Incense can be offered to Wiccan gods and goddesses, burned to accompany Witchcraft spells, and to uplift the mind, spirit and body of all those present. Representing the elements of fire and air, burning incense is a powerful addition to the Wiccan Altar.

Choosing Wiccan Incense

While joss sticks are undoubtedly convenient and can be used to good effect, using loose incense in the form of pieces of tree resin, dried herbs, dried flowers and other magical parts of plants is more effective and allows Wiccans to develop their own blends tailored to particular magical rituals.

Incense stimulates the flow of communication with the universe, so naturally burning incense while casting a spell is a powerful way to enhance its potency. Choose plants or a blend to complement your spell; meditate on the fragrance before carrying out the ritual. There are many ingredients that may be used, including:

• Dragon’s blood for purification and protection. Dragon’s blood is available from specialist Wiccan stores.
• Juniper is emotionally restorative, strengthening and cleansing. Use juniper berries (a culinary spice) crushed in a pestle and mortar.
• Frankincense is spiritually uplifting to attain a higher realm. Frankincense is available from specialist Wiccan stores.
• Clove is energizing, festive and creative. Crush the culinary spice in a pestle and mortar for use as incense
• Lavender is steadying and induces sleep. Use the dried flowers and leaves

How to Burn Loose Incense

Crumbled plants and plant extracts, either from an individual plant or as ready mixed incense blend, comprise loose incense that is burned on specially-made discs of charcoal. Use the following steps to burn this form of incense:

• Fill an incense burner or non flammable bowl with extinguished ashes or sand.
• Hold a charcoal disc over a flame with tweezers for a few minutes until it glows red.
• Place the smouldering charcoal disc on the ashes or sand, and leave for a couple of minutes. If incense is added too soon it may extinguish the charcoal disc. Gently fanning the disc with a feather will encourage the spread of the smouldering heat.
• Sprinkle a pinch of incense on top of the charcoal, and add a little more when required as the smoke thins out.

Incense Safety

When using incense, there are some safety measures that Wiccans must observe to avoid injury or fires.

• Keep incense out of the reach of children and animals
• Only burn incense in stable non flammable containers away from drafts, open windows and doors
• Never leave burning incense unattended
• Wet matches, incense, joss sticks and charcoal well before discarding

Used with sensitivity and caution incense will bring serenity, sensuality, invigoration and the divine into both magic and rituals, and everyday life.

Sources:

• The Wicca Bible by Ann-Marie Gallagher.
• Simple Wicca by Michele Morgan.
• Holy Smoke: Using Incense and Scent in the Home by Raje Airey.
• Encyclopaedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham.