The power of aroma cannot be denied, but we may not give it much thought as we rush through our busy day. We get so wrapped up in all the worries and necessities of life that we quite literally forget to stop and smell the roses. If we realized how soothing the scent of a flower, plant or tree could be, we might not walk past them in such a hurry.
Incense is a wonderful way to bring the benefits of aroma into your life. It can be burned to cleanse and purify your home or sacred space, or for ceremonies and rituals or for protection against negative energies. It is also used to create a specific atmosphere or state of mind, You can use incense as aromatherapy to help you relax and meditate or to create a pleasant and uplifting environment in your home after a stressful day.
Incense is made from a variation of herbs, plants, woods and resins. Each has it’s own distinct aromatic scent and is loved for it’s unique fragrance, spiritual and magical properties. Below is a list of 10 popular types of incense, with descriptions of their magical properties and traditional uses.
White sage is one of the the most well-known herbs for its cleansing and protective properties, It is considered a highly sacred herb with strong protection, purification and cleansing properties. It is most commonly burned to cleanse and purify a space, or used in rituals ceremonies as a tool for blessing. Used for meditation, mental clarity and wisdom, prosperity, abundance, good fortune, positive energy, health and healing.
Frankincense is one of the most well-known types of incense and is one of the top all purpose spiritual cleanser. Use this sweet-smelling resin to protect your home from bad vibes and to call in the presence of the divine. Also used for protection & purification, consecration, grounding, meditation, spiritual growth and prosperity
Myrrh is known for spiritual and emotional well being. It cleanses negative energy and amplifies positive vibrations. It’s good for using when you’re in need of a positivity boost, especially if coping from loss. Encourage a sense of tranquility and serenity. It is associated with peace, healing, purification, spirituality and meditation. Myrrh is great for burning alongside any other incense. It’ll increase the impact of whatever else you burn!
Copal offers great protection from negative energy and outside influences as it draws out negative energy and cleanses it to bring in positive energy. It is thought to free stagnant energy in the body which can help with depression and self-balancing. Increases clarity, creative expression, and confidence. Copal helps to remove emotional blockages and is good for yin/yang balance, memory, calming, and intellect. It is associated with the fulfillment of dreams, goals, and ideals, love, unity, purification & consecration. Thus making it a great addition to your rituals, meditation or home purification!
Dragon’s Blood, is often used for increased power, purification, protection, consecration, and the development of strong ritual energy. Dragons Blood is believed to increase the potency of spells and is associated and used for Purification, Consecration, Ritual Energy, Love, Protection and Exorcism.
Black Mayan Copal is often used for purification, removing negative energy/spirits, consecration & love.
Palo Santa is a sacred wood used to purify air and expel negative energies and attract positive energies, creativity, love and gook luck. It has a calming and soothing aroma that reduces stress and anxiety and helps connect you to the divine and deepens spiritual levels of concentration and focus during meditation and contemplation.
Sandalwood incense has been used in spiritual and religious practices for centuries. The wood has a unique, calming aroma that reduces anxiety and nervousness, relaxes the mind and invokes feelings of calm and serenity which that helps us to focus on the task without intrusive thoughts about unrelated activities.
Lavender is great for overall wellness and healing as it is highly effective in reducing anxiety and stress. Brings peace, relaxation and tranquility into your home and is great for meditation. It can also help lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate for a more restful sleep.
Cedar is believed to offer purification properties and protection against negative energy. It is also among the oldest incenses and represents constant faith, dedication and acts as a spiritual guide, assisting individuals in realizing their life’s purpose and keeping them on the right path. It allows mental clarity, spiritual dedication, focus, and calmness of thoughts.
There is a wide range of natural herbs, woods and resins that are wonderful to use or blend together. Both resins and herbs are the most potent options for burning as they offer a truer more pure scent, but incense sticks work fine as well and are the easiest user friendly method to burn, needing only a simple holder to catch the ash.
Herbs and resin require a heat safe container such as ceramic or cast iron bowl, and resin incense needs the addition of sand in the container for extra heat absorption since you have to use a charcoal disc to place and the resin on as it isn’t meant to be burned like herb or stick incense.
