If you are new to incense, you are probably familiar with the usual processed types that come in sticks or cones. They are made with essential oils and packed sawdust to create a smokey method for adding scent and herbal energy to your space. They're great for rituals but the smoke isn't always appealing. Why not try resins instead? Less smoke and you can use a whole new range of materials.
A resin is basically hardened tree sap or gum that is traditionally used in rituals. Frankincense and myrrh are two very well-known examples.
You use a resin just like incense, except that resins don't burn on their own. That does make them a little more complicated, which is why most novices aren't that into them. You just need a supply of your chosen resin, and some charcoal tablets (NOT the kind you use in a BBQ).
The charcoal is lit, and the resin then "cooks" on the tablet which will quickly give off a very aromatic smoke. Since there is no wood filler, the smell is more pure and less irritating than stick incense. It can take a little practice to get a charcoal tablet to light. Actually, the trick is getting one to light without also burning your fingers. Tweezers help, or just light the tablet while it's sitting on a heat-proof holder or surface.
There are actually dozens of different kinds of resins, each with it's own qualities. In various Pagan practices, these are the most common:
Pine and cedar resin are extremely common since they come from common trees all through North America. Their hardened sap is used in many sorts of Native American rituals, particularly cleansing smudges. It's very purifying.
After that, most people are familiar with frankincense and myrrh as other spiritual resins. Myrrh comes from a tree found in many parts of Africa, but frankincense is a little rarer. It is found mainly in Somalia. They are both very spiritual resins and have close energy ties with the Sun. Sometimes, frankincense goes by the old name olibanum.
Copal is a South American type of resin, which also has cleansing and purification uses. Lastly, you may come across Dragon's Blood resin, which comes from an unusual tree on the island of Socatra. It's a very energetic resin, used to power, strength and love.
Next time you want to try something new in a ritual, try burning some resins to bring natural scent to your space.
A resin is basically hardened tree sap or gum that is traditionally used in rituals. Frankincense and myrrh are two very well-known examples.
You use a resin just like incense, except that resins don't burn on their own. That does make them a little more complicated, which is why most novices aren't that into them. You just need a supply of your chosen resin, and some charcoal tablets (NOT the kind you use in a BBQ).
The charcoal is lit, and the resin then "cooks" on the tablet which will quickly give off a very aromatic smoke. Since there is no wood filler, the smell is more pure and less irritating than stick incense. It can take a little practice to get a charcoal tablet to light. Actually, the trick is getting one to light without also burning your fingers. Tweezers help, or just light the tablet while it's sitting on a heat-proof holder or surface.
There are actually dozens of different kinds of resins, each with it's own qualities. In various Pagan practices, these are the most common:
Pine and cedar resin are extremely common since they come from common trees all through North America. Their hardened sap is used in many sorts of Native American rituals, particularly cleansing smudges. It's very purifying.
After that, most people are familiar with frankincense and myrrh as other spiritual resins. Myrrh comes from a tree found in many parts of Africa, but frankincense is a little rarer. It is found mainly in Somalia. They are both very spiritual resins and have close energy ties with the Sun. Sometimes, frankincense goes by the old name olibanum.
Copal is a South American type of resin, which also has cleansing and purification uses. Lastly, you may come across Dragon's Blood resin, which comes from an unusual tree on the island of Socatra. It's a very energetic resin, used to power, strength and love.
Next time you want to try something new in a ritual, try burning some resins to bring natural scent to your space.
SHARE
