Frankincense and Myrrh have long been thought of at Christmas time, when the Wise Men from the Orient brought special gifts to the Christ Child. I have many differing views when it comes to Christmas, per se, but the Magi, Frankincense and Myrrh have very alchemical, spiritual, and healing (as well as historical) value. I see it as something that should be used anytime of the year.
I remember the first time I realized that the Magi were (and still are) a special group of wise and magical people. They are hidden from society, and this enables them to “know” what many are not able to understand.
They were certainly men of great learning. The word Magi comes from the Greek word 'magos' (where the English word 'magic' comes from). Magos itself comes from the old Persian word 'Magupati'. This was the title given to priests in a sect of the ancient Persian religions such as Zoroastrianism. They would have also probably been very rich and held high esteem in their own society and by people who weren't from their country or religion.
The Magi are mystical sages who lived at the eastern edge of the world and guarded an ancient prophecy about a coming star that would signify the birth of God in human form.
When that star finally appeared, it descended from heaven and transformed into a small, luminous human being. It was not quite a star, and not exactly human either, but something else -- a star-child, some say. The Magi rejoiced that their long-awaited prophecy had come to pass.
Frankincense and Myrrh have very close associations, and I believe were meant to blend their properties to bring about a special effect. They were not only connected to Christianity, but many other religions and cultures.
The Three Wise Men brought the Christ child offerings of Frankincense (to represent divinity), and Myrrh (to alleviate suffering). Combined, they create a powerful force that encourages us to reach upward (inward) to know what needs to be cleared and healed.
Frankincense
Frankincense was discovered in the land now called Somalia, where it is very dry and bare. This incense was used in rituals where herbs were burned.
Egyptians used Frankincense to assist release of the soul from the body in religious rituals. This facilitated the connection with Spirit, raising the level of consciousness. This brought strength and protection.
Frankincense was also brought together with cypress and cedar wood. Supposedly the woods’ oils were blended with Frankincense oil as a preparation in the transition into the afterlife.
Using Frankincense for Physical Healing
It’s amazing that Frankincense has so many uses. In the 10th century, Frankincense was used for ulcers, vomiting, tumors, dysentery and fever, and considered a powerful stimulant. Inhalation of frankincense oil was used for bronchitis and laryngitis. In China frankincense was used to move qi to quicken the blood, brought circulation to blocked meridians, and relieved pain.
In modern times, Frankincense is generally used as an essential oil. It is specifically used in preparations for skin inflammation, dry, mature, or aging skin. It can be combined with rose and vetiver in lotions. Its antiseptic and expectorant qualities make it effective for colds, flu, and respiratory infections.
Frankincense Tool for Spiritual Healing
Frankincense instills courage, helps the mind focus, and lifts the spirit. The oil is a powerful stimulant that lifts depressed energy.
Creating a space for spiritual healing and clearing the energy field is an important first step for deep spiritual work. Frankincense is specific for creating an opening when the 7th chakra has been damaged from fear or extreme trauma. The 7th Chakra is how we connect with Spirit. It is a chakra we send energy out from. This conscious self-connects with the subconscious, and we have the ability to use information from spiritual dimensions for healing.
Frankincense prepares us to go in this process. It protects us and gives us courage in our journey. It lifts the spirit and focuses the mind, allowing us to find perspective and get our direction straight. We begin to move forward instead of stagnating.
When we are overwhelmed during the holidays, the physical, emotional and spiritual bodies become stressed. Frankincense is fitting for this time of year, and the basis is not merely traditional. Frankincense gives us energy, stimulates our immune system, protects our respiratory tract and alleviates spiritual stress by keeping our energy field clear.
Myrrh
Myrrh clears the air, is used in divination, regenerates the spirit, and restores clarity. The Ancient Egyptians used Myrrh in preparations for everything from serpent bites to asthma. The resin was burned at noon for its restorative properties, reviving the mind and refortifying the spirit. They also embalmed their deceased kings in myrrh and is one of the oils that assisted their royal dead in their next life.
Myrrh aids regeneration of the soul and plays an important part in the preservation of the spirit, anointing the soul immortal. Myrrh was employed by the Ancient Egyptians seeking of immortality in life as well as death, for the mind and the body, soul and spirit.
Using Myrrh for Physical Healing
Myrrh reduces inflammation as an astringent, meaning it tones the structure by contracting the cell walls, condensing the tissue and halting unwanted discharge while also clearing congestion. It works internally as a tincture to clear congestion. Ulcerations and inflammations of the lungs, mouth, and intestinal tract all benefit from myrrh.
Myrrh is anti-fungal. It can bring the body back to balance and work to eliminate what caused
the imbalance to begin with. The trigger may be physical, like a food allergy, emotional, or spiritual. Can be used as a bitter to stimulate the liver. Bile from the liver is food for good bacteria. This gives the body a better chance to heal.
Myrrh Tool for Spiritual Healing
Myrrh can be of great spiritual support for it has the capacity to ground and center the spirit creating a solid foundation for healing and growth. It brings understanding and compassion, expands awareness and calms fears of the uncertain future in times of chaos. It is a tonic to the nervous system and clears the air of old or stale energy. Essential oil of myrrh is used for the 5th chakra, located at the throat, to help one find and speak their voice. Myrrh calms fears of uncertainty in receiving information from other dimensions.
Blending Them Together
Myrrh’s power to clear the air, open our 6th chakra, clarify our voice and center our thoughts lends itself well to Frankincense ability to lift the spirit, help us connect with higher powers and protect the immune system. The two plants together are powerful forces that motivate us to move forward in our lives and inspire us to ask important questions about what we need to heal. A wonderful way to create ahead in the year to come.
(Some of this article was gleaned from information on the website Santa Claus Loves Christmas.)
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