How to Burn Resin Incense: A Beginner's Guide

Aug 23, 2026 Mel Clegg how to burn frankincense resin

If you've opened a packet of resin incense for the first time and wondered, “Okay… what do I actually do with this?” you're definitely not alone.

Unlike incense sticks and cones, resin incense doesn't simply light at one end and burn by itself. Traditional resins such as Frankincense, Myrrh, Benzoin and Dragon's Blood need a source of heat to release their rich, aromatic fragrance — and one of the most traditional ways to enjoy them is with an incense charcoal tablet.

The process may look a little mysterious at first, but once you know how it works, burning resin incense is beautifully simple.

What Is Resin Incense?

Resin incense is a natural aromatic material traditionally obtained from trees and plants. Some of the best-known examples include Frankincense from Boswellia trees and Myrrh from Commiphora trees.

Rather than being formed into a stick or cone with combustible ingredients, resin is usually sold as small pieces, tears or granules. Because the resin doesn't readily burn on its own, heat is used to gently melt and smoulder it, releasing its distinctive fragrance.

Resins have been used across cultures for centuries in religious ceremonies, meditation, spiritual practices, perfumery and simply to fragrance a space.

Today, many people enjoy resin incense as part of their meditation, ritual or quiet time at home.

What Do You Need to Burn Resin Incense?

For the traditional charcoal method, you'll need:

Resin incense
A charcoal tablet designed for burning incense
A heat-resistant incense burner
Sand or another suitable heat-insulating material
Charcoal tongs
A lighter or long match

It is important to use a burner designed to withstand the considerable heat generated by incense charcoal.

How to Burn Resin Incense on Charcoal

1. Prepare Your Incense Burner

Place your incense burner on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from anything flammable.

Depending on the style of burner you're