AROMA BOTTLES UPDATE
01 Jun 2011 Leave a Comment
in Precious Oils, Precious Oils A Study of the Fragrances of the Bible, Shemen Tova
For those of you who have anxiously awaiting pictures and ordering infomation on my AROMA BOTTLES I’ve uploaded a few pictures today. http://precious-oils.com/Aroma_Bottles.html I should have more up tonight. Thanks for your patience.
Apothecary Cynthia Hillson www.Precious-Oils.com
Precious Oils ~ A Study of the Fragrances of the Bible~Flowers~Lily~שׁוּשַׁן shuwshan
30 May 2011 Leave a Comment
in Precious Oils, Precious Oils A Study of the Fragrances of the Bible, Shemen Tova
The flowers and plants named in the Bible are more than likely not the flowers that we associate them with. The debate of the proper identification of lily is our example.
Although every flower may possess, secondarily, its own specific symbolism, for all that, flowers generally are symbols of the passive principle. The calix of a flower, like the chalice, is the receptacle of heavenly instrumentality, among the symbols of which dew and rain should be mentioned. Furthermore, the way flowers grow up out of earth and water symbolizes manifestation rising out of these passive elements. … The allegorical use of flowers is endless. Jean Chevalier and Alain Gheerbrant, The Penguin Dictionary of Symbols, 1969
In the shape of a trumpet, “Lily” in Scripture could be one of many different varieties: lily of the valley, hyacinth, anemone, crocus, narcissus or mountain tulip. No matter how the debate ends, most all agree that the lily is called Shoshanah.
The word Shoshanna finds it’s root in the word shesh, meaning six, which refers to the six petals of all the above named flowers. In the spring the hillsides of Israel put on all their glory after a long– drab winter, the spark of life in the beauty of the flowers is a welcome site. Take note that the six petal flowers just as the Magen David (Star or Shield of David) is also six-sided.
The red rose as we know it was not an ancient part of the landscape. In the Bible, Shoshanna is an image of feminine beauty, especially in the Song of Songs allegory as the Lover compares his Beloved “as a lily (narcissus) among thorns.”
Modern day aromatherapy is unable to capture the lily of valleys into an essential oil, perhaps because parts of the Lily of the Valley flowers are highly poisonous. What you normally find on the commercial market is a synthetic oil that mirrors the fragrance of the little white bell flower that often grown on the shady side of older homes. No therapeutic or benefits can be associated with the synthetic oil of lily of the valley. Narcissus oil can be obtained, at a premium price, and is used in high-end perfumes.
In the Hebrew root word of “lily” we find the best description of flowers: to rejoice and be exuberant. Lily of the Valley says “Return to Happiness” in the Language of Flowers.
And the chapiters (the capital crown) that were upon the top of the pillars were of lily work in the porch, four cubits. . . And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished. I Kings 7:19&22
I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. Song of Solomon 2:1-2
I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow (blossom) as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon. They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. Hosea 14:4-7
A page from Precious Oils ~ A Study of the Fragrances of the Bible by Apothecary Cynthia Hillson Copyright 2008 ~ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Book is available from www.TheFragrantBride.com and Amazon.com
Precious Oils is a resource for anyone who desires to learn about the fragrances of the Bible. Apothecary, Cynthia Hillson shares her notes that she has complied over the last 19 years in this Precious Oils study. Preachers, Women’s Group Leaders and Educators will find the Precious Oils Study an easy-to-reference guide for their sermons and lectures. Included are five Biblical oils to give you a fragrant approach to your Bible study. Great for sermon illustrations, children’s church workers and home-school families. Precious Oils ~ A Study of the Fragrances of the Bible includes: * Symbolic meanings of Biblical botanicals. * Bible Dictionary and Scripture References to many Biblical botanicals. * Uses of Biblical essential oils, yesterday and today. * Mountain of Myrrh and Hill of Frankincense explained. * The Two Anointings of Yeshua (Jesus) by Mary of Bethany and a Sinful Woman. * The Holy Anointing Oil and The Holy Incense. The cover of Precious Oils ~ A Study of the Fragrances of the Bible is a photograph that Cynthia took at The Botanical Garden in Ein Gedi, Israel. This region is rich in history and lore. The Ein Gedi Botanical Garden is a sanctuary and is thought to be where Solomon penned the Song of Songs. Today you find a wonderful Kibbutz guest house and spa, a favorite destination for many who travel to Israel. Just down the road is the nature reserve where David hid from Saul. Across the road is the Dead Sea where you see Jordan, the land of Gilead. This is the locality where valuable perfumes were blended in the days of old. Cleopatra loved the Ein Gedi region. She asked Anthony to purchase it for her own personal spa. The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Psalms 92:12
Precious Oils Up On The Hill is the Registered Trademark of Cynthia Hillson
Kate’s Wedding Bouquet
29 Apr 2011 5 Comments
in Esther's Days of Purification, Myrtle, Precious Oils, Queen Esther, Shemen Tova Tags: esther's purification process, Kate and William's wedding, Kate's wedding bouquet, myrtle, myrtle essential oil, Queen Esther, the plant of love
Kate’s wedding bouquet must smell wonderful today. Of course I’m elated how it symbolizes a royal wedding.
