Holy Smokeby Jeanne M Nicholson

Thin ribbons of smoke dance in the air, gently dipping and weaving up and in and out, climbing higher and dissipating. What’s left is scent, a distinctive aroma and a sense of calm.

Fragrance has a powerful way of activating memories and shifting consciousness. Burning sacred herbs or incense activates the sense of smell and evokes an interconnection to the rich traditions and history of sacred smoke. Stimulating the senses intensifies the Mind-Body-Spirit significance of prayer and mediation. Including aroma can heighten your experience bringing a sense of sacred and beautiful energy.

Burnt Offerings
The burning of sacred herbs and resins probably dates back to the discovery of fire when early humans noticed the more pleasing aromas of certain plants and woods. Ancient artifacts found throughout the world indicate that incense burning is and was an aspect of virtually every culture. The commonality between incense, religion, medicine, and shamanic traditions is evident. It is a human tendency to enhance our environment and our experiences with pleasing fragrances.

Charla Deveruex, is a British environologist who explores and writes about ancient sacred places. She points out that sacred sites no longer enjoy the fragrance of burning herbs. And while we can still experience the visual and kinesthetic aspect of ancient places, our nose does not savor the “odors of sanctity” that was essential to the experience of hallowed locations.

History of Incense
Incense was originally used by Egyptian Pharaohs to counteract unpleasant odors, please the gods, and drive away evil spirits. Ancient priestesses sat over smoldering fumes of bay leaves to inspire trance states. The Chinese use incense in temples and for medicinal purposes. The Babylonians used incense while offering prayers to divining oracles. Incense was imported into Israel for religious offerings. It then spread to Greece, Rome and India, where both Hindus and Buddhists use the mystical aromas in purification rites. The Japanese developed incense pastes from powdered herbs, shaping cones and spirals.

Burning Rituals
Frankincense and other resins are burned during the liturgy of many Christian traditions. Sage, sweet grass, cedar, lavender and tobacco are the sacred plants burnt by Native Americans in purification ceremonies and rituals. Legend says that the animal kingdom recognizes the sacred properties of tobacco and respectfully refrains from grazing on it.

In a purification ceremony the dried plants are ignited but not allowed to flame, rather they smolder, producing a fragrant smoke. The smoke from sage is said to draw out and carry away negative energy. Cedar smoke infuses the atmosphere with positive energy, and lavender has a calming energy and a wonderful fragrance. A traditional clearing acknowledges the four directions and the four elements earth, air, water and fire. Water is represented by a seashell bowl that holds the smoldering plant, air with a feather for fanning and directing the smoke, earth and fire by the burning plant.

Beyond religious ceremonies incense and fragrant herbs are used to lull one to sleep, to alleviate anxieties, to increase dreaming, treat asthma or act as a general antidote for toxins. My friend burns incense in her car on long drives, her son referring to the sticks as “smell betters”.

Manufacture of Incense
The manufacture of incense is both a science and an art and, in some cultures, a sacred practice. Incense has many forms. Variations include: tree sap, gums or resins, raw woods, dried herbs, flowers, roots, pastes, powders, and oils. Semiprecious stones may also be added. General ingredients are frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, cinnamon, juniper, copal, thyme, pine, cedar, bay, rosemary, and basil. Ingredients from India include, sandalwood, lavender, golden champa, and patchouli. Perfume industry chemicals began replacing some natural ingredients during 17th and 18th centuries. Today’s incense sticks or cones, an invention of the Japanese, were introduced at the Chicago World’s Fair in the late 1800’s.

See How it Burns
Incense can be classified as combustible or non-combustible. Combustible incense generally contains potassium nitrate (saltpeter) to allow for slow burning, and is burned in the form of bricks, cones, and sticks. Non-combustible incense is sprinkled on glowing charcoal or directly into a fire to release its fragrance.

The “Notes” of Fragrance
Each fragrance has its own vibration and song. Aromas are described as ‘notes,’ similar to musical notes, each note with it’s own ‘lyric.’

The ‘top’ notes, are the initial scent when you take a stick out of its packet or you first light the stick. The top note is usually strong, sweet, and uplifting! These top notes fade quickly.

The ‘middle’ note is more persistent - and often different than the top note. After the incense has been burning for a while, you can detect the middle note; it is the most predominant melody—often a blend of the top note and the base note.

The ‘base’ note is long lasting and persistent, it is what you will smell after the incense has finished burning; the base note tends to have a woody or earthy quality.

All notes work in concert to create a melody and the perfect mood.

Up in Smoke
In addition to the aroma, the visual effects of the curling smoke evokes a sense of sacred mystery. I often start my meditation time by lighting a stick of incense and watching the amazing and unusual patterns that are formed by the smoke. It’s magical, like the smoke is performing some intricate ballet just for me.

Science has documented the irrefutable fact that prayer energy so powerfully transcends time and space, yet scientists cannot tell us why or how. The ancients say the smoke carries our prayers to the heavens and who am I to argue?


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