INCENSE MAGICK

Incense, what it is used for and the history of...           

 Incense is used to represent the element of air, to help cleanse, and bring the power and energy of the incense to your magickal workings. Incenses, like herbs (Vampyress' 550 magickal herb's) and oils, are very versatile. The easiest way of attracting all the good things you want not only for yourself but also for those you love and for those in need, is to burn oils and to release the chosen fragrances and let them work in their own way. You can choose Incense (like oil and herb's) for health, happiness, love, success, prosperity, confidence and protection, to name but a few.
The symbolic values of incense indicate the measure of its importance to the religious life and the Mysteries of ancient man. It is representative of adoration, confession, deity offering, homage, libation, propitiation, protection, purification, act of prayer, prophecy, and fire worship. Incense, used properly, can give forth a mysterious essence which can penetrate and influence the deeper emotions of the subconscious (Vampyress' magickal terms).
Ancient civilizations understood this well, for the smoke of incense was an important part of life, religion. and the celebration of the Mysteries. Perfume has been used in the form of incense for at least 5000 years. The word Perfume in Latin means "through smoke" . Fumigations not only served to sweeten the air but were believed to give protection from evil and disease. Most importantly they were an offering to the Gods. Since the Gods were of spirit they could not receive the material body of a sacrifice, therefore the essence was sent to them on the wings of sacred smoke. It was also believed that prayers were carried to the spirit realm through the burning of incense. Incense also was thought to support the soul in its ascent to heaven. Ancient altars sent forth billows of aromatic smoke filling the temples with intoxicating fragrance lifting the hearts of the worshippers and carrying their prayers to the sky.
Incense has formed a central part of religious (Vampyress' Religion page) and magical ceremonies for thousands of years in lands as far apart as India and North America (Vampyress' travel section).
Since the 1960s, incense sticks, cones and burners have increased in popularity for home use, to create an atmosphere of calm, to induce love and cleanse negativity. Many people use them for meditation as well as for rituals (vampyress' spells pages).
 Today incense can be used to purify homes, offices and clothing, to protect homes and businesses and to help cure illness.
Incense can be a very powerful tool to any magickal workings.    -Vampyress

VAMPYRESS' 10 FAVORITE INCENSE CHOICES and WHY! 
All of my incense choices below can be found naturally from plants--gum, resin, leaves, bark, wood, flowers, or essential oil in fixed oil--and has a depth of scent and a connection to life and the Earth.

