Uses of Incense Sticks
Around the holidays, some people remember the stories of the wise men who brought frankincense and myrrh to a manger. But for thousands of years prior, incense had been burned in many cultures worldwide -- and year round. Burning wood, herbs, resins and other natural products continues today for a number of reasons. Whether you choose to use incense for practical or sacred purposes, always adhere to standard safety precautions.
Other People Are Reading
-
Fragrance and Aromatherapy
-
Lavendar and other highly scented flowers can be used for armotheraphy and incense. A home or office can sometimes get stuffy and acquire a stagnant smell. Opening available windows helps to clear the air. Burning a scented stick of incense is another approach. The natural elements of the incense bring a welcome new aroma. Unless you burn dozens of sticks at a time, fire alarms don't typically go off. Light sticks in any area that needs a little refreshing. Break up a stick and leave it in your car or in drawers without igniting it. The scent will last awhile and the pieces can be replaced periodically.
Relaxation and Upliftment
-
Burning incense is good for relaxation and clearing stresses. Light an incense stick or two after a hard day at work, or when returning from a busy day of errand running, visiting others, going to a hospital, studying for exams. Many types of incense fit the bill for relaxation and re-energizing. The long sticks can double as matches, too, especially for tall or deep candles. Let go of a busy or strenuous day by lighting incense in your home. If you have an area set aside for solitude and quiet, away from TVs and computers, using incense will help you regain your focus and a sense of calm.
-
Prayer and Meditation
-
Prayer and meditation can be enhanced with incense. While most religions use incense in masses, liturgies, pujas and similar services, an individual can also burn incense when alone, solely as an accessory to prayer and meditation. Indoors or out, you can light one or several sticks, deep breathe, and set your intention. If you have an altar, keeping incense burning is akin to making an offering alongside your prayers. Meditation tends to be enhanced with the presence of candles and incense.
Sacred Rites and Spiritual Rituals
-
Eastern religions use incense for sacred rites like fire pujas. Spiritual practitioners burn incense for many different kinds of sacred events, whether for rites of passage, group blessings, celebrations and so forth. Smoke is offered up, either for itself or as a symbolic accompaniment to prayers from those in attendance. Using sacred sage or special incense created specifically for spiritual uses, you can also use incense smoke for "clearing". This is the process of altering the energies of any room, home, office or outdoor space to a higher vibration and more uplifted mood.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
