Holistic Home and Beauty Rituals 

INSPIRED BY THE LUNAR CYCLE

By Jana Leonard

Ever wondered how the tides and moon cycles affect our mood and when (and how) to incorporate essential oils into your home and beauty rituals? We chatted to Nicole, the founding owner of Petrichor Oils about this and you might be surprised by her answer.


The Moon exerts a strong gravitational pull that causes the changing tides in our oceans and seas. It’s thought that at the New and Full Moon, like the tides, our emotions are pulled and feelings are heightened. How does this not only affect us but affect our home and beauty rituals? How can we play into the energy provided by the Lunar cycle to really be the best version of ourselves?


“The Moon represents powerful feminine energy. It signifies wisdom, intuition, birth, death, reincarnation, and a spiritual connection. The Full Moon can interrupt our sleep and make our moods erratic, anxious and emotional. The moon also represents our deepest personal needs. We can use the knowledge and energy of the Moon's cycle to better connect to ourselves.” says Nicole, founder of Petrichor Oils. “Generally our skin can be affected by the hormones and strength of the different moon cycles. Using certain products during these times are recommended. Especially certain essential oils. Scented candles or diffusers are essential too as they change the atmosphere in the room and mostly calm or create an uplifting mood.” she adds. 

Lunar Cycle

To better understand the Lunar Cycle, we have focussed our attention (or intention) on the New and Full Moon. The New Moon occurs when the moon and the sun align and we are unable to see the moon in the night sky. This marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle and often brings with it a sense of new beginnings, making it a perfect time for self-reflection and goal setting - the perfect opportunity for some me-time. Light a candle, make a cup of Meru Moon tea, and set your intentions for the month ahead. With the full moon, your emotions are heightened and you may feel the tension and extra energy rise up. Channel your energy into something that makes you happy and lights you up. Your skin is also at its most absorbent, so it’s the perfect time to rejuvenate and repair the skin and hair by using a bath oil and/or hair treatment.


“Working with the Moon and seeing where the moon is lying and which planet it is connected to astrologically, can we interpret what scent and product to use at various times. It is recommended to research the upcoming moon cycles and take the time to navigate around these. New Moons can be more powerful than Full Moon especially as it is mostly about letting go and starting a new period which is important so we can bring in new energy into our lives and let go of toxic behaviours and feelings.” Nicole adds. 

Essential Oils
Essential Oils

In addition, we are seeing a direct correlation between the Lunar Cycle and the use of essential oils. Because of the intrinsic relationship between the moon and water (and with us being made up of 70% water), it’s recommended that you use your favourite essential oil as part of your bathtime ritual. “The use of essential oils is so incredibly vital in our moon cycles to allow ourselves to heal and work through many layers of trauma. It brings happiness when we are feeling sad and calmness when we are feeling anxious. Our Limbic System works incredibly well with Scent Therapy through natural botanical nuances.” says Nicole. 

Essential Oils

Nicole has identified her top Essential Oils, but she says there are many more to choose from:


1. Rose Geranium/Geranium- Mood balancer


2. Imphepho - For clarity 


3. Rose - Self esteem & confidence


4. Bergamot - Anxiety


5. Palo Santo - Protection & Manifestation


6. Vetiver - Anger & Frustration


7. Cedarwood - Communication


8. African Immortelle - Immunity


9. Frankincense - Stress reliever


10. Neroli - Compassion 

“Generally we use essential oils as a blend to use as a 'perfume'/aroma on oneself but also in a blend often for a diffuser or candle. They are incredibly good for our skin and can help heal all sorts of skin issues. One of my favourites is to use them in a bath or after a bath as bath oil. It is the best way to end a day or start a day. The self-love that you give yourself by applying oil onto our skin is not only beneficial for our skin in all climates but it triggers and regulates our autonomic or endocrine function in response to emotional stimuli. Essential oils largely affect the hypothalamus and pituitary gland which once stimulated release hormones into our body. This is also created by applying onto our skin directly.” Nicole adds. 


Next time you look up at the night sky, remember that the moon is not only the most beautiful element lighting up the dark, but it has a big impact on our moods. Take the time, set your intention and be mindful of your (and your body’s) reaction to certain occurrences.