Learn all about incense and its meanings!

For thousands of years some people have believed that the use of incense sticks is a powerful tool to ward off evil spirits, heal the sick and even connect and communicate with the gods.

In fact, this practice was and still is used in many rituals and ceremonies of great importance for those who practice them. Whether in the Catholic Church, in the shamanic rituals of indigenous peoples, in Buddhism, etc.

Today, incense sticks are also used at home by many people who have very different goals. From the simple aromatization of the environment, to spiritual enlightenment. To help you know more about incense sticks, we have prepared a complete article on the subject.

Check below the history of incense, when to use them, what care you should take, what is the meaning of the various scents of incense and many other interesting information on the subject.

Understanding more about incense

Incense has been used by many civilizations for thousands of years, yet it has become increasingly popular in recent times.

If you like to use incense, know that there are several interesting information that you may not know. See below what the origin and history of incense sticks, what it is used for, its meaning, what it means to smell incense and more!

Origin and history of incense

Although incense has become popular in recent times, its history is very ancient. In China, it has been used since Neolithic times as an element of rituals and important ceremonies, while in India, its use began more than 6,000 years ago and is still popular today.

In ancient Egypt, it was used for both medicinal and mystical purposes and these people believed that the smoke of incense was able to carry the desires of men to the gods. Besides tree resins, the Egyptians also added honey, wine and other ingredients to their incense sticks.

In the Bible, incense is also mentioned in several passages, such as the birth of Jesus, in which he is presented by the Magi with incense, myrrh and gold. In the Catholic Church, it has also been used for a long time in its ceremonies and it is believed that the smoke elevates the prayers of the faithful to God.

What are incense sticks used for?

Incense has several purposes, the simplest of them being the aromatization of the environment, which becomes cozy due to the perfume that the incense exudes when burned. In addition, it is also able to provide a sense of relaxation and is therefore used by many people during meditation.

In addition, many people believe that incense is able to perform energy cleansing of the environment, that is, purify the house of any negative energy.

For many ancient peoples, the fragrant smoke from incense sticks was a method of connecting to the deities and is still used today in religious practices of the Catholic Church and many indigenous peoples.

General meaning of incense sticks

The word incense comes from the Latin word "incendere", which means "to burn". Thus, in addition to the various types of incense we know today, such as the cone or stick, it also refers to the burning of aromatic and medicinal herbs.

These substances, when burned, produce the most diverse aromas and it is nothing new that pleasant smells can trigger positive feelings, for example, the feeling of relaxation, peace, happiness or even the increase of the capacity of concentration.

Despite this, throughout human history there is always a spiritual aspect attached to the meaning of incense sticks. Many people believe that their smoke is a channel that allows communication with the spiritual or divine plane.

Therefore, in addition to providing well-being, incense sticks are a great alternative for those seeking spiritual development.

Meaning of incense smoke

The symbology of smoke is closely linked to that of fire, which appears as a destructive and transformative element. In the specific case of incense, it is believed that it is able to dissipate negative energies and expel evil spirits.

Therefore, the smoke is related to energetic purification and can be used both for cleaning environments and for personal purification, such as cleaning the aura, or to get rid of negative thoughts and feelings and attract positive energies.

Nevertheless, fire and, consequently, smoke also appear as a symbol of that which is divine. In Egypt and Babylon, smoke was seen as a form of connection with the gods, which served both as an offering and as something capable of carrying men's wishes to the divinities.

In the Catholic Church, the idea is similar, that the smoke carries the prayers of the faithful to God. It is worth noting that some indigenous people even practice libanomancy, which is the observation and interpretation of the smoke in order to receive divine messages or answers to important issues for the tribe.

Meaning of smell incense

Often, smelling incense or, indeed, any other smell can be triggered by a memory. That is, you remember something that happened in the past or someone and it ends up bringing up some aroma related to the situation.

Especially, if you or someone you live with makes use of incense frequently, or if any of the incense scents were used at some specific or defining moment in your life. From a spiritual standpoint, many people believe that smelling the pleasant scent of incense is a sign that their guardian angel is nearby.

In this case, it is interesting to evaluate what happened at that moment, the way you felt and even the thoughts you had when you smelled incense.

