Celebrating the Wild Magic of Scent with Michelle K. Gagnon

Beyond the Portrait

We are joined by the founder of Bio-Alchemy Olfactive, Michelle K. Gagnon. A
professional Nose, Michelle is a bio-alchemist and aromatic designer who works
exclusively with natural essences and organic botanical materials, who personally
sources from over 40+ countries around the world.
Michelle, the ultimate free spirit, shares of her experiences submerging herself in nature, connecting with communities around the world and their various scent traditions that have been used for thousands of years, how nature is symbolic for her own daily rituals and practices, and savoring the miraculous of life through celebrating the senses.
We discuss the psychology and power of scent, Michelle’s path to becoming a Natural Nose, and the concept of creating wholeness in plants and in the body. Michelle shares some lessons she has learned from plants and the practical applications she has found for healing in the physical sense as well as in the spiritual.
We cover the importance for ethical and sustainable practices in harvesting, particularly with smoke botanicals like palo santo and sage, and what scent means to the world. How ritual and intention is often directly paired with scent and the necessity to create moments of stillness.
By the end of this conversation, you may also want to eat a meal made entirely of edible flowers.
Episode Resources:

• Bio-Alchemy Olfactive
  • Website
  • Instagram
• Michelle K Gagnon's Instagram
• Living Myth Podcast with Michael Meade: Episode 358 - The Origins of Gratitude, ancient Mayan myth about the first human ancestors shaped from corn
• BBC Radio 4 Witch podcast
• Steve Dahmus, a Greek and Mesopotamian Astrology expert, Gemini story
• Beyond the Portrait Episode 2 "Finding the Beauty with Jeremiah Brent"
• Beyond the Portrait Episode 6 "The Elegant Perspective of Time with Nara Lee"

Credits:

• Brittany's website
• Stefanie Brueckler - Graphic Design
• Juan Paolini Díaz - Video Production