====== Cedar ======
<div #singlebox>
---- dataentry herbs----
latin_names: Cedrus libani, Cedrus atlantica, C. spp.
folk_names: 
gender_tags: Masculine
planet_tags: Sun
element_tags: Fire
deity_tags: 
effect_tags: Healing, Purification, Money, Protection, Spirituality, Self-control
part_tags: essential oil, dried wood
----
</div>
<ifauth @user>
===== Magical Uses =====

The smoke of the cedar is purifying, and also cures the predeliction to having bad dreams. Twigs of the cedar are burned and smouldered, or made into incense. To heal head colds, they are placed upon the hot rocks in sweat baths for purification by some American Indians.

Cedar hung in the home protects it against lightning strikes. A cedar stick carved into three prongs is placed prongs up into the ground near the home to protect it against all evil. A piece of cedar kept in the wallet or purse draws money, and cedar is used in money incenses. Cedar is added to love sachets and is burned to induce psychic powers.

(Note: //Juniperus verginiana// is often used in place of cedar.)

===== Aromatherapy =====

==== Lore ====

In the ancient world, cedar from Lebanon was highly prized-so much so that only a few trees remain standing in that country. The name Lebanon is derived from the Akkadian word *lubbunu*, incense.

This was one of the most widely used incenses in the general Mesopotamian region and by the pre-contact American Indian tribes.


==== Ritual Uses ====

There are few among us who aren’t familiar with the rich scent of cedar. Shavings of the wood are sold in pet supply stores. The characteristic smell of pencils stems from the red cedarwood used to produce them. And many of us have at least smelled a cedarwood chest. These are ideal for storing magical supplies (everything, that is, except herbs and essential oils).

Two main cedarwood essential oils are available. Because the essential oils share similar constituents, Atlas Cedarwood (*Cedrus atlantica*) or Red Cedarwood (*Juniperus virginiana*) can be used with equal effectiveness in magical aromatherapy.

The scent of the wood and the essential oil promotes spirituality. Inhale this sweetly antiseptic, calming fragrance before religious rituals to deepen your connection with Deity.

Its spiritual qualities make the fragrance of cedar ideal for bringing ourselves into balance. Smell the aroma and visualize yourself as poised, calm, in control of your own life.

<adm danger Warning>
Cedarwood oil should not be used by pregnant women.
</adm>
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