Incense Magick's topics - tribe.net

High Jasmine and Floral Ylang Ylang

2008-06-19T03:06:32Z

Oh I know we're supposed to be all secretive and all but y'all know I like to spill the beans
I made 2 new batches
Jasmine because I've been having respiratory problems (helps open the lungs up to breathe deeper)
and Ylang Ylang for a friend who happens to be from Philipines (their national flower)

High Jasmine
is unbelievably delicious, ephemeral, sootheing, mild and light
I added a lot of camphorous materials to this batch i.e. cardamon and borneol camphor (totally lux I know)
Jasmine essence, Jasmine Oil, Apricot FE, white cedar, wild sagebrush, sandalwood, and of course the prized gum mastic
(I'm an incense gluttonous slut)
so the inspiration of this incense was the holiness of purity and softness
the color is White, it is completely therapeutic as I am now able to breathe easier

Ylang Ylang followed my Jasmine batch
so it has similarities
white cedar, dark sandalwood, ylang ylang essence, amber oil, hibiscus flower (gives it a nice random spot of bleeding red like water color art) Orris root, then a variety of camphorous materia
this batch is still drying ( I hate it when batches get mold so I'm making sure they dry through and through)
this is also very light crisp and floral
oh also silver sage which is a materia I'm beginning to enjoy more and more
with a pinch of pinon pine resin from a friends hands
u know who u r

Smokey Bliss

posted in Incense Magick - 0 replies

Patchouli Incense Formulae?

2008-06-19T02:49:34Z

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone could offer any advice of iunstruction, please. Something I've always had a bit of difficulty with in the bast is in formulating a single-scent stick/cone incense! Now rose is very simple for me to me: it just requires sandalwood powder, rose petals, rose water, and rose oil, as well a some gum mastic! But, there are very many fragrences that don't yild themselves to such means.

More recently, a very good friend of mine simply adores Patchouli; so, I'd love to make her some patchouli cone and stick incense, but...I haven't got a clue about getting started, because I don't exactly have the same ingredient-cognates as I would when making rose incense. In fact, I have known the scent of sandalwood to really be quite forceful and present in most incense formulas that I make, which is why I would worry about using it to make a patchouli incense.

Thanks for letting me get this off my chest. ;o)

Hmmm...it'd make for a great book for those of us that are usually accustomed to making Ritual Incenses to blending single-scent incenses as either a cone or stick, from scratch.

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Incense Magick - 4 replies

poppies

2008-06-12T15:05:53Z

The post about Datura reminded me that i will soon have a ridiculous number of poppies in my garden (anyone want seeds?). I don't know how my landlord will react when he sees them. He's rather curious about all the Buddhas and the prayer flags...i sure hope he doesn't freak out and make me pull them up.

So if they make it to maturity, it will be the first time i've had my own poppies with which to do whatever i please. I adore the seed pods and have some ideas for creative projects including painting little faces on the dried pods and making stick puppets out of them. But what about incense? Does anyone have recipes that include poppy?

m7

posted in Incense Magick - 4 replies

Frankincense is a mind altering drug? :)

2008-06-12T03:56:42Z

I just read and article where a team of neuroscientists found that a component in frankincense biochemically relieves anxiety in mice, and presumably people. The mice were subjected to "a good snoot full of incense", then put in scary situations where they remained calm and anxiety-free.

posted in Incense Magick - 8 replies

Substituting EO's for scent

2008-06-09T17:35:45Z

Clary Sage for Ambergris. Ambrette for Musk.. I was wondering what could be used to sub for Opium?

(Hi I am new to this group but not active on Tribe I just logged in when I saw this group :))

posted in Incense Magick - 7 replies

ISO a Copal Oil Supplier...

2008-06-08T23:25:53Z

Hey guys, I have recently jotted down some personal notes for creating an Uncrossing Oil; however, I require some Copal Oil, but my supplier doesn't have any. In fact, she says she's never even seen any, before. But, I'm sure I've seen it, so I know is must be extent.

So...I was wondering if anyone, here, might know of a supplier that's sells Copal Oil (if not some sort of liquid copal-based botanical!). I really don't want to use Frankincense as a substitute, because the energies would be entirely different for these purposes, given that copal is employed in Mexico as an apotropaic substance, particularly when fighting Witchcraft.

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Incense Magick - 9 replies

"Ars Philtron" and Daniel Schulke

2008-05-18T18:56:13Z

Hiya', James! So....how might one go about acquiring a copy of this book (it sounds freakin' awesome!)? Apparently there's only a very limited supply, unfortunately--it's definately one I want to save up for!

Also, having not read this book (at your own admittence) how do you *know* that this author is a regular Prof. Snape (Poor Dumbledor... Why, Snape?! WHY?!)--has he discussed his knowledge through other sources, or what have yoiu? Please inform me, dear friend...

All my best,
Wade@MacMorrighan.Net
http://MacMorrighan.CovenSpace.Com

posted in Incense Magick - 20 replies

datura info?

2008-05-17T16:59:17Z

sooo i open my mail order package, and im expecting dried leaves/flowers? i got large spiky seed pods that are still green (fresh?) and filled with multiple seeds. so my plan is to break open the pods and dry them and use in an infusion or in incense?

any hints/suggestions?

posted in Incense Magick - 4 replies

Vernal Equinox, Spring Recipes and herbs

2008-05-17T16:56:57Z

It's a month away but why waste time?
We can start to collect ideas for a spring incense mix
some items I've used as ingredients or would like to are

spirulina (green like the budding leaves or the grass breaking ground)
Cinnamon
spring shower water and/or water from the winter i.e. melted snow
seeds like musk seed or poppy seed
a wish and prayer for luck

posted in Incense Magick - 6 replies

Tulips

2008-03-15T18:12:39Z

can anyone tell me of any qualities, healing or otherwise, of the tulip? i have a few that are past their prime, and i can dry the petals, but don't know what to use them for after that. Any suggestions would be helpful

posted in Incense Magick - 6 replies

Incense demon

2008-03-10T00:54:29Z

The legend of the Jiki-ko-ki, or "incense-eating-goblins." They are the ghosts of those who for the sake of profit, made or sold bad incense and by that karmic action now find themselves as hunger-suffering spirits and compelled to seek their only food in the smoke of incense.
(taken from making-incense.com)

posted in Incense Magick - 1 reply

"Listening to Incense"

2008-03-03T01:30:50Z

Opening oneself completely to the fragrance is called "listening to incense" in Japan.

The concept of "Listening to Incense" is rooted in Buddhism, specifically in the idea that the "in the Buddha's world everything is fragrant, like incense, including the words of Buddha... Therefore, Bodhisattvas listen to Budha's words, in the form of incense, instead of smelling them". [Source: The Book of Incense, Kiyoka Morita, Kodansha.] and www.Shoyeido.com

posted in Incense Magick - 0 replies

Saturn Supreme incense

2008-02-20T01:14:47Z

This is an augmented version of a Saturn incense from Alchemy Works. I like to add some mineral elements (asphaltum, and dragon bones which are fossils) as well as cruelty free animal sheds (crow feather and black cat fur). Try to keep the toxic and stinky elements as a minor part of the composition. The cypress and vetiver are most of the bulk burning materials.
Ingredients: cypress wood, cypress resin, myrrh, vetiver, asafoetida, belladonna, sterile hemp seed, blackthorn, black hellebore, henbane, indigo, mandrake, musk seed, asphaltum, dragon bones, crow feathers, black cat fur, three by three magic square drawn on papyrus and cut into tiny pieces

posted in Incense Magick - 9 replies

Egyptian Resins/Herbs?

2008-02-06T02:25:36Z

Hello everyone,

Does anyone know where I can purchase
"aspalathos", "balanos oil", or "sorrel"(some type of plant/shrub??-i read somewhere that this could be "red bush" or 'hibiscus")?? These are ingredients used in Egyptian recipes, but i am having trouble locating these itmes. Anyone have any ideas?

Peace.

posted in Incense Magick - 7 replies

Solubility of Gums & Resins?

2008-01-19T05:53:13Z

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone knows of any posatively primo lit. detailing the chemical solubility of as many various gums and resins as possible?

posted in Incense Magick - 1 reply

Small Query - Brass Cone Burner

2008-01-12T19:38:01Z

Friends -

Apologies for the selfish request...

I have a brass cone burner, and I notice that after each burn, a film appears around the ring of the lid. After enough burns, if left unattended, the film can run down the sides. Any ideas on simple solutions (besides not using the burner :) )??? Take care -

posted in Incense Magick - 6 replies

agarwood oil and pink peppercorn

2008-01-04T02:15:57Z

Would that be a lovely combination?!
I'm mean just a hint of pink peppercorn oil

posted in Incense Magick - 0 replies

Potion-Crafting & Teaching Fees?!

