Since we are all familiar with the combustible kind from the previous page, we are going to show you how to use non-combustible incenses.

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First........you need a censer (something to burn the incense in), charcoal blocks  (NOTE: don't use charcoal like for the bar-b-que grill....it won't work very well!), and a mortal and pestle or an electric grinder (herbs and ingredients MUST be finely ground preferably to a powder - you can also grind stones for additional power in your rituals)

Second....In all of the following we are going to assume that you have a small bowl filled with sand on a secure place - no tipping over and no burns! Your charcoal is lit and now smoldering in the sand - and you have your finely ground herbs,stones, and your oils standing by.

Simply sprinkle small amounts of your chosen herb(s) on the lit charcoal and let it smolder...... Don't just dump it on there, because thattends to put out the charcoal.

While you do this - Envision your purpose (if there is one) and say any appropriate incantations.

.Incense Papers....

You will need : white blotter paper cut into six inch strips about an inch wide, 1 1/2 teaspoon potassium nitrate added to one half cup warm water.

Stir until completely dissolved. (you can buy potassium nitrate over the counter at most drug stores)

Soak the paper strips in the solution until thoroughly wet, then hang them up to dry. You now have paper versions of charcoal blocks used to burn incense!

When making incense papers, your goal is to overcome the smell of the burning paper, so heavy fragrances should be used.

To scent your incense papers, choose a scent for your magical need and add a few drops at a time to the paper and smear over one side of the paper - then hang to dry.

When the papers are completely dry - store in an airtight container until ready to use (if it is not completely dry - you will have a moldy mushy mess when you open your container)

Use only tinctures to scent the papers - essential and base oils don't work very well.

Making tinctures to scent your incense papers with...

(a tincture is the process of soaking dried plant materials in alcohol which captures the scent.)

DO NOT USE RUBBING ALCOHOL. Use only ethyl alcohol or "Everclear" needs to be a minimum of 140 proof (70%)

How to do it:

You will need a good supply of DRIED plant materials (your choice) Don't use fresh herbs - they don't work due to the moisture they hold.

Grind the dried herbs and reduce to the finest possible powder. Pour the ground herb into a small bottle and then pour in just enough ethyl alcohol to cover the herb. Cap the bottle tightly. Shake the bottle once or twice everyday for a week or two. Then, using a coffee filter, strain the alcohol mixture. The scent may be strong enough for you at this point.

To Test: add a drop or two to your wrist and wait for the alcohol to evaporate.

REMEMBER - many tinctures do not smell "true" in the bottle!

If the scent is not strong enough for you, simply pour the mixture back into the bottle and repeat the shake and wait for another week! Then, when the plants scent has completely overpowered the alcohol smell, filter one last time, bottle, and add a few drops of castor oil or glycerine to stablilize the scent.

Label and store in a place OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT.

NEVER, EVER, EVER drink a tincture.

Cinnamon can be used for money attraction, to develop psychic powers and to attract love.

Deerstongue is used for attracting a male lover.

Lavender is most often used to attact love - and promote peacefulness.

Nutmeg can be used for increasing psychic powers, attracting money and luck.

Rosemary's rich scent is used for nearly every magical goal you can think of.

Star anise is used to increase powers of divination.

Vanilla is used for love and healing rituals.

Lighting your incense papers:

Simply light one end of your dried paper and let it catch fire .........incense papers should burn slowly... when it has a good flame going - quickly blow it out and put it in your censer and let it smolder. If you draw symbols on your papers - use ONLY india ink.