Seamus Hammond
Reverse flow incense, also known as backflow incense, is a type of incense that creates a unique smoke effect when burned. To light reverse flow incense, it is important to ensure that you have the correct type of incense cone, as regular cones will not produce the desired effect. The incense cone should have a hole at the bottom that aligns with the hole in the incense burner. When lit, the smoke will rise until ash is created, which will then block the smoke from rising, causing it to flow downwards and create the reverse flow effect.
How to Light Reverse Flow Incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Incense | Backflow Incense |
| Type of Incense Burner | Backflow Incense Burner |
| Type of Incense Cone | Backflow Cone |
| Incense Cone Placement | Upside down with the point facing downwards |
| Oxygen Requirement | Limited oxygen required for the cone to not extinguish |
| Hole in Incense Cone | Needed for smoke to transfer to the incense burner |
| Ash Creation | Blocks smoke from rising |
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What You'll Learn
Check for a hole at the bottom of the incense cone
When lighting reverse-flow incense, it is crucial to check for a hole at the bottom of the incense cone. This step ensures that the smoke flows downward, creating the desired reverse-flow or waterfall effect.
The presence of a hole at the bottom of the cone is a distinctive feature of backflow incense cones. This hole, often referred to as the hollow end, is essential for the proper channeling of smoke. When lit, the smoke will initially rise, but as the cone continues to burn slowly from the top down, the smoke will eventually be guided through the hole at the base.
To check for the hole, hold the incense cone with the pointed end facing upward and the flat, hollow end at the bottom. This orientation ensures that the hollow part will direct the smoke downward once the cone is lit. Visually inspect the bottom of the cone to confirm the presence of the hole, which should be noticeable.
If you are using regular incense cones, they will not have a hole at the bottom. Regular cones are solid throughout, and their smoke naturally rises upward when burned. To achieve the reverse-flow effect, it is necessary to use backflow incense cones, which are specifically designed with the hollow structure to facilitate downward smoke movement.
In the event that you do not find a hole at the bottom of your incense cone, it is possible to modify regular cones by drilling small holes into the bottom using a hand drill and a small drill bit. However, it is important to note that this modification may not always yield the desired results, and pre-made backflow cones are available for purchase to ensure a successful reverse-flow effect.
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Upside-down cones extinguish due to lack of oxygen
When lighting reverse-flow incense, it's important to understand how the incense burner or holder works. The smoke from the incense should enter the chamber of the burner and create a specific effect. However, simply lighting the incense cone may not be enough to achieve this effect, as the smoke will often rise instead of flowing into the chamber.
To address this issue, some people suggest lighting the incense cone upside down, with the point facing downwards. This method can alter the airflow and encourage the smoke to move downwards into the chamber. However, lighting the cone upside down can also lead to the cone extinguishing due to a lack of oxygen. This is because the lit end of the cone, which is now pointed downward, is blocked from accessing fresh air, causing the flame to go out.
To ensure the incense cone burns properly and the smoke flows in the desired direction, several steps can be taken. Firstly, check the bottom of the incense cone to ensure there is a hole. This hole should align with the hole in the incense burner, allowing the smoke to transfer from the cone to the holder. When the incense is lit, the smoke will initially rise until enough ash has accumulated to block the smoke from rising. At this point, the smoke will be forced to move downwards into the chamber, creating the desired effect.
Additionally, the angle at which the incense is burned can impact its performance. In high-humidity environments, such as Singapore, the fragrance of fine incenses can be muted or dull. To optimize burning in these conditions, it is recommended to adjust the angle of the incense. In drier environments or when dealing with more delicate incenses, burning them totally upright may be preferable. The fragrance release zone is typically just below the lit end of the incense stick, so adjusting the angle can help enhance the scent.
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Smoke rises until ash blocks it from rising
When lighting reverse-flow incense, it is important to understand the mechanics of the incense and the significance of the smoke's movement.
