Ayurvedic Incense – An Introduction
Posted by admin on Nov 23, 2009
Ayurveda, a Sanskrit name which means “knowledge” or “science of life”, is the science of living in harmony with nature. Developed thousands of years ago, it is a holistic system that provides a code of practice for a full and balanced life, with guidelines for diet, sleep, meditation, massage, oil baths, the use of herbs and yoga. Through its therapies, Ayurveda reaches all the different levels of the human being, balancing the body, mind and spirit.
Balancing the doshas
A core principle of Ayurveda is that the human body contains three bio-energies called doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), which, along with other elements, make up the mind and body. An imbalance of these doshas can lead to illness and maintaining or restoring the balance of the doshas is a fundamental purpose of Ayurvedic medicine.
The importance of burning incense
While the burning of any aromatic incense can promote well-being and enhance mood, the purpose of Ayurvedic incense is to have specific effects on the mind and body at a deeper level. In line with holistic principles of Ayurvedic medicine, herbs and other natural elements are combined in a way that can balance one or more dosha, thus creating a healthier mind and body.
Special preparation
The standard preparation of incense for aromatherapy purposes is quite simple. The base, usually a mixture of tree bark powder, sandal and ground vegetable coal, is mixed with water to form a paste, rolled, dried and then immersed in a compound of aromatic oils. Ayurvedic preparation differs in that natural essential oils are added before rolling. The paste is made from the base compound of aromatic elements extracted from roots, bark, fruit, and resin, mixed with water and then the blend of essential oils is added. The mixture is rolled and left to dry. This special preparation gives Ayurvedic incense a unique scented fragrance.
Examples of Ayurvedic Incense
Some examples of typical Ayurvedic incense preparations and their effects include:
- Costen: Has a refreshing effect and acts on a subtle level lifting the spirit.
- Jatamansi: Noted for its harmonising, sedative, and mental tuning properties.
- Juniper: Strengthens and uplifts the spirit. Cleanses the atmosphere and supports centering and meditation.
- Loban: Used in temples to create a devotional atmosphere. Purifies the consciousness and calms the mind.
- Myrrh: Increases powers of concentration. Helps to free repressed emotions.
- Sambrani: Induces serenity, removing negative thoughts and calming the nervous system. Often used in Indian temples and spiritual ceremonies.
- Triphala: One of the best-known and most important Ayurvedic preparations, with a harmonising effect on the three doshas.
By: Eileen Murphy
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with just a base massage oil such as sesame oil or almond oil, ayurvedic practitioners typically infuse the base oils with nourishing herbs and flowers. You’ll find ayurvedic, sandalwood , herbs such as Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, ..
Auromère Ayurvedic Imports released incense in a variety of fragrances and assortment packages. Made from fine essential oils, fragrant herbs, powders and resins, ranging from floral to the woody herbal scents, each stick is rolled by.
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Incense Sticks – History of Incense
Posted by admin on Nov 22, 2009
Those amazing sticks that are imbued with fragrant oils and are used to send forth aromatic wafts of curling smoke have a long history dating back to approximately 4000 BC, but seriously, we love incense for one reason and that’s because it smells wonderful. However, it’s important and sometimes a lot of fun to take a look at where these marvelous inventions that give us such pleasure came from.
Truly, since way before hippies and flower children were even a twinkle of a twinkle of a twinkle in their ancestor’s eye, incense has been used by the human race to cleanse the air with its purifying scents. Ancient civilizations and nearly all cultures have used incense in their religious rituals, embalming rites and in honor of their ancestors. There are even many references to incense in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
Okay, so, we’ve come to the conclusion that incense is really, really old, but now you might be asking yourself, “How is it made?” Well, the answer isn’t simple because it depends on what type of incense you’re talking about. Some incense sticks are made from different varieties of raw wood, herbs, sticks soaked in aromatic oils or even powders and pastes. But to keep things simple, let’s focus on stick incense that you burn, because that’s what people generally think of when they hear the word “incense”.
Modern incense just like ancient incense; has roughly five ingredients: aromatic powder, wood pulp, an adhesive or binder (probably gum arabic) and wood pulp. These ingredients are generally mixed together to form a paste that can be rolled onto a thin sandalwood stick. The mixture and stick are allowed to dry and voilá, incense! Commercially, the way incense is made is very similar, except that mechanical processes are used to take the wet incense mixture and form it around a cored stick or press it into a mold.
The great thing about incense is that you can generally find an aroma that suits your nose or your needs. Even better are the types of incense available. Incense sticks is probably the most popular form of incense, followed by cone-shaped incense. Both are easily burned and come in hundreds of different scents. Generally, these types of incense burn fairly quickly, maybe lasting from twenty to forty-minutes. If you want something that burns a lot slower, you may be interested in spiral incense. Amazingly, this stuff can burn for hours or even days!
The last type of incense that we’re going to look at is powdered incense. Most of the time, this incense is reserved for religious ceremonies. It takes a lot of prep time and it’s not exactly the most convenient type of incense to burn for those of us who are in a hurry or just want something we can light up with the quick flick of lighter or match.
Hopefully this has shed a bit of light on the wonderful world of incense. The next step you should take is to get out and make your own or find your favorite aromatic “flavour” and light it up.
By: Mark Miles
Incredible Language| All about Incense
Incense have been used in Many spiritual and non-religious activities around the universe for. Many hundreds of years. That is why from Ancient Rome to Asia, the leads of incense can be traced through history. … to light up a good 5-6 incense sticks or 3-4 incense blocks (which are stronger than the stick), place it near the bath tub while you slack with a hot water bath.
Unspoken Cinema: Mysterious Object At Noon
For a writer-director who has consistently soaked his films in the themes of permanence of history and mythology, recycling of human memories and behaviour and the existence of a common binding spirit across generations, this gesture … The vehicle is that of an incense and tuna fish seller. He is broadcasting an advertisement using loudspeakers attached to the car, endorsing his brand of incense sticks, citing its virtues, and asking people to use only this brand .
The GMGap Blog | All about Incense
Incense have been used in Galore divine and non-religious activities around the universe for. Many centuries. That is why from Ancient Rome to Asia, the tracks of incense can be described over history. The two … to light up a good 5-6 incense sticks or 3-4 incense blocks (which are stronger than the stick), place it near the bath tub while you loosen up with a hot water bath.
Original Root Zen Center:Celebrating Buddha’s
A: It goes way back in our history and it’s now the very smallest touch of the end of an incense stick that has been lit and burned out. In that moment of incense touching your skin, your mind is completely burn.
