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Scents Incense & Oils

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that's been linked to cancers of the nose and throat and can cause a host of respiratory ailments. Most air fresheners already contain formaldehyde and then even more is produced when certain chemicals react with ozone in the air.

Oils

The following is a list of oils, this is in no way a complete list there are so many!

The most important thing is to know the oil you are using. Make sure it is natural and not synthetic, Know if it is harmful to you, your family and your animals.

Unless you are lucky enough have a beautiful spell room like they do in Practical Magic, having every oil is basically impossible. My suggestion is have around ten herbs you keep on hand that cover your basic needs then if you need a particular oil for a spell get it.

The History of Oil in Religious Practice

The use of oils in religious practice dates back to ancient times. They were often used for their aromatic properties and were believed to have spiritual and healing qualities. Ancient Egyptians, for example, used essential oils in their religious rituals, and they were also used in traditional Chinese medicine.

In Christianity, oils have been used for anointing purposes. In the Bible, there are numerous references to anointing with oil, which was believed to confer power, blessings, and protection. In the Catholic Church, holy oils are used for various sacraments, such as baptism, confirmation, and the anointing of the sick.

In Hinduism, Ayurvedic medicine has long used oils for therapeutic purposes. The use of oils in worship is also a common practice in Hinduism, particularly in the worship of the deity Hanuman.

In Paganism, oils are often used in ritual and spell work. The properties of specific oils are believed to correspond to different magical intentions, such as healing, protection, love, and prosperity.

Today, the use of oils in religious practice is still widespread. They are often used in aromatherapy, massage therapy, and meditation practices, as well as in various religious and spiritual ceremonies. The popularity of essential oils has also grown in recent years, with many people using them for their therapeutic and mood-enhancing properties.

Oil use in Modern Pagan Practice

Oils have been used in modern Pagan practices for their various magical properties, and they are often used in spell work, anointing, and ritual purification.

One common use of oils is in aromatherapy. Oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus are commonly used for their relaxing, soothing, and healing properties. These oils are often used in meditation, ritual baths, and other forms of spiritual practice to help calm the mind and enhance the overall experience.

In addition to aromatherapy, oils are also used for anointing. This involves applying a small amount of oil to the skin, often on the forehead, wrists, or feet, as a way of imbuing the individual with the properties of the oil. For example, an oil associated with love and passion might be used in a ritual to enhance feelings of love between two people.

Oils can also be used in spell work. Each oil has its own set of correspondences, such as a particular planet, element, or intent. These correspondences can be used to enhance the effectiveness of a spell. For example, an oil associated with the moon might be used in a spell to enhance intuition or psychic abilities.

Finally, oils are often used in ritual purification. A small amount of oil may be added to a ritual bath or used to anoint a sacred object, such as a wand or altar tool, as a way of imbuing it with magical energy and cleansing it of any negative or unwanted energy.

Overall, oils are a versatile and powerful tool in modern Pagan practice, with a wide range of uses and correspondences.

How Oils are made

Scented oils can be made using various methods, including distillation, expression, and infusion. Here is a brief overview of these methods:

Distillation: This involves steaming the plant material to extract its essential oil. The steam is then condensed and the oil is separated from the water.
Expression: This method involves pressing the plant material to extract its essential oil. Citrus oils are commonly made using this method.
Infusion: This involves soaking the plant material in a carrier oil (such as olive oil) to infuse the oil with the plant's fragrance.

When purchasing scented oils, it is important to be aware of synthetic oils and fragrance oils that are made with chemicals, rather than being derived from natural sources. These oils may be less expensive, but they are not considered true essential oils or natural plant extracts.

To ensure that you are getting actual pressed oils, look for products that are labeled as "100% pure" or "organic" and that list the plant's Latin name on the label. It is also a good idea to purchase from reputable sources and to research the company's production methods and sourcing practices.

