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As incense is so evocative and powerful, it is no surprise that it has been an important part of religious ceremonies and spiritual gatherings for millennia. In fact, the first recorded use was by the Egyptians some 4,500 years ago. To this day, smoky, fragrant incense sticks burn in Asian and Indian temples, in churches, and at spiritual gatherings. They sweeten your home’s atmosphere, plus offer harmony to your mind, mood, and spirit.
This ancient practice is potent because smell is a primordial sense, according to Kindling Zing. This is due to the olfactory system being connected to the hippocampus and amygdala, where long-term memories are stored. As a result, the wafting incense aromas evoke positive emotions and memories.
These five pleasant incense aromas may enhance your spiritual connection.
Meditate With Nag Champa
Looking for tranquility? Originating in India, Nag Champa is now one of the most popular incenses in the world, according to Radiance Gifts. It is a fragrant mix of resins, powders, gums, frangipani flower, and sandalwood oil. A sacred incense, it is a perfect choice to enhance your meditation, offering clarity and wisdom.
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Use Amber for Healing
Amber is actually a fossilized resin from an extinct pine tree that dates back some 5 to 60 million years, according to Incense Making. When crushed and made into an essential oil, amber has a woody aroma and is often blended with frankincense, cedarwood, and sandalwood.
Amber is often used in rituals and meditations, according to Soul Niche. Burning amber incense may offer self-healing, luck, love, and balance of spirit and emotions.
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Bergamot Uplifts
The citrus-like smell of bergamot enhances joy, so if you are feeling down, reach for this zesty incense. It is also used to attract good fortune and prosperity, according to Soul Niche.
It can reconnect you to your higher self, according to Back to Basics, as well as help lighten your mood and shield you from negative thoughts.
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Clove is Used for Clarity
Aside from being a popular spice, burning a stick of clove incense offers energy and is uplifting, according to Roots of Being. Clove also helps improve focus and gives clarity. So if you are feeling indecisive, burn a stick of clove. Some say it also attracts prosperity!
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Purify with Frankincense
Both sweet and earthy, frankincense is calming, improves mood, and offers tranquility, according to Roots of Being. This revered herb was once more valuable than gold because of its healing powers, suggested Reality Pathing. As it is cleansing, frankincense can be used to prepare a space for spiritual work and ritual preparation.
Aside from connecting you with the sacred, frankincense opens paths to deeper spiritual experiences.
Due to its earthy scent, it is also used to ground with nature. To enjoy this fragrance, place a few drops in an aromatherapy warmer, or add vegetable oil and then add a few resin chunks. Warm with a tea light.
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