Palo Santo chips (shavings) 50g

Incense is more than just a pleasant aroma wafting through the air. They have been used for centuries for their valuable properties. Herbs, flowers, leaves, bark, twigs and tree resin harbour the power of aromatic essential oils, which can influence our mood and emotions and create an extraordinary atmosphere around us. Already thousands of years ago, incense was an important part of religious rituals. They were believed to protect against evil spirits, summon good energy and could even connect people to the inaccessible world of astral beings. Their power was already being used in ancient Egypt and Asia. The power of natural, herbal incense was also appreciated by the Indians of the Americas. The smoke from the incense aids meditation, allows deep reflection and a look into oneself. When we reach for incense, we tap into the wisdom and gifts of nature that have served mankind for centuries!

Palo Santo – the "sacred tree" of the South American Indians

Palo Santo in Spanish means "sacred tree" – and indeed, it is a tree that is extraordinary! It has amazing properties, as if taken out of a magic book. Aromatic resin flows through its veins, giving it a unique fragrance and extraordinary strength. The "sacred wood" is used to create beautiful utilitarian objects, jewellery and even vessels, particularly for drinking the traditional South American "tea" yerba mate. Valuable essential oils are extracted from its resin, which are used in perfumes. But that's not all! When set on fire, Palo Santo turns into a natural, fragrant incense.

What does Palo Santo incense smell like? The smoke rising from the lit wood carries sweet vanilla notes, combined with citrus freshness; it brings to mind the scent of a tropical forest and damp leaves. Pure magic of nature! The Indians of South America used Palo Santo in the form of incense to smudge the sites of shamanic rituals and ceremonies. They believed that the aromatic smoke cleansed negative energy, protected against evil spirits and brought good luck. To this day, Palo Santo incense is still used in aromatherapy, during yoga and meditation – its pleasant aroma infuses positive energy, helps to clear the mind and relax, and facilitates entry into a state of complete relaxation and harmony with the surrounding world.

Burning Palo Santo incense – how to use it?

Before you start a smudging ritual:

1. Create the right atmosphere and get your surroundings in order. Stop, relax, unwind. You will experience the magic of Palo Santo to the full with an open and clear mind. The smudging ritual is a special moment which allows you to look deep into your own soul, so do not rush it.
2. Approach the ritual of burning Palo Santo incense with seriousness and respect. It is part of the ancient culture of the Indians who, through ritual, connected with the spirit of nature and achieved complete harmony with themselves and their surroundings.
3. During the ritual, think about the intention that will accompany you. Surround yourself with the fragrant smoke of Palo Santo, immerse yourself in the aroma of incense and feel the natural magic of the South American Indians. Purify your soul, mind and surroundings, drive away bad energy and invoke all that is positive.

Instructions for using Palo Santo incense:

1. Place a small amount of Palo Santo chips in a heatproof container and set it on fire. Use a candle, match or lighter. Wait until the incense begins to glow.
2. Extinguish the incense by blowing out the flame. After a moment, thick, intensely fragrant smoke will begin to rise from the Palo Santo shavings. As you extinguish the flame, think about the intention that will accompany your ritual.
3. Cover yourself with the fragrant smoke, directing the incense from your feet to your head, and then cover the room, objects or persons you wish to purify. When the ritual is finished, place the incense burner with the still glowing shavings of Palo Santo in a safe place. After a while the Palo Santo will extinguish itself – then you can set it on fire again. Open the windows and ventilate the room to introduce new, positive energy.

Additional information:

Weight: approx. 50 g