Powdered incense frequently comes in the “self lighting” variety. It is generally herbs, oils, and/or resins ground and mixed with an unscented incense power, salt peter or charcoal. The mix gives the incense powder a way of maintaining the burn once lit.

When using a self lighting powdered incense, start by forming the incense into a cone shape. This can be done by creating a cone out of paper and packing the incense powder into the cone shape. Turn it over, lightly tapping to expel the incense cone onto a fire safe dish or incense burner. Light the tip of the incense cone and it should provide a nice even burn. If you have trouble using paper to achieve your desired response find something else (like the inside of a candle snuffer) that is cones shaped to use as your incense mold.

If you are using power that does not contain a self lighting aid, or if you are using granular incense or resin chunks, you will want to burn the incense on a charcoal tablet. If you have a resin, first use a mortar and pestle to grind the resin into a powder.

Place the charcoal tablet in a fire safe dish or incense burner, indent side up if it has an indent in the tablet. Use sand under the tablet for safety and to dissipate the heat, charcoal can burn quite hot. Never light it while holding in your hand! Now light the edge of the charcoal tablet. The tablet will start to spark, this is normal. Most charcoal tablets designed for use with incense contain added ingredients, such as salt peter, to help them light and stay lit.

The charcoal will glow red and accumulate ash as it burns. Once the charcoal is fully started, sprinkle your power/herbs/ground resin/etc directly on top of the charcoal. Don’t use too much, or you could smother it and have to start over. Just a pinch or so will do, maybe about 1/4 teaspoon or so.

If the smoke begins to fade, add more incense. Be careful not to leave your incense unattended., and be certain to dispose of the remnants safely.

Happy burning!

~Anyanka

You can find incense cones, incense sticks, granular incense, natural resins, self lighting powder & charcoal in my store. I also carry a variety of burners, censers, and mortar & pestles.

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Candle magick is one of the easiest, and least expensive, types of spellcraft. However, as with any kind of magick, it is best to make the most of your preparations to ensure a strong magickal energy connection. One of the most overlooked steps is the proper anointing of the candle or candles you will be using.

For the strongest effect, I recommend using an oil specially formulated for your purpose or an essential oil whose properties match your purpose. If this is not possible, you can use virgin olive oil as a substitute.

There are several methods for anointing your spell candles, but this is the one I have found to be the most successful.

If your spell is to get rid of, or banish, something: With oil coated fingertips, start at the center of the candle and draw your fingers up to the tip of the candle. Lift your fingers up, slightly turn the candle, and repeat as many times as necessary to coat the top end of the candle. Once you have coated the top of the candle start at the center again, this time drawing your fingers down toward the base of the candle. You do it this way to draw things away from you.

If you are trying to attract something, or draw something to you: With oil coated fingertips, start at the bottom of the candle and draw your fingers to the center of the candle. Lift your fingers up, slightly turn the candle, and repeat as many times as necessary to coat the bottom end of the candle. Once you have coated the bottom of the candle start at the top, this time drawing your fingers down toward the center of the candle. You do it this way to draw things toward you.

You may find this method more difficult if you are using a shaped or figure candle, but do your best. While anointing the candle, be certain you are focusing on your intention. If you do not focus mindfully on your purpose, you will not be charging your candle with your purpose.

A couple other things to remember:

• Be certain to use the proper color for your intention. You can find a guide to color correspondences here.
• If you are using different oils for different candles, be certain to wash your hands in between.
• You can overlap 2 or more oils on a single candle if you need to. One reason you may want to do this is to add a spell strengthener (such as Dragon’s Blood) over a purpose oil to increase its potency.
• With many types of candle magic it is ideal to burn the candle all the way down. With this in mind, you may want to get smaller candles that will burn quicker. A witch can lose her oomph for a spell if she has to wait 15 hours for the candle to burn
• Visualization is a powerful tool. Don’t be afraid to vividly imagine your desire coming true as you anoint and use your candle.

You can visit http://thewitchescupboard.com/store/candles-c-49.html to find candles in a variety of shapes, colors and purposes! You can also find specially formulated occult oils http://thewitchescupboard.com/store/oils-c-121.html.

~Anyanka

Related posts:

1. Color Correspondences for spellcraft and candle magick
2. The Reality of Magick – when magick fails
3. Is it Magick or Magic?