Types of incense and their meanings

Currently, there is a huge variety of incense available on the market, check out below a complete list with the most common incense sticks and their meanings. For example, the incense of cinnamon, rose white, 7 herbs, palo santo, chamomile, rock salt and more.

7 Herbs incense

The 7 herbs incense is made from a combination of several powerful herbs, which are used for both spiritual and medicinal purposes. It is common for this incense to contain, for example, rosemary, myrrh and rue in its composition, although the recipe may vary according to the incense brand chosen.

Anyway, it is a powerful ally in the purification of environments, protection against evil eye and other spells and discharge, in addition to promoting and increasing the spiritual connection of those who use it.

Rosemary incense

Rosemary has long been considered a plant that possesses magical and medicinal properties by various civilizations. For this reason, it is believed that the incense produced from it is capable of spiritual and energetic cleansing of the environment, as well as offering spiritual protection to those who use it. Finally, it is also associated with physical, mental or spiritual healing.

Incense of Rue

The incense of arruda is used for protection and energetic and spiritual defense, mainly against the evil eye and envy. In addition, it is also able to perform the cleaning of the environment, dissipating all the negative energy. It is also indicated to increase the vitality and energy level when necessary.

Benzoin incense

The incense of Benzoin protects the environment from external energies or negative, in addition to purifying it. Thus, it is indicated for those times when you feel overwhelmed or need to make a decision on their own, without being carried away by the influences or opinions of others.

It is also a great option to attract prosperity and success to the most diverse areas of your life. So, you can use it whenever you are working towards a goal, or making changes to improve some aspect of your life.

Incense of Breuzinho

First of all, the pitch incense, also known as white rosewood, provides concentration, being a good alternative for when you need to focus on something, such as work or studies, or when you have difficulty getting rid of repetitive thoughts.

Secondly, this incense is also known to promote energy purification of the environment, dispelling negative energies and making room for good energies to enter your home.

Chamomile incense

Chamomile is a plant known for being a natural calming agent, so the meaning of this incense is also related to this factor. Therefore, its use is a great alternative for those times when you need to calm down and keep anxiety and stress under control.

Cinnamon incense

The cinnamon incense is indicated for those who wish to attract good luck and happiness. In addition, this incense is also known to help clean the energy of the financial life, opening space for good energies and prosperity to enter the house of those who use it.

Lemongrass incense

Besides performing the energy cleaning of the environment, the incense of lemon grass has a calming effect. Being indicated especially for times of stress and anxiety, since in addition to relax, it will also help you purify your home of any negative influence.

This plant is also recognized as a symbol of love and femininity, so its incense can be used to rekindle romance and harmonize the love relationship.

Citronella incense

Citronella is a plant that is widely used as a natural insect repellent. Thus, its incense promotes purification and cleansing of the environment, both on a physical and energetic level. It also brings vitality to those who use it, as it has energizing properties.

Clove incense

Also known as clove or clove, this plant is widely used in culinary dishes, but also for its healing and even mystical properties. This incense is one of the most indicated for the energy purification of the environment, since it has the power to dispel negative thoughts, evil eye and even spells made to harm the inhabitants of the house.

It is also an energizing and revitalizing incense, being a good alternative for when you need more encouragement. It is commonly used for opening paths and is also indicated for those who use the voice as a working tool, such as lecturers and teachers.

Eucalyptus incense

Eucalyptus is a medicinal plant well known for its healing properties and for promoting improvements in relation to respiratory problems. The incense derived from it is able to purify the air and cleanse the environment of the heaviest energies, and is indicated for those seeking physical, spiritual or emotional healing.

Passionfruit incense

For those moments when you feel you need calm and tranquility, passion fruit incense is always a great alternative. It helps to relax, eases the agitation of emotions and thoughts and reduces stress, making you feel calm and peaceful.

Honey Incense

The fragrance of honey incense is able to create a warm, cozy, calm and harmonious environment. It is suitable for those moments when you want to feel lighter and even open a little more to the feelings of tenderness and peace.

In addition, its aroma also stimulates love and fertility, so it is used to promote improvements in love relationships. Finally, it is associated with prosperity.