2007-11-13T19:53:44Z

Hmmm... Hey, does anyone here ever craft their own potion formulas anymore (either water-based or oil-vased)? Something I've noticed, which gives me cause for concern, is that I rarely--if ever!--read literature by contemporary Witches emphesizing the brewing of potions; nor are there many original potions on the 'Net (what there is, however, has merely been cribbed from other books!). This is why I am presently culling together various strands of research to teach a class on the subject of potion-crafting, as well as writing an exhaustive book on the topic! My only concern, of course, is deciding upon what to charge for the service of a class. Many Pagan classes by Witches I see advertised on-line command more than a few hundred dollars per/hour; even a local Reclaiming HPs that owns and opperates our local occult store charges such relatively extravagent fees. Yet, there's the fact that I'd feel both "weird" and a bit "bad" taking such sums of money from people even though it'd be a quality education (stuff they wouldn't necessarily be able to learn from most books available!). After all, I'm just a big ol' sawfty (not to mention I'm a Socialist at heart!). Moreover, I wouldn't want to make it prohibitively expensive--and unless I am mistaken, classes that command more than $100 would tend to do that, I think (unless I am mistaken).

Though, just put of curousity, if you do: Do you actually blend yourr own Potions? And, should you not (which is fine!): Would a class and/or in-depth book on the subject interest you?

Moreover, for such a course, what would be your expectations, just out of curiousity? Anything particular you would love to have touched upon in such a class if such a class were offered to you at your local Pagan venues (bearing in mind that this class will be offered, unless I am invited to teach elsewhere during a visit, to my own local Pagan peers).

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Incense Magick - 8 replies

Ritual Use of Unusual Resins

2007-11-09T17:54:21Z

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone's ever read about the "magickal" or ritual uses, and planetary alignments of various seldom-used (mentioned) resins? There are many I know of, of course, but no lit. seems to deal with them, so far as I am aware of. These might include:

* Tragacanth powder
* Guar powder
* Balsam resin
* Casper Woods Resin
* Bdellium resin(or Guggul)
* Colophony resin (or Burgundy Pitch)
* Breuzinho resin
* Canarium resin
* Canarium resin
* Damar resin
* Elemi Gum
* Euphorbium Gum
* Gum Ammoniac
* Galbanum Resin
* Labdanum (I think this might be a liquid resin, or pitch, maybe?)
* Olibanum resin
* Opoponax resin
* Palo Santo
* Pinon resin
* Peruvian Gold Incienso
* Sandarac resin

These are not resins that I have found in my Library of Herb-Lore, unfortunately; nor have I found anything on-line, to date. *groan* Although, it would make a fabulous research project! However, I must admit that what makes the use of resins so intimidating are the varieties of resins in existence, from different regions and in different colours (and probably scents), etc.!

Anyone know of any odd resins you've heard of that could--or should--be added to such a list?

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Incense Magick - 4 replies

Satyrios Incense from Daniel A. Schulke's Viridarium Umbris

2007-11-06T22:11:22Z

This was a request from another posting. I do not want to post his copyrighted material except by way of a brief review. This book is stunningly beautiful... the whole book is meant to be a magical artifact. It is packed with weird herb lore. Love it. Really hard to find a copy.
Here is the condensed version of the Satyrios recipe with my notes:
This incense is formed into the shape of small phallic pastilles and burned on charcoal to bewitch a person with lust (MacM alert... here is a manly love incense)
four parts each powdered tobacco, oak,patchouli
three parts each balsam fir resin, ground hardwood charcoal
two parts each gum tragacanth, raw sugar, hyoscyamus (henbane) seed, and "Blood of Thine Own Heart"
pittance of natrum (I assume he means common salt and not natron aka washing soda)
add dark rum and blend, then shape into enchanted love weiners. Voila.

posted in Incense Magick - 3 replies

Speaking of Potions...

2007-11-06T19:05:51Z

You know, I actually got a potential idea for the use of potions while watching TV (on the WB), one day--it definately is an interesting possibility! Okay, okay, so it was while watching Felicity (now, don't look at me that way--it's not like *I'M* the one who convinced her to cut her hair!). Anyway, her roommate (if I recall correctly) was a Witch (albeit a rather messed uo "Witch" that didn't have her crap together) was hexing Felicity's ex. by brewing a potion and then throwing a pinch of his hair into the brew to manifest her desired goal (to get him toi trip and fall). Anyway, it *does* have interesting applications with re: the Sympathetic Magick, amongst others, I'm sure.

posted in Incense Magick - 0 replies

Trumpet Vine [Campsis radicans] Lore?

2007-11-06T10:04:11Z

Hey guys, I've just Wild Crafted some trumpet vine [Campsis radicans] that was growing wild alongside the road this afternoon. It is presently in my basement drying to be bottled in about a week or two (I found some lovely wide mouth, Reagent, Apothecary Jars, recently). Anyway, as a native flower of North America (so far as I am aware), I was wondering if anyone might know of any folk-lore or mythology (probably Amer-Indian) surrounding this particular herb. I am also curious whether or not there happens to be American-influenced Santeria or Voodoo/Hoodoo herb-lore surrounding this plant as well. Extra browny points for anyone that sites their sources (the more reputible the better!). :o) Thanks!

posted in Incense Magick - 3 replies

Soluability of Gums/Resins, etc.?!

2007-11-06T06:22:52Z

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone here could recommend any relatively exhaustive literature that discuss (again, indepthy, 'cause I'm a research-nerd! LOL) the various soluability of most (if not all) knowm gums, resins, etc. in water, oil, alcohol/spirits of turpentine, etc.! None of the literature I am presently familiar with discuss this fascet of working with gums and resins, etc. Heck, I'd also like to learn more about resins that most Pagans are relatively unfamiliar! For example, I have heard (through word of mouth) that a certain pink Morrocon resin is used to conjure Djinn--this stuff fascinates me as a Pagan Witch and researcher; it makes me want to learn more!

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Incense Magick - 3 replies

Powerful Magick

2007-11-02T22:22:43Z

I have written some very powerful easy to follow ritual books..
To purchase my books please go to Kuriakos.biz
Kuriakos

posted in Incense Magick - 2 replies

Correspondences for the Outer Planets?

2007-10-14T05:25:58Z

Hey guys, I was flipping through the catalogue for an occult shop that I used to frequently give my business to back in the day. Anyway, they corresponded herbs and essential oils to certain planets in a way that I *very rarely* see! They correspond the following plants to the subsequent associations:

* Neptune: Intuition, inspiration, psychic ability & visions [Willow & Wisteria Oil].
* Uranus: For "energy", change, health, visions & hastens events [Nutmeg Spice & Oil].
* Pluto: Dreams, recalling deep memories and past lives [Poppy Seeds & Dark Musk Oil].

So, to this end I am wondering if thgere are any classic occultic literature that attributes such "uses" to these 3 outer plantes? Or even any such "classic" occult lit. that attributes certain herbs and oils to them, even the Qabalah (I'm presently away from my Library for the moment and cannot check for this final point). This is one potential fascet of Magick that I never really see discussed.

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Incense Magick - 5 replies

Kyphi

2007-10-13T04:51:22Z

Has anyone experimented with different Kyphi recipes? I've seen several out there. I need to make some in the next few days so it has time to cure before the next Oracle Gathering, which is an Egyptian Themed event in Seattle. I have three different recipes and am going to consult the person i'm apprenticing with for his opinion...but i wanted to see if any of you had made more than one recipe and which one you liked the best.

All of the recipes i have contain these common ingredients:

myrrh
orris
honey
wine
raisins
benzoin
cinnamon

i think it should definitely have Frankincense. Cedar is in both Cunningham recipes, along with galangal. One recipe calls for cypress which seems appropriate. Another recipe calls for copal which sounds nice but doesn't seem like a traditional ingredient, geographically anyway.

any recipes to share?
thanks

m7

posted in Incense Magick - 11 replies

Fly Agaric in Iowa?

2007-10-12T19:59:31Z

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone might even know where Fly Agaric mushrooms grow in Iowa, or perhaps any reputible sites that state where they may be found and under what conditions or seasons, etc.? I've never seen them in Iowa before.

(For those who don't know what these are, think: the homes the Smurfs lived in! *G*)

posted in Incense Magick - 4 replies

Herbs Dedicated to Mercury?

2007-10-12T01:45:00Z

Hey guys, an idea came to me, yesterday (being of limited funds) that another key ingredient to my (tentatively titled) "Employment Potion" would be an herb-- that produces an EO-- which was dedicated to Mercuty, by the Romans (being that He is the God of commerce, trade and flowing money, etc.!). So........I was wondering if anyone might know of such an herb, and what evidence we have for it being dedicated to Mercury by the Romans (the Romans are not my personal strong point). *G* It was while thumbing through my Oxford "Dictionary of Roman Religion", checking on a hunch, that I found this info. re: Mercury.

