Earlier this year or late last year I purchased this Aroma Rosary on-line. I had eyed it for over a year after hearing about the rosaries on Relevant Radio. The picture does not do it justice, but it is in my colors, an orange-red and olive green stone. I do not know the name of the stone it is made from, but it is very beautiful. I was attracted by the color and by the idea that essential oils added to the lava beads (Our Fathers) would enhance my prayer. I have struggled over the years in trying to pray the rosary, so I thought I would give it a try. Besides, it was on sale.
The rosary came with four small vials of Doterra essential oil blends, one for each set of mysteries. I found the oils to be impractical and inconvenient. If I wanted to use the rosary at my holy hours in the adoration chapel, I had to remember to apply the oil before I left home. At home I often pray the rosary while walking on the treadmill or using my Fast Track. On those two devices, it was impossible to smell the essential oils. In my recliner or the chair in my shrine room, I usually have to cover up with a blanket while I am praying because of the cold, so I still could not smell the oils. And when it was warm enough to keep my arms out, the oils either irritated my sinuses or did nothing for me at all.
Now the oils are gone. I will not buy replacement bottles. Disappoointed? Yes. The oils did not help my prayers in the least. However, the rosary is beautiful and has a good weight and feel as I pray, so I continue to use it as my "upstairs" rosary. And I doggedly pray on. It is still difficult because I am impatient and find it hard to meditate. Has habit made it easier? No. But the Blessed Mother asks us to pray the rosary, so I need to keep at it.
