Excerpts taken with kind permission from Mystery Babalon: The Bhaktic and Ecstatic Rites of Babalon by Hagia Aurevia


Abramelin Oil

• 4 parts cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum cassia)
• 2 parts myrrh essential oil (Commiphora myrrha)
• 1 part galangal oil (lesser galangal, Alpinia officinalis)
• Half of that total weight of the above in olive oil

So, for example, we might have 4 ounces of cinnamon, 2 ounces of myrrh and 1 ounce of galangal oil, all mixed together with 3.5 ounces of a true high-quality olive oil. Mix essential oils in glass containers only, as they may react with containers which are metallic. This oil will be very golden in color at first, but turns more reddish with age.

Substitutes: If you absolutely can not get Alpinia officinalis essential oil, then you may substitute its cousin Alpinia galanga, Greater Galangal. We grow both, and there is a difference in aroma, but not so much that it will spoil the overall results. Do not use Kaempferia galanga, or False Ginger Galangal as it is a different aroma and will spoil the recipe. For Cinnamon, use Cassia which is known by its botanical name Cinnamomum cassia. Do not use what is today called True Cinnamon, Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum as it will change the aroma. For Myrrh use Commiphora myrrha from Arabia or in a pinch Commiphora molmol from Africa. Arabian Myrrh is much superior to African, especially the variety from Yemen. Do not use Sweet Myrrh (Bdellium, Commiphora guggul) or Opoponax (Commiphora holtziana) as these Myrrh relatives have a completely different aroma. Do not use Maydi, though wonderful on its own, it will change the nature of this recipe. All oils, except for the Olive Oil, must be essential oils. Perfume oils or synthetics will not work at all, and will carry inappropriate energy for your Rites.

The powerful nature of the aroma of Abramelin is of the male and female centered together. While Abramelin smells immediately of male fire, it is countered and balanced by potent and powerful water energy of the female, known to create a feeling that draws out the potent sexuality of both men and women. It can also bring energy of levity and joy infused with passion. The Oil of Abramelin is used for anointing the body before the Rites of Babalon, but please use caution as cinnamon essential oil is very potent, and can cause irritation or burning sensations on delicate parts of the body, as many have discovered.


Abramelin Incense, Thelemic

• 4 tbs ground Myrrh (32 grams / 1.14 ounces)
• 2 tbs ground Lesser Galangal (Alpina officinalis) (12 grams / .43 ounces)
• 2 tsp Cinnamon Essential Oil (Cassia bark) (.33 fluid ounces)

This recipe is slightly complicated to scale upwards, because you are mixing ratios of solid ingredients to liquid ingredients. It is best to grind the ingredients before use, as opposed to buying pre-ground powders. Powders carry the least amount of volatile essential oils, which are prone to being lost to aeration over time, and therefore loose their aromatic potency. Stir and mix thoroughly in a glass bowl, until the oil has completely saturated the other ingredients and the overall color is a dark reddish-brown. The use of Cinnamon Oil, instead of raw Cinnamon bark, is the key to getting the recipe to smell exactly like the oil when burned. Cinnamon bark has a tendency to smell rough and unappealing when burned as incense.


Abramelin Incense, Traditional

• 8 parts Olibanum (Boswellia serrata)
• 4 parts Storax Bark (Liquidambar orientalis)
• 2 parts Aloeswood Powder (Aquilaria agallocha)

Substitutes: Olibanum is also known as Indian Olibanum or Indian Frankincense. While being related to Frankincense, it is actually a different species of Boswelia. Where Frankincense is more yellow and has a lemonish aroma, Olibanum is more orange in color and more citrus in aroma. You may substitute a good Frankincense for the Olibanum, but it will change the aroma of the blend. Turkish Storax bark is recommended, but American Storax Bark (Liquidambar styraciflua) can also be used, but it is far less aromatic. Aloeswood, also called Agarwood comes in a wide variety of aromas, some of which can be incredibly expensive. The less expensive varieties, if you can find them, will do fine.

Traditional Abramelin has a smooth, commanding, bright aroma with serious and exotic notes. Traditional Abramelin incense is considered essential for evocation by many Ceremonial magicians, especially when attempting the long and complicated Abramelin ritual. It is also very effective for any rituals that work with the energies of the Sun (Fire) or Air (Mercury or Jupiter), or any of the spirits thereof.

If you don't want to make your own, Soma Luna sells authentic hand crafted Abramelin Oil, Traditional Abramelin Incense and Thelemic Abramelin Incense.