7ᵉ Sens

Septième Sens

Sonia Rykiel 1979 Eau de Parfum

In the dark, the light awaits seekers. Those who do not know what they are searching for. Or that they are even searching at all. They know nothing and only feel. Something is different, something is missing, a hole gnaws at the soul, even though everything seems to be in order in the life outside.
And this void inside seems to say to them: "Set out on your journey!"
Those (non-)seekers, who may be found by something out there - or within - follow a secret magnetism. That drive within us, described by Abraham Maslow, the founding father of Humanistic Psychology, as the need for growth, the need for self-actualization, and ultimately for transcendence.

When this unknown destination finds you, it will dissolve at the very moment. And yet you continue to feel its embrace. What you were missing - of which you previously did not know you were missing - was always there. You just couldn’t see it because you were searching in the outside world for representatives of your longings. Those that could never satisfy you; for they were hollow, just like your inner self now. When you reach for them, they crumble to dust, which they had previously scattered in your eyes. Blinded in this way and dazzled by external shine, you wandered aimlessly through your life. The mind, of course, sees it differently, like a thrown stone that believes it can fly because it wants to. You can already sense it: a crash landing is pre-programmed. It is not a misfortune, not a failure - even if it often feels that way - but merely a logical consequence. An opportunity to recalibrate the compass.

Such a break shakes our self-image and worldview as well as our established standards for knowledge, success, and partnership. We stand on shaky ground. The alarmist self senses a catastrophe as soon as it loses control and seeks quick exit strategies. But the way out leads THROUGH - as C. G. Jung knew. And this THROUGH transforms the break into a breakthrough. Into a space of new possibilities. It is a kind of zero position, where we initially feel lost; a radically open in-between. But from here, a real fresh start is possible, a departure into a new, expanded version of ourselves. A rapture, like being reborn, an ascent like a phoenix from the ashes. And it is the still warm ashes of the break-landing that now provide us with the buoyant thermals...

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The scent journey of 7e Sens reminds me of such a break-through-departure process. It begins friendly and familiar vintage-perfumy with plenty of bright aldehydes, fresh, green, and dark-floral. Life is in order and goes its usual way.
Gradually, first doubts gnaw through, subtly undermining the easy-going vibe. The previous roadmap seems no longer fit for purpose.
Olfactorily, after the cheerful KN, it becomes darker, ripe-fruity, and soon slightly disharmonious, as if a string on the musical instrument were out of tune. But the others are not yet. Overripe floral notes seem to evoke this impression. They too sing of the end of something that has been.

Soon dark dissonances cast their shadows over the proceedings and soon dominate it; life is urinating on your leg - apparently, highly dosed Zibi and Bibi take on this task.
Question marks float through the room, the familiar has given way to the unknown. A no man's land, not empty, just unknown. New assignments must be found to feel at home again.
Endure, just don’t run away... THROUGH!

Patience is also rewarded by the scent journey. The angular, strict animalic notes gradually recede, and the breakthrough to the harmonious side of the base is finally achieved. It initially presents itself as dark green-spicy and coriander-soapy, soon pure musk emerges, more warming than demanding animalic, supported by soft-aromatic sandalwood.
Like a reward, like an embrace, the deep softness of the amber-grassy base gifts itself to you. Caressing, pleading, and enchanting.
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Special thanks again to @Estefania