The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Incense
The Power of Fire and Light

ORIGINS

Incense is a natural substance, often combined with essential oils, that releases an aromatic smoke when burned. There are two main types: combustible (or direct-burning), which burns on its own, and non-combustible (or indirect-burning), which requires a separate heat source. The most common form of combustible incense is paste formed around a bamboo stick, but it may also be paste formed into a cone shape. Both forms are lit and then the flame is blown out, allowing the resulting ember to smolder. Non-combustible incense is usually in whole, powdered, or paste form and heated on charcoal or in a container over a flame or coals. The word incense comes from the Latin verb incendere, which means “to set on fire.”

HISTORY/LORE

The ancient Egyptians burned resins as incense for their pleasant scent and also incorporated them into their ceremonial and embalming processes. The ancient Greeks and Romans also burned resins as incense and used them during cremations. Frankincense and myrrh (see entries in Chapter 4) were among the first resins burned as incense, and aromatic herbs and spices also have been used throughout history for this purpose. The Chinese have been burning items such as cinnamon and sandalwood as incense since as far back as 2000 B.C.E.

USES

There are many reasons to burn incense, but perhaps the simplest is that it smells good. You may burn incense to counteract a foul odor or to refresh the air in an unventilated area or sickroom. Many believe that the smoke of incense can also clear away negative energies, making way for new, positive energy. For this reason, it is recommended that you burn incense in a new home to remove any negative influences from the previous owners. Rosemary, sage, and thyme are favorites for cleansing and purifying a space. Incense burning is also a great accompaniment to meditation—frankincense and sandalwood are excellent for this. Often incense will be made up of two or more ingredients; for example, the Indian incense nag champa contains frangipani and sandalwood. Incense may also be incorporated into magic spells, rituals, and other practices.