Incense for readings...

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 31 Jul 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Aun	31 Jul 2003
Hi all, and forgive me if I'm posting this thread on the wrong section, but I couldn't figure out otherwise. I am about to buy some incenses for my readings, and I heard a while ago that there are specific scents for each zodiac sign, or something like that... So, the bottomline is: Is there a right scent to pick? If yes, what is the procedure to find that out? Peace, Aun

genna	31 Jul 2003
I find the use of sage relaxing,and helpful.

Thirteen	31 Jul 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Aun I am about to buy some incenses for my readings, and I heard a while ago that there are specific scents for each zodiac sign, or something like that... So, the bottomline is: Is there a right scent to pick? If yes, what is the procedure to find that out? I think there are specific Zodiac scents--though I don't THINK they're indicated as scents so much as "These are the flowers/herbs ruled over by this Zodiac sign." You need to head down down down the list of sections here in the general, Aeclectic Tarot Forum. You'll find a section labeled "Astrology." The nice and very knowledgable folks there are sure to know if there are "scents" as well as "flowers/herbs" associated with Zodiac signs. You can find out the flowers/herbs ruled by each sign by checking out different books on Astrology. Most offer lists. Bottom line, however, there's no right scent to pick; pick whatever incense helps set the mood for your readings.

Aun	31 Jul 2003
Thanks for the hints!

Baby Owl	31 Jul 2003
Aun, There are companies who produce incense associated with the Zodiac signs. In fact, my local grocery store carries them. You can check with any store that sells incense. I have lots and lots of incense and I like all different kinds. Sometimes I will use something that suits my mood or the type of reading I am getting ready to do. Baby Owl

dolphinprincess	31 Jul 2003
i agree with baby owl. there are so many different scents out there - use what suits your mood at that time.. or the mood you want to create. many companies that sell hand-dipped incense will let you buy sampler packs. (some of my favorites are cedarwood, sage, sandalwood, ylang ylang.....)... this post made me realize i miss my incense.. i have a small pet in an apartment and refuse to subject him to the smoke /scent.. ! alas, incense is all gone!

Armande	31 Jul 2003
Just go with what smells/feels nice to you. I never quite believe in all the extra necessities to do a proper reading. If it works for you, fine, if not, fine too.

Umbrae	31 Jul 2003
I will ask, why incense? A bit ago I was at a psychic faire, and before it started one woman began walking around her table ringing a bell, and followed that with a spritzer bottle of something, and followed that with incense (which they made her put out before the fire marshal showed up). I understand the theory, but… If you read in the home of another, lighting up incense may not endear them to you. Not everybody likes or appreciates incense. I read for years in bars; surrounded by cigarette smoke, the aroma of stale beer and whiskey, and jukeboxes at ear splitting volume. It never adversely affected my readings, or my abilities. So here’s the real question; why do you want to use incense? Or do you feel you need incense?

lunalafey	31 Jul 2003
If burning something for ritualistic purposes, sage, cedar & sweetgrass. The pungent odor of sage drives away negitive energy, the pretty smell of cedar & sweetgrass attracks the positive.

jog1118	31 Jul 2003
hey there people!!! i just would like to share a belief of the Roman Catholic Religion (which i am a part of, though i'm not that active)... incense (regardless if scented or not) is believed to be sacred and has the power to drive away evil spirits. its complete name. frankincense, was one of the three gifts (gold, frankincense and myrrh) given by the three holy men/kings to Jesus (son of the the holy trinity: father, son and holy spirit) when he was born in a manger. the three gifts symbolizes something but i forgot them. if someone's interested just pm me and i'll do the research. peace! :smoker:

Indigo_lady	31 Jul 2003
If you want to use incense in your readings because it suits you or because you think it will help you I think it's an excellent idea... Everyone should experiment and find what is best for them You should go to a store and *smell* around on your own until you find something that you like Just because it's a zodiac sign it doens't mean that you have to like it right away.. or even worse (my case) that you're going to get migraine from some smells that are VERY strong So, smell them before you buy anything ... ;) Personally I prefer the smell of myrrh to most incense... When it comes to incense I like the more conventional ones, like sandal

Teranar	01 Aug 2003
I like incense because it smells nice and clears my head, resulting in a better reading for me. (Problem is everyone thinks I'm a pothead now.) I prefer Dragon's Blood cause it smells nifty. And it goes with my dragon deck.

Armande	01 Aug 2003
You can probably "pavlov" yourself with incense :P Meaning that if you connect incense with getting in the right frame of mind to do a reading, it would help you getting concentrated. That might be useful. But I am with Umbrae here, too much fuss and ritual is not for me. It makes me giggle even when someone else puts a lot of show-element into it.

Pollux	01 Aug 2003
A nice fragrance never harmed nor impaired anyone's abilities... The only risk is you might benefit from it if you think so, so go on with your feelings! :P I don't use incense nor perfumes, but my pick would be earthy scents, just to keep the feet on earth. Sandalwood mostly, as it's considered a good psychic enhancer (doh?), or Nag Champa that is my fav ever. Maybe Lavander and Vervain if I want to use a more "local" thingie - I grow and dry them myself. I generally use a mixture of Lavendar, Vervain and Marjoram. Don't worry about the zodiac correspondences, you'll find many different tables in each book you look, and you can't keep switching aroma for each client, can you? Not even for the money, but just for the fuss...

