Sensorial Spirituality and History

Part of our Esoteric Activities Programming Arm

It’s no exaggeration to say that just about every religion and belief system – historically and today – has had a relationship with aroma. The early Christians mostly rejected scent in worship due to its association with Greco-Roman Pagan rituals – that is, of course, until Emperor Constantine commissioned copious amounts of incense for his church building schemes. Islam, on the contrary, embraced aroma in mosque construction and as an important artifact of the Prophet’s physical presence on the streets of Mecca. And… What are Buddhism, Shintoism, Hinduism without incense? Of course, the list goes on.

As we all probably know by now, ‘per fumum’ (through smoke) gave rise to the word perfume, and it was indeed through burning aromatics (amongst other things) that humans fed, sated or otherwise communicated with our god(s).

Here at he IAO, we really love this meaningful context for scent, and it’s in the spirit of loving our fellow beautiful humans and their various beautiful systems of belief that the IAO presents an ongoing series of talks and sessions exploring the roots of spirituality’s relationship with the senses.

COMING UP

Thu., January 10 – Sandalwood and Jasmine: Perfumery in Early India
at The Institute for Art and Olfaction
Historian and USC professor James McHugh returns to the IAO for a talk about the role of scent in early India. Drawing from the research that led to his seminal book ‘Sandalwood and Carrion,’ James will share some formulas while exploring philosophical, literary and religious interpretations and usages of scent – and the wider impact aroma had on early Indian culture.
Time: 7:30pm  – 9:00pm
Cost: $25.00
Instructor: James McHugh
Notes: This talk is limited to 16 people
+ SIGN UP

Thu., January 31 – An Introduction to Fragrant Witchcraft
at The Institute for Art and Olfaction

What does it mean to work with plants for magic? Are they merely ingredients in a spell? Is their intelligence defined by human intention? What does it mean to channel and conjure botanical spirits for magical, spiritual and ritualistic purposes? Perfumer and practicing witch Mauricio Garcia invites people of all levels of intrigue and experience to explore these questions through the lens of Traditional Witchcraft. During this two hour class, Mauricio will lead the group in an exploration of scent while focussing on the role fragrance plays in working with  – and honoring – spirits through examples and general guidelines.