Seamus Hammond
Incense has been used in religious and spiritual practices since before recorded history. Solomon's incense, also known as Qetoret, is considered the King of Incenses. It is believed that 5kg of this incense was burnt every day at dusk and dawn in the Temple of Jerusalem. The exact ingredients of Solomon's incense are unknown, but it is believed to have included 11 ingredients, including frankincense, balsam, and onycha. Today, you can purchase Solomon's incense from various retailers, or even make your own using natural resins, berries, woods, and other ingredients sacred to the forces you wish to work with.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Ingredients | 11 |
| Purpose | Lifting up curses, transmuting evil into good, rising up as a praise to YHWH |
| Ingredients | Frankincense, Olibanum, Saffron, Ketoret, Labdanum, Onycha, Oud, Costus |
| Balsam, Galbanum, Myrrh, Cassia, Spikenard | |
| Recipe Mentioned In | The Bible (Exodus) |
| Burned | Everyday at dusk and dawn in the Temple of Jerusalem |
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What You'll Learn
- Ingredients: frankincense, saffron, balsam, onycha, galbanum, myrrh, cassia, spikenard
- The recipe: combine ingredients in equal weight, season with salt
- Origins: mentioned in the Bible, Exodus, burnt in the Temple of Jerusalem
- Purpose: used for spiritual healing, traditional magic, religious rites
- Where to buy: Amazon, Etsy, Sacred Source?
Ingredients: frankincense, saffron, balsam, onycha, galbanum, myrrh, cassia, spikenard
The ingredients for Solomon incense are frankincense, saffron, balsam, onycha, galbanum, myrrh, cassia, and spikenard.
Frankincense is a resin derived from trees of the genus Boswellia, specifically the species Boswellia sacra, B. frereana, B. serrata, and B. papyrifera. It has been used for incense, perfume, and medicine for thousands of years. The trees start producing resin when they are about eight to ten years old, and the resin is harvested by tapping the trees two to three times per year. The final taps produce the highest-quality resin due to their higher aromatic terpene, sesquiterpene, and diterpene content.
Saffron is a spice that comes from the flower of the Crocus sativus plant, commonly known as the "saffron crocus." It is primarily grown in Iran and has been traded and used for thousands of years. Saffron is known for its distinctive fragrance and golden-yellow hue, and it is commonly used as a seasoning and colouring agent in food.
Balsam is a substance that has been used as a medicine and panacea for centuries. The Balsam of Matariyya, also known as the balm of Gilead or the balm of Mecca, was said to be derived from an Egyptian plant.
Onycha is the door membrane of a snail-like mollusk found in the Red Sea and imported from Oman. It is a powerful aromatic "fixative" that helps to bind all the aromatics in an incense mixture together. The word "onychia" means "finger nail" in ancient Greek and "aromatic shell" in Hebrew.
Galbanum is a resin that comes from the bulb, root, and lower stem of the Ferula galbaniflua/gummosa plant, which is native to Iran and Turkey. It has a complex green, spicy, woody, balsam-like fragrance and is used in incense mixtures and perfume recipes.
Myrrh is a gum-resin extracted from several species of small, thorny trees in the Commiphora genus, particularly Commiphora myrrha, C. africana, C. erythraea, C. gileadensis, C. habessinica, C. hodai, C. quardricincta, C. schimperi, and C. truncata. It has been used throughout history in medicine, perfumery, and incense, and it is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as a rare perfume.
Cassia, also known as Chinese cassia or Chinese cinnamon, is an evergreen tree native to southern China that is widely cultivated throughout South and Southeast Asia. The tree is valued for its aromatic bark, which is used as a spice, and its buds, which are used as a spice in India and were also used by the ancient Romans.
Spikenard, also called nard, nardin, or muskroot, is an aromatic amber-coloured essential oil derived from the flowering plant Nardostachys jatamansi, which is part of the honeysuckle family and grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India. Spikenard has been used for centuries as a perfume, medicine, and in religious ceremonies.
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The recipe: combine ingredients in equal weight, season with salt
The recipe for Solomon's incense, also known as Qetoret, is said to include eleven ingredients, one of which has a foul smell. When combined, these ingredients create a divine perfume. The recipe is mentioned in the Bible, in Exodus:
> "Take unto thee sweet spices, balsam, and onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices with pure frankincense; of each shall there be a like weight. And thou shalt make of it incense, a perfume after the art of the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy."
The first ingredient is balsam, also known as stacte. The Bible uses the word "nataf", which conveys the idea of a resin dripping from any tree. Tradition calls it balsam or "tsori". The resin in question is thought to be the balsam of Gilead or Mecca balsam, which is impossible to find today. The second ingredient, onycha, is more controversial. One theory suggests that it refers to the operculum of a mollusk found in the Red Sea, which resembles a lion's nail. However, this theory is contested due to the non-kosher nature of the mollusk. Another theory suggests that onycha meant labdanum, as the Hebrew word "shecheleth" (similar to "shehor", meaning black) was translated into Greek as onycha.
To make Solomon's incense, combine the ingredients in equal weight and season with salt. The other ingredients mentioned in the Bible include sweet spices, galbanum, and pure frankincense. Other sources also list myrrh, cassia, and spikenard as ingredients.