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Incense Magick - 7 replies

Best Place to Start?

2007-10-10T07:01:19Z

Greetings and 93 all -

I'm new to this list and also to the world of incense magick. I've been reading through all of your posts, but I'm just not sure of where to start.

Can you share you recommendations of books?

93s
Crystal

posted in Incense Magick - 10 replies

Poppy Resin?

2007-09-12T14:43:29Z

Hmmm...does anyone know if the Opium Poppy (being sadly illegal in the US, and elsewhere) is the only variety that produces a resin? What about the cultivated varieties? I'm thinking of growing some next year in the small plot of land behind my apt. But, I'm worried about them growing out of control, and pissing all of my neighbors off (city folk around here seem to regard many plants and flowers as "weeds"!); and I'm also interested in looking for some native Greek species, if at all possible. Besides, I can't get any of my local occult stores to carry poppy petals, damn it! ;o)

posted in Incense Magick - 1 reply

ISO Apothecary Jars...

2007-09-07T19:06:22Z

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone has seen any jars exactly like these from any distributer, anywhere? I ask just in case my local World Market is a bust (the gods know that WorldMarket.Com was)! I have only ever seen one of these bottles for sale at my local World Market (the proportions are absolutely perfect so far as my sense of asthetics are concerned!), but it is far too small, at somewhere around 100 ml. And, the only other size next to it (which has always been empty) was 500 ml., which seems far too big! Now, I love drinking my raspberry Snapple, and found (upon lifting each of my respective bags of herbs up to it) that something the size of a Snapple bottle (which is 240 ml.) would be PERFECT! So, I'm planning on contacting my local World Market today to see if they can help; though I'd really hate to have to ask a glass blowing co. to make me some specialty bottles, which would be far too expensive! *sigh* I Googled under "Apothecary Jars" (which is what these were called at the World Market) and found everything BUT these exact bottles! So, any and all help is greatly appreciated... Please navigate to the following page for an image of an identical bottle (however, I need at least 50 bottles for my collection of herbs, which includes room for growth!); just scroll down to the larger image, as the initial pic. stretches the bottles out of proportion...they also appear to be dubbed "Reagent Bottles", as well, which is a "brand" I'm unfamiliar with: http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Glass-Apothecary-Jars-Reagent-Bottles-60-125-250-500_W0QQitemZ200146669842QQihZ010QQcategoryZ26404QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

However, finally seeing some dimmesnions listed, I don't understand how the 500 ml. bottle is able to hold twice as many fluid ounces as the 250 ml. bottle, when the former is not THAT much bigger! So, now I'm a wee bit confused...(this is why I hate buying items on-line!). Although, my can of Vanilla Coke (yes, I love my VC, too) states that it holds 355 ml [12 Fl. Oz.], so...maybe I should get the 500 ml. botles, then (and this can is definately smaller than my bottle of Snapple which in turn claims to hold 240 ml. [or 8.5 oz.]!)? IF, however, you are unable to open the above link, search E-Bay for the seller: OnLineScienceMall, and the Item#: 200146669842. The seller's initial head-line description is also: "4 Glass Apothecary Jars:Reagent Bottles:60-125-250-500". Also look here [!] (although, these prices are FAR more expensive than those offered at WorldMarket-- WM sold the 500 ml. bottles for $4/ea.!!!): http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/10560/10-411

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Incense Magick - 2 replies

Hi everyone

2007-08-19T15:47:07Z

I just wanted to say 'hi'.

posted in Incense Magick - 2 replies

Crowley's attributations for Malkuth?

2007-08-09T04:59:05Z

Hey guys, I am hoping to formulate an anointing oil dealing with manifestation upon the physical plain, as represented by the Sephiroth, Malkuth, on the Qabalah. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone here-- perhaps more knowledgible on all things Crowley than myself-- could aid me in locating Uncle Al's herbal-, E.O.-, and perfume-attributations to this respective sphere in the Qabalah [Malkuth]. Some that I have found so far are:

* GALANGAL: According to the Wikipedia entry for Abramelin Oil, "This oil is compounded of four substances. The basis of all is the oil of the olive. The olive is, traditionally, the gift of Minerva, the Wisdom of God, the Logos. In this are dissolved three other oils; oil of myrrh, oil of cinnamon, oil of galangal. The Myrrh is attributed to Binah, the Great Mother, who is both the understanding of the Magician and that sorrow and compassion which results from the contemplation of the Universe. The Cinnamon represents Tiphereth, the Sun -- the Son, in whom Glory and Suffering are identical. The Galangal represents both Kether and Malkuth, the First and the Last, the One and the Many, since in this Oil they are One. [...] These oils taken together represent therefore the whole Tree of Life. The ten Sephiroth are blended into the perfect gold." However, upon checking my copy of Crowley's "Magick, Book Four, Liber ABA, I could not locate this citation.
* POMEGRANATE: from his 777. Recently I have found a supplier for Pomegranate Absolute (or was it an oleo resin?)!
* DITTANY OF CRETE: Malkuth's attributed "perfume" in 777.
* LILY: 777's attributed "plant" to Malkuth; probably because Lilith is associated with this Sphere, according to Crowley. Hmmm...I wonder if I could find a Lily Tincture somewhere, as I do not have access to enough fresh flowers to presently yield my own.
* STORAX: Now, I don't know if Crowley specificaly attributes Malkuth with STORAX, but, he attributes it to "Earth of Earth" in his 777; after all, Malkuth is associated with the Earth.

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Incense Magick - 1 reply

Copal

2007-07-26T21:08:41Z

I've been reading a book on curanderismo and the author mentions burning copal during her rituals and ceremonies. What exactly is copal? Is it an herb? Where can I get some?

posted in Incense Magick - 5 replies

Gods of Employment

2007-07-22T15:58:59Z

Hey guys, now...I've somehow screwed up my right-shouldar and upper arm as I slept last week, so I'm in a lot of pain (especially when typing), so I'll try and keep this brief. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone is familiar with Gods and Goddesses especially associated with employment? I ask because I've squirrelled away some money in order to create a potion and spell to these ends-- I'm simply sick of being unemployed! But, for the last two years, I simply lost the Will to even continue looking, due to the unyielding rejection I kept recieving (especially when that damned three-tiered interview-process makes it so inconvenient!). Hel, one large company wouldn't give me a chance due to an instance of miscommunication [the denotation I was taught in college, that signified an "open ended question", was not what she viewed as an "open ended question"; and she could not give me a second chance nor did she bother to explain her connotation at the onset]; another large company I applied to wouldn't give me a chance because I was not "hot" enough-- the guy I would have been replacing, the "face" of the Co. when you walk into the front door, could have been an underware model[!]; while, I have also encountered a sexist stigma that closes many doors to me-- receptionist or desk-type "jobs" are viewed as "women's work", while, for men, unless you have some sort of degree in business or computers, etc. you are relegated to the most harsh and physically demanding jobs. Jeeze, I couldn't even get Target to hire me to work on the floor! So, because of my experiences, I had fallen into absolute despair for a long time (almost 2 years, in fact)! It was this that lead me to think that maybe I have been cosmically black-balled-- after all, I couldn't even get a job when I was applying all across town during and shortly after college (and this was a college-town). And, that thought constantly eats away at my resolve. What's worse is when the hiring managers look at you with a blank, careless expression, as if they've never been without a job a day in their lives! I've even had my lack of experience with a certain form of software held against me, despite the fact that knowledge in it was not requested in the initial advertisement (nor would it have been hard to learn on the job!)-- they just blind-sided me, that way. (Okay Wade, catch a breath....)

Anyway, some of the thoughts I jotted down this morning were:

* Mysore sandalwood oil [I seem to recall that Ganesha-- to whom this is sacred-- is regarded as a God of the lower class people and their prosperity or employment]
* Bay (Laurel) oil [For "winning" or "out shining" the others, because this it what was used to crown the winners of the ancient Olympic Games]
* pinch of sea salt [our word "salary" comes from a Roman expression for salt; and salt was once extensively used as a foprm of currancy, particularly by the Celts at the Halstatt region]
* Venusian, Mercurial, and Solar influences [the latter for the "All Seing" attribute of the Sun, 'cause I happen to believe that the Gods almost certainly can see what I cannot; hence, They may be able to find a job that I would be entirely unaware of-- as a result, I was seriously thinking about using a yellow candle in the spell]. And, perhaps something small relating the the Earth for pragmatism, oir something also for success.
* Tonka Bean oil [??? Just a random thought, because I hear it's unparalleled in drawing prosperity and wealth...and it's supposed to smell a bit like honey!]
* Bayberry [of course, there's an old addage that, "A bayberry candle burnt down to the socket puts plenty of money in the pocket!"]