Her bouquet was a shield-shaped wired bouquet of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William and hyacinth. It draws on the traditions of flowers of significance for the Royal Family, the Middleton family and on the Language of Flowers.
The Language of Flowers’ meanings in the bouquet are:
Lily-of-the-valley – Return of happiness
Sweet William – Gallantry
Hyacinth – Constancy of love
Ivy: Fidelity; marriage; wedded love; friendship; affection
Myrtle: the emblem of marriage; love.
Of course I’m loving that Kate’s bouquet featured the myrtle plant; a favorite of mine for many reasons. Myrtle in Hebrew is Hadas, the root word of the name of Queen Esther. The official wedding web site states that Kate’s bouquet contains stems from a myrtle planted at Osborne House, Isle of Wight, by Queen Victoria in 1845, and a sprig from a plant grown from the myrtle used in The Queen’s wedding bouquet of 1947. The tradition of carrying myrtle begun after Queen Victoria was given a nosegay containing myrtle by Prince Albert’s grandmother during a visit to Gotha in Germany. In the same year, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought Osborne House as a family retreat, and a sprig from the posy was planted against the terrace walls, where it continues to thrive today. The myrtle was first carried by Queen Victoria eldest daughter, Princess Victoria, when she married in 1858, and was used to signify the traditional innocence of a bride.
So truly fitting is the bouquet for a royal bride.
The myrtle plant is one of my favorites. Currently, Precious Oils Up On the Hill, has true myrtle essential oil from Israel a/k/a Green Myrtle (Myrtus communis). Green myrtle can not be compared to the lesser red myrtle; there is a vast difference in therapeutic benefits. Green myrtle is linalool and Red Myrtle is Cineole. I’ll post a blog next week to further explain the differences. I use the true Green Myrtle in a few of my blends; Esther’s Anointing Oil and The Overflowing Cup. Also, myrtle is one of the nine oils I include in my Esther gift box.
I write the following in my mini-teaching that I include with each bottle of myrtle oil. Copyright 2008 Precious Oils Up On The Hill
Hadassah
Esther’s Hebrew name is Hadassah, which means “myrtle.” This brings a deeper significance to her story. Esther’s character is revealed by her devotion to justice, living out the nature of her name, Hadas, also known as myrtle.
Like Hadassah, myrtle is a plant that has its own hidden properties. You will find myrtle growing throughout Israel and the Middle East. It is known as the “Tree of Love.” When one looks upon the myrtle plant it looks as it really doesn’t have any purpose and actually is quite plain.
The myrtle plant can withstand drought and remains green even after cutting. The crushing of the myrtle leaves provides a very sweet, fragrant aroma that is used in perfumery.
In ancient times, two bouquets of myrtle welcomed in the Shabbat each week. Boughs of myrtle were worn by bridegrooms, used in the betrothal celebration and blended in perfumes and anointing oils. Aromatherapy usage of myrtle for skin care, respiratory ailments and the immune system is growing in today’s health and wellness industry.
The myrtle’s fragrant branches are used symbolically during Succoth (Feast of Tabernacles) in the lulav (four species). You will also find myrtle associated with the Messianic redemption in Isaiah 55:12 &13. In Zechariah 1 we read about “a man standing among the myrtle trees”.
I pray, as you use this portion of myrtle, that the Myrtle in you comes forth and you find favor with the King.
As the week ends and Shabbat begins I pray that you have a wonderful time of refreshing with your family and loved ones.
Fragrantly Yours,
Cynthia
www.TheFragrantBride.com
Kate Middleton and her father picture is from http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//110429/481/urn_publicid_ap_org_e2d33b5a74d1447689d728a5da18b9de/
Egypt ~ Where It All Begins
08 Feb 2011 Leave a Comment
in Esther's Days of Purification, Purim 2011, Queen Esther, Shemen Tova
Not many of you know that I am a travel agent with my main avenue of expertise being travel to Israel. As with any trade there are specialized magazines that you won’t find on the shelf of your local bookstore or supermarket. Many publication topics and the eye-catching photos and feature stories that are the focus of the magazine covers are often set for production at least six months in advance. I thought that you would find this one very interesting.
