cinnamon

    Cinnamon was one of the most common ingredients in various religious/spiritual incenses in ancient Egypt.

• botanical information
• history
• astrological correspondences
• magick correspondences and uses
• cautions and contraindications

botanical information:

    Botanical name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum

    Common name: cinnamon

history:

    History: Cinnamon and cassiawere imported into Egypt from China and southeast Asia by 2,000 B.C.E. Pleasant smelling scents were associated with goodness and purity.

astrological correspondences:

    Astrological planet: Sun

magickal correspondences and uses:

    Western element: fire

    Magickal uses: strength and success

    Solar spells: Cinnamon (as herb or essential oil) may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magick spells and formulas related to solar matters (healing, illumination, magickal power, physical energy, protection, success, and putting an end to legal matters). Be careful about substitutions for preparations that will be ingested or come in contact with the skin. These substitutions do not apply to medical uses. See the article on the Sun for a list of herbal substitutes for cinnamon.

    Using essential oils: Essential oils are just too concentrated and too expensve to use without dilution. If you purchase pure essential oil from a source such as Mountain Rose, you will want to place just a drop or two into a neutral carrier vegetable oil or jojoba. This conservation is typical of the use of essential oils in spells and other magick. It is wise to test a bit of any essential oil on your inner wrist before use. If any irritation occurs, do not use the essential oil. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets and away from heat and light. See the article on essential oils for detailed information on how to mix and use essential oils.

    Because cinnamon was sacred to Aphrodite and venus it was considered to be an aphrodisiac.

deities associated with cinnamon:

• Aphrodite (Greek Goddess)
• Venus (Roman Goddess)

cautions and contraindications:

    Non-toxic to animals: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center has determined that cinnamon “has not been reported as having systemic effects on animals or as having intense effects on the gastrointestinal tract.” —ASPCA

    Wild gathering: Avoid wild gathering. Some plants are endangered species. Please grow your own herbs in your own goddess garden (or window boxes).

See also: herbs

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