M. Micallef Secrets of Love Spiritual Review + A Transcendental Journey Draw

 Avatamsaka Art and M. Micallef Secrets of Love Spiritual flacon by Gail Gross©

"…being a perfumer symbolizes the combination of …noumenon and phenomenon, nirvana and samsara, the ideas of defilement and purity, all into one…" – from Li Tongxuan's commentary on the Avatamsaka Sutra, translated by Thomas Cleary

Villa Farnesina Girl pouring perfume into a bottle

For countless eons, the material world and the "otherworldly", the concrete and the spiritual, have been revealed to sentient beings by means of natural and created scents. Perfumes, incense, balms, chrisms and fragrant anointing oils were formulated not only for pleasure and ritual, but also to entice, arouse, calm and otherwise create altered states of consciousness.  As "perfumisti", many of us experience the essence, the spirit of the ineffable, every time we direct our noses toward a favorite fragrance. I find it an intriguing paradox that olfaction, perhaps the most primal and basic, the most grounding of the senses, reveals and encourages its opposite – the spiritual and the ethereal.

Gail's collection of M.Micallef Secrets of Love

I have been reviewing and enjoying the M. Micallef Secrets of Love series of fragrances since they were first offered in 2016.  M. Micallef Délice, Sensual, Passion, Glamour and Gourmet (2017) are each spectacular perfumes, housed in heavy, ornate cutwork bottles, artistic celebrations of the five senses, spotlighting the joy and  love of life.

Geoffrey Nejman and Martine Micallef of Parfums M. Micallef via Instagram

With the new M. Micallef Secrets of Love Spiritual, Martine Micallef, Geoffrey Nejman and Jean-Claude Astier venture into an unseen landscape, an "imaginal" world.

The Magic Circle by John Williams Waterhouse©

Love of perfume might seem more an "affirmation of the profane" than an invitation into the realm of sacred reality. But as humans, residing in mortal bodies, negotiating this universe of desire, our first powerful connections with the spiritual can only be made through the physical, by way of the senses. M. Micallef Secrets of Love Spiritual is a perfume that features the sensibilities and polarities of feminine and masculine, darkness and light, melded into one transcendent olfactory vision.

Detail of MirandaThe Tempest  John Williams Waterhouse

M. Micallef Secrets of Love Spiritual greets me with the bright fizz and "spritely" pop of pink pepper. As tendrils of bergamot and jasmine weave their way through the red berries, the deceptively fragile opening – a Shakespearian Ariel perhaps – magically shifts from one sparkling form to another. Within moments the darker, deeper base, a shadow of the Tempest's Caliban, makes its presence known.

John Singer Sargent Fumee d'Ambre Gris Smoke of Ambergris

The heavy sweetness of benzoin, smooth vanilla and the earthy funk of ambergris begin to infiltrate the bright spirit, uniting body and soul in marriage of opposites. As W.H. Auden put it in  "The Sea and the Mirror" (his poetic commentary on Shakespeare's Tempest):  "…Elegance, art, fascination, fascinated by …mortality…" In M. Micallef Secrets of Love Spiritual, fragrant wraiths of pepper and jasmine melt into the rich deep body of earth, imbuing the perfume with a unique vibration, a fragrant message of unity that resonates with men and women alike. The spirits of the air, the earth and the sea dance for hours on my skin, dissolving at last – a dream of cedar wood evaporating into one final, unearthly sigh of vanilla and ambergris.

From the Avatamsaka to the Tempest, from Buddha, to Shakespeare and thence to Auden, M.Micallef Spiritual guides me, by association and metaphor, on an amazing transcendental ride, a spiritual journey revealing, in scent, the 6th Secret of Love. Notes:  Rose berries (pink pepper), bergamot, jasmine, cedar, ambergris, vanilla and benzoin.Disclaimer: I would like to thank Parfums Micallef for my cherished bottle of Secrets of Love Spiritual.  My opinions are my own.

Gail Gross – Senior Editor

Art Direction: Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Photo of  M. Micallef Spiritual by Gail©

Thanks to the generosity of Parfums M. Micallef we have one 75 ml bottle of M.Micallef Secrets of Love Spiritual for one registered reader anywhere in the world. Be sure to register or your comment will not count). To be eligible for the draw, please let us know where you live, tell us what appeals to you about Gail's review of Secrets of Love Spiritual and if fragrance has ever altered your state of consciousness or if you have a favorite M. Micallef perfume.  Draw closes 9/14/2018Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebon @parfumsmicallef @azarsmith7

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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41 comments

  • DespinaVnt says:

    I loved Gail’s beautiful description about how Secrets of Love Spiritual is a perfume that hosts and harmonizes feminine and masculine, as well as darkness and light – “melded into one transcendent olfactory vision.”
    My state of consciousness has been altered most notably by vintage Guerlain L’Heure Bleu parfum, which never fails to transport me to other times and places.
    I live in EU (France), thank you for the generous draw.

