Forgiveness: An Excerpt from my Esther’s Days of Purification book.

Dear Friends,

It is Yom Kippur 5779/20 Sept 2018. I felt is was appropriate to revisit what I wrote in my Esther’s Days of Purification book that I published in 2010.

May the words that I penned be encouragement to you today.

Hugs,

Cynthia (Contact info at the bottom of this blog.)

Forgiveness & Releasing Guilt ~ Esther’s Days of Purification 

by Apothecary Cynthia Hillson ~ Copyright 2010 ~ All Rights Reserved

Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful words in our human vocabulary. Often it begins with forgiving ourselves for our own short comings towards our loved ones, family and friends. Forgiving others, those who we perceive as having done us wrong, often takes great effort and determination. Everything in us resists it even though we have read and heard Matthew 7:7 hundreds of times. But forgiveness is vital to our lives if we truly want to be the queen. It brings deep cleansing and emotional release. Much pain and unhappy consequences would be avoided if we all could learn the meaning of true forgiveness.

Forgiveness is needed in three ways; forgiving ourselves, forgiving others and asking for forgiveness from our Heavenly Father for where we have erred. Oh, one more, forgiving God when things don’t go the way we want. In my opinion, forgiveness is the very important first step in the purification process. While forgiveness really isn’t defined as an emotion, but as a decision, it often is an emotional decision.

There is a close link between purification and sanctification. One Hebrew word for purification is taw-hare ~ to wash, to cleanse, become bright, purify and become sound and clear, be unadulterated or polluted, uncontaminated; morally innocent or holy like a Levite (Priest). We also find purity in the Hebrew word for sanctification, kodesh.

Strong’s word H6942    qodash  kaw-dash’

 A primitive root; to be (causatively make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally): – appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy (-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify (-ied one, self), X wholly.

 As you go through the month of forgiveness, liken yourself to the Children of Israel who left Egypt and traveled 40 years. They got to the brink of the Jordan River only to have to wait three days before going into the Promised Land, after Joshua’s words, “Sanctify yourselves”.

And Joshua rose early in the morning, and they journey from Shittim, and come in unto the Jordan, he and all the sons of Israel, and they lodge there before they pass over. And it cometh to pass, at the end of three days, that the authorities pass over into the midst of the camp, and command the people, saying, `When ye see the ark of the covenant of Jehovah your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then ye journey from your place, and have gone after it; only, a distance is between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure; ye do not come near unto it, so that ye know the way in which ye go, for ye have not passed over in the way heretofore.’ And Joshua said to the people, `Sanctify yourselves; for to-morrow doth Jehovah do in your midst wonders.’ And Joshua spoke unto the priests, saying, `Take up the ark of the Covenant, and pass over before the people;’ and they take up the Ark of the covenant, and go before the people. And God said unto Joshua, This day I begin to make thee great in the eyes of all Israel, so that they know that as I was with Moses I am with thee.  Joshua 3:1-7

 Hmm, three days . . .  I wonder if Esther was reflecting on this part of her heritage when she instructed Mordecai to have all of the Jews fast and pray for three days. Esther 4:16 (I need to note that the fast of Esther included water. The fasting of “drink” can be found in the Hebrew word shâthâh which means “to imbibe” (literally or figuratively). You find that same word later in Esther 7:1; it’s the word “banquet” and interesting it is also found in 3:15 “And the king and Haman sat down to drink.”  Now, these are important “factoids” when you understand some things found in Esther 3:7-15. “It was the first month, the month of Nisan.” (3:7) “Then were the king’s scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month.” (3:12) and perhaps why we find “two banquets” as it was the season of Passover. You’ll find continued thoughts on this in my book “The Healing Rose: The Rest of the Story of Esther’s Purification” when I share insight on ancient “banqueting”. 

Purification and sanctification is linked to fasting and prayer. King David knew this when he wrote Psalm 51 when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had been with Bathsheba.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou might be justified when thou speaks, and be clear when thou judges. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desires truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shall make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. For thou desires not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delights not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shall thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon the altar.     Psalms 51:1-19

King David pleaded for forgiveness when he said “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.”

Myrrh and hyssop have anti-septic properties known to clean deep wounds. Both are purifying and bring cleansing to our brokenness.  The cleansing of saying I am sorry, and truly meaning it, is the very essence of forgiveness. When we ask forgiveness of God and others it restores us to our original standing with God.

In Jewish life, every day except Shabbat, during the Amidah (morning prayer), forgiveness is included. This prayer could be inspiration for us each day.

Forgive us, our Father, for we have erred; pardon us, our King, for we have willfully sinned; for you pardon and forgive. Blessed are You, Hashem (God), the gracious One Who pardons abundantly.

On Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement, a prayer known as Al Chet is recited. Many times I’ve experienced being in Jerusalem on this holiest day of the year. On one occasion, I had made a tallit (Jewish prayer shawl) of the nations during the season that lead up to traveling to Israel. I had used small flags of the world on one side, and the other side was the large flags of the US and Israel. I had completed every part of the project except for the tying of the fringes called the tzit-tzit. I wanted to add an additional spiritual meaning of the project, so I took the tallit to Israel with me. On Yom Kippur I hiked up to Mt. Scopus. I wanted a view of the Old City as I recited the complete Yom Kippur prayers. I was repenting to God on behalf of America and the nations against Israel. Upon completion of the Yom Kippur prayers, I finished the tallit by tying the fringes.

When you say the Al Chet, it is important for you to recognize yourself as a sinner. Even with the atoned blood of Christ over our lives, remembrance and introspection is very much needed in our hearts. Continually carrying this heart-attitude of humility can be found not only on Yom Kippur, but in the yearly freedom celebration of Pesach, The Passover. These holidays carry deep spiritual significance and are important for us to take part of today.

The Yom Kippur prayer, Al Chet, begins with this.

And so, let it be Your will Adonai, our God, and God of our fathers, that you cleanse us of all our unintended sins, and You forgive us of all our intended sins and You pardon us of all our rebellious sins.

Then a list of forty-four wrong-doings is recited. (Space doesn’t allow for me to write them here.) In essence, forgiveness of sin is requested for a wide variety of things we have said and done in both our public and private lives against God and others. This includes foolish speech and impure thoughts. The list even goes as far as having haughty eyes and being jealous. Yes, dear Ones, asking forgiveness just for ourselves goes deep.

During the time when the Temple was intact, Yom Kippur was the only day that the High Priest went into the Holy of Holies to offer up the incense on behalf of the people of God. (Prayers are incense) (The recipe for Ketoret, The Holy Incense, is found in the Siddur. It is composed of 11 ingredients in which myrrh is one. I have a teaching on the Ketoret available. I include the 11 ingredients and the spiritual significance of each linking it to prayer and the Day of Atonement.)

Yeshua Jesus, our Great High Priest was the atonement for our sins. Found in The Lord’s Prayer, as He taught the disciples how to pray, is forgiveness. As we embrace the purification and sanctification of our hearts through forgiveness, His words are more important than ever. (The Lord’s Prayer is found in Matthew 6:9-15 and Luke 11:2-4.)

 In the beginning we find how Holy, Pure and Sanctified His Name is, which is the correct meaning of the KJV word hallowed. At the end of The Lord’s Prayer we find forgiveness is given when we ask for it as we forgive others. We’ve known this all along our journey in life, and we realize there are times it can be so difficult. I know I’ve had to do it often, even when my heart was broken and so deeply crushed that I felt like dying would be easier. But the immense release from forgiving others brings enormous freedom. God will help you, if you let Him. Forgiveness puts a dance into your step and a smile on your face. Forgiveness is in the spirit of an Overcomer!

There should be no guilt remaining on your shoulders when you’ve asked for forgiveness from your heavenly Father. If there is, it is important that you release that heaviness of guilt hanging over you. Often, childhood experiences have produced guilt that continues to be dark, emotional threads that overshadow us and weigh us down, keeping our self-esteem low. May I tell you again, there is freedom from guilt when you acknowledge that Christ bore all of your sin and that He can make all things new.

This is so important! We need to make it personal in our lives so that we, as the Bride of Yeshua, will be able to stand with our white garments before Him, and then beside Him, knowing that when God forgives and purifies us from our sin, He also forgets. (Hebrews 8:12, Psalms 103:12, Isaiah 38:17) He did it for you, and He did it for those who have hurt you.

As we look into the properties of myrrh and how it connects with forgiveness, I find it to be linked with our immune system.  Myrrh is an immune builder, and Esther’s purification of six months of oil of myrrh was to assure her of a strong immune system. When we haven’t forgiven, we have an internal battle that depletes our immune system, often the result is auto-immune diseases.  The reason I tie forgiveness with auto-immune diseases is because in simple terms, they rob you in your blood.

The immune system is the body’s defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. Through a series of steps called the immune response, the immune system attacks organisms and substances that invade body systems and cause disease. The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. The cells involved are white blood cells, or leukocytes, which come in two basic types that combine to seek out and destroy disease-causing organisms or substances.

Our immune system depends on the life of our soul, which is having clean blood. This is found in this Scripture verse, which incidentally is in the chapter about the Day of Atonement.

