March 24, 2007:
Burnt Offerings
Incense
It could not have been long after humanity learned to have power over
fire that they discovered that simple fragrant wood, resin, herbs, or
roots can do more than produce pleasing aromas. The first forms of
incense were simply fragrant plants tossed into fire, and it was only
later that pastes, oils, powders, joss sticks, and cones were created.
Incense has soothed, excited, aroused, and centered us for thousands of
years. The people of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, Greece, and Rome
all consumed great quantities of incense, using it for rituals in their
temples and homes. Even today, incense is used for a number of
spiritual and practical reasons.
Fragrances can affect us in many ways, and each aromatic has its own
unique qualities. Lavender holds the power to quiet the soul, while
sandalwood can ease feelings of anxiety. Patchouli is helpful for
grounding and centering yourself. A single stick of incense can convey
up to a symphony of fragrances. When burned prior to or during
meditation, the fragrant smoke can direct the course of your thoughts
and influence the rhythms of your body. The time it takes to burn the
entire stick of incense can even act as a natural timer. You can also
offer burning incense as a gift to the divine while performing a
ritual.
There are no right reasons or wrong ways for you to use incense. In the
Chinese tradition, burning three upright sticks of incense can give you
insight into what the future holds. Enjoying a cone of smoking incense
also can simply add sweet fragrance to a room. And should you choose to
light a cone of lavender incense after a long day of work, you may find
yourself effortlessly relaxing into the quiet arms of the night.