Myrrh Incense

Myrrh incense facilitates concentration and offers inner strength to those who use it. Many people believe that it has mystical properties and, therefore, it is often used to prepare the environment at the time of meditation and prayers. It is also indicated for those who wish to attract more prosperity in your life.

Lavender incense

Lavender is a plant well known for its lilac color and its sweet and pleasant smell. The incense derived from it is able to harmonize both the environment and the emotional state of those who use it.

In addition, it also promotes the feeling of peace and is a good alternative to prepare the environment before bed or rest throughout the day. Finally, it is also indicated to promote the well-being of the family, harmonize the love relationship and rekindle romance.

Frankincense of Olibanum

The fragrance of the frankincense gives you a sense of security and peace of mind, making you feel much calmer and relaxed in no time. This is why this incense is often used during spiritual practices like meditation, visualizations or even prayers.

Palo Santo incense

Palo santo has a very particular aroma and has been used for a long time to aromatize environments. Just to illustrate, the indigenous peoples of the Andes burn this plant with the belief that it is able to promote cleansing and harmonize the energy of the environment and its inhabitants. Thus, its incense has the same properties.

Patchouli incense

The patchouli incense is very versatile and brings many benefits to those who use it. First, it is indicated for those seeking insight or the answer to an important question in your life.

It also improves your mood and helps you take the necessary actions to implement positive changes in your life and achieve what you want. Therefore, it is also associated with improvements in business and finance and even the favoring of passion and love life.

Incense of Pitanga

The pitanga has a sweet and mild smell and the incense produced from this fruit promotes the revitalization of the environment and the energies of those who use it. Thus it is associated with vitality and feelings of joy and lightness.

It is also indicated to awaken passion, creative energy and enthusiasm. Finally, this incense is also used to attract prosperity, enabling the opening of paths for material gains.

Priprioca incense

The incense of priprioca is indicated for those who are very distracted and need to be more focused on yourself and the reality around you, since it helps in the process of grounding or anchoring. It promotes a sense of well-being, and harmonizes the emotions and thoughts of those who use it.

In addition, its aroma is aphrodisiac and awakens sensuality. It is worth noting that some believe that this plant native to the Amazon has the power to help win the loved one and so this incense is also used for this purpose.

White Rose incense

The aroma of white rose incense is recognized by its sweet and light notes and this incense has calming properties. Moreover, it is also used to clean energetic environments and harmonize them. Finally, it is also indicated for those who seek elevation and expansion in the spiritual life.

Coarse Salt Incense

It is no news that rock salt has long been used to repel negative energies and fight the evil eye. Thus, its incense is used for the same purpose of purifying the environment. For this, the ideal is to place it in the corners of the house, which is where the heaviest energies tend to be concentrated.

White Sage incense

White sage is a plant considered sacred and used by several indigenous peoples in their shamanic rituals of energetic cleansing to ward off evil spirits and promote healing of those who are ill. Its incense has the same properties, besides attracting good energies, wisdom, discernment and inner peace.

Sandalwood incense

Sandalwood incense is very versatile and has several purposes. Firstly, it promotes concentration and helps you stay focused. Secondly, it neutralizes negative feelings and thoughts, making you feel much better in a short time.

In addition, it is also widely used by those who seek to develop spiritually, as it is believed to help in this process. Finally, it is associated with the feeling of humility.

Further information about incense sticks

Now that you know the meanings of incense sticks, there is other information that you also need to know. See below when to use incense, how to choose, tips on how to use, what not to do when using incense and more.

When to use incense?

Traditionally, incense is used in many religious practices, such as in the shamanic rituals of indigenous peoples and even in the Catholic church.

So, the use of incense at home can be done as a way to connect with your spiritual side. By using it, for example, when performing a meditation or prayer. In addition, it is also widely used during yoga practice.

You can also light incense whenever you feel you need to relax a little in the midst of your daily routine. The aroma of incense is a powerful tool to get off autopilot, anchor yourself and help you to be more present.

Finally, it is worth noting that as the incense has many different purposes, you can use them with this in mind. Just to illustrate, if you feel that the environment is heavy and your house needs an energy cleaning, you can use a specific incense for this.

What is the best place to put incense?

