Andromeda DavisThe usage of incense goes back to ancient times, as the Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks and other societies, and even in the Bible, all have an awareness of its usage and unique powers.
The history of incense
Incense is derived from plant materials mixed with oils which are burned to give off a fragrant smoke. This usage goes back at least 3000 to 5300 years, all the way back to the Indus civilization and prior.
The use of incense for religious purposes dates back to approximately 2000 BCE in ancient China.
Incense usage is also well-known in ancient Egypt, where it was believed to appease the gods or deter malevolent demons.
The ancient Babylonians used incense while offering prayers to divine oracles.
In the Bible, in the Old Testament, in Leviticus 24:7, are instructions to “put some pure frankincense (or incense, [NIV]), as “an offering made by fire unto the Lord.”
Incense for specific purposes
In a general sense, the incense listed below are good for specific purposes. However, combining these with your zodiacal matches, provides even greater power.
- Self-healing: Amber.
- Purification or spirituality: Eucalyptus.
- Dreams or visions: Jasmine.
- Strength: Women.
- Clarity: Mint.
- Happiness or positivity: Orange.
- Defeating negativity: Pine.
- Love and harmony: Rose.
- Healing or spiritual healing: Sandalwood.
Combining incense and astrology
In New Age practices and in magickal practices, practitioners have found increased power when matching a particular incense with a specific sign of the zodiac. Agrippa and the Golden Dawn have laid out their own particular specifications for ingredients.
The following are some suggestions from various sources, for both a single incense match, as well as, incense formula combinations aligned to each zodiac sign.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Dragon’s Blood
combo recipe one: Black pepper, clove, frankincense and neroli.
Power recipe: myrrh, dragon’s blood, allspice, mace and cassia.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Storax
combo recipe one: Honeysuckle, Apple, Magnolia and Rose.
Power recipe: rosy storax, balsamic benzoin and pepper.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Wormwood
Combo recipe one: Bergamot, mint, lavender, and lemongrass.
Power recipe: Coriander, lavender, wormwood and bergamot.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Onycha
Combo recipe one: Chamomile, jasmine, lemon, Willie and Rose.
Power recipe: sandrac, hyssop, camphor and geranium leaf.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
Olibanum
Combo recipe one: Basil, ginger, lime, rosemary and Juniper.
Power recipe: Frankincense and olibanum.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Narcissus
Combo recipe one: Lemon, sage, fennel, and patchouli.
Power recipe: Sandalwood, bergamot, and dammar.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
Galbanum
Combo recipe one: Chamomile and daffodil.
Power recipe: galbanum, deer’s tongue, and tobacco.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Benzoin
Combo recipe one: hyacinth and tuberose.
Power recipe: myrrh, balsamic benzoin, and labdanum.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
Lign – Aloes
Combo recipe one: Clove, lemon, bergamot, rosemary and saffron.
Power recipe: Nutmeg, cedar and aloeswood.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Musk, Civet
Combo recipe one: myrrh, tulip, mimosa and lilac.
Power recipe: Musk seed, Cyprus, balsamic benzoin and costus.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Galbanum
Combo recipe one: Lavender, pine, anise and patchouli.
Power recipe: opoponax, galangal, spikenard and galbanum.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Ambergris
Combo recipe one: Sandalwood, Apple, Jasmine, gardenia and vanilla.
Power recipe: Rosy storax, ambergris and olibanum.
Shea Lee