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul.                                                                                                                                             Leviticus 17:11

Forgiveness through Jesus Yeshua, and the blood He shed was the atonement for our sin. To become the Queen, the first process is forgiveness. Jesus forgave you, and in accepting His forgiveness and forgiving others, your whole body will benefit and thrive.

Apothecary Cynthia Hillson

E-mail: ApothecaryMamaCynthia@gmail.com

Website www.TheFragrantBride.com

SAVE THE DATE The Fragrant Botanical Tour to Israel will be March 2023. Details will be posted soon. http://www.TheFragrantBotanicalTour.com

The Healing Rose Update

The Healing Rose

The Rest of the Story of Esther’s Purification

Book Update

4 February 2014

Dear Friends,

First of all thank you all so much for your patience and prayers as you’ve been waiting for me to complete The Healing Rose; The Rest of the Story of Esther’s Purification. A lot of things have transpired since I first wrote the intro on my Word Press Blog early 2013. While excuses can be procrastination, or running from a situation and not facing what needs to be done, this wasn’t the reason for me to totally drop the project.

Let me explain the details. I am a very blessed mother of six nearly grown children and have four grandchildren (and another due in May); I also have a husband of 33 years.  While I have my share of challenges in life I am grateful to the Lord for my family, and my ministry of Precious Oils.

When I wrote the intro to The Healing Rose I was caretaker of my 4-year-old grandson about 50 hours a week until our single mom daughter got established at her new job located about an hour away. We knew it would be a step-by-step process that would first get the little guy in a pre-school near her work and then for them to move out. I was in favor for the little guy to start pre-school, so David and I somewhat helped the process by opening an 11 hour a week tea and spice shop in a farmer’s market setting. I jokingly call it an excuse not to be full-time grandma any longer. In the beginning I thought “11 hours a week, I can do this and still attend to my first love (and calling) of Precious Oils. I couldn’t. Little did I realize how popular our blends would become and how much time the blending and packaging of the tea and spices takes. And to top it off we took our seasonings to chili cook-offs and wine festivals. We had a blast doing these events, and it is something that we can do together. This is important when you are in the stage of life as we are. The youngest of our six is in her last year of college and it is the first time in 30+ years it is just him and I, again.

It was late last fall that we began to make a plan for me (my time, energy and creativity) for 2014. Both David and I know that while our tea and spice business has potential (we will be resuming that activity sometime this spring) and has become a bonding experience for us, Bernice’s Tea & Spice has to come after Precious Oils. As David and I discussed 2014 it was he who said “Cynthia, I think the only way that you are going to finish The Healing Rose is to go to Israel and complete it”. I agreed, how could I not? He, along with the Lord knows my uprisings and my down sittings and my abilities when it comes to writing. Some people can write pages in a day and have music playing; I can’t. I need total quiet and uninterrupted set-apart time, basically no clock and no responsibility to anyone or anything but the blank paper (or computer screen) and hearing the voice of the Lord. So, I’m making plans to go Israel at the end of February until mid-March and get alone with the Lord to complete The Healing Rose, and to be there for Purim, a time I had never been in any of my previous journeys to Israel.

Now, I do have to tell you that as 2013 progressed and the spice business keeping me very busy I had a whole bunch of guilt because I had not honored those who believed in me to complete the book. Guilt is gone this week. I know (and many of you do also) that the Lord sometimes allows circumstances, events, responsibilities and people to come in our lives and delay what we think we should be doing. He does that for a number of reasons. In this case it was because I needed to “hear” a piece of the puzzle of the rest of Esther’s purification as well as add a few components that make Precious Oils and my expression of Esther unique to those who I minister to.

Two things have happened this month. The first is I’ve had some quiet, set-apart time to study and research something that is needed as I work on my book. The other wasn’t so pleasant with the passing of my brother-in-law a few weeks ago. It was shocking and we still have so many questions “why”. As the preacher was addressing my sister-in-law, my niece and nephew and then to the rest of the family he said something that rang in my spirit, it was like letting the horses out of the gate and I know it is a key to The Healing Rose, and the rest of the story of Esther’s purification. (I really felt like a horse was being let out of the gate that after the funeral David bought me a pair of boots . . .  red ones! )

I am amazed how Abba has shown me so much about Esther’s completion of healing since the funeral, and additional peace to my heart that His timing is never wrong. You see, it was just the other day as I was doing some errands that I asked the Lord why 2014, why couldn’t I do it last year? He answered in a way that I understood, and why last year was a good start on the book, and why 2014 is part of the timing. It’s about numbers, and their meanings.

