Heidi Norton
Incense has been used for thousands of years for aromatherapy, religious purposes, and by those who simply enjoy the smell. The most common type of incense is the incense stick, which is easy to light and burn. However, it is important to practice proper fire safety when burning incense, as the smouldering tip can ignite nearby objects if left unattended. In this article, we will discuss how to respectfully put out incense, including the different methods for doing so and the safety precautions to keep in mind.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Using water, dipping the tip in water, or pressing it against a heat-resistant surface |
| Safety | Keep incense away from flammable objects, children, and pets |
| Respect | Use consecrated water, or water and your fingers, instead of licking your fingers to put out the incense |
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What You'll Learn
Using consecrated water
Incense has been used in religious rituals for centuries, with its first recorded use by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. In modern times, Wiccans and Pagans are among those who use incense in their rituals and often need to put it out respectfully. One way to do this is by using consecrated water.
Consecrated water is considered sacred and holy in many Pagan traditions, and it is often incorporated into blessings, banishing rituals, or cleansing a sacred space. To make consecrated water, you can add a teaspoon of salt to 16 ounces of water and mix thoroughly. You can then consecrate the water according to the guidelines of your tradition or pass it over the four elements on your altar to bless it with the powers of earth, air, fire, and pure water.
To put out incense with consecrated water, fill a small glass with the water. A shot glass works well for small incense cones. Hold the cone tightly to avoid dropping it into the water, then dip the burning tip into the water. The flame should go out immediately. Remove the tip from the water and allow it to dry thoroughly before using it again.
If you are using incense sticks, you can remove them from the holder and hold them by the unlit end. Carefully dip the burning end into the consecrated water and then let it dry. You can also use consecrated water to clean up any ashes that may have fallen onto your altar during your ritual.
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Dipping the tip in water
Dipping the tip of your incense stick in water is a popular method to put it out. It is considered respectful, especially in Wiccan culture, as water is a life-sustaining element, and by using it to extinguish your incense, you are essentially purifying it.
To do this, first ensure that the flame on your incense is out. You can blow softly on the tip of the incense until the flame is extinguished. Then, fill a small glass with consecrated water. A shot glass works well for small incense cones. If you are putting out an incense stick, place two fingers into the glass of water, ensuring they are wet, and use them to pinch the ember on the tip of the burning incense stick. For incense cones, hold the cone securely and dip the burning tip into the water. The flame should go out immediately.
Once the flame is out, allow the incense to soak for a few seconds before removing it from the water. Place the incense stick back in its holder until it dries. You can reuse this incense later for another ritual or spell. If you are unable to use consecrated water, you can use regular tap water or spring water.
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Pinching the ember with wet fingers
- Prepare a cup of clean or consecrated water. Consecrated water is considered ideal in Wicca, with seawater being the purest form. If you don't have access to seawater, you can create consecrated water by mixing a teaspoon of sea salt with 16 ounces of water or by leaving regular water under the moonlight overnight (this type of water is known as moon water).
- Place two fingers into the cup of water, ensuring they are thoroughly wet.
- Remove the incense stick from its holder by holding the end that is not lit, being careful not to spill the ashes.
- Use your wet fingers to pinch the ember at the tip of the burning incense stick.
- After extinguishing the ember, remove your fingers and wash your hands.
- Store the incense stick back in the holder and allow it to dry completely before reusing it.
It is important to note that this method involves touching the incense stick with your fingers, so it is recommended to use clean or consecrated water to avoid any potential issues with germs. Additionally, ensure your fingers are thoroughly wet to prevent burning yourself.
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Breaking off the lit tip
To do this, you must press the lit tip of the incense stick against a heat-resistant surface, such as concrete, ceramic, glass, or metal. Applying some force, hold the incense stick in place until the tip breaks off. This will prevent the incense stick from burning further, and the lit end will burn out on its own. It is important to note that you should not use flammable surfaces for this purpose, such as wood, fabric, plastic, or paper/cardboard.
While this method is effective, some people may prefer to avoid it due to the potential mess created by the broken tip. Additionally, there is a risk of burning your fingers if not done carefully. As such, it is crucial to exercise caution and ensure proper fire safety practices when using this method.
Another variation of this method involves gently pressing the burning tip of the incense stick against the edge or wall of the incense holder. By twisting the stick lightly, making one or two rotations, you can effectively extinguish the ember. This approach is quick, efficient, and does not require any additional materials.
It is worth noting that the Wiccan tradition considers water to be the most respectful element for extinguishing incense, symbolizing purification. However, some people prefer to avoid using water as it can affect the quality of the incense and its ability to burn properly in the future. Ultimately, the choice of method depends on personal preference and the specific circumstances.
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Using metal scissors
Using a pair of metal scissors is a gentle and effective way to put out incense without suffocating the ember. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it respectfully:
Firstly, ensure the incense stick is secure. If the holder is wobbly or unstable, carefully remove it from the holder and hold it in your hand on the non-burning side. It is important to be cautious when handling incense sticks as they are made of highly flammable materials.
Next, place a non-flammable surface beneath the burning ember to catch it. A ceramic bowl, plate, or metal tray is ideal. You can also use a fire-proof bowl or cup filled with grain, rice, salt, or sand to hold the incense stick.
Now, use a pair of sharp metal scissors to cut off the lit end of the incense stick. Only cut off the tip, ensuring that it falls onto the heat-resistant surface placed beneath.
Once the lit end has been removed, allow the ember to completely burn out on the non-flammable surface before cleaning up. Do not touch the remnants of the incense stick or the metal parts of the incense burner right after burning, as they may still be hot. Give them several minutes to cool down.
Finally, set the ashes aside respectfully once the ember is cool.
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Frequently asked questions
Water is the most common respectful method for putting out incense. The element of water symbolises life and can purify the incense in the process. It is best to use consecrated water, with seawater considered the purest. If you don't have access to seawater, you can make your own consecrated water by mixing a teaspoon of sea salt with water, or by leaving regular water under the moonlight overnight.
You can use regular water, or you can snip off the burning tip of the incense with a pair of metal scissors.
Yes, you can break off the lit tip of the incense by pressing it against a heat-resistant surface.
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