Energy & Ash
A smouldering stick of incense, fills the air with divine fragrance.
Carrying prayers, thoughts, wishes up into etherial space to be heard
Incense turns to ash
Ash nourishes the soil
The transmutation of life force energy
When we work with the mysterious force of 'energy'. That force that cannot be seen, but is felt. That force that surrounds us in every single place you ever inhabit. There are some observations we can work with and show respect for.
Prayer
Since time immemorial the power of dedicated prayer has been known to miraculously heal or simply to support the process of what is beyond our control. Incense is seen as a powerful symbol in prayer, central to most rituals all over the World.
The elegant unfurling smoke from an incense stick moves upward into the aethers, carrying on its back, prayers, before vanishing into the beyond, behind the veil.
Our call has transcended all time, space and dimensions and is directed towards a higher power in the beyond. Ashes are all that remain in the physical world.
Ash
These incense ashes are sacred in prayer, as they symbolise this divine communication. This call for transformation. So we can respect this incense ash and give it back to the Earth, to be transformed by the Mother.
Zen
Even if you just burn incense sticks, smudges or resins for scent mostly, or to cleanse the air in your space - the incense ashes are important. In feng shui an incense bowl or altar, which isn't regularly cleaned, is a sign of neglect or stale energy lingering.
When the incense stick or resin has finished smouldering, it's best practice to sweep the cold ashes away in the bin, or if in prayer preferably take them to the earth, a tree or river. As you let the ashes go, thank Spirit for the lessons you are learning, allow this lesson to dissolve and be transformed in the light of source conciousness. Apply any lessons to your life. Upgrade your awareness.
Cleaning Incense Holders
Keep your incense tools clean, sweep ashes away and regularly clean the metal dome with a softly abrasive cloth, from any resin that has built up. This way each time you light a new stick, it will symbolise freshness, your care and attention - as well as keeping your precious incense bowl radiating beauty.
Solstice Blessings X
