The Coronation of King Charles III and the Holy Anointing Oil without Cannabis
On Saturday, May 6th, 2023, the world will witness the coronation of King Charles III, a momentous event steeped in tradition and symbolism. One of the most sacred aspects of the ceremony is the anointing of the monarch with holy anointing oil, a ritual that dates back centuries and has evolved over time. While the traditional recipe for the holy anointing oil once contained cannabis as a key ingredient to establish a spiritual connection with God, it is presumed that the oil used for King Charles III’s coronation will not include this controversial component.
The holy anointing oil, known as chrism, has been used in the consecration of monarchs throughout history. The original recipe, as described in the Hebrew version of Exodus (30:22–23), contained over six pounds of kaneh-bosem, a substance identified by researchers as cannabis, extracted into about six quarts of olive oil. This mixture was believed to provide a divine connection between the anointed and God, enhancing their spiritual bond.
However, the recipe for the holy anointing oil has evolved over time, and the chrism used for modern coronations no longer contains cannabis. For the upcoming coronation of King Charles III, the oil has been consecrated at a ceremony in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The sacred mix is made of oils of sesame, rose, jasmine, cinnamon, neroli, benzoin, amber, and orange blossom, without any ingredients from animals, making it vegan-friendly.
The anointing of a new monarch is considered so sacred that it takes place under a canopy, transforming the moment into a deeply personal experience between the sovereign and God. During the ceremony, the holy oil is kept in a solid gold flask called an ampulla, shaped like an eagle. The King will be anointed, but it will not be shown to the worldwide television audience at Westminster Abbey, marking the tradition of previous coronations where the anointing was not televised either.
In addition to the anointing, King Charles III will receive the orb, coronation ring, and sceptre, and will be crowned with the majestic St Edward’s Crown. Camilla, the Queen Consort, will also be anointed with the holy oil and crowned, following the tradition set by the Queen Mother during her coronation in 1937.
While the holy anointing oil used for King Charles III’s coronation may not contain cannabis as it once did, the significance of this sacred ritual remains unchanged. As the world watches the crowning of a new monarch, the anointing ceremony will serve as a powerful reminder of the spiritual connection between the sovereign and God, and the enduring traditions that have shaped the British monarchy throughout history.
