Some years ago I was celebrating my approximately 50th distillation with a beautiful co-distillation of some of the most precious fragrant medicinal plants. My alchemical journeys through artisan aromatic distillations were unique in a sense that they came with an inherently inseparable and apparently infinite source of inspiration, and teachings that aim to stretch beyond […]
Ceremonial Perfumery Co-distillations Read More »
May your dreams come true Why was I surprised not only finding Damask roses that grow wild on Crete, but also supremely cultivated on the East part of the island? And how did I find myself care-taking and distilling these roses a short year after I had started painting roses on paper in order to
Roses, Mystics and Divine Love Read More »
A Rose Alchemy Day In Crete – Ildiko interviewed by Zoe Strantzali, IPF Chair Greece and Certified Natural Perfumer, for the monthly newsletter ‘Reconnect With Nature’ of the International Perfume Foundation. Today, I will be your guide on a delightful journey to explore the enchanting wonders of Crete, an island renowned for its aromatic treasures.
Rose Alchemy Day Interview by Zoe Strantzali Read More »
JOURNEY is a blend of passion reflecting a personal aromatic journey through the Mediterranean landscape of Crete island. As with any personal journeys, reading the lines might evoke evaporating memories and experiences from that of yours. My perfume had to be something that is composed by plants and fragrances that are abundant on the island enriching my reinvented life.
From Botanical Perfumery to Plant Alchemy Read More »
With legions of feather-like leaves and coherent clusters of small flowers which are somewhat reminiscent of the phenomenally organised nature of bees and their hives, I have been persistently guided by Yarrow to find my way home. And you may ask, where is your home? One of those simple questions that may be responded to with reflective questions before getting to the answers. Answers as in plural.
Yarrow – A Journey Home Read More »
Ildiko Berecz carries two decades of experience in substantial conscious life-changing practices from her own journey on Planet Earth, along with being such a catalyst in other peoples’ lives through various personal aspects as an aromatic adventurer, holistic therapist, consultant, mentor, author, photographer, forager, distiller and plant alchemist. More reflections and continued extracts here from the aromatic plant journal, part two of Extractions and Distractions – A Survival Guide For Aromatic Living in Lockdown.
Extractions and Distractions – A Survival Guide For Aromatic Living in Lockdown – Part 2 Read More »
By sharing excerpts from her journal, plant alchemist Ildiko Berecz would like to offer some highlights of the past year of how life went on during the pandemic with almost a whole year of lockdown on the Mediterranean Island of Crete in Greece. It is highly emphasised that the journal is not a panacea for pandemic, neither complete nor unbiased, yet focuses on the bright side of a dark year with aromatic and medicinal plants.
Extractions and Distractions – A Survival Guide For Aromatic Living in Lockdown – Part 1 Read More »
Storytelling, myths, and symbolism appear in our lives from the moment we are born, if not earlier. Ever wondered what form they may take and how they permeate our inner world?… Perhaps, make yourself a soothing decoction from the wonderful leaves of Melissa, and then decide whether to continue reading my composition with an open mind, or else, start out with your own research to gain further experience.
Melissa – Life is beautiful, isn’t it? Read More »
Spring is the season of renewal, and also the time when nature showcases its abundance and offers unprecedented streaming bandwidth for those who wish to connect and witness changes from one hour to the next. By the time May arrives, Oregano is typically ready for harvest on Crete and I was preparing myself to invite this power plant as a guest speaker for this chapter of my aromatic adventures…
Marjoram – Reclaim Your Calm, Regain Your Strength Read More »
