Benzoin (Styrax Benzoin) – Natural Incense Resin from Sumatra, Indonesia

1. Choose Your Incense Resin: Select a high-quality natural incense resin of your choice, such as frankincense, myrrh, copal, or Palo Santo resin. Each resin has its own unique fragrance and properties, so choose one that resonates with your intentions and preferences.
2. Prepare Your Burning Surface: Find a heat-resistant burning surface to safely burn your incense resin. This could be a traditional incense burner, a charcoal burner, a heat-proof dish filled with sand, or a special resin burner designed for this purpose. Make sure the surface is stable and placed away from flammable materials.
3. Light a Charcoal Disc: If you’re using charcoal discs, carefully light one edge with a match or lighter until it begins to spark and glow. Place the charcoal disc on your burning surface with the glowing side facing up. Allow the charcoal to fully ignite and turn ash-gray before proceeding.
4. Place the Resin on the Charcoal: Once the charcoal disc is fully ignited, use a pair of metal tongs to carefully place a small amount of incense resin on top of the charcoal. Start with a small pea-sized amount and add more as desired, depending on the intensity of fragrance you prefer.
5. Enjoy the Aroma: As the incense resin heats up on the charcoal, it will begin to release its fragrant smoke. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and allow yourself to be enveloped by the aromatic essence of the resin. You can also use this time for meditation, prayer, or simply to relax and unwind.
6. Monitor the Burn: Keep an eye on the burning resin to ensure it doesn’t become too hot or burn too quickly. If the smoke becomes too intense, you can gently blow on the charcoal to reduce the heat. If necessary, you can also adjust the amount of resin you’re using or move the charcoal to a cooler spot on the burner.
7. Extinguish Safely: Once you’ve finished enjoying your incense ritual, allow the charcoal disc to cool completely before disposing of it. You can extinguish the charcoal by placing it in a bowl of sand or water, or by simply letting it burn out on its own. Always use caution when handling hot charcoal and never leave it unattended.

By following these simple steps, you can create a sacred and tranquil atmosphere in your space using natural incense resin. Experiment with different resins, blends, and rituals to find what works best for you and your spiritual practice.