Lance Carson
Incense ash has a variety of uses, from spiritual to decorative. In witchcraft, incense ash is used to make black salt, which can be used for negative purposes when mixed with grave dirt and black pepper. Incense ash can also be offered to Hekate during the deipnon, which is held during the dark moon. In a more practical sense, incense ash can be used to hold future incense sticks, as a thermal barrier for charcoal, or as a base for paint. When using a Japanese incense burner, or kōro, ash is added to the burner, and a lit incense stick is placed vertically in the centre, with the lit end up. The lid of the kōro is intended to cover the ash between uses, keeping the space neat and emphasising the beauty of the burner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense type | Stick, cone, or coil |
| Incense stand | Use an incense stand or container to hold the incense stick upright |
| Incense placement | Place the incense in the center or corner of a room, not directly next to you |
| Incense burner | Fill the incense burner with burner ash up to about 80% |
| Ash compression | Do not compress the ash as it reduces oxygen flow and prevents the incense from burning |
| Lid | Remove the lid when burning incense. Use the lid to cover the ash between uses and to stir the ash to add oxygen |
| Ash maintenance | Stir the ash to break up clumps and "fluff" it using fire chopsticks or another implement |
| Ash usage | Use the ash as a thermal barrier for charcoals, resins, or cones |
| Ash disposal | Scatter the ash outside |
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What You'll Learn
Using incense ash with a Japanese koro
Burning incense using a Japanese koro with ash is a straightforward process that requires little effort. The koro, a type of incense burner or censer, is often prized for its craftsmanship and elegant details, and is considered a high Japanese art form.
To prepare your koro to receive incense, simply fill it with ash. The amount of ash required will depend on the size and shape of your koro, but a good guideline is to fill it to no more than 80% full or to a depth of around two inches. It's best to fill your koro with ash in an area that's easy to clean and away from any breeze, as the ash is very light and can create a mess.
Once your koro is filled with ash, you can add your incense. If your koro has a lid, remove it and place it somewhere safe. Place a lit incense stick vertically in the ash. As the stick burns, the spent ash will fall into the censer and can be mixed with the rest of the ash. The ash allows the incense to burn completely, without leaving any unburnt nubs. You can put the lid back on once the stick has burned below the rim of the censer, and enjoy the sight of the smoke escaping through the holes in the lid.
Remember, it's a common mistake to compress the ash flat, as this reduces the flow of oxygen and prevents the incense from burning below the surface. If the surface of the ash is uneven, gently tap the bottom and sides of the koro to allow the ash to settle until the surface is uniform.
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Incense ash as black salt
Incense ash can be used to make black salt, a staple for magical and witchcraft practices. Black salt is made by combining incense or cauldron ash with salt, preferably kosher or Himalayan salt. The process is simple and can be done in under 10 minutes.
To make black salt, add incense ash to a mortar and use a pestle to grind small amounts of salt into the ash until well combined. The proportions of ash to salt can be adjusted to achieve the desired colour, with some people adding activated charcoal to enhance the black colour. Once the salt and ash are mixed, the black salt is ready to be used or stored. It is recommended to bottle and label the mixture for future use.
Black salt has a variety of uses in witchcraft and magic. It is believed to have protective and banishing properties, helping to trap and repel negative energy, break hexes, drive away spirits, and overcome sadness. To use black salt for protection, it can be sprinkled across doorways or windows, naming the people who are not welcome to enter. It can also be used to create a black line that serves as a barrier against negative energies. This line can be drawn across doorways, windows, or even around the property line.
Additionally, black salt can be added to mojo bags or flannels, buried in the ground, or used in spell-casting and talisman-making. Some people also mention adding other ingredients to their black salt, such as herbs, grave dirt, black pepper, or iron filings, depending on the intended use.
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Using incense ash as paint
Incense ash can be used for various purposes, including making paint. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use incense ash as paint:
Firstly, collect the ash left over from burning incense. It is important to use natural incense without any artificial fragrances to avoid any unwanted toxins or colour changes. It is also crucial to be cautious when burning incense to avoid any fire hazards. The amount of ash required depends on the intended use, but it generally takes a considerable amount of incense to create a substantial quantity of ash.
Next, prepare the ash by breaking up any clumps that may have formed during the burning process. Remove any hard, burnt bits that are not ash using a sifter before proceeding to the next step.
