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'The Art Of Healing' - 'Burning Incense'

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INTRODUCTION

The word incense is derived from the Latin 'incendere' meaning to burn.

Incense is made from biotic materials burned to release a pleasant smell through smoke.  It has been used for centuries by many religious cultures as part of their 'spiritual practice' - 'prayer' - 'meditation.'  It has also been used by many cultures as aromatherapy for healing and other practical uses for example, simply to cover bad smells and to repel insects.  Its roots can be traced as far back as humans discovered the use of fire, in that certain trees like cedar, berries, resins and roots when burnt would automatically give off an aromatic smell.   

HISTORY OF INCENSE

Its roots can be traced to all the early major civilisations.  The ancient Egyptians are known to have used it to mask bad smells and to 'dispel evil demons.'  It was also used as an offering to placate the gods. 

The ancient Chinese also used incense in their religious ceremonies using herbs such as cinnamon, cassia and sandalwood. 

Incense was so popular that a global trade developed known as the 'incense trade route.'  It was a network of interconnected land and sea trading routes, spanning Egypt, the Levant and the Mediterranean, North Africa, Arabia and India.  The main function of this trade route was to transport Arabian frankincense and myrrh as well as other goods, but these particular items were the main items.  This trade route continued until the collapse of the Roman Empire.

Korean Buddhist monks brought incense to Japan in the 6th century.  

USE OF INCENSE

Scents and fragrances can be used to induce specific emotional responses.  For example, to assist in relaxation, sleep - as an aid to concentration and motivation and to stimulate creativity.  In view of its ability to induce these wide emotional states, the burning of incense has been used in a wide range of activities, both recreational and for specific religious and spiritual purposes.   

You will often find incense scent guides useful in advising you as to what particular scent is appropriate for any particular situation.  Whilst these are useful as general guides - ultimately you should be prepared to listen to your own body and see what 'emotions' and 'psychological states' are induced in you, when you burn incense.

Whilst you may not be burning incense in a 'temple,' 'church,' or other 'sacred space,' the act of burning incense in and of itself should be regarded as a 'performance.' 

Whilst you may not regard the burning of incense as being 'sacred' - you should approach lighting a stick of incense or burning incense in an incense burner with a 'sufficient degree of seriousness' - if you wish to 'attain' the 'emotional state' that you desire. 

Therefore, if you want to burn incense to help you relax, the intention of desiring to relax should be there as you 'perform' the burning of the incense.  Of course, if you have any particular spiritual or religious discipline that too would be added to your 'performance of the act' of burning incense.  The point to remember is that at the higher levels of Existence i.e. the 'subtle energies' which exist and to which we are all connected - we affect these, with our intentions - whether we know of it or not.  The burning of incense can be regarded as one of the 'pathways' to 'influencing' these 'higher dimensional realms.' 

INCENSE & HEALING

Incense has been used for healing - frankincense for example, is known to be an antidepressant i.e. 'it raises the spirit.'  

Insomnia (inability to sleep) is increasingly common - lavender has been traditionally associated with aiding sleep.  Burning lavender incense therefore can be used to assist sleep. 

Sexual potency can also be assisted, burning incense such as jasmine, vanilla and rose, are powerful scents that liven and invigorate sexual energies.  Cinnamon is also known to increase the 'passions' and is especially recommended for 'loving moments.'   

Serotonin is produced in the brain and is regarded as a natural mood stabilizer, this helps sleeping, eating and digestion.  Serotonin also helps reduce depression, anxiety and headaches.  Incense assists in the movement of serotonin through the brain.  Rose scented incense is often recommended for this purpose.  

A number of floral based ingredients have antibacterial properties - and therefore the burning of incense purifies the atmosphere, giving a powerful sense of freshness and of a new beginning to any environment.

INCENSE & HIGHER CONSCIOUSNESS/SPIRITUALITY

Burning incense is a powerful tool and adjunct to 'spiritual practice.'  It is widely used by those who practice yoga and meditation.  The various aromas given off by burning different types of incense have different 'vibratory levels.'  The rate of these 'vibratory levels' induces certain 'psychological states' in an individual.  The higher the 'vibratory level,' the higher the 'state of consciousness.' 

RELAXATION

Many people burn incense to aid in relaxation, certain aromatic scents induce this state.  

The process is straight forward, simply light some incense - pick a scent which 'resonates' with you (i.e. you find pleasurable.)  You will find that there are not only many different smells, but 'qualities' - which are dependent upon the different brands.

In addition to relaxation the burning of incense can be used actively to reduce 'stress.'  Again, the purpose is to carry out a 'pleasurable act' - and therefore the burning of incense in this situation should be 'performed' - with the intention to reduce any stress you feel.  You will often find 'aromatic guides' which will suggest to you, what particular incense should be burned to relieve stress.  These are useful but ultimately you must find those aromatic smells which 'resonate' with you - and which you feel will assist you in 'relaxing' or 'removing' stress.

