Heidi Norton
Burning incense is a popular way to cleanse negative energy from your home and improve your mood and well-being. Frankincense, in particular, is believed to have stress-relieving and antidepressant qualities and is said to enhance intuition and clairvoyance. It is also said that the smoke of frankincense carries prayers to heaven. While some Christians believe that burning incense is a sin, others disagree and believe that incense is an offering to God.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning method | Charcoal disc, electric burner, tea light |
| Burning duration | Not more than an hour at a time |
| Benefits | Protection, purification, spiritual awareness, antidepressant, divination, fortune-telling, mindfulness, improved mood and well-being, improved energy levels, reduced stress and anxiety |
| Other resins with similar benefits | Myrrh, benzoin, amber, dragon's blood, cedar, copal, pinion pine, lavender, lemongrass, nagchampa |
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What You'll Learn
Frankincense's antidepressant and stress-relieving properties
Frankincense is believed to have antidepressant and stress-relieving properties. It is thought to quiet racing thoughts, making it useful for mindfulness and enhancing spiritual awareness. It is also said to improve intuition and clairvoyance, and is ideal to use before meditation.
Frankincense has been used since ancient times for various purposes, from treating headaches to aiding in meditation. It is believed to provide protection, purification, and spiritual clarity, as well as clearing negative energy. The smoke from burning frankincense is considered sacred and is thought to carry prayers to heaven.
To burn frankincense, you can use a charcoal disc or an electric burner. For the charcoal method, light a charcoal disc with a match or lighter, and place it in a metal incense bowl or censer. Allow it to heat up for about 5-7 minutes, then place a small piece of frankincense resin on the charcoal. Alternatively, you can use an electric incense burner by placing a pea-sized chunk of frankincense resin into the cup and plugging it into a power source. Turn the burner on and let the resin heat up. Remember to always burn frankincense in a well-ventilated room and avoid burning it for more than an hour at a time to prevent any health complications.
Burning frankincense is a popular way to clear negative energy and create a positive environment, which can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being. It is important to note that the tree that provides frankincense resin is at risk of extinction, so it is recommended to look for sustainably harvested and socially conscious products.
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How to burn frankincense
Burning incense is believed to clear negative energy and create a receptive atmosphere for prayer and meditation. Frankincense, in particular, is thought to carry prayers to heaven and quiet racing thoughts, making it useful for mindfulness.
Frankincense is a type of aromatic resin, which is usually formed on the surface of trees and plants. It is often burned as incense, either alone or in combination with other fragrant materials such as powdered bark, flowers, and essential oils. The most common method of burning frankincense is by placing a small, pea-sized chunk on a piece of smouldering charcoal. The heated resin will melt and burn, releasing its essential oils and producing aromatic smoke with a unique fragrance.
To burn frankincense, you will need a heat source such as hot embers, charcoal, or an electric burner. If using charcoal, you can place a small amount of salt on top to help regulate the temperature. You can also use a tealight candle to heat a scented wax warmer, or oil warmer, which will heat the frankincense without the need for an electric burner. Be sure to open your windows before you start, and never leave anything burning unattended.
Before burning frankincense, it is important to prepare the resin. You can break the frankincense into small pieces using a hammer and a plastic bag. This will help the resin to burn more efficiently and release its fragrance. Once the frankincense is prepared, simply light your heat source and place a small amount of the resin on top. Allow the resin to melt and burn, releasing its aromatic smoke.
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Other types of incense that can clear negative energy
Frankincense is a popular choice for those looking to clear negative energy, but it is not the only type of incense that can be used. Here are some other varieties that can help dispel negative energy:
Cedar
Cedar incense sticks have a grounding and protective quality, making them a great option for clearing negative energy and creating a sense of stability and security. They are also believed to promote mental clarity and focus.
Copal
Used by indigenous cultures for ceremonial purposes, copal incense sticks are valued for their cleansing and purifying properties. Burning copal is thought to clear away negative energy and attract positive vibrations.
Myrrh
With its rich, resinous aroma, myrrh incense is often used in spiritual rituals for purification and protection against negative influences. Burning myrrh is believed to cleanse the home and create a sacred atmosphere.
Benzoin
Benzoin incense has a warm and comforting scent that is thought to dispel negative energy and promote feelings of peace and relaxation. It is commonly used in purification rituals to create a harmonious environment.
Lavender
Known for its calming and soothing aroma, lavender incense sticks are effective in promoting relaxation and clearing negative energy. They bring a sense of peace to any space and are particularly beneficial for those who suffer from insomnia or anxiety.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass incense sticks have a refreshing and invigorating scent that helps to purify the air and dispel negative energy. They are often used to create a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere within the home.
