Incense: Crafting and Use of Magickal Scents
by Carl F. Neal

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Book Reviews of Incense: Crafting and Use of Magickal Scents

Book Review: Crafting for The Craft: A True Sleeper
Summary: 4 Stars

'Incense' contains an introduction, 9 primary chapters, 5 appendices, a glossary, bibliography and index. The author's conversational style avoids the use of too much jargon or complicated terms. The simplicity of the author's approach allows even novice incense burners to feel at ease. An apparently complex topic is presented so that the average reader will find it easy to understand.

The Introduction includes a few ideas about why the book was written and suggestions for the book's use. It goes on to give a brief history of incense from around the world. I found it unfortunate that this section was so very short. This quick overview is too short. I see this as the book's greatest failing. The book was somewhat short so the author could have taken more time to explain the rich history of incense. Even another 2 pages would have been a great improvement. The Introduction concludes with an outline of the author's philosophies about incense. This is an invaluable guide that is too often omitted in books on Wicca or magic. More authors should try this level of honesty and show willingness to offer opposing perspectives.

Chapter 1 discusses the different physical forms into which incense is shaped. The only surprising information was about incense coils. I had never seen those before but now enjoy one every morning. Sticks and cones and other forms are discussed, both pro and con.

Chapter 2 looks at incense composition. It talks about using aromatics (smell good), bases (makes it burn) and binders (that hold it all together). The science, art and most importantly magic of incense complete this chapter. Although only a few short paragraphs, the author introduces the basic magic concepts behind incense use.

Chapter 3 discusses the procedures for burning incense. Did you know that incense cones that do not burn to the end can be burned upside down instead? I was so happy to learn that. The chapter concludes with a further explanation of magic and incense, expanding on the end of the previous chapter.

Chapter 4 gives an overview of selecting the ingredients for incense. Purchasing, collecting and even growing incense ingredients is discussed. The author also gives a very useful guide to powdering and otherwise processing ingredients into incense. The chapter concludes with an argument in favor of using locally obtained materials.

Chapter 5 discusses incense making tools. Various tools are discussed in a very useful way. A discussion of work area preparation follows. Even the drying area is discussed. The chapter concludes with instructions for making incense molds and "extruders".

Chapter 6 begins with suggestions on recipe selection. The procedure for mixing the ingredients and "rolling" the incense is discussed next. A lot of very useful information is included on how to dry incense. It seems this is a very important step although that surprised me.

Chapter 7 is devoted to recipes. Recipes using different kinds of gum and Japanese "makko" are included. 46 recipes are included for gums and 7 for "makko". The chapter concludes with 9 recipes for "moist" incense that is burned on charcoal and made with honey. I found these recipes to be shockingly easy to make and stunning in scent. I had never made any kind of incense before, but found I had sandalwood, clove, cinnamon, anise and honey on my shelf. After blending them according to instructions I was rewarded with the most wonderful incense I have ever encountered.

Chapter 8 discusses experimentation. The author gives advice on substituting ingredients and the creation of new recipes. The author also humorously encourages readers to keep notes throughout experimentation due to his own bad experiences. The chapter concludes with valuable information about using recipes from other books to make cones and sticks.

Chapter 9 is a detailed troubleshooting chart. This is perhaps the most useful information in the book aside from the information on "moist" incense. Just like the charts that come with electronic items, the troubleshooting chart alone is worth the price of the book.

The book's 5 appendices cover various topics. The 1st is an ingredient chart with a Cunningham-style correlation of magick and herbs. I love the way it is presented. The 2nd discusses locating the more unusual ingredients for incense. Part of that is a list of suppliers on the www along with toll-free numbers and addresses. The 3rd discusses what the author terms "advanced incense philosophies". Earth conservation and disreputable vendors are given due consideration. The 4th appendix is another gem as it gives some very basic rituals that incorporate your hand made incense. Although the author has written very simple, rather generic rituals they are easily adapted to many different magic paths. The author walks a fine line and, in my opinion, succeeds. The 5th appendix discusses Japanese incense habits. Incense "games" sound like fun and kudos to the author for mentioning the idea.

The glossary and index are adequately populated and the bibliography points the reader to more sources of interest.

Over all, this is a wonderful book for crafters. The magick theme is carried throughout the book but is not so cloying that readers uninterested in the New Age information will feel uncomfortable. Any readers who like to have good reference materials on the shelf, or those who love to "do it themselves", should pick up a copy of this book. I hope one day to see an expanded version of this book with more recipes for "moist" incense and an entire chapter devoted to incense history. The lack of a more detailed history of incense is the reason for a 4 star rather than 5 star rating. I recommend this book to anyone interested in incense.

Summary of Incense: Crafting and Use of Magickal Scents

Home & Garden Books

• Subjects > Crafts, Hobbies & Home
• Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Wicca
• Witchcraft
• New Age
• Occult