Making your own Oils

Making oils yourself can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here's a basic method for making infused oils:

Choose your herbs: You can use fresh or dried herbs, flowers, or roots. Make sure they are clean and free of dirt or insects.
Prepare your jar: Choose a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Sterilize the jar by boiling it in water for a few minutes or washing it with hot, soapy water.
Add the herbs: Fill the jar about 3/4 full with your chosen herbs. You can crush or chop them up if you want to release more of their oils.
Add the oil: Pour your carrier oil over the herbs until the jar is full. Popular carrier oils include olive, jojoba, coconut, sweet almond, or grapeseed oil.
Infuse the oil: Put the lid on the jar and place it in a sunny spot for 2-6 weeks, shaking it daily. You can also infuse the oil using a double boiler or a slow cooker.
Strain the oil: After the infusion period, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the herbs.
Bottle the oil: Pour the infused oil into a clean glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Label the bottle with the name of the oil and the date it was made.

To ensure that you are getting actual pressed oils, it's best to buy from a reputable source that lists the botanical name, extraction method, and any other relevant information on the label. Look for oils that are labeled as "pure" or "therapeutic grade" and avoid oils that are labeled as "fragrance oils" or "perfume oils."

Making Oils

Oils (for a reason)

Air Oils

Acacia

Arabic Gum

Almond

Anise

Benzoin Gum

Bergamot

Citron Peel

Lavender

Lemongrass

Lemon Verbena

Parsley

Peppermint

Sage

Star Anise

Water Oils

Birch, Benzoin, Bergamot, Cananga, Catnip, Cedarwood, Cardamom, Clary Sage, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Freesia, Geranium, Gardenia, Grapefruit, Galbanum, Hops, Irish Moss, Jasmine, Labdanum, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Litsea, Lily, Mandarin, Myrrh, Neroli, Oakmoss, Orange, Palmarosa, Pepper, Plumeria (Frangipani), Rose, Spurce, Storax, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Thyme, Vanilla, Yarrow.

Earth Oils

Angelica root

Alfalfa

Amyris

Bergamot

Cypress

Cajeput

Cinnamon

Cedarwood

Frankincense

Juniper

Mugwort

Pine

Primrose

Patchouli

Rosewood

Sandalwood

Sage

Tea Tree

Vervain, Vetiver.

Fire Oils

Angelica seed, Basil, Bay, Bergamot, Betony, Cedar, Cinnamon, Caraway, Cumin, Cajeput, Cardamom, Coriander, Clove, Citronella, Carnation, Dragon’s Blood, Dill, Frankincense, Fennel, Ginger, Garlic, Geranium, Hyssop, Juniper, Lime, Mandarin, Nutmeg, Orange, Oregano, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Pine, Petitgrain, Pepper, Pepper, Rosemary, Rue, Savory, Sandalwood, St. John’s Wort, Saffron, Tangerine, Tarragon, Tagetes, Turmeric, Vetiver, Wormwood, Woodruff, Ylang-Ylang.

Element Oils

ABUNDANCE
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

APHRODISIAC
Cardamon (Elettaria cardamomum)

Jasmine (Absolute)

ATTUNEMENT
Grapefruit (Citris paradis)

AWAKENING

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata, Citrus nobilis)

CLEANSING
Amber (Pinus succinifera)

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

COMFORT
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

COOPERATION
Grapefruit (Citris paradisi)

CREATIVITY
Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)

DIVINATION
Broom (genista scoparius)

Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)

Orange (Citrus sinensis)

DREAMS
Jasmine (Absolute) (Jasminum officinale, Jasminum grandiflorum, Jasminum sambac)

FEARLESSNESS
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

FERTILITY
Carrot Seed (Daucus carota)

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Myrtle (Myrtus communis)

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

HAPPINESS
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia, Lavendula officinalis)

Marjoram (Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare)

HEALING
Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)

Caraway Seed (Carum carvi)
Carnation (Absolute) (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare dulce)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Melissa (Melissa officinalis) sometimes called Lemon Balm Myrrh(Commiphora myrrha)

Palmarosa (Cymbopogan martinii)

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rose Otto (Rosa damascene)

Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

White Thyme (Thymus zygis)

HEALTH
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Juniper (Juniperus communis

Marjoram (Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare)

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)

INNER VISION

Narcissus (Narcissus poeticus)

INSPIRATION

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata, Citrus nobilis)

Narcissus (Narcissus poeticus)

INTUITION
Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)

LOVE
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Cardamon (Elettaria cardamomum)