Dragon's Blood - It's no surprise that the dark red resin of the berries of a palm tree, Calamus draco, is of Mars. 
Cedarwood - Chips from the wood of various types of aromatic cedars make an excellent incense with Sun properties. A warm but not hot smell, woodsy and soothing. Good for working on the ego or centering oneself and building self-esteem. Cedar promotes good health.  Cedar is a medicine of protection. Cedar trees are very old, wise  and powerful spirits. Cedar is often used to cleanse a home or apartment when first moving in. Inviting unwanted spirits to leave and  protecting a person, place or object from unwanted influences.
Copal - This is hardened copaiba balsam. Ready to use as an incense ruled by Jupiter. When burned it has a crisp, clean, sharp scent that is almost citrus-like. Copal is sacred to the native peoples of Mexico, as it is a gift "pleasing to the gods". Because copal is the blood of trees it is offered to  honor the enormous gift given to us by all of the tree people of our  planet.
Frankincense - The dried gummy resin of this tree is probably the most famous incense in the Western world. A Fire and Sun associated scent. Good for spiritual development and for finding the spiritual side of what appears to be a material matter. Frankincense can bring success, it is used to consecrate objects and places, it can remove unwanted or negative influences. Frankincense is also very good for protection. This tree resin is considered to cleanse and protect the soul. Frankincense is said to ease depression and promote clairvoyance.
Myrrh - Considering the plant's shape and the fact that its gum resin has been used as a drying stimulant, it is easy to place this incense in Mars. Wonderful for all sorts of purification and it smells great too. Myrrh can be used for protection, healing, spirituality and purification. Myrrh promotes power and is helpful with love invocations. This tree resin is said to help one maintain a state of  enlightenment. Also it connects one to the spirit of youth and clears the path  of debris that stands in the way of one’s truth.
Orris Root - A Moon plant, Orris root is good for digging deep into the Moon-ruled subconscious and uprooting what is hidden. A traditional fixative for scent, its essential oil, which is locked inside these roots, smells like violets. Mild stimulant. 
Patchouli - The dried leaves of this Earth plant don't look like much, but their scent is fabulous. Good for grounding, and an alleged aphrodisiac. Curing allows the scent to strengthen. Patchouli arouses secret passions.
Sandalwood - This incense wood is devoted to both Venus and Jupiter. It is still used in Ayurvedic medicine and has recently been shown to have analgesic properties. One of the oldest incense materials, Sandalwood has been in use for at least 4,000 years. It is one of the most calming incenses and therefore is one of the preferred ones for meditation. It calms the mind, enhances mental clarity, and aids in the opening of the Third Eye In the past it was used as a tonic and to color herbal tinctures. Sandalwood is great for healing and purification. It can be substituted for any other ritual incense (white candle aspect). 
Rose Petals - Thiss plant is of course ruled by Venus in the prime of life. Often used in work involving love, it is also excellent for delving into mysteries both spiritual and otherwise, its petals representing the layers of knowledge gained.
White Sage - Traditional Native American purification herb that Europeans associate with Jupiter. Its whiteness and coolly penetrating scent gives this species of sage a nice Moon component, though. Make your own smudge sticks. Sage The use of sage is for healing, the smoke is used to bless, cleanse and heal the person or object being smudged. Sage is used to "wash  off" the outside world when one enters ceremony or other sacred space.  Objects are likewise washed off with sage medicine smoke to rid them of  unwanted influences.
* LAVENDER -  This native of Europe is often used for invitation of the spirits. Some Christians still regard the scent of lavender as a safeguard against evil.  Burning Lavender is best done on Charcoal Tablets

 INCENSE USED IN SPECIFIC MAGICK
Incense has been used for many purposes, to invoke angels and to bind or repel demons by medieval magicians. It is said to release specific energies contained in its fragrance and to carry prayers and petitions to the god or goddess (refer to my goddess page)
figure being invoked. 
 

BALANCE: Jasmine, orange, rose.

BANISHING: Cedar, clove, patchouli, rose rue, vervain.

BINDING: Apple, cypress, dragon's blood, pine, wormwood.

BLESSING, CONSECRATION: Carnation, cypress, frankincense, lotus, rosemary.

CHANGES: Dragon's blood, peppermint.

COURAGE: Allspice, dragon's blood, musk, rosemary.

CREATIVITY: Honeysuckle, lilac, lotus, rose, vervain.

DIVINATION: Acacia, cinnamon, honeysuckle, lilac, nutmeg, rose, thyme, yarrow.

ENERGY: Allspice, bay, carnation, cinnamon, dragon's blood, frankincense, ginger, lotus, musk, pine, thyme, rosemary, verbena.

GOOD LUCK: Bayberry, cedar, cinnamon, honeysuckle, jasmine, lotus, mint, nutmeg, strawberry, vervain, violet.

HAPPINESS: Apple blossom, basil, cedar, clove, cypress, fir, gardenia, sweet pea,

HARMONY: Jasmine, juniper, lavender, lilac, lily of the valley, lotus, myrrh, orange, patchouli, rose, rosemary, vetiver, vervain, ylang-ylang.

HEALING: Carnation, cedar, cinnamon, clove, cypress, eucalyptus, gardenia, lavender, lotus, myrrh, orange, peppermint, rose, rosemary, sandalwood.

INSPIRATION: Acacia, clove, cypress, fir, laurel, lily of the valley, rosemary, sage.

LOVE: Amber, apple blossom, frangipani, gardenia, honeysuckle, jasmine, juniper, lavender, vetiver, violet, ylang-ylang.

MEDITATION: Acacia, bay, cinnamon, frankincense, jasmine, myrrh, wisteria.

MONEY: Bayberry, bergamot, cinnamon, honeysuckle, jasmine, musk, vetiver.

PROTECTION: Basil, bay, bayberry, carnation, cinnamon, citronella, cypress, dragon's blood, fir, frankincense, jasmine, juniper, lilac, lily of the valley, marjoram, pine, sandalwood, violet.

