Using charcoal for incense INSTRUCTIONAL
You will want a few things before beginning to use blended, or 'loose' incense.
See links for products at the end!
- Use a solid, fire proof, heat resistant bowl or small pot to burn your incense in. Most loose incense is burned on special charcoal pucks which get quite hot (NOT barbecue charcoal, which is toxic to burn indoors). Choose from:
- A thick metal bowl with a cork trivet
- A solid earthenware bowl
- A brass incense burner with chains
- Place an inch or more of salt or sand in the bottom of your bowl or burner to absorb heat from the charcoal, and to raise your charcoal upwards for proper air circulation - otherwise, it won’t burn properly.
- I recommend a small candle that you use to light your charcoal pucks with. The flame from a lighter is made from butane, which often doesn’t burn hot enough to light a charcoal properly. You will also find this problem lighting sage bundles with a lighter. Matches, while hot enough, may burn down too quickly and singe your fingers so be sure to use long matches - also, the sulphur smell is not always a welcome addition to your spiritual practise.
- Get a small mason jar with a nice tight lid to store your charcoal pucks in. They are self lighting, and even ambient humidity can really effect their ability to catch fire and burn properly. Stored in an air tight jar, they will last for years.
- Make sure all your loose incense its stored in air tight jars or zip lock bags; the sachets that I sell are resealable. Store it in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- If you are burning incense sticks, the same applies - get a tall jar, such as one made for pasta storage with a good tight screw top lid.
- Don’t forget to label incense as you get it, if you take it out of the package - you may remember now, but once you have a few to choose from you may forget the names of each individual type.
- Ensure that the surface your incense burner will be sitting on is fire proof; even if you think you’re sure, place a cork mat or trivet underneath the feet of your burner, just to be safe. Charcoal gets HOT!
OPTIONAL: You may wish to get a small pair of charcoal tongs and a small incense spoon to handle your incense and charcoal pucks to keep your hands clean; some incenses are dusty or sticky, leaving a tacky film on your finger tips that is distracting during your spiritual process. You can even use a stainless steel 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon.
BURNING YOUR INCENSE
Hold the charcoal near the candle flame so the edge of the charcoal is touching it. If you're not using tongs, hold it carefully by the edge furthest way from the flame.
The charcoal will spark and fizz, this is the self lighting property of it. Let it really start to catch properly.
Once it is caught, place it on the salt or sand in your incense burner. One side of the charcoal has a natural 'cup' shape in it to hold incense. Place that side up.
Once the charcoal has stopped sparking, blow on it very gently from a safe distance (mind your hair!). If it glows red, it's ready to use.
Put a pinch (1/4 teaspoon or less) of incense into the cupped area of the charcoal. It will begin to ignite and burn, releasing it's aromatic smoke.
You can use it in place, and cleanse crystals, charms, ritual tools and sigils in the smoke, or allow the smoke to move over a picture or personal item of someone you are doing work for.
AFTER YOUR INCENSE IS FINISHED
Charcoal will remain hot enough to burn your incense for about 30 minutes. However, it will stay hot enough to be dangerous for several hours afterwards.
WARNING: DO NOT THROW IT IN THE GARBAGE WHEN YOU ARE DONE!
Once the charcoal has cooled you can carefully tip the charcoal, or use your tongs, to place it into a separate disposable container (like a tin can or old jar) filled with water for an hour or so until it is saturated and gone out, and then throw that away.
CHARCOAL PUCKS to burn your incense on
INCENSE BLENDS pre blended loose incense to enjoy, as well as cones and sticks!
INCENSE INGREDIENTS make your own incense blends! raw materials, resins, herbs and oils.
