As you probably know, incense is an integral part of religious life. Monasteries have therefore given rise to a very particular type of incense, in resin form and still distributed today under the name of monastic incense (or monastery incense). Generally, each monastery (in France or elsewhere) makes its own monastic incense while following the traditional method. Let us discover this religious incense.
1. Incense in monasteries
Historically, incense was adopted by Christian monasteries from the first centuries of our era, inspired by earlier traditions, particularly Jewish and pagan ones. Monks used incense not only as a means of purifying and sanctifying sacred spaces, but also to improve concentration during prayers and meditation. In Buddhism, incense also has a long history, being used to purify places of worship and as an aid to meditation, helping to symbolize the fleeting nature of life.
In Christian liturgy, incense is used to venerate the holy scriptures, relics and icons, as well as to mark important moments in the religious service. The act of censing is seen as a sign of respect and veneration, but also as a metaphor for prayer, with the rising smoke representing the prayers of the faithful ascending toward heaven.
2. What is monastery incense?
Monastery incense comes in resin form. Indeed, resin is the purest and most natural form of incense. It is collected directly as dried sap from various trees, such as Boswellia for Frankincense or Commiphora for Myrrh. Using incense in resin form preserves its integrity and aromatic power without adding chemicals or binders that could alter its quality or properties.
Another advantage is its stability and therefore its ability to be stored without significant deterioration in quality or fragrance. This is particularly important in monasteries, where ritual practices require a regular and reliable supply of incense. The resin form ensures that the incense remains effective and usable for long periods.
3. Monastic incense and Mount Athos
It is very common to see Greek monastic incense, and for good reason. Mount Athos, also known as the "Holy Mountain", is a unique place in the world of Christian Orthodoxy and plays a central role in the tradition of monastic incense. It is an autonomous monastic republic located in Greece, consisting of 20 main monasteries as well as numerous hermitages and sketes. Mount Athos is renowned not only for its spiritual importance but also for its traditional crafts, particularly the production of incense. It is therefore one of the main places where monastery incense is made.
4. What are the different types of monastery incense?
As with all incense, there are many varieties available, based on the fragrances and resins used. However, monastery incense is particularly known for these aromas:
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Frankincense, or Olibanum, is one of the types of incense used for the longest time in Christian traditions. Derived from the resin of Boswellia Sacra, a tree that grows in the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa, this incense produces dense white smoke with a spicy, lemony fragrance. It is particularly appreciated for its ability to uplift the spirit and promote a feeling of inner peace.
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Used both on its own and blended with other resins, Myrrh is renowned for its purifying properties and its earthy, slightly bitter notes. It comes from the resin of various trees of the Commiphora genus, found mainly in Somalia and neighboring regions. In rituals, Myrrh is often associated with healing and protection.
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Copal is an incense traditionally used in the religious practices of the Americas, adopted by certain monastic orders following cultural exchanges with the New World. This resin produces clear smoke and a gentle fragrance that is believed to bring clarity of mind and facilitate spiritual communication.
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Originally from Southeast Asia, Benzoin is a resin that releases a gentle vanilla fragrance when burned. It is often used in monasteries for its soothing qualities and its ability to help create an atmosphere conducive to meditation and prayer.
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5. How do you use monastery incense?
5.1. Required equipment
Using monastic incense is similar to using incense resin. You will therefore need the following equipment:
- One or two grains of your chosen monastic incense
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An incense burner or censer: this is the container used to hold the incense while it burns. It may be made of metal, ceramic or stone, and must be heat-resistant. Censers can vary in shape, from portable versions used in liturgical rituals to simpler models for household use.
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A charcoal disc : to burn resin incense, specially designed incense charcoal is required. This charcoal ignites quickly and maintains a constant heat, allowing the incense to burn evenly and release its fragrance.
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A charcoal tong : useful for handling hot charcoal without burning yourself. It also allows you to move the incense or remove it once burning is complete.
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Sand or salt: placed at the bottom of the censer, sand or salt helps distribute the heat evenly and protects the bottom of the burner from the direct heat of the charcoal.
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A spoon: used to place the incense on the hot charcoal without risking burning your fingers.
5.2. Burning monastic incense
To prepare the censer properly, begin by placing a layer of sand or salt at the bottom to insulate the heat. Then light a charcoal disc with a lighter or match and carefully place it in the center of the censer. Wait until the charcoal begins to glow red and a thin layer of ash forms on its surface, indicating that it is ready for use.
As for incense resins, it is advisable to crush them slightly to ensure even burning. However, avoid reducing them to a fine powder, as this would accelerate combustion and could cause them to burn too quickly.
To place the incense, use a spoon or spatula to take a small amount of the prepared incense and gently place it on the hot charcoal. Be careful not to overload the charcoal, to avoid smothering the flame and producing an excessive amount of smoke.
During a ritual or meditation session, let the incense burn slowly, releasing its fragrance throughout the space. If necessary, gradually add small amounts of incense to maintain steady and controlled burning.
After use, it is important to let the charcoal burn out completely and cool in the censer before disposing of the ashes. Make sure everything is completely extinguished to avoid any risk of fire. This process not only ensures safe use of the incense but also helps create an atmosphere conducive to spirituality and contemplation.
6. What are the benefits of monastery incense?
Incense is more than just a source of pleasant fragrance; it also has qualities that positively influence the environment and personal well-being, while playing a crucial role in spiritual and meditative practices.
Using incense can significantly change the atmosphere of a space, creating an environment that promotes relaxation, concentration and general well-being. The fragrances released by incense have the ability to purify the air of negative energies and stimulate positive energy in the surroundings. This transformation helps establish a feeling of peace and tranquility, ideal for relaxation or meditation.
In terms of well-being, incense can have several beneficial effects, including reducing anxiety and stress. Some studies suggest that the aroma of incense may increase the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep and appetite. In addition, specific fragrances such as lavandin, sage and sandalwood are known for their calming properties and may help combat insomnia and promote better sleep.
Of course, incense is used to sanctify a space during ceremonies or rituals. The fragrance of incense is considered a divine offering, a way to honor deities or purify a place before worship. It also symbolizes the elevation of prayer and intention toward the divine.
7. Where can you buy monastic incense?
You can find this type of incense in monasteries, many of which have their own on-site shop. We also offer it in our esoteric shop, where you can buy it without leaving home, with delivery to your home or to a pickup point.
There you have it: you now know much more about monastic incense. Even though its origin is religious, you can of course use it even if you do not consider yourself religious. And if you are religious, you can enjoy a special connection with the Divine.
Par Olivier of Aeternum
Passionate about esoteric traditions and the history of the occult from the earliest civilizations to the 18th century, I share some articles on these topics. I am also co-creator of the online esoteric shop Aeternum.