Firstly, ensure you have the correct type of incense. Reverse-flow incense, also known as backflow incense, is designed to create a specific effect where the smoke moves downward instead of rising. This effect is achieved through a specific design, with a hole at the bottom of the incense cone that aligns with the hole in the incense burner. When lit, the smoke will initially rise, but as the ash accumulates, it will block the smoke from rising, causing it to flow downwards through the holes into the chamber of the burner.
To achieve this effect, it is crucial to place the incense cone correctly. Check the bottom of the cone to ensure there is a hole that aligns with the hole in the incense burner. When lighting the incense, hold a lit stick, cone, or coil in a draft-free room. The initial smoke will rise until enough ash is created to block its path. At this point, the smoke will have no choice but to descend and create the desired visual effect.
The movement of the smoke is not just aesthetically pleasing but also holds symbolic significance for many people. In the practice of libanomancy, also known as livanomancy or knissomancy, the smoke and ashes of incense are used for divination and interpreting various signs. For example, smoke that rises straight up is often seen as a positive sign that prayers or intentions are being heard and accepted. On the other hand, if the smoke curls downward, it may suggest the presence of negative energy or predict unfavorable outcomes.
Additionally, the direction in which the smoke flows can also be interpreted. Smoke moving to the right is generally considered a positive omen, indicating that one's prayers are being accepted or that an outcome will be favorable. Conversely, smoke flowing to the left may suggest challenges or obstacles that lie ahead. Thus, understanding the movement of smoke and its symbolic meaning adds a layer of significance to the use of reverse-flow incense.
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Use pre-made backflow cones
To use pre-made backflow cones, start by checking the bottom of the cone to ensure there is a hole. This hole needs to sit on the hole of the incense burner. When you first light the cone, the smoke will rise until enough ash has built up to block the smoke from rising. At this point, the smoke will be forced downwards through the hole in the cone and out through the hole in the burner, creating a downwards stream of smoke.
You can buy pre-made backflow cones from websites such as shambalacity.com, although the selection may be limited to certain scents, like sandalwood. When using pre-made backflow cones, it's important to use a special backflow burner designed to direct the smoke downwards. These burners come in a variety of fun shapes, like a dragon breathing smoke or a teapot pouring tea.
It's worth noting that some people have complained about the smell of backflow cones, and the widely available options tend to be cheap synthetic incense with poor quality fragrances. If you're particular about the scent of your incense, you may want to consider making your own backflow cones using natural ingredients and your favourite incense recipes. However, using pre-made backflow cones is a convenient option if you don't want to go through the hassle of making your own.
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Drill small holes into the bottom of regular cones
Reverse flow incense, also known as backflow or waterfall incense, is often criticised by the incense community for its mesmerising yet underwhelming fragrance. However, you can create your own reverse flow incense by drilling small holes into the bottom of regular cones.
To do this, you will need a hand drill and a small drill bit (less than 1/8"). Place the incense cone on a flat surface and carefully drill a hole into the bottom of the cone. Ensure that the drill bit is small enough to create a hole that is no larger than 1/8" in diameter. This process should be carried out with caution to avoid injury or damage to the incense cone.
It is important to note that the cone must have a hole in the bottom for the smoke to transfer from the cone to the holder. When lighting the cone, the smoke will initially rise until enough ash has built up to block the smoke from rising. At this point, the smoke will be forced downwards, creating the reverse flow effect.
By drilling small holes into the bottom of regular cones, you can achieve the visual appeal of reverse flow incense without having to purchase specialised cones. However, it is worth noting that creating high-quality incense cones is a time-consuming and expensive process, and it may be difficult to achieve the desired fragrance and burn time without the necessary expertise and resources.
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Frequently asked questions
To light reverse-flow incense, you need to use backflow incense cones. Light the cone and place it, lit side down, on the incense burner, ensuring the bottom of the cone has a hole that sits on the hole of the burner. The smoke will rise until ash is created, which will block the smoke from rising, forcing it downwards.
The cone will extinguish due to a lack of oxygen.
You can buy pre-made backflow cones from websites such as shambalacity.com, which stocks them in sandalwood. Alternatively, you can drill small holes into the bottom of regular cones with a hand drill.
The smoke will rise out of the cone and not enter the chamber, so the desired effect will not be created.
