Just read the lovely book "The Language of Flowers" by Vanessa Diffenbaugh and it has really resonated with me. In the book flowers are identified as having a very deep, personal and real meaning that can be conveyed to another person if they understand the language (of even if they don't). I understand this at a base level. Scent is very much like this for me. It is a language with meanings that seem to transcend the spoken language. Maybe it is just me but when I reach for a scent to burn I am calling up something within me that is trying to be spoken. Each scent elicits a different response. My entire line of candle scents was created due to the emotions that were evoked either personally or through the experiences of friends, loved ones or even complete strangers. It is funny because I never really thought of it as explicitly as a language but my candle scents are truly my language.
When I try to fit my customers with scents that they may like I try to have them describe what they are feeling and not the notes of scent that that they are seeking. Often times I will choose a scent that they normally would not have chosen. There have been times that I have found the one flower scent that the Earth scent lover (normally patchouli and sandalwoods) was secretly longing (Brewed Jasmine) or when a high strung type A personality definitely need a bit of Solace (candle scent) or even the time when the wrestling coach and his son were sharing a moment (Lovely Lilac).
I have made these connections time and time again but never really thought of it as a language. But I really was trying to "communicate" with each person and share a bit of what had me create the scent in the first place. I do have my own "Candle Scent Language" even if it is not as explicit as in the book. But it is my language and I am happy to share it :)
Lyschel