How to Make Noncombustible Incense

Many pagans use incense in their rituals. Incense cleanses the altar and surrounding area of negativity and promotes focus. Making one's own incense puts power into the maker's hands by allowing her to choose the ingredients that go into the incense.
There are two types of incense. Combustible incense comes in the commonly seen sticks and cones, but is very difficult to make. Noncombustible incense is in powder form,requires a censer, or iron bowl, and charcoal embers to release the fragrance and is very easy to make, as per the directions below. Both types are made of dried and powdered resins or gums, to make the incense stick together, and powdered herbs, flowers, roots, bark and essential oils. Some also use powdered gemstones for an energy boost.
Before making the incense, consider its use and choose the ingredients appropriately. For instance, cleansing incense might include dried lavender or mint. Research the materials corresponding to your intent with the resources below.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mortar and pestle or electric grinder
• Powdered resins, gums, herbs, flowers, roots and bark
• Essential oils
• Powdered gemstone
• Large bowl
• Glass jar with lid

1. Grind each ingredient separately, cleaning the mortar and pestle or grinder between ingredients. Focus on the purpose of the incense--protection, cleansing, health--and mix resins together in the bowl with the hands. Visualize the purpose of the incense infusing the resins.

2. Mix in powdered herbs, flowers, roots and bark, again with the hands. Continue to focus on the incense's purpose.

3. Add oils a few drops at a time and mix until incense begins to stick together. If using several oils, add equal amounts.

4. Gently mix in powdered gemstones. To powder gemstones, take a small gemstone and pound with a mortar and pestle until it breaks into small pieces. Grind one small piece into powder and add a small pinch to the incense.

5. Store incense in glass jars or sealed in plastic bags in a cool, dry place.

Tips & Warnings

• Some plant materials can smell unpleasant when burned. Test the scents of possible incense ingredients by taking a small amount of the ingredient and sprinkling it on hot charcoal.

References

• Cunningham, Scott. "The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews." Llewellyn Publications. Woodbury, MN. 1989.