There are some important precautions when choosing a place to light the incense. First of all, it is ideal to avoid closed places where smoke can accumulate. So, look for a place in the house that is well ventilated and open the windows, just be careful not to leave the incense near a draft so that it does not go out.

Also take care not to light it near any flammable materials to avoid accidents. Even though the ashes that fall from incense are not enough to cause anything to catch fire, they can still damage papers, fabrics, or wooden surfaces.

From the energetic point of view, if you are going to perform the cleaning of the environment, it is good to put the incense in the corners of the house, since that is where the accumulation of negative energies occurs.

How to choose the best incense

First of all, it is important to look for recognized brands in the market and avoid products of poor origin, which can cause several problems by containing toxic substances such as formaldehyde and benzene in its composition.

The choice of incense can be made according to what you want to achieve, for example, the energetic cleaning of the environment, prosperity, the feeling of calm, the achievement of emotional balance, etc.

To learn more about this, check out our list with the main aromas and choose one according to your needs. This way, in addition to perfuming the environment, you also have an extra help to achieve what you want.

Price and where to buy incense

The prices of incense sticks can vary widely, according to the brand and characteristics of products. Those that have a stick format and are the most common on the market can cost less than $ 10, depending on the amount purchased.

For those who use incense frequently and want to have variety, there are also many incense kits on the market, which offer different scents and whose price can vary greatly depending on the quantity and the store chosen.

Traditionally, incense sticks are found in stores specializing in products related to mysticism and spirituality. Often in large cities, they are also available in large supermarkets, stationery stores and even department stores.

With the Internet it is also possible to buy incense without leaving home, with the disadvantage that if you do not know the aroma of the incense you will have to choose only by its meaning. In this case, you can find incense sticks on marketplaces and specialty stores.

Tips for using your incense the right way

Nowadays, there are several types of incense available in the market. The most common ones are sticks, but they can also be found in cone or spiral form.

When lighting incense it is important to use a censer so that the ashes do not spread or burn the surface on which it is placed. To light it, you can use a match or lighter and after it begins to burn, you should extinguish the flame, so that the burning occurs slowly and gradually, releasing the scent of incense.

If you wish, have an intention in mind before lighting the incense. It could be, for example, to feel calm and relaxed, attract prosperity, cleanse the environment of any negative energy, attract new love etc.

Some people also like to blow the ashes of incense after it has finished burning, as they believe this is a way of releasing the desire or intention that was placed there, so that it can come true.

If you want to purify the environment and scare away the bad energy, start from inside the house, go through all the rooms, always with your intention in mind and finish the process after passing through the front door. To attract good energy, the process is contrary, that is, you start from the front door and then go through all the rooms.

Personal energy cleansing can be performed by you or someone else holding the incense and passing the smoke around your body. Just be careful not to burn yourself with the flame or the ashes that come off the incense.

What not to do and care when using incense sticks

The first precaution you need to take when using incense is to make sure that there is no flammable material around. Ideally, place it in a place in which even if it falls or is knocked over there will be nothing that can burn it.

It is also very important not to light the incense in closed places, because the excess smoke can be harmful to health. Therefore, choose a room in the house in which the smoke can leave through windows or doors easily.

In case you use the incense frequently, this is also important. Another alternative is to light the incense in a room of the house that is not used as often or at the time it is lit.

Although incense sticks are considered low-risk cosmetics or sanitizers, sometimes they can cause allergic reactions, especially for those who already suffer from this. In this case, it is best to discontinue use.

Enjoy all the benefits of incense sticks!

Incense provides several benefits for those who use them, starting with the feeling of well-being that occurs when we feel the scent of incense at home. They also help to relax and provide a moment of calm in the rush of everyday life.

It is also worth mentioning that incense is a powerful tool to anchor us in the present moment. Its scent helps us to pay more attention to our senses and the surrounding environment. It makes us live more intensely and not just based on the thoughts we have all the time.

For those who share spiritual beliefs, incense is also a powerful ally for various purposes, such as purifying the environment, attracting good energies and achieving the most diverse goals.

Now that you know all this, just choose your favorite scents or choose your incense according to its meaning. Surely, you will also feel these and other benefits in your life.