Magickal Properties & Uses Of Myrrh

Plant/herb – Myrrh

(Commiphora Myrrha)

 

Myrrh is a natural resin derived from the sap of certain trees in the Commiphora genus, particularly Commiphora myrrha. It is a gum like substance, normally reddish-brown in colour, which hardens when exposed to air. It is typically commercially available in clumps or tears.

Myrrh has been traded since biblical times for its fragrance & embalming uses. It was a component of the holy oil used by the Jews and the Kyphi used by the Egyptians in embalming and fumigation. It has been valued over the years for its aromatic, medicinal and spiritual properties. It has a rich, earthy aroma which makes it a popular ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics & it's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular ingredient in mouthwashes and wound treatments.

Appearance:

• The Myrrh tree is a small (growing 3-5 m in height), very spiny scraggly tree/ shrub with gnarled branches and papery bark.
• It is deciduous, shedding its leaves in dry seasons to conserve water, and has dull grey-greenish leaves that are small and sparse and tiny yellow-red flowers.
  

Where It Grows:

• The myrrh tree thrives in rocky, dry, and sandy soils with minimal rainfall. It has a deep root system to access underground moisture, making it suited to harsh desert conditions.
• It is native to Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Oman, Yemen & parts of Saudi Arabia.

Harvesting Myrrh:

• To harvest Myrrh, the bark of the Commiphora tree is cut or "tapped" allowing the sap to seep out.
• The sap hardens on the upon exposure to air, forming resinous tears that are then collected by hand.
• The Myrrh tree can be tapped multiple times per year, however over harvesting can harm or kill the tree. 

Magickal Uses Of Myrrh

Myrrh is one of the basic magickal ingredients that all practitioners should have in their magickal spell kit. It has been used in ritual for hundreds of years and when added to other ingredients, increases the potency of their working.

Folk Names: Gum Myrrh Tree, Karan, Mirra Balsam Odendron, African myrrh, herabol myrrh, Somali myrrhor, common myrrh

Gender: Feminine/ Hot

Planet: Moon/Sun

Element: Water

Deities: Adonis, Isis, Marian, Ra, 

Powers: Exorcism; Healing; Protection; Spirituality

Parts Used: Resin/ Essential oil

Myrrh has a long history of use in various magical and spiritual traditions due to its aromatic properties, association with warmth and protection, and metaphysical properties. It has been used as a funerary incense and was also used in the mummification process by the ancient Egyptians.  

Here are some magickal uses of Myrrh:

1. Sacred to the dead: Myrrh is an ingredient that is said to be sacred to the dead and is therefore a major part of many funerary incenses.
2. Grief healing: Myrrh is a useful ingredient in healing spells, especially those related to grief over the loss of a loved one.
3. Spiritual Cleansing: Myrrh is burnt prior to performing a ritual to cleanse the space. 
4. Offerings: Myrrh has long been used as an offering to deities. In ancient Egypt, Myrrh was burned as an offering in the temple of Isis and was also burned at noon as an offering to the sun God Ra.
5. Catholic Offering: Myrrh is a particularly good offering for most catholic deities
   
   and is often found in catholic incense mixtures. Myrrh is often used alongside Frankincense in incense mixtures.
6. Heals past life issues: Myrrh can be utilised in healing spells to help work through past life issues.
7. Increases the power of incense blends that it is added to: Add myrrh to any incense blend that you wish to add potency to.

How To Use Myrrh in Magick

1. Burn Myrrh resin or incense as an offering on your altar, especially if you are working with Catholic spirits.
2. Burn Myrrh resin on charcoal tablets in your censer/thurible prior to performing spellwork or rituals to cleanse the area.
3. Add Myrrh to a mojo bag designed to help ease grief and carry it with you.
4. Anoint a blue candle with Myrrh infused oil and use it in spellwork to heal grief- especially grief associated with death or issues related to past lives. 
5. To create peace in your home, burn Myrrh incense or diffuse Myrrh essential oil
6. Use the smoke from burning Myrrh incense or resin to purify and bless ritual objects such as magickal tools, charms and amulets.
7. Use the fragrance of Myrrh as an aid to meditation: Burn myrrh or apply a meditation oil containing myrrh to help as an aid in meditation and relaxation.

Let us know what you think about this fantastic resin. Do you use it for mundane purposes, magickal purposes, or both? We'd love to hear your experiences.

Please note: This information is for entertainment purposes only and should not replace professional advice.  I am not a qualified herbalist/doctor and am only reporting self-researched information. 

If you are looking for myrrh resin or incense, check out our range here.

 

References:

Grieve, M., Mrs. (1978). A Modern Herbal (pp. 571-573). Penguin Books.

Cunningham, S. (2023). Cunningham's Encyclopedia Of Magical Herbs (2nd ed., p. 181). Llewellyn Publications.

Mastros, S. L. (2021). The Big Book Of Magical Incense (pp. 30-33). Weiser Books.

Nock, J. A. (2019). The Modern Witchcraft Guide To Magickal Herbs (pp. 124). Adams Media.

Cunningham, S. (2021). Magical Herbalism (3rd ed., pp. 179-180). Llewellyn Publications.

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, October 27). Commiphora myrrha. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 04:40, February 7, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Commiphora_myrrha&oldid=1253719744