I am an amateur aromatherapist, and being around cheap or synthetic colognes or perfumes gives me a headache; but I love scents made with all-natural oils like vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli, etc...most so-called "designer" fragarnces these days are loaded with synthetic ingredients; not only do these scents smell the same on everyone (hence we can all recognize Tommy Girl and Obsession and Opium and Paco Rabanne, etc.) but they irritate the nasal mucosa and often make the wearer unable to smell the perfume; thus they wear way too much of it, not realizing...essential oils, on the other hand, not only impart various physiological and psychological benefits to the wearer and others, but smell unique on each individual...

as for performing, this past summer I was singing with a band at a pagan gathering. Some well-meaning soul decided to smudge the space with white sage. I noticed the smoke was heavy, but since I am used to it I did not think of it. My pal who has asthma later told me he had to leave the stage area because he could not breathe...we were outside, mind you!!! When it came time for my ONE solo of the evening (Sanctuary Stone, the third song in the set) I choked in the middle of the second verse. A fellow band member had to jump in because I could not stop coughing. I thought it was dust but I now realize it was that sage smoke.

I learned my lesson: next time someone attempts to "purify" the space with it during a performance, I will ask them to stop and tell them why...