Plants, Herbs, and Roots for Prosperity
An ancient money and protection ritual is to stick an orange with the heads of cloves stuck on pins and hang it on a ribbon in the kitchen so your cupboards are never bare. Cinnamon: A very handy kitchen spice that can be used “in a pinch” to bring quick money, it can be bought as incense or burned on charcoal or sprinkled in a cash register or wallet to bring business.
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The Amazing History of the Incense Route
Posted by admin on Nov 21, 2009
If you enjoy the history of all things aromatic, the incense route through the Middle East is sure to tempt you with it’s stories of legendary caravans transporting incense, myrrh, gold and nearly everything of any value from Yemen to the Gaza port in Israel.
History of the Incense Route
The incense route, as it was nearly 2000 years ago, was a series of different routes extending from Egypt, Northeast Africa, India, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The predominant traffic coursed through these areas and provided a connection between the spice and silk trade of India, African gold and woods, along with myrrh and frankincense of the Middle East. Most of which eventually sailed from the port at Gaza toward the markets of the Roman Empire
During its busiest period, from roughly the 3rd century BCE until the 2nd century CE, the route flourished and was the hub of nearly all trade related to incense and spice over a more than 2400 km span of the Middle East, the northern coast of Africa and India.
Four cities, Avdat, Haluza, Mamshit and Shivta, located in the Negev Desert, all played important roles in the development of the Mediterranean terminus of the incense route. Because of the wealth derived from the trade and sale of goods along this trade route, these four cities flourished and were much more technologically advanced than most during that time period.
These areas featured the most advanced irrigation systems, fortresses and luxurious roadside inns for weary travellers. Many of these structures are still in place today and are worthwhile to look at as well as study for their historical value.
As you can well imagine life along the trade route, especially if you were part of a caravan carrying priceless valuables, was extremely dangerous on a day-to-day basis. There was the constant chance of ambush and robbery, not to mention the harsh environment of the desert. Anyone travelling with a caravan taking this route had to be alert at all times and have the ability to survive long days in desert heat and even longer freezing nights. However, the monetary gain was well worth these dangers and the demands it put upon those who travelled with these caravans. To be sure, it was literally, a hard road to travel.
The Incense Route Today
Today, many of the landmarks along the incense road have vanished. There are, however, a few examples of the opulence that once gained its wealth from the goods that were traded along it. These ruins feature fortresses, churches, merchant storefronts, bathhouses and guard towers, as well as man other interesting sites. Many of these areas are accessible by jeep or bus and can still be toured.
Today, we can find the incense and most of the exotic items that we’ve come to love at the local retail store or international specialty store. It’s hard to imagine those items travelling through dangerous kingdoms or caravans being plagued by ominous thieves in antiquity. But even then, our distant ancestors knew what we know today: There are some things in life that are worth the risk.
By: Mark Miles
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Regardless, the material used to make vegetable oil blend provides physical, emotional, mental and healing properties, not to mention a smell amazing. Therefore, as oil get inside the body, good things happen. …. If you think that incense is just a throw-back to the sixties, look again. Today’s incense goes further and reaches deeper. Incense – the ancient scents made from spices, fruits, herbs, and resins – brings together peoples and cultures from around the world. …
they first appear in the first century bce as possible creators of the fabled spice and incense route. the apparently were able to maintain way stations in the brutally dry desert by means of water storage and basic farming at these way …
Sea Incense – Route 204, use Surf on the lake’s southeast edge. Wave Incense – Route 210, use Waterfall on second Waterfall down the stream. Status Boosts Adamant Orb – Diamond only, after the battle with Dialga, run back up and past where he was, and take it. Black Belt – Route 221, …… Amazing, I know [And it REALLY does work, I'm living proof and so it my Lv 100 Bidoof, which is why I recomend an improbable [Actually impossible except with hacking] Lv 9> Azelf] …
Indonesia – Dragons, Waves, & Ganjek
Along the way, we were given a “history 101″ of Bali and Java by our cab driver Wayan. Bali, unlike the rest of Indonesia, is 90% Hindu. The remaining 10% being a mix of Muslim and Christian. In fact, before Islam took hold of most of Java, Sumatra, Lombok, and most other Indonesian … We also noticed that Balinese Hindus made daily offerings on the pavement in front of every shop, house, or hotel that usually combined incense and flowers on a wrapped banana leaf. …
The Incense Route – which carried precious cargoes of frankincense, myrrh, spices, ebony, silks and other fine textiles from the Near and Far East, through Arabia, Egypt and beyond to lands in the west, ran through Petra. …. I love reading about the history of that part of the world it is always so rich and I particulary like the way you’ve written it as opposed to one of the history books where one has to go back and forth with dates and names 
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An Insight on Burning of Incense
Posted by admin on Nov 21, 2009
Burning incense has been an important element of diverse spiritual occasions in Hinduism, Buddhism, and many other religions across the world. The pleasing fragrance emitting from the flaming incense has indirect influence in helping to eradicate negative spiritual thoughts. It actually helps in creating a feeling of sanctity and elicits the spiritual mood in you. Today it is considered as the major part of our rituals and used to cleanse the atmosphere and reduce tension and stress. There are many people around the globe who believe that the burning of incense has a curative affect and moreover its transient aroma creates an ambiance inspired with serenity, creativity and good health.
It has been for centuries, incense was burned in temples, gardens and till today it is used in many ritual occasions enhancing everything from holiness to well-being. Burning of incense has a great value in country like Japan, and is one of the few countries in the world to have an incense ceremony that promotes the practice of burning incense into a spiritual act, just as they have a tea ceremony. Some of the major benefits of burning incense or various qualities that were supposed to have been written by an anonymous Zen monk are:
1. It is considered to be a best escort to solitude and also brings vigilance.
2. In the center of activity it helps in bringing moment of peace.
The aromatic effect of incense offers harmony to the senses and said to have several other medicinal effects too. Many former civilizations used incense as herbal remedy for treating health disorders. Incense is also considered to be one of the main elements of meditation and is believed to dissipate negative energy. Burning of incense aids the mind to correlate the distinctive smell with an optimistic and composed mind.
However, do you know that it can release some unsafe pollutants when they are manufactured by low quality ingredients and can be unsafe especially for asthmatic patients? Hence, it is advisable to purchase incense from reliable and branded company. Moreover avoid burning incense especially in small rooms. For asthmatic patients, the best thing that you can do is to ensure that there is proper ventilation for free circulation of fresh air. Keep the windows and doors open at that time. Always place an incense stick in secure position to evade fire or probable harm to people.
Subsequently over the centuries, incense has always retained its importance and valued in making a pleasurable atmosphere in the home. Though there are some factors that indicate that the burning of incense may not be good for asthmatic patients, some simple precautions can help in experiencing various benefits of incense. Today, burning of incense signifies the fanaticism of faith on God, its smell echoes the “odor of holiness” supposed to be emanated by saints, and its smoke indicates the ascent of prayers to adobe.