PSYCHIC ABILITIES: Ambergris, honeysuckle, lemon, lotus, mimosa, nutmeg, wisteria.

PURIFICATION: Basil, bay laurel, cedar, cinnamon, citronella, dragon's blood, eucalyptus, frankincense, myrrh, peppermint, pine, rosemary, sage, thyme, vervain.

REMOVING HEXES: Cedar, myrrh, Vetiver.

SPIRITUALITY: Frankincense, lotus, myrrh, sandalwood.

SUCCESS: Ginger.

VISIONS: Acacia, bay laurel, frankincense, lotus.

WILL POWER: Rosemary.

TRADITIONAL SABBAT INCENSE
Refer to Vampyress' Incredible Sabbat's Page for additional information!

CANDLEMAS:
Angelica, basil, bay, benzoin, celandine, heather, myrrh, and all yellow
flowers.

SPRING EQUINOX:
Acorn, celandine, cinquefoil, crocus, daffodil, dogwood, Easter lily,
honeysuckle, iris, jasmine, rose, strawberry, tansy, and violets.

BELTANE:
Almond, angelica, ash tree, bluebells, cinquefoil, daisy, frankincense,
hawthorn, ivy, lilac, marigold, meadowsweet, primrose, roses, Satyrion
root, woodruff, and yellow cowslips.

SUMMER SOLSTICE:
Chamomile, cinquefoil, elder, fennel, hemp, larkspur, lavender, male
fern, mugwort, pine, roses, Saint John's Wort, wild thyme, wisteria, and
verbena.

LAMMAS:
Acacia flowers, aloes, cornstalks, cyclamen, fenugreek, frankincense,
heather, hollyhock, myrtle, oak leaves, sunflower, and wheat.

AUTUMN EQUINOX:
Acorns, asters, benzoin, ferns, honeysuckle, marigold, milkweed, mums,
myrrh, oak leaves, passionflower, pine, roses, sage, Solomon's seal, and
thistles.

SAMHAIN:
Acorns, apples, broom, deadly nightshade, dittany, ferns, flax, fumitory,
heather, mandrake, mullein, oak leaves, sage, and straw.

WINTER SOLSTICE:
Bay, bayberry, blessed thistle, cedar, chamomile, evergreen,
frankincense, holly, juniper, mistletoe, moss, oak, pine cones, rosemary and sage.

 Incense used with the Element of FIRE: ~ burn to promote physical strength, willpower, energy, magickal power and purification.

 Incense used with the ELEMENT of Earth: ~ burn to attract money, prosperity, fertility, growth and employment.

 Incense used with the Element of WATER: ~ burn to promote love, peace, healing, compassion, reconciliation, friendship, sleep, dreams and psychic awareness.

 Incense used with the Element of AIR: ~ burn to aid in communication, divination, study, travel, intellect, confidence and wisdom. 

** means that this particular herb/Incense is TOXIC (be careful using these)

WHEN to do YOUR ELEMENTAL SPELLS?  Yes VAMPYRESS WILL ANSWER
Refer to my MOONS PAGE  and  SPELL PAGE 1   or  SPELL PAGE 2  for additional help!

EARTH spells should be preformed when the moon is in one of the astrological signs governed by that element: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn.

AIR spells should be preformed when the moon is in one of the astrological signs governed by that element: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.

FIRE spells should be performed when the moon is in one of the astrological signs governed by that element: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.

WATER spells should be preformed when the moon is in one of the astrological signs governed by that element: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

THE MAGICKAL PROPERTIES OF INCENSE
Incense magick is a specialized form that utilizes the power of plants (Visit my Herb Page 550 Listed). Incense mixtures contain energies in and of themselves and are far more effective when used in conjunction with simple rituals (refer to my SPELL and RITUAL Page ONE, Page TWO and Page THREE.  By combining personal power with that which resides in plants, and giving them purpose and direction, herb magicians can bring about needed changes.

ACACIA
Burned with sandalwood to stimulate the psychic powers.

AFRICAN VIOLET
Burned for protection and to promote spirituality within the home.

ALLSPICE
Burned to attract good luck, extra physical energy and money.

