Incense: How to Burn It with Intention (and Reset Your Energy Every Week)
Let me tell you a quick story. Back when I was trying to find balance between two jobs, raise a family, and build Geechee Mama Candles from scratch—I felt like I was always carrying other people’s energy. Every text, every patient, every comment online… stuck to me like static. Until I started burning incense every Sunday. That became my reset ritual. A way to clear out everybody else’s energy so I could start the week aligned with my own power, not somebody else’s stress. The simple act of lighting a stick of incense and focusing my intention became a powerful tool in my self-care arsenal. It was a way to reclaim my energy and start each week feeling refreshed and centered. This wasn't just about relaxation; it was about actively shaping my energy and creating a space for intention and manifestation.
I learned that the practice of burning incense isn't merely about creating a pleasant aroma; it's a deeply spiritual act with roots in various cultures and traditions. From ancient temples to modern homes, the burning of incense has been used for centuries to purify spaces, enhance meditation, and connect with the divine. It's a practice that bridges the gap between the physical and spiritual realms, creating a conduit for energy transformation and intention setting. Learning to harness this power transformed my weekly routine and, ultimately, my overall well-being.
So… Incense: How Do You Actually Burn It?
It’s not just about lighting a stick and walking away. It’s a spiritual act, a ritual, a practice that connects you to something larger than yourself. It’s about intention, focus, and creating a sacred space, even if that space is just a corner of your bedroom. There's a power in the ritual, in the act of consciously clearing the air and setting your intention for the week ahead. The key is to move beyond simply lighting the incense and engage with the process mindfully, making it a truly transformative experience. Here are three powerful ways to burn incense—whether you’re cleansing your space, your body, or your bank account, and how to maximize the benefits by pairing it with other spiritual tools. Each ritual offers a unique approach to harnessing the power of incense for self-improvement and energy management.
🌀 1. The Sunday Reset Burn: A Weekly Ritual for Cleansing and Renewal
When to do it: Sunday evening, as the week ends and before the new one begins. This is your time to transition from the energy of the past week to the fresh energy of the upcoming one. Think of it as a weekly spiritual reset, a chance to shed the burdens of the past and step into the future with renewed energy and focus. This isn't about dwelling on the past; it's about acknowledging it, releasing it, and moving forward.
How:
- Choose your incense wisely: Select an incense blend known for its cleansing properties, such as frankincense, sage, or eucalyptus. The scent itself can be a powerful tool for setting the tone of your ritual. These scents are known for their ability to clear negativity and invite in positive energy. Experiment with different blends to discover which ones resonate most deeply with you.
- Set the atmosphere: Light a candle, play soft, calming music, or create a playlist that feels sacred or ancestral to you. The goal is to create a relaxing atmosphere that allows you to focus on your intentions. Consider incorporating crystals or other sacred objects into your space to enhance the energy.
- Light your incense stick: Hold the incense stick with intention. Focus on your breath and your goal for the ritual. As the smoke begins to rise, allow yourself to feel the cleansing energy it represents. Take a moment to connect with the present moment and acknowledge the energy you’re releasing.
- Let the smoke fill your space: Allow the smoke to fill the room, visualizing it cleansing the space of any lingering negative energy from the past week. Imagine it washing away stress, anxiety, and any emotional baggage you've been carrying. Focus on the feeling of lightness and renewal as the smoke dissipates.
- Set your intention out loud: Speak your intention aloud, expressing your gratitude for the past week and setting your intention for the week ahead. You might say something like, “I release what I cannot control. I reclaim my peace. I am open to receiving abundance and joy this week. I am filled with gratitude for the blessings in my life.” The act of speaking your intention aloud reinforces it and makes it more powerful.
- Anoint your pulse points (optional): Enhance your ritual by anointing your pulse points – wrists, temples, and behind your ears – with our Love Candle oil. This seals in the fresh energy and helps to ground you in the present moment. The scent will also help to reinforce your intention throughout the week. This adds another layer of intention and helps to anchor the energy of the ritual.
This is more than just burning incense; it’s a powerful act of self-care. It’s a commitment to starting each week fresh, energized, and aligned with your personal power. Make it a regular part of your routine and watch the positive impact on your overall well-being.
💸 2. Prosperity Burn with Oil + Smoke: Manifesting Abundance
This ritual combines the power of incense with the intention-setting properties of essential oils to attract abundance and prosperity into your life. It's a powerful way to focus your energy on achieving your financial goals. This ritual is particularly effective when combined with other manifestation techniques, such as visualization and affirmations.
How:
- Write down your intention: Write your financial goal on a small piece of paper. Be specific and positive in your wording. For example, instead of “I need more money,” try “I am attracting an abundance of wealth into my life. I am grateful for the financial abundance flowing into my life.” Clarity is key in manifestation.