By: Aggarwaloverseas
Incense and Oils | Green Witch Coven
Dwellings can be cleared of ghosts by burning the root as an incense or making an infusion and sprinkling about the house. BLACKBERRY Healing, money, protection. Black Sampson(Echinacea):
View topic – Fire at 654 St. Marks.
The word is that the fire was caused by burning incense. (either the incense fell on the floor and the rug caught fire or something else.) There were numerous complaints in the building as to the amount of incense being burned .
Listen to Relaxation Music: Boost Your Health
For instance, a slow, rhythmic oriental music track is best used in tandem with burning incense and candlelight. When you have trouble sleeping at night, try some oriental piece of music with some aromatherapy candles or incense burning ..
The IHOP cult code language « End Times Prophetic, Prophecy
Burning coal. Burning fire on an altar. Burning a city. Burning with anger. Burning sulfur. Burning fire in hell. Burning incense. Burning bush. Burning zeal. Burning like an oven. Burning stick.
November 2009 Sudan: Whirling Dervishes and Pyramids at Merowe
At the end of the ceremony, an elder walks around the circle with burning incense, a mixture of frankincense and gum arabic, and blesses the chanters and the crowds that gather. On the week that we went, there were about 300 Sudanese …
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Hadhramawt – The Frankincense-bearing Country
Posted by admin on Aug 17, 2009
Hadhramawt was called in a purely narrative but most attractive way, the Frankincense-bearing country (in Greek: ‘he Libanotoforos Khora’), in the Late Antiquity.
As far as the history of Yemen is concerned, the ‘Periplus of the Red Sea’ is a valuable source of information – among many other similar sources – written in Ancient Greek by an Egyptian captain and merchant of Alexandria in the second half of the 1st CE.
The text offers no less than 19 of its 66 paragraphs to the area of the then Yemenite states and of their colonies on the Eastern Coast of Africa. If we only count that the text starts with the description of the Red Sea coast of Egypt and goes down to the coast of today’s Tanzania, and then it continues with the narration of details about the coast of Arabia, and – after Yemen – the Persian Gulf, the coast of Persia, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, finally ending with a brief account of the way to reach China through Indochina, we deduce that the significance of Yemen within the East – West trade and navigation must have been seminal.
One perhaps may contend that this was the anonymous author’s interest or knowledge, but there is no point in this. The author knew all the details known to then leading figures of the Trade between East and West, captains and merchants. Furthermore, his text was meant to be a sailor’s and a merchant’s guide. It should be accurate and objective. Otherwise, it would become obsolete very soon. What is even more fascinating with the ‘Periplus of the Red Sea’ is the fact that it delieates a historical frame of the trade between East and West, which lasted for about a millennium (approximately, since the end of the 1st Ptolemaic century down to the beginning of Islam).
There were certainly various turning points during this long period, namely the rise of Ptolemaic interest for trade and political relations with India, the end of the Qatabani control, the end of Sabaean – Himyarite control, the rise of Sassanid Iran, and its involvement in the Horn of Africa area, the rise of Christian Axumite Abyssinia, the Eastern Roman – Axumite coalition against Iran, the temporary Abyssinian invasion of Yemen, the Persian occupation of Yemen and expulsion of the Axumite armies, etc. However, during all this period, the major outlines given by the text of the ‘Periplus of the Red Sea’ regarding the navigation and the trade in this vast area remained almost unchanged!
Eleazos, king at Shabwa, the capital of the ‘Libanotoforos Khora’
In previous articles, we translated integrally and analyzed the excerpts of the text relating to the navigation throughout the eastern coast of the Red Sea, and through the Bab al Mandeb straits up to Aden. We focused on references to Mouza (al Mokha), Okelis, Diodorus’ island (Perim), and Felix Arabia (Aden), an entire area that belonged to king Kharibael, who was ruling ‘by law’ the two peoples, namely the Sabaeans and the Himyarites.
Today, we will ‘visit’ another ancient Yemenite state, Hadhramawt, which is called by the author in a purely narrative but most attractive way, the Frankincense-bearing country (in Greek: ‘he Libanotoforos Khora’). The text covers three and a half paragraphs (27 to 30), and reads as follows:
“Immediately after Arabia Felix, is located a long coast and a gulf for more than 2000 stades length. The Nomads and the Ichthyophagoi (Fish-eaters) inhabit these areas, gathered in small towns. Beyond the end of the gulf is located Kane, another coastal port of call, which belongs to the Frankincense-bearing country, where reigns Eleazos. Nearby lie two uninhabited islands, the island of the Birds, and Troullas, in a distance of 120 stades from Kane. Deep in the inland, is located Saubatha, the capital of the kingdom, where resides the king. All the frankincense produced throughout the country is transported to Kane that serves as the main storehouse. There are many ways of transportation, either loaded on camels, or laden on small vessels made out of leather paraphernalia, or fraught on ships. Kane has strong contacts with the ports of call on the other side of the sea, with Barygaza, as well as with the harbours of Scythia, Omana and the neighboring Persia”.
In this text, we get valuable details about the area at the east of present day Aden. As it comes out, we realize that the kingdom of Kharibael, who united Sabaeans and Himyarites under his scepter, was extended at the area of the modern Northern Yemenite state, encompassing in addition the area around Aden. As we are going to see later on, a similar land expansion towards the east characterized the neighboring state of Eleazos, the Frankincense-bearing country, i.e. the second Yemenite state of those days. This state comprised most of the surface of the 20th c. South Yemenite state (except the area of Aden), and in addition the entire area of Dhofar, therefore including a large part of today’s Oman in its territories.
Hadhrami contacts with the Indo-Parthian state, Scythia, and Ariake
Very interesting information is given through the statement that Kane had strong contacts with the harbours of Omana (i.e. the eastern area of the present day Oman), Persia, and Scythia. By this name, the author identifies the Scythian state that was formed after the collapse of the Hellenistic state of Bactria, at the area of today’s Afghanistan and Pakistani Baluchistan, since the area of Gedrosia, i.e. the Iranian part of Baluchistan, belonged then to the ‘Indo-Parthian’ state, a small tributary state to the Arsacid Iran.
The Periplus names Minnagar as capital of Scythia, and Barbarikon as main harbour and port of call, at the area of present day Karachi, not far from the estuary of Indus river, ‘Sinthos’ according to the author of the text. As far as Barygaza is concerned, the last port of call with which Kane had strong contacts, it is identified with Bharu Katzha of the Sanskrit texts, in the north of present day Mumbai, at the estuary of Narmada river that divides India into the North and the South (Dekkan).
