Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were the richest of gifts that could be offered to a newborn king, but their significance lies not so much in their religious symbolism, nor in the fabulous wealth they represented. In antiquity, writes Cotton, these saps were worth just as much as gold. The aroma of spicy, earthy wood frankincense oil provides a calming and relaxing sensation, and its comforting properties can be helpful for visualizing, grounding, and improving one’s spiritual connection. The benefits of burning incense for spiritual use ranges abundantly. Myrrh speaks of suffering and death, of atoning for our sins in the face of God. This article will dive into the history of myrrh in the Bible, some of its uses, and why it matters for Christians today. Use durin… Frankincense is also known as liquid gold, Boswellia serrata or dhoop. In temple days, sweet incense containing Frankincense was placed on the Inner Altar of the Tabernacle and burned morning and evening. Many people find that it makes a perfect incense to use during meditation, energy work, or chakra exercises such as opening the third eye. It is cleansing, relaxing, and improves your spiritual connection, which helps prepare you to receive the blessings coming to you. Frankincense is well-known in many spiritual communities as a familiar and grounding aroma. The resin of both plants has been used medicinally and for spiritual practices for over 5,000 years, and with good reason. Frankincense is the most powerful oil for spiritual awakening. Frankincense is a gummy aromatic resin that is made from a tree that grows in Arabia and Southern Africa, the Boswellia thurifera, also known as B. sacra. Researcher Arieh Moussaieff said that the use of frankincense, or at least, its genus Boswellia, is documented back as far as the Talmud, in which condemned prisoners were given frankincense in a cup of wine in order to "benumb the senses" prior to execution. Since ancient times, incense is used for cultural, religious and spiritual reasons. According to a 2013 Leicester University study, a chemical compound called AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid) found in the gum resin frankincense has potential cancer-killing properties for breast, prostate, ovarian, and colon cancers. Just the smell of it is enough to make them keep their distance. (Heb. Frankincense and myrrh are from the same plant family (Burseraceae) and grow as small shrub-like trees in dry climates; such as India, Oman, Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. They call it by its Sanskrit name, dhoop, and incorporate it into general healing and purification ceremonies. Immune booster 2. Useful for visualizing, improving one's spiritual connection, and centering, it has comforting properties that help focus the mind and overcome stress and despair. Many of this season’s songs and stories feature two famous resins, frankincense and myrrh, that have been used in spiritual ceremonies and for their medicinal properties since ancient times. Today, incense burning is still popular all over the world. It is the starting point for any mixture you feel like doing; it is the incense par excellence. It was probably a resin from the Indian tree known to botanists by the name of Boswellia serrata or thurifera, which grows to the height of forty feet. It burns for a long time, with a steady flame. The healing properties of the frankincense Ayurvedic medicine has been using the Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata) for thousands of years to treat arthritis, heal wounds, strengthen the female hormonal system and to protect against pathogenic … Smoky Fragrances And Their Spiritual Meaning. _____ Preceding Entry: fourth dimension Following Entry: freedom This article was updated on 07/31/2020. That is all well and good, but again, there is … Additional benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil may include: Immune booster Pythagóras, philosopher, mathematician, and priest of Apóllo, performed libations and sacrifices to the Gods with "fumigations and frankincense," instead of sacrificing animals. The ancient church understood that the three types of gifts clearly symbolize three key aspects of Christ’s identity. Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. It burns for a long time, with a steady flame. Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. Today, this fragrant resin is transformed into an essential oil that’s valued not only in religious and spiritual practices, but also in aromatherapy and natural health. Benefits and uses of frankincense The alternate name for frankincense is olibanum, from the Arabic al-lubān. Useful for visualizing, improving one’s spiritual connection, and centering, it has comforting properties that help focus the mind and overcome stress and despair. Frankincense is a powerful herb for attraction. It has a spicy, earth like, woody, and slightly fruity aroma. Frankincense is native to the Mideast and Northern Africa and has been in use by the people of those regions for thousands of years. Traditional nativity scenes depict three "Wise Men" visiting the infant Jesus on the night of his birth, in a manger accompanied by the shepherds and angels, but this should be understood as an artistic convention allowing the two separate scenes of the Adoration of the Shepherds on the birth night and the later Adoration of the Magi to be combined for convenience. Frankincense essential oil can be added to a diffuser or vaporizer and inhaled for its sedative, earthy fragrance that is known to enhance the mood and combat stress and anxiety. And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense … Its high vibrational aroma is said to instil courage, help the mind focus and lift the spirit. 