Esther’s Days of Purification Intro Part I

Dear Friend,

It’s been quite the journey that I have been on since I established Precious Oils on May 1, 1991. When I first published the little purple covered booklet of Esther’s Days of Purification, in 2002, little did I realize what I would encounter? What I found was I wasn’t alone; many were searching for the answer to her purification process. In 2008, a Pastor in Florida, who had read my little purple book, encouraged me to write something for her upcoming Esther’s Party.  She was hosting it at her church for girls 9 to 13. It was because of her request that The Young Handmaiden’s Edition came forth. Since that time, everywhere I’ve traveled and offered these teachings has brought many more questions. Honestly, at one point to have so many share their desire to have a deeper study of Esther’s purification was a bit overwhelming. I understood their wishes; I shared the same. I wanted something in print that I could relate to so I could administer my own twelve month purification process.

I knew I had only a partial understanding of why oil of myrrh was used for six months of Esther’s regimen when I wrote those two little booklets. Since then, as I’ve re-read the Biblical account of Esther’s story, I’ve sensed that there is more to the mystery of her purification process. I knew the key to her greatness was in the myrrh and began to look deeper for the answer to the mystery.

Then I read a comment from Adam Clarke’s Commentary on Esther 2:12, and was somewhat “staggered”. Though this was written about 200 years ago, Mr. Clarke expressed the following:

“The reason of this purification seems not to be apprehended by any writer I have seen. The most beautiful of all the young virgins of all the provinces of Babylon were to be selected; and these were taken out of all classes of the people, indiscriminately; consequently there must have been many who were brought up in low life. Now we know that those who feed on coarse strong food, which is not easily digested, have generally a copious perspiration, which is strongly odorous; and in many, though in every respect amiable, and even beautiful, this odor is far from being pleasant. Pure, wholesome, easily digested, and nourishing aliment, with the frequent use of the hot bath, continued for twelve months, the body frequently rubbed with olive oil, will in almost every case remove all that is disagreeable of this kind. This treatment will give a healthy action to all the subcutaneous vessels, and in every respect promote health and comfort.”

After reading Clarke’s notes, I became a little overwhelmed realizing that I wasn’t alone, nor were those whom I have encountered at conferences throughout the years. We all seem to be looking for the details of the twelve months of Esther’s purification. Since finding Clarke’s words, I’ve continued to search for someone who knows the ancient secrets of why six months of myrrh and six months of sweet spices. I didn’t found anything; so I began to inquire of the Lord. There were days I would anoint myself with myrrh and pray and take notes, then research and take more notes. After much of that kind of prayer and deliberation, I’ve decided that this is the season to compile my notes and publish something that individuals, families and teachers can use to learn more about Esther. I hope that women’s groups and other speakers can incorporate it into their teachings about this unusual Queen. I also hope that you will use this as a “spring board” for your own study of Biblical fragrances.

My Precious Oils ministry is based on bringing the Word of God to life through the fragrances of the Bible. I believe that there is a deeper relationship with the Creator of the Universe through His Word as we embrace Biblical plants and fragrances. Today we can use these plants in teas, herbal remedies and tinctures and my favorite, therapeutic grade essential oils.

Most of us live in a nature deficit world and have lost touch with digging in the soil or taking a walk in the garden. When we get a surprise bouquet of flowers we automatically put our nose to them only to find out that science has made them beautiful in color and size, but has taken out the fragrances, especially of the roses. This lack of nature in our lives continues to add to our sensory deficit. We are relying on synthetic fragrances in our daily lives. This has our bodies thinking we have smelled the real thing. Synthetics aren’t the topic of this writing, but I would like to address this issue, briefly, although I could write so much more on it.

We live in an over-scented environment. The term “aromatherapy” once was valued as pure, plant products known as essential oils and their use in massage and inhalations.  In my book The Precious Oils of the Bible: Ancient Secrets ~ Modern Uses, I share how the term came into being. Today the term “aromatherapy” has been adulterated by companies deceiving the general population. I know that sounds harsh, but why is it that they can use synthetic chemicals and use not only the term “aromatherapy”, but “pure and natural”? This baffles me, and my Friend, in part, it angers me that so many innocent people have bought into a lie and are buying these products to the detriment of their own health. Are you aware that many cosmetics and personal care products are loaded with chemical fragrances? Think how many cosmetic products that you use each day? Perhaps you are an average consumer and use a dozen or more daily; that’s a lot of not-so-good-for-you chemicals that we lather, splash, brush, apply and inhale each day.

In the book, The World of Aromatherapy, Victoria Edwards writes an excellent article about the differences between natural and synthetic fragrances.  Many of these synthetic essences are often derived from a natural source but are broken down and processed so much that little-to-none of the original benefits remain. Then the scientists add synthetic petro and coal-tar chemicals to their products, and this is just in the $10 billion US cosmetic industry alone! If we look at our processed and chemical foods we find that we truly need to get back to nature, at least as best as we can with our busy lives. To add to the list is the growing number of pharmaceuticals that once were derived from plants. Okay, enough for you to ponder on the topic of synthetics, I had better get back on track with Esther’s Days of Purification. Before we do, may I encourage you to do your own study on how chemicals have invaded our lives? Often, once you begin to study, you may begin to modify your lifestyle to incorporate more organic foods and natural cosmetics.

The ancient secrets of the six months of oil of myrrh and the six months of sweet odors of other Biblical plants made the process of Esther’s Days of Purification complete. From my research I’ve compiled a list of ancient sweet spices possibly used during the season that Esther became Queen. I chose six that were most likely used for her. I not only expound on the possible healing properties of them, but I’ve incorporated symbolic and emotional benefits that I’ve associated with the plant. Today, we have modern uses for these true essences derived from flowers, fruits, seeds, trees, resins and herbs contained in essential oils, extracts and teas.

As I compiled this book I had a hard time keeping it simple so as not to overwhelm you. The more I study, the more I marvel at the Creator of the Universe who brought natural botanical plants into the world on the third day. He created them all for our sustenance and for medicinal purposes to treat sickness and disease. It truly is my desire to draw you into a time of personal preparation to meet our Creator through His Biblical botanicals however deep or simple that may be.

As I’ve continued with my Precious Oils ministry throughout the last nineteen years I’m encouraged that so many Believers enjoy my “forte” of “marrying” Scripture with my Biblical teachings and essential oil products together. But please note, by no means am I an expert or certified in any area of aromatics. The books I write are gleaned from years of personal study where I’ve compiled a large number of notes and have published some of them. I have more ready for future projects, all in due season. I have an ever-growing library dedicated to aromatics and botanicals, the jewels and gems of nature that we all can embrace.  I appreciate the plants of the Bible for our health and pleasure and I esteem the wonder and depth of how God’s Word is full of references to them.

End of Part I of Esther’s Days of Purification Intro

copyright 2010  Precious Oils Up On the Hill

www.TheFragrantBride.com