What is Incense and How it Can Help You
Posted by admin on Nov 25, 2009
Incense is an aromatic substance, which is obtained from certain resinous trees. It releases fragrant smoke when burned and is largely used for the purpose of religious worship. Indeed incense has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies and spiritual purification rites, a practice that persists to this day.
Incense has been used by humanity since the dawn of civilization. The oldest sources we have regarding incense are the Indian Vedas. Herodotus testifies to its use among the Assyrians and Babylonians. Egyptians used incense in religious ceremonies and also to counteract unpleasant odors and drive away demons. It is also used by the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths as well as the Buddhists, Hindus and many others. In Japan, there is a strong relationship between nature, incense, poetry, and the human spirit.
Use of incense in religion is prevalent in most cultures. One common use of incense is as a form of sacrificial offering to a deity. It is used almost universally across the globe for religious purposes, to mask unpleasant odors or just to enjoy its pleasing scent. Incense is said to have several medicinal effects too. Many earlier civilizations used incense as a herbal medicine for treating health disorders. Even to this day, many incense ingredients are used as medicines all over the world.
Incense fragrances can be of such great strength that they obscure other, less desirable odors. This has led to the use of incense in funeral ceremonies because the incense can smother the scent of decay.
With their sweet-smelling perfume, many types of incense are considered quite valuable.
Many people burn incense to appreciate its smell, without assigning any other specific significance to it. It should be noted that those with asthma should carefully test incense before buying large quantities of it as some incense can give you a violent allergic reaction. Though these incenses are few and far between, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Incense was and continues to be used to alter consciousness through the sense of smell. Incense during meditation is said to dissipate negative energy. Burning of incense helps to create a positive state of mind and helps condition the mind to associate the typical fragrance with a positive and calm mind. Careful consideration of its influence will help us determine the scents that are best for us. This means that each of us has to test the scents that lift us into higher vibrations, higher states of consciousness.
Incense has the power to remove distress and uplift the spirit. The sweet aroma of incense creates a sense of joy and peace as well as enhances your environment.
By: Victor Epand
Incense and Oils | Green Witch Coven
It will either help you get hired, or smooth things over at your current job. Also carry when asking for a pay rise. Dill:This herb is protective when hung at the door and carried in protective sachets. Placed in the cradle, it protects children. If you place Dill over the front door, no-one ill-disposed or envious of you can enter your house. Also usefull in money spells, as the plant produces plentifull seds, representing wealth and abundance. Also stimulates lust when …
Why Should You Try Past Regression?
Another benefit of past life regression is that it can help you to make sounder decisions in your current life. You may learn that a certain action in a past life led to negative consequences; this can help you to avoid making the same …
[Yuffie gingerly picks up a stick of incense and sniffs it. She narrows her eyes. Sandalwood would be better, but she's starting to feel sick about asking the House for things when she doesn't absolutely have to.] I guess it’ll do. … [ Yuffie looks up, impressed by the strange language. Russian sounds nifty.] That’s…that’s good. [She can't help an impish smile at the idea of more Russian food.] You always come up with the best stuff for eating. …
Heal Your Emotional Problems By Remembering
A lot of people find aids like music, visual focal points and incense useful in helping them to meditate. You can also use guided meditation records as well as recordings of sounds which can help you relax and begin meditating. …
Listen to Relaxation Music: Boost Your Health, Rejuvenate Your …
Again, if you have trouble concentrating on studies before an important examination, listen to orchestra music with headphones on. The music will shut out any noise from outside and the rhythmic music will help you maximize your concentration … or incense burning nearby. You will find yourself getting relaxed, until finally falling asleep. Scientists have proved that playing slow but energy inducing music can accelerate the recovery of a patient from ailment or trauma. …
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Importance of Incense in Meditation
Posted by admin on Nov 25, 2009
Meditation is a discipline where the mind primarily focuses on one object of thought and generally involves turning focus to one and only one point of reference. These days, meditation is defined as self regulation of attention and is becoming one of the easiest ways to calm down your mental stress in today’s hectic life. The health benefits of meditation are so plentiful that it not only helps you in recovering from health problem but also prevents you from various diseases. In last few years’ meditation as a therapy has gained such a world-wide acceptance that its success has been recorded in reversing mental disorders like depression and many others.
Meditative techniques are the product of diverse cultures and practicing this therapy can help you in managing and balancing your day-to-day life. However, one of the most important elements that actually play an important role in your meditation session is incense. For any learner, a presence of burning incense during practicing meditation can make a wide difference between successful and unsuccessful meditation session.
By flaming incense, you can create the aromatic ambiance and this in turn offers better harmony to your senses. It is believed that burning of incense further helps in dissipating or reducing negative energy and also aids your mind to connect the distinctive aroma with an optimistic belief. Apart from this, burning of incense also helps in stimulating and improving spiritual abilities.
It is again very important to understand that choosing right incense can further help in performing this meditative therapy more effectively. Choosing or selecting the correct incense can actually make a big variation towards practicing a better and effective meditation session. If you are starting the session then the best incense sticks or powder that you can use is Lavender incense, but in case you have the better idea or mastered the basics of meditation then you can easily try out any of the following combinations, as mentioned below:
1. Fruity Fragrances: The best part of using this incense is that it helps in mood enhancement.
2. Citrus Fragrances: Now if you are performing meditation for refreshing your mind then citrus fruit incense is the choice for you. You need to consider incense like bergamot, mandarins, orange, apple and even grapefruit.
3. Vanilla Fragrances: Now as the name suggests, this type of incense can be very useful in meditation, if you want to enhance your feelings. This type of incense can make a huge difference to your meditation session. It also helps in bringing and improving your emotional stimulation and energy.
