elements:

air, earth, fire

the story:

The Tree of Life is known as a diagram of our reality, reflecting both the macrocosm and the microcosm; the universe as macro & the self as micro. In studying the Tree of Life, I naturally gravitated to certain Sephiroth such as Yesod & Binah. Being a dreamer, Yesod appeals to me because it is the realm of the subconscious where we find the undercurrents of our experience through imprints of symbols, personal matrices & narratives, inherited & enforced programs. Yesod is a vehicle that facilitates movement between the divine and the material, being thus a place of liminality.

Binah is in an upper sphere on the Tree.

“Binah (בִּינָה), meaning ‘understanding’ in Hebrew, is derived from the root ב-י-נ, which conveys the concept of discerning or distinguishing knowledge into structured understanding. This root implies building or constructing insight from raw data. In Kabbalistic tradition, Binah is personified as a nurturing mother, reflecting its role in developing and shaping the abstract wisdom from Chokmah into intelligible forms.”

Binah loves eucalyptus & myrrh — these are some of correspondences for that energetic signature. To comprehend more of the resonance, we can look at the medicine and magick of these plant materia.

Myrrh is often related to Mary, and in the story it is one of the gifts given to Jesus, symbolizing the future passion & suffering that he would meet, simultaneously associated with the crying / pained mother or Mater Dolorosa. It is a balm used in preparation of dead bodies & rites of dying which is a curious issue to note as not being an end — an idea and understanding that is reflected within many traditions. Even in places like Jamaica & Kiskeya it is regarded that the spirit of the dead leaves the resting place on the third day, signaling to resurrection & rebirth. (For this reason, there is a 9-night vigil to ensure that the spirit transitions to its new dwelling space / the ‘after life’, not stuck roaming the earth disembodied).

Myrrh is used as an anointment & consecration oil. It is also employed for its therapeutic value and has been used for over 3,500 years. Records show that Kemetic peoples have used the oil for treating fevers, venereal illnesses, and respiratory concerns. In Greece during times of war, soldiers would take Myrrh to battle for its protective, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory qualities. This resin is also a cleanser known to clean & heal wounds. Tibetan and Chinese folks regard that the oil is helpful for arthritis, menstrual cramps, hemorrhoids, stress, nervousness, anxiety, and so much more. Overall Myrrh oil is somewhat of a panacea, a suitable support for the whole body and whole person, skin to teeth. In mystical and magickal traditions, devotees burn myrrh as incense because, as previously noted, it is cleansing and furthermore purifying, supporting upliftment of frequencies within a space and creating a sense of peace & calm (connected to its tonifying effect on the nervous system). Myrrh is considered to enhance the power of any herbs or other plant matter it is mixed with, so it helps to strengthen conjurations and the motions aligned with one’s intentions especially if working with the Mother force to bring about a desired material expression.

“Binah brings order and structure to the fragmented divine light.”

Similarly, Juniper oil has a long history of application by some of the same people. In Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham writes “used throughout Europe as a protective herb, Juniper also guards against theft. It was probably one of the earliest incenses used by Mediterranean Witches. Juniper hung at the door protects against evil forces and persons, and it is burned in exorcism rites… It also guards against ghosts and sickness… When carried or burned, Juniper helps the psychic powers…”

The branches of Juniper have also been burned by ancient Greeks to combat epidemics and illnesses. In Kemet, corpses were anointed with the oil to both embalm and aid transition. More modern applications see it effective in supporting hair growth, treating acne, cellulite, cramping, and mental exhaustion. Like Myrrh, Juniper oil is useful for skin conditions, so the infusion of them together is a potent remedy for irritations & other variation of skin imbalance & affliction such as eczema, psoriasis, and the like.

The synergy of it all is made evident with Eucalyptus which unsurprisingly shares some of the qualities of both Juniper and Myrrh. “Binah is often likened to a 'palace of mirrors'.” In simple terms, Eucalyptus mirrors a lot of the healing potential exhibited in the berries and resin. Eucalyptus is also (like Myrrh) useful for teeth & dentistry with documented use as a mouth rinse solution. Our teeth as mouth-bones contribute to the structural support of our face which is where the sephira of Binah lands on our bodies if we view the Tree of Life within us. So in essence Myrrh and Eucalyptus serve to cushion our structures, toning them to ensure proper function. Eucalyptus cleanses (like Juniper) and is recognized as a potent respiratory aid. It opens us, helps us expand, inhale more deeply. In Kiskeya, abuelas put Camphor & Eucalyptus leaves in our pockets, making a cross from head to chest, praying for our protection.

Binah is an altar oil that alters our experience and innerstanding, elevating us to a dynamic yet balanced and steady vibration.

“Binah is associated with the feminine aspect of divinity. The Bahir states: "For you shall call ‘Understanding’ a Mother" (Bahir 75).”

ingredients:

juniper berries, eucalyptus leaves, & myrrh resin infused in olive oil

invitations for use:

Shake well before use. Anoint your body. Use to massage the womb and/or pelvic region. Massage the third eye. Use as a deodorant. Massage the throat. Apply to chest when experiencing cold, cough, or flu. Can be applied to the breasts for massage. Massage into the palms of your hand before a self-reiki session. Invoke psychic expansion. Use intuitively. Anoint your candle(s). Other uses suggested on accompanying information card. Store in a cool, dark place. Shelf life varies, usually lasts up to one year.

• For external use only.

• Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding people. Use mindfully.

• Safe for children.

• All herbs are certified organic & sustainably sourced by Gold Water Alchemy.

• REQUIRED DISCLAIMER: This product is for bringing balance; it is not intended to diagnose or cure disease. If you require medical treatment, please seek a qualified medical professional. These statements have not been approved by the FDA.