Virya Oil (Strength)
Inspired by the Strength card in Tarot (which was also known as Fortitude) and the fourth Buddhist paramita,* Virya Oil is designed to cultivate spiritual and physical energy, bravery, and tenacity. Virya, a Sanskrit word, literally means "state of a strong man" and is correlated with virility and heroism. In spiritual contexts, virya is often translated as enthusiastic effort or zeal, and – like the Strength card in Tarot – includes both masculine and feminine qualities. The energy of Virya is not brute force, it is the benevolent power of self-discipline, stamina, and steadfast courage. A combination of Sun, Mars, and Saturn perfumes (with a dash of Jupiter, too), Virya Oil has a rich, warm, and uplifting aroma that is deep and long-lasting.

A trio of cedars provide Virya's base—Himalayan cedar (Sun), which is exceptionally durable and tenacious, redcedar (Sun), which lives up to 1,000 years then continues as a "nurse log" nourishing the forest ecosystem for more than a century after dying, and Port Orford cedar (Sun), which seeds abundantly, and whose virile seedlings especially thrive after disturbances like fire or clearcutting thus ensuring that the species persists even amidst great challenges. Blue spruce (Jupiter/Sun) brightens the blend, Cypress (Saturn) and Forest Pine (Saturn) enrich and deepen it, while Amyris/Torchwood (Jupiter) prolongs its fragrant bouquet.

Aloeswood (agarwood) is Virya Oil's most precious ingredient—a rare perfume that exemplifies strength and fortitude even amidst great hardship. Harvested from the heartwood of Aquilaria trees (Sun), aloeswood is an oleoresin that the tree produces to defend itself from infection (not its regular sap). This healing elixir saturates the heartwood and fights the infection. As it ages inside the living tree its aroma deepens and becomes more complex, while also fortifying the wood.**

Mars-aligned ginger, black pepper, and coriander/cilantro provide Virya Oil's middle notes. Ginger – a warming, fiery scent associated with health and success – boosts confidence and stimulates courage. Black pepper lends warrior alertness and helps the practitioner stick to their values. The relaxing fragrance of coriander, sometimes associated with the Moon, offers a more subtle and gentle form of encouragement, while cilantro – green, fresh, and pleasingly pungent – lends raw tenacious energy.

Virya Oil's top notes are tulsi (Mars/Venus), neroli (Sun), and tagetes (Jupiter). Tulsi helps calm the nervous system and steer energy to where it is needed in the body. Its Venus aspect (in the earthly manifestation of the goddess Tulsi, an avatar of Lakshmi) brings love and fidelity to the mix. Neroli – joyfully stimulating, and spicy-sweet – is distilled from the blossoms of the resilient and evergreen bitter orange tree. Finally, tagetes – associated with strength and clarity (and divination)*** – smooths and elevates the scent. Top


*In Buddhist contexts the Sanskrit word paramita is often translated as "transcendent perfection" or "perfect virtue." Virya paramita is the virtue of courageous perseverance that allows the spiritual practitioner to stay on the path of liberation even when the journey is difficult or uncomfortable.

**The supplier of our agarwood essential oil sources it from growers who use sustainable harvesting practices and they carry a CITES certification.

***The name tagetes, known to many as marigold, comes from the Etruscan prophet Tages, famous for divination, and sometimes considered the grandson of Jove.

Virya Oil (Strength)
1/4 oz. (2 drams/7.5 ml) $17.50

Uses in Witchcraft & Magic:

Courage
Stimulating Energy
Fortitude and Endurance
Cultivating Determination
Meditation

Using Magic Oils

© 2021-2024 Alchemy Works; No reproduction without permission.