Here's How To Create Your Own Custom Incense Blend

We’ve all probably got down on our spring cleaning already, but what about a spiritual cleansing for the home?

Photo by Victor Castro

​Smoke cleansing, when done with intention, is a powerful way to remove negative energy from the home, invoke good spirits and positivity, and welcome new energy into your space. And the good news, is you can get all your ritual supplies (and then some) right at your favorite witchcraft shop, Enchantments. 

If you’re looking to create your own custom incense blend to cleanse your space and aura, here’s what you’ll need: 
--Powdered wood base
--Essential or fragrance oils, of your choice
—Or a hand-blended oil from Enchantments formulary. Half ounce bottles are $15. 
--Cleansing herbs, of your choice
--A fire-safe dish or small cast-iron cauldron

Photo by Victor Castro

There are many ways to cleanse your space and aura, including using smoke cleansing with intention. Enchantments specializes in creating hand-blends of incense, which you can find here or in the shop, but maybe you want to create your own magical blend. If so, all you need is powdered wood base, essential oils, and some herbs. Enchantments sells wood base in a variety of colors, so you can simply add it to a fire-safe dish or cauldron and touch fire to it. 

Here’s how:
—First, choose a color that aligns with your intention. Blue is great for cleansing, while red can also work for this purpose. 

—Next, add a bit of the wood base to a small or medium-sized cauldron. If you want to do a small, one-time cleansing ritual, two tablespoons should be plenty.

—Then, add a few drops of essential oils to the wood base. Consider which oils align with your intention. Lavender oil, lemon, frankincense, rosemary, and rue are all good for this. You can purchase them in either half ounce sizes or full ounces online or in the shop. 

—If you’re not sure what oils to use, there are plenty of books on the subject available at Enchantments, including Complete Formulary of Magical Oils by Celeste Rayne Heldstab, which is available online here. 

—Next, sprinkle in a few herbs that align with your intention and practice. If you’re not sure, consider picking up a copy of Scott Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, which is a fairly comprehension guide, or choose from countless others available in the shop, including the latest new reads. In general, rue, hyssop, sage, mugwort, and lavender can work, or any dried herbs you have in the kitchen. Be sure to do your research before burning certain herbs in the house, in case they are poisonous. 

—Now, mix it all together using a small wooden spoon. Touch fire to it using a lighter and snuff out the flame. A stream of smoke should start to pour from the cauldron and waft the smoke around your house, in the corners, near the doors, and “sweep” any negative energy out an open window.
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—Say a prayer, an affirmation, state an intention or mantra that aligns with your individual practice, as you walk around your house. Sweep the smoke over your body and various chakra points. The incense blend will go out on its own, but you can also stamp it out when you’re finished. 

Happy spring cleaning and cleansing, witches. x