Nagchampa
A blend of fragrances, including sandalwood and floral notes, Nagchampa is renowned for its ability to purify the atmosphere and uplift the spirit. It is commonly used in meditation and spiritual practices to cleanse the energy of a space.
White Sage, Palo Santo, and Sandalwood
Incense sticks made from white sage, palo santo, or sandalwood are popular choices for clearing negative energy. These varieties have a cleansing effect and can help expel negative energies from rooms or the body.
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The history of burning frankincense
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes. It is obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. The English word frankincense comes from the Old French expression franc encens, meaning 'true incense' or 'high-quality incense'. The name may also be derived from the word for 'white', as the spice route went via Mount Lebanon. Frankincense has been traded on the Somali and Arabian Peninsula for over 5,000 years and was used in the Roman Empire before the spread of Christianity.
Frankincense was mentioned in the New Testament as one of the three gifts (along with gold and myrrh) that the magi "from the East" presented to the Christ Child. It was also used in ancient Egypt, where it was burned ritually according to prescribed schedules—frankincense in the morning, myrrh at noon, and the sacred blend called kyphi at night. The wealthy and royal used solid perfumes stored in elaborate containers. Perfumed oils were used to anoint deities, given as gifts, and left in the tombs of royalty.
Frankincense was also used in ancient Hebrew sacrificial legislation. The Book of Exodus prescribes frankincense, blended with equal amounts of three aromatic spices, to be ground and burnt in the sacred altar before the Ark of the Covenant in the wilderness Tabernacle, where it was meant to be a holy offering.
At the time of Christ's birth, the Roman Empire was importing around 3,000 tons of frankincense each year from controlled supplies in the Middle East. Alexander the Great once scattered handfuls of frankincense on the altar to burn as a fragrant offering to the gods. The emperor Nero is said to have burned an entire year's harvest of frankincense upon the death of his favourite concubine or wife.
Frankincense has been used for thousands of years in health and spirituality. It was used to treat headaches, haemorrhoids, and menstrual pains, among other things. It has also been used in spiritual practices for purification, meditation, and getting in touch with divinity.
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The Bible and burning incense
Burning incense has been used for centuries in various cultures and religions, including Christianity, as a way to connect with the divine, purify spaces, and offer prayers. In the Bible, incense is mentioned in multiple verses and is often associated with offerings to God.
In the Old Testament, incense played a significant role in the rituals and worship practices of the Israelites. For example, in Exodus, God instructs Moses to create a special blend of incense using spices and frankincense, which was to be burned as a sacred offering. The book of Leviticus also outlines specific instructions for burning incense in the Tabernacle, including the types of incense to be used and the rituals to be performed by the priests.
The act of burning incense is often described as a way to honor and worship God. In the book of Psalms, for instance, incense is mentioned as a symbol of prayer rising up to Heaven: "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!" (Psalm 141:2). Similarly, in the New Testament, incense is mentioned in Revelation as a representation of the saints' prayers rising up to God's throne (Revelation 5:8).
While some Christians view burning incense as a way to connect with God and clear negative energy, others are cautious due to its association with pagan practices. In the Bible, there are warnings against idolatry and the incorporation of pagan rituals into Christian worship (Exodus 20:3-5). Some Christians believe that burning incense to clear negative energy could be seen as a form of witchcraft or a replacement for faith and prayer. They argue that God should be the primary source of protection and spiritual authority, and that burning incense is not necessary if one has faith in God's power.
Ultimately, the decision to burn incense or not is a personal one for Christians. While some may choose to incorporate it as a way to enhance their spiritual practices and create a sacred space, others may prefer to rely solely on prayer and scripture. As one Christian commenter on the practice puts it: "You need the Power of the Holy Spirit and you need to know who you are in God and what authority you have in God, and stand in Faith and Prayer, against all evil."
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, burning frankincense is believed to clear negative energy and promote spiritual protection and clarity. It is also said to enhance intuition and clairvoyance and is ideal to use before meditation.
There are a few ways to burn frankincense. One way is to use an electric burner. Place a pea-sized chunk of frankincense resin into the cup of the electric resin burner, plug it in, and turn it on. Another way is to use a charcoal disc. Light the charcoal disc and place it in an incense burner. Let it heat up for about 7 minutes, then place a small piece of frankincense resin on the charcoal disc.
Yes, there are several other types of incense that can be used to clear negative energy. Some examples include myrrh, cedar, copal, benzoin, lavender, and lemongrass.
Clearing negative energy from your home can improve your mood and well-being, prevent health issues such as depression and anxiety, improve your energy levels, and reduce stress.
Some Christians may view burning incense to remove negative energy as idolatry or as New Age practices/beliefs that are false and antithetical to Christianity. However, others believe that incense burning is not a "sin" and that it is a personal matter between the individual and God.
