The Power of Egyptian Essential Oils + An Essential Oil Ritual
Egypt has long been celebrated for its deep connection to the natural world and its profound use of natural resources. Among these, essential oils hold a place of honor, having played pivotal roles in ceremonies, relaxation practices, and spiritual connections throughout history. Archaeological discoveries, including containers and incense burners found in temples and tombs, provide tangible evidence of these oils' historical significance. Moreover, ancient writings and hieroglyphics detail their application in various rituals and ceremonies, while wall paintings and carvings vividly illustrate the anointing process, highlighting specific body areas where these oils were traditionally applied.
Let's explore three powerful Egyptian oils and examine both their ancient applications and modern benefits.
Blue Lotus: The Sacred Flower
Anointing with Blue Lotus oil was a ritualistic act that married deep symbolism with practical benefits.
The ancient Egyptians held the Blue Lotus flower in high regard, incorporating its oil into both spiritual and daily practices. The oil was applied to specific regions on the body for various purposes:
Third Eye: To enhance spiritual awareness and open the mind to higher consciousness.
Temples: To induce more tranquil states and relieve stress.
Heart Center: To strengthen emotional connections and enhance feelings of love and compassion, as the oil's calming effects were believed to harmonize the heart's energy.
Soles of the Feet: To ground the individual and connect them to the earth, balancing spiritual and physical aspects of the self
In modern times, Blue Lotus oil is cherished for its ability to promote deep relaxation and reduce anxiety. I’m sure you have noticed it being used in massage therapy and personal care products, and perhaps you’ve even made tea with it! (The tea is wildly relaxing and promotes lucid dreaming).
Frankincense: The King of Oils
Known as the "King of Oils," Frankincense was often used in ancient Egyptian rituals including religious ceremonies.
Historical trade records reveal it was imported from the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa, highlighting its economic and religious significance. The oil was particularly important in:
Religious Ceremonies: Used to purify spaces and create an atmosphere conducive to spiritual practices, its aroma was believed to carry prayers to the divine.
Mummification: Applied to anoint bodies, believed to purify and protect the soul for the afterlife
Spiritual Connection: Valued for its ability to elevate spiritual awareness and facilitate communication with the divine.
Today, Frankincense continues to be celebrated for its calming and grounding properties. It is commonly used in meditation practices to foster a tranquil state.
Myrrh: The Healing Oil
Myrrh played a crucial role in embalming rituals and was used to treat wounds and skin conditions, helping prevent infection and promote healing.
The ancient Egyptians prized Myrrh for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Today, Myrrh is often used in aromatherapy to promote emotional balance and relieve stress.
Below is a way to incorporate all three of these oils into your meditation practice by utilizing the ancient practices of anointing with intention and mindfully connecting with the consciousness of these sacred oils.
Enjoy!
A Modern Ritual for Connecting with the Oils of Ancient Egypt
Purpose
Enhance spiritual awareness and emotional balance through the power of ancient oils and connect to the frequency and energy of the Ancient Land.
Materials Needed
Frankincense essential oil
Myrrh essential oil
Blue Lotus essential oil
Carrier oil (such as olive oil or almond oil)
three 50ml bottles
A quiet, comfortable space
Candles (optional)
Meditation Cushion (optional)
Music (Suggested playlist here)
Steps
Intentionally Set Your Space:
Find a quiet space where you can relax without interruptions for at least 25 minutes. Light some candles, build your “nest” and play some relaxing music. (I recommend this 30 -minute playlist)
Prepare Your Oils:
Take the Blue Lotus oil and blend it with your favorite carrier oil (olive oil or almond oil) - I use roughly 35 drops per 50ml bottle of olive oil.
Take your Frankincense essential oil and blend it with your favorite carrier oil - I use roughly 35 drops per 50ml bottle of olive oil.
Take your Myrrh essential oil and blend it with your favorite carrier oil - I use roughly 35 drops per 50ml bottle of olive oil.
Anoint Yourself:
Anoint your feet with Myrrh - set the intention to ground yourself and connect with the earth, as the Ancient Egyptians did to balance the physical and spiritual realms.
Apply Frankincense to your forehead and temples - set the intention to open the third eye and enhance spiritual awareness, thus creating a deeper connection with the divine.
Anoint your heart center with Blue Lotus oil - set the intention to expand the heart chakra, opening up to receiving deeper love, compassion, and inner peace.
Breathe in these scents: As you breathe deeply, invite the energies of Myrrh, Frankincense, and Blue Lotus to guide and support you through the meditation. Feel their healing properties envelop you.
Meditate: Spend 15 minutes or more in quiet meditation, allowing the oils' aromas to deepen your sense of relaxation and awareness. Visualize the oils connecting you to the ancient wisdom of Egypt, filling you with their healing energies.
Conclude the Ritual: When you feel ready, slowly bring your awareness back to the present moment. Express gratitude for the oils and the insights or feelings they may have inspired during your ritual.
By incorporating these ancient Egyptian oils into your meditation, devotional, or contemplative practices, you can tap into the deep wisdom and healing power of this mystical land. These oils offer a bridge to the past, inviting you to explore the mysteries of Egypt and the gifts it continues to share with the world.