Barygaza/Mumbai belongs already to the Ariake, the Indo-European state of Manbanos, and with this state ‘starts’ India. It is interesting to note here that the author refers again to Kane, when describing Barygaza (paragraph 57), in order to give insightful details about sailing straight from Kane to Barygaza and crossing the ocean, in order to save time and to avoid various coastal dangers.
However all these contacts signify the involvement of various kingdoms in the Yemenite Frankincense. Iran, the Indo-Parthian state, Scythia, the Indian states, and the tiny Omana state, were all interested in purchasing frankincense for their royal, sacerdotal and social use. It was not only Rome and Iran, the two big states, that were concerned in this regard. However, we have reason to believe that the Roman acquaintance with the Oriental royal courts’ formalities changed the old austere Romans customs and habitudes to such extent that a very great Roman interest was expressed towards incense use.
Kane – Husn al Ghurab, the source of the frankincense trade network
Through the text we realize that the two main ports of call in the southern Yemenite coast, Felix Arabia (Aden) and Kane (Husn al Ghurab), belonged to two different kingdoms, but yet they were separated by a small buffer area, 2000 stades long, which was inhabited by the Nomads and the Ichthyophagoi (Fish-eaters).
Similar cases we meet several times in the text of the Periplus with references to Ichthyophagoi and Moschophagoi (lamb-eaters), as for instance in the coast of today’s Egypt and Sudan, in the south of the last Egyptian port of call, Berenice, and in the north of the Egyptian (Ptolemaic and Roman) colony Ptolemais Theron (today’s Suakin, 50 km in the south of Port Sudan). The terms are absolutely socio-anthropological and not ethnic – linguistic. It would be an aberration to consider that the Ichthyophagoi in the north of Ptolemais Theron – Suakin and the Ichthyophagoi in the east of Arabia Felix – Aden have any sort of possible interconnection or relationship.
The two islands mentioned by the author, the island of the Birds and Troullas, correspond to the major two of the four islands at the west and at the east of present day Bir Ali, the city near Husn al Ghurab. At this point we should refer to a publication of the Yemen Times (Issue 08 – Thursday 23rd February 1998, Vol VIII) under title ‘Qana reveals its secrets’, in which Ismail Al-Ghabiry gave insightful information about the recent French – Russian excavations and findings. What the author calls ‘island of the Birds’ corresponds perhaps to the Halaniya island.
Suddenly and unexpectedly, we come across a high place of one of the most valuable commodities of the Antiquity, the Frankincense, at the very epicenter of the Incense Maritime Road, Kane. The importance of the place is counterweighted only by that of the capital, where Eleazos dwells.
Saubatha is no other than modern times Shabwa, a major Hadhramawt city. As the text states that the frankincense is transported to Kane via land or sea, we understand that we arrived at the very area of frankincense cultivation, the coast and part of the inland of Hadhramawt.
Certainly, within the text of the ‘Periplus of the Red Sea’ we have references to other ports of call where frankincense, myrrh or other types of incense were available in the market, but none is described in the way Kane is. The name of the country adds to this feeling as well.
Although the adjective ‘Adhramotites’ (Hadhramis) existed in Ancient Greek, the author of the ‘Periplus of the Red Sea’ prefers to name the entire kingdom of Hadhramawt after its main agricultural commodity, i.e. frankincense.
The market of Kane
Paragraph 28 gives us insightful information on the trade and the merchandises that can be found in the port of call Kane. The text reads as follows:
“Here is imported from Egypt limited quantity of wheat and wine, as precisely is the case at Mouza, and in addition one can find types of Yemenite clothing, either with the common decoration or without decoration or with stamped decoration that is the largest part of the trade. Equally imported are copper, tin, corals and styrax officinalis, as well as all sorts of merchandises imported at Mouza. For the king are made available silverware with curved decoration, currency in cash, and in addition horses, statues, and several types of clothing without decoration. The correct time to sail from Egypt until here is the same as we mentioned for Mouza, and even earlier”.
These references to the Kane trade center help us understand its real significance, and make appropriate comparisons. Kane was not as rich as Mouza (Al Mokha) as a port of call, but it definitely held the undisputedly central position in the frankincense trade. The kingdom of Eleazos seems simpler and less exquisite, if compared to that of Kharibael, i.e. the united Sheba and Himyar. This is stressed by the fact that Eleazos’ court did not have high level sculptors and artists, and the kingdom was purchasing (in form of taxes) statues. The taxes extracted by Eleazos would certainly not be envied by Kharibael!
However, at this point, we have good reason to feel that the author fell victim of the smart and sophisticated Eleazos’ intelligence service. The continuation of text brings forth such information that makes any philologist eager to interpret the traditional frankincense trade state strategy of Eleazos.
The mystical land of frankincense cultivation
Paragraph 29 describes the easternmost confines of the Hadhramawti coast, where the main cultivation and production of frankincense was taking place. The text reads as follows:
“Beyond Kane, the coast looks more coiled, and there another gulf is formed; it is very open, and it is called Sahalites. This is the precise location of the Frankincense-bearing land, which is mountainous and difficult to traverse. The atmosphere is very heavy and the weather is constantly cloudy; the wind blows to the direction of the trees that bear the frankincense. The trees are not big or tall. On their trunks, flows progressively the opaque frankincense, as flows the gum from the trees that produce it in our country, in Egypt. All the work of the collection and the transportation of the frankincense is the work of the servants of the king, as well as of all those who have been condemned to forced works. These parts of the world are very detrimental to the health, perilous for contagions to the navigators, and fatal for those working there, since – in addition to all the rest – they face extreme difficulties ensuring food provisions”.
We reach therefore the area of present day Al Mukallah, and its truly ‘very open’ gulf. The author calls the gulf and the coastal area Sahalites, but there is no mention to village, town or city.
This paragraph ends with an international aperture in regards to the literature of the world of frankincense and spices. This is the starting point for a long series of similar literatures related to the incense trade and to the cultivation of aromatic trees’.
Since these commodities became more and more demanded by kings and emperors, courts, temples, as well as simple citizens of a ‘global’ incense civilization, the authorities of the Frankincense-bearing country (‘he Libanotoforos Khora’) took special measures in order to prevent foreign powers’ agents, soldiers, merchants, and navigators from having any direct access to the cultivation and production area, so that the privilege and the ensuing wealth be permanently ensured for the kings of the Frankincense-bearing country.
In this regard myths have been created about the inaccessibility, the unfriendly, unhealthy, and otherwise awesome character of the frankincense cultivation and production area.
This literature was not limited to the frankincense cultivation and production, but spread to all highly appreciated aromatic products and items, spices, and silk, as far as textiles are concerned.