Celery (Apium graveolens)
Chamomile’s German (Matricaria chamomilla) Maroc (Ormenis multicaulis) Roman (Anthemis nobilis)

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Clove (Bud) (Eugenia caryophyllata)

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)

Jasmine (Absolute) (Jasminum officinale, Jasminum grandiflorum, Jasminum sambac)
Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia, Lavendula officinalis)

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Linden Blossom (Tilia cordata)

Marjoram (Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare)

Melissa (Melissa officinalis) sometimes called Lemon Balm

Mimosa (Acacia dealbata)

Myrtle (Myrtus communis)

Orange (Citrus sinensis)

Palmarosa (Cymbopogan martinii)

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rose Otto (Rosa damascene)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

LUCK

Allspice

Aloe

Bamboo

Banyan

Be-Still (Thevetia nereifolia) POISON Folk Names: Trumpet Flower, Yellow OleanderUse Gloves when handling this Herb or Oil. *NO SKIN CONTACT* Remember that oils are drawn into the bloodstream from skin),

Bluebell

Cabbage

Calamus

China Berry

Cinchona

Cotton

Daffodil

Devil’s Bit

Fern

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Grains of Paradise

Hazel

Heather

Holly

Houseleek

Huckleberry

Irish Moss

Job’s Tears

Linden Blossom (Tilia cordata)

Lucky Hand

Male Fern

Moss

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Oak

Orange (Citrus sinensis)

Persimmon

Pineapple

Pomegranate

Poppy

Purslane

Ros

Snakeroot

Star Anise

Straw

Strawberry

Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)

Sumbul

Vetiver

Violet

Wood Rose

LUST

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

MENTAL CONTROL
Celery (Apium graveolens)

MONEY

Almond

Bayberry

Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia)

Chamomile’s German (Matricaria chamomilla) Maroc (Ormenis multicaulis) Roman (Anthemis nobilis)
Clove (Bud) (Eugenia caryophyllata)

Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Honeysuckle

Jasmine (Absolute) (Jasminum officinale, Jasminum grandiflorum, Jasminum sambac)

Marjoram (Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare)

Neroli (Citrus vulgaris)

Mint

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Orange (Citrus sinensis)

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Vervain

MOTIVATION
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

PEACE
Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia, Lavendula officinalis)

Melissa (Melissa officinalis) sometimes called Lemon Balm

Myrtle (Myrtus communis) Neroli (Citrus vulgaris) Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) Sandalwood (Santalum album)

PROSPERITY
Benzoin (Styrax benzoin dryander)

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

PROTECTION
Agrimony (Agrimonia)

Amber (Pinus succinifera)

Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

Balsam de Peru (Myroxylon balsamum)
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

Birch, White (Betula alba)

Broom (genista scoparius)

Caraway Seed (Carum carvi)
Carnation (Absolute) (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Clove (Bud) (Eugenia caryophyllata)

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare dulce)

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia, Lavendula officinalis)

Linden Blossom (Tilia cordata)

Marjoram (Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare)

Mimosa (Acacia dealbata)

Myrrh(Commiphora myrrha)

Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora)

Parsley (Petroselinum sativum)

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium)

Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rose Otto (Rosa damascene)

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

PSYCHIC
Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

PURIFICATION
Amber (Pinus succinifera)

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

Benzoin (Styrax benzoin dryander)

Birch, White (Betula alba)
Broom (genista scoparius)

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
Chamomile’s German (Matricaria chamomilla)

Maroc (Ormenis multicaulis)

Roman (Anthemis nobilis)
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare dulce)

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia, Lavendula officinalis)
Lemon (Citrus limonum)

Mimosa (Acacia dealbata)

Parsley (Petroselinum sativum)

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

White Thyme (Thymus zygis)

REPELS
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

SLEEP
Chamomile’s German (Matricaria chamomilla)

Maroc (Ormenis multicaulis)

Roman (Anthemis nobilis)

SPIRITUALITY
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Myrrh(Commiphora myrrha)

Sandalwood (Santalum album)

STRENGTH
Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

Carnation (Absolute) (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata, Citrus nobilis)

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

SUCCESS
Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Melissa (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon Balm Neroli (Citrus vulgaris)

VISIONS
Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata)

WEALTH
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

WISDOM
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Oils (alphabetical)

