Author: Michael Erwin
The word incense comes from Latin incendere meaning "to burn". Ancient humans have burned these aromatic plant materials for thousands of years or more for purification, to honor spiritual beings, to cover odors, for religious ceremonies, and much more. People all over the world today still enjoy using incense for similar reasons.
Old World Incense (also know as granular, indirect or non-combustible) incense is the oldest and purest way to burn natural resins, herbs & woods. Unlike some types of incense sticks & cones which may contain various chemicals and synthetic perfumes, we are in complete control of the ingredients we choose to burn, and ultimately, to breathe, creating a healthier and more natural aroma experience.
1. Using tongs, take one self-igniting charcoal piece & hold over a flame until it begins to spark. (be sure & wrap any remaining charcoal tightly in foil)
2. Place in a heat safe bowl (known as a 'censor') full of sand or salt & wait a few minutes for it to get hot.
3. Put a pinch of incense on the hot coal.
Remember that the coal can remain hot for around an hour and to use with caution around children and pets.
Try these aromatic resins as a base for creating your own incense blends:
Frankincense, Myrrh, Dragon's Blood, Copal, Amber, Pinon, Benzoin, Palo Santo, Guggul Gum and Opopanax. These should be the majority of your incense blend.
The addition of some aromatic herbs can enhance your blend:
Lavender Flowers, Sage Leaf, Cedar Leaf, Sweetgrass, Juniper Leaf or Berry, Mugwort and Rosemary. These should constitute a smaller portion of your recipe.
Different types of wood can be a wonderful addition as well:
Palo Santo, Pine, Cedar, Sandalwood, Oak, Fir and Spruce. Use these sparingly as they can overpower the delicate aroma of your herbs.
You can find many of the above ingredients at Fantasia Crystals and our staff can offer advice on how to create your own blends. We have plenty of books with recipes as well. We hope you enjoy your aroma experience!
Feel free to reach us at www.fantasiacrystals.com or in store at 3510 e. Bell Rd Set 9, Phoenix, Az 85032 602-265-4065 (main line) 602-277-0538 (psychic reservations) Copyright © Fantasia Crystals LLC, 2018. All rights reserved. This written content, or any portion thereof, may not be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission.
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