13 Basic Incense to Keep on Hand, and more…

Uses of Incense

So, lots of incense falls under the category of “herbs” in magical workings, just that the method of use is burning, specifically. I see the difference as one of purpose as well. In my opinion, incense, whether resins, herbs, woods, are used to set the overall intention and ‘mood’ of the ritual or spell, via the scent it produces. “Herbs” are more the functional part of the ritual or spell. You may have a different distinction, or none at all.

My Top 13

Here are my top recommendations for the incenses that I keep in stock, and their purposes:

*Cinnamon – Spirituality, Success, Healing, Protection, Power, Psychic Powers, Love, Lust

• I also have this on my list of 13 Basic Herbs. I discuss what I see as the difference in use above, but feel free to use the same bottle of cinnamon for both, if you like. You can sprinkle cinnamon, or crumble a stick over a charcoal disk, or burn a cinnamon fragranced incense stick. Choose your preferred method, and what you have on hand.

Dragon’s Blood – Love, Protection, Exorcism, Potency

Frankincense – Protection, Cleansing, Exorcism, Spirituality

Jasmine – Love, Lust, Prosperity, Relaxation, Spirituality

Lavender – Purification, Relaxation, Healing.

Myrrh – Cleansing, Protection, Exorcism, Healing, Spirituality

Nag Champa – Grounding, Purification, Focus the Mind / Mental Abilities, Spirituality

(My favorite for a Ritual Incense, where I want the energy flowing.)

Patchouli – Divination, Grounding, Love and Lust

Rose -Love, Compassion, and Spiritual Connection

Sage – Cleansing, Longevity, Wisdom, Protection, Wisdom

alternatively: Sage, White (Sagebrush) – Purification, Exorcism, Cleansing

Sandalwood – Protection, Exorcism, Wishes, Healing, Spirituality

Vanilla – Love, Lust, Mental Powers

Any Blend or Other Scent – Just because you love it. Mine would be a rain, or an earthy petrichor scent, maybe a musky ‘full moon’ scent. Anything that will relax you or put you in a ‘witchy’ state of mind.

Because I like variety….

If you were wondering, here are some of the other incenses that I currently have in stock, not including blends (such as “Full Moon,” etc.)

Benzoin – Purification, Prosperity

Chocolate – Love, Romance, Grounding, Prosperity

Clove – Protection, Exorcism, Love, Money

Coffee – Power, Potency, Exorcism, Luck, Love, Lust

Copal – Love, Purification, Cleansing

Ginger – Love, Money, Success, Power

Opopanax (Sweet Myrrh) – Protection, Spirituality, Mental Powers

Palo Santo – Cleansing, Purification, Healing, Spirituality, 

Seven Archangels – Purification, Cleansing

Recommended Accessories

Like I mentioned above in the cinnamon entry, I recommend that you keep some charcoal disks on hand for burning herbs or resins. The sticks are a great thing to keep on hand, but burning loose herbs, resins and other materials gives you a lot more flexibility in your practice. It also allows you to create your own custom blends, to reinforce your intent, without having to burn a bunch of individual sticks.

Whichever type of incense you choose to burn, it is absolutely important to take proper fire safety precautions. Only use a fire safe container. If using charcoal, it is good to lay a layer of sand to help dissipate heat. Keep water nearby to extinguish and accidental fires…..

Burnt hair and clothes are not good smells (unless that is your goal… you do you).