  • NiceVULady says:

    I experienced this review rather than read it. It almost seemed to rock and sway as I read it. A simply evocative review. I don’t think my state of consciousness has been altered by perfume…perhaps it should. I have Shanaan, sadly discontinued. Thanks for the draw. I’m in the US

  • fazalcheema says:

    M.Micallef Secrets of Love Spiritual is quite an evolving perfume, going in different directions in different stages from peppery to gourmand elements. My fav. Micallef is Sashka Black. I am in US.

  • Onyinye says:

    I loved Gail’s description of “The heavy sweetness of benzoin, smooth vanilla and the earthy funk of ambergris as it begin to infiltrate the bright spirit, uniting body and soul in marriage of opposites”. I also love the fragrant message of unity that resonates with men and women alike.
    I don’t have any favorite M. Micallef perfume.

    I live in California USA.

  • Ivan.napoleon says:

    Id love to try this one first time I hear From this house
    Love the notes Vanilla and jasmine.
    Great bottle and this part la my fav “Love of perfume might seem more an “affirmation of the profane” than an invitation into the realm of sacred reality”
    Miami Florida
    Thanks

  • Uerschie says:

    Like Gails detailed description of this scent progression from openimg to drydown. It’s so good as it can be! Sadly don’t know everything from M. Micallef, but I love Royal Vintage. I’m living in Germany.

  • INYA says:

    If I’m physically tired and stressed, besides nourishment, I reach for perfume to lift my spiritual self. This sounds amazing. Loved the review and will search for this series, USA

  • Just Add Light says:

    Knew I had to read the article the instant I saw it. The use of fragrances as an adjunct to consciousness development is actually the reason I became an enthusiast. In fact, they are often a staple in my self-hypnosis practice. Associating a particular internal experience with an external smell helps to reinforce an intended emotional tapestry in the waking state without conscious intervention, while integrating it into long-term memory effortlessly.

    Gail mentions in her article that fragrances have been in use for countless ages as a focussing tool for introspection. Her description of Spiritual as transcending dicotomies is a perfect example of the ideals to which we should strive each and every day – the transition from shallow to deep – sparkling to earthy – superficial to eternal – to the ultimate integration with a greater Self. Sigh. Perhaps in time…spent contemplating that gorgeous bottle! From Canada.

  • esz says:

    So I was lucky enough to be sent a sample of this before launch from M.Micallef. I was so impressed! This scent is a true powerhouse and I loved it. Would LOVE to win a full bottle. Heck yes!

    I am in Melbourne Australia

  • KWMonty says:

    This review is written in a way that was more meaningful to me than most of the ones I read here. It is descriptive without going into a bunch of flowery prose that I personally have trouble deciphering. I wish to thank Gail for presenting this fragrance in a way that got me very interested in giving it a try. I reside in Canada.

  • Zibbyz says:

    what beautiful bottles for beautiful perfumes! it sounds lovely, and often I smell a scent that reminds me of forgotten moments or people, memories suddenly brought back by the scent. I do not think I have any M. Micallef perfumes, and would love to try this one as I like all the notes. I’m in the US. Thank you for the draw!

  • Monica Beaton says:

    I use fragrance to change my mood – uplifting, sensuous, soothing….Secrets of Love Spiritual sounds like a warm soothing fragrance – benzoin and vanilla wrapped around rose peppers and jasmine – divine. Gail’s review is beautifully written and many thanks to M. Micallef for such a generous draw! I live in Australia.

  • Gail A says:

    Description of Micallef spiritual byGail is like a perfume prayer. My favorite part was that it contrasts masculine and feminine. My favorite Micallef is Black Ananda. Where do I find this one in the US? I usually look at their website but wish I could test it

  • doveskylark says:

    I really appreciate this type of review, one filled with references that expand my knowledge. After reading Gail’s words, I am inspired to read “The Tempest” again and also to re-discover Auden’s poetry.
    What an interesting question about fragrance altering conscious states. I found a very old bottle of Tabac Blond and I found myself time traveling when I first wore it. I really thought I was back in the 1920s or 1930s–maybe the original owner was present with me.
    i live in the USA.

  • Timea says:

    I have very enjoyed to read this interesting article. I never had a chance to try any of M. Micallef perfumes. Unfortunately where I live there is not that kind of perfume stores where would have luxury perfumes. Secrets of Love Spiritual sounds incredibly wonderfully. I would very love to win. Thank you for the chance. I live in Europe.