CONCLUSION

The burning of incense should be regarded as a means of 'Self Empowerment' - do not follow 'slavishly' something simply because you have been told that you should feel a certain way.  Of course - initially try it and see what results you get.  In this way incense becomes a powerful tool in your 'natural quest' - for 'Self Mastery' and 'Self Alchemy.' 

- Science Of Longevity And Rejuvenation

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'Burning Incense' Index

To view the contents of this index – click the subject title of interest below. 

ALPHABETICAL ORDER

A

Angels

- 7 Kinds Of Incense You Can Use To Attract Angels by Tana Hoy

Articles

- 5 Tips for Energetic Cleansing by Burning Incense

- 10 Physical and Psychological Benefits Of Burning Incense

- 12 Reasons To Use Incense - mindbodygreen

- 14 Reasons to burn Incense and the benefits from doing so

- Burning Incense: Keep It Safe With These Important Tips

- How to Use Incense | Gonesh Incense

- How to use incense sticks - Quora

- Incense Sticks, Holders & How To Burn Guide | HYPEBEAST

- Notes on burning incense - Wildmind

- Why Burn Incense | Burning Incense

Articles (Academic)

- Incense - Google Scholar

 

B

Bible

- Where does the Bible talk about burning incense?

Buddhism

- A Buddhist Guide to Using Incense

- Buddhist Studies - Primary: Incense Meditation

- Scientific Buddhist: Why Incense is More Than Just a Pleasant Backdrop to Meditation; Research Reveals Brain Health Benefits...

C

Christianity

- Can a Christian burn incense? What does the Bible say about burning incense?

- Holy Smokes: Why Catholics Use Incense in Worship

- Incense-Burning—Does It Have a Place in True Worship? — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

Cleansing

- Cleansing Your Home and Environment with Incense

D

Definition

- Incense Definition and Meaning - Bible Dictionary

- Incense - Wikipedia

F

Feng Shui

- Performing a Cleansing Burn With Feng Shui | LoveToKnow

 

G

General Info

- 3 Ways to Use Incense - wikiHow

H

History

- History of Incense as Source of Pleasant Smell

- Incense 101: History and Products

- The History and Benefits of Incense | Secret of Essence

- The history of incense and why it’s used at Mass

- The History of Incense Fragrances

- "Traditions Explained: The history of Incense" on YouTube

J

Judaism

- Burning incense in synagogues in commemoration of the temple

M

Magic

- Magickal Properties of Incense

Martial Arts

- How Martial Artists Could Benefit From Burning Incense (22-Feb2020) | Reed's Handmade Incense

Meditation

- DailyOM - Incense Meditation

- How to Improve Your Meditation With Aromatherapy

- "Incense for Relaxation, Meditation, and Chakra Incense Sticks" on YouTube

- Most Popular Incense Scents for Meditation | Ana Heart Blog

- USING INCENSE FOR MEDITATION - Huss Incense

- What role does incense have in meditation? - Quora

P

PDF

- A History Of Incense - histincense.pdf

Pets

- Is Burning Incense Safe for Pets? (28-Jan2020) | Reed's Handmade Incense

 

Pinterest

- Incense

- Incense (2)

- Incense burner

- Incense for Meditation

Prayer

- Using Incense During Prayer | Women of Grace

R

Rastafarianism

- 67 Spiritual Incense Uses - Rastafarianism & Jamaican Culture

 

Relaxation

- The 6 Best Incense Scents to Burn for Relaxation

S

Spirituality

- 7 Sacred Resins to Burn for Clearing Negative Energy - Spirituality & Health

- 20 common incenses and what to use them for – Grove and Grotto

- Ancient Art of Incense - Spirituality & Health

- Incense and its Spiritual Uses – Paradise Station

- Incense and Spirituality | AromaWeb

- "Incense for Spiritual Defense and Cleaning" on YouTube

- Incense Grounding Spirituality Chakra - Eliminate Psychic Energies

- Incense Sticks for Spiritual Healing

- Resin Incense: Deepening Spirituality | Prabhuji's Gifts

- Spiritual Awakening: Incense, Insight, and More | Spiritual Awakening

- Spiritual Offerings: The Uses of Incense - Theosophical Society in America

- The Magic of Raw Incense | Wonderworks

- The use and effects of incense – Queen Yenn

- What is the best, most spiritually elevating incense you can burn for meditation? - Quora

T

Twitter

- Search Results for "#incense"

U

Uses & Benefits

- 8 Reasons Why People Burn Incense (15-Nov2019) | Reed's Handmade Incense

 

V

Videos

- Holy Smoke: How and Why Incense is Used in Religion and Spirituality

- "Meditation - Incense" on YouTube

- Science Of Longevity And Rejuvenation

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