Cinnamon has been used for thousands of years, not only for its wonderful flavor and aroma, but also for its spiritual and symbolic meaning. This popular spice is intertwined with mythology, religious tradition, ancient medicine, and magic.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to what is the spiritual meaning of cinnamon: Cinnamon represents warmth, positivity, healing, protection, luck, wealth, and love.
In this in-depth guide, we will explore the fascinating spiritual significance and folklore surrounding cinnamon throughout history and across different cultures and spiritual practices. We’ll uncover cinnamon’s connection to gods and goddesses, its use in ritual, its appearance in sacred texts, its meaning in dream interpretation, and much more.
Cinnamon in Mythology and Folklore
Symbol of the Goddess Venus
In ancient mythology, cinnamon was seen as the sacred symbol of Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty, sex, fertility and prosperity. As cinnamon bark curls into rolls resembling scrolls, it became associated with Venus’ Egyptian precursor Hathor, goddess of fertility.
Cinnamon was burned as incense to honor Venus and please her favor.
Linked to Other Deities
Cinnamon also has connections to other mythological deities. In Greek mythology, cinnamon was used to anoint altars dedicated to Apollo, god of healing and truth. In parts of ancient India, cinnamon was linked with Soma, a ritual drink offering to gods that brought vitality and immortality.
Some Native American tribes used cinnamon in spiritual practices honoring animal spirits or clan gods. The bark was one of four sacred plants burned by the Teton Dakota tribe in ceremonial pipe rituals requesting guidance.
Cinnamon also played roles in shamanic and cleansing rituals of tribes like the Cree and the Blackfoot.
Bearing Gifts for the Gods
As a precious spice, cinnamon held almost mystical allure in antiquity which lent itself to religious symbolism. Ancient Egyptians included cinnamon among funerary offerings placed in pharaohs’ tombs to provision and please gods in the afterlife.
Followers of traditional Chinese religions and philosophies like Taoism sometimes use cinnamon sticks as votive offerings. In temples or home shrines, cinnamon incense is burned reverently to honor deities, ancestors or cosmic energies like yin and yang.
Wards and Charms
With its warm sweet aroma and preservative qualities, cinnamon has long been believed to have sacred abilities to spiritually cleanse, protect and even boost fortune. For example:
- Some North African traditions involved burning cinnamon to ward off the “evil eye”
- In medieval Europe, people hid cinnamon in their homes hoping to attract riches
- Early American colonists carried cinnamon sticks as good luck charms when exploring or setting up new homesteads
So while also prized for flavor and health benefits, this fragrant spice has deep roots in spirituality and folk belief across cultures.
Cinnamon in Religion and Ritual
The Bible and Torah
Cinnamon is mentioned several times in the Bible and Torah. In Exodus 30, God instructs Moses to use sweet cinnamon as an ingredient for anointing oil, a sacred oil used to consecrate the Tabernacle. This signifies cinnamon’s holy status.
According to Proverbs 7:17, lovers’ beds were perfumed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon, alluding to cinnamon’s sensual properties.
Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Ayurvedic medicine, cinnamon balances all three doshas and is considered sattvic – promoting harmony and spirituality. It reportedly stimulates circulation and digestion and can enhance meditation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cinnamon warms and invigorates the body, boosts immunity, and promotes blood flow.
An Ayurvedic legend states that Lord Indra was the first to bring cinnamon to humans as a gift from the heavens. Ancient Egyptians also regarded cinnamon as a gift from the gods.
Smudging and Spellwork
Cinnamon has a long history of use in smudging rituals and spells. Smudging with cinnamon cleanses spaces and aura, removes negativity, and attracts positive energies – making it ideal for homes or workspaces.
In spellwork, cinnamon can be used to draw in money, success, passion and love. Mixing oils with cinnamon to anoint candles helps manifest desires into reality. Behavior spells with cinnamon may be used for willpower or motivation.
Grinding cinnamon with other herbs makes for powerful intention powders.
| Quote | “Feel the zest of life with a dash of cinnamon” |
| – Ancient Egyptian Proverb |
Cinnamon’s Spiritual Meaning in Dreams
Wealth and Prosperity
Cinnamon holds deep symbolic meaning in many cultures as a spice that ushers in wealth, success, and prosperity. Dreaming about cinnamon often signals upcoming financial or material gains in waking life.
