Working with Cassia, the Oil of Joy

Cinnamon is pretty dope in food and pumpkin spice lattes. But did you know cinnamon bark has been used since ancient times as a sacred anointing oil? It’s true. Cassia was used to anoint people, sacred objects, and clothing.

Cassia has a number of spiritual and somatic benefits. From a Western medical perspective, Cassia is known to aid blood circulation and boost immunity. Spiritual and somatic properties go hand-in-hand, which means Cassia also gets spiritual energy (or chi) flowing, which boosts joy, clarity, and creativity. Cassia protects the aura, and it is good to use Cassia while traveling or cleansing energies in general. Cassia is also traditionally used to boost commitment, especially to one’s spiritual mission on Earth.

Winter solstice is the perfect time of year to use Cassia to celebrate the return of the sun. Cassia is a “warm” oil (i.e., it will burn your skin if used without a carrier oil!). So it’s no surprise that Cassia is associated with the sun and fire. Thus Cassia is also associated with the Zodiac sign of Leo and with Sekhmet, the cat-headed Goddess of Egypt. Dani Rose uses Cassia in her “Fire of Sekhmet” blend along with Frankincense and Neroli, two other oils associated with Sekhmet.

Cassia is an affordable and accessible oil that can be found in many whole foods stores. It is one of the most affordable ancient sacred oils there is! Stillpoint Aromatics in Sedona is always a good choice if you’re looking for high-quality artisan oil. Don’t confuse Cassia with Cinnamon Leaf oil. They are different in scent and chemical profile.

Dani Rose is a Magdalene Priestess and a myrraphore, or “myrrh bearer.” Learn more about the ancient art of myrraphore here.