Useless to say it, the motif was not a ‘topos’ or a pattern within Ancient Greek literature, but spread among all literatures of the world. It seems that more the demand was pressing, more elaborate and perplex became the myths compiled.
Of course, the feeling of awe became thus omnipresent, absolutely inevitable, and more convincingly mythologized, involving dragons, winged snakes, griffons, flying cats, and all sorts of human imaginative and narrative skills. The conviction left with the ancient readers should be such that they would be categorically disoriented from paying a visit to those lands…
What is quite striking with the description of the author of ‘Periplus of the Red Sea’ is that, although he seems to have fallen a victim to the Hadhramawt Frankincense bearing state’s propaganda, he gives accurate and pertinent physical details, namely that the trees are not big, and that the opaque frankincense flows progressively on their trunks, etc.
At the eastern confines of Yemen
Paragraph 30 completes in its first part, the narration about the eastern coast of Dhofar, allowing the author to focus on Omana throughout paragraphs 32 and 33. We finish our itinerary through sailing around these precincts; the text reads as follows:
“Beyond this gulf, in the east, a great promontory is formed, ending in the cape that is called Syagros. There is erected a great castle that is necessary for the defense of the land. In front of the castle are located the harbor and the storehouses where the congregated frankincense is collected”.
The rest of paragraph 30 serves the author to narrate details concerning the ‘Dioskouridou nesos’, i.e. the Suqutra (Soqotra, Socotra) island. And then the text continues with paragraph 31 that concerns Omana, i.e. the eastern part of the present day Oman.
Syagros means in Ancient Greek ‘wild boar’, and in this regard, the topographical data contribute to the concept of the frankincense land’s inaccessibility, although the reference to a great castle may truly correspond to real facts. We can assume that the Hadhrami state had some basic points of defense, since the vicinity of Iran could cause a problem, especially if we take into consideration that the eastern confines of present day Oman belonged always to Iran. Syagros is to be located at the present day Ras Fartak.
By : Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatic
Socotra-Dioskouridou Island, Exemplary Multicultural Society
Through the aforementioned text, we realize that Socotra belonged to the king of Hadhramawt (Frankincense-bearing country) who had his capital at Saubatha (Shabwa), and his main harbour – port of call at Kane (Husn al Ghurab,
Somalia as Part of the East – West Trade during the Antiquity
Similarly, the Hadhramawt Kingdom (’I Libanotoforos Khora’, i.e. the Frankincense-bearing Country) owed the island of Socotra (’Dioskouridou Nesos’/island, according to the text) as colony. In a series of articles, we will publish,
Freedom and Independence for Mahra – South Yemen
The Southern Yemenites are mostly the descendents of the Ancient Hadhramawt that the Periplus of the Red Sea names ‘Frankincense bearing country’ (Livanotoforos Khora); not only the preservation of the Ancient Yemenite languages
Somalia, the Other Berberia, Abyssinia, Yemen and the Periplus
the power of the Hadhramawt Kingdom (named ‘I Libanotoforos Khora’, the Frankincense Bearing Country, by the author of the Periplus of the Red Sea) or – the rather limited state structure of Axumite Abyssinia, …
The West’s Ethiopian Aberration – fravahr.org
In addition to them, the Himyarite-Sheba alliance that had eradicate the great maritime Yemenite state of Qataban, and the Hadhramawt kingdom (known as Libanotoforos Khora, Frankincense-bearing Country) had good relations with
3 Reasons Why Nag Champa Incense Sticks Are Symbolic
Posted by admin on Aug 4, 2009
Nag Champa incense sticks are known the world over for their exquisite quality, and for those looking for incense sticks or incense cones, Nag Champa is definitely the name to look out for. Combining evocative fragrances that transport you to a calmer world, with safety and reliability as standard, Nag Champa are relied upon by many worshippers as well as those who simply enjoy the fragrance of incense in the home.
Burning incense sticks, or powdered incense in some cases, has long been associated with religious ceremonies, and most religions in the world use incense in one form or another – sometimes to mark special occasions, or perhaps more regularly. But why has incense become so popular as part of spiritual ceremonies?
The first reason is a symbolic one. The burning of incense sticks or incense cones releases a beautiful, slowly rising smoke. As this smoke rises, permeating the air, it is believed that it rises up through the world above us, to the kingdom of the gods themselves. Whoever your god or gods may be, most religions perceive the realm of deities to be above us, and so the smoke is seen to rise towards the deities.
As the smoke rises, prayers are said, in the hope that the smoke will carry the words up towards the gods, helping them to receive your message more effectively. How symbolic this is to you, or to different religions is hard to say – some take it literally, others like the symbolism, and others tend not to take this idea too seriously. But whatever your views, it is a beautiful image, and it’s easy to see why burning incense might be considered appropriate with this in mind.
The second reason, closely related to this, is that the burning of incense cones, or incense oils creates a beautiful fragrance which rises with the smoke, and represents an offering to the gods. Money and other physical, material gifts can seem rather hard to give to deities, since it seems to stay where it is. But beautiful, quality fragrances such as Nag Champa incense sticks or cones clearly rise ever upwards, and represent a more appropriate gift or offering.
The third reason why incense is so popular within religious or spiritual ceremonies is that the fragrance itself feels pure, cleansing the air of toxins, bad odours and improving the overall atmosphere. One can hardly concentrate on worship with the smell of dinner still lingering, or of people nearby who really ought to have showered more recently! The smell of incense carries one away from the smells and odours of the day, and allows concentration on the gods, the offerings or the ceremony.
Of course, it’s always important to make sure that whenever you burn incense sticks at home you take great care, and Nag Champa incense sticks are often chosen because they do not crumble or break, offering a reliable, clean and smooth burn along the length of the stick. Cheaper sticks may break, bend or weaken, but Nag Champa have crafted their incense sticks and incense cones using the finest materials, offering fragrances that are simply divine, and safety you can rely on, allowing you to concentrate more fully on your ceremony.
By: Justin Arnold
Genuine Nag Champa Incense Sticks
Genuine Nag Champa uplifts the mood and causes a spiritual alteration. The subtle power of fragrances creates an aromatic ambiance and balances and harmonizes the body. Burning of incense sticks helps to eradicate negative energy…
We currently stock the following Nag Champa products: Nag Champa Soaps. Orange; Herbal; Super Hit; Fresh Rose; Banana; Lime. Each soap is individually packagedr. Nag Champa incense sticks. Nag Champa dhoop cones. Nag Champa Simmering …
Satya Sai Baba Nag Champa Incense – Rum Baba | Citronella Incense
Wholesale Incense ~ full nag champa incense sticks and cones range for … Wholesale Incense ~ full nag champa incense sticks and … Nag Champa Incense. Satya Sai Baba Incense. Loose Incense. Wholesale Incense. Incense Gift Sets . …
Genuine Nag Champa Incense Sticks
Burn the incense to their duration, which is generally about 7-10 minutes in order to get a feel of the fragrance. If it suits your taste and make and rejuvenates your mind and soul, opt for it.