2. Take a sheet of paper and write down using your hand, not the computer, everything that puts on an extra load on your soul, write how you feel, about the source of your suffering, what are your thoughts (even the worst – pain, fear, helplessness, etc.) and then throw it into a fire so all that negative emotion can burn. and there, ahead of them, went the … Antiseptic and disinfectant 3. The gift of frankincense, given by one of the wise men, pointed to the work of Jesus as a Priest of God, who ministered for three and one half years to the people. Frankincense: Produces a heightened awareness of the spiritual realms and will deepen any religious experience. Were the gifts of the magi meant to save Jesus from the pain of arthritis? Frankincense oil is an antiseptic, meaning it helps eliminate bacteria and viruses from your home and clean indoor spaces. Metaphysically, it represents in man the transmutation of the material consciousness into the spiritual. Frankincense resin is commonly used to make incense, which is then burned for spiritual purposes. The English word is derived from old French franc encens, i.e. Additional benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil may include: 1. At one time, frankincense was valued as highly as gold. Posted on December 31, 2015 by Lee — 26 Comments The Gospel of Matthew tells us that: After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came . This essential oil helps the process of grounding. Frankincense has been traded on the Arabian Peninsula for more than 6,000 years.. Frankincense was reintroduced to Western Europe by Frankish Crusaders, and other Western Europeans on their journeys to the Eastern Roman Empire where it was commonly used in church services.Although named Frankincense, the name refers to the quality of incense brought to Western Europe, not to the Franks … The most important species are B. Carteri and B. Frereana. Orr, James, M.A., D.D. Scientists say this indicates a drop in levels of anxiety. Many people find that it makes a perfect incense to use during meditation, energy work, or chakra exercises such as opening the third eye. Frankincense and myrrh are most commonly known in the Christian tradition for their appearance in the New Testament of the Bible as gifts brought by the Wise Men, or Magi, to Bethlehem. Myrrh, used as a burial spice and in purification rites, was a primary ingredient of the Holy Anointing Oil. Frankincense and myrrh are from the same plant family (Burseraceae) and grow as small shrub-like trees in dry climates; such as India, Oman, Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Research shows that lab mice exposed to frankincense were more willing to spend time in open areas, where they typically feel more vulnerable. Bibliography Information It is said that Frankincense and myrrh had more value than gold in the times of Rome. Frankincense used internally should be clear and free of dark impurities. The gift of myrrh = offering the service of our hands to Jesus. Metaphysical meaning of frankincense (rw) frankincense--"A fragrant gum resin" (Webster). More or less, there are signs that are used by your guardian angels to communicate with you. Some people believe that the fragrance of frankincense can increase your intuition and spiritual connection. libanos, i.e., "white"), an odorous resin imported from Arabia ( Isaiah 60:6 ; Jeremiah 6:20 ), yet also growing in Palestine (Cant 4:14 ). Frankincense is an aromatic resin obtained from the Boswellia tree, which grows throughout Asia and Africa. Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. Frankincense is well-known in many spiritual communities as a familiar and grounding aroma. 1915. The Letter. Natural Household Cleaner. Back to Words index: Back to Natural words index Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh. In some traditions of Hoodoo and rootwork, frankincense is used to anoint petitions, and is said to give the other magical herbs in the working a boost. This resin, harvested from the family of trees, appears in the story of the birth of Jesus. Frankincense & Myrrh – Healing & Intercession. In biblical times, Frankincense was used for religious ceremonies. FRANKINCENSE is a holy incense of the Jews and is used in spiritual rites of all kinds, to increase the intensity of concentration. This sacred connection resembles spiritual insight, spiritual self-discipline, and the dedication of finding ones true spiritual nature. frankincense definition: 1. a thick sticky liquid that produces a sweet smell when burned and comes from a tree that grows…. Biblical