Incense question

[ClementofRome]

Please talk to me about the use and types of incense. I am confused when I visit this site:

http://www.monasteryproducts.org/index.php?cPath=29&osCsid=03754a531ab13bb33c1bf045b402d8fa

Is there a wiki or a blog that describes the various types of incense....when each type might be used, etc.

Thank you all again,
Clem

[gzt]

They just smell different. Rose ones smell like rose, cassia ones smell like cassia, frankincense smells like frankincense, myrrh smells like myrrh, others may be blends of scents. That's all. Use whichever ones whenever you wnat.

[Michael the Iconographer]

Incense comes in 3 basic forms: on a stick, as a cone, as a resin/powder.

The first 2 types of incense do not require charcoal to burn. They are self-lighting and last upto 45 minutes or an hour per burn. They come in lots of scents, many of which are flowery or nature scented. These are cheap and can easily be found on line or in stores. I get my incense cones in bulk on ebay and pay very little for them. I use these in my icon corner and when only painting for a short period of time.

The third type of icense the resin/powder requires charcoal brickettes to burn. This is best burnt in a small incense burner, which again can be found at a store or on line. The charcoal is often self-lighting which means you only have to light it for a brief second and then it does the rest of the work lighting. You do NOT need to put alot of the resin/powder on the charcoal.

These are the very basics of burning incense.

[eoe]

All of those incenses are "Athonite" style. That means that they are based largely upon frankincense that has been powdered and then blended with other resins, gums and oils. It is then hand rolled into thin logs, cut and dusted with purified clay. To use them you would light some charcoal - either the insta light kind specifically designed for incense use or you can use good 'ol kingsford. Either way ou get the charcoal good and hot and then place several peices of incense *next to* NOT on the charcoal. In a moment it will be warmed up and begin to smoke. Enjoy the smoky goodness.....

As far as the names go, some of them are self explanitory. Gardenia smells like gardenia and rose smells like.. .well.. rose. As far as the other names go... think of the perfumes that are sold in the mall... they have names that attempt to suggest an idea.. Obsession.. or.. whatever...

I have 4 "flavors" of incense from the monastery that you link to. The Byzantium and Sarov Forest are my favorites. The Gardenia is *UBER* sweet and girly. The frankincense is a middle of the road grade of pure frankincense resin - it is inexpensive but I would not suggest it as a first try. There are better places to get pure frankincense from. As far as the others, I simply dont know.

The Sarov Forest has a light frankincense base with a pine scent - Think pine sol but much better.
The Byzantium is actually very similar to the Myrrh from Holy Cross Hermitage in WV and both remind me almost of a fabric softener in a good way.


I think that I am going to have to start an incense review page..... hrm..

[ClementofRome]

I think that I am going to have to start an incense review page..... hrm..

Thank you very much for your comments. And yes, please do start the incense review page.