Frankincense can have a religious or symbolic meaning for the person using it. Before building a ritual, clarify what it means to you: prayer, remembering a family tradition or a moment of quiet. You can honor that meaning without promising that the smoke changes the situations in your life.
What frankincense means in a personal practice
Products sold under the name of frankincense can have different forms and compositions. The commercial name is not enough for choosing. Check the material, the recommended holder and the instructions for use. A room scent and a resin for burning require different modes of use.
Before lighting
Choose a stable surface and a holder adequate for the temperature. Remove paper, curtains and other materials that can catch fire. Air the room and keep the products away from children and animals. Do not leave the room while something is burning and do not go to bed before it is fully extinguished.
If the smoke or smell causes you discomfort, stop using it. Prayer, the journal and quiet do not depend on smoke. Respect also the comfort of the other people in the home: a meaning important to you does not justify their exposure to an unwanted product.
A ritual that ends with a concrete gesture
Write an intention that depends on you: "I want to ask clearly for what I need". After the moment of quiet, formulate the request in ordinary words. Avoid looking for signs in the shape of the smoke or interpreting every incident as a warning. Return to what you can observe and decide.
Frequently asked question
Can I keep the ritual without burning frankincense? Yes. The intention, the reading and the reflection time can remain the same.
Continue with a resource suited to your theme
If you want to continue the reflection with Truth and Healing materials, see Energetic and Spiritual Cleansing (PDF). Read the description and what it includes before purchasing, then choose a moment when you can use the material at your own pace.
Explore also the available materials and the Truth and Healing articles.
