Monday, December 30, 2013

Three Kings Day (El Dia de Reyes)



 
Byzantine depiction of the Three Magi in a 7th-century mosaic at Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo


Three Kings Day or El Dia de Reyes as it is also known, is on January 6. It is the day that celebrates the Magi who brought three symbolic gifts to the Christ Child in the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12. The gifts they brought were gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gift of gold is said to be associated with the sun and heavenly rulership, as well as kingship on Earth. The gift of frankincense is an aromatic resin that has been used in temples and religious rites for centuries as a symbol of priesthood and divinity. The gift of myrrh is said to symbolize mortality and death because of its use as an embalming oil. Myrrh is also associated with beauty because it was used as a perfume and anointing body oil. In addition, myrrh was used for performing sacraments by the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Who are the Three Kings?

Although the names of the three kings are not provided in Matthew, Ethiopian Christianity gives their names as Hor, Karsudan, and Basanater. They are best known in the U. S. however, by the names given them by Catholic and Western Protestant traditions: Gaspar/Caspar (Kaspar, Jaspar, Gathaspa), Melchior (Melichior, Melchyor), and Balthasar (Balthazar, Balthassar, Bithisarea). But what do the Three Kings have to do with Hoodoo and occultism? According to Aaron Leitch (2011):


The answer is that they were Zoroastrian Priests, and that happened to be the world’s dominant religion at the time. If the people were going to accept Jesus as the Messiah and the rightful heir to the Throne of Israel, then he needed an endorsement from the Priests of the world’s largest religion. If these guys accepted Jesus as the Son of God, then who else could say otherwise? (It would be much like the Pope today declaring- officially- that a newly born Buddhist child is the second coming of Christ. It would shake the political world of Catholicism to its foundations). We also find the Three Kings playing a vital role in the 6th and 7th Books of Moses. Therein, the Laws of Entrance (that is, the preparations for performing the primary Rite outlined in the book) require one to ritually purify oneself over a thirteen day period – including Christmas day itself and ending on Epiphany. On Jan. 6th, one must complete the process by attending a Mass of the Three Kings. Later, the book also calls for the use of “Three Kings Holy Water” – Three Kings itself. Finally, when the magick is performed, the names of Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar are invoked directly.


To learn more about the Three Kings and the influences of the European grimoires on Hoodoo and modern day occultists, check out author Aaron Leitch’s blog http://aaronleitch.wordpress.com.


Representation of the Three Kings - Source unknown

Simple Charm of Protection

Just before the sun rises on Three Kings day—January 6—write the letters "C. M. B." and the year underneath the letters over the doors of your home on the outside using blessed chalk (see the article in Hoodoo Almanac 2012 “How to Make Blessed Chalk”). These letters represent Gaspar/Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, the Tres Reyes Magos. This is a simple, yet effective, charm of protection.

C + M + B

Three Kings' Water

This special holy water allegedly has certain properties, due to the day on which it was blessed. The "consecration with holy triple king's water" is mentioned in The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses. The use of this water is apparently part of a purification ritual in which angelic presences are invited in anticipation of defeating demonic or negative forces. Author C.R. Bilardi stated that the text was probably referring to "Three Kings' Water" blessed on the holy feast day of January 6.

Formula for Three Kings' Oil (Tres Reyes)

The Tres Reyes Magos brought three symbolic gifts for the infant Jesus: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Three Kings Oil is frequently rubbed on candles in certain magical operations in which the power of the magi or Tres Reyes Magos is desired when working with angelic spirits. Three Kings Oil is used in magic involving wisdom, truth, and honesty. Here’s the formula:

  • Frankincense resin
  • Frankincense essential oil
  • Myrrh resin
  • Myrrh essential oil
  • Gold flakes or pyrite

Add the above ingredients to the purest olive oil that has been fixed with Vitamin E to prevent rancidity.

Formula for Three King’s Incense (Tres Reyes)

For an absolutely divine temple incense, whip up a batch of this fabulous aromatic blend.

  • 1 part frankincense resin
  • 1 part myrrh resin
  • 1 part dark amber resin
  • 2 parts red sandalwood chips

Combine the above ingredients and burn on self lighting charcoal. You won’t believe how good it smells...you’re welcome:)

Three Kings Ointment

To make 4 ounces of Three Kings ointment, gather the following:

  • 2 level tablespoons fined grated beeswax
  • 2 level tablespoons sweet almond oil
  • Essential oil of frankincense
  • Essential oil of Myrrh
  • Essential oil of Sandalwood
  • Scant tablespoon distilled water
  • Almond oil
  • 4 vitamin E capsules or equal amount of liquid benzoin as
  • a preservative
  • Distilled water
  • Glass jars, dark colored glass is best

Heat the beeswax in a glass container over warm water. Slowly add the sweet almond stirring constantly. Take the ointment out of the water and let it cool for about a minute before adding the essential oils. Blend well. Add a teaspoon of distilled water and stir well. Put into little glass jars and close tightly. If kept in a dark, cool place the ointment will last about 3 months without the added preservative. With the preservative it can last a year or more.

by Denise Alvarado, Carolina Dean, & Alyne Pustanio
 
  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 1, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1475263716
  • ISBN-13: 978-1475263718
  • Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 1.1 inches

  • Published in the tradition of respected almanacs over time and throughout history, Hoodoo and Conjure's Hoodoo Almanac 2012 is a new source of wisdom and Hoodoo lore for rootworkers and conjurers around the world. We bring to you a true Southern perspective of folk magic and folklore as only those who have lived and breathed it can do.

    2 comments:

    1. Replies
      1. And to you ... I have my frankincense, myrrh (natural incense) and a wonderful oil that I got from an outstanding Santeria house ... "Gold Essense" ... 'cause it's COLD here and I didn't go to get gold leaf ... all ready to go. I so appreciate the information ... and encouragement to *Honor* the Power in this way!

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