Sandalwood

Family: Santalaceae

Selected Varieties:

• White Sandalwood (‘True’ Sandalwood): Santalum album
• Red Sandalwood: Pterocarpus santalinus
• Australian Sandalwood (Waang): Santalum spicatum

Ethical Concerns: White Sandalwood is currently officially listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and Red Sandalwood is currently listed as “near threatened” by the IUCN. The cultivation, harvesting, and sale of Australian Sandalwood is highly regulated by the Australian government to ensure the protection of the species. As such, this is the preferred species of sandalwood to use (and can be used the same as white sandalwood).

Magical

Element: Water
Moon Phase: Full moon
Day: Monday
Planet: Moon
Zodiac: Cancer
Associated Celebrations: ShadowFest
Deities: Venus, Vishnu

Magical Properties: Healing, spirituality, purification, protection, astral projection, peace, divination

Substitutions: Cedar

Aromatherapy

Part Used: Bark
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Flash Point: 142°C

Scent Type: Woody
Perfume Note: Base
Scent Description: Rich, woody, and slightly sweet

Blends well with lavender, myrrh, rose, vetiver, and ylang-ylang.

Aromatherapeutic Uses

Sandalwood is calming and relaxing, and can help with stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.