I first wrote Esther’s Days of Purification in a small 8 page pamphlet in 2002. Eight years later, in 2010, I wrote the book that many of you have read. Now, four years later it will be a total of 12 years (2014) since I first penned about Esther’s purification. Oh my, TWELVE, God’s perfect number! Of course if my life wouldn’t taken on a spice business in 2013 it would have only been eleven years, which would have been “okay” but how I can see where there is great significance in the number twelve and the healing rose teaching. E.W. Bullinger’s Numbers in Scripture tells us that twelve is the governmental number of perfection. It’s the number of the sons of Israel, and it’s the number of the New Jerusalem, and my friends, it’s so much more.

When I began to ponder 2014 I thought how 14 are two sevens. This is where I became a little more excited, and reassured, that I’m on the right track. Seven is the number of spiritual perfection. Two things about the number seven are interesting to me although volumes could be written on seven alone. One is that there are seven Hebrew words for gold and in Psalm 100 there are seven expressions of praise.  I love what commentators, Kiel and Delitzsch, declare. They state that the 100th Psalm is a “Call of All the World to the Service of the True God” and it is an interesting fact of Psalm 100 that it is the only Psalm that has the inscription “A Psalm of Praise”.  While of course I would love to teach those thoughts I’ll have to save them for another time. Just know that I believe that 2014 is going to be a shining year for the purified, and tried, Bride of Yeshua both in spiritual awareness of the King and that soon He will rule and reign on the Earth from His throne in Jerusalem. Praise Ye the Lord!

So, in closing please know that I’m going to Israel for a set-apart time with the King to complete The Healing Rose. I thank you for your prayers, love and support. I am thinking that you should have notice of The Healing Rose availability the first part of April.

With Love,

Cynthia

The Healing Rose ~ “The Rest of the Story” of Esther’s Purification

Here’s the intro to my new book, The Healing Rose ~ “The Rest of the Story” of Esther’s Purification. Book is scheduled to be available April 2014

Dear Friends,

Purim 5773/2013 is upon us and just as I have done over the last 11 years since my first teaching on Esther’s Days of Purification I’m studying her story, again, something I do during this season each year.

I met a somewhat famous television personality about seven years ago when he stopped by my Precious Oils table. We began to converse about my books and products and he shared his love of fragrances. As he picked up the little purple book, my first teaching on Esther’s Purification, he said “This is nice, but where is the whole story?” I said I hadn’t written it yet, in which he replied “When you complete the whole story send me a copy.” Problem is as much as I would love to write a commentary on the whole book of Esther I just can’t seem to get past her purification.

In 2010, I wrote what I thought was the complete book on Esther’s purification after having an Esther’s workshop where the 49 women and one man (a doctor) were given only the outline of my book. It was at the end of that day I asked the group if I should continue with my Esther’s purification project. I was overwhelming supported by them and that’s the reason I wrote it. For nearly three years many have written and called thanking me and sharing their experiences from my book and how the words I penned have healed and empowered them in the spirit of Esther.

Since returning home from Israel last fall I found myself with a deep desire to write what I believe is the “rest of the story” of Esther’s purification, and her greatness. I’m calling it The Healing Rose and this is why and how it fits into my Precious Oils Biblical fragrance ministry of nearly 23 years and my love of God’s creation found in His botanical kingdom. In fact, just as I surrounded myself with myrrh as I wrote Esther’s Days of Purification I’ve surrounded myself with over 2 dozen reference books from Hebrew University’s Professor Michael Zohary to PHD James Duke’s books that contain incredible knowledge of Biblical herbs and plants and His “Green Pharmacy” must-have reference to the first book on aromatherapy by René-Maurice Gattefossé.

As I write, rose water and heavenly, fragrant, and aged rose essential oil continually are being used as I anoint myself. I’m convinced that the Ruach Ha Kodesh (The Holy Spirit) is in the nature, fragrance and the rose’s healing attributes in what I’m believing was part, if not the most significant ancient plant used in Esther’s purification.

Roses, what can I say but how much I love them. About 15 years ago my husband, David, took a few twigs of an old and very fragrant rose bush and with care and a “green thumb” began to grow rose bushes from them. Today those bushes are planted in our yard and I just can’t wait until spring when he surprises me with the first blooms which he puts in my little crystal vase and puts on my desk. I find myself being carried away with the intoxicating fragrance that one or two little blossoms can emit. I often dry the petals and make a soothing bath bag where I blend oatmeal and a little Dead Sea Salt and a drop of Italian lavender essential oil or I make my Esther’s scrub. Don’t worry; both of the recipes are included in this book.

For the thousands of you who have read my Esther’s Days of Purification you know how often I reference the rose. I believe for this study it is worth repeating a few lines from the intro and other parts of the book.