Oh, it looks like I almost forgot to interject the statement about what role researching Gods and Goddesses of Employment might play in the Employment Potion I want to make. Well, I would like to discern what fragrant herbs and oils were (and are) dedicated to Them, and if these same substances can be said to draw wealth and prosperity, good fortune, and particularly employment! ;o)

Y'know, thinking about this topic, I have never seen any Witch devulge a list of what they deem to be, in their experience, the best herbs and EOs for gleaning employment-- and why! (Hey, "Why?" is my favourite question!) This seems to be an aspect of Magick often over-looked in modern Pagan literature...

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Incense Magick - 4 replies

Super Cheap Potion Supplies?

2007-07-21T03:28:04Z

Hey guys, one of the key-ingredients for a Potion I want to blend-- an Employment Potion-- is Sandalwood Oil. Anywya, I only have about $15 (I'm reserving $5 for s/h) to spend on Essential Oils, plus a carrier (something happened to my bottle of sweet almost, 'cause it's no longer in my apothacarey!)-- this budget also includes the shipping fee. So, I was wondering if anyone knows of REALLY CHEAP essential oils suppliers I could do business with? The folks I usually buy oils from-- Isis Books & Gifts [http://www.isisbooks.Com]-- are asking for $12/dram of Sandalwood oil! So, I thought to myself, "Surely this is a drastic mark up per dram! After all, the Dryad Design idol of my beloved Morrighan that I bought from Ancient Ways for $45 is being sold at Isis for $90!!!!!!"

Anyway, I also need some Bay (Laurel) Oil, for "winning" and "victory"...though, I've got some ground cinnamon for success, some sea salt for "money" (our word, "salary", comes from a Roman expression for salt). Though, I'd like to add at least two other fragrances, if I can: Now, I immediately thought of baybarry ('cause, "a baybery candle burned down to the socket, always puts money in the pocket!"), but...I don't want a potion that smells *too* piney and herbally, as well as woodsy! So, I may be looking for two other possible ingredients! Anyone else care to recommend anything they can think of-- particularly with some herb-lore attached-- centered around money and actual "work" or "employment" to some extent? ;o)

Heck, on top of that I need to buy two candles (I only buy my ritual candles from SomaLuna.Com!), and at least one sheet of parchment. I just hope I can afford all this for the spell I have planned-- jeeze, it sucks not having the supplies on hand when you REQUIRE them for use!

I tried scoring a job once before without any sort of a Magickal aid, and I made a promice to myself that I'd never do it again without one!

Take Care,
Wade

PS: You know, as commonly used as Sandalwood Essential Oil is-- particularly in aromatherapy-- you'd think it's be skags cheaper than what I've seen it!

PPS: Please, *no one* recommend AzureGreen as a source. I *refuse* to purchase oils from them, because, despite their claims to being "Essential Oils" (at their quantity and prices), they clearly only sale fragrence oils!

PPPS: Also, if anyone's gonna' say, "Well, you might have to just bite the bullet!", don't bother responding. ;o) That's defeatist! Besides, there's ALWAYS a choice, or an option! You just have to find it, first.

posted in Incense Magick - 1 reply

Formulating a Pumpkin Pie (and Apple Blossom) Incense?

2007-07-20T03:56:56Z

Hey guys, does anyone know how onw might go about formulating an incense that smells like pumpkin pie? I was shopping last Thursday at a favourite occult shop of mine that were selling 100 sticks of incense for $5 (what a deal!). Anyway, I bought a bag of pumpkin [pie] incense and have been woindering ever since how one might constitute a similarly scented incense (not particularly in stick form). What base might best be used so the natural base-scent simply wouldn't get in the way? As for the spices-- that sho7uld be easy enough: Just use the Essential Oils found in most recipes for pumpkin pie, but...what about the pumpkin-y scent? What about *that*?

Take care,
Wade MacMorrighan

P.S.--Anyone know how one might make an Apple Blossom Incense from scratch, too (it's one of my *favourite* scents), without using an apple blossom fragrance oil (after all, there must be a way to duplicate the fragrance of a synthetic!).

posted in Incense Magick - 3 replies

Prayer

2007-07-17T23:42:34Z

How can I add some incense magick to my prayer or the lighting of my candle when I pray?

posted in Incense Magick - 1 reply

Anybody make their own?

2007-07-17T22:36:55Z

Hey guys! I've been making incenses for a while now, but the non-combustible kind. I'd like to get into making cones. I've experimented with using saltpeter as a burning agent, and I didn't really get it right. Didn't burn enough. I've heard Makko is good to use as it's a binder and burning agent, and completely natural and relatively inexpensive.
Anybody have any experience with this? Recommend where to start for us who want to starting making combustible incense?

posted in Incense Magick - 2 replies

Questions about self-igniting incense...

2007-07-17T20:56:16Z

Many years ago I had a great recipe for a powdered incense that was self-igniting.
I have since lost it. I know there was a direct connection between the amount of powdered ingredients versus the amount of saltpeter that was added. The incense did not need a charcoal to burn.

If anyone knows the appropriate correlation please let me know!

posted in Incense Magick - 2 replies

Coloring Agents

2007-06-06T05:47:20Z

Finding something colorful to add to the mix that doesnt have any particular smell ... I tried using redwood bark - real pretty purple but it smelled bad when burned.

Ive also used wine and juice before. Lately Ive been extracting color from flowers like rose, carnation, desert paintbrush before they wilt. Either in alcohol or water.

Im curious as to what other makers of incense use as coloring agents.

posted in Incense Magick - 1 reply

Herbs for Pan?

2007-05-29T06:40:04Z

Hey guys, I'm currently performing some research on Pan for an anointing oil and incense idea I have in mind, called "Pan's Pipes"! I know that it'll include, at least calymus e.o., and musk oil (anyone know of any good suppliers? I'd look for Musk Abrette Oil, but it's so prhibitively expensive!). I find the latter (Musk Oil) to be sacred to any Horned God associated with sexuality and fertility to whatever extent, particularly in Europe and the Mediterannean; while the prior constitute the subsdtance from which His "pipes" were commonly rendered. Anyhoo...I'm looking for herbs that are rather strictly associated with Pan that bare an established lore. Please cite your sources, too! 'Cause, I adore those "Aha!" moments when I can point to something and say, "So *that's* where that comes from!" For example, I keep seeing the following associated with Pan in either incener or anointing oil for, but no reasons as to why: Pine, Blessed Thistle, Cedar, Juniper, Honeysuckle, Oak, Hemp, Prchis Root, Yarrow, and Pansy (or Violet).

posted in Incense Magick - 10 replies

Symbols and Aesthetics - juniper and lightning-wood

2007-05-24T00:53:41Z

Yesterday I took a walk in my backyard up to the Great Divide to a mountain top at about 8,000 feet above sea level. There are many species of Junipers found at these heights which I like to collect resins from. The resin is a bit more time consuming to collect but as an ingredient they are worth the effort -- tending to be less goopy or molten and much more easily powdered than Pinion resin. When burned, Juniper resin smells like a well-rosined violin bow. Ive noticed a greater abundance of resin with trees having woodpeckers or else trees on the edge of a windblock - something about the wind stress on the tree Ive found produces more resin.

Many Ponderosa Pines and Alligator Juniper in the Zuni Mountains have been struck by lightning - leaving small square chunks of black charcoal in the hull of tree stumps. My intuition told me that this material might be useful for smoldering incense powders or resins. So I collected up a bunch of the dark squares. As i was finishing I noticed storm clouds building on both sides so I started back home as the rains began.

Part of the wonder of this experience had to do with finding a rare ingredient, but also the precariousness of going out in the elements to find something that was zapped with electricity from the heavens. From preliminary tests the charcoal burns clean and oderless and it powders well. I tend to be more of a pragmatic maker of incense -- focusing primarily on olfactory aesthetics than traditional mythos or post-modern witchie Whoha. But after this journey into the wild, Im growing in my appreciation of using ingredients with symbolic value.

As with a prayer or intention during preparation, such considerations seem to add more to the mix than just yummy stinky stuff.

posted in Incense Magick - 1 reply

Lord Ganesha Speaks...

2007-05-20T05:08:57Z

Well, I found a lovely store this morning (though, the Google Map was WOEFULLY inccurate!!!)-- it was called Namaste India; a diner/grocery store. Everything there is imported directly from India-- I highly recommend them!

