Incense is most often something that is burned to release a scent. This can take the form of dried plant matter, powdered resins or herbs, or powdered material that has been pressed into a specific shape. It can be something that is purchased or something that is homemade. Incense has been used for a variety of purposes in many cultures, from simply perfuming the air to cleansing to special scents for religious rituals.

The usage or meanings behind the incorporation of incense-burning can vary somewhat between different spiritual traditions. In some cultures and practices, the smoke rising from the burning material is believed to carry the prayers and intentions of the practitioners to the gods, so that they will hear them. In others, the burning of incense and wafting of the smoke over a person or throughout an area is believed to clear unwanted energies and offer a blessing. Since scents can often be powerful triggers for memory, sometimes incense is used as a meditation tool, helping focus and recall a specific state of mind.

The different forms that incense takes are varied, and which to choose often depends on what works best for you. In its most natural state, incense is simply natural materials. These can be tree barks or flowers and leaves that have been picked and dried. Natural incense can also take the form of tree resins which are gathered and allowed to dry, often forming little bars or crystals.

Depending on the material, sometimes these can be ignited and burned as is, but often they require the use of charcoal or are blended with an ingredient that burns readily so that they can smolder gently without extinguishing themselves. Most commercial incense is made to be directly ignited but be sure to read any instructions or suggestions for burning.

Powered incenses are the scented elements, ground up to a uniform consistency. These can be burned as is or will need charcoal, depending on the ingredients. Sticks of incense are thin skewers that have a tiny amount of powdered incense adhered to them, and cones are incense powders that have been pressed together to hold their shape.

The trick with any incense is to have it smolder slowly and gently. If the incense is fanned or burns too quickly, this will increase the smoke, which may or may not be desirable. And whenever you use incense in a group ritual, be sure to check with attendees or make an announcement ahead of time about what will be burned so that anyone with sensitivities can make sure to avoid the smoke.

The incense can be fanned throughout the ritual space ahead of time as a clearing and preparation. Some people use incense to "smudge" themselves, which refers to fanning the smoke over yourself as a way of clearing your own vibrations and energy. For that use, the incense is often burned in a container or shell that can be held, and the smoke is directed by gently fanning it with a fan or the free hand over the person.

Some incense is lit directly and then fanned until the flame goes out, leaving it smoldering. For resin incenses, these must be heated and melted instead of burned and they are placed on top of charcoal tablets or chunks that are smoldering. This allows them to release their scent slowly and fully. You can also enjoy natural resin incense in a smokeless fashion by placing it on top of a candle diffuser.

• You'll need to put a piece of foil down first to prevent the resin from melting onto the diffuser and making a mess, but the gentle heat warms the resin without igniting it, allowing for the scent to be released with only the slight smoke from the tealight candle. This is a great method for those who enjoy the scent but hate the smoke.