The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.
W.B. Yeats
This week is the Feast of Epiphany. For many, the holiday celebrates the recognition of the Magi of Jesus’ significance. Both the words magi and magic stem from the Greek magos – meaning interpreting and influencing events through the knowledge of natural phenomena. Astrologers were referred to as Magi. They studied the stars mathematically and this knowledge allowed them to predict astronomical events and gave them credibility. For thousands of years, astrologers were the counselors of Kings and Queens. The astrological interpretations and prophecies they made from astronomical events were their magic and it brought them great wealth.
We know that Magi traveled with large entourages in caravans that included men and women – their sojourns may have taken years. There is every reason to believe that wise women were among them. The Bible and the Quran both carry narratives that mirror the Magi story. The Queen of Sheba traveled from Arabia to Israel and offers King Solomon a caravan of frankincense and gold in exchange for ancient wisdom in 1000 B.C. and in 45 B.C. Cleopatra, used her mastery of astronomy and language, along with gifts like frankincense and gold, to attain the strategic allegiance of Julius Caesar. Frankincense was valued for its magical healing and invocation qualities, gold funded the treasury.
In the Bible, only Mathew mentions these Magi following a rising star, which they interpret to signify a newborn king of the Jews, in order to pay homage with treasure chests of frankincense, myrrh, and gold. The passage consists of just 300 words. In it, the Magi are not qualified in number or gender. Much effort has been applied over the ages to astronomical, astrological, and historical research to explain the phenomenon described in this passage. Some of that research attributes the star to the heliacal rising of Jupiter in Aries, as the constellation Aries represented Herod’s kingdom in the astrology of the time, and the heliacal rising placed Jupiter rising in the East over Bethlehem.
FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL ~THE GIFT OF THE MAGI
Ritual: Frankincense Essential Oil is derived through steam distilling the resin of Boswellia trees from Africa and Arabia ~ it’s considered the king of oils and aligns with the Crown Chakra. Frankincense is mentioned in myriad ancient texts for its use as incense magic and divination. It was believed its heady aromatics were euphoric, alluring to the gods, and drove away negative energy.
Gifts: Once one of the most precious gifts imaginable, Frankincense was well established as a gift fit for royalty throughout recorded history. In the New Testament Frankincense, myrrh, and gold were the gifts of the Magi. 1000 years earlier, the Koran, Torah, and Bible tell us the Queen of Sheba was a seeker of truth and wisdom. She exchanged a caravan of Frankincense, myrrh, gold, and gemstones to King Solomon for his wise counsel and allegiance.
Self-Care: Cleopatra incorporated Frankincense into daily self-care, from perfume for spiritual alignment to an ingredient in cosmetics like kohl eyeliner to protect the physical body from the elements. Frankincense has been shown to have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and regenerative properties. Diffuse or wear Frankincense to create a sacred setting for meditation. Add a few drops to facial oil or serum to smooth away worry lines. Dilute a bit in a bowl of warm water with a hand towel to create a compress that soothes nerves or aching joints. Mix with a carrier oil and give yourself a daily therapeutic foot and hand massage.
Lift your spirits, or a loved one’s, with the precious gift of 100% pure Frankincense Essential Oil.