- Apply prosperity oil: Rub a drop of our Love Candle oil into your palms. The oil acts as a conduit, helping to channel your intention and energy. Feel the texture of the oil and let it ground you in the present moment.
- Hold the intention: Hold the piece of paper between your oiled palms, feeling the energy of your intention. Visualize the money you desire already in your possession. Feel the abundance and gratitude.
- Light the incense: Light your incense stick, focusing on your intention as you do so. Visualize the smoke carrying your desire upward, toward the universe. Imagine it acting as a messenger, carrying your intention to the divine.
- Speak your desire: Speak your intention aloud, clearly and with conviction. The act of voicing your intention reinforces it in your mind and amplifies its power. Feel the power in your voice as you speak your desires into existence.
- Visualize success: Visualize your financial goals as already achieved. See yourself with the money you desire, feeling the joy and abundance it brings. The more vivid your visualization, the more powerful the manifestation.
This is a powerful ritual for manifesting abundance. By combining the cleansing power of incense with the focused energy of essential oils, you create a synergistic ritual that helps you attract wealth and prosperity. Remember to be patient and persistent in your practice, and trust that the universe is working in your favor.
🌬 3. The Body Sweep Burn: An Old-School Cleanse for Energy Clearing
Sometimes, you carry energy that isn’t yours. Stress from work, negativity from interactions, or even just the general hum of the world can leave you feeling depleted and drained. This ritual helps to cleanse your aura and remove any unwanted energy. It’s a powerful tool for releasing negativity and reclaiming your personal power. This technique can be particularly helpful after stressful situations or when you feel energetically depleted.
How:
- Light your incense: Light your incense stick, focusing on your intention to clear and cleanse your energy field. Set your intention clearly in your mind; this will amplify the effectiveness of the ritual.
- Sweep your body: Use the burning incense stick to “sweep” your body from head to toe. Start at the crown of your head and move the incense stick downward, over your body, as if brushing away any negative energy. Visualize the smoke lifting the unwanted energy away from you. Move slowly and deliberately, focusing on each part of your body.
- Flick the energy away: As you reach your feet, flick the incense to symbolically release the negative energy you’ve swept away. Imagine it dissipating into the universe, leaving you refreshed and revitalized. This act of releasing is important; it symbolizes letting go of the negativity.
- Affirm your intention: Whisper affirmations as you perform the sweep. Examples include, “Any energy sent my way that was not of love—leave now. You don’t live here. I am surrounded by white light, protection, and positive energy. I release all negativity and embrace my inner strength.” Repeat these affirmations several times to reinforce your intention.
This is a deeply personal ritual that allows you to reconnect with your own energy and reclaim your sense of self. It’s especially helpful after a stressful week or when you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Use it before important events or presentations to boost your confidence and feel grounded. The more you practice this ritual, the more attuned you’ll become to your own energy and the ability to clear unwanted energies.
Why This Matters
I don’t burn incense because it’s cute or trendy. I burn it because it’s a powerful tool for self-care and spiritual well-being. It’s a way to connect with my ancestors, honor my heritage, and cultivate a stronger connection to my inner self. It's a ritual that strengthens my connection to my spirituality and helps me navigate the daily challenges of life with more grace and intention. It's not about escaping reality; it's about enhancing my ability to engage with it from a place of strength and clarity. As a Black woman building a legacy, staying spiritually sharp is essential. It's a form of self-preservation, allowing me to protect my energy and maintain a sense of peace amidst the chaos. It's about creating space for intention and manifestation, aligning my actions with my deepest values and aspirations.
The act of burning incense is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all things. It’s a way to honor the earth, the air, and the divine energy that flows through us all. It's a practice that connects us to something larger than ourselves, reminding us of our place in the universe and our power to shape our own reality. It's a practice of self-love and self-care, a way to honor our spiritual selves and create a life filled with intention and purpose.
If you’re ready to do more than just “set the vibe,” start burning with intention. Every stick is a prayer in motion, a manifestation of your will, and a powerful tool for transformation. Embrace the ritual, feel the power, and watch your life begin to shift. It's a journey of self-discovery, a path towards greater self-awareness and empowerment.
🔥 Featured Tools for Your Ritual:
- Love Candle – For Attraction, Romance & Magnetic Energy. This candle is hand-poured by a Black woman descendant of the Gullah Geechee people, using coconut apricot wax, a crackling wood wick, and a sacred West African ingredient passed down through generations. It’s more than just a candle; it’s a tool for manifestation, designed to help you attract passionate love, deepen connection, and open your heart to divine partnership. The Love Candle is infused with intention and energy, designed to amplify your manifestation efforts and support you on your spiritual journey. The unique blend of ingredients works in synergy with the power of intention to create a truly transformative experience.
✨ Want the detailed Sunday ritual I use every week? Comment “RESET” and I’ll send it to your inbox—straight from my altar to yours.