Burnt Offerings

Incense

It could not have been long after humanity learned to have power over fire that they discovered that simple fragrant wood, resin, herbs, or roots can do more than produce pleasing aromas. The first forms of incense were simply fragrant plants tossed into fire, and it was only later that pastes, oils, powders, joss sticks, and cones were created. Incense has soothed, excited, aroused, and centered us for thousands of years. The people of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, Greece, and Rome all consumed great quantities of incense, using it for rituals in their temples and homes. Even today, incense is used for a number of spiritual and practical reasons.

Fragrances can affect us in many ways, and each aromatic has its own unique qualities. Lavender holds the power to quiet the soul, while sandalwood can ease feelings of anxiety. Patchouli is helpful for grounding and centering yourself. A single stick of incense can convey up to a symphony of fragrances. When burned prior to or during meditation, the fragrant smoke can direct the course of your thoughts and influence the rhythms of your body. The time it takes to burn the entire stick of incense can even act as a natural timer. You can also offer burning incense as a gift to the divine while performing a ritual.

There are no right reasons or wrong ways for you to use incense. In the Chinese tradition, burning three upright sticks of incense can give you insight into what the future holds. Enjoying a cone of smoking incense also can simply add sweet fragrance to a room. And should you choose to light a cone of lavender incense after a long day of work, you may find yourself effortlessly relaxing into the quiet arms of the night.