July AroMagic 2018 Purchase

Magic of Persia

 

Herbs and Oils for the Mystery of the Magi

This July we will explore ancient Persia – a culture that put the utmost importance on beauty and purification. The Persian Magi were Zoroastrian priests with exceptional religious knowledge, known for their ethics. Their rituals focused on purification –  keeping the mind, body, and environment pure in the quest to defeat evil. They believed that it was necessary to reflect upon oneself before offering a mirror to those around them. Ancient Persians were also all about beauty, and this class goes deep with ancient herbs and oils that will help you refine your mind, body, and soul, and forgive your flaws. Only then will you unlock the mystery of the Magi.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha, C. molmol) – Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, Somalia, Eritrea,  eastern Ethiopia

Planet: Jupiter, Moon
Zodiac: Aquarius, Cancer, Scorpio
Element: Fire
Quality: Feminine
Chakra: Crown, Root, Sacral, Throat

Myrrh is one of the most ancient resins, referenced in many ( if not all) religious and spiritual contexts and ceremonies. Its healing, protective, and balancing properties bring peace to the body, mind, and soul. Myrrh links with the pathway of the soul, where we face many crossroads. Its aroma lifts stagnant vibrations, aiding those who are in need of an energetic rescue. Myrrh has been used for centuries in many purification rituals and for protection against energetic and psychic attacks.

Myrrh is widely used in aromatherapy to encourage feelings of tranquility and serenity – it brings about peaceful sleep and relaxation when placed underneath the pillow. Placing myrrh in an oil burner with water will also prevent germs that can live in a contaminated room, preventing sickness from escalating. When used as an incense, the aroma of myrrh can lead you on a meditative journey, helping you connect with the deceased.

• Discussion Question: How do you use myrrh?

Olibanum (Boswellia serrata) – Arabian Peninsula, northeastern Africa

Planet: Sun
Zodiac: Aquarius, Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Element: Air, Fire
Quality: Masculine
Chakra: Crown, Third Eye

Olibanum, also known as frankincense, accompanies myrrh on the list of ancient resins/oils. It was once rare and valued as highly as gold as it was considered one of the holy anointing oils throughout the Middle East. Extracted from the resin of one of four species of the genus Boswellia, this olibanum is well-known as a traditional incense that can boast a range of amazing curative properties as well. In fact, its roots as a sacred incense are so deep that it has been used throughout history and across several cultures in numerous spiritual and religious ceremonies –  traditionally in cleansing rituals, burned to rid of evil spirits and purify the mind, body, and soul.

Olibanum can be used to boost low spirits, relieve stress, and to aid with digestion. It is also an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. It is also known that olibanum oil can help minimize the appearance of scars and can be used to help minor wounds heal faster. Insect bites and other skin ailments respond very well to this ancient oil.

• Discussion Question: What herb do you use in cleansing rituals?

Artemisia Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris, argenteum) – Europe, Asia, North America

Planet: Venus
Zodiac: Cancer, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius, Taurus
Element: Air, Earth
Quality: Feminine
Chakra: Third Eye

Artemisia mugwort is a native plant to Persia, where it grows wild. Mugwort is an ancient and highly magical herb. It can be carried in a sachet for protection, placed under one’s pillow to aid prophecy in a dream state, burned as a smudge to create protected space for divination, or smoked to enhance psychic vision, astral projection, and lucid dreaming. Mugwort is a leafy, aromatic, and bitter-tasting species related to the daisy, within the larger artemisia family. Mugwort carries a wide span of medicinal, therapeutic, and magical benefits, and has a long and rich folk history across various religions.

Medicinally, mugwort is a common women’s health supplement, used to ease menstruation and the transition into menopause. It also has anesthetic, antifungal, and antimicrobial benefits. It can be used to relieve a gamut of skin irritations, clear the mind, and even alleviate stomach pain; its sedative properties alleviate mild depression, nervousness, and anxiety; and its antispasmodic properties even help mitigate epileptic seizures.

• Discussion Question: Have you ever used mugwort as a smudge?

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) – North America, Europe, Asia, Canada

Planet: Saturn
Zodiac: Virgo
Element: Water
Quality: Feminine
Chakra: Third Eye

Skullcap is a long-trusted herb for promoting relaxation. It is known to bring fidelity, love, and peace. There are 20 known species of skullcap native to Persia! Skullcap is a restorative herb as it enhances meditation, provides mental clarity, and cleanses one’s space of disruptive or frantic energy. This herb is also known to promote peace and harmony and when placed under the pillow, can help prevent nightmares.

Skullcap is a member of the mint family – a varied genus with over 90 species all over the world. Skullcap has traditionally been used in binding rituals – oaths, vows, and initiations. Couples will use skullcap in ritual to help extend their relationship beyond death. Skullcap can also be used in exorcism, or to help with recovery from exorcism. However, it’s restorative properties can also be a great ally in cases of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and mild seizures.

• Discussion Question: Do you have a remedy for frantic energy?