Incense - Juniper

Incense - Juniper

Juniper smoke was believed to have both power against evil and was known to purify and disinfect the air. Juniper smoking has been used during infectious diseases and during childbirth. Even during the Second World War, juniper branches were burned in hospitals and its smoke was used to prevent the spread of infections. Junipers are evergreen conifers or shrubs. It grows all over Finland in dry forests, cliffs and clearings. Juniper has been in beneficial use in Mediterranean countries for millennia and the Egyptian Ebers papyrus (1550 BC) contains several medicinal recipes from juniper berries. In Finland, juniper has been used very versatile in both food preparation and folk medicine. Size approx. 100mm x 20mm. Sold by the piece.

Symbol meaning

Juniper has been considered a sacred tree and its protective power has long been believed. It has been used in religious and magical rituals for centuries, symbolizing protection, strength and good luck. Juniper smoke is believed to carry prayers and the heart's requests to the heavens, and when juniper is burned, negativity in life is released and positivity is invited instead.

Frankincense is an aromatic substance that, when burned, spreads a good scent to its surroundings. The word "incense" refers to the smoke as well as the burning substance itself. Originally, the purpose of burning incense was to establish a connection with the spirit world, to purify persons and spaces, and to express gratitude and respect. They were also used to dispel unpleasant odors and to protect and ward off evil spirits. In several countries of the Far East, e.g. In India, China and Japan, incense is used in sacred religious rituals, at temple entrances, in front of deities on altars, or burned at home, for example on the doorstep or on a small home altar. Incense is used to show respect to important spirit beings and deities

Ritual use

• Cleansing : Incenses not only clean the physical environment but also dispel negative energy. Their gentle smoke can help clear away darkness and obstacles and make room for new growth. - For example, carefully take the censer in your hand and spread the smoke around you. You can do this by moving the smoke slowly and deliberately around your body, starting at the head area and working your way down. You can also diffuse the smoke in the room or space you are in to purify it.
• Connection : Incense smoke reaches up toward the sky, creating a symbolic bridge to the spirit world, divinity, and higher dimensions. The intoxicating smell of incense carries your requests and intentions to the heights. - For example, before burning incense, set an intention about what kind of connection you want to create. Breathe deeply and calmly, let the mind quiet down, and as the incense smokes you can imagine how the smoke lifts your thoughts and intentions towards heaven. Make room for possible intuitive messages and insights.
• Sacrifice : Sacrifice of the old self in terms of limiting beliefs and things that hinder development. - For example, before burning incense, set an intention about what you want to achieve with the sacrifice. You can think of traits, behaviors, or burdens of the old self that you want to release. Light the incense and focus on the emotions you want to release. You can imagine how the rising smoke symbolizes these feelings or traits. You can also say out loud the feelings or thoughts you want to release.

Other uses

• Life changes: Incenses have been part of various life change rituals. They symbolize the transition from one state to another and help us embrace the power of change
• Calming and increasing awareness: The scent of incense wafts around you, creating a calming atmosphere. This magical atmosphere invites you to a world of meditation and spiritual concentration.
• Intuition and wisdom: The smell of incense awakens intuitive awareness and helps to open a connection with the inner wisdom that lies within all of us.
• Gratitude and Respect: Incense can be a gesture of gratitude and respect, whether directed at higher powers, ancestors, or the sacredness of nature.
• Sensual experience: The scent of incense awakens the senses and increases sensual pleasure. It can also open the gate to ceremonies and rituals that celebrate the world of the senses.

If you want more information about rituals and their purpose, participate in Semiphoras online courses or book an appointment for personal guidance.

This is how you burn incense

Incense is lit from the end of an incense stick. Once the incense is lit, let the flame burn for a few seconds and then blow out the flame. The tip of the incense now glows orange-red and releases plenty of fragrant smoke. Place the incense stick upright (or slightly tilted) in the incense holder or alternatively in a container filled with sand/fine sea salt. Make sure that the ashes of the incense fall directly into the container. Since incense releases smoke when it burns, you must ensure that there is sufficient replacement air. We recommend using incense near an open window or balcony door. In this case, the smoke of the incense mixes with the fresh outdoor air and the scent is more prominent. You can also burn incense outdoors. You can extinguish the incense before it burns out. The easiest way to extinguish the incense is by tumbling the burning tip on, for example, the edge of a container or sand.

Note! Semiphoras' juniper incenses are cut from upright juniper. We do not cut down or damage living junipers, even though the tree species is no longer protected in mainland Finland. Attention to fire safety. Act like an open fire. So don't leave burning incense unattended. The glowing tip of burning incense is very hot. Make sure that the smoke can rise freely and that there is nothing flammable near the burning incense, for example curtains or textiles. Also make sure that the incense holder/container is on a heat-resistant surface. Not for children.