What Incense Is Good for Cleansing? My Go-To Smoke Rituals That Actually Work
Years ago, I didn’t know what spiritual cleansing really meant. I thought a quick prayer and some Florida Water was enough—and sometimes it is. But as I grew deeper into my work and opened my energy up to the public, I realized… I needed stronger boundaries. That’s when I really started learning what incense works for true, deep, ancestral-level cleansing. So if you're wondering what incense is good for cleansing, this post is for you—whether you’re clearing a heavy space, cutting cords, or just shaking off the energy of folks who showed up uninvited (physically or spiritually). This is especially important for Black women, as we often carry the weight of legacy, labor, and light. Cleansing is a form of self-care and spiritual hygiene; vital practices within Black Spirituality.
The Importance of Spiritual Cleansing in Black Spirituality
In many Black spiritual traditions, cleansing rituals are essential for maintaining spiritual well-being and protecting oneself from negative energies. These practices are rooted in ancient traditions passed down through generations, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Cleansing isn't just about removing negative energy; it's about creating space for positivity, abundance, and spiritual growth. It's a way to honor our ancestors and reclaim our power. The use of incense is a powerful tool in these traditions, adding another layer of intention and protection. The smoke itself is symbolic; it carries away negativity, leaving behind a purified space for positive energy to flow. The act of burning incense is a meditation in itself, allowing you to focus your intentions and connect with the spiritual realm.
Many Black women find that incorporating cleansing rituals into their daily or weekly routines helps to manage stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance their overall sense of well-being. It's a way to reconnect with one's inner strength and resilience, tapping into the power of ancestors and spiritual guides. These rituals are not merely symbolic; they are powerful tools for self-care and spiritual empowerment. The act of setting an intention, choosing your incense, and performing the ritual itself is a form of self-love and spiritual hygiene, crucial for the overall health and well-being of Black women in a world that often seeks to drain our energy.
My Top 3 Incense for Cleansing
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Frankincense
This is the O.G. Frankincense raises vibration, clears out lingering spirits, and prepares your space for serious spiritual work. I burn it before every big decision or new ritual. Its rich, earthy aroma creates a sacred space, perfect for meditation, prayer, or any spiritual practice. The resin's ancient history adds another layer of power, connecting you to generations of spiritual seekers who have used it for cleansing and purification.
How I use it: I burn frankincense resin on charcoal while praying Psalm 23. I anoint my forehead and chest with prosperity oil to call in abundance after the clearing. I always follow with a protection candle to seal the cleanse. This layering of intention and practice is key to effective spiritual cleansing. The combination of prayer, anointing with oil, and the use of a protection candle creates a powerful shield against negativity, ensuring that the cleansing is complete and lasting. -
Myrrh
Myrrh doesn’t play. It’s grounding and banishing. When the vibe is heavy or I’ve been absorbing too much—this is my go-to. Its deep, warm scent has a powerful effect on the atmosphere, dispelling negativity and creating a sense of calm. I find it particularly useful after challenging interactions or when I feel energetically drained. Myrrh's strong, earthy scent has a grounding effect, helping to center and stabilize your energy after a difficult experience. It's also known for its ability to break negative attachments, helping to clear away unwanted energies that may be clinging to you.
My story: After a tense conversation at work a few years ago, I came home feeling off. I lit myrrh incense, prayed, and sat in silence. The air literally felt lighter afterward. That night, I slept like an ancestor was fanning me with palm leaves.
Pro tip: Mix myrrh and frankincense together for a spiritual powerhouse. The combination of their cleansing and protective properties creates a potent blend for spiritual work. The synergistic effect of these two resins amplifies their individual powers, resulting in a more potent and effective cleansing experience. -
White Sage + Cypress Blend (Mine)
I created my own blend that includes ethically sourced white sage, beach sage, and cypress—all ingredients tied to my Geechee roots and my grandmother’s rituals. White sage is a classic choice for cleansing, known for its ability to purify spaces and remove stagnant energy. Cypress adds a grounding and protective element, anchoring the cleansing process and promoting stability. Beach sage adds a unique touch, bringing in the energy of the ocean—a powerful symbol of cleansing and renewal.
When I use it: Every Sunday to reset the home. After arguments or unexpected visitors. Before candle rituals, especially for money or love.
Paired with: A drop of prosperity oil on my wrists. A blue candle (for peace + spiritual clarity). A front door sweep using salt + Florida Water. The combination of these elements creates a comprehensive cleansing ritual, addressing all aspects of the space and its inhabitants. This holistic approach ensures a thorough and effective cleansing, leaving your space and energy feeling refreshed and renewed.
Don’t Just Burn—Work It
It’s not just about the smoke. It’s about the intention you infuse into it. Before lighting incense, I always ask myself:
- What do I want to release?
- What do I want to protect?
- What do I want to welcome in?
Then I let the incense carry my answers. This mindful approach is crucial; the incense is a tool, but your intention is the driving force behind the cleansing. Take time to connect with your spirit, clarify your goals for the cleansing, and allow the smoke to carry your intentions to the universe. This connection between your intention and the act of burning incense amplifies the ritual's effectiveness, making it a powerful tool for spiritual growth and transformation.
Consider creating a sacred space for your cleansing ritual. This could be a quiet corner of your home, your altar, or any place where you feel comfortable and connected to your spirituality. Setting the mood with calming music, candles, or crystals can further enhance the experience, creating a tranquil environment conducive to spiritual work. Make the ritual your own, incorporating elements that resonate with your personal spirituality and beliefs.
Spiritual Tools to Support Your Cleansing Rituals:
Handmade Prosperity Oil for Money Drawing, Abundance, and Job Success—For Abundance After the Clearing
Call in your blessings the Geechee way—with a sacred Prosperity Oil fixed for money, success, and abundance. This isn't just any wealth oil. It's handmade by a Black woman rootworker, descended from the Gullah Geechee tradition, using ancestral wisdom passed down through the Lowcountry. Each bottle is a prayer-fixed with money-drawing herbs, a sacred West African ingredient, and traditional Hoodoo prosperity oil formulas that help you attract wealth, open job opportunities, and shift into an abundant mindset. Using prosperity oil after a cleansing ritual helps to seal in the positive energy and invite abundance into your life. The oil's connection to the Gullah Geechee tradition adds a layer of ancestral power, enhancing its effectiveness. The blue glass bottle is also significant, symbolizing protection and the warding off of negative energies.
After cleansing your space and energy, anointing yourself with prosperity oil is a powerful way to invite abundance and positive energy into your life. This act of self-care and spiritual empowerment helps to manifest your desires, attracting wealth, opportunity, and overall well-being. The oil's unique blend of herbs and oils works in harmony with your intentions, helping you to achieve your goals and create a life filled with prosperity. Consider using the oil daily or during specific rituals, such as new moon ceremonies, to amplify its effects.
Final Thought
Cleansing isn’t a luxury—it’s a spiritual hygiene practice. Just like we wash our bodies, we have to wash our energy. Especially as Black women carrying legacy, labor, and light. Make cleansing a regular part of your spiritual practice, a way to honor your heritage and nurture your well-being. So next time the air feels thick or your mood feels off, don’t just scroll or sip wine—burn something sacred. Then open a window. Bless your space. And walk back into your life, clear and covered.
What incense do you reach for when your spirit needs a reset? Let me know in the comments or DM me @geecheemama on Instagram.