Although, when I first arrived there, a few odd things happened: the store was open (as per the electric sign), but the door was locked, so one of the employees had to let us in; but after we were ushered inside they switched off the sign! (Even according to their flier it was busniess hours.) But, they really do have nice products there, such as floral waters-- including rose water, Indian delacacies, and the most scrumptious incense my olfactory system has ever been treated to!

Yes, while I was there, one of the employees went up and down the isles censing the store-- of course, that sent one of my friends running for the door, because she cannot stand incense in any way; it makes her incredibly ill! (Although, she did ask me an interesting question: If incense is such a strong part of their religion and culture, what do they do if somone cannot tollerate incense, such as she?) I thought the container he was using as a make-shift censer was interesting, also (and very perfect forthe job at hand): it looked like a pencil cup one might buy for school. ;o)

They even sold idols of the youthful avatar, Lord Krishna; and even Ganesha. Personally, I was surprised at how small they were; smaller than what I had expected. I was also hoping to find an idol of the Kali Ma in residence, too. ;o) So, I desided to pick up a Ganesha idol, because I am a writer. And, I asked the staff which of the many scrumptious incenses they have for sale does Ganesha like most: sandalwood was their answer! Of course, according to my research (on-line!) Ganesha was a child formed from the Sandalwood paste with which the Great-Goddess Parvati used to bathe. Well, guess what *I* bought? Yup, sandalwood incense, as well as some yummy-smelling lily incense!

Personaly, I don't buy pre-made incense if I can make it myself, but, darn it, this stuff just smalled sooooooo goooooood!!! *drool* It's imported from India through a company called Hem [located here: http://hemincense.com/]. Although, I don't know what it was about the stick incense I used to buy in college, but it gave me the worse migrane you can imagine! So much so, in fact, that I'd love to see what brand it was, so I might learn what was in it that made me feel so misserable! (I'd love to be able to blend an Apple Blossom Incense and Lilac Incense, though, haven't a clue what ingredients would create those specific scents.) Does anyone here have a favourite pre-made incense brand?

Ganesha is the God of scribes, intelligence, wisdom, and inspiration-- and that's for darn sure; it was shortly afterwards, upon finishing my shopping at the Half Price Bookstore, immediately after walking out, that I was deeply inspired to create a sacred talisman-candle spell: the thought occured to me to take a yellow 7-day pull-out candle and inscribe onto it (after drawing a schematicized variant) of a Hindu gesture of blessing (as per Kali Ma, if I am not mistaken, which always resembled the American sign language gesture for the letter "D"); with some symbol associated with inspiration, wisom and intellect upon the palm; and anoint it with sandalwood oil (which comes from white sandalwood-- a product associatd with the Moon, as is Ganesha; though some suppliers denote it as yellow sandalwood: yellow is also a sacred colour of Ganesha, as well as the Element of Air, the intellect, and the dawn). Hmmm...perhaps I will even formulate an Anointing Oil associated with Inspiration-- a form of Chanelling or Aspecting-- created with Sandalwood Oil (for Ganesha and other sacred and holy phenomina), Orris Root oil (sacred to Iris, the Greek Goddess of the Rainbow and messanger of the Gods), and other ingredients; and, perhaps a corresponding incense formula.

Heck, I'm even considering making my whole computer desk top an Altar for inspiration and writing! Hey, I could even dye some faberic yellow for a lovely runner benieth my computer monitor. :o) Wow, ever since I bought that idol the ideas have been flowing like syrup on a sultry summer's day! *G* Of course, this now means I'll have to-- *gasp!*-- CLEAN OFF MY DESK! Well, there goes *my* entire weekend! LOL...

Here are two lovely links with information re: Ganesha, and some photos of His various shrines-- especially from His most-important of all Feast Dates: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesh_Chaturthi According to Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone Lord Ganesha is the most popularly worshipped male deity on earth, while Kuan Yin is the most popularly worshipped Goddess!

LOL... I am also reminded (from years ago) of the time I went shopping at a local mall and enquired at a Chinese boutique of the idols of Kuan Yin. All I saw were lovely red idols, and asked if they had any white images, only to be rather rudely rebuffed, "No! Kwan Yin like red!"(sic.) Of course I known in Chinese culture red is endemic of good fortune (this is why I believe it would make, in some specific instances, a good candle on which to carve a Wheel of Fortune, or similar, pictogram!), however, at numerous Chinese restarants I have observed a lovely alabastre-white idol of the Goddess, holding out Her hands in a ritual gesture of blessings. Of couse, most deities, on one level or another, hold a soft-spot in my heart, regardless of the fact that I am a consecrated Priest of An Morrighan-- She chose me to serve Her and learn her Holy Mysteries! I am simply a fan of "religion", and adore seeing a multitude of Gods being worshipped and loved.

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan
Wade(AT)MacMorrighan(DOT)Net

posted in Incense Magick - 4 replies

The Raven's Perch: MY Podcast!

2007-05-19T02:27:31Z

Well, here is the first ep. of my Podcast! Unfortunately, I was in a rush, and it wasn't nearly as in-depth as I had wanted it to be, so I typed a great deal of information below the first entry:

* http://macmorrighan.mypodcast.com/index.html

And, if anyone wil send me any letters or questions I will answer them on my show! Just type "Raven's Perch" into the subject-header.

There will be more in-depth discussions to come, I am sure! It just took me ages to set up 'cause I had t manually set everything up manually via HTML.

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Incense Magick - 0 replies

A Hem Lily Incense

2007-05-16T04:29:40Z

Hey guys, I just bought a lovely box of A Hem Lily Incense-- it smells divine! According to the Hindu shop owners the Kali Ma particularly enjoys heady-floral scents [eg. Rose, Jasmine, Vanilla, etc.!]; incidentally, Ganesha adores Sandalwood. Anyway, it hit me that such a scent would make a wonderful incense for the Rites of Spring! Anyone happen to know how such a Lily Incense might be constructed naturally? ;o)

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Incense Magick - 1 reply

patchouli incense blends...

2007-05-11T19:14:27Z

I'm looking for some creative incense blends to use with Patchouli.
I'm aiming for one that is calming and meditative, and possibly some blends that are sensual & warm.
I'm looking to blend similar to oils but know oil and incense blending will produce different effects.

Any suggestions which incense/oil blends well for what I'm trying to acheive?

~A~

posted in Incense Magick - 8 replies

ISO Unscented Talcum Powder...

2007-05-08T15:19:30Z

Hey, have you guys ever noticed in any New Age-type shops colored incense (usually as joss sticks) for sale? Green is usually denoted as Money Incense.

Anyway, I believe I've finally found out how they do it! Though, I'd like to contact such a supplier of incense to be sure! However, I believe that coloured powdered incense is created by using a vegitable dye to colour talcum powder! Does anyone, perhaps, know more about this? Can you varify my thesis, or if not, direct me into a direction for answers, perhaps?

Hmmm...if I am right, how would one make a black base-powder in such a way? One would probably only get a very dark grey colour, even if a black colouring were used to "dye" the powder.

The reason I am searching this, is because I often seen coloured incenses in powdered form (as though essential oils, for example, were simple added to a coloured powder), but I have *NEVER* read of sucha technique in any incense-making book before. And, the authors of those books I've been able to contact haven't a clue, either. Be that as it may, it's still chiefly practiced by many (and those few I have contacted have refused to explain how base-powders are made), and I would love to add this proceedure to my knowledge "base". ;o) Any ideas?

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Incense Magick - 3 replies

Uses for Ritual Ointments?

2007-05-06T18:18:46Z

Hey guys, I've only recently begun making ritual ointments or salves (my primary focus, until now, has been medicinal uses!). So, because very little information seems to be published re: their practical ritual uses, aside from self-anointment, I was wondering how anyone here might suggest different ways that Ritual/Magickal Ointments/Salves might be used, rather than simply personal anointment?

Here are three that have readily occured to me:

* Anointing one's Altar or other sacred objects, much like one would use a wood polish in an effort to polish it!
* Anointing, or "pollishing", one's ritual wand prior to a very specific ritual or spell. Eg., "buffing" it with a money ointment prior to using the wand in a Money Spell, for example, in casting the Circle or directing one's raised energy, etc.
* Using it to anoint one's rtual or Altar candles, as one might use a ritual oil.

Just thought I'd start a topic for discussion.

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan
http://MySpace.Com/MacMorrighan

posted in Incense Magick - 1 reply

Spirulina Green Goodness

2007-04-21T20:24:24Z

Yum!
My first Green incense was a success!

