The
Use of Incense in Spiritual Practice
By Roger F Marlow
Expert Author Roger F Marlow
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Ezine Articles
The use of incense as a key to unlocking the doorways to higher spiritual realms
dates back not just centuries, but thousands of years. We all know that The
Magi, the Three Wise Men of the Bible, brought frankincense and myrrh as gifts
for the birth of the Christ child, thus marking one of the most holy events in
history for billions of people. That's not surprising since the origins of
incense as a substance of higher attainment had been engrained in the
consciousness of humanity for at least 3,000 years before the advent of
Christianity.
Frankincense, for example, is known to have been traded across the Arabian
Peninsula for 5,000 years. Sacks of this resin are depicted on the walls of the
Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut who reigned in around the time of 1483 B.C.
Frankincense is also integral to the Ketoret, which is literally the offering of
incense in ancient Hebrew religious celebrations.
The pungent, resinous incense, myrrh, was so valuable in ancient times that its
value often surpassed that of gold. It was also central to the spiritual
practices of the ancient Egyptians and was even part of the mummification
process.
Bringing the ancient past with us, let's fast forward to the present and talk
about the spiritual significance and uses that various incenses still hold
today, and which are still employed by modern pagans, Wiccans, other profoundly
mystical traditions. Just a few of the most common incenses today are jasmine,
copal, rose, sage, kewda, sandalwood, and mogra -- but again, that's just a few!
The fragrances produced by these incense essences are believed by some to
attract specific aspects of certain deities or perhaps vibration frequencies of
a specific kinds of spiritual energy. Note that the specific kind of
manifestation, and just what these energies are - specific gods, or more
generalized universal powers - varies from tradition to tradition.
In some pagan practice, for example, one may employ copal both for consecration
and/or to banish negative energy. In the tradition of Hoodoo, incense made from
star anise is burned to increase psychic awareness and induce clairvoyance. One
of the most important herbal incense types in Native American spiritual
practices is sage. They use it for an array of effects, from purifying energy to
emotional balancing and healing illnesses.
Many types of incense are used to attract spirit guides near to us so that we
may form a closer presence or call upon their aid in our daily lives. Myrrh is a
preferred go-to scent for this in a number of traditions. Many other types of
incense help focus the mind in meditation.
Keep in mind that incense lore is an extremely deep field of specialty in and of
itself. The sheer number of substances and the amazing variety of scents that
can be obtained through the burning of incense is a specialization that few
individuals have mastered completely without years of study.
But you don't have to be a "master" or have some kind of special spiritual
proficiency to bring the joy and many benefits of incense use into your daily
life and practice, no matter what path you are on. Discovering the many aromas
and delightful wonders of incense is a fantastic journey for anyone. By using
incense, you are connecting with thousands of years of the human history and
spiritual practice. Do incorporate incense into your spiritual and daily life;
you will be very pleased you did. Many untold pleasures await you..... Love,
live and enjoy. Peace! Roger
Roger Marlow Incense is one of my passions in life and I run an online quality
incense site and a couple of blogs. Owner proprietor Incense Incense Your source
for the finest incense in the world.
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