Moreover be very careful with some incense, as burning of too much of incense can be sometime unhealthy. Characterized by its rich blend of purity and simplicity incense can certainly be one of the most effective tools for creating magical or meditation spaces.
By: Unknown
Frankincense is used in so many different incense blends, but inparticular, those for consecration, exorsism and protection. Also, when burned, can induuce visions and aid in meditation.
The Idol of Indispensability: A Thanksgiving Meditation
It is why I ditched email and a busy life for three days last weekend at Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina to awkwardly chant psalms starting at 5:30 a.m., make deep bows to the name of the Triune God in a strangely incense-filled …
Llewellyn Worldwide – Articles: Incense for Meditation
Some practitioners don’t recommend burning incense during meditation but instead beforehand in order to prepare the room. Sometimes the smoke can be distracting and interfere with breathing.
Herbal Meditation Incense – 8 Stick Incense
The natural mild fragrance can soothe the mind and help relieve from tension and stress. It is especially suitable for deep meditation. The quality is guaranteed and it makes the incense become one of our best-selling products. …
Depression Effects | Depression Definition
Clear away all the clutter from the area where you meditate, make it a clean and organized area. Use calm and soothing colors for decorating purposes and then light some incense and or candles to help you relax. …
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Rejuvenate Your Life with Nag Champa Incense
Posted by admin on Nov 24, 2009
Fragrances play an important role in our life. In our every day activities, we come across many things and smell so many items starting from our soap, morning appetite, deodorant, room fresheners, etc. Sometimes we put on different types of fragrance as perfumes to boost our mood. Aroma from different perfumes has always blessed us with natural fragrance to fill up our life and heave our senses.
One of best nature’s gifts is incense (known as ENCENS in French). Having its own fragrance, incense can set the mood, not only in a romantic way, but in a peaceful manner as well. Fragrances are important in our life as it make us complete by gratifying our smell sensory organ. “Nag Champa Incense“, is one of the fragrances that can be used effectively in households. Featured with an ability to produce a soothing effect, it can purify the air inside your home. It is a fragrance from India.
It is prepared from an Indian flower called – Champa. Moreover, it has a smell of sandalwood and contains a natural ingredient called “Halmaddi”. The best part of Halmaddi is that it absorbs moisture from the air, and as a result makes it wet to touch. Halmaddi is a semi-liquid resin taken from Ailanthus Malabarica tree and give Nag Champa its characteristic grey color.
Featured with its enthralling and captivating odor, this incense is the one of the most popular incenses of the world. Having an excellent combination of rare Champa Flowers, Oil, Spices, Resins and few rarely found aromatic gums, makes this particular incense different from others. It has a distinctive extravagant aroma with musky tinge. It has been a part of traditional rituals from time immemorial, and can put forth an effect on the energies that envelop us. It can overpower the negative energies and create welcome surroundings with positive energies that can be more helpful.
By: Aggarwaloverseas
Nag Champa incense. Alan Moore. Johannes Gutenberg. Stephen Hawking. Robert Lanza. Cat brushes. Petting cats. Purring. Dreams. Weird and bizarre dreams that inspire. Heavy Metal magazine. Thumb drives. Thumbs.
Constant Comment tea, nag champa incense, peanut butter, books books books books books … Wonky podcasts. The recent discovery of such delicacies for sale in Taroudant as panini bread (perfect substitute for tortillas).
Nag champa incense is a popular choice for individuals who like to burn incense in their homes. The nag champa incense is one of the best known of the incense scents since it was used back in the hippy movement and continued in more …
If you want to burn a World famous fragrance then Satya Nag Champa Incense Sticks is the perfect fragrance to use. The unique scent of Nag Champa is based on the Champa flower which is also known as Plumeria. …
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An Outlook on Importance and Burning of Incense
Posted by admin on Nov 22, 2009
“Incense“, in simple terms can be defined as an aromatic herb made from fine powder and is generally burned for experiencing its pleasant fragrance. It is widely used as an offering at rituals or during religious ceremonies. Composed of various ingredients like fragrant herbs, powders, and resins; odor emitted out by incense have the ability to facade many undesirable smells. In recent years, the popularity of aromatherapy by burning incense to induce certain moods or state of mind has increased dramatically. It is considered as one of the oldest forms of aromatherapy and has the ability to instantly change your mood and can create a different atmosphere with its soothing fragrance.
Today in every corner of the world, there are many religious ceremonies and rites that respect and employ the burning of incense. It is one of the ancient ritual practices that still persist to present date. A careful study will lead you to understand that flaming of incense has always been the most vital element of various spiritual occasions in many religions around the world. The most interesting fact to note about this act is certainly the aromatic odor that emits out from the flaming incense.
It has an indirect effect in our thoughts. This particular act helps in eliminating negative epigrams. Moreover it aids in developing a mood of sacredness and further brings out spiritual feelings. Definitely, one can not also deny from the fact that this particular act also has a healing influence and its transient aroma further creates an atmosphere inspired and filled with serenity and good health. Apart from this many previous civilizations used incense as herbal therapy for treating health and mental disorders.
As per various theories of well being, self recognition always creates the basic necessity of the human desires. People always want to have good and spiritual home environment, and the easiest way to accomplish this need is through a proper selection of incense. Bible also epitomizes fragrance as the most important accessory in life as “Perfume and incense fetch joy to the heart, and the friendliness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel”. Naturally incense helps in making the perfect harmonizing environment in any home. These days, this act of burning incense is mostly recommended before moving into a new apartment or to develop a better feeling when you first enter a new home.
