For millennia, the burning of sacred herbs and resins has been a cornerstone in spiritual practices across various cultures. Each civilization has developed its unique traditions, attributing special significance to different aromatics. The Egyptians, as early as the Fifth Dynasty (2345-2494 BC), incorporated incense in their religious rituals, perhaps influenced by earlier Indian practices dating back to 3600 BC. In India, incense has been a ubiquitous element in pujas and other forms of worship. Traditional ingredients like Benzoin resin and resin from the Commiphora Wightii tree were used, releasing perfumed smoke upon burning. These practices were deeply interwoven with their religious and cultural fabric.
Would you say that this falls under fire rituals? Like in my mind if you are trying to get help from thr four elements this would be under fire as you are actually burning something. What would you suggest for water? Make ointment or tea and use it internaly or externally or maybe make a prayer/offering and let it be carried awwy by stream of water? For earth i guess burrying it, maybe at crossroads? And air, again make prayer/offering and let it be carried away by wind, or maybe tie the prayer in a for of little flag and let wind help you this way?
Would you say that this falls under fire rituals? Like in my mind if you are trying to get help from thr four elements this would be under fire as you are actually burning something. What would you suggest for water? Make ointment or tea and use it internaly or externally or maybe make a prayer/offering and let it be carried awwy by stream of water? For earth i guess burrying it, maybe at crossroads? And air, again make prayer/offering and let it be carried away by wind, or maybe tie the prayer in a for of little flag and let wind help you this way?