Incense

Incense burning was used since ancient times to disinfect living spaces, the beds of the sick, to influence dreaming, to support intellectual and emotional experiences. As smoke contains psychoactive, physical and emotionally effective substances, it stimulates our senses in many ways as the nose perceives the incense scent and the eyes follow the endless shapes.

Ancients believed incense burning as an inspiration towards an inner journey and discovery of one’s own being. They discovered that stimulating our smell sense sends a message to the brain, where the incense fragrances influence our emotions, moods and well-being.

Incense burning was firstly developed by Shamans, which believed fire to be a gift from Gods and smoke to be the means by which their prayers and requests travelled to heavens. The secrets of plants were able to be used to open the gates of consciousness and other worlds. Some plants which induce hallucination were used for journeys into different realities whereas others were used for gatherings, healing and prayers.

The incense knowledge developed by the Greeks states that healing takes place by using opposites. The four natural elements of earth, water, fire and air can be grouped in two opposite pairs: fire-water and earth-air and each star sign has its own element. When attempting to balance yourself, use incense from elements that are opposed to yours. Elements are associated with the following characteristics and energies:

Element of fire - energy, power, cleansing and imagination
Element of earth - concentration, assessment and judgement
Element of air - information, movement and communication
Element of water - cleansing, emotions and healing

Why Incense Burning

Burning Incense to calm and reduce anxiety, stress and fear

Incense fragrances influence our emotional and mental moods related to various states induced by certain events in our lives, which can affect us in a negative way thus generating negative energies. To dissipate negative energies accumulated in a room or living space, incense can be used for a relaxing influence on the psyche. The incense may be burn in the evening, possibly on a calm background music and candlelight, to dissolve and dissipate tensions in the fragrant smoke.

Most well know incense for relaxation: cinnamon, sandalwood and saffron.

Burning Incense for revitalisation, stimulation, and energy renewal

When one feels weak, discouraged or exhausted, some of the incenses used by Native Americans and also those associated with the element of fire may be helpful in strengthening one’s potential and energies.

Most well known strengthening incense: cedar, juniper, clove, camphor.

Burning Incense to clean the atmosphere

Used mainly for cleansing negative atmosphere generated in a room or living space by feelings of fear, arguments, grief or for cleaning objects by suspending them in the smoke of burning incense so that the fragranced smoke creates its own vibration, generating a new energy field.

For cleansing the atmosphere in a room, walk through the room and fan the incense smoke in all directions, leave the doors and windows closed and do not go into the room for at least three hours. Then, air the room.

Most well known incense for cleansing: frankincense, sage, juniper, pine.

Burning Incense for prayer and meditation

The burning of incense stimulate our spiritual energies by creating an atmosphere of worship, reflection, which can support prayer and meditation by inspiring contemplation. Prayers often are more effective when accompanied by incense burning especially at the beginning of the prayer.

Most well known incense for prayer and meditation: frankincense, myrrh, cedar, camphor.

Burning Incense for love

In ancient times it was known that incense fragrances stimulate the capacity for love and eroticism whereas in modern times, science proved the link between some fragrances and the human pheromones. Enjoy the power of seductive incense fragrances with your partner.

Most well known sensually stimulating incense: sandalwood, patchouli, rose.

Burning Incense for healing

Since ancient times, incense was burnt to treat certain asthmatic or respiratory conditions, at childbirth and to relief muscular pain. In modern times, it can be used in conjunction with other therapies such as Reiki, massage and colour therapy.

Burning Incense to relieve insomnia

Some incense fragrances have various proprieties which may be helpful in dealing with insomnia, such as balancing and calming. The incense should be burnt in the evening, before going to bed.

Most well know incense for insomnia: sandalwood, cinnamon, saffron.