Flaming of incense often takes us beyond any reason to experience emotional renovation and enhanced sensory reception. Enhancing everything from holiness to well-being, it is considered to be one of the best conducts to solitude. Consequently it has been for many centuries, incense has retained its importance and today it is valued in making a pleasurable atmosphere.
By: Unknown
Alexandra Wuisan’s Laudanum Laboratory
It is greatly feared by people and can only be pacified by the rituals of burning incense and offerings. If this spirit agrees with one’s rites then to express their gratitude the Javanese called it Sambang Wangi (fragrant), … A bad forest spirit with the outlook of a big angry beast creating devastation to forest trees and plants, making it difficult for villagers to collect forest yields. Den Poto. They are disturbing to cattles and cows with uncountables illnesses ..
The Ranch has always been a loose affiliation, more or less sharing a common outlook and purpose, but never following a leader or a particular creed. We used to joke that at any given time you could ask people why they lived here and you would get as …. By 10 A.M. the next morning, everyone had gathered around a new bonfire on the knoll and children carried boughs of burning incense cedar around the circle to let the smoke waft over each person in a purification ritual. …
smoking incense » Fragrant Incense and Essential Oils
Some fragrance materials are employed in either direct or indirect burning of incense. They are normally used in religious ceremonies, and many of them are known to be quite valuable. Essential oils or other ingredients extracted from … Furthermore, the right use of essential oils may enhance one’s emotional outlook and provide support and help balance one’s feelings during the day.
Rousing reception awaits Dalai Lama in Tawang
The smell of burning incense wafts the air as sounds of gongs and cymbals reverberated the surrounding with monks busy rehearsing in the monastery to welcome the Dalai Lama. …. Outlookindia Tawang Ready to Welcome Dalai Lama: Nestled among the snow-capped mountains and perched at a heig.. http://bit.ly/MM47V Outlook Wires; newsgaram Garam Alert: Tawang ready to welcome Dalai Lama http://bit.ly/4h5gzo; greychampion newStream :
With changing conditions and outlook in modern times, the perpetuation of the family through male descendants is no longer considered important. Gone was the old-fashioned belief that only sons were able to look after the parents in … Another practice adopted from the indigenous Malaysian culture is the burning of benzoin (a kind of incense) in the house which is believed to possess the power of driving away evil spirits which might frighten an expectant mother.
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Meditation Basics: Choosing The Incense Right For You!
Posted by admin on Aug 4, 2009
Meditation sessions are fantastic to help you manage and balance your day-to-day life. One of the important elements you can include as part of your meditation session is incense and for a beginner this really is an important tool and can make the difference between a successful meditation session and an unsuccessful meditation session.
Humans have five core senses including touch, sight, hearing, taste and smell. Each sense plays a role in keeping your mind active and playing a role in the way you feel. The brain takes each of the sensory inputs from these senses and defines how you are going to react to your surrounding. For example, research has found that certain types of music influences the way shoppers will actually purchase products.
One research organisation found that Baroque Music played at 60 beats per minute will infact influence shoppers to spend an additional 38% in their shops. Further to this the use of incense during a meditation session can in fact make a huge difference between a successful meditation session simply because the incense will influence the sense of smell.
The most important thing you can do is to choose the right incense type. Let us take a moment to look at the different types of incense choices. I should note one thing, that there are many different incense choices which will influence your choice of incense.
#1 Starting Out – Lavender Fragrance and Incense
When you are starting out with meditation you will often be stressed, tense and all those other horrible feelings and the best type of incense to start out with is Lavender. There are many theory’s as to why lavender is a create start off tool but the bottom line we have learnt that it relaxes you and distresses you.
So, when starting out use the lavender incense in either a stick or powder form. The best incense type from a safety point of you is the stick incense. If you choose to use the powder incense type make sure that you put sand over the incense once you have finished using it.
#2 Inducing Sleep – Violet or Jasmine Incense
If your meditation session is to help induce sleep, then whilst incense may help the process of relaxation, the best type of incense to consider is the violet or jasmine incense.
#3 Sexual Energy – Rose, Gardenia or Orange Blossoms
If your meditation session is with your partner to help increase sexual desire and passion, then the best type of incense is Rose, Gardenia or Orange Blossoms. More so, if you are trying to use meditation to help sexual desire then in conjunction with the incense look at using fragrance oils as well to help spark the feeling of passion.
#4 Mood Enhancement – Fruity Fragrances
Mood enhancement incenses like fruity scents will help your mood. For example if you are feeling down then using fruit based oils and incenses like berries, bananas, melons, plum and apricot will enhance your internal mood. Might I also say your partners as well.
#5 Energy Enhancements – Citrus Fragrances
If your meditations are about getting that much needed energy and freshening the mind then the citrus fruit incense is the choice for you. You need to consider incense like bergamot, mandarins, orange, apple and even grapefruit. Even Citronella is a fantastic citrus scent for this meditation type plus it repels the moths and more importantly the mosquitos.
#6 The Sweet Smell Enhancements – Vanilla Fragrances
Sweet smell enhancements like coffee and peppermint can make a huge difference to your meditation session. The key reason we use these types of incense is simply to enhance our feelings. These also help bring forward clarity and stimulation and energy.
One word of warning though, be careful with some herbs and spices. Some herbs and spices can form foul smelling odours when burned and more so, some spices can be poisonous.
Choosing the right incense can make a huge difference towards a successful meditation session. When you are starting out then the best incense you should be using is Lavender but if you have mastered the basics then you could even try out a combination of these incense types.
