Incense: Rituals, Mystery, Lore

104 Pages·2004·9.77 MB·English

by  Gina Hyams

ncense
I
ltuals
I
Like a fragrant road map for the soul,
incense has the power to transport,
carrying with it everything from woodsy
traces ofTibetan cedar to thewarm, sweet
scent ofJapanese plum. Its ephemeral
fragrance inspires peacefulness, creativity,
—
good health and even good luck. With
practical suggestions to help you incor-
porate the myriad benefits of incense
into your life, Incense is your passport to
the fascinating history and lore of this
sensuous tribute to nature itself.
For centuries, incense has burned in
temples, gardens, mosques, and shrines,
enhancing everything from spirituality
to romance to health and well-being.
Drawing on folklore and wisdom from
the cultures ofJapan, India, the Pacific,
and the Americas, Incense brings the
richness of past traditions to the here
and now. Discover how incense can bring
energy, focus, or relaxation to your
world. Take a meditation session to new
heights of creativity with the invigorating
spiciness of clove, or revel in a hint of
sensuous sandalwood accompanying a
steamy bath. You'll also learn about the
flowers, herbs, and oils that go into
incense and the accessories available to
help you further enjoy healing and
restorative rituals. Incense is an invitation
to engage the senses and unlock the mind.

Incense

Incense
RITUALS # MYSTERY # LORE
by G N A H YA M S
I
SUSIE CUSHNER
Photographs by
0*0
CHRONICLE BOOKS
San Francisco
Textcopyright © 2004 byGina Hyams.
Photographs copyright © 1997 (pages 13,50,and 82),2000 (page 22),
2001 (page47),2002 (page 61),and 2004 bySusie Cushner.
All rights reserved.No partofthis book may be reproduced in anyform without
written permission from the publisher.
Libraryof Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available.
ISBN 0-8118-3993-1
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For my brother,
Jan Christopher Boiling
(January 13, 1954 -January 5, 2003),
whose spirit honor with plum wine, Rumi
I
and Rilke, and Tibetan incense.