For example, dreaming of eating or smelling cinnamon could signify that you’re about to come into money unexpectedly or receive a promotion at work.
According to dream analysts, seeing large quantities of cinnamon in a dream, such as jars filled to the brim with the sweet and zesty spice, can indicate greatly improved finances and abundance headed your way very soon.
Alternatively, dreams about cinnamon-dusted pastries, cinnamon candies, or other sweet cinnamon treats are said to foretell improved cash flow, investment returns, bonuses, or even an unexpected inheritance.
In short, this aromaticspice brings the promise of prosperity and affluence when it visits us in dreams. So next time you find yourself in dreamlandsampling cinnamon buns or smelling cinnamon-scented air, it likely signifies upcoming wealth and success in the near future!
Love and Fertility
This sweet and spicy seasoning also carries deep symbolic meaning related to fruitfulness, love, lust, and fertility. Throughout history, cultures all over the world have used cinnamon as an aphrodisiac, reproductive aid, and representation of passion and sexual attraction.
So, it’s no surprise that cinnamon can signify romance or sexuality in dreams. For example, single folks dreaming about cinnamon may be about to meet a passionate new romantic partner who sweeps them off their feet.
Similarly, married or partnered dreamers could be in for a reinvigorated love life and renewed chemistry in their relationships.
Cinnamon also ties to fertility in spiritual symbology. Dreaming about cinnamon-dusted foods, drinking cinnamon tea, coming across the aroma of cinnamon, or seeing the spice in large quantities can be a sign of great luck and coming fertility for those hoping to conceive a child.
Protection and Safety
Dreaming of cinnamon also carries symbolic meaning regarding safety, security, and protection. In legend and lore, this aromatic shield was thought to safeguard homes from disease, curses, and dark forces aiming to breach the boundaries of the home.
So when cinnamon shows up in dreams, it can signify that the dreamer feels unsafe or senses threatening forces at work in their waking life. Alternatively, it can signal that safety assurances, protective blessings, or security reinforcements are heading their way very soon from friends, family, their spiritual beliefs, or even unexpectedly good luck.
In the end, cinnamon in dreams often foretells improved safety and protections coming from expected and unexpected sources. So next time you smell this beloved spice in a dream, it likely signals safety, security, and freedom from harm is right around the corner for you!
Cinnamon and the Chakras
Cinnamon has long been revered for its sweet, spicy flavor and healing properties. But did you know that cinnamon is also closely connected to the body’s chakra system? Chakras are energy centers in the body that correspond to different parts of our physical, emotional, and spiritual nature.
Remarkably, the properties of cinnamon can activate, balance, and heal different chakras.
Root Chakra
The root chakra located at the base of the spine is connected to feelings of safety and survival. Cinnamon’s earthy flavor and grounding energy works to heal and strengthen this chakra. Adding cinnamon to meals or drinks is a tasty way to feel more secure and stable.
Sacral Chakra
The sacral chakra governs creativity, relationships, and sexuality. Cinnamon may help ignite this chakra in several ways. First, by stimulating circulation and energy flow. Second, by promoting comfort and warmth in social bonds. And third, by increasing libido and performance.
So spice up your love life by literally spicing things up with cinnamon!
Solar Plexus Chakra
The solar plexus chakra rules confidence, self-esteem, and willpower. Cinnamon helps empower this chakra by providing an invigorating rush of flavor and fragrance that boosts mood. According to a 2013 study, just smelling cinnamon increases alertness and brain function.
By charging up mental clarity and vigor, cinnamon allows your inner warrior to shine.
Heart Chakra
The heart chakra governs love, compassion, and relationships. Cinnamon truly connects to the heart too. Ancient folklore claimed that inserting a cinnamon stick into a lovers’ bouquet conveyed deepest devotion.
Plus, new research shows that cinnamon extracts can protect heart health and lower cardiovascular risk. So sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over your morning oatmeal or evening cup of tea to give your ticker an extra loving boost.