Choosing Quality Incense Stiks
Good quality incense sticks at an afforadable price include Nag Champa, Tulasi Incense and Wild Berry Incense. Mystic Isle Incense is an Indian import.
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Fragrance of Indian Incense
Posted by admin on Jun 29, 2009
Incense is one of the oldest forms of Aromatherapy. The fragrance from incense can instantly change your mood and can create a different atmosphere. India is a land of culture and has a rich tradition of incense making, which goes back to many centuries.
There are many types of Indian incense that have different scents and are rarely found in any other part of the world. Made from fine essential oils, aromatic herbs, powders and resins, Indian incense ranges from heavenly floral fragrances to down-to-earth woody and herbal scents. According to a research, Indian incense industry supplies up to 60% of the world incense market. Some of the well known types of that are preferred by people in many regions across the globe are Nag Champa Incense, Auroshikha Incense, Hem Incense and many more.
“Auroshikha Incense“, is made from herbs, fragrant woods, resins and essential oils. It is prepared by blending various ingredients like natural vital oils, flowers, spices, and other sweet-smelling substances. This incense usually contains little or no liquid scents which can evaporate or diminish over time. In addition to this “Hem Incense“, is made from selected woods, resins, floral and fine essential oils and blended skillfully with expert care. “Nag Champa Incense“, is next well known fragrance from India. It is made from a flower called – Champa and has a smell of sandalwood. It contains a natural ingredient called Halmaddi.
In this modern age people across the world-wide regions use Indian incense in their homes to create a desired atmosphere. Enhancing everything from spirituality, romance to well-being; incense has the ability to bring the richness of past traditions. Enjoying Indian Incenses, while working or relaxing can make many ordinary activities seem special. In a present time incense is not only for pleasant smell but has become a mode to refresh your mind and soul.
Author: Singh Vineet
Vanda Kultana Indian Incense x Kultana Fragrance
orchid_karma posted a photo: Vanda Kultana Indian Incense x Kultana Fragrance. 2009-05-25 #87 Visit my orchid blog for more: www.orchidkarma.com.
Supplier of Indian Incense Sticks
Bajaj Group of India is professionally manufacturer and supplier of fragrance incense stick as well as perfumery (Agarbatti / Joss ) since 1978. Company initially started from Silliguri (Bangal). Bajaj group of India supplies 105 types …
Comment on Hall of Fame: Indian Incense by Pinjie
I wonder if it’s possible to indicate whether a particular product has bamboo cores or not? I always wanted to try Indian incense but was intimidated by the cores and the synthetic fragrance.
Incense Tibet is like an “earth mother” scent to my nose that almost identifies the night smells in the countryside of India. I have a bottle and enjoy the fragrance, but if you can apply gender to a fragrance this one tends slightly …
Shivam: a whole message in an incense stick
It is the smell of Vibhuti — the ash that is applied on the forehead — and it is a very powerful fragrance characteristic of most South Indian temples… I have visited most temples in Tamil Nadu, thanks to my father who was very much …
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Sandalwood Oil – Aromatherapy For The Mind, Body, And Spirit
Posted by admin on Jun 27, 2009
Sandalwood is one of the world’s most widely used essential oils, prized for its scent in perfumery, for its therapeutic effects in Chinese, Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine systems, and for its ability to center the mind in meditative yogic traditions.
Sandalwood essential oil is most often extracted via steam distillation from the wood of the Sandalwood tree, with the heartwood of the roots producing the highest quality oil. Sandalwood is an evergreen, growing to a height of 9 meters, with leathery leaves and small purple flowers. Native to southern tropical Asia, the tree is parasitic, gaining its nutrients from one of several other tree species. Because it can only be grown this way, and due to its seemingly strict set of environmental conditions, Sandalwood is difficult to propagate. To add to the challenge of successful cultivation, Sandalwood takes nearly 30 years to mature before yielding oil of any worth.
Sandalwood essential oil has a woody, balsamic, sweet and slightly musky aroma; it is a pale yellow, greenish or brownish liquid with excellent tenacity (the aroma tends to last a long time) and superior fixative properties. There are several varieties available, with Santalum album is considered the most important therapeutically. The Mysore region of eastern India is thought to produce the highest quality of this oil type, though its harvesting is creating a strain on the area’s natural environment. Recently, an oil of the austrocaledonia species has been produced on the South Pacific island of Vanuatu from successfully cultivated Sandalwood trees. This oil has a fantastic aroma, with a woody, smoky scent that can remind one of being at the beach – an excellent base note in perfume and cosmetic blends.
In the West, Sandalwood oil is perhaps best known in the west as a natural, woody, sweet body perfume used ‘as is’, or as a familiar aroma in many cosmetics, aftershaves and the like. In the east, however, Sandalwood’s importance in cultural and spiritual traditions cannot be overstated. The wood is carved into furniture, religious icons, used to build temples and burned as incense in a great variety of ceremonies. The oil is used to anoint the dead, helping their transition to the next life. In Burma, women sprinkle it on passersby on the last day of the year for the release of sins. In Hindu marriages, Sandalwood is burned in a tent such that the smoke surrounds the bridal couple. For the meditative yogi, the oil and incense encourage a serene state of mind, supporting alignment of the individual with the universal Self.
In the traditional Indian medicine system of Ayurveda, Sandalwood is valued for it’s ability to cool the fire of pitta. It is indicated for inflammatory conditions, such as inflamed skin, or intestinal and genitor-urinary conditions that require cooling. Modern aromatherapy considers the oil an effective skin care agent for dry skin, general irritation and acne; it can help in cases of bronchitis, catarrh, dry persistent coughs, laryngitis and sore throat; it may relieve diarrhea and nausea, and can be supportive in cases of cystitis.
Beyond the physical body, Sandalwood essential oil is a great tonic for the hyper-active mind. In practical terms, the oil is considered an anti-depressant through it’s ability to relieve hot, agitated emotional states, and to assist in release from over-thinking and worry. More esoterically, the aroma is considered ‘divinely sweet’ and softly balsamic, characteristics which evoke the grounding of the Earth element. It is said to release one from the ‘tyranny of the intellect’ which can cloud one’s true nature, bringing about a more serene state unifying body, mind and spirit. From this quiet, unified state comes forth the true creative mind, finding infinite possibility in the here and now. It is in this peaceful, unified state where meditation can affect profound transformation.
