Essential Oils - Are There "Sacred Fragrances" in Our Judeo-Christian Heritage?

It is believed by many that this 'odor of sanctity'purposes. Some of these aromatics were for
signals the presence of the Divine and prepares usinhalation similar to inhaling hallucinogens. Medicinal
for communicating the desires of our hearts. Certainplants and aromatics were thus used to open the
fragrances were considered sacred by many culturesdoors of perception or gain access to the realm of
in antiquity as rendering us "holy unto God."the spirit world. This journey was considered vital for
Frankincense, myrrh, onycha, galbanum and spikenardthe success of the healing operation as well as for
along with the special blend in the formula God gavethe personal safety of the shaman acting on behalf
Moses consisting of myrrh, cinnamon, calamus andof the sick person.
cassia.It is a long convoluted history as to why Christianity
The 'odor of sanctity' also denotes particularly holyhas let go of "Sacred Fragrances." Some
individuals-those elevated to some higher level ofdenominations like the Roman Catholics, Anglicans,
existence closer to the Divine. Many Christian, HinduEastern Orthodox churches still use incense in their
and Jewish saints (holy persons) exuded these sweetworship but most Protestant churches let go of this
smelling fragrances. Mystics exude an odor similar toin the 1500s as unnecessary to reach God.
rose or other sweet smelling floral fragrances whenWant to know more about essential oils and how
they meditate.they can help us stay healthy? Consider becoming a
Shamans, medicine men and women use aromaticscertified clinical aromatherapist. The Institute of
and drugs to open to the spiritual realm. Many ofSpiritual Healing and Aromatherapy teaches classes
their 'magical herbs' or oils are dangerous if not usedthroughout the United States on aromatherapy and
properly. They use herbs and aromatics for healingenergy healing.