Are you feeling confused? Overwhelmed? Sad or angry? These emotions are powerful signals, a call to action rather than a cause for despair. What if, instead of resisting these feelings, you could channel them, transform them, and emerge with clarity and purpose? That was the idea behind “Through Flames“, a perfume I created during a confusing and overwhelming time.
In November 2016, under the glow of a full moon, I found myself grappling with events in the world that left me shaken, angry, and unsure of what to do next. I felt a profound need to transform those feelings—not by pushing them away but by inviting them in and using their energy to create something meaningful. With that intention, I crafted “Through Flames” and alchemized my feelings into something more generative.
The Intention Behind Through Flames
As I gathered my materials, I set my intention:
“Bring me clarity. Burn away my fear and confusion. Let me see what my purpose is. Let me remember my work. Reignite my fire. Keep me rooted, heart-centered, and connected.”
Scent, like fire, has a transformative power. It can evoke emotions, memories, and shifts in consciousness that words cannot reach. With this understanding, I approached “Through Flames” as both an offering to myself and a tool for anyone seeking transformation.
I imagined the perfume as a fire, built deliberately and lovingly with elements that could support, ignite, and sustain the flame. Each ingredient carried its own medicine, energy, and intention, coming together to form a deeply grounding yet invigorating blend.
Building the Fire: The Ingredients and Their Benefits
The Foundation: Wood, Grass, and Resin
A fire begins with a steady base. These ingredients form the solid ground upon which transformation can take place.
- Virginia Cedarwood: Known for its grounding and stabilizing properties, cedarwood connects us to the Earth. Its warm, woody scent evokes a sense of calm and focus, making it easier to process difficult emotions and remain rooted in the present.
- Vetiver: Often called the “oil of tranquility,” vetiver brings a deep, earthy aroma that soothes frazzled nerves and fosters emotional resilience. It encourages us to slow down and reconnect with our inner strength.
- Opoponax (Sweet Myrrh): This resin has been used for centuries in spiritual practices to purify and protect. Its rich, balsamic scent clears negativity and supports emotional healing, making space for new clarity to emerge.
Igniting the Flame: Tobacco Absolute
Tobacco, in its pure form, is a sacred plant in many traditions, often used to carry prayers and intentions. Its dark, smoky essence adds depth to the blend, symbolizing the spark that ignites the flame within. Tobacco absolute connects us to our ancestral wisdom, reminding us of our innate power to navigate life’s challenges.
Stoking the Flames: Fir, Rosemary, and Lemongrass
To keep the fire alive, it must be fed. These ingredients bring fresh energy and vitality, encouraging us to move forward with renewed purpose.
- Siberian Fir: Crisp and green, fir oil represents strength and endurance. It cleanses the mind, energizing the spirit and providing clarity during times of uncertainty.
- Rosemary: A symbol of remembrance, rosemary stimulates the mind and sharpens focus. Its herbaceous aroma cuts through mental fog, helping us to reconnect with our purpose and stay motivated.
- Lemongrass: Bright and citrusy, lemongrass uplifts the spirit and inspires action. Its fresh energy clears out stagnant emotions, making way for growth and transformation.
Adding Heat: Ginger and Black Pepper
Every fire needs heat. These ingredients bring the warmth and intensity necessary to fuel transformation.
- Ginger: With its spicy and invigorating aroma, ginger warms the body and mind. It stirs the inner fire, encouraging courage and action while dispelling fear and lethargy.
- Black Pepper: Sharp and clarifying, black pepper cuts through confusion and helps us see things as they truly are. It adds a touch of boldness to the blend, reminding us of our ability to face challenges head-on.
Balancing the Medicine: Cardamom
To complete the blend, I added cardamom—a sweet, spicy seed that soothes and harmonizes. Its gentle warmth balances the intensity of the other ingredients, offering a sense of comfort and wholeness. Cardamom opens the heart, reminding us that transformation, while powerful, can also be gentle.
Through Flames: Remember That You Already Know
At its core, “Through Flames” is about remembering. The tagline, “Remember that you already know,” speaks to a profound truth: the answers we seek are already within us. Often, we become so caught up in external noise—fear, doubt, societal expectations—that we forget the wisdom we carry in our hearts.
This perfume is a tool to help you reconnect with that inner wisdom. When you inhale its rich, complex aroma, you’re not just experiencing a fragrance; you’re engaging in an act of self-empowerment. The scent serves as a bridge between the conscious and subconscious, helping you to remember your purpose, your strength, and your connection to something greater than yourself.
The Alchemy of Scent: How “Through Flames” Can Support You
Scent has a unique ability to bypass the analytical mind and speak directly to our emotions and memories. When you wear “Through Flames”, it becomes more than a perfume—it’s a ritual, a practice, a way of grounding yourself in your intentions and transforming your emotional state. 
Use it When You Need:
- Clarity: Apply “Through Flames” when your thoughts feel scattered or when you’re struggling to see the path ahead.
- Courage: Let its fiery warmth remind you of your strength and ability to face life’s challenges with determination.
- Connection: Use it as a tool for grounding and centering, helping you reconnect with your body, your heart, and your purpose.
A Ritual for Transformation with Through Flames
To deepen your connection with the perfume, try incorporating it into a simple ritual:
- Set Your Intention: Before applying “Through Flames”, take a moment to reflect on what you need. Clarity? Strength? Purpose? Speak your intention aloud or hold it silently in your heart.
- Apply the Perfume: Dab a small amount on your pulse points—wrists, neck, heart center. As you inhale its aroma, imagine the fire within you growing stronger, burning away fear and doubt.
- Breathe and Visualize: Close your eyes and take three deep breaths. With each inhale, imagine drawing in clarity and power. With each exhale, release fear and confusion.
- Carry It With You: Throughout the day, let the scent remind you of your intention and your power to transform.
The Power of Transformation: A Final Thought
The creation of “Through Flames” taught me something profound: transformation is always possible, even in the darkest moments. When we honor our emotions and channel them into something meaningful, we reclaim our power and step into our purpose.
Through Flames isn’t just a perfume; it’s a reminder of what you already know—that deep within, you have everything you need to navigate life’s challenges and emerge stronger, clearer, and more connected.
So the next time you feel overwhelmed, remember this: you are the alchemist of your own life. You have the power to build your fire, to transform your emotions, and to emerge through the flames, renewed and ready to shine.
Shop for “Through Flames” here!
Photos: All photos taken by me (Justine Diamond) except the full moon photo, which was taken by Jon Hebert.