The New Year is about beginnings, amendments, and resolutions. The new moon is also about starting something new. Consequently, when the New Year and new moon coincide, as in 2022, their concurrence creates particularly auspicious energy for change. You can take that even further and consider diffusing New Year’s essential oils as part of a powerful and enjoyable ritual for the New Year. RELATED: What Are Essential Oils? + How They Work & Which Are The Best To Use

How to choose the best essential oils with your New Year’s resolutions

When using aromatherapy and selecting appropriate and supportive essential oils for New Year’s resolutions, look for those that release blockages, support the adoption and fulfillment of intentions, and facilitate the transition. Choose essential oils that cultivate openness, enthusiasm, and action. Those that are calming and allay any reservations, fears, anxieties, or addictive behaviors associated with resistance to change and fear of the unknown can also be considered, especially if the resolutions are challenging. Fundamental to choosing essential oils is the context and the mental and emotional status of the person making the resolution. This is because the same resolution could instill different thoughts and emotions in different people. What one person finds a stimulating challenge, another might perceive more circumspectly or even with anxiety. Your specific resolutions will dictate the best essential oils for you. However, there are some oils that support letting go, initiating something new, and creating change.

These are the 7 best essential oils to support your New Year’s resolutions.

1. Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

Cardamom encourages openness and a thirst for new ideas. In this sense, it supports natural flow and synergies.

2. Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Cypress is cleansing and grounding and creates a constructive atmosphere for evaluating choices. In addition, it’s particularly helpful for resolutions that require inner strength and confidence. It will calm the mind and emotions and reduce anxiety.

3. Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)

Ginger has a sharp, crisp fragrance like cardamon. Similarly, it promotes drive and action. In this way, it helps one overcome procrastination.

4. Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum)

Jasmine promotes enthusiasm and an appetite for adventure. 

5. Nutmeg (Myristica fragans)

Nutmeg has the same properties as jasmine. Both are excellent sentiments for new paths and behavior change. RELATED: The Best Essential Oils To Balance Your Solar Plexus Chakra

6. Orange (Citrus sinensis)

Orange is both uplifting and optimistic. It also brings emotional vitality to transitions and helps one detach from drama, expel negativity, and feel confident and courageous. 

7. Tangerine (Citrus reticulata blanco)

Tangerine, like orange, is also uplifting, optimistic, and brings emotional vitality. It allows one to realize change without a great amount of anxiety, drama, or trauma.  Tangerine and orange both reinforce each other.  Actualizing positive intentions requires more than a simple statement of intent. The power is actually derived from focus, commitment, and embodiment on the part of the person who set the intentions. So, commit to your resolutions with supportive scents that create the perfect space for initiating that change.

The Best Essential Oils for Energetic Clearing and Cleansing in Preparation for New Year’s Resolutions

It’s always a good idea to clear and detoxify before embarking on something new. The best way to do this is to use smudging, a traditional application for energetic clearing.

Smudging is a traditional process of diffusing smoldering dried herbs, essential oils, or hydrosols.

For those with allergies to smoke or respiratory issues, there are also smoke-free smudging options. Both methods work equally well.  Some common energy clearing plant species include: Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) Juniper (Juniperus communis) White Sage (Salvia apiana) So if you’re setting New Year’s resolutions this year or just reveling and welcoming the New Year in, consider adding some wonderful and supportive essential oils to the mix.  RELATED: 4 Calming Essential Oils For Taming Your Anxiety Naturally Patricia Bonnard, PhD, ACC is a life coach, energy healer, and certified aromatherapist. She blends conventional coaching, embodied practices, and energy healing in ways that best suit the needs and preferences of her clients. She offers virtual and in-person sessions and workshops. See more and contact her at Starchaser Integrated Coaching and Energy Healing. This article was originally published at starchaser-healingarts.com. Reprinted with permission from the author.