Your body knows the seasons are changing  before your mind does. Your bones feel the slight chill that hints to the coming of fall can the wind on your skin is colder. As your mind turns to warmer thoughts of bonfires and feasts, the best way to prepare for the coming of autumn and harvest high holidays, is to ramp up the sacred self-care until your skin is actually smoother and much  softer then silk. But, why pay so much for tiny jars full of chemicals when you can whip up a yummy blend of healing herbs and restorative essential oils that is far cheaper, healthier and imbued with your personal magic? What you’ll need:

stainless steel saucepan

bowl, whisk and thermometer

small clean jars with lids for storage

1 tablespoon of hardened beeswax

5 tablespoons  organic  oil (sunflower oil is effective and affordable; apricot,  jojoba oil and avocado oil are nice but quite expensive)

½ teaspoon of  pure aloe vera gel

20 drops of calendula tincture, 10 drops of chamomile oil; 5 drops of lavender

Melt the beeswax and vegetable oil in a double boiler (or in a bowl over a saucepan).  When the beeswax is fully melted, remove the bowl or pan from the heat.  Whisk the ointment until it is cooled to around 100◦ F, then stir in the tincture, essential oils you are using, along with the aloe vera. Stir gently, thinking of your intended outcome of health, glowing skin and joy-filled times.  Note as the mixture  thickens into a smooth salve. Before it stiffens too much, spoon it into the tins or jars you chose.

Label and store in clean, sealable lidded jars.  These homemade creams will last longest if you keep them refrigerated. Make pretty labels if you are gifting a lucky loved-one this sacred salve.