To use incense, light a charcoal disc and wait until a thin ashy layer covers the whole surface. This means it has lit throughout. Sprinkle a few grains of incense on the charcoal and experience the change in atmosphere. Be aware that incense smoke in excess can make your head spin! Be prepared to go outside for a few deep breaths after a session. These blends are also designed for effectiveness rather than immediate pleasantness, so use in small amounts at first.
Celtic Spirit Incense:
This is dedicated to techniques inspired by early European heritage and could be useful when working with the Celtic tree oracle or any dowsing or scrying technique.
1 part Woad Seed (substitute hawthorn berries if unobtainable)
2 parts Pine Resin
2 parts Vervain
1 part Orris root powder
1 part Apple leaf
1 part Oak wood rasped finely
Honey a very few drops
Nine Herbs Incense:
A potent incense inspired by the Nine Sacred Herbs of Norse mythology. Interpretations of the identity of the herbs varies slightly in different texts, and the choice here has been further modified by the addition of gums and resins which reflect both the Norse world and the exotic trade links they forged.
1 part Ash bark, rasped very finely
2 part Pine Resin
1 part Myrrh Resin
1 part Hawthorn (leaves, berries or flowers)
1 part nettle herb
1 part fennel seeds
1 part plantain herb
½ part Mugwort (use caution, Mugwort is dangerous when used to excess)
2 parts Camomile flowers
1 part Yarrow herb
1/2 part grated apple
Honey (or mead) a very few drops
Medicine Bundle incense:
Dedicated to the plants used within the Native American tradition, this general-purpose interpretation may be useful to those trying to gain insight into this rich heritage.
2 parts Cedarwood
2 parts Pine resin
1 part Pine needles
1 part Sweet grass
¼ part Tobacco
As a point of interest, tobacco can be used as a substitution for any potentially dangerous herbs you may come across in incense recipes. I certainly has dangers of its own, but the minute amounts added to incense recipes shouldn’t cause you any problems. Generally, a scant pinch is sufficient in any recipe, no matter what the proportions of other ingredients.
Storing Incense:
When you first start working with incense it is likely you will make several variations on a theme. Store each in a sealed glass jar, and revisit the blends after several months, Its surprising how often a mix that wasn’t quite right on first making becomes appropriate for a specific purpose after several months in storage. Do take care to label things clearly, this will help you select the best incense for your task and make the experience more enjoyable.