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. I continue to dream that I may one day get go to the Kazanluk Valley in Bulgaria or to the May festivals in Turkey to stop and smell the unadulterated-by-science roses. But until I can travel the world for these gifts of God’s creation, at least in my spirit I’m captivated as I blend and use the essences of the world. Page 8 & 9 Esther’s Days of Purification

Esther was the Queen worthy of the best cosmetics. Hegai’s oversight of the chambers gave him constant access to the costly and pleasant herbs, flowers, spices, and resins found in ancient Persia. The author and historian, Pliny the Elder, believes costly perfumes were made from saffron, roses, and galbanum. These fragrances, all native to Persia, are believed to be the first perfumes. Picture this; Esther is ready to apply roses (unity, love and simplicity), lavender (dignity, and excellence), frankincense (purity and worship), rosemary (remembrance), cinnamon (uprightness), saffron (mirth, great joy), galbanum (the choicest portion) and other spices, herbs, and floral essences. She is sipping herbal tea and eating special foods. She is being served from the seven appointed maidens, who bring her to completion and perfection. Page 25 Esther’s Days of Purification

To continue, on page 61 I give you a list of over 50 plants that I believe may have been used during Esther’s Day. I compiled the list from a number or cited resources. In the list you will find the rose as well as the rose of Sharon. In this book you will find explanation and more detail of these two very different plants. In the same manner I have also used the same template of exploring the rose as I did with myrrh and the seven plants I highlighted being a part of Esther’s purification. For those of you who are using my book for your own Bible study you’ll have the information at your fingertips of the physical and emotional qualities of roses in many different forms; rosehips (tea and carrier oil), rose essential oil and rose water.

My love of roses doesn’t end in what I’ve already cited. If you received my book with the nine oils or the deluxe fragrance box you will have the additional rose that I use to embellish the gift box.

The logo of Precious Oils Up On The Hill® is, of course, the rose. If you look closely at the logo you will see the rose picture that I choose is reflective, just as the Bride of Yeshua, should be of her Bridegroom in thought and deed.

As we look into the rose in Hebrew thought and Scripture we find that Israel is often referred to as “The Rose of Jacob”; which is the Jewish people. How amazing that the whole community of Israel are “roses”? This is prophetic, my Friend. Israel’s call is to be a light unto the nations as the Messianic Kingdom is established and their emblem is the menorah. It is so amazing that we find written in the Jewish writing of Targum Yonathan that the flowers on the golden menorah were similar to roses.

The theme of Esther and the season of Purim are commanded to be observed through all generations and a holiday many believe will be observed throughout the millennium.

Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them, The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year; And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed. Esther 9:26-28 KJV

As you read The Healing Rose you will find how the rose is found in the yearly liturgy of Purim, and why roses are important to the story of Esther’s purification, and yours.

To end this intro all I can say is that the Lord has once again spoken through His fragrant creation. I hope you agree that The Healing Rose is the finale and “the rest of the story” of Esther’s Days of Purification. I feel it was with me, and I pray it is for you also.

With Love and Hugs,

Apothecary Cynthia Hillson

Purim 5773/2013

Meditate ~ A Precious Oils Blend for Prayer and Quiet Times

MEDITATE ~ A PRECIOUS OILS BLEND

When one thinks of traditional fragrances of prayer and mediation often frankincense, myrrh, oud (a/k/a the lign aloes spoken about in Scripture as well as its other names; Eagle-wood, Gaharu or Jinko) and the precious sandalwood are on the top of the list. Precious Oils would like to introduce you to one of our most popular blends, Meditate. It contains many of these special trees and resins.

When inhaling Meditate we feel as we are walking in the Middle East that is known for its fragrant aromas. It is best used for those seeking a time of spiritual awareness during their own personal times of Prayer, for a quiet and relaxing massage or an Ayurveda or Reiki treatment. Those who pray and read inspirational and soul-searching books will enjoy this blend. Inhale deep as you reflect on the words that your are reading by placing a few drops on a tissue.

Due to the high resin content of Meditate, using it in an electric diffuser isn’t recommended. You can blend Meditate with jojoba or sweet almond oil for a massage or perfume.  For a bath add a few drops to 1/2 cup of cream, milk, honey or salt. Stir well before adding to your bath and relax.

Go to www.Precious-Oils.com for Meditate and other quality essential oil blends. Your choice of sizes includes sample size  5/8 dram, 2 drams, 10 ml or 30 ml.

Notes on Essential Oils

The following notes on essential oils are published in my Esther’s Days of Purification book. Today I feel the need to publish them in my blog because there seems to be a growing number of people (MLM companies) who continue to promote unsafe practices of essential oils. I’m quite alarmed in their claims and feel that our freedom of buying and using these pure, plant products could become “controlled” by the government (FDA) in the future. If you have any questions of comments please contact me.