ALOES
Burned to attract good fortune, love, spiritual vibrations, and strength.

ALTHEA
Burned for protection and to stimulate the psychic powers.

AMBER
Burned for Love and helps to obtain what you desire.

AMBERGRIS
Burned for psychic abilities, opening psychic centers

ANISE SEEDS
Burned as a meditation incense.

APPLE BLOSSOM
Burned for happiness, harmony, peace, love

Apple
Burned for binding

Arabic, gum
Purification and protection of the home.

BASIL
Burned to exorcise and protect against evil entities (such as demons and
unfriendly ghosts), and to attract fidelity, love, good luck, sympathy,
and wealth. This is also an excellent incense to use when performing love
divinations.

BAY
Burned to facilitate the psychic powers, and to induce prophetic
dream-visions. Purification, healing, protection.

BAYBERRY
Burned mainly to attract money.

BENZOIN
Burned for purification and to attract prosperity and increasing mental powers.

BERGAMOT
 Burned for money, prosperity, wealth

BISTORT
Burned (with frankincense) as a powerful incense to aid divination.

BRACKEN
Burned in outdoor fires to magically produce rain.

CEDAR
Burned for purification, to stimulate or strengthen the psychic powers,
attract love, prevent nightmares, and heal various ailments, including
head colds.

CINNAMON
Burned for protection and to attract money, stimulate or strengthen the
psychic powers and aid in speed healing.

CITRON
Burned in rituals to aid healing and also to strengthen the psychic
powers.

CLOVE
Burned to dispel negativity, purify sacred and magickal spaces, attract
money, and stop or prevent the spread of gossip.

COCONUT
Burned for protection.

COPAL
Burned for purification and to attract love. Protection, cleansing, purification, promote spirituality, purify quartz
crystals and other stones before use in magic.

DAMIANA
Burned to facilitate psychic visions.

DITTANY OF CRETE
Burned to conjure spirits and to aid in astral projection (mix with equal parts of benzoin,
sandalwood and vanilla)

DRAGON'S BLOOD
Burned to dispel negativity, exorcise evil supernatural entities, attract
love, and restore male potency. Many Witches also burn dragon's blood for
protection when spell casting and invoking. When added to other incenses,
dragon's blood makes their magickal powers all the stronger.

ELECAMPANE
Burned to strengthen the clairvoyant powers and scrying (divination by
gazing) abilities.

FERN
Burned in outdoor fires to magically produce rain. Also used to exorcise
evil supernatural entities. Burned indoors to exorcise evil.

FRANKINCENSE
Burned to dispel negativity, purify magickal spaces, protect against
evil aid meditation, induce psychic visions, attract good luck, and honor
Pagan deities.

FUMITORY
Burned to exorcise demons, poltergeists, and evil supernatural entities.

GALANGAL
Burned to break the curses cast by sorcerers.

GINSENG ROOT
Burned to keep wicked spirits at bay, and for protection against all
forms of evil.

GOTU KOLA
Burned to aid meditation.

HEATHER
Burned to conjure beneficial spirits, and to magically produce rain.

HIBISCUS FLOWERS
Burned to attract love.

HOREHOUND
Burned as an offertory incense to the ancient Egyptian god Horus.

JASMINE
Burned to attract love and money, and also to induce dreams of a
prophetic nature.

JUNIPER
Burned to stimulate or increase the psychic powers, and also to break
curses and hexes cast by evil sorcerers.

LAVENDER
Burned to induce rest and sleep and to attract love of a man.

LILAC
Burned to stimulate or increase the psychic powers, and to attract
harmony into one's life.

MACE
Burned to stimulate or increase the psychic powers.

MASTIC
Burned to conjure beneficial spirits, stimulate or increase the psychic
powers, and intensify sexual desires. The magickal powers of other
incenses are greatly increased when a bit of mastic is added.

MESQUITE
The magickal powers of all healing incenses are greatly increased when
mesquite is added.

MINT
Burned to increase sexual desire, exorcise evil supernatural entities,
conjure beneficial spirits, and attract money. Mint incense also
possesses strong healing vibrations and protective powers.

