Astral Health

What Exactly Is Frankinscence?

  

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) is a tree resin that is harvested from a small tree that is native to Somalia and some Arabic regions. The tree is cut which causes it to weep white milky tears. These tears harden into amber or orange drops which are then graded according to color and size and steam distilled to produce olbanimum (the ancient name for Frankincense.)

  

Although it is a holy resin that has been burned for centuries in both churches and for more pagan rituals (60 tons were burned annually for the feast of Baal in ancient Rome) it mainly produces a sexual response by stimulating certain hormones. Other studies have shown that it produces a chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol. This substance is thought to expand the subconscious so diffusing it through the air can be a bit “trippy.”

  

In addition to blowing your mind, Frankincense is also an expectorant, immune system stimulant and anti-depressant. It is an excellent treatment for asthma and nervous disorders.

  

Peace Be Still, Sam

 

Seeing as it is St. Valentine’s Day it might be appropriate to talk about the most famous floral symbol of love – the rose. This is classified as a feminine flower and astrologically it belongs to the planet Venus. The bud historically honors Hathor (Queen of the Witches), Hulda (same kind of Queen), Cupid, Eros, Demeter (Roman Goddess of Love), Isis (Egyptian Goddess of Love and Adonis (The Greek God of Young Hunks)  Its traditional magical uses are for attracting love, attracting luck, protection from evil and increasing psychic powers.  Here is some magical lore about the use of roses:  A necklace made of rosehips and strung around the neck is said to attract love.  If you drink a tea made of rosehips before you go to bed you will derma about the future. 

If you are having trouble deciding between two lovers take two rose leaves and write the name of each on one leaf. Leave the out in the sun. The one that stays green the longest is the partner you should choose. A blue cloth anointed with rose oil and placed over the forehead will help connect you to the energies of the Virgin Mary. Carrying dried rose petals on your person will protect you from any kind of attack. Rose oil sprinkled on the door stoop invites the Love Goddess Venus into your house. 

In Feng Shui, two roses in a vase are necessary to attract love. If there are three there will be a love triangle. If there is only one you will remain single. Roses planted in the rose garden attract fairies.    Happy Valentine’s Day.. Sam.