Throat Chakra
The throat chakra rules communication, creativity, and truth. Cinnamon helps amplify self-expression by promoting comfort and relaxation in the throat region. Sipping cinnamon tea can soothe a sore throat allowing your authentic voice to speak its wisdom.
Cinnamon also boosts inspiration by increasing circulation to the brain. So if you feel tongue-tied or blocked, enjoy cinnamon to get those creative juices flowing.
Third Eye Chakra
The third eye chakra governs intuition, imagination, and insight. Cinnamon activates this chakra by stimulating and expanding consciousness. Ancient healers used cinnamon in incense blends specifically for meditation due to its mentally energizing properties.
A study showed smelling cinnamon improved scores on cognitive tasks related to attentiveness, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor response speed. So burn some cinnamon incense the next time you practice yoga, meditation, or creative visualization.
Crown Chakra
The crown chakra rules higher consciousness, spirituality, and enlightenment. Cinnamon connects to the crown by lifting awareness and inspiring insight. In ancient Egypt, temple priests were anointed with cinnamon oil to attune them to the divine.
Modern aromatherapy uses cinnamon to promote spiritual well-being by clearing the head, relieving tension, and sharpening focus. Lighting a cinnamon scented candle can serve as an aromatic pathway to greater wisdom and wholeness.
As we can see, cinnamon intertwines closely with the energies of the chakras. So whether you need grounding, passion, confidence, love, expression, intuition, or transcendence – cinnamon can help activate and balance your inner temple.
The next time you use cinnamon, take a moment to tune into the soothing and enlivening properties that make this common spice truly a gift from the divine.
Working with Cinnamon’s Spiritual Properties
Meditation and Magic
Cinnamon has been used in spiritual practices like meditation, magic spells, and rituals for centuries. Its sweet and spicy aroma is thought to promote focus, clarity, and wisdom. Burning cinnamon incense or essential oil during meditation can help still the mind and improve concentration (source).
Many Wiccans and witches incorporate cinnamon into spells and charms related to love, lust, prosperity, protection, and success.
According to Scott Cunningham in his book “Incense, Oils & Brews,” cinnamon sticks or powder can be burnt as an incense to promote inspiration and enhance occult powers. The vibration of cinnamon is believed to boost magic related to finance, passion, and action.
Carrying a sachet of cinnamon sticks, powder, or essential oil in a charm bag or placing it in a cash register is thought to attract wealth and commercial success.
Around the Home
Displaying cinnamon sticks in a bowl or burning the incense around your home is believed to clear stagnant energy and invite positive change. Its sweet, enticing fragrance can lift moods, promote feelings of warmth and comfort, and spark creativity.
Some feng shui practitioners suggest placing a bowl of cinnamon sticks near the entrance of your home to attract propitious energy, welcome guests, and promote togetherness among family members (source).
Hanging a sachet or pomander of cinnamon sticks above the kitchen table is thought to infuse your space with a lively spirit and bring out the “spice” in your relationships. The vibrant scent sets an inviting tone for sharing meals and engaging in meaningful conversations.
For an extra spiritual boost, add other herbs like star anise, orange peel, and cloves.
Self-Care Rituals 😊
Cinnamon can enhance spiritual self-care regimens like aromatherapy, herbal teas, and bath rituals. Its sweet yet spicy aroma is both stimulating and comforting. Science suggests the scent can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function (source).
Sipping cinnamon tea, diffusing the oil, taking a cinnamon-scented bath, or applying it diluted on pulse points allows you to tap into its spiritual vibration. As you soak in its rich, enticing fragrance, visualize cinnamon’s magical properties purifying your aura, inspiring creativity, attracting love and prosperity, and infusing you with wisdom and passion 🔥.
Taking time for these simple self-care rituals anchors you in the present moment—a key tenant of spiritual wellbeing.
Conclusion
Cinnamon has ignited the spiritual imagination across the world for thousands of years. This aromatic spice represents comfort, wellbeing, affection, riches, defense against harm, and connection to the Divine.
By calling on cinnamon’s diverse symbolic power with intention in rituals, home decoration, self-care, cooking, and more, we can enhance our own lives with blessings of prosperity, love, empowerment, clarity, and spiritual alignment.
Whenever you catch a whiff of cinnamon’s sweet fragrance, remember the magic it carries.