Amyris (Amyris balsamifera)

anointing, astral projection, attraction, blessing, consecration, exorcism, healing, love, meditation, protection, purification, sacral chakra, spirituality

Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica)

exorcism, protection, healing, visions

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

business success, conscious mind (stimulates), happiness, lust, money, peace, prosperity, protection

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

banishing, exorcism, luck, psychic ability

Benzoin (Styrax benzoin)

purification, prosperity, attracts customers

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

business success, happiness, money, peace, physical energy, prosperity, protection, sleep

Birch Sweet (Betula lenta)

protection, purification, exorcism

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

courage, physical energy, and protection

Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annuum)

water, Venus, immortality, youth, longevity

Cajeput (Melaleuca cajeputi)

purification, protection, dispel negative thoughts and energies, break habits

Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)

celibacy, crown chakra, physical energy, psychic energy, purification

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

love, lust

Carrot Seed (Daucus carota)

grounding, fertility

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

cat magic, love, beauty, happiness

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)

blessing, health (maintain), heart chakra, meditation, money, protection, psychic energy, purification, self-control, spirituality, unhexing

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita & Anthemis nobilis)

meditation, peace, sleep

Chili Seed (Capsicum annum)

protection, exorcism, fidelity, hex-breaking, love

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmanii / cassia / zeylancium)

astral projection, base chakra, business success, health (maintain), luck, lust, magical energy, meditation, money, physical energy, prosperity, protection, psychic awareness, purification, spirituality

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus / winterianus)

exorcism (exterior use), health (maintain), purification, unhexing

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

vivid dreams

Clove Bud (Eugenia or syzgium aromaticum)

balances chakras, business success, courage, divination, exorcism, healing, heart chakra, love, money, prosperity, protection, psychic awareness

Coffee Bean (Coffea arabica)

grounding, Earth magic, Mars, ritual stimulant

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

longevity, healing, comfort, protection

Elemi (Canarium luzonicum)

mental and psychic ability, spiritual balance, solar plexus chakra

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

healing, health (maintain), protection, psychic energy, purification

Fir Needle (Abies sibirica)

mind clearing, memory, communication, purification before ritual, , protection, hex removal

Frankincense (Boswellia serrata / carterii)

blessing, consecration, courage, exorcism, meditation, protection, purification, solar plexus chakra, spirituality

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens / x asperum)

happiness, protection

Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)

attraction, business success, courage, love, lust, magical energy, money, peace, physical energy, prosperity, purification, sex

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)

purification

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)

creativity, intuition, invoke spirits, scrying, channeling, awareness, calm, patience

Ho Wood (Cinnamomum camphora)

cleaning, banishing, subdue sexual desire, celibacy, chastity, psychic power, dream work

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)

purification, protection

Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis)

protection, anti-theft, love, exorcism, health

Lavender (Lavandula stoechas / angustifolia / latifolia / hybrida)

balances chakras, business success, celibacy, conscious mind (stimulates), happiness, health (maintain), love, peace, protection, purification, sleep, third-eye chakra

Lemon (Citrus limonum / limon)

balances chakras, health (maintain), love, physical energy, purification

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus / flexuosus / schoenanthus)

psychic awareness, psychic energy, purification, spirituality

Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

physical energy, protection, purification

Litsea (Litsea cubeba)

energy, rejuvenation, letting go

Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

celibacy, happiness, peace, sleep

Mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris)

moon, divination, lucid dreaming, prophetic dreams, protection

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)

astral projection, attraction, balances chakras, blessing, consecration, crown chakra, exorcism, healing, meditation, protection, psychic energy, spirituality, unhexing

Myrtle (Myrtus communis)

love, good luck, fertility, and Venus, feminine and water aspects

Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia)

purification, healing, protection, clearing negative energies, aura cleansing

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

luck, magical energy, meditation, money, physical energy, psychic awareness

Opoponax (Commiphora guidotti)

death/resurrection, divination, Pluto, Scorpio, change

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

happiness, tranquility

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini)

healing, love

Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens)

luck, air element

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

attraction, banishes negativity, growth, love, luck, mastery, money, peace, physical energy, prosperity, sex

Peppermint (Mentha arvensis / piperita)

conscious mind (stimulates), exorcism, health (maintain), protection, purification

