HOLY SMOKE
Frankincense essential oil offers purification, cleansing, protection and healing on a deep level. The smoke of Frankincense incense has been used in spiritual practice for thousands of years across faiths and cultures. If you are drawn to frankincense, you may be called to deepen your own spiritual practice. Or, you may feel the need for protection, healing and comfort after shock, loss or major life changes. 
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THE FACTS
The essential oil is steam distilled from the resin of Boswellia trees. Once the tree is tapped, the sap dries into resin "tears" which are either ground into a powder for incense or distilled for the essential oil and hydrosol. 
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Clinically speaking, frankincense essential oil is most often used for the skin to tone and reduce scar tissue and for the respiratory system. It's decongesting and drying, and as part of a chest massage it will slow and deepen the breath. This is great for asthma sufferers as well as during panic attacks or prolonged periods of stress.

DRIVING ENERGY
The driving energy of Frankincense is, "presence". In my own practice, many clients are drawn to frankincense when they have a "dark night of the soul" experience to process. This is where there is a deep sadness, shock or wound has touched someone to their core, yet presents an opportunity to deepen their spiritual connections. Incorporated into massage or just dripped onto a cotton ball for someone to hold, I've seen frankincense put people into a deep state of trust and release. It's a real, "let it go and come to the present" oil. Very special.
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MYTH AND ARCHETYPE
Many of us are familiar with the gifts of the Three Wise Men: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Frankincense was seen as a symbol of purity and "fit for the gods", so dear was it in value. The Egyptians used it in spiritual practice as well as embalming their dead. Frankincense has always been seen as a type of bridge between the mortal and immortal worlds. Archetypally, frankincense represents the "Wounded Healer" - one who is on a journey from their core wounds into a state of accepting wholeness in the present and the Divine within.  


References:
Aromatherapy for the Soul, Worwood, 1999
Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques, Keim and Bull, 2015
The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness, Puchon and Cantele, 2014
​The Encyclopaedia of Essential oils, Lawless, 2014
Essential Oil Safety, Tisserand and Young, 2016
The Fragrant Mind, Worwood, 1997
Subtle Aromatherapy, Davis, 1991