Now, the subtitle can be something of a prophetic nature as we have seen over the last few weeks with all the chaos that has developed in this country. Is this “Where it will all begin?” Perhaps the words of the Biblical prophetic voices of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Joel, Amos and Ezekiel are being brought to our remembrance as the events of the Middle East continue. Perhaps we truly are one day closer to the day when all nations shall come together against Israel in the valley of Jehoshaphat. (Read Joel 3)
Now, of course, as a Believer in the Bible I know that all things must come to pass. As I write today it seems that many prophecies are quickly being taken off of the check list of unfulfilled (about 500 today) to fulfill (about 2000). As a woman who has traveled to Israel 25 times in the last 11 years I am more convinced that the people in the land of Israel need to know that there are people who love her and are praying for her. So, here I will make my “plug” for my fall journey to Israel during the Feast of Tabernacles; perhaps you should consider joining me this year. I’ll be posting information in a few weeks on my web site www.HereToTheNations.com
As an apothecary and author of books about Biblical spices and botanicals I’d like to express another concern of mine. On page 60 of my book, Esther’s Days of Purification, you will read about “The House of Spices”.
The ancient myrrh and other fragrant botanicals and spices were kept in a treasury, or the storehouses. In the story of Hezekiah we find an accurate description of them.
And Hezekiah was glad of them, and showed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah showed them not. Isaiah 39:2
The house of precious things can be defined as The House of Nechotha. The Hebrew word נכתה nekotoh properly means, according to Gesenius, a contusion, a breaking to pieces; hence, aromatic powder, or spices reduced to powder, and then any kind of aromatics. Hence, the word here may mean ‘the house of his spices.’
The Arabs controlled the ancient spice markets of yesterday. Today, the prized myrrh and frankincense is still grown in the Arab world. Take note, the price of these essential oils are on the rise due to the unrest in many portions of the world where they are harvested. Building up your own arsenal of these precious oils for your health and well-being is recommended as they may become difficult in the future to obtain.
Next week I am unveiling my essential oil line Shemen Tova (Good Oil in Hebrew). As I look at the news of the Middle East I am a bit concerned. Many of our essential oils are grown and distilled in the Arab countries; they are commodities. With a reduced supply and a bigger demand of many of these precious oils of Biblical Aromatherapy the prices are increasing nearly every day. And to quote once again from my Esther’s Purification book I wrote on this page 61 as I introduced my list of nearly 50 plants that were used in the days of Queen Esther.
In the ancient world there was a variety of spices and other plants that were used as cosmetics and health remedies. They were considered to be luxury products. In the 21st century we have these luxuries at our convenience, often taking no thought that in the days of old, only the very rich or those of royalty had access to them, they were the only ones who really could afford them. It is highly likely that many of them were all part of Esther’s health and beauty regiment. We find Scripture references to many of them. We also have them accessible to purchase as essential oils to use today, although some of them still are priced where only royalty can afford these gifts of nature.
Check back to my blog as over the next few days I’ll be posting information on the debut of Shemen Tova as well as some special gift items for Purim.
Please continue to pray for the peace (the Prince of Peace) of Jerusalem.
Sincerely,
Apothecary Cynthia Hillson
Copyright 2010 ~ All Rights Reserved ~ Apothecary Cynthia Hillson ~ Precious Oils Up On The Hill
Coming Soon Shemen Tova Essential Oils
18 Jan 2011 Leave a Comment
in Israel 2011, Precious Oils, Queen Esther, Shemen Tova
As Precious Oils Up On the Hill celebrates our 20 year anniversary this year we are very excited to offer our new line of exceptional quality essential oils from around the world: SHEMEN TOVA ~ GOOD AND PRECIOUS OIL.
Shemen is Hebrew for Oil; Tova is good. In the Strong’s Concordance we find these entries that explain the beauty, richness and quality of our essential oils.
SHEMEN
H8081 שׁמן shemen (sheh’-men)
From H8080; grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively richness: – anointing, X fat (things), X fruitful, oil ([-ed]), ointment, olive, + pine.
H8080 שׁמן shâman (shaw-man’)
A primitive root; to shine, that is, (by analogy) be (causatively make) oily or gross: – become (make, wax) fat.
TOVA (In Hebrew the v and the b are the same letter)
H2896 טוב ṭôb tobe
From H2895; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well): – beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, X fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, X most, pleasant, + pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well ([-favoured]).
H2895 טוב ṭôb tobe
A primitive root, to be (transitively do or make) good (or well) in the widest sense: – be (do) better, cheer, be (do, seem) good, (make), goodly, X please, (be, do, go, play) well.
Precious Oils Up On the Hill will continue but has been defined as our label for our books, workshops and teachings including tours to the Holy land. Shemen Tova oils will be available beginning Spring 2011.
Shemen Tova
Essential Oils from the Four Corners of the World
Precious Oils Up On the Hill
Exploring the Precious Oils of the Bible through Scripture, Books, Workshops and Tours to the Holy land.
Precious Oils Up On the Hill
PO Box 2036
Cornelius, NC 28031 USA
Apothecary Cynthia Hillson
