Anointing oil has been used for thousands of years across many cultures and faiths. These fragrant, sanctified oils play an important role spiritually and practically. Used to bless, sanctify, and empower, anointing oils harness the aromatic power of plants infused with prayer
This article explores the origins, composition, spiritual uses, and significance of anointing oil in religious traditions like Christianity. Read on to understand the meaning behind these sacred botanical preparations.
What is Anointing Oil?
Anointing oil refers to natural plant-based oils consecrated and set apart for sacred ceremonial use. They are infused with plants like frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, and spikenard, which are mentioned in the Bible. Prayers of blessing and consecration sanctify these healing botanical ingredients.
These holy anointing oils were meticulously prepared by clergy and used to anoint priests, kings, prophets, and sacred spaces. Bishops sanctify chrism oil for use in anointing people and objects in Christianity. Lay Catholics may use normal blessed olive oil.
Anointing oils were integral in Biblical religious rituals. Scriptures describe sacred oils used to anoint priests, prophets, and kings under God’s authority:
Exodus 30:30 – “Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.”
1 Samuel 16:13 – “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed [David] in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.”
Psalm 23:5 – “You anoint my head with oil.”
Mark 6:13 – “[The disciples] anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.”
1 John 2:20 – “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.”
Biblical anointing oils were imbued with spiritual authority to sanctify leaders and heal the sick.
The Significance and Meaning of Anointing Oil
Why was anointing oil so important? These sacred botanical preparations held multilayered spiritual symbolism and significance:
Consecration – Anointing priests and kings ceremonially appointed them to holy service.
Blessing – Anointing conferred God’s divine favor and grace.
Healing – Oil accompanied healing of the sick as a symbol of God’s restorative power.
Protection – Anointing shielded people and objects under spiritual authority.
Holiness – Anointing sets apart people and things for sacred purposes.
Spiritual power – Anointing imparted gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Humility – The anointed were reminded that their status came from God alone.
Cleanliness – Anointing represented spiritual cleansing and purity.
Oils sanctified by prayer become more than just botanical extracts – they become holy instruments.
Traditional Anointing Oil Ingredients
Why were specific plants traditionally used to make anointing oils? Let’s examine their significance:
Olive oil – This clean-burning oil symbolizes light, health, and the Holy Spirit’s radiance. It was the base oil for Biblical anointing oils.
Spikenard – An aromatically potent anti-inflammatory root. It represented the sweetness of Christ’s sacrifice.
Cinnamon – This fragrant spice symbolizes the stinging pain of Christ’s suffering. It also enhanced preservation.
Myrrh – Produces a bitter, earthy aroma representing death and mortality – Christ’s crucifixion. It also boosts potency.
Frankincense – This piney, resinous oil pointed to Christ’s divine nature and royalty. It also extended potency.
Specific aromatics were blended purposefully to create multi-layered spiritual meaning. But other healing botanicals may also be used.
Modern Uses of Anointing Oils
While traditions remain, anointing oils are still very much in use today by religious communities like Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Messianic Jews, and Pentecostals. Ways they incorporate anointing oils include:
Healing prayer – Oil often accompanies prayers for the sick.
Spiritual protection – Oils applied to shield people and places.
Consecrating objects – Anointing items like crosses, medals, or candles.
Anointing services – Public ceremonies of blessing and anointing.
Sacramental rites – Oils sanctified for use in sacraments.
Ceremonial appointments – Leaders symbolically anointed.
Exorcisms – Used to combat evil spirits and influences.
Personal prayer – Small vials used to anoint in private prayer.
While uses vary in form, these oils invoke God’s power through sacramental sensory experience.
How to Make and Use Anointing Oil?
Want to make your own anointing oil? Here are some tips:
Choose quality ingredients – Use pure essential oils and bases like olive, almond, or coconut oil. Stay away from synthetic fragrances.
Blend thoughtfully – Consider each oil’s symbolic and therapeutic value. Create your proprietary formula.
Pray over ingredients – Sanctify the raw materials by praying for God’s blessing and purpose as you blend.
Set apart the oil – Consecrate it through focused prayer and anointing. Some blend in holy water.
Apply reverently – Use mindfully in private prayer or healing rituals. Avoid casual applications.
Store properly – Keep in small sealed vials away from light and heat to preserve potency.
Creating your own prayerfully crafted anointing oil can enrich spiritual practices. But always use it with focus, intention, and care for what the oil represents.
Examples of Powerful Prayer Over Anointing Oil
Meaningful prayers consecrate oils, inviting God’s purpose and power into the medium. Here are inspirational examples:
“Lord, please sanctify this oil so that all who are anointed with it will receive healing, blessing, and favor. Fill it with your grace, love, and restoration. May it be a vessel of your Spirit.”
“Jesus, thank you for demonstrating the healing power of anointing. Bless those who pray over this oil as they intercede for the sick. May it be a symbol of your mercy and point them to you.”
“Holy Spirit, consecrate this oil to be used for your glory. May it spread the sweet, woodsy aroma of Christ wherever it is applied. Bring physical and spiritual healing through this act of faith.”
Pray from the heart. God knows your sincere intent.
Anointing Oil’s Enduring Spiritual Legacy
Across millennia, anointing oils sanctified with prayer have retained significance in religious traditions as sacramentals. Their sensory, symbolic nature allows anointing to engage followers on multiple levels – intellectual, spiritual, and physical. Oils harness aromatic botanical power to convey benedictions.
More than just applying fragrant plant extracts, anointing ritualistically draws recipients closer to the Divine to receive blessings of body, mind, and soul. When appropriately consecrated and used, anointing oils become vessels of God’s grace. Their beautiful legacy endures.
Subin John Subin John is a children's book author, former banker, and digital marketing entrepreneur who infuses his business knowledge and Christian faith into his writing.After completing his Masters in Business Administration, Subin worked for over a decade in the banking industry. During this time, he discerned a calling to pursue writing and leave a positive impact through literature.In 2016, Subin left his banking career to found his own digital marketing agency. This venture allowed him to synergize his business acumen with his passion for connecting through storytelling.A devout Catholic, Subin volunteers extensively with his church community. Inspired by his faith, Subin made his literary debut in 2023 with a series of children's books simplifying Christian concepts for young readers. His books are: Saints for Little Hearts: Exploring Catholic Heroes and Daisy and Zozo's Wild Zoo Adventure.When he's not writing or managing his digital agency, you can find Subin spending time with his wife and two kids. As an avid traveller, he also enjoys planning both family vacations and spiritual pilgrimages.Subin currently resides in India, but his works have found readers across India and beyond. He aspires to continue conveying spiritual wisdom to children while also honoring God through operating his business ethically and sustainably. View all posts
