At a glance
- Common name
- Frankincense
- Botanical name
- Boswellia carterii / serrata
- Family
- Burseraceae
- Parts mentioned in historical records
- Aromatic tree resin tears
- Traditional correspondences
- Sun; Fire
Historical record
Harvested from desert resin trees for over 5,000 years. Fueled the legendary ancient Incense Trade Route across the Arabian peninsula; one of the three gifts of the Magi to the Christ child.
Folklore and mythology
Burned continuously in temples throughout Egypt, Judea, and Rome to carry prayers to heaven. Legend said the phoenix built its nest of frankincense and myrrh before bursting into flames and resurrecting.
Offered to solar deities such as Ra, Apollo, and the God of Abraham in temple rituals. Symbolizes the transcendent divine spark, eternal sun, and spiritual resurrection.
Tradition: Ancient Egyptian & Abrahamic Associated figures: Ra & God of Abraham
Regarded by Egyptians as the literal sweat of the gods fallen to earth; brought by Melchior to the infant Jesus as an acknowledgment of divine kingship.
Continuous temple censers to elevate human prayers; mythical Phoenix constructed its pyre and nest of frankincense resin.
Mystical correspondences
Correspondences vary by tradition and source.
Safety first
Historical and spiritual associations do not establish that Frankincense is safe or effective. Do not use this page as instructions for ingesting, smoking, inhaling, or applying Frankincense.
For current safety information, check a health authority or ask a qualified clinician or pharmacist, especially during pregnancy or lactation, while taking medication, or with an allergy or health condition.