MYRRH
Burned (often with frankincense) for purification, consecration, healing,
exorcism, and banishing evil. Myrrh is also aids meditation rituals, and
was commonly burned on alters in ancient Egypt as an offering to deities Isis (refer to
my GODDESS Page) and Ra.

NUTMEG
Burned to aid meditation, stimulate or increase the psychic powers, and
to attract prosperity.

PATCHOULI
Burned to attract money and love, and also to promote fertility.

PINE
Burned for purification, and to banish negative energies, exorcise evil
supernatural entities, and attract money, as well as to break hexes and
return them to their senders.

POPPY SEEDS
Burned to promote female fertility, and to attract love, good luck, and money.

ROSE
Burned to increase courage, induce prophetic dreams, and attract love.
Rose incense is used in all forms of love enchantment and possesses the
strongest love vibration of any magickal incense.

ROSEMARY
Burned to purify, aid in healing, prevent nightmares, preserve
youthfulness, dispel depression, attract fairy folk (refer to my FAERY MAGICK page), and promote
restful sleep and pleasant dreams.

RUE
Burned to help restore health.

SAGE
Burned for protection against all forms of evil, and to purify sacred
spaces and ritual tools, promote wisdom, attract money, and aid in the healing
the body, mind, and soul.

SAGEBRUSH
Burned to aid healing, and to banish negative energies and evil
supernatural entities.

SANDALWOOD
Burned to exorcise demons and evil ghosts, conjure beneficial spirits,
and promote spiritual awareness. Sandalwood incense is also used by many
Witches in healing rituals and in wish-magick.

SOLOMON'S SEAL
Burned mainly as an offertory incense to ancient Pagan deities.

STAR ANISE SEEDS
Burned to stimulate or increase the psychic powers.

STRAWBERRY
Burned to attract love.

SWEETGRASS
Burned to conjure beneficial spirits prior to spell casting and to remind us of the essence of the feminine
and that the earth provides us with everything we need.

TANSY
A herb particularly associated with the Goddess

THYME
Burned for the purification of magickal spaces prior to rituals, to aid
in healing, and to attract good health. A protective herb; used to invoke Fairy Folk

VANILLA
Burned to attract love, increase sexual desire, and improve the powers of
the mind.

VERVAIN
Burned to exorcise evil supernatural entities.

VETIVERT
Burned to break curses, and for protection against sorcery (black magick)
and thieves.

WILLOW
Burned to avert evil, attract love, and promote healing. It is also used
by many Witches as an offertory incense for Pagan lunar deities.

WISTERIA
Burned for protection against all forms of evil.

WORMWOOD
Burned to stimulate or increase the psychic powers. When mixed with
sandalwood and burned at night in a cemetery, wormwood is said to be able
to conjure spirits from their graves.

 

TYPES of INCENSE to BURN DURING MAGICK:
Purification through smell - the ritual significance of incense seems to stop at this. But the insistence of humanity to light incense sticks while meditating, sitting at home or at places of worship. Mystical aspects of incense have withstood the test of time, making the product an absolute necessity for any magical or occult practice.

Love Incense:
China Rain - drawing a new love
Jasmine - luck in love
Rose - true love
Ylang Ylang - to strengthen or create balance in love
White Jasmine - to heighten sexual aspects in relationships
Musk - to excite sexual love and intense desire
Patchouli - to maintain happiness in love
Copal - after a quarrel
Gardenia - to ease hurt caused by love
Lavender - to ease hurt caused by love

PURIFICATION – burn to purify any room, your magickal workspace, crystals or tools

SUN – burn to promote protection, success, healing, physical and magickal energy, to end legal matters, and all influences of the sun

I will conclude with saying that INCENSE, HERBS, and OILS have a great many positive effects upon our human race (and yours).  Aromatherapy is able to establish harmony and balance in a person as well as restoring your well being through the body and mind connection.  It is advisable to study (to become) or visit a QUALIFIED professional aromatherapy practitioner when seeking help.    ~  Vampyress

The magical and medicinal uses described on VAMPYRESS' site pages comes from a variety of sources, both modern and
 historical and collected over  many ~ many years!

These are common metaphysical, folklore, and legendary uses and VAMPYRESS make no guarantees as to their effectiveness.  It is up to you to decide their value, for yourself.