Symbolism of the herbs in Charles III’s Coronation anointment oil
Communicating with the Gods
Since the dawn of time, humankind has been turning to the Divine for answers to difficult questions and for help in situations beyond human knowledge. All this time people have used herbs in their rituals communicating with the divine. Different herbs have different meanings, like a language. A language that is understood by the Gods.
It is no different today. Herbs are both used and depicted in art, religious texts and rituals. It does not come as a surprise that this is also true for the Church of England. On the day of the coronation of King Charles III, an anointment oil was used. An oil that ties together the old and the new and that is full of herbal language. It speaks of the past as well as the future and fills the new King with the Godly powers he will need to serve his country.
Symbolism
The symbolism of the herbs in the anointment oil of King Charles III is vast. It follows a recipe that has been used for centuries. It is based on olive oil from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, from the two monasteries Mary Magdalen and of the Ascension. HRH’s grandmother Princess Alice of Greece is buried here, and it also symbolises the connection with Christianity, the journey of Jesus from the garden of Gethsemane to the place where he ascends, Via Crucis.
The anointment oil
Each time a new King or Queen is due for Coronation, this anointment oil is made. The latest batch includes some of the anointment oil from the predecessor, thereby tying the lineage of monarchs together.
I am sure the complete recipe is shrouded in secrecy, but these are 9 of the ingredients found in this oil, however, the number 9 symbolises one cycle ending and another beginning.
The recipe
Olive
Olive symbolises peace but also victory and fruitfulness. The olive also symbolises undying faith and a belief that the past Monarch has found peace in God. Olive branches may be worn by the bride at marriage, to make sure she is given children. At a Coronation, this can be translated into securing the line of succession.
Sesame
Sesame represents immortality and the ability to absorb spiritual power as well as removing spiritual impurities. A herb to give the new Monarch a “clean slate” with God. In some cultures, the Sesame seed also symbolises good fortune and abundance.
Rose, is the flower of love and passion. England’s rose, a national emblem. Rose is also the go-to herb for grief which ties together with the grief of a lost Queen and a much-loved mother.
Jasmine
Jasmine, a gift of God. A herb to give and attract pure love and inspiration.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a herb used for good luck and prosperity. This herb is also useful for healing souls and promoting intuition. To help the King easier decipher messages from God.
Neroli
Neroli, the blossoms of the Bitter Orange tree symbolise the building of a protective aura around the inner being, moral virtue and purity. It is often used within wedding celebrations. In this case, it represents the purity of HRH’s intentions to serve his country. It also brings in love, happiness, and hope for a bright future.
Benzoin
Benzoin, is a resin from a family of trees called Styracaceae. To bring harmony, well-being and purification. The clearance of negative energy and dispersal of sadness. Perfect for a Coronation, to replace the sadness of a loss with the joy of a bright future.
Amber
Amber, also a resin. A magical substance that gives its bearer otherworldly powers and protects the dead. It gives courage and is often used for good luck in war and for inducing confidence
Orange Blossom
Orange Blossom, a symbol of immortality, good luck and good health. The white purity of a new reign, not yet soiled and full of promise for the future.
Process of manufacture
Olive oil, made by hand from olives picked at significant places. The herbs and resins then steeped in the oil for a certain amount of time. All the herbs in the anointment oil, are harvested at significant places. The time of harvest is also important for the symbolism to gain full power. During all stages of handling the oil there would have been incantations, infusing the oil further with intentions and gratitude.
After the herbs have macerated in the oil, it is poured through a linen cloth to remove the herbs. It is then bottled and stored for some time to mature. At some time during the process, anointment oil from the previous Coronation would have been added.
Please note that the exact process is a well hidden secret most likely involving more steps and further ceremony.
Intricacy of the symbolism
There are a lot more pieces to this puzzle. I have simply scratched the surface. For instance Orange Blossom, Neroli and Jasmine are all white, the colour of purity and innocence but also the colour of death of one reality and the birth of another, change. Can you spot more symbolism? Combinations of herbs have special meanings and so does the method of preparation. The choice of tools and bottles adds to the mix as well as the number of times a certain procedure is carried out. I could go on and on and this is all before the intentions are taken into account.
Ceremony with a meaning – a summary
A ceremony could be just that or it could mean the difference between success and failure. In today’s world, we have lost a lot of meaning. We think a flower is pretty but maybe we don’t think as much of its powers. Maybe, just maybe we should start listening to the wisdom born in nature. And of course, ceremonies are not just for Kings and Queens, they are for you and me and our daily lives. Can you find things in your life that should be celebrated or be given a higher significance?
References
An illustrated encyclopaedia of traditional Symbols by J.C Cooper
Örtmedicin och växtmagi, Solveig Olsson et.al.
Real Witches Garden, Kate West
Links