Recommended essential oil blends for calming the mind are as follows – these can be used for general massage, reflexology, or applied to pulse points and temples: For ‘obsessive’ thinking, try four (4) drops of Sandalwood and two (2) drops of Vetiver in one tablespoon of carrier; for a detached analytical state try three (3) drops Geranium, two (2) drops Sandalwood and one (1) drop Patchouli in one tablespoon of carrier. These blends can also be created for use in a diffuser by omitting the carrier oil. For a great perfume also with soothing qualities, combine three parts Sandalwood and two parts Vanilla oil – the blend produces a wonderful tropical island aroma.
Finally, Sandalwood is one of the few essential oils which improves with age. Due to increasing demand, the oil’s price is climbing significantly every year – it can be worthwhile to purchase a little more than you think you’ll need immediately, as storing it for some time will only result in a richer oil in the future. Of course, samples are also a great place to start, as you can first find a Sandalwood that truly suits you.
by: Misty Rae Cech,ND
The Best Natural Products for Body, Mind, and Spirit
… and Sandalwood relax the body and mind, elevate your spirit, and lift depression. Because most of the oils that you need for practicing aromatherapy are widely available, you don’t have to search high and low for good products. …
Uniquely Covered: Sandalwood Essential Oil
Health Benefits of Essential Oils: Learn how to nurture your mind, body & spirit naturally. Essential Oil-Testimonials Users of Essential oils share their testimonies. Young Living Essential Oils Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils …
Essential Wellness: Many Uses for Marjoram Essential Oil
Lavender, sweet marjoram, roman chamomile, ylang ylang, sandalwood and vanilla bean create a subtle aroma ideal for aromatic diffusion or topical application. Applied to the bottom of the feet at bedtime, Serenity is an excellent way to …. Whether it is diffused into the environment or applied topically, its benefits are far reaching and healing to mind, body, and spirit. Apply Lavender to the bottom of your feet or on your temples and neck for a calming and relaxing …
This is a disease that affects body/mind/spirit and needs to be treated as such. The benefits of complementary medicine is actually the fact that it does not include pharamaceutical interventioins or surgery which both have serious side … Other anti-inflammatory oils include nutmeg, balsam fir, white fir, and wintergreen. For Stress/Anxiety Relief: Rose, frankincense, clary sage, sweet orange, bergamot, grapefruit, ylang ylang, sandalwood, neroli, marjoram, petitgrain, …
aromatherapy. What exactly is Aromatherapy? It is the art and science of using essentials oils – which are the aromatic extracts of plants and flowers – to positively influence mind, body and spirit. The highly concentrated oil extracts …. From the heartwood of mature trees in southern India, sandalwood has been used for thousands of years-particularly as a sensual oil. Its sweet, woody aroma is said to quiet the mind and help one to focus on the present in meditation. …
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Nag Champa Incense – Mind, Body and Soul
Posted by admin on Jun 24, 2009
Nagchampa is considered as one of the most fascinating incense of Indian origin. It bears its importance since ancient days when the people used to burn incense woods on religious ceremony and prayers. Since then it has evolved along the generations and now is used globally due to its fragrance.
So what’s exactly is Nagchampa, it is an aromatic blend of resins, gums, spices, flowers and oils with a wonderful after-aroma. It is commercially available in the form of incense sticks and cones besides this it is found in soap, perfume oils and incense candles.
In soap base, nag champa oil mixed with natural herbs acts as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericidal, fungicidal, action on the skin. It helps to remove scars, stretch mark and slack tissues and makes the skin wrinkle free and natural. Nag champa sachet can now be used at the places where burning of a stick is not possible like in cars. This helps to refresh mood and increases concentration while driving. As the fragrance has deep impact on ones mind, body and soul; Incense’s Fragrances are now used a lot in Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy helps to control stress of day-to-day life. Nag champa candles not only provide light but also refreshes the air in the room with its sweet fragrance.
Historically Nag Champa belongs to the “Champa” class of Indian incense, having its origin from the Champa flower. Nag Champa incenses contains natural vernacular ingredient of India called “Halmaddi”, which is a semi-liquid resin obtained from the Ailanthus Malabarica tree which ultimately gives Nag Champa its characteristic grey color.
There is an exclusive position for Nag champa in Hindu religion where it is considered as sacred and is always used in religious ceremony or event. Nagchampa has been appreciated for centuries as exceptional quality incense for calming meditation and for creating sacred spaces. It has a strong fragrant with long lasting effect, as a result the scent will linger in your room for hours.
Nagchampa finds its applications in:
- Religious Ceremonies
- Morning Prayers
- General Fragrance in Houses / Offices
- Special Events
- Bath & Body etc.
It is an assumption that Nag champa is used only in Indian Markets, but stats has shown that the product pertaining to Nag Champa is of high demand in the Western World including North America. It is much more preferred than the artificial perfumes because of the Nagchampa natural behavior and is highly used in gifts pack for gifting on special occasions.
Author: Singh Vineet
Nag Champa Incense – Mind, Body and Soul
In soap base, nag champa oil mixed with natural herbs acts as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericidal, fungicidal, action on the skin. It helps to remove scars, stretch mark and slack tissues and makes the skin wrinkle free and …
I love hugs, and rainbows, and kittens, and Nag Champa, I really do! The sad part is that I sound sarcastic, but I’m really serious, just like when I tell people that my favorite movie is Legally Blonde and they don’t believe me. …. peace sign sticker, some random sun sticker thing, a random acts of kindness one … you get it. i do still shave things on my body though … for anyone interested in TMI. mind you with some local yokel soap bar, sometimes patchouli…. ;
Enhancing Body Mind Spirit Balance
Sing, hum, or whistle, recite a poem, dance, paint a picture, laugh, smell the flowers, express your- (soul) self in creative ways. The human mind has almost limitless potential. Develop an Attitude of Gratitude. It may sound cheesy, … Aromatherapy, incense, or smudges can be used for shifting energy and cleansing the aura (enhancing the body mind spirit relationship). Traditional herbs used include cinnamon, eucalyptus, frankincense, nag champa, cedar, and sage.
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to aid in the balancing of the body, mind, and spirit. Many energy healing practitioners and massage therapists use aromatherapy as an adjunct to their other healing modalities. The most common aromatherapy ….. When choosing an incense for spiritual practices it is best to pick a brand that uses natural essences instead of synthetic. Personal brand favorites are Satya Sai Baba Nag Champa, Song of India, Shoyeido, and Maroma.
Nag Champa Incense – Mind, Body and Soul
Nag champa sachet can now be used at the places where burning of a stick is not possible like in cars. This helps to refresh mood and increases concentration while driving. As the fragrance has deep impact on ones mind, body and soul; …
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A Smudging Purification Ritual
Posted by admin on Jun 17, 2009
Smudging with smudge sticks is one of the best ways to remove negativity, negative forces, and unwanted energies from your home.
