There are many ways to burn incense.
Which one you choose depends on what you are burning — and how much time you have.
Here are the basics.
Loose Incense Blends
For loose herbs, resins and woods, I like to use an incense burner with a sieve and a tealight.
Place a little sand in the sieve, then add a small amount of your incense blend on top. Start with less than you think you need — you can always add more.
The gentle heat slowly releases the scent without burning everything at once.
If the herbs become very dark, replace them with a fresh pinch.
Afterwards, allow the sieve to cool completely before cleaning it.
Incense Cones
Light the tip of the cone and let the flame catch for a moment. Blow it out gently once the tip is glowing.
Place the cone on a heat-resistant incense holder and let it smoulder.
A cone is lovely when you want fragrance quickly — it produces more smoke and scent in a shorter time than incense warmed over a sieve.
Palo Santo
Light one end of the wood and allow it to burn for around 10–15 seconds.
Blow out the flame and place the glowing wood in a fireproof dish. It may go out after a short while — that is completely normal. Simply relight it when you want more smoke.
Use it for its scent, as part of a personal ritual, or simply because you enjoy the moment.
Herbal Smoke Bundles
Light the end of the bundle until it catches, then gently blow out the flame and allow it to smoulder.
You can leave it in a fireproof bowl or carefully carry it through the room.
When you are finished, extinguish it completely in sand or earth and make sure no embers remain.
A Few Important Things
Open a window and make sure the room is well ventilated.
Always use a stable, heat-resistant surface.
Never leave burning or smouldering incense unattended.
Keep incense away from children, pets and anything flammable.
Incense burners, bowls and sieves can become very hot. Allow everything to cool completely before touching or cleaning it.
And most importantly: there is no single right way to make a moment your own.