Clairalience

Clairalience means "clear scent" or "clear smell". This is the ability to detect scents or spiritual essences that transcend the physical sense of smell. Scent is closely linked to memory and emotion (element of water). Whenever we detect an aroma, we recall situations or people that might’ve been connected to that odor. Certain perfumes or odors can make us nostalgic. They can also repulse us, especially if the fumes are associated with a negative memory.

Intelligence and wisdom are often associated with a keen sense of smell. If scent is linked to memory, then someone with a good nose probably has a sharp memory. These associations are reasonable when we dwell on some of our common phrases. We “sniff out” the competition. A person (example: Detective) with their mind in everyone’s business is often considered to be “nosey”. But we keep our “nose clean” by staying out of the affairs of others. If we’re called a “brown-noser”, it means we’re desperately trying to get on someone’s good side. This usually involves the “brown-noser” trying to charm or flatter someone. They can only do this successfully with the proper wit.

Although water is clearly an active element in scent, earth and air are the primary elements of rule. However, when we’re discussing a psychic faculty rather than the physical, ether (the “fifth element”) is always at the top of the list. This also applies to the previous points of discussion.

There are circumstances in which we may pick up on scents that are linked to the memory of a deceased loved one. This is quite common, even among persons not involved in occult or psychic practices. Often, these essences arise during times of distress or times of celebration. This may serve as a loving reminder of support from those we believe we’ve lost. The mask of the personality may have passed on, but the spark is eternal. Just listen to your heart.

Clairalience can also serve as form of precognition. Scents may foreshadow an impending event or the arrival of a person associated with it. It may also indicate the presence of an entity in another dimension. There are many accounts of extraterrestrial or mysterious beings reported accompanied by pungent smells. Cinnamon or a sickeningly sweet aroma are among some of these reports. I bring these up because I, myself, have had similar experiences on numerous occasions. I hesitate, however, to draw any final conclusions on such matters.