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium)

conscious mind (stimulates), protection

Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

exorcism, grounding, healing, health (maintain), magical energy, money, physical energy, protection, purification

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

conscious mind (stimulates), exorcism, health (maintain), heart chakra, longevity, love, protective, remembrance, third-eye chakra, vitality

Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)

Mars, Moon, Venus, spirit element, fire element, intuitive health, beauty, divination, scrying, healing rituals, maturity, wisdom, femininity

Sage Dalmatian (Salvia officinalis)

conscious mind (stimulates), exorcism, money, purification, wisdom

Sage White (Salvia apiana)

cleansing spaces and magical objects, banish negative energy

Sandalwood (Santalum album)

anointing, astral projection, attraction, blessing, consecration, exorcism, healing, love, meditation, protection, purification, sacral chakra, spirituality

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

comfort, healing, sleep (for protection)

Spikenard “Jatamansi” (Nardostachys jatamansi)

good luck, fidelity, and health

Star Anise (Illicium verum)

psychic power, luck

Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)

balances chakras, divination, happiness, joy, love, luck, magical energy, money, physical energy, psychic energy, purification, sacral chakra

Tangerine (Citrus reticulata)

magical energy, purification

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

purification

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

conscious mind (stimulates), courage, health (maintain), purification

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

purification, protection

Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

love, sleep, purification, protection

Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia)

love, lust, mental power

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)

divination, exorcism, love, money, peace, protection, unhexing

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

protection, healing, hex-breaking

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

love, lust, peace, sex, throat chakra

Oils (alphabetical)

Incense

The History of Incense in Religious Practice

The use of incense in religious practice has a long and rich history that spans across many different cultures and belief systems. The use of incense can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Babylon, and Greece, where it was used in a variety of religious ceremonies and rituals.

In ancient Egypt, incense was used in the temples and tombs of the pharaohs to purify and sanctify the space, as well as to honor the gods and goddesses of the Egyptian pantheon. The Egyptians believed that the smoke from the incense would carry their prayers and offerings up to the gods.

In ancient Greece, incense was also used in religious ceremonies and offerings. The Greeks believed that the smoke from the incense could communicate with the gods and serve as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. Many of the Greek gods and goddesses were associated with specific scents and types of incense.

In the Middle East, incense was used in both Jewish and Islamic religious practices. In Jewish tradition, incense was used in the temple to honor God and symbolize the prayers of the people. In Islamic tradition, incense was used during prayer and as a way to purify and scent the air in mosques and other religious spaces.

In India, incense has been used for thousands of years in the practice of Ayurveda, a holistic healing system. Incense is also a key part of Hindu and Buddhist religious practices, where it is used to purify the space, create a calming atmosphere, and honor the deities.

In many cultures, incense is believed to have healing properties and is used in aromatherapy and other forms of alternative medicine. Different types of incense are believed to have different effects on the mind and body, such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and enhancing spiritual awareness.

Today, incense continues to be used in religious and spiritual practices around the world, as well as for personal use in homes and other spaces. The history of incense in religious practice is a testament to its enduring power to purify, sanctify, and elevate the human spirit.

Incense use in Modern Pagan Practice

Incense is still widely used in modern Pagan practices as a tool for ritual and spiritual purposes. The use of incense in Paganism is often associated with purification, consecration, and creating sacred space. It is believed to help lift prayers and invocations to the divine realm, and to help connect the practitioner with the energies of the natural world.

In modern Paganism, different types of incense are associated with different purposes. For example, lavender or rose incense may be used to promote calmness and relaxation during meditation or divination, while frankincense or myrrh may be used to enhance ritual and ceremony.

Some Pagan traditions also associate specific types of incense with particular deities, seasons, or elements. For example, sage is often used in Native American traditions for purification and clearing negative energies, while cedar is associated with protection and healing. In Wiccan traditions, frankincense and myrrh may be used to represent the God and Goddess, respectively, while sandalwood may be used to represent the element of air.

The use of incense in modern Pagan practice is often seen as a way to connect with the spiritual realm and to invite the presence of deities and spirits into the ritual space. It is believed to help set the intention for the ritual or spell, and to help focus the practitioner's energy on the desired outcome. Additionally, the aromas of incense are believed to have a profound effect on the subconscious mind, and can be used to induce altered states of consciousness or to enhance meditative practices.