account. There can be little doubt that the tree which produces the Indian frankincense is the Boswellia serrata of Roxburgh, or Boswellia thurifera of Colebrooke, and bears some resemblance when young to the mountain ash. It burns for a long time, with a steady flame. Both frankincense and myrrh are excellent for spiritual cleansing. To this day it’s still pretty pricey. Rather, the burning of frankincense was closely associated with ceremonial worship of a deity. These are the prophetic meanings of the fragrances that are used in the Anointing Oils. The favorite preaching point about the gifts is their mystical meaning. The resin of both plants has been used medicinally and for spiritual practices for … The spiritual realms runs parallel to the natural realm. The first incision yields the purest and whitest resin, while the product of the after incisions is spotted with yellow, and loses its whiteness altogether as it becomes old. Frankincense is obtained by a process in which the tree is punctured and the fluid oozes out. All rights reserved. It is believed that, in spiritual practices, the scent of Frankincense strengthens both intuition and a spiritual connection. Useful for visualizing, improving one’s spiritual connection, and centering, it has comforting properties that help focus the mind and overcome stress and despair. In modern magical traditions, frankincense is often used as a purifier – burn the resin to cleanse a sacred space, or use the essential oils* to anoint an area that needs to be purified. Frankincense is mentioned several times in the Old Testament as well as in the Talmud. a vegetable resin, brittle, glittering, and of a bitter taste, used for the purpose of sacrificial fumigation. It speaks of intercession. Frankincense was costly in ancient times. Myrrh, this last one, has roots as far as the Old Testament in terms of having significant meaning. Later introduced to Europe by Crusaders, frankincense became a staple element of many Christian ceremonies, particularly in the Catholic and Orthodox churches. Frankincense and myrrh today While the advent of modern medicine dealt another blow to the market for frankincense and myrrh, some communities and … When burnt it emitted a fragrant odour, and hence the incense became a symbol of the Divine name ( Malachi 1:11 ; Cant 1:3 ) and an emblem of prayer ( Psalms 141:2 ; Luke 1:10 ; Revelation 5:8 ; 8:3 ). Frankincense and Myrrh are two of the The 12 Healing Oils Of The Bible. Its possible, according to researchers at Cardiff University in Wales who have been studying the medical uses of frankincense. These scents, when smelled, should give you an idea that they have spiritual relevance. Frankincense is well-known in many spiritual communities as a familiar and grounding aroma. Much like frankincense, myrrh is not an herb but a resin, and appears with some relevance in a number of religious and spiritual contexts. Sandalwood . According to a 2013 Leicester University study, a chemical compound called AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid) found in the gum resin frankincense has potential cancer-killing properties for breast, prostate, ovarian, and colon cancers. Therefore, it is very helpful in your meditation. See INCENSE. Some of the trees grow to a considerable height and send down their roots to extraordinary depths. _____ Preceding Entry: fourth dimension Following Entry: freedom Frankincense and the other plant-derived treasure given to the newborn Jesus in the New Testament narrative—myrrh—have a long history dating back thousands of years. Along with a tool for spiritual growth, it can help to invigorate the spirit, limit stress and despair. The species has star-shaped flowers that are pure white or green, tipped with rose. Many believe the resin inspires purification and centering of the mind, body and spirit. The Bible tells of the three wise men, who arrived at the manger, and “opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11). ( Exodus 30:34-36 ) It was called frank because of the freeness with which, when burned, it gives forth its odor. This is also found in Africa and the Middle Eastern countries. Frankincense is an edible resin that can be used in tonics to ensure good digestion and clear skin. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Metaphysical meaning of frankincense (rw) frankincense--"A fragrant gum resin" (Webster). Based on some of the psychic research that I have done, several fragrances are significant than the others. This entry was posted in Incense. It has been used over the ages by various cultures in their religious and spiritual ceremonies. This week we are focusing on Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia Carter), which has held great significance in many different cultures and religions for thousands of years. The preacher will tell us that gold stands for the Christ child’s kingly status, frankincense for his divinity, and myrrh for the anointing at his sacrificial death. READ MORE: Broken Glass – Spiritual Meaning. ( Exodus 30:34-36) It was called frank because of the freeness with which, when burned, it gives forth its odor. 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