Rose Priestess
Let me introduce you to Shiva Rose , a trailblazer in holistic beauty and lifestyle, a fellow Aquarian and a huge influence on me to pursue a career in holistic health and beauty.
An extraordinary but traumatic early life in Iran, where at the age of ten, she fled with her family during the Iranian Revolution, returning to her birthplace of California. By the time she was in her mid 20s a health crisis of autoimmune disorders developed and she was given a dismal medical diagnosis - she had a year to live. She refused this diagnosis and so began a courageous self healing journey through holistic practices, nutrition , herbal medicine , Ayurveda and Kundalini Yoga. She documented her health journey on her blog The Local Rose, which is how I found Shiva. Using her own organic home grown herbs and flowers , she then began to formulate her own holistic skin care products that became the successful Shiva Rose beauty line. A beautiful inspirational book Whole Beauty, Daily Rituals and Natural Recipes for Lifelong Beauty and Wellness, followed. I regularly reference this book in my own practice. A stunningly illustrated guide to following a whole beauty practice at home, with 40 beauty recipes.
I asked Shiva a few questions recently.
Q. In the last few years it seems the buzzword for Beauty Therapy is 'Holistic'. What does Holistic Beauty mean for you ?
For me, holistic beauty is so much more than products we use, but more a mindset and lifestyle. I feel it’s being attuned to the natural rhythms of the seasons, cycles, respecting the waterways where you reside, and eating food that is kind to the earth and therefore enhances one’s health and beauty. Health and beauty go hand in hand, since we mirror outward what’s happening inside. Our skin as you know is our largest organ, and begins to sound the alarm before things go awry. Our skin can also shine with purity and health even if life’s path with small wrinkles, are abundant. The laugh lines and crows feet are all our maps to what we’ve lived. So yes I strive for clean, clear glowing skin yet I’m not attempting to erase any life lines. Q In your book Whole Beauty , one of your beauty practices is Ritual. Can you take us through your typical morning ritual sequence ?
Mornings, pre sun rise are my favourite part of the day. This is in due to having rituals that help me ground in and connect to a deeper part of my “routines”. I like to awake around 5.55am and drink a few cups of living tea in silence, while I watch the sunrise. This is a time to give thanks for everything and set goals for the day. I then will do a short kundalini set. I love to spray my face with my Radiant Rose water to fully give my skin the hydration it lost during the night. This water is like a super vitamin for the skin so more than just a hydrosal. I then will go take care of my family’s needs. 
Q What is your skin care routine?
My routine does shift depending on products I’m trying or the season. Right now it’s winter in central USA so I need extra nourishment like balms and gentle cleansing. I use my Blue butter cleanser in the bath for mixing the oil balm with water makes it super hydrating and luxurious. I then will apply the Glow balm or pearl rose cream. I follow up with blue crystal eye cream or saffron repair eye balm. My hair needs extra love so in the evening I add drops of my luster hair oil and sometimes a homemade rosemary oil. Q Latest innovative beauty trend you are wary of ?
Oh gosh I’m the queen of making appointments for treatments, and then chickening out and running away with angry practitioners behind me. I’ve learned now that as long as it’s not harming or creating trauma, then it’s a lovely practice to do. I am wary of threads that are inserted in the face (the procedure I ran away from) and those strong lasers that literally burn the first layer of your skin, fat and muscle. I’ve decided to just use gua sha and my hands for massaging with lovely oils. Q. Out of curiosity I recently did an online search on 'mature skin treatment', I was stunned as to how often the term 'anti- ageing ' came up , even by self proclaimed natural beauty brands. (Oxford definition - 'to prevent the appearance of getting older ). What are your thoughts on this and the relentless pursuit of looking younger
I recently learned that in Japan when a woman stops her moontime cycles, it’s called her Second Spring. They celebrate this time in a woman’s life in Japan. This just completely shifted my thinking over aging. Instead of being afraid of it, I’ve become excited. It’s all about the language we use - and this is why it’s crucial we fight for our language at times regarding what women are referred to. Another example is Empty nest can be - free bird. So many shifts in perception. So yes I’m not a fan of the term anti aging. I’ve used ageless before in my vernacular, but that doesn’t seem right either. Let’s start calling this phase celebration into second spring and skin. Like a wine becomes more fine, or a passion fruit more sweet - let’s start cherishing the privilege of getting older. Perhaps the term Seasonal beauty is good. 
Q. A topic of conversation you have touched on in previous interviews, is the traditional feminine archetype of the Crone. Definitely seems more suited to archaic civilisations given biologically women live longer. In its place what archetype name would you like to precede Crone ? Someone recently mentioned Wild Woman, I liked that one.
Yes women used to live to only their 40s or 50s and now we are blessed to live to our 80s and longer. The moment our children leave home until our elderly years, can span 30 years. Many in the goddess communities are adding the third chapter to the 4 phases. This actually makes sense since we have 4 directions, 4 winds 4 seasons. So now it’s Maiden Mother Medicine woman/Priestess/ Maga Crone There are many variations on that chapter but I do like priestess. A priestess or queen is in devotion to her community and herself. Wild woman is lovely too since rediscovering ourselves can lead to unleashing more potential in every avenue. Q What are some of the sacred objects you keep on your altar ?
I like to add flowers or herbs growing on our land. Crystals, feathers found. Perhaps a card I’ve picked from a deck for inspiration. If I’m honoring a certain time of year, or a specific goddess, then an item to represent that theme. Q What does the Feather signify for you?
Feather is usually a sign for me. It’s a hawk or owl or raven it’s giving me a message. Q. What are your absolute favourite items from your wardrobe?
Oh gosh well I do like vintage still. I love my vintage silk kimono. I also like my worn in cowboy boots from working on our land. At the moment I’ve loving hand dyed plant dyed items like from my friend Maria Cauldron. I feel now that I’m in my 50s I want to either wear a handmade beautiful item, or a classic designer. Mixing those two is the ultimate. A vintage kimono with the row handbag and a Georgia o keefe style hat. 
Thank you Shiva xx
photos courtesy of Shiva and the Local Rose