Spring Green Goodness
Recipie as follows:

Sandlewood 1pt
Orris Root 3pt
Gold Copal 1/4 pt
1/2 teaspoon Spirulina
pinch of Rosemary
hint of Amber Essence (just for a sweet tinge)

Liquid I used Love Tea: a blend of herbs and flowers left over from drinking Tea
these were formed into sticks and cones both burned through and formed well
ahh.....I love it when recipies turn out well!
These were made for Spring in mind
Green like the growing lushessness
The Spirulina itself burns so well and yummie
it has an actual GREEN scent
This was a recipie made for the Shrine of Ligir as a ceremonial/ritual/prayer incense

Light in the Labyrinth,
Unicorn*

posted in Incense Magick - 0 replies

creating resin incense...

2007-04-05T18:25:04Z

I'd like to know if there's a way I can create resin incense by adding floral & wood essences.
I'm liking the base of resin as the incense is much stronger in scent. The only draw back is that
resins tend to burn easily, even after letting the charcoal get to the glowy stage before adding any loose form
of incense.

Any creative ways? I'm looking to blend rose oil which concerns me when burned as an incense.

~A~

posted in Incense Magick - 1 reply

Formulating a Leather Bouquet (ie. Fragrance)?

2007-04-05T04:11:49Z

Hey guys, I'm really interested in formulating an oil-based Bouquet of Leather (with Essential Oils), but...I haven't a clue about where to begin. (Having a number of formulas to examine would sure be a good place to start!) What I'm personally looking for, however, is that it *must* be "macho". ;o) Anyone got any ideas, perhaps?

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Incense Magick - 1 reply

aloes-wood

2007-03-25T14:25:38Z

We use left over aloes-wood that is gound up, that is mix with some cheaper incense...but still nice. the incense is ground like powder but it still has the resins so we just had a little water at first, remember resin/oil dont mix with water but there is wood in the powder that does mix with water and after some time it starts to blend then we add a little more water then knead it like clay then roll it and make small cones. the best thing about making your own is you can make them small, the incense cones that are sold are too big. burning a incense first 30 minutes to an hour later having guests arrive then having some chinese or japanese tea is real tranquil. you all so can make your own incense burner out of some non-firing clay.

here is a product bottom of page

Aloeswood Incense Powder
Vietnamese Grade 1 Dark
Sweet, rich, aromatic, extra dark
This is the finest aloeswood powder we have found. It is an excellent ingredient for any formula or, equally fine
when enjoyed on its own.
1 oz
PAOZ
$12.95

i have not bought it and i doubt if it is pure aloes-wood but is look ok. after you have aloeswood pure or even mix you will never forget.

here is a link
http://www.ecclecstacy.com/aloeswood_incense.html

posted in Incense Magick - 10 replies

benzoin oil substitution?

2007-03-23T01:18:59Z

i'm trying to make a sweet pea bouquet bc the synth sweet pea fragrance i bought a couple of weeks ago gave me a splitting headache. one of the suggested ingredients for the bouquet is benzoin oil, which i can only buy online. however, i would really like to have this today. any suggestions for a substitution... or an alt set of ingredients for sweet pea bouquet?

any thoughts on possibly throwing in a small chunk of resin instead?

many thanks!

posted in Incense Magick - 0 replies

ISO Some Essential Oil...

2007-03-14T17:18:16Z

Hey guys, I am searching for the following Essential Oils (NOT fragrance oils), but haven't had any luck on-line. Anyone know of any suppliers? Generally I hear conflicting information. Some folks claim that they are fragrences, while one VERY reputible supplier from out of Denver lists them as authentic essential oils, or animal based. So, you can imagine my confusion!

* Strawberry Oil: Pressed drom the seeds and skins of strawberries.
* Musk Oil (Animal Based): I thought that hunting supply stores might carry the real stuff, but haven't been able toi find any that do on-line.
* Opium Oil: So far as i am aware opium (the narcotic) cannot be derived from the essential oil, and is hence not restricted.
* Wormwood Oil
* Blackthorne Oil (Prunus spinosa).
* Lily Oil
* Ambergris Oil (animal based): Ambergris is sperm-whale vommit, hence it does not neccessitate the killing of the animal to obtain it.
* Civit Oil (Animal based)
* Heliotrope Oil
* Poppy Oil: From poppy petals?
* Amber Oil
* Apple Blossom-- one of my FAVOURITE scents whilst walking benieth apple trees in flower; my other FAVOURITE scent is Lilac, so I'm looking for Lilac E.O., as well.
* Witch Grass Oil
* Cucumber Oil
* Oakmoss: I often hear that there is no EO of Oakmoss.
* Peach Blossom
* Pinyon Oil
* St John's Wort Oil: Is this a base oil or an E.O.? Now, should such an E.O. be red, because I have heard that if one packs frsh SJW blossoms in a base oil, it will colour it a deep burgundy colour!
* Sweetgrass Oil
* Vervain Oil
* Tuberose Oil
* Wisteria Oil
* Woodruff Oil

BTW, what does Carnation E.O. smell like? Every carnation I've ever seen was without scent! Unfortunately, I've never seen any for sale in any occult shops so that I could smell it.

posted in Incense Magick - 5 replies

Alchemy-Works

2007-02-16T01:02:55Z

waiting for my order. . .onycha, calamus essential oil, galangal essential oil, and a saturn incense. they have a seed collection called "witch's garden" that has many of the classic baneful herbs. . . .that looks really interesting. but i need to do more research on them before i try and grow them.

www.alchemy-works.com/seed_collections.html#Witch's

posted in Incense Magick - 0 replies

Imbolc Incense

2007-02-02T22:21:11Z

3 parts Frankincense
2 parts Dragon's Blood
1/2 part Red Sandalwood
1 part Cinnamon
a few drops red wine

To this mixture, add a pinch of the first flower (dried) available in your area.

Let winter fade with the promise of spring....

posted in Incense Magick - 2 replies

Bamba Wood Bases...

2007-01-18T18:32:51Z

Hey guys, does anyone know of a supplier of bamba wood bases for incense? I've found a coloured dye-powder I could subsequently employ in giving that extra somethin'-somethin' that I'd like to experiment with, but I'll need something to add it to, first! ;o) Also, it'll have to be unscented (obviously). Anyne know of any? I was flipping through my copy of Slater's Formulary this afternoon, and he mentioned that coloured bamba wood bases were used to create coloured occult incenses. So...if this pans out, all I need to do is find an excellent supplier!!! :o)

All my best,
Wade

posted in Incense Magick - 0 replies

Lammas/Lugnahsahd Incense

2007-01-12T07:09:36Z

I'm thinking of making a ceremonial incense for this years Lammas/Lugnahsahd
This ritual is about the fall and the harvest. Since I am not completely familiar with this ritual, I would appreciate any insights and advice. Some Ingredients I have been thinking for this incense blend are as follows:
Star Anise
Clove
Cinnamon
Orris
Sweetgrass
Cedar
Sandalwood
Saffron
Pinon
Rosemary
with the color accentuated with coffee to get that nice rich brown color

Thanks :)
Blessed Bee your Craft,
BU

posted in Incense Magick - 3 replies

Pink Resin?

2007-01-12T06:36:51Z

Recently a friend gave me a mysterious combination of resins from Morrocco, one of which is a soft pink in color and smells something like licorice when burned. Im not sure what this substance might be although Im fairly certain it is from a plant source and not synthetic. Anyone have any ideas what the pink resin might be?

posted in Incense Magick - 4 replies

technique

2007-01-04T00:42:51Z

Hi. This is something I've been wondering about/experimenting with for a long time: ingredient proportions/blending rules. I know there are specific techniques behind which ingredients one selects, aesthetically speaking, for perfume. Top note, middle, bottom, that kind of thing. I think this probably holds true for incense.
Also, when making incense I have been taught to include one herbal to represent each element-- ie rose (water), mugwort (earth), cedar (fire), and lemon verbena (air). This way the incense is very balanced and you honor the directions equally.
A lot of it is very instinctual for me as I haven't had a lot of formal training. I also rely on books to inform me about magickal correspondents, but I haven't found many that emphasize technique.

Wondering: how did you learn to make incense? What "rules" do you use to guide you? Did you study with a magickal practitioner, with a group, was this passed down to you? Or are you self-taught?

posted in Incense Magick - 5 replies

Holiday yule incense ideas? :)

2006-12-21T01:47:50Z

Yule has come up quickly, and wanted to create a Yule incense blend to give as holiday blessings to friends.
Looking to create a blend this evening and looking for various kinds of herbs/oils/resins that I can add to it.
Looking for something with a slight spice & wood note to it.

Appreciate any guidence on this. Not really looking for a "recipe" unless there's a blend that someone finds
unbelievably enticing!
Will check in later this evening.. thanks in advance... with blessings ~A~

posted in Incense Magick - 1 reply

Oakmoss Resinoid?