  • Diana D says:

    Love the earthy, rich notes. It sounds like a gorgeous fragrance. I’m not sure any of my fragrances have ever created an altered state of consciousness, but I do know that a few of them completely transform my mood, such as Laura Mercier’s Minuit Enchante.
    I live in the USA.

  • roxhas1cat says:

    I love a fragrance that ‘takes a journey’. The opposites in this fragrance are interesting to me. I think that starting out deceptively fragile and then switching to the dark is something I would like. The bottles are beautiful. Fantastic review Gail! When I first discovered niche, the incense fragrance really altered my mind, probably from growing up in the Catholic church. Sometimes I like to smell my wrist in a busy day or in the middle of traffic to give me a moment of pure olfactory joy. The high quality unique scents I have discovered in niche truly bring me joy. My favorite of this line is Gaiac. US.

  • audesko1 says:

    Wow! the paintings and artwork in this article are amazing. I want to alter my state of consciousness! The fragrance sounds lovely and I haven’t tried any from this brand. Thank you for the chance. I am from the US.

  • BreathingMyBelovedIn says:

    Gail’s review is quite enchanting, I wish I get a chance to sniff this one. My best friend owns Akowa by M. Micalef, and I recall how both of us were mesmerized by the lush and mysterious (and very masculine!) fragrance – would that qualify as an altered state of conciousness? Perhaps… I wonder how does that compare to Secrets of Love Spiritual… Thanks for the draw, I am in Israel.

  • Veezy says:

    This is my favorite review I read in a long time!!! I agree wholeheartedly
    about it being such a spiritual experience and how a fragrance can transport you somewhere else. I would loveee to win this!! The bottles are gorgeous and I KNOW THE Quality is top notch!
    USA BASED. So thankful

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    “The heavy sweetness of benzoin, smooth vanilla and the earthy funk of ambergris begin to infiltrate the bright spirit, uniting body and soul in marriage of opposites.”
    “The spirits of the air, the earth and the sea dance for hours on my skin, dissolving at last – a dream of cedar wood evaporating into one final, unearthly sigh of vanilla and ambergris.”
    I’m intrigued because of the 2 paragraphs- nice job Gail
    Personally i do not own any M. Micallef fragrances , but my husband owns Avant-Garde – to me it’s unisex especially the drydown , and i’m wearing it from time to time.
    Last few months non-stop back and forth between US and Scotland.1 week is US,1 week in Scotland …non-stop.

  • Alen says:

    Great review, always a pleasure to read Gail’s descriptions. I did not had the chance to test a lot of fragrances from this house but i’ve sampled Royal Vintage and loved it. Thanks for this generous draw, i would love to win a full bottle. I am in the EU.

  • Annatar says:

    The Tempest reference never fails to make my heart rejoice, I love this play so much. It’s true that few perfumes are, as Gail has beautifully put it, “an invitation into the sacred reality”, however, the best of the fragrant masterpieces might do just that: I can never forget the first time I smellt vintage Shalimar. It was love, and I dare you to say that love isn’t sacred.

    Thank you for the draw! I’m from Russia.

  • Yana_Tommelise says:

    Firstly, this is a beautiful review! This otherworldly perfume won’t leave my memory any soon, haha! I love ambergris, vanilla and benzoin. Unfortunately, I’ve never had a chance to smell this line properly but I have heard amazing things about it and would love to experience it myself. I really hope I’ll get spiritual feel out of this scent. I am in Europe, Germany

  • cwoody says:

    I enjoyed Gail’s review of Secrets of Love Spiritual and how she walked you through the notes. A fragrance that captures earth, air and sea sounds incredible. I’ve never had an altered state from a fragrance and I’ve never tried any M. Micallef perfume. Arkansas, USA

  • dana.sandu says:

    Count me in, please.
    The thing that made me wonder in this whole review is how ambergris—such am earthy, humble, “dirty” ingredient—can catalyze a spiritual journey..I am very, very intrigued.
    As far as perfumes go, the closest out-of-time experience was, coincidentally, with a Micallef fragrance, Akowa, which—although it is set around a deserty, dry, African material, it transports me immediately and completely to a Japanese water village at dawn, when fishermen mend their nets in the foggy, quiet morning.
    No, I’ve never been to Japan… save for those few times I’ve sniffed Akowa.

    Thank you for this draw… I live in the US.

  • cressit says:

    I loved Gail’s description of how the spritely notes turn deep, conjuring up Caliban/Tempest imagery. All the notes listed for Secrets of Love Spiritual are among my favorites. I’d love to enter the draw – I live in the US. There have been many times while at prayer when the priest incenses the altar and congregation that I am taken into a deeper space. I love a lot of M. Micallef fragrances but I’ve had my eye on Pomelo for a while.

