Hyssop
by Amethyst
Botanical:
Hyssopus
officinalis
Planetary
associations:
Jupiter
Zodiac
associations:
Cancer, Sagittarius
Element:
Fire
Gender:
Masculine
Tarot:
Chariot, Kings
Magickal
classifications:
Countermagick Herbe … Herbe of Consecration …
Herbe of Protection … Herbe of Purification
Part
Used: Flowers,
leaves, stems
Synonyms:
Hyssop Herb, Isopo, Ysopo, Yssop
Lore
Hyssop comes from the Hebrew name AEsob, and from the Greek hysoppus which is believed to have originated in southern Europe and adjoining regions of Asia. Hyssop is a name of Greek origin. The Hyssops of Dioscorides was named from azob (a holy herb), because it was used for cleaning sacred places. It amends and cherishes the native colour of the body spoiled by the yellow jaundice. In A Modern Herbal, Grieve tells us it is alluded to in the scriptures: “Purge me with Hyssop, and I shall be clean.” In the New Testament, a sponge soaked in sour wine or vinegar was stuck on a branch of hyssop and offered to Jesus of Nazareth on the cross just before he died. Hyssop is one of many herbes which Solomon is said to have gathered and made into his aspurger for ritual work. Some believe that small bunches of hyssop were used by the Hebrew people to paint their portals with blood, protecting their children until Moses could lead then safely away.
In The
White Goddess, Robert Graves
writes that the ancient (pagan)
Hebrews considered hyssop a herbe of the Winter Solstice.Probably because of the strong aroma released by hyssop, it has mainly been used for respiratory ailments. Even Hippocrates went so far as to recommend the use of hyssop for bronchitis and other inflammations of the chest and lungs. Hyssop preparations were widely prescribed for bad cough by herbalists in the mediaeval era. The oil released from the crushed leaves has been used for cuts and bruises. Infusion of the leaves has been applied topically to cure pain caused by rheumatism.
Excessively use of hyssop can cause seizures. The herb should be discontinued after two weeks of constant use. People who suffer from fits, epilepsy and high blood pressure are advised to keep away from hyssop. Pregnant women would also do well to keep away from the herb.
Japanese research published in 2003 in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology suggests that hyssop teas can help lower the sharp increase in blood sugars after eating common to people who have or who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Usage
One of the best herbes for cleansing and purification, hyssop should be
gathered; bound into small bunches and dried. These bunches
may be used to protect your temple or home by handing them at the
windows, doors and any other portals.
Hyssop is believed to keep away all negative energies. Some
cultures also believe that hyssop will protect your property against
burglars and trespassers when hung as above.
Hyssop is a most useful herbe. The extracted oil may be used
for all forms of spiritual healing, particularly work such as
Therapeutic Touch. As well as imparting healing to the
patient, it protects the healer.
This holy herbe may be used to consecrate any magickal tools or
heirlooms, which are made of tin. It has an affinity for
amethyst and for lapis lazuli. Either of these stones (not
both) could be stored in your hyssop jar. The herbal oil can
be used for cleansing either of these stones when set in
jewellery. The oil may be rubbed into the hands for aura
cleansing and healing by laying on of hands.
There is probably no herbe better suited for the physical cleansing and
washing of the temple, ritual tools or even ritual robes. The
easiest method is to add some liquid extract to your cleaning
water. Hyssop also makes a superior bathing herbe, bringing
purification to the spiritual, emotional and physical selves.
Hyssop is very good for people who feel stuck in their lives and yearn
for more freedom - freedom of self-expression but also very
practically, freedom of movement in the body as well as in its deepest
metaphorical sense. Thus Hyssop is also helpful for goal
setting, planning, and to discover strategies that get you from where
you are to where you want to be. Hyssop may also be used in
personal growth to produce clarity of thought, to induce a state of
humility, it may also be used to help clear the type of shame that
keeps one from accepting the gifts that will allow growth to one's full
potential i.e.: "I release the shame that
holds me back."
Fun Facts:
“Ring-a-ring o´roses A pocket full of posies Atishoo, atishoo, we all fall down.”This popular children's nursery rhyme dates back to 1664 - the year of the Great Plague of London. The posies were the "magic" herbs which were carried in the pocket and were thought to ward off the virus. The herbs included hyssop, rosemary, thyme and southernwood. They were also used to disguise the unpleasant smells of the plague.
It would be good to utilize the value of hyssop at Yule/Midwinter.
