miracles of the moon ☽

When I spend some months in Asia incense is everywhere and all around. But what is it, where does it come from and why is it so powerful?

Incense is a substance often made from natural products, woods, herbs or essential oils. It is burned to produce a smoke. It has been used for thousands of years in spiritual, religious and healing practices across many cultures.

It dates back to over 6000 years, ancient civilizations from Egypt, India, China to the Americas, burned incense to honor the divine, purify spaces and connect with the spiritual world. The word incense comes from the Latin word incendere meaning to burn.

Where was incense used around the world in history?

In ancient Egypt: Egyptians used frankincense, myrrh, and kyphi (a blend of herbs, resins, and honey) during temple rituals to honor gods and cleanse sacred spaces. They believed the smoke connected the physical world with the realm of the gods.

In India: In Hinduism and Buddhism, incense has been used for millennia during meditation, prayer, and yoga practices. Sandalwood, nag champa, and resins are burned to purify energy and invite divine presence.

In China and Japan: Incense ceremonies (Kōdō in Japan) are highly refined, almost like a tea ceremony. In Taoism and Shinto, incense is burned to invite protection, bring harmony, and honor ancestors.

Indigenous cultures in the Americas: Many tribes use natural plant incense such as sage, cedar, or sweetgrass for smudging, a practice of cleansing and calling in positive spirits.

Middle east: Frankincense and myrrh, both originating from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa, were considered sacred gifts (they were even given to Jesus at birth). Incense is still a big part of spiritual life in churches and mosques.

What is incense used for now a days?

It is powerful because it shifts energy, the smoke is believed to purify and cleanse spaces from stagnant or negative energy. Similar as smudging with sage or palo santo.

It activates your senses, and scents work directly on the limbic system (the emotional center of the brain). It can instantly shift your mood, calm your mind or energize you.

It creates a sacred space, it marks a ritual moment, making it easier to drop into meditation, prayer or intention-setting.

The symbolism of smoke is seen as a messenger, carrying prayers, intentions or gratitude to the universe/God.

Additionally it is a great natural mosquito repellent!

toxic?

The belief that incense is toxic is a bit of e misconception. It can be harmful when it is cheap, unauthentic incense that carries chemical fragrances, binders or glues. Also the overuse in unventilated spaces can lead to too much smoke buildup.

So be aware what type of incense you purchase, make sure it is natural and be aware of what is inside and keep the windows open if you are in a closed space. Use mindfully!