Notes on Essential Oils

Precious Oils believes that care and common sense must be used with essential oils. Aromatherapy is not a regulated industry and there are many “theories” being claimed within the growing number of companies selling essential oils. We are of the “old school” and do not believe that essential oils should be used undiluted or ingested. We also understand that often just a few drops are needed in applications of bath, compresses, massage and diffusers.

Pure essential oils often do not smell “good” like synthetic oils, especially Biblical oils. They are often very balsamic and earthy smelling, but the therapeutic elements of these oils are of great benefit. Adding a citrus oil often helps bring life to the aroma.

Please do not smell your essential oils from the bottles directly, or share your oils this way. It is better to place a drop on a tissue, cotton ball or Q-tip. Wait a moment and then breath in. You can cut your own scent strips from unbleached coffee filters.

Keep all essential oils in a dark, cool place. Temperature should be around 65-70° F. Precious Oils is using the clear, dropper bottles so you can reflect on the beauty of the essential oils. The clear bottles also let you know how much you have left. Remember to store in a dark, cool place!

Always remember everything and anything can cause an allergic reaction. Doing a “patch test” on your skin is always recommended.

NOTES ON ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY

Very Toxic Oils    Aniseed, Mugwort, Pennyroyal, Wintergreen. Be extremely cautious when you must use these Oils, using only small amounts and storing them safely away from children.

Semi-Toxic Oils    Cassia, Birch, Cedar wood, Cinnamon, Clove, Fennel, Lemon, Thyme. All of these, plus Orange and Eucalyptus can also become increasingly toxic if used repeatedly over a period of time.

Avoid the following Oils during pregnancy    Basil, Clary Sage, Hyssop, Juniper Berry, Marjoram, Myrrh, Pennyroyal, Rosemary and large amounts of Peppermint. Any of them can prematurely induce labor. Also avoid the very toxic and semi-toxic Oils, to protect the fetus.

Avoid in cases of Epilepsy    Fennel, Sage and large amounts of Rosemary or Hyssop. These could provoke an unwanted epileptic reaction,  If a person has a predisposition to this condition.

Be Aware of the Skin Irritants    All Citrus Oils (except Bergamot), Black Pepper, Cinnamon Bark, Citronella, Clove, Ginger, Lemongrass, Melissa, Nutmeg and large amounts of Cinnamon Leaf or Peppermint.

Persons with Asthma should use smaller amounts of any of the Essential Oils. The amounts can then be increased gradually if there is no sign of an adverse reaction.

Blessings,

Cynthia Hillson

www.Precious-Oils.com 

www.TheFragrantBride.com

Esther Book is Now Back In Stock

Esther’s Days of Purification is back in stock. Sorry to all who have waited for us to reprint it.

I’ve added the healing properties of myrtle, Esther’s Hebrew name and a few other notes; but basically it is the same book.

I’m offering a special for three days on my web site. This is a great time for those of you who have contacted me that want the book for your Bible Study group. I’m also offering a special on the book and nine oils. The offer will end at midnight May 27, 2011. http://www.thefragrantbride.com/Esther_book.html

Esther Book Only     $10.00       Regular Price is $12.95

http://www.shop.thefragrantbride.com/product.sc?productId=28&categoryId=9

Esther Book and Nine Oils   $24.95   Regular Price is $29.95

http://www.shop.thefragrantbride.com/product.sc?productId=29&categoryId=9

Blessings,

Cynthia    www.TheFragrantBride.com

Kate’s Wedding Bouquet

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

http://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/

Myrrh Defined; Resin, essential oil, tincture and more

Esther’s Days of Purification is currently on its third reprint. It should be available on or about April 15, 2011.

Shemen Tova, our essential oil line will be available soon. This will include our true green myrtle and oregano oil from Israel. Also we have some wonderful jewelry items that will soon be available so you can wear your essential oils where ever you go. So stayed tuned, I’ll post when these items are available.

MYRRH DEFINED

• Myrrh Resin ~ Burned as an incense either in its natural state or ground to a powder. Some soap-makers use ground myrrh as a texture for their soaps. The scent of myrrh resin is faint, not like the essential oil or tincture.

• Myrrh Essential Oil ~ Steam distilled either fresh or from dried resin. There is a vast  difference between the myrrh (and frankincense) oils that are distilled from freshly harvested oleo-gum-resins and those that had been stored for many months (as is usually the case with most myrrh essential oil in today’s market.) It is recommended that you blend myrrh essential oil with a carrier (fixed) oil. (3 % essential oil with your choice of  fixed oils such as fractionated coconut oil, olive oil or jojoba oil.)

• Oil of Myrrh ~ Myrrh essential oil is already blended in the carrier oil; ready to use topically for massage, perfume or healing.

• Myrrh Tincture (a/k/a myrrh extract) ~ Myrrh resin is “tinctured” in alcohol to extract the healing properties. Used in mouthwashes, soaps and facial products. Some dentists still use it for gum disorders. The tincture doesn’t mix well in water as it will leave a residue on the side of the glass. You can add a few drops into your mouthwash and shake well before using. Don’t’ exceed the recommended daily use of 1/2 teaspoon of tincture for internal use.

• Encapsulated Myrrh gum tree resin. Powdered myrrh in a capsule for internal use. (Myrrh has antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and wound healing properties. It may beneficial for Candida, thrush, fungal conditions, mouth and gum disorders, gingivitis, immune response, respiratory conditions, the digestive system, stimulating menstrual flow, tonsillitis, sore throat, asthma, and may help build strength, focus and clarity during times of trouble.)

Purim 2011/5771 ~ The season of Esther, Esther

The Holy Bible is a treasure chest; I love to dig for the gems that can be mined from it. One of my favorite continuous mining excursions is the book of Esther. The season of Purim is upon us. Today I wanted to take a few moments and share with you some of my thoughts for this year’s Purim season and why you should consider setting aside some time for it. First, In Esther 9 we find that Purim should be observed yearly.

“Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them, The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year; And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.”

I delight in celebrating all Jewish holidays, even the less publicized ones such as Purim and Hanukkah. I’m always learning something new from them, so I have a few thoughts for this season that I want to share with you today.

This past January I was in my office studying. Out of the blue I was prompted to look ahead to February on my calendar. I was a bit amazed when I saw two days highlighted in February that said “Purim Katan and Shushan Purim Katan”. I thought I had missed something as I thought Purim this year is in March. And at that point I couldn’t recall seeing Purim written “Purim Katan” knowing that katan in Hebrew means “little”. Well my studying took a different course from that moment. Are you aware that this year is a leap year in the Jewish calendar? The leap year adds two Adars known as Adar I and Adar II. This gave us opportunity to observe Purim not only once this year, but twice. The Little Purim has passed. The activities were nearly the same as the Shushan Purim that we will be celebrating this week, except Jewish tradition tells us that fasting isn’t part of the Little Purim. So, I’ve been weighing out how to express what I am feeling for this season, especially since my book, Esther’s Days of Purification, has become a Bible Study worldwide. Of course I am awed that others are preaching the message that I’ve written but let me tell you I’m more awed of some of the other things I’ve felt since that moment in my office when discovering that we had two months of Adar in 2011.

Friends, please take note, this is the season of “Purim, Purim”. I’m reminded that when one reads Scripture and God says something twice it is time for us to “perk up our ears” and hear what the Spirit is saying. He is speaking in every way possible; nations are not only rising one against another, their internal conflicts are on the fore front of our daily news. The price of commodities is increasing daily with many economists telling us to prepare for much larger increases of them. Worldwide violent storms, flooding, tsunamis and earthquakes have increased since last year’s Purim; they are becoming common place instead of things of the past. Then we have the on-going crunch down on Israel and the Jewish people, the latest happening this past weekend with the cold murder of the family of five in the God-ordained, Biblical land of Samaria. I truly feel as the Lord is telling us, the Bride of Yeshua, to “Arise, Arise . . . this is the season of Esther, Esther”.

While my Esther’s Days of Purification book is a study on the 12 months of Esther’s preparation to meet the King I want to highlight a few things to consider between now and Purim next year (2012). I know this blog is lengthy, but please let me explain my heart and look into a few things in Scripture and Jewish thought.

In Chapter 3 we read of Haman’s plot to destroy the Jewish people, his anger and intention coming when Mordecai refused to bow done to him. Haman knew that Mordecai’s refusal was religiously motivated. I can only guess the hatred in his eyes saw beyond punishing Mordecai only; it was to destroy all the Jewish people. Haman was granted the King’s scribes to write the decree being sent out to all the nations in the first month, the month of Nisan. The plot for the Jews to lose their life was scheduled for 11 months later, in the month of Adar.

