INCENSE STICKS

Incense, has its roots back in mankind's first experiences with fire itself. It is unlikely primitive man would have missed that certain woods had more pleasing aromas and indeed varying emotional effects. Incense artifacts, thousands of years old, have be found in throughout the world, and appear to be a part of virtually every culture.

The connection between incense, religions, medicine, and shaman practices is obvious, it would be impossible to separate them, or say which proceeded the other. Historically it is difficult to trace because it has always been largely an esoteric and oral tradition evolving in relation to both religion and medicine.

Incense burns hot and produces ash that can fall off as it burns, so you'll need a container or surface that is fireproof. Wood or ceramic ashcatchers support a stick of incense horizontally and have a groove to catch ash as it falls off.