Now, it's time to mix the ash with a chosen medium to create paint. One option is to use a watercolour medium, such as gum arabic, vegetable glycerine, and clove essential oil, and mix it with the ash on a glass plate using a glass muller or a similar tool. Keep adding the medium gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.
After mixing, scrape the paint into a container and let it dry. The paint will firm up and dry, and you can then re-wet it with a paintbrush when you're ready to use it.
Overall, turning incense ash into paint is an illuminating and meditative process that combines natural elements and encourages sustainability in artistic expression.
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Using incense ash as a thermal barrier
Incense ash can be used as a thermal barrier for charcoals, resins, or cones. It can also be used in an incense burner, filling it up to about 80% before lighting the incense and extinguishing the flame.
Incense ash has a range of practical applications, one of which is enhancing the performance of cement-based composite materials. By substituting cement with incense ash, the setting time is shortened, and the structural cohesion is improved. This is due to the non-crystalline structure of incense ash, which impedes heat transfer and results in a lower thermal conductivity coefficient compared to cement.
The ratio of incense ash to cement is critical. When incense ash replaces up to 30% of cement by volume, the resulting material exhibits improved properties. At a curing temperature of 75°C, the hydration reaction is accelerated, and the strength of the specimens increases. This is attributed to the higher frequency of particle collisions at elevated temperatures.
Additionally, the larger specific surface area of incense ash contributes to its effectiveness as a thermal barrier. The presence of numerous closed pores within the ash hinders the transfer of heat waves, further reducing its thermal conductivity. This property is advantageous in cement-based composites, as it enhances the material's ability to resist heat transfer and maintain a stable temperature.
In summary, incense ash, when used in appropriate proportions, can act as an effective thermal barrier in various applications, including charcoals, resins, cones, and cement-based composite materials. Its non-crystalline nature and high specific surface area contribute to its ability to impede heat transfer, making it a valuable component in thermal barrier solutions.
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Using incense ash to hold incense sticks
Incense ash can be used to hold incense sticks in a few different ways. One way is to use a traditional incense stick holder, which keeps the incense upright and allows the ash to fall neatly into the base of the holder. This method is simple and effective for catching ash, making it easy to clean. However, depending on the material of the holder, it may not catch all the ash, so careful placement is important.
Another way to use incense ash to hold incense sticks is by using a bowl or burner filled with incense ash. The incense stick can be inserted into the ash, ensuring it stands upright, and the ash will catch the falling residue from the burning incense. This method provides a calm and clean burning experience, allowing the smoke to rise freely and creating a more immersive experience. It is perfect for longer incense sticks, but care should be taken to place the bowl on a stable surface.
When using a bowl or burner, it is important to fill it with incense ash to a depth of approximately two inches or no more than 80% full. The ash should not be compressed flat, as this reduces the flow of oxygen and prevents the incense from burning below the surface. Instead, gently tap the bottom and sides of the bowl to allow the ash to settle until the surface is uniform. Stirring the ash with "fire chopsticks" or any other suitable implement can also help incorporate oxygen and break up any clumps that have absorbed moisture.
Additionally, a small amount of incense ash can be used to extinguish the burning tip of an incense stick. Simply dip the burning tip directly into the incense ash and hold it there for 3-4 seconds until the ember is completely extinguished. This method is simple, clean, and efficient, especially if you have incense ash readily available.
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Frequently asked questions
To use a Kōro, a traditional Japanese incense burner, start by adding ash to the burner, being careful not to compress it. Then, remove the lid and place it beside the Kōro. Light the incense stick and place it vertically in the centre of the Kōro, ensuring that the lit end is up. The depth of the incense stick in the ash depends on its length. Once the stick is consumed, replace the lid.
Incense ash can be combined with salt to make black salt. For negative purposes, you can add grave dirt and black pepper.
If using a burner, fill it with burner ash up to about 80%. Light the top of the incense and extinguish the flame. If it is a stick incense, stand it on its end in the ash. If it is a cone or coil, place it on top of the ash.
Ash maintenance in a Kōro is a matter of personal preference. Over time, the ash will absorb moisture and will need to be stirred to add oxygen. Stirring is traditionally done with metal "fire chopsticks" in a clockwise motion, but any implement that can break up and "fluff" the ash can be used.
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