Antonio Mcgowan
Incense is an ancient practice with a rich history in various cultures and religions. It is used to enhance spiritual experiences and rituals, adding an olfactory dimension to sacred moments. While the practice of using incense may be appealing to some, it is essential to understand the proper methods and safety precautions to ensure a positive experience. This includes understanding the different types of incense, such as sticks, cones, or natural incense, and the appropriate ways to light, handle, and extinguish them. With the growing popularity of incense, many newcomers are seeking guidance on various aspects, from the best lighting methods to the impact of holders and the potential impact on smoke alarms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lighting incense | Use a candle or match, not a lighter |
| Extinguishing incense | Wave out the candle by hand, do not blow it out |
| Holding incense | Hold the incense stick between the two middle fingers in the gassho position and bow once |
| Incense base | Sandalwood, cedar, and pine add a strong scent to your incense blend |
| Incense binder | Gum binders (guar gum or xanthan gum) are more powerful than wood binders |
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What You'll Learn
How to light and extinguish incense
Incense is a popular way to add fragrance to your home, but it's important to use it safely. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to light and extinguish incense sticks.
Lighting Incense Sticks
Incense comes in a few different styles and shapes, but the methodology of lighting them is roughly the same. To light an incense stick, hold a flame to one end of the stick until it ignites and a small flame is visible. You can use a match or a lighter for this, as you would with a candle wick. Allow the flame to burn for a few seconds, then gently fan or blow it out. If you see a small glowing ember and a slight wisp of smoke, the incense has been correctly lit. If not, repeat the steps until it does. Once lit, place the incense stick in a holder, ensuring it is angled upwards.
Extinguishing Incense Sticks
Incense sticks can be left to burn out on their own. However, if you want to extinguish the stick before it is fully burned, do not blow on it as you would a candle. Incense sticks have far more embers than candles, and blowing them out can disperse burning embers. Instead, you can place the burning end of the stick in a bowl of sand or water. Alternatively, you can form a small tube out of aluminium foil and place it over the incense stick to create a miniature candle snuffer. Another option is to simply bend the stick until it snaps in half. Once you are sure the incense is fully extinguished, dispose of it in the trash.
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Incense holders and burners
Incense holders, also known as censers, come in many shapes and sizes. The type of holder or burner you use depends on the type of incense you are burning. For example, stick incense comes in two forms: one type has a core in the centre, and the other does not.
If you are using stick incense, you can purchase a special holder designed to hold the sticks, or you can make your own using supplies you have on hand. If you have a cored incense stick, consider using an incense "boat", which is a long, thin piece of wood, metal, or ceramic that has a tiny hole at one end. The incense boat usually has a groove down the centre, which is used to catch any falling pieces of ash. If you have a solid incense stick, do not use a wooden holder, as these burn all the way down, and using a flammable material as a censer is dangerous. Instead, consider filling a bowl or cup with grain, rice, salt, or sand, and sticking the incense stick inside. If you wish to use a censer, then look for one that is made of ceramic or stone. You can also make your own censer out of clay.
If you are using cone incense, you can place it in a burner or on top of ash to burn. Cone incense is better suited for large spaces or areas with abundant airflow as it burns for a longer duration.
For coil incense, place it on top of ash or use a coil incense holder.
When burning bamboo incense, it is suggested to use an incense plate that is made for bamboo incense. It has a smaller hole than for other thicker incense sticks. For burning more than one stick, use burners with ash inside.
Remember to always use heat-resistant surfaces or holders specifically designed for burning incense safely. Place incense on a heat-proof surface and never leave burning incense unattended.
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Incense rituals and practices
Incense is a powerful, ancient practice found in many religions and cultures. It is believed to bring the olfactory sense into the sacredness of the moment, much like chanting, ritual sights, and altars invite the other senses.
In ancient Egypt, incense-bearing trees were imported from the Arabian and Somali coasts, and incense was prominent in religious rituals. For example, it was burned at the daily liturgy before the cult image of the sun god Amon-Re and in mortuary rites, where it was believed to carry the souls of the dead to heaven. Incense was also used to counteract bad odours, drive away demons, manifest the presence of the gods, and gratify them.
Incense has been used in China to measure the passage of time, while in Indigenous Mexico, copal resin smoke fills the sweat lodge ceremonies. In Japan, it was incorporated into Shinto rituals, and in South Asia, it is an integral part of worship and prayer. In ancient Greece, woods and resins were burned as an offering and for protection against demons, a practice that was later adopted by the Romans.
