Many sacred scents—frankincense, sandalwood, palo santo and agarwood are some, used routinely in ceremonies and devotional practices, have been scientifically confirmed as having psychoactive properties as mood enhancers and antidepressants with anti-anxiety properties. Similarly, oils used to support meditation practice are lavender, to calm the mind and nervous system; conifer oils, to refresh the mind and sharpen concentration and alertness; rose, to inspire Metta (loving kindness), and palo santo, to increase awareness of prana.

 In this retreat, led by David Crow of Floracopeia on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 23 to 25 at New Canaan’s Ananda Center, the biological unity and interdependence between the influences of sun and moon and the pranic intelligence of plants; their metabolism of environmental elements; the production of aromatic molecules within the plants; the human respiratory system; the olfactory pathways, and the perception of fragrance within consciousness will be explored. We gradually perceive these levels by smelling them with deep concentration, because they are present as molecular compounds and in their cosmological energies. We can study, not only the fragrance and its therapeutic effects, but also the underlying elemental influences metabolized by the plant’s intelligence. Ultimately we confront the botanical intelligence itself. The practice of contemplative aromatherapy develops an understanding of how human consciousness is inseparable from the processes of biospherical life as well as the greater cosmos.

This retreat is offered on a donation basis, and Floracopeia products will be available. The Ananda Center is located at 16 Forest Street, New Canaan. Retreat hours are 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Please RSVP to Anne at [email protected] or 203.273.8384 [email protected]. Visit TheAnandaCenter.com and AnandaBlissBlog.EduBlogs.org.