Hyssop

The herb of cleansing named in the Psalms, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean." Reached for when the soul wants to start again.

Botanical name: Hyssopus officinalis.

Traditional planetary association: Jupiter.

Traditional elemental association: Fire.

Hyssop was named in the Hebrew Bible as the herb dipped in blood at Passover and lifted to the lips of Christ on the cross.

Its lineage in worship runs as deep as any.

Used in asperges (the sprinkling of holy water) and in the consecration of new ministry.

A small bundle bound with white thread is placed on the altar at confession.

Traditionally used for respiratory complaints.

The essential oil is potent, avoid in pregnancy and in those prone to seizures.