2006-12-05T01:17:01Z

Anyone know where to find some in the US? I am having great difficulties!

posted in Incense Magick - 1 reply

Allergic?

2006-10-06T17:04:35Z

My husband and I have several alters throughout the flat and he recently seems to have sneezing fits... anyone else think it could be the incense? Of course we've stopped it for a week to see what happens. Just wanted some opinions or experiences. Thanks!

posted in Incense Magick - 2 replies

davana

2006-09-29T07:01:35Z

i found Davana at Starchild in the UK - it smells gorgeous - like an astral moony clove smell...never come across it before at all - anyone else use it? is it a wormwood species? - its genus is artemisia...

posted in Incense Magick - 2 replies

Ceremonial Incense-Making Workshop and possible Venues for such

2006-09-23T05:03:00Z

These workshops would include in them an Incense Sensory Party styled after Asian Incense ceremonies (the diffusing of quality incense materials approached as a game with colorful descriptions of how these scents appear to us through our senses which can become poetic,) explanations of incense forms, formulas, and ingredients; the many types of tools available to make and use incenses, the spiritual and holistic aspects of incenses in history, and finally a hands on session in creating one's own blend of scents and the use of these individualized incenses to conclude the class. Materials would be provided.

Preferably creating a two-three part or on-going series of these courses/workshops which at the conclusion students will understand how to apply their skills in making at least three different types of incenses: self igniting incense rods and cones, Makko trail incenses, Incense Sticks, and loose herbaceous resin based incenses used with charcoal.
My history with incenses started approximately six years ago through thorough independent experimentation and research. My passion for incenses came from an overwhelming desire to create alternative high quality sensory blends after the dissapointment of commonly available incenses. Using only natural and non-toxic materials, I continue to formulate my master blends of Incenses that focus on wildcrafted rare and exotic materials and strive to share the Magick of Incense-Making through Workshops, Mentorships, discussion groups and Incense Sensory Parties from New Mexico to California to Oregon. Also I am a practicing CMT, multimedia artist and social activist.

If anyone knows of a great place to hold these incense workshops in the SF Bay Area and/or if you are an interested party please contact me with a private message.

Blessed be the Blissings of Senses,
Y0Ni

posted in Incense Magick - 0 replies

Wet and Dry

2006-09-13T06:27:05Z

This is a dual part post
First of all quality incenses are made with a blend of wet and dry ingredients
these wet ingredients much like the dry ingredients can lend huge differences in outcomes
certain materia Wet is better than Dry and vice versa
Oils, tinctures, absolutes, honey and wine are all Wet ingredients that can be blended for delicious effects in smoke form

That said...
what ingredients do we like better Wet vs.DRy
or Dry vs. Wet?

Some we've listed that are preferred Wet are
Labdanum tincture
honey (unless someone likes the dry in incense better)
and some of my personal are
Vanilla Extract Vs. V. Bean
Jasmine Oil vs. jasmine flowers
Rose Absolute vs. rose petals

posted in Incense Magick - 2 replies

Saltpeter?

2006-08-08T22:38:54Z

Does anyone know what they use to color saltpeter? Do you think it's safe to use in the bath?

~*) Cat

posted in Incense Magick - 10 replies

incense lore/ceremony

2006-07-26T09:20:51Z

Incense Lore, ( 香道 ),
http://teaarts.blogspot.com/
出處--
第三屆陸羽茶學研討會
暨第三十屆泡茶師頒証典禮
Beginning Study of
Incense Lore, ( 香道 ),
By
Steven R. Jones, Jan. 16, 2006, Taipei
(revision Feb. 15, 2006)
題目﹕我開始學香道
綱要
前言﹕香道的性質，像音樂，繪畫，文學。
一﹒ 我與香氣的接觸之始。
二﹒ 天主教徒，佛教徒，道教徒都使用香對神的敬意都是一樣好。
三﹒ 香的精神領域。
四﹒ 聞香的方法。
五﹒ 聞香的歷史。
六﹒ 沈香的家屬。
七﹒ 辨識沈香的優劣。
八﹒ 沈香的香氣。
九﹒ 結論。
The Chinese term ( 香道 ), means “Incense Lore” which includes The Incense: Arts, Culture, History, and Ceremonies. Incense Lore can be compared to and has some of the same qualities as music, art, or literature. As I study about Incense Lore, I also see that Incense is an intricate part of Tea Lore, just like Calligraphy, Floral Arrangement, and Scroll Arrangement. These are five Classical Chinese Arts. Incense Lore involves natural incense woods ( 香木 ), and not artificial substitutes.
When I first used incense, I was about fifteen or sixteen years old in America and we used them for making the room smell good or to set a relaxing mood. I had also heard of some people using incense for meditation or to induce a mystical setting when fortune telling. The incense I first bought was in a pretty enchanted colored box with a fairy on the front with fantasy and mystical images. I also bought a small brass incense burner, (香爐 ). The incense pieces were cones shape and black in color and even without lighting them the scent was strong and when I lit them they were strong smelling like smoky flowers and herbs. At the time I had no idea of Incense Lore, I only knew that my incense was from a far away place, like maybe India or somewhere.
Many years later I moved to Taiwan; and I seen incense again. But this time the incense was symbolic, and used for cultural or religious ceremonies and holidays like Chinese New Year or as an offering to gods and family ancestors. Later when I got married my Taiwanese mother-in-law showed me how to use incense in the home for showing respect and giving offerings for our family ancestors. Also my wife and I would go to temples on holidays and light incense; they looked like coiled springs and straight sticks. I learned how to hold them and then place them to the incense burner in front of an altar. The incense “Aloes” is mentioned in the “Holy Bible”, and it refers to an incense wood called, “Aloes-Wood”. Coming from a Catholic background, we light candles and also have incense. Thuribles are covered incense burners suspended by chain and are swung so they can spread the incense. Thuribles are still used in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Incense is used in Christian churches for it is thought to have purifying properties. The burning of incense can represent the people’s prayers rising towards Heaven. Incense is also used in Buddhist and Taoist Temples. Being in Taiwan surrounded with Buddhism and Taoism, which are philosophical ways of living as opposed to being just Religion, and myself being a liberal Catholic, I did not have much trouble adjusting to Taiwanese Philosophy, Religion, and Culture. When I would light and offer incense to the Buddhist or Taoist Temples, I would use this time to pray and wish that my family would remain healthy and safe and I would thank God and Jesus Christ for all that I had received and to try to be a better man by loving and helping my family and fellow man. I still go to Catholic Church, and I also go to the Temples and have met some volunteer groups there and have helped them many times in giving care to the less fortunate. I have gotten much satisfaction my helping the needy.
A few years later I was introduced to Incense again at “Lu-Yu Tea Culture Institute” ( 陸羽茶藝中心 ), in Taipei, which held classes and sold tea. I went there often to buy tea and tea ware and one day I noticed they also had a back room where they sold incenses and Incense Ware, ( 香具 ). They had different incense burners made of ceramic, some were very simple, and some were large and beautiful, yet they were much smaller than the ones I had seen in the temples. And they had such a variety of incenses. The incense was in small tin boxes and when the saleslady opened the box, I was surprised because it was a powder, and not a cone, stick, or coil. Later I found out that they did have incense sticks and incense coils too, which were small and delicate. They all had very subtle scents and I bought some and a ceramic incense burner and some incense ware. The incense burner was made out of the same material as my stoneware teapots. My wife would light some incense using either the stick or coil type. Later I started to use the powder incense; which I would first place a bed of very clean white ash in an incense burner. Then I would use a brass “Incense Seal” ( 香印 ), each Incense Seal has a different pattern in the outline shape of a Chinese word, picture, or other design. Next, I would carefully place the incense seal on top of the ash, and lightly pack the incense into the incense seal with a small bamboo spoon and brush. The incense seals are used with powder incenses to create Incense Trails. And lastly, I would carefully lift the incense seal and then light one end of the incense trail and let it burn slowly like a wondering dragon. In the past, these incense trails have been used to keep track of time.
As time past, my wife had been studying Tea Lore, and I would ask her about her classes and listen with much interest. I also started to take some classes about tea and incense. As I became more interested in incense and I started to read about incense and I was surprised to find out when my Incense Lore Master Instructor said that incense did not originate in Japan. Even though it is very popular in Japan, Incense Lore has its roots in China. The first recorded use of incense in China was dated during the Chou Dynasty (1122-249 B.C.).
In the Family: N. O. Thymeliaceae, Genus: Aquilaria, there are several species in the incense wood creating trees of the evergreen genus Aquilaria and is native to many countries. It is rare but these trees can begin to produce an aromatic resin. The resin is produced as an immune response and can form from an injury, cut, or a parasitic fungus or mold infection, on any woody area of a living tree, including the roots. The result of this process is an aromatic resin-impregnated wood called “Aloes-Wood”. Aloes-Wood is a kind of Incense Wood. There are many Aquilaria trees but it is extremely rare for them to have incense; because they can’t produce rich and dark incense resin. Since ancient times this is the preferred oleoresin used in making fine incense, mixed incense, and incense oils.
Some of the Species of, Family N.O. Thymeliaceae, Genus Aquilaria, that produce Aloes-Wood and their most common Countries of origin:
Aquilaria Agallocha: India, Burma, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Aquilaria Aphispermum: Hainan Island, China.
Aquilaria Baillonii: Cambodia.
Aquilaria Bancana: Malaysia.
Aquilaria Crassna: Cambodia, and Vietnam. A local name for this Aloes-Wood is, “Eagle Wood”.
Aquilaria Grandiflorn: Southern China.
Aquilaria Yunnanensis S.C. Huang: Yunnan, China.
Aquilaria Khasiana: India.
Aquilaria Malaccensis: Malaysia, Indonesia, Kalimantan, and Singapore.
Aquilaria Microcarpa: Borneo
Aquilaria Moszkowskii: Indonesia
Aquilaria Pentandura: Philippines
Aquilaria Secundaria: Moluccas Islands
There are many historical facts about Aloes-Wood being buried under the ground for up to 2000 years. This evidence is written in a classic Chinese book on incense; but today most Aloes-Wood comes from infected trees that, although are in the process of decaying or even dying, are indeed still standing. Sometimes the roots become infected and produce incense oleoresin and these can be found underground. Aloes-Wood naturally has an oleoresin content, when high quality Aloes-Wood is impregnated with enough oleoresin to cause it to sink in water the Chinese term for this Aloes-Wood is ( 沉水香 ); which literally translates as “water sinking incense”, usually this is a high quality incense. In the past if an Aloes-Wood sank it was considered higher quality than if it did not sink. But the ultimate test for the degree of quality is to sniff and experience its Scents. Grading of Aloes-Wood is based on various characteristics including: oleoresin content, color, shape, and weight of the wood pieces. Aloes-Wood is a naturally scented resinous wood and is very rare and can take centuries to acquire its unique scents. Practitioners of an Incense Ceremony will gather in a room, and the incense is shared and passed around and is the center topic of the ceremony. The incense becomes a bridge for people to communicate and interact with each other. In the Incense Ceremony, pure Incense Charcoal is used without any impurities. Incense charcoal lights easily and burns cleanly and is odorless. It is used for heating the incense without burning the incense or adding any odors. A small incense burner called a “censer” ( 香爐 ), is used for sniffing the incense. The charcoal is placed on a bed of clean ash in the censer and covered with some ash by gently lifting the ash surrounding the charcoal and piling it in a mound, and then a small hole is made on the top of the mound to allow heat to escape and a thin stoneware chip with the incense placed on top. Other materials can be used for the incense-heating chip like ceramic, mica, or silver. In an Incense Ceremony participants don't just sniff the incense, but rather think and experience incense. The practitioners strive to open their hearts and minds and try to understand the true spirit of incense.
In Chinese ( 聞香 ), “sniff incense” is an important part of the ceremonial appreciation of incense. There are many words to describe the complex scents given off by Aloes-Wood. Scents like caramel, milky, fresh, different kinds of flowers, different kinds of fruits, and etc. Sometimes the Scents of the Incense can remind one, of a past experience or memory. Listed below are just a few but standard words used for describing Aloes-Wood.
Five terms used to classify aloes-wood rich Scents:
Sweet--- like the scent of honey or sugar
Sour--- like the scent of plums or other acidic foods.
Hot (Spicy)--- like the scent of peppers.
Salty--- like the scent of ocean water with dried seaweed.
Bitter--- like the scent of bitter herbal medicine when boiled.
To be able to define a given scent into these different elements takes years of experience and also one must develop a refined sense of smell.