Some typical reasons include the following:

Focusing a practitioner’s intentions during rituals or spells
Cleansing, purification, and healing
Achieving specific outcomes such as protection, psychic power, or prosperity
Consecration of ritual objects
Honoring deities and presenting offerings to them

Types of Incense

There are many different types of incense, each with their own unique scents and uses. Here are a few examples:

Resin incense: Resin incense is made from the sap of trees and other plants. It is often burned on charcoal and produces a lot of smoke. Resin incense is often used for purification, protection, and grounding.
Cone incense: Cone incense is made by mixing powdered wood and herbs with a binding agent, then shaping the mixture into cones. Cone incense burns slowly and produces a strong scent. It is often used for meditation and relaxation.
Stick incense: Stick incense is made by rolling a bamboo stick in a mixture of wood, herbs, and oils. It burns slowly and produces a gentle, long-lasting scent. Stick incense is often used for creating a peaceful atmosphere or for spiritual rituals.
Powder incense: Powder incense is made by grinding herbs, wood, and resins into a fine powder. It is often used for creating a sacred space, as the powder can be sprinkled around an area to purify and protect it.
Loose incense: Loose incense is made by mixing various herbs and resins together, often with a mortar and pestle. It can be burned on charcoal or in a fire-safe container. Loose incense is often used for ritual work and spellcraft.

Incense for a Reason

Burning certain types of incense is a common practice in Paganism and other spiritual traditions, and is believed to help create an atmosphere conducive to certain types of magical or spiritual work. Different types of incense are associated with different properties, and choosing the right incense for a particular purpose is thought to enhance the effectiveness of that intention.

For example, frankincense is often used for purification and protection, while lavender is associated with relaxation and peacefulness. Patchouli is thought to enhance sensuality and creativity, and sandalwood is often used for spiritual work and meditation.

Some practitioners also believe that the smoke from burning incense can carry their intentions and prayers to the divine realm or spirits, serving as a conduit between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Here are some of the more popular examples of different incenses and their corresponding uses in Paganism:

Frankincense - Used for purification, protection, and spiritual awareness.
Myrrh - Used for purification, banishing negativity, and promoting healing.
Sandalwood - Used for meditation, calming the mind, and attracting positive energy.
Cedarwood - Used for purification, protection, and healing.
Lavender - Used for calming the mind, promoting relaxation, and attracting love.
Rose - Used for love, happiness, and attracting positive energy.
Sage - Used for purification, banishing negativity, and promoting healing.
Juniper - Used for protection, purification, and attracting positive energy.
Cinnamon - Used for attracting wealth, love, and success.
Patchouli - Used for attracting love, grounding, and promoting fertility.
Dragon's Blood - Used for protection, banishing negativity, and attracting power.
Benzoin - Used for purification, protection, and promoting love.
Peppermint - Used for purification, attracting positive energy, and promoting healing.
Ylang-Ylang - Used for love, attraction, and calming the mind.
Chamomile - Used for calming the mind, promoting relaxation, and attracting positive energy.
Bergamot - Used for attracting wealth, success, and love.
Eucalyptus - Used for healing, purification, and attracting positive energy.
Thyme - Used for purification, banishing negativity, and promoting healing.
Lemongrass - Used for purification, attracting positive energy, and promoting psychic abilities.
Pine - Used for protection, purification, and attracting positive energy.
Cedar - Used for purification, protection, and to attract positive energy.
Lotus - Used for meditation, spiritual growth, and to connect with the divine.
Peppermint - Used for purification, protection, and to promote mental clarity.
Sweetgrass - Used for purification, protection, and to attract positive energy.
Vanilla - Used for love, happiness, and to attract positive energy.
Vetiver - Used for grounding, centering, and to promote spiritual growth.
White Sage - Used for purification, protection, and to clear negative energy.
Yarrow - Used for healing, protection, and to attract positive energy.
Bay Leaves: Used for protection, psychic powers, and to promote success.

It's important to note that while certain incenses may have general correspondences, their specific meanings and uses can vary based on individual beliefs, traditions, and practices.