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Myrrh
Botanical Name: Commiphora myrrha
Also Known As: common myrrh, hirabol myrrh
The Greeks called this thorny, shrubby tree balsamodendron, balsam tree. Native to northeastern Africa and the Red Sea region, myrrh was in high demand throughout the ancient world as an ingredient for perfume and medicine. It was also used for ritual purification for the living as well as the dead. With the belief that its aroma pleased deities, myrrh became an important temple incense in Egypt. It was used as a midday offering to the sun god Ra and a moon offering in temples dedicated to Isis.
Oil and Blending Information: Steam-distilling the resin produces a pale yellow to amber-colored oil that has a rich, bitter-spicy scent.
Strength : 4
Scent Group : resinous
Perfume Note : base
Plant Part : So Below/Resins
Warning : avoid during pregnancy
When it comes to magical uses, myrrh has a wide variety of applications. In fact, the possibilities are nearly endless. Because the scent is fairly strong, it’s often used in conjunction with other herbs or resins, like frankincense or sandalwood. Associated with purification and cleansing, you can use myrrh in a number of different ritual and magical contexts. Try one or more of the following:
Burn myrrh, combined with frankincense, in rituals related to banishing. In some magical traditions, myrrh is incorporated into workings to break hexes and curses, or for protection against magical and psychic attack.
You can also blend myrrh into an incense to use for purifying sacred spaces, or to consecrate magical tools and other items.
In ancient Egypt, myrrh was often used as an offering to the goddess Isis, so if you’re doing a ritual calling upon her for assistance, incorporate myrrh into your celebration.
If you’re feeling stressed out, try this: burn some myrrh nearby to help relax and calm your nerves. Another great option? You can also put it in a pouch and place it under your pillow, to bring about restful and peaceful sleep.
Add myrrh to healing sachets for workings related to wellness. If someone who is ill can tolerate the scent, try placing some myrrh in a tin or bowl of water over a heat source, to create a scented atmosphere in the sickroom.
Use myrrh in incense blends such as Full Moon Incense or a fiery summer incense blend to burn at Litha or Beltane.
