, that sounds so very nice. (Man it’s hot out here! All I want to do this time of year is take off work and sit in water until October.)

Speaking of hot times, did you know the northern hemisphere’s summer is the water cycle in the wheel of the seasons? River was created during cancer season, to accompany the water of the water cycle. The rose and calendula, however, were gathered in the late spring into the early summer days. I planted many calendula this season just for this oil and tended to my growing rose bush in hopes of many flowers. This year, both plants offered so much abundance! The collection of these two friends made up much of my May and June mornings. In the first few days of summer, rose and calendula joined in with the remainder of the herbs to commune in a jar with a deeply rich oil. After some time, on a Friday in July, River was ready. On Venus day, which I find most fitting for a rose based oil, and it wasn’t necessarily planned that way, which makes it all the more special.

This body oil is so nourishing and tender. The contents of River are intended to cool, calm, and bring moister to the barrier of our earth body. When heat and inflammation are present, invite River in. This water-spirited oil knows heat very intimately (see: summer) and invites a balance within the fire. The essence of River is one of a complex body of water, and I think rivers are just that. This river water can move swiftly, and at other points, holds almost to a point of stagnancy awaiting change in weather, much like our emotional bodies. In more ways than one, River invites flow. Much like our cancerian friends, this oil is in touch with the sensitive parts of our being.

Time spent with River might look like playing some music or watching a movie, that you know will make you cry and move those emotions out of stagnation and through it. If you need a caring container to be held around you while you navigate some feelings, River would love to support. River isn’t afraid of the big, heated, and uncomfortable feels, they simply want to offer balance and connection. This oil can be called on when the big firey parts of ourselves need to be validated and not ignored, for they too need loving care.

Perhaps, if you and a loved one are looking for ways to connect, invite River to accompany the sweet art of partner massage.

However you work with River, I do hope you are taking care out there.