In Chapter 4 we find that when Mordecai heard of the fate of the Jews, he may have been one of the first to know as he often is found in front of the King’s Gate. It is probably that his heart was full of grief when he heard the decree, perhaps he felt he was responsible for the decree when he took his stance not to bow to Haman. Tearing his garments and putting the sackcloth and ashes was his response. Then he proceeded to go out in the midst of the city crying loud and bitterly even to the King’s gate, the same gate where he refused to bow. Perhaps his cry was one for the King to have mercy on his people and to change the decree, but access to the king wasn’t allowed as he wasn’t dressed properly. “For none shall enter the King’s gate clothed with sackcloth.” Esther 4:2

It was Mordecai’s public outcry where Esther’s maidens and chamberlains heard him. They reported to Queen Esther, who then herself became sad and full of grief. She sent him new garments; he refused. Esther didn’t understand Mordecai’s sorrow. She sent Hatach, a chamberlain she trusted with her personal life, with a message to Mordecai to find out “what was going on”. (Hatach’s name means “why wilt”). Jewish scholars say that Esther was modest and she lived her life quietly as she remembered Mordecai’s words not to reveal who she was so she was unaware of the decree. (Esther 2:10)

Another point that the Jewish scholars report is that Hatach was wise. He randomly, but purposely, “ran into” Mordecai in the city square in front of the King’s gate. This was a safe place to converse; no one would be able to spy on them nor would they think anything was out of the ordinary as they were in the open square. Mordecai shared the news of the future of the Jewish people. He sent Hatach not only a written copy of the decree to give to Esther but charge to her to go to the King and petition for the lives of their people. Hatach did as instructed, delivering the decree and plea of Mordecai to Esther. One could only guess how faint Esther became upon hearing the planned fate of her people. Perhaps, from Mordecai’s message to her, she sensed it was time to reveal herself as Jewish to the king. (As we study Esther we find that she does reveal herself to the King during the second banquet, perhaps one more reason why she called the second banquet. She may have been hesitant to reveal herself during the first banquet.)

Sending response back to Mordecai, Esther shared her concerns of what seemed to be her own doom. Everyone knew the law that no one, including the queen, could enter the inner court without being summoned; it was a death sentence. She also added that she hadn’t been with the king for thirty days. Perhaps Esther’s strategy was that the king would call for her soon; this would give the chance to plea for her people.

Esther’s response was given to Mordecai. He commanded, with firmness in his words, what Esther must do, and why. (In Hebrew command is ‘a^mar” and is first found as God commanded that there be light, and there was light.) Mordecai’s words, found in Esther 4:13 & 14 have been used in numerous sermons and are as important as the day that they were penned. “And Mordecai commanded them to answer Esther, Do not think within yourself that you shall escape in the king’s house more than all the Jews. For if you are completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise to the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house shall be destroyed. And who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time like this?”

Esther’s response to Mordecai was to send word to her people that resided in Shushan to fast and pray for three days and nights; she along with her handmaidens would do the same.

Friends, this week is Purim. May I suggest that you pray-fully read the book of Esther this week; it only takes a few minutes. On Thursday (Weds night at Sundown) is the Fast of Esther and this year’s Purim in on the 20th and 21st. The story continues to take on more meaning to me each time I read about and think about current situations. But as I reflected and have written on this portion of Esther today I am wondering if we shouldn’t take our fasting and intercession one step further this year, beginning now until Purim 2012. With the understanding that chapters 3 and 4 took place over an eleven month period of time brings additional light into the story. It did back when it was written, and I believe it is important today. Israel and the Jewish people need us to pray and stand with them more than ever.

The calendar of God written in the Bible has no errors or coincidence. You see, the decree written to destroy the Jews was written on Nisan 13. This date is important; it is the day that is known as Bedikt Chametz, the day to use candlelight to get all the leaven out of our homes before the next day which is the eve of Pesach, Nisan 14. Symbolically speaking leaven is our words, bad doctrine, our vices and sin.

We have thirty days between Purim and Pesach; thirty days to reflect and consider our “leaven”. What will our prayers, intercession and involvement concerning Israel be in the coming months? I hope that many of you will consider that this year’s call of God in this season of Esther, Esther has been highlighted not only to me, but to you. It is time to pray and intercede for her people as never before.

In a few weeks I plan to send or even personally take Purim “portions” and Pesach blessings to Israel. Pesach is often a time when additional finances for grocery vouchers are needed for the special foods that accompany Pesach Seders. I also want to take this opportunity to invite you to consider going to Israel this year. If you are interested in going this fall for the Feast of Tabernacles please contact me via e-mail at PreciousOils@aol.com. Tentative dates (2011) are October 9th to 20th.

In His Service,

Cynthia Hillson

http://www.TheFragrantBride.com

Esther’s Anointing Oil Purim Special with Free Shipping

Just in time for Purim. Esther’s Anointing Oil is on sale and with free shipping until March 16, 2011.

One of my most popular anointing oil blends over the last 15 years. Pure essential oils of myrrh (Ethiopia), myrtle (Israel) and sweet spices, just like Esther was prepared with during her 12 months of purification.

Elegantly packaged in a 1/4 ounce diamond bottle.

Great Purim gift for all the Esther’s in your life.

http://www.shop.thefragrantbride.com/product.sc?productId=43&