How to Prepare Sacred Anointing Oil
To anoint means to bless or make holy. In Biblical times, anointings with sacred oil were performed as a symbolic gesture for purity, spirituality, funerals, and healing. Also called "Chrism" or "myrrh," sacred oils have been used by diverse religions for thousands of years. There are over 200 references to sacred oils in the Bible; in Exodus, God directs Moses to prepare a holy anointing oil with olive oil, myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, and cassia. Today, the use of anointing oils for worship and spiritual events, illness, healing, and death is making a resurgence.
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Things You'll Need
- Pure virgin olive oil, as fresh as possible
- Cinnamon oil
- Calamus oil
- Cassia oil
- Myrrh oil
- Double boiler
- Tap water
- Spoon
- Glass dropper
- A glass container with an airtight stopper
- Self adhesive label or a Sharpie
Instructions
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1
Fill the bottom pan of the double boiler half full with water. Set the top pan of the double boiler on top of the bottom half. Place the double boiler on the stove.
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2
Add the oils to the top pan of the double boiler. Using the glass dropper, measure the oils into the top pan. Add:
50 drops Myrrh
25 drops Cinnamon
25 drops Calamus
50 drops Cassia
65 drops Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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3
Stir to mix the oils. Turn the burner on high heat. When the water begins to boil after 4 to 6 minutes, turn the heat down to medium. Leaving the pan on the burner, stir every few minutes for about 20 minutes, to blend the oils. Do not allow the oil to boil or smoke, removing from the heat if necessary.
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4
Remove the double boiler from the burner. Allow the oil to cool before handling. When the oil is cool, transfer it to a clean glass container. Put the stopper on the bottle. Label the bottle as to contents and date, using the label, or the Sharpie. Store in a cool location, away from light.
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Tips & Warnings
This recipe is but one interpretation of the one found in the Book of Exodus. The Bible does reference others, so experiment.
Drop volumes vary from dropper to dropper, and sacred oil mixtures are not exact science.
There are roughly 76 drops in a teaspoon.
Before labeling the container, be sure there is no oil residue on the outside: neither the Sharpie nor the label will last if the glass is not oil-free.
Use the freshest olive oil possible.
According to Easy Essential Oils, some anointing oil ingredients such as calamus, cassia, and myrrh are toxic and should not be used by pregnant women. Discuss the use of these spices with your obstetrician.
Pour out only as much oil as you need at one time. Avoid letting your skin come in contact with the remaining oil or it can become contaminated.
References
Resources
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