Kiama	01 Aug 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae I read for years in bars; surrounded by cigarette smoke, the aroma of stale beer and whiskey, and jukeboxes at ear splitting volume. It never adversely affected my readings, or my abilities. So here’s the real question; why do you want to use incense? Or do you feel you need incense? I do most of my readings in pubs too, in just the same conditions, yet I still use incense at home for readings, simply for practical reasons: I live in a shared house with four other students and my boyfriend. Sadly, a couple of the other students do not fully understand the words 'clean' and 'water'... And unfortunately, this adversely affects the aroma of the house, and thus makes me, and the querent, feel uncomfortable. So, I use incense placed in various parts of the house, and some by me during the reading, to give a pleasant scent to the reading... The scent I use depends on whom I am reading for: Sometimes the querent is allergic to incense, so I use an oil burner and oils instead. Often, I will let the querent choose the smell they prefer. People who I read for alot I now know what scents they want during the reading. Kiama

Red Emma	01 Aug 2003
When delving into (choose one) 1) the subconscious, or 2) alternate realities, when tarot reading, one uses all the help one can conjur up. Further, if I may revert to my Red Emma alternate reality personna, I'm wondering --- Okay I'm probably getting into trouble here but then the original Red Emma got herself jail time for challenging established beliefs -- It's been pretty well established that men and women's brains are wired differently. Men have far fewer connections between the intellectual side and the emotional side than women do --- or left brain, right brain. Could that be an explanation about Umbrae's ability to to read in smoky, noisy bars --- while some female AE readers prefer incense, scent diffusers, etc. to strengthen the pathways between the two brain hemispheres?

divinerguy	02 Aug 2003
I use incense because it smells nice. I don't especially light up for a reading, so if I do use it, its coincidental. My faves are lavender, nag champa, chinese joss and japanese cedarwood.

MystiqueMoonlight	02 Aug 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae I will ask, why incense? I read for years in bars; surrounded by cigarette smoke, the aroma of stale beer and whiskey, and jukeboxes at ear splitting volume. It never adversely affected my readings, or my abilities. Gee Umbrae, sounds like my place on a Saturday night.... and that's before we have any visitors LOL :) I don't have a sense of smell, so obviously the burning of incense would be moot. I do like to burn a single candle though. Usually silver because it represents for me personally the path of the Moon which is my planet (Cancerian) and Moon of course is on the High Priestess (my Soul Card). But having said that if I don't have a silver candle handy that's not to say I won't read. As some people pointed out already, people can find incense irritating. I have a friend who cannot handle the smell of frankincense. She finds it offensive and will sneeze constantly. Is there any reason why you feel the desire to burn incense during a reading?

Kiama	02 Aug 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Red Emma Could that be an explanation about Umbrae's ability to to read in smoky, noisy bars --- while some female AE readers prefer incense, scent diffusers, etc. to strengthen the pathways between the two brain hemispheres? I think it could also be what we're used to... I learned how to read for others in pubs and parties, so for me the noise of a pub and the smoke, etc, is normal and quite comforting... For others who are not used to that atmosphere, I think it would probably be more disconcerting than anything! (I'm female by the way... :D) Kiama

wavebreaker	02 Aug 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Kiama I think it could also be what we're used to... Incense (or whatever else one is used to) as the Pavlov's Effect for tarot readers... ;)

Alissa	02 Aug 2003
Completely Random Thought ... Reading in an American bar and reading in a British pub are two ENTIRELY different atmospheres. Both may still contain background noise and music, but wayyyyyyy different in my opinion. (I *lament* the fact that there are no real pubs in America ... no matter how many bars hang out signs and call themselves "pubs" on the front door).

Diana	02 Aug 2003
I have read quite a few not so great articles lately about incense. Here is one from the BBC web-site: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1467409.stm

Baby Owl	02 Aug 2003
Interesting article, Diana. Like so many things, it appears that the actual risk depends on amount of exposure. I like to burn incense, but I don't burn it for hours at a time (maybe one or two sticks every few days). I also like to play certain kinds of music while I work with my cards. These are all simply personal preferences, not requirements. I would certainly not light incense when another person is present unless I asked him or her first. Baby Owl

oceanpoetry	02 Aug 2003
I love "Moodstar" incense, very aromatic. here is a link to a site that sells the incense: http://www.moodstarincense.com/about.php All of these incenses are very refreshing, and I like to use them to help me in a good frame of mind for reading (relaxed, calm, meditative).

Kiama	03 Aug 2003
Diana: The studies which link cancer to incense also point out that he link is only there if you virutally live in an incense filled room. Such as some monks in some Tibetan monasteries. Incense in the amounts we use it in, in well-ventilated rooms, is harmless. Kiama :D

The Incense for readings... thread was originally posted on 31 Jul 2003 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.