  • hugogrotius says:

    A few days ago I have a pleasure to attend a event with Martine Micallef and Geofrey Nejman during which they have launched Spiritual. It was a wonderful evening and Spiritual truly smells heavenly! I absolutely love how Gail captured the essence of this perfume by writing that Spiritual features the sensibilities and polarities of feminine and masculine, darkness and light, melded into one transcendent olfactory vision. Could not agree more!
    I think that Spiritual could alter my conciousness!
    I love almost everything from M.Micallef offering from Akowa to Mon Parfum Gold through Gaiac! I am from the EU

  • jeremyn87 says:

    Im in the US.
    Im not a spiritual person, but I do like spiritual scents since they usually include notes which I enjoy. Interested in this since jasmine and earthy notes go really well together.
    I’ve never had a change in consciousness from a smell, but some fragrances, like Aramis, make me feel incredible when I first put it on. Very euphoric.
    I dont have any from the house
    thanks for the draw

  • cigano says:

    I’ve never looked at fragrances in that way before.
    I guess it could be similar to incense in that way.
    If the sent is as beautiful as the bottle….
    Fort Lauderdale, FL

  • James2473 says:

    Great review! What appeals to me is the joining of the opposites. Light and dark, masculine and feminine. It sounds like a fragrance I would truly enjoy. I haven’t tried any of M.Micallef’s fragrances, but would love to try Spiritual. Thanks for the generous draw. I’m located in the USA.

  • Fusiongel says:

    Interesting review. I’ve never had a religious experience with fragrances, but I cannot deny their transcendental abilities. One whiff of Polo Green and I’m taken back to my early childhood. Most recently, I tried a few of the Incense Series of Comme de Garcons (they were inspired by several different religions) and felt the same way. I haven’t tried anything from this fragrance house yet, but this one sounds like its worth checking out. Thank for holding this draw. Cheers from CT.

  • patrick_348 says:

    I enjoyed the review mainly because although I don’t think fragrance can lead directly to a transcendental experience, I do think there is a spiritual component to sensory experience if I tune in to it. I have not had that kind of experience through perfume, and don’t know any of Micaleff’s fragrances, but I would like to try this one. I live in North Carolina in the US.

  • Teresa says:

    Thank you for a beautiful, evocative review! I so enjoy the writing and photography on Cafleurebon and this article is a perfect example of what appeals to me; I am transported to other places and times by the artistic descriotions offered by the writers. I am in the US and would love the opportunity to try this. The sense of smell is somewhat transcendent in that it directs us in a primal way to past memories.

  • bumbuliuki says:

    For a while perfumes have a been a way of enhancing my mood, in a happy and sad moments.
    Gail managed to write a truly astonishing article. My favorite part is where she says that the perfume “guides her by association and metaphor, on an amazing transcendental ride, a spiritual journey revealing, in scent, the 6th Secret of Love.”
    One of my favorite creations from M. Micallef is Akowa.
    Thank you for another extremely generous draw and a wonderful article
    I’m in the EU.

  • fleurdelys says:

    Thank you for such an incredibly well written reviews, Gail!
    The writing and the collage of art and images evoke so many emotions.
    I am being transported to unique places.
    I believe a perfume can alter the state of consciousness by evoking memories and spiritual states.
    I’ve managed to try a few perfumes from Micallef and some of my favorites are Black and Ylang in Gold.
    Thank you for the review !
    Greetings from Romania.

  • WaltherP99 says:

    Nice descpiption by Gail , but i’m not into both buddhism and Shakespeare , so the essence of this review can not touch me … full strength , even though i do appreciate the fine job.
    I do like all the notes-rose berries (pink pepper), bergamot, jasmine, cedar, ambergris, vanilla and benzoin so i’m pretty sure i’ll love this one.
    Own and love my personalized bottle of Delice from the same Secrets of Love line.
    Thank you all guys for this draw.
    I do follow all 3 of you on IG.
    Virginia USA or London UK .. like 97/100 times

  • StaceyW says:

    Gail’s description of the notes relating to the earth and sky intrigued me, I’m particularly in love wtih jasmine and ambergris so would likely love this fragrance. My favorite Micallef scent is Vanille Marine and I’m in the U.S. Thanks!

  • CB100 says:

    The description reminds me of the feeling I get when I smell incense in Asian temples, sort of being surrounded by scent inside and out. The bottle design is lovely. I am in Los Angeles CA

  • Gail says:

    Thank you all for your kind words, interesting perspectives and for participating in the draw. Please check CaFleureBon for the name of the lucky winner! Many thanks to M. Micallef for the amazing give-away.