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Origins: mentioned in the Bible, Exodus, burnt in the Temple of Jerusalem
The origins of Solomon's incense, also known as Qetoret, can be traced back to the Bible and the Book of Exodus, where it was first mentioned. According to the Bible, God instructed Moses on how to make this sacred incense:
> "Take unto thee sweet spices, balsam, and onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices with pure frankincense; of each shall there be a like weight. And thou shalt make of it incense, a perfume after the art of the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy."
The Book of Exodus further emphasizes the importance of burning only specific incense on the altar, prohibiting the use of strange or unfamiliar incense:
> "You shall not offer unauthorized incense on it... you shall not pour a drink offering on it."
This instruction was given to prevent any association with pagan practices and to ensure the purity of worship.
Solomon's incense played a significant role in the Temple of Jerusalem, where it was burned daily, at dawn and dusk. The Talmud and the Book of Chronicles make note of a similar incense altar in Solomon's temple. The incense was crafted from eleven carefully chosen ingredients, each symbolizing a unique aspect. The blend of these ingredients resulted in a powerful fragrance that could be smelled from Jericho.
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Purpose: used for spiritual healing, traditional magic, religious rites
The Qetoret, or Solomon's incense, is a mystical blend of 11 ingredients, including frankincense, galbanum, onycha, stacte, myrrh, cassia, saffron, costus, cinnamon, and labdanum. This incense is believed to possess spiritual and religious significance, offering a variety of purposes, such as spiritual healing, traditional magic, and religious rites.
One of the key purposes of Solomon's incense is spiritual healing. The incense is said to teach the faithful about repentance and humility, lifting up curses, and transmuting evil into good. The foul-smelling galbanum, for instance, represents the sinners among the Hebrew, with its elevation during burning symbolizing the transmutation of evil into good. Similarly, the sweet-smelling frankincense reminds the faithful of God's love and forgiveness, cleansing them of their sins.
Solomon's incense is also used in traditional magic and spiritual practices. It is believed to possess the power to lift curses and transform negative energies into positive ones. The incense's strong perfume is thought to create a sacred atmosphere, connecting users to the divine and facilitating spiritual growth and understanding.
Additionally, this incense plays a significant role in religious rites and ceremonies. According to historical accounts, five kilos of Solomon's incense were burned daily at dusk and dawn in the Temple of Jerusalem before its destruction in the year 70 CE. The burning of this incense was a sacred ritual, with its fragrance considered an offering to the divine.
The ingredients and preparation methods of Solomon's incense are steeped in tradition and hold symbolic value. The Bible mentions the use of "sweet spices," balsam, and onycha, along with instructions to create a "perfume after the art of the perfumer." The process of crafting this incense is seen as a spiritual art, requiring knowledge of sacred herbs and resins.
In conclusion, Solomon's incense, with its 11 carefully chosen ingredients, serves a range of purposes, including spiritual healing, traditional magic, and religious rites. Its use is believed to bring about spiritual transformation, enhance religious ceremonies, and facilitate a deeper connection with the divine.
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Where to buy: Amazon, Etsy, Sacred Source
You can buy Solomon incense from a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, Etsy, and Sacred Source. Each of these platforms offers a range of incense products that can be used for various purposes, such as cleansing, purification, and spiritual practices.
Starting with Amazon, although there are no specific mentions of Solomon incense, the website offers a diverse selection of incense products. You can explore various incense sticks, cones, and resins from different brands, allowing you to find the specific scents and types that align with your needs. The benefit of purchasing incense from Amazon is the convenience of having a wide array of options to choose from, as well as the potential for quick delivery if you are an Amazon Prime member.
Moving on to Etsy, a handmade and vintage marketplace, you can find unique Solomon incense options. Etsy sellers offer incense cones and sticks, often in bundles or sets, with the ability to choose your preferred scents. For example, the "Solomons Pentacles" collection on Etsy provides an assortment of incense cones and sticks, along with other Solomon-themed items like metal coins and the "Pentacles of Solomon" bundle. Etsy is ideal if you're looking for more personalized or handcrafted incense options.
Lastly, Sacred Source offers a product called the Temple of Solomon Resin Incense. This incense blend is steeped in history, with ingredients mentioned in the Old Testament, such as frankincense, galbanum, onycha, stacte, myrrh, cassia, and spikenard. It is marketed for use on altars, as well as for cleansing and purification rituals. Sacred Source provides a more traditional and historically accurate option for those specifically seeking Solomon incense.
In summary, Amazon, Etsy, and Sacred Source each provide different advantages for purchasing Solomon incense. Amazon offers convenience and a wide variety of options, Etsy specializes in unique and handmade incense selections, and Sacred Source provides a historically rooted and spiritual-focused product. Depending on your specific needs and interests, each platform can cater to your incense requirements, whether it's for spiritual practices, aromatherapy, or simply enjoying a pleasant fragrance in your space.
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Frequently asked questions
Solomon Incense is used for spiritual healing and traditional magic. It is also burned in religious rites and magical rituals.
The ingredients of Solomon Incense are frankincense, galbanum, onychia, stacte, myrrh, cassia, and spikenard.
The recipe for Solomon Incense is first mentioned in Exodus: "And the LORD said unto Moses: 'Take unto thee sweet spices, balsam, and onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices with pure frankincense; of each shall there be a like weight. And thou shalt make of it incense, a perfume after the art of the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.'"
Solomon Incense is said to lift up curses, transmuting evil into good, and rising up as a praise to God. It is also used for cleansing, purification, and security.