There are many different ways you can perform a smudging ritual or ceremony on your home that is quick, safe, and effective, however this post will go into just one general ritual that basically anyone can do and use as long as they have the proper smudging materials needed to perform it.
Step 1 Gather Smudging Tools
Smudge Sticks
The most important thing you will need to begin a smudging ritual for your home will be a smudge stick. Smudge sticks are normally hand made and rolled, and tightly tied together by yarn or string. There many different variations, scents, and herbs that are used in the making of a smudge stick, however, sage is the most common one used because sage is one of the most potent negativity killers out there today and has been for hundreds of years.
Incense
Another added benefit you can have while you are performing your smudging ceremony would be to obtain some incense. Incense comes in many different scents and varieties like smudge sticks, including cones, sticks, and pure natural granular incense. Any of the three will do, however we find that the more natural the better. Natural granular incense however will need to be burned different then cone or sticks. If you are going to use granular incense you will need some charcoal and an incense burner. You light the charcoal first outside the incense burner holding the charcoal with a pair of tongs so you don’t get burned. Once the charcoal is lit make sure it is smoking regularly and then place it into your incense burner. Next, place your granular incense ontop of the charcoal and then if you have some sand, or gravel, or small pebbles, you can place this over the charcoal and the incense in a mound shape but ensure the smoke can rise from it.
Some scents you can use along with your smudge stick for incense would be sage, cedar, banishing, purification, water(element incense), sweetgrass, copal, dragon’s blood, and lavender are some of the most effective.
Before you work with your smudge stick, it is best to place whatever incense you are using into each room of the home and let it burn with the windows open if there are windows in that room.
Gemstones
Another tool you can use along side your incense and smudge stick would be some gemstones. Gemstones are a powerful tool in cleansing. The energies within the stones can be potent, and depending on the size of the gemstone(the larger the more energy it will have) you can have an amazing purifying source in the gemstones. Some gemstones for purification and cleansing purposes are quartz, citrine, amethyst, and malachite. If you happen to have enough stones place one into every room of your home along side the incense. If you only have one stone or only have the means to have one, then you can carry it with you while you perform the smudging ritual.
Step 2 Begin your Smudging Ritual
The first step with this ritual if you have incense in every room would be to light all the incense and make sure they are burning with all the windows you have in your wide open, the curtains and blind1ff8s up.
The next step is to make sure your gemstones are in place next to your incense.
Whenever this particular ritual is performed, it is performed during the day, preferably on a sunny day. The sun and light will help you in this ritual to purge the dark energies and negative forces out of the home.
When you have that all completed, the next step is to go to your front door and hold your smudge stick in your dominate hand. Next, light the smudge stick and let it smolder and smoke real good. The best way to light a smudge stick is to use an enlongated lighter that you would use to light candles or pilot lights in stoves.
Once your smudge stick is smoldering and smoking and really good, keep that lighter on you(and your gemstone if you only have one, keep it in a pocket or in your hand whichever you prefer as long as it is close to you) and begin to walk around the first room that your front door is in. As you walk through each room say a prayer and say it with POWER and STRENGTH. One such prayer you can use is:
“Negativity that invades my sacred place
I banish you away with the light of my grace
You have no hold or power here
For I stand and face you with no fear
Be gone forever, for this I will say
This is my sacred place and you will obay”
Again this is just an example, you can use your own or this one, whichever you prefer. Once you are done with that room, go on to the next room, and the next, until every room in your house is fully covered. Ensure that you hit every corner of each room, and make sure the smudge stick is smoldering and smoking. If it begins to die out then relight it with your lighter. You being the smudging ritual at the front door of your home, and you end it at the back door. If you wish once you have finished going from front to back, you can go back through again starting at the back door and then going to the front door.
Step 3 Closing Your Smudging Ritual
This is important. Properly closing out your ritual can be vital to ensure the energy you put into it worked. For this ritual the proper way to close would be to first put out the smoldering smudge stick or you can let it burn itself out. One way of putting out a smoking smudge stick would be to get an ash tray, or ceramic plate, or something similar and gently dab the lit end onto it like putting out a cigarette. Another way would be to simply place it onto something where it won’t fall and let it burn out on its own(they usually do).
Once your smudge stick is out, let your incense burn out on its own naturally. If you are using gemstones an idea to close the ritual with even more positive energy would be to take an altar bell(or any bell if you have one) and gently ring it right above the stone. The ringing of the bell will send vibrations into the stone and this will trigger the gemstone to release it’s energies into the room. If you do not have an altar bell, you can get a glass and a fork and gently ding the glass with the fork over the gemstone as well.
If you do not have gemstones in every room and only have the one you were carrying around with you, take the gemstone and perform the above with the chiming technique and then place the stone by your bed or under your pillow.
If you have performed everything mentioned within this post you will have yourself one purified and blessed home for quite a while. You can re-do this ritual every six months or as needed. The incense and stones are just extra benefits to the ritual, however the smudge stick is essential. If you cannot or do not want to use the incense or gemstones, ensure you walk through your home and say the prayer with your smudge stick as mentioned.
Author: Joseph Barresi
Moon Spirit Here ! What Is Shamanic Smudging?
Used in ancient times for ritual purification of temples. Smoke believed to aid clairvoyance. Also useful for purification and to stimulate contact with other worlds.
The smudging ritual utilizes the smoke of burning incense for cleansing, purification, and healing of a person, space, or object. Praying and visualizing while smudging is a very important part of the ritual in order to get the most …
Whispr’s Site – Shamanic Smudging
Excellent to stimulate and revive when tired in body, mind or Spirit. Used in ancient times for ritual purification of temples. Smoke believed to aid clairvoyance. Also useful for purification and to stimulate contact with other worlds. …
Hibiscus Moon: Ritual Unveiled
I’ve adapted this ritual from Scott Cunningham’s Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (Includes Author’s Book of Shadows) First, I clear the negative energy from the area with a sage smudge with open windows if indoors. … Purify me!” Lay the wand on the altar. Pick up the paper on which you wrote your pains and light it in your cauldron or incense burner and burn with your incense (or, if outdoors, the ritual fire).
How to Cleanse or Purify a Sacred Space – Craft Of The Wise
In many Pagan and Wiccan traditions, it is considered important to purify or cleanse a space before any sort of ritual can take place. There are a several different ways of doing this, and how you do it will depend in part upon the rules or guidelines of … With smudging, you can use sage, sweetgrass, or other herbs. You can also use incense, if you like. The purpose of smudging is to use smoke to carry negative energy out of the area.
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