By: Chris Le Roy
Whatever works for you! Be sure it is a place that you can be alone and not be disturbed for the duration of your meditation. You may also burn oils or incense to create a more relaxing ambience in your sacred space. Music. Find music that relaxes you. Flutes and harp are relaxing instruments. Running water or nature sounds may resonate with you. Music is very personal, so go with feels right to you. Play it at a low volume during meditation. Be Comfortable …
Now that you have got yourself into your meditative space and taken the right meditation posture, it is time to actually start meditating . To do this, the final step is to choose what type of meditation you are going to practice. … Above are the basic instructions for breath meditation practice and it is a great way for you to learn how to meditate. The simple act of watching your breath in this way, will teach you great concentration, expand your awareness and give …
Health article: Relieve Your Stress With Meditation
Twenty to thirty minutes is good, but even if you can only spare 5 or 10 minutes you will still benefit from it. Meditation Basics Choose a quiet place with few distractions. If you like, you can light incense or a scented candle, but it isn’t necessary. … You can sit cross-legged on the floor, or sit in a chair with your back supported. The important thing is that you are comfortable. Place one hand on each thigh, or cup your right hand under your left in your lap. …
Roman Catholicism Is Being Taught To Nazarene Youth
Taize worshippers practice the silence with icons, candles, incense and prayer stations, and the description from Lighthouse says the same sentiment that King says, that it is attracting youth from all over the world. David Cloud, in his excellent … Again, the writers go out of their way to say “meditating at stations along a path is an ancient tradition” (p. 123). Again, I ask, but is it scriptural? Far from it! Let me tell you where the prayer labyrinth came from. …
Becoming Super Human: How to Develop Psychic Power – Part One
Even if you’re doing this 100% right, and are a seasoned practitioner of meditation, you may be surprised to know that on average this perfect state of mind/body synergy lasts for only about seven seconds on average. … These basic principles are common to all forms of meditation. Almost every culture in the world has some form of meditation – some requiring nothing but an open mind, others utilizing everything from bells and incense, mantras, poems, or riddles… even …
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The Use Of Incense In Aromatherapy
Posted by admin on Aug 4, 2009
The use of various scents to provide relief to mental and physical ailments is Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy has many benefits and has been enforced by both spiritualists and scientists. Within this article, we will entail the many benefits of using incense in aromatherapy to provide the means for achieving relief.
Other methods for applying aromatherapy may include inhaling fragrances or applying them directly to the skin. However, you can also use incense as an equally effective alternative. However, if you are considering the use of incense, then make sure to take the proper precautions to ensure your safety. Make sure to use the proper tools and never leave an incense in the absence of your eye.
I have compiled a list that contains a selection of various types of incense that can be used in aromatherapy. This small list represents how each incense can have a specific effect and use in aromatherapy. If you have a question about a specific type of incense not included in this list, simply research online or find a book written on aromatherapy.
1) One popular incense with a lot of great benefits is the Dragon’s Blood incense. Burning this incense will help you with is the relief of diarrhea, alleviating the symptoms of a stomach virus, reducing fevers and even helping with the pain of ulcers.
2) Another incense that is quite popular is the Sandalwood incense. This has been shown to help mitigate stress and bring a person closer to their spiritual awareness.
3) Lavender incense is noted for its ability to calm and soothe.
4) Amber incense is a great scent for balancing the body’s various systems.
5) A way to help aid with recovering from depression and mood disorders is the incense Indian Cedar.
6) The Jasmine incense helps to balance all hormones and stimulates sexual activity. This scent effects both women and men and serves as a great way to set the mood for special moments.
7) Patchouli incense has been found to help soothe the nerves in the body. It has also been found to make the nerves stronger.
Rose incense helps to promote balance with your spiritual side. It has also been noted to assist in meditation and focusing one’s attention.
The use of incense in aromatherapy can be very beneficial. You can generally purchase incense at the rate of ten or twenty sticks for a dollar. In some cases, you can even purchase a larger amount with a variety of different scents. It is ideal to try to find the larger packages with more of a variety of scents to choose from so that you get the most from your money.
Aromatherapy is extremely beneficial and safe. There are no dangerous side effects to the use of aromatherapy, so, it can be performed at any time. The use of incense of aromatherapy has been proven effective for many years now. Numerous other scents provide aromatherapy benefits. You can find these scents by doing a simple internet search, or looking up books on it at your local library.
By: Sarah Page
Natural Pain Relief During Labour
hi, I am writing up my birth plan and am hoping to have a water birth (providing all goes well) but I was wondering if anyone knew of any good relaxing scented candles / incense / aromatherapy oils that are beneficial during labour … August 1, 2009 — How To Blend And Use Aromatherapy Oils To Relieve Pain And Stress : Part 3 : Carrier Oils For Blending : Aromatherapy (0); August 1, 2009 — I Have A New All Natural Aromatherapy Beauty Product Website And Wanted To Know …
The Use of Incense in Aromatherapy
The finding that aromatherapy provides certain mental and physical results have been proven by both the spiritual and scientific. In this article, we will expound on the many benefits of the use of incense in aromatherapy. …
greenherbal11 Blog | Herbs to Increase Memory
Some herbs can be heated in either water or as an element in a candle, perhaps even as an element for use with a potpourri burner placed on a cloth as an essential oil to breathe in, or merely burned as incense.
