Incense - Juniper

Incense - Juniper

Juniper smoke was believed to have both power against evil and was known to purify and disinfect the air. Juniper smoke has been used during epidemics and during childbirth. Even during World War II, juniper branches were burned in hospitals and its smoke was used to prevent the spread of infections. Junipers are evergreen conifers or shrubs. They grow throughout Finland in dry deciduous forests, on rocks and in logging areas. Juniper has been used medicinally in Mediterranean countries for millennia and the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus (1550 BC) contains several medicinal recipes for juniper berries. In Finland, juniper has been used in a very diverse way, both in cooking and in folk medicine. Size approx. 100mm x 20mm. Sold individually.

Symbol meaning

Juniper has long been considered a sacred tree and its protective powers have been believed in. 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 heartfelt requests to the heavens, and when juniper is burned, one lets go of the negativities of life and invites positivity in its place.

Incense is an aromatic substance that spreads a pleasant scent when burned. The word "incense" refers to both the smoke and the substance itself. Originally, the purpose of burning incense was to establish a connection with the spirit world, to purify people and spaces, and to express gratitude and respect. It was also used to eliminate unpleasant odors and to protect and drive away evil spirits. In many Far Eastern countries, including India, China, and Japan, incense is used in sacred religious rituals, at the entrances of temples, on altars in front of idols, or it is burned at home, for example on the doorstep or on a small home altar. Incense is used to show respect to important spirits and deities

Ritual use

• Cleansing : Incense not only cleanses the physical environment, but also dispels negative energy. Its gentle smoke can help to clear away darkness and obstacles and make room for new growth. - For example, gently hold the incense burner 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 and moving downwards. You can also spread the smoke around the room or space you are in to cleanse it.
• Connection : Incense smoke reaches up to the sky, creating a symbolic bridge to the spirit world, divinity, and higher realms. The intoxicating scent of incense carries your requests and intentions up to the heights. - For example, before burning incense, set an intention for the kind of connection you want to create. Breathe deeply and calmly, let your mind quiet down, and as the incense smokes, imagine how the smoke lifts your thoughts and intentions up to the sky. Make room for possible intuitive messages and insights.
• Sacrifice : Sacrificing the old self in terms of limiting beliefs and things that hinder development. - For example, before burning incense, set an intention for what you want to achieve through the sacrifice. You can think of old self traits, behaviors, or burdens that you want to release. Light the incense and focus on the feelings 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 Transitions: Incense has been a part of various life transition rituals. It symbolizes the transition from one state to another and helps 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 into a world of meditation and spiritual focus.
• Intuition and Wisdom: The scent of incense awakens intuitive awareness and helps open the connection to the inner wisdom that lies within us all.
• Gratitude and respect: Incense can be a gesture of gratitude and respect, whether it is directed to higher powers, ancestors, or the sacredness of nature.
• Sensory Experience: The scent of incense awakens the senses and increases sensual pleasure. It can also open the door to ceremonies and rituals that celebrate the world of the senses.

If you would like more information about rituals and their purpose, take part in Semiphoras' online courses or book an appointment for personal guidance.

How to burn incense

Incense is lit from the end of an incense stick. Once lit, let the flame burn for a few seconds and then blow out the flame. The tip of the incense will glow for a moment, releasing a lot of fragrant smoke. You can hold the stick in your hand or place it upright (or slightly tilted) in an incense holder or alternatively in a container filled with sand/fine sea salt. Make sure that the ash from the incense falls directly into the container. Since incense releases smoke when burning, you should ensure sufficient replacement air. We recommend using the incense near an open window or balcony door. This will allow the smoke from the incense to mix with the fresh outside air and the scent will be better revealed. You can also burn the incense outdoors. You can extinguish the incense before it burns out. The easiest way to extinguish the incense is to knock the burning tip onto the edge of a container or sand, for example.

Note! Semiphoras juniper incense sticks are cut from upright junipers. We do not cut down or damage living junipers, even though the tree species is no longer protected in mainland Finland. Pay attention to fire safety. Act as if you were dealing with an open fire. So do not 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, such as curtains or textiles. Also make sure the incense holder/container is on a heat-resistant surface. Keep out of reach of children.