Conclusion;
Looking back on my life with incense and remembering at first burning the cone-shape incense as an adolescent. And then later in Taiwan at home or in the temples using stick or coil incenses, not for the scents but for symbolic offerings and prayers. And then going to a Tea and Incense Shop and buying some mixed incense, “small stick and small coil”, with subtle scents and nuances. And then started to use power incense and make incense trails. And now I am studying Incense Lore from an Incense Lore Master Instructor, “Lin, Rai-Hsian” ( 林瑞萱 ), after beginning the class I have really started to appreciate incense. But it was not until I experienced an actual Incense Ceremony with our instructor, that I started to understand “The Spirit of Incense”. We use various kinds of Aloes-Wood, and the scents are wonderful and natural and very hard to describe, without actually having the chance to personally experience the incense. After lecture we will go to the Incense Room to have an Incense Ceremony. We will sit around a table and all the students and our Incense Master Instructor will first take out some small little boxes and bottles with different Aloes-Woods and she will explain what kinds of incenses we will use today. Then carefully one of the students or the instructor will prepare the censer and we will sniff and experience the incense and discuss and describe the scents and differences of each one. We usually will pass the censer around twice and the scents from the first pass and the second pass will usually be different. We learn and share our descriptions of the incense’s scents; sometimes it will bring us back in time to another place where we have experienced this scent before. Some times the Instructor will have us discuss among ourselves and we will laugh at each other as we try to describe in our own words what the incense smells like, our Instructor will remind us we are still learning and try to sniff and think deeply as we experience the incense. I am very grateful to my Incense Lore Master; it is not easy but I am very happy to take this time and learn about Incense Lore.
* * *
出處--
第三屆陸羽茶學研討會
暨第三十屆泡茶師頒証典禮

Presently:
* Tea Culture: writer, translator, lecturer, and tea arts performer.
* Tea Arts, Blogger, (http://teaarts.blogspot.com/)
* Translating into English (無我茶會) "Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony" and about the many facets of Tea Culture.
* A writer for "Tea Culture Monthly"
Lu-Yu Tea Culture Institute, Progress Report
(茶藝月刊陸羽茶藝中心工作報告)
* International Wu-Wo Tea Association, Member, Photographer
* Tea Arts and Culture and Incense Lore Scholar
* American English Instructor
E-mail: icetea@email.com

瓊斯史迪芬
* 翻譯
* 茶藝網站主人
* 茶道追求者
* 中華國際無我茶會會員
* 美國語言老師
E-mail: icetea@email.com 網址: http://teaarts.blogspot.com/

posted in Incense Magick - 1 reply

Prophetic/divinatory blend

2006-07-03T20:19:15Z

For a Cerridwen Rite I boiled water and added it to our "cauldron".
The added an Infusion of the following essential oils in 100% ETOH (ethanol):

Bay (1st press) 10
Elemi 10
Cederwood 3
Sage 1

And I also dumped in the following herbs:
Wormwood
Deerstongue
Damiana

It smelled fantastic!

These could all be blended for a decent incense too - and for that I would have added Guaiacum and gum mastic resins.

Would you have added any other ingredients?
(I thought of salvia divinatorum but couldn't get any at short notice.)

Meka

posted in Incense Magick - 10 replies

Incense Altar and Directions

2006-05-25T07:32:21Z

After being gifted with a wonderous urn of Beltaine Ash, I've been playing with the thought of designing my altar with the Incense Urn as the center piece though I believe incense is generally put to the east as it's associated with fire, but being an incense freak I could even fathom an entire altar with all the directions represented by incenses i.e. west would be an emotional and deep incense whereas the east might be more light and fresh fiery and new.
Wondering how everyone's incense Altars, work stations, and sensory study areas are designed and used.
Mine is on top of a drawer with a large crystal. It is cute, utile, and functioning. There's also an oil diffuser to the right and something almost like a step ladder where I can set my doctor's bag of incense material on to get down to my sensory pleasure ritual.
Blessed Bee you're

posted in Incense Magick - 5 replies

labdanum?

2006-05-24T01:59:29Z

anyone ever use this in a recipie?
any comments, thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

posted in Incense Magick - 4 replies

Utensils for making incenses

2006-05-19T06:40:12Z

I've developed my incense tools into somewhat of a library and wanted to compare notes.
What do you use to make incense, burn incense, and ritualize the art of incense?

Inspired by information on the Japanese Kodo Incense Ritual and other sources, I have:
All natural non-salt peper charcoal
An Incense Urn
Wildcraft wood Ash
Mica Plate
Tweezers
Long Pin
Feather
Small scoop
Matches
Candle
Incense sampling library
Mortar & Pestle
Spoon
Gram Weighter
Toothbrush
Tea Ball Mesh Strainer
Metal containers
and that's about it.

You?

posted in Incense Magick - 0 replies