Aromatherapy Oil Burner : Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy oil burner is a great way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils and fill your surroundings with the pleasant aromas of aromatherapy. You can use it as a healing tool, room freshener, deodorizer or incense alternative. …
History of Incense and Methods of Use
The use of incense, and of essential oils in modern Aromatherapy, has validated the belief held by our ancient forefathers. Many of the reactions and decisions we make are intrinsically linked to our sense of smell, and many areas of …
Seducing Single Women by Candles,Incense And Fireplaces
Posted by admin on Jun 29, 2009
This week I will focus on how to make your apartment or house more romantic for seducing single women. All you need are three simple things:
- scented candles
- incense
- firewood or artificial logs
These powerful aphrodisiacs really turn single women on and put them in a romantic mood for seduction.
You will need to go to the store and buy an assortment of scented candles and incense. Then when you have the women over at your place, get her opinion on which scent she likes before you light the candles and incense.
After she has made her selection light them up and the erotic and stimulating scents will fill the air. Now, all you have to do is dim the lights, put a log in the fireplace, and put on some romantic music ( I highly recommend using one of our Seduction Tapes).
With this romantic atmosphere you should be irresistible to women.
And don’t make the mistake of thinking candles and incense are for sissies. Women are very attracted to these romantic gestures and the bottom line is preparing single women for your advances.
Author: Don Diebel
Belle en Rykiel | Perfume Posse
I will second and third some posters from above about the Henri Bendel candles – Firewood is my favorite and scents the entire house from my daughters’ room. But for really covering a whole house, for my money, the home fragrance oils can’t be beat. …. The Ambre is luscious…but incense are my favorites too. Thanks for all the great suggestions – the candle I was using was delegated to the coat closet (as it has, I fear, good moth killing capabilities).
Hang him/her because he/she is rich and famous
The community is also directed to see that the firewood they use is devoid of small insects. Wearing blue clothes is prohibited because the dye for coloring them is obtained by cutting a large quantity of shrubs. …… taking a while to see a possibility of simply having a nice bath with candles …incense… rose petals … Saw her again yesterday for another 2 hours … a whole different energy … bringing me chocolates and a schedule with the work she had done even …
Apartment Therapy Los Angeles | Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em?
henri bendel “firewood.” my husband is obsessed. posted by jbel on April 23rd 2009 at 7:21pm view jbel’s profile. I once said “you just can’t cheap-out on a scented candle” while stealthily extinguishing a “Pumkin Spice Bread” Yankee candle ….. It is an incredible joy to me that my fiance loves my perfume/candles/incense etc. He will come home and say, “Yum, our house smells like an Ethiopian restaurant!” when I am burning resins… or give compliments …
Lazy Friday poll ~ home fragrance
And now I think I may have to look in to that Bendel Firewood candle, as well as the Skeem Cypress! Favorite incense is Spiritual Guide by Padmini…not too headshop at all, mostly just a nice woodsmoke smell. My husband adores this. …
The Funky Monkey: Maddison Avenue: Beautiful Soy Candle Giveaway
Pears and berries sounds refreshing!!! mzpaw@yahoo.com. May 12, 2009 4:56 PM · LoveMy2Dogs said… Call me weird but I would love to try the Crackling Firewood. May 12, 2009 5:44 PM · LoveMy2Dogs said… I am a RSS subscriber. ….. I would try Nag Champa, although I will admit it’s not very ‘daring’ of me, I have tons of Nag Champa incense because I love it. It was interesting to read the list of the ‘notes’ in this scent, because I was never able to identify them …
Indoor Air Quality 101 -stop Breathing Toxins
Posted by admin on Jun 26, 2009
When you think of toxins to the lungs, what images come to mind? For many, the issue of second hand smoke or factory fumes will often come to mind. While there is much accuracy to such assumptions, it is also important to note that there are many other dangerous air toxins that a person can ingest. This leads some to the conclusion that they are only safe in their own homes. However, this may not be the case at all. In fact, the home might be the worst place to look if one was in search of clean air! That is why it is important to understand the root cause of impure air in the home and how to correct the problem.
Some of the problems can be obvious. Rotting garbage can lead to significantly unpleasant aromas and humidity can often spur fungus growth. However, not all of the problems are quite so obvious. Case in point, foul smelling garbage and excess mold can yield airborne particles that contribute to allergies. As such, improving air quality in the home can lead to a much healthier living environment.
Some steps for improving air quality are simple. For example, if your bathroom is collecting mold, it would be best to clean it immediately since mold and mildew can negatively affect air quality. Of course, if you are cleaning the room with powerful, industrial cleaners, it is necessary to open a few windows so that the fumes from the cleaner are allowed to escape. Far too often, people will keep their doors and windows closed which leads to ingesting toxins as opposed to letting them escape.
Some ways in which people deal with less than pleasant aromas are not exactly helpful either. Yes, burning incense seems like a great way to cover up the smell of those cleaning agents, but incense is smoke. That means when you inhale, you will be taking in the thick smoke of incense into your lungs. Needless to say, prolonged exposure to such smoke could lead to respiratory problems down the road. Really, the use of any smoke or aerosol based product must be used sparingly since they can cause lung irritation. Of course, these products do serve helpful purposes and completely discontinuing their use is not recommended. However, any use of products such as incense should be tempered with proper judgment.
But, is there anything proactive one can do to improve the quality of indoor air. Actually, there are many and most of these methods are relatively simple to perform. Adding plants to a room is probably the easiest strategy. Plants will add helpful oxygen to a room while absorbing impurities in the air. And, of course, plants are relatively inexpensive making them a great addition to any interior.
