How To Use Charcoal Blocks To Burn Incense

I don't know about the rest of you, but many years ago I couldn't find out exactly how to use charcoal blocks to burn loose incense. As a result, I made some terrible accidents along the way. Like destroying an antique coffee table by lighting the block on it (Yikes!) The charcoal block should be placed in a heat proof container with at least 2/3 of an inch of some sort of heat absorbing content in it like sand, or tiny pebbles, or salt. The charcoal should be placed into the container indented side up. Light it, and let let the salt peter burn off. You'll see little sparkes, and lots of smoke for a moment, so don't do it near a fire detector. Once the block is glowing and the saltpeter has stopped sparkling, sprinkle about a 1/2 teaspoon of incense on the block. It will immediately start burning and releasing its fragrance. Once the smoke begins to thin out, add a small amount more. Don't remove the ashes unless it starts to smell bad. If it does, scrape of the ash with a spoon and add more.

I prefer to use blocks as it gives me the freedom to experiment by growing, or collecting, drying and mixing different herbs together, quickly creating my very own unique mixtures of loose incense. It also comes in handy if you want to burn just one herb. Blocks can last a very long time, so you'll probably find that breaking them in half not only saves you the cost of buying more, but works just as well for your needs.

Figure out which herb/s you're going to use, using your imagination, and/ or my reference pages, and pound and blend them with your mortar and pestle, to release the sent of the herbs. Gently place a pile on top of the charcoal, being extremely careful not to touch it with your hands. Remember to use a spoon. If you feel the call (like I did), use a special spoon just for this task, making sure to cleanse and consecrate it. If not, just use one of your every day eating spoons.

To clean the ashes of charcoal, and insence out of the sand or pebbles, gently allow a small stream of water into the bowl, the ashes will rise to the top. Let them over flow out of the bowl with the water, being careful not to loose the sand or pebbles in the process. Let it dry out, and it's ready for use again. It only has to be cleaned when you feel it's necessary, not every time, unless that's what your gut tells you to do. If you're using salt, just return it to the earth and replace the salt. For a wonderful scent that rids your home of negative energies, and brings about peaceful tranquility, I use equal amounts of sage and lavender. Works every time. It gives my home that cozy, peaceful feeling so many people coment about when they come here. Have fun experimenting with your charcoal blocks...now that you know how to safely use them.

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