In modern times, incense is still used in religious and spiritual settings worldwide, including in Catholic churches and Native American ceremonies. It is also used in yoga and meditation practices, where it is believed to deepen and balance one's experience.
Some specific practices and rituals involving incense include:
- Burning incense during meditation or yoga to create a soothing atmosphere and help focus on the present moment.
- Using incense as a source of fire alongside the elements of water, earth, air, and space to deepen one's spiritual practice.
- Burning incense with a particular scent, such as lavender or sandalwood, to evoke a state of meditation, peace, or sentimentality.
- Incorporating incense into daily or morning rituals to create a sense of comfort and sanctity.
- Using incense in religious or spiritual ceremonies to symbolise the ascent of prayers and connect with the divine.
- Lighting incense with a candle or match instead of a lighter, and "waving out" the candle instead of blowing it out.
- Holding the lit incense stick between the two middle fingers in the gassho position and bowing once.
- Sprinkling incense grains on lighted charcoal contained in a censer or thurible.
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Making your own incense
To make your own incense, you will need a combination of base materials and binders. Base materials are the main ingredients that give your incense its scent. Examples include red sandalwood, alder, and charcoal, which are low-scent base materials, making them easier to work with. Aromatic ingredients like herbs, resins, and woods are added to the base to create a powerful scent.
Binders are substances that hold the incense together in the desired shape. There are two main types: gum binders and wood binders. Gum binders, such as guar gum or xanthan gum, are more potent than wood binders, so only a small amount is needed. Wood binders, like joss powder or "tabu no ki" (also called "makko"), are easier to work with and often double as base materials. Makko is a special blend that simplifies incense-making by combining multiple ingredients.
To make incense sticks, start by purchasing pre-prepared, unscented sticks. Then, mix your chosen fragrance oil or essential oil with dipropylene glycol (DPG) to minimise the black smoke when burning. Soak the unscented sticks in this mixture, allow them to dry completely, and then they are ready to use.
If you want to make incense cones, grind your chosen herbs into a powder and mix them with other ingredients like honey, water, and essential oils. Shape the mixture into cones using a piping tip, and insert a toothpick into the centre of each cone to create space for better burning. Place the cones on a tray and leave them to dry for one to two days.
Remember to always burn incense responsibly, keeping it away from children and pets, and using a non-flammable surface.
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Incense alternatives
Incense burning is often associated with spiritual fulfilment and New Age vitality. However, the truth is that incense releases a carcinogen called benzene into the air, which can cause serious health issues. If you're looking for an alternative to incense, there are several options to consider:
Essential Oils and Diffusers
Essential oils are a popular alternative to incense. Oils such as sandalwood or frankincense can be used in a diffuser to fill your space with a pleasant aroma. Floracopeia is a highly recommended brand for high-quality, ethical essential oils. You can also make your own homemade deodorizer by mixing baking soda and essential oils. This creates a milder fragrance that can last for weeks.
Oil Burners
Oil burners are another healthy alternative to incense burning. Simply place a small cup or saucer over a mild heat source and add essential oils mixed with a little water. This method releases the fragrance into the air without the smoke and toxins associated with incense.
Non-Toxic Incense
If you prefer the traditional experience of incense, there are non-toxic options available. Brands like SERFOR offer natural alternatives to incense sticks, made with 100% all-natural ingredients and free from synthetic fragrances. These non-burning incense blends provide a delicate and lasting aroma without the smoke and ash of conventional incense.
Aromatic Sachets and Body Powders
For a portable option, sachets filled with aromatics can be placed in drawers or kimono sleeves. You can also try incense body powders, which leave a subtle fragrance on the skin. Shoyeido offers a range of aromatic sachets and body powders inspired by Japanese traditions.
Baking
A creative alternative to incense is baking food in the oven. The scent of baked goods, such as cinnamon apples, can fill your home with a delightful aroma that evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. Not only do you get to enjoy the fragrance, but you also get to indulge in a tasty treat afterward!
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Frequently asked questions
You can light incense with a candle, match, or lighter. If using a candle, it is customary to wave it out by hand instead of blowing it out.
Incense sticks are usually lit with a candle or match, never with a lighter. When holding the incense stick, use both hands, with one hand covering the other, and the middle three fingers grabbing the stick.
You can let the incense stick burn out on its own, or you can dip the lighted end into water and relight it later.
Incense comes in many varieties, including sticks and cones. The type of incense you choose depends on your personal preference. Some common base materials for incense include sandalwood, cedar, pine, alder, and charcoal.