By: Patrick Schnurbusch
Your homes are sealed and the air stagnant. Indoor air quality receives only a fraction of the attention paid to outdoor air quality. The indoor air quality we are breathing is very polluant to our health. Besides smoking or secondhand smoke, there´s biological pollutants …. I would like to add, that opening your windows for a couple of hours each day-to air out your home is beneficial. Also, ficus and spider plants are very helpful in removing toxins from indoor air. …
GAO-03-139 Bioterrorism: Information Technology Strategy
Bioterrorism is the threat or intentional release of biological agents (viruses, bacteria, or their toxins) for the purpose of influencing the conduct of government, or intimidating or coercing a civilian population. …… Indoor Air Quality and Inhalation Exposure (IAQX). Type of system: Supporting technology. IAQX is an indoor air quality simulation package that consists of a general-purpose simulation program and a series of stand-alone,
Smells like bad news: Controlling VOCs in your home
VOCs pollute our air. Outside, they contribute to global warming and worsen air quality. Indoors, they are a major contributor to poor indoor air quality; in fact, it is very common for indoor air quality to be five times worse….
Environmental Health | Childhood asthma
The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the sources of indoor air pollution in the Mohawk community that may contribute to asthma in households at Akwesasne, to measure the levels of exposure to house dust mites and cat … low and they are usually detectable only during disturbances which cause the release of settled allergens, the filter was placed on the investigator collecting the dust sample at his/her breathing level while the dust sampling was performed. …
Mold Adverse Health Effects: Who’s At Risk?
A number of toxigenic molds have been found during indoor air quality investigations in different parts of the world. Among the genera most frequently found in numbers exceeding levels that they reach outdoors are Aspergillus, …
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The Winter Solstice Celebrations With Meditations, Decorations & Incense
Posted by admin on Jun 26, 2009
Winter Solstice or Mid Winter comes around in the Northern hemisphere, or much of the Western World, on December 21st. This is a magical time of the year and throughout the ages of mankind religions have gravitated toward this date to hold major ceremonies, celebrations and sacred observations.
Our modern age strangely sees us returning to the age-old customs of noting and paying respect to the sacred cycles of nature and the part we play in it, for we are intrinsically tied to these cycles of nature whether we like to admit it or not, influenced by the stages of the moon with its ebb and flow of energy. The sun ‘ the life giver ‘ marks the days of death and decay back into regeneration and growth. None of us that live on this planet can escape Mother Nature, the Goddess and her womb, or Father Time, the God and his creation of all life from the elements. Light and dark, all is one, all religion, all life blessed be!
RETURN OF THE SUN/SON!
Winter Solstice is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It marks the gradual return of the sun and signifies birth when new seeds of life will spring forth. Similarly, Christianity uses this time of year to mark the birth of the son, signifying life eternal for all who partake of the light and become the body of Christ.
A good way to remember this special Solstice is, as the hours of daylight grow, so too, we can let our inner light of understanding, love and intuitions grow. Allowing both the dark and the light to resonate within us, for it is part of us and we can practice new beginnings of unity, compassion, empathy and global love.
PREPARE FOR THE WINTER SOLSTICE
Spend the Solstice in candlelight, meditation, reflection and look forward to new dawn. Prepare some seasonal incense and an appropriate meditation for the magical night of dreams ahead. Decorate your home with the colors of winter; white to represent the winter snow, dark green winter foliage, red winter berries and fruits, gold to represent the returning energy of the sun and silver for the delicate frost that settles all around at this cold time of year. A Winter Solstice incense blend:
Fill A heatproof bowl with about an inch of sand or salt. Metals, stone & ceramics are ideal that have feet to hold them safely above a surface, or you can buy purpose made incense burners. Beware of hot ash falling when the incense burns, keep safe. Prepare by crushing the ingredients together.
CITRUS SOLSTICE
1 tbsp dried Orange Peel, 1 tbsp dried Grapefruit Peel, 1 tbsp dried Lemon Peel, 1 tbsp dried Tangerine Peel, 1 tsp Orange extract, 1 tsp Lemon extract.
WINTER SOLSTICE
One part Pine Needles, One part Cinnamon, One part Apple Rine, One part Myrrh, One part Frankincense
Experiment and find a blend you like! ]
SEVEN REFLECTIONS WINTER SOLSTICE MEDITATION;
There is an Old Russian divination that took place on the evening of Winter Solstice where – usually a young lady – would set up two mirrors and two candles into a position that they would reflect each other. One should then peer into one of the mirrors and seek the seventh reflection, where she would catch a glimpse of her future or her one true love!
Find a comfortable place where you are least likely to be disturbed. Get your mirrors and candles ready, be sure to position them facing each other with the candles reflecting in each – use a stable, fireproof surface. Please take care that you cannot fall into the mirrors or candles as meditation can have a very hypnotic effect! Position them safely & far enough away.
You should sit facing the mirrors so that you can see into either mirror with the reflection of the other, if in a chair sit with your feet flat on the floor or sit in your usual meditation position. Sit upright but comfortable. Try not to hunch as this is not a relaxing position. Rest your hands lightly on your lap. Start the sound session.
First, concentrate yourself fully on the following breathing technique (do this about five – ten times, you don’t have to count ‘ do what feels right);
Take in a deep, slow breath, fill your lungs, expand your abdomen, hold for a few seconds then very slowly breathe out, try to take about twice as long to breathe out.
Now begin to look into one of the mirrors, whichever one is up to you, search for the seventh reflection. After a while the image may change in the mirror, other faces may be seen or other images. Allow your mind to go along with the experience and always write the details in a diary immediately afterwards – this is for later reflection and things may make sense later that were not obvious at the time.
THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION MEDITATION
Before beginning the meditation, read the following reading I personally got during meditation regarding ‘THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION’ and try to understand the message contained within.
“Every negative word, deed, glance, thought, and action will come back to you. It is the indisputable law, the law of attraction. If you play with it, study this in earnest, you will find it, without doubt, to be true.
