Using Incense during divination and fortune telling.

Basic Grounding and Clearing Incense:

This recipe has been devised to help create a feeling of space and calm at the start of a session, and provides a way of winding down and tidying up the atmosphere of the area afterwards. It is also a good one to smoulder after an argument or after a party.

2 parts Frankincense resin. (Generally felt to promote a pure, exalted frame of mind)
1 part Lavender flowers (Traditionally a healing, fragrant ingredient in many recipes)
1 part Sandlewood (or Saunderswood) (Exotic, rich, comforting and earthy)
1 part Lemon zest (fresh or dried) (A clean, fresh scent good at removing negativity)
A few drops of lavender essential oil.

The basic method described here holds true for all the following recipes. You may wish to further enhance the end product by making sure you are in an appropriate frame of mind first. Using a heavy pestle and mortar if possible, combine the dry ingredients, working them to as fine a powder as possible. You will find that some reduce to powder very easily, and others, such as bark chipping are much tougher. Just keep pounding until you feel you have done the best you can.

Next add any moist ingredients or liquid or essential oil. Mix again and you should find that the powder has turned to a dry cake crumb consistency. Transfer to a small jar and put away in a warm dark place for a few days at least. (Should you feel inclined, you could consult an almanac to determine appropriate moon phases for blending and curing the incense). Break up the incense, which may well have set into a solid lump, in the pestle and mortar,. Clear your mind and concentrate on the purpose for which you made the incense. Direct this purpose into the blend, and then return it to its jar until needed.

To use incense, light a charcoal disc and wait until a thin ashy layer covers the whole surface. This means it has lit throughout. Sprinkle a few grains of incense on the charcoal and experience the change in atmosphere. Be aware that incense smoke in excess can make your head spin! Be prepared to go outside for a few deep breaths after a session. These blends are also designed for effectiveness rather than immediate pleasantness, so use in small amounts at first.

Celtic Spirit Incense:

This is dedicated to techniques inspired by early European heritage and could be useful when working with the Celtic tree oracle or any dowsing or scrying technique.

1 part Woad Seed (substitute hawthorn berries if unobtainable)
2 parts Pine Resin
2 parts Vervain
1 part Orris root powder
1 part Apple leaf
1 part Oak wood rasped finely
Honey a very few drops

Nine Herbs Incense:

A potent incense inspired by the Nine Sacred Herbs of Norse mythology. Interpretations of the identity of the herbs varies slightly in different texts, and the choice here has been further modified by the addition of gums and resins which reflect both the Norse world and the exotic trade links they forged.

1 part Ash bark, rasped very finely
2 part Pine Resin
1 part Myrrh Resin
1 part Hawthorn (leaves, berries or flowers)
1 part nettle herb
1 part fennel seeds
1 part plantain herb
½ part Mugwort (use caution, Mugwort is dangerous when used to excess)
2 parts Camomile flowers
1 part Yarrow herb
1/2 part grated apple
Honey (or mead) a very few drops

Medicine Bundle incense:

Dedicated to the plants used within the Native American tradition, this general-purpose interpretation may be useful to those trying to gain insight into this rich heritage.

2 parts Cedarwood
2 parts Pine resin
1 part Pine needles
1 part Sweet grass
¼ part Tobacco

As a point of interest, tobacco can be used as a substitution for any potentially dangerous herbs you may come across in incense recipes. I certainly has dangers of its own, but the minute amounts added to incense recipes shouldn’t cause you any problems. Generally, a scant pinch is sufficient in any recipe, no matter what the proportions of other ingredients.

Storing Incense:

When you first start working with incense it is likely you will make several variations on a theme. Store each in a sealed glass jar, and revisit the blends after several months, Its surprising how often a mix that wasn’t quite right on first making becomes appropriate for a specific purpose after several months in storage. Do take care to label things clearly, this will help you select the best incense for your task and make the experience more enjoyable.