Imaging you are communicating with the physical world via a mirror. The person who stares back at you is the equivalent of every other person in the world. Frown at the person in the mirror, the person frowns back at you. Become angry at the person, see what comes back to you, look at the anger on that face and look into the eyes. How does that make you feel ‘ good? Bad? Imagine a child being confronted with that face, those eyes, that anger. Imagine if that small child was you!
Smile and you receive the same, laugh and the image laughs with you. This is how we create our world, by reflection. This is a warning so don’t discard it. Keep it with you and discover it!
But what if you are a child? You didn’t yet throw anything into the water to cause a ripple. You were born in innocence! No! You chose to be a victim for a short time. You agreed in your ancient wisdom to become the effect of a cause and those who peer into the mirror will see you. Your reflection will call to action better judgment, better discernment and a better future for all.”
NOW, get your mirror ready and find a comfortable place where you are least likely to be disturbed. You should sit in a chair facing the mirror with your feet flat on the floor. Sit upright but comfortable. Try not to hunch as this is not a relaxing position. Rest your hands lightly on your lap. Start the sound session.
First, concentrate yourself fully on the following breathing technique (do this about five – ten times, you don’t have to count ‘ do what feels right);
Take in a deep, slow breath, fill your lungs, expand your abdomen, hold for a few seconds then very slowly breathe out, try to take about twice as long to breathe out. Keep your breathing deep and regular and begin to stare at your reflection in the mirror, focusing on your eyes. Imagine that every other person in the world reflects the image that stares back at you.
Notice the expression, smiles, frowns, anger, study what comes back at you through the mirror.
Now allow yourself to absorb the powerful sounds and simply stare at the mirror. After a while the image may change, other faces may be seen or other images. Allow your mind to go along with the experience and write the details in a diary immediately afterwards Allow yourself to adjust when your meditation finishes and drink a fresh glass of water.
by Donna Oxley
BRIGHTEST BLESSINGS!WELCOME TO SILVER BROOMSTICKS MANOR
Just as the winter solstice festival was appropriated by the Christian church to celebrate Christ’s birth, so the popular summer solstice festival was taken to mark the birth of one of the church’s most important saints: the cousin and baptizer of … For the ritual itself, you will need a fir source, your favorite divination tool, some dew or rainwater from the night before, one stick of protective incense for every room in your house, a white candle, and a sun wheel. …
into the future. Yule, the Winter Solstice, is a festival of Peace, Light, and the. Celebration of the new Sun, and my home is filled with lights and Holly, Mistletoe, Evergreens, and other herbs sacred to the season. Candlemas, … I am a Pagan. I journey into the Otherworld in my dreams, my Meditations, my Rituals. I use magickal tools to aid me in my journeys and my magicks – - incense, cauldron, candles, chalices of water, pentacles of salt, …
Yule Presents, Great Ideas for Pagans: Gifts for the Winter
The Yule log is lit with a piece from the old year’s one that was saved to protect the house from Winter’s Solstice to Solstice. The tree bears ornaments: crystals wrapped in wire, garlands of popcorn, oranges and apples studded with … These include athames or dark handled knives used for symbolic gestures, bolines or white handled working knives, wands, chalices, cauldrons, censors or incense burners, incense, herbs, altar cloths, candlestick holders, cloaks, robes, …
The Pagan Housewife: Winter Solstice (Yule) Ritual
Now is the time for meditation and any spellworkings. Spellworkings associated with Yule include those for peace, harmony, love, and happiness. Next celebrate with the Cakes and Ale (Fruitcake* and Spiced Cider *) ceremony, … The Wild Hunt, full of ghosts, trolls, and other outdwellers, occurs during the days immediately following the Winter Solstice. In some of the Old Germanic sagas, Berchta is seen in the forests and winter snow with 24 spotted hounds, and She leads …
Lesser Sabbat: Yule (Winter Solstice ~ December 21)
Incense/Oils: bayberry, cedar, ginger, cinnamon, pine, rosemary, frankincense, myrrh, nutmeg, wintergreen, saffron. Colors: gold, silver, red, green, white. Tools,Symbols, & Decorations: bayberry candles, evergreens, holly, mistletoe, … Rituals/Magicks:personal renewal, world peace, honoring family & friends, Festival of light, meditation. Customs: lights, gift-exchanging, singing, feasting, resolutions, new fires kindled, strengthening family & friend bonds, …
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incense from – Seven Things You Should Consider For Your Meditation Room
Posted by admin on Jun 25, 2009
Meditation is one of the great skills everybody should learn as it helps you in developing a more effective mind and to help keep you at a state of calm. If you are serious about meditation having a room dedicated to the practice does one of two things. The room will after periods of time bring about a sense of calm as soon as you walk into the room because of the association between the room and peace. The meditation room will also encourage you and remind you to stick with the practice. All too often people start out on the meditation journey only to abandon the practice a few months in because they are feeling great.
The downside to this is that if you do not continue practicing your meditation you will never master the art and more so each time you restart the meditation practice it will take you a while to get back into the swing of the art. Meditation is something that needs to be practiced every single day.
When you are setting up a meditation room there are seven things you need to consider to make your room a little special.
Item #1 Cushions
For most people the optimum place to sit and meditate is on the floor. However since most houses have incredibly hard floors it is always a good idea to have a number of meditation cushions on the floor. Meditation cushions are not anything special they should simply be cushions with enough padding to soften the impact of sitting on the floor for any period of time.
It is always worthwhile having a number of cushions in your room so that if you consider having a group meditation session in your meditation room that you all have at least one cushion each. There is nothing worse than fifteen minutes into a meditation session only to find your bottom has gone to sleep and you feel extremely uncomfortable.
Item #2 Incense
Incense is a great device to help you relax during a meditation session. You can purchase incense from any quality Asian or Middle Eastern supermarket. Make sure that before you buy a box of any incense that you try out one stick first. Ask the supermarket attendant if you can because in most Asian or Middle Eastern supermarkets they will have samples for you to try.
I have found that lavender is a great incense to use when first starting out, but everybody will have their own preferences.
Item #3 A Small Prayer Table
I am a great believer in setting your room up similar to those from countries like Japan, Thailand or India. A prayer table allows you to place your incense and other important artefacts for your meditation on the prayer table. Some people use the prayer table to have images of God or Buddha to help in their meditation. If you are not a religious person I simply recommend putting a photo of your family on your prayer table with small incense holders on both the left and right hand side of the prayer table.
The reason I recommend this is that the photos will remind you why you are meditating. Meditation is all about helping you to improve your state of mind.
Item #4 A CD Player
A CD player is a great tool to have in your meditation room. Using mediation music like Baroque Meditation music will help you be more effective with your meditation. Many people find when they are starting out with meditation that it is hard to get to that state of calm without using meditation music as the music can influence your feelings.
You will find though as you become more experienced in meditation that you will be able to meditate without music but meditation music is essential when you are first starting out.
Item #5 Seven Candles
Most people in their houses today have harsh lighting in their rooms like incandescent or fluro lights. Often these lights can be very difficult to meditate under even with your eyes closed. My recommend1ff8ation has always been to meditate under the glow of seven candles. The candles should be located on your prayer table at varying heights. You will find that the soft glow of an open flame will on its own bring about a sense of calm and make your meditation session a lot more special. I recommend seven candles simply because the number seven is auspicious in my society and religion. Seven being a perfect number helps ensure during my meditation sessions that my session will in fact be perfect.
One safety point I would like to make, please ensure that you put your candles onto trays so that they will not burn your prayer table or start a fire. Candles in a house can be very dangerous so make sure that after your meditation session is over that you blow them out.
Item #6 Peaceful Pictures and Photos
I have already stated it is important to have on your prayer table a picture of your family to remind you why you are meditating. I also recommend having other peaceful pictures in your room to ensure that when you enter your meditation room that you have a sense of peace and tranquillity.
The types of pictures that are suitable are those of nature or animals like scenes from a rainforest, a flowing brook or even pictures of a calm ocean.
Item #7 A Vase of Flowers
The last item I recommend that you have in your meditation room is a vase of fresh flowers. There is nothing more relaxing and calming than to smell the perfume of freshly cut flowers. Often you will find that the smell of both the incense and freshly cut flowers will give off a unique fragrance that will help entice your mind into a sense of calm.
If you cannot afford to buy your flowers, why not grow them in your garden. You will be surprised just how easy it is to put some seeds into a pot and grow a bunch of flowers. Note that you do need to water those flowers.
Meditation is an important skill you need to master and having a special meditation room will help remind you and encourage you to practice this art. Just like sport, many people start off with the best of intentions but give up. Having a meditation room will certainly help you stay on track.
To finish off, these are the seven items I suggest that every serious meditator should consider having in their meditation room:
Item #1 Cushions
Item #2 Incense
Item #3 A Small Prayer Table
Item #4 A CD player
Item #5 Seven Candles
Item #6 Peaceful Pictures and Photos
Item #7 A Vase of Flowers
Author: Chris Le Roy
1366 days without YOU! Today: I woke up at 6.45am…after dreaming about YOU…and read…lit incense and did my morning/yoga ritual…updated the mothersbond website…and had breaky (all bran/museli/skim milk)…I then finished the funniest book … Always thinking of YOU! Always missing YOU! Always loving YOU! Always connected to YOU! Always with YOU! Always proud of YOU! Always YOUR MUM! Always waiting for that day when TIME and JUSTICE brings YOU back home to ME. …
June Tea | Heavens Tea and Sacred Arts Center
These teas are of a quality that is not served in any teahouse and you will floating after the first tea. The range of tastes, aromas and energy from each tea is extraordianry and will truely change your ideas about what “tea ” is. … Sacred Tea and Meditation Session. 9-10:15am. $15-20/person donation asked. We will drink aged tea for 40 minutes to bring us into a state of quiet and expansivness and then sit in the meditation room for a 30 minute meditation session. …
Owl’s Wings: Your Majestic, Magical Nose
Smell..also yummy, steamy sidewalks after a quick but cleansing summer rain, the incense in the wonderful little Chinese shop on Royal street where I stopped every day on my way home, the Mississipi River, the Gulf Coast, my babies, … As a start pick up something you don’t know. Meditate and connect with it. Touch/smell/energy field. Obtain as much information as you can. Then look it up in a book to check your readings from the plant.
Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Meditate Every Day
There are many things that come to people’s minds when they think of meditation. Most people will probably think of monks, living high in the mountains of Tibet, sitting in old temples surrounded by candles and incense. While this kind of image may be where mediation … You put on special shoes or running clothes. You stretch out your muscles and maybe take a few deep breaths. These are things that put you the state of mind for jogging.
Full Moon Esbat Ritual-Deaf Pagan Crossroads
There is also my small cast iron cauldron for burning incense, and a vial of Full Moon incense next to it. I light the two altar candles to give me a little light to work by, saying as I light them: …. I am all these things and more. Hear my words my children and worship and be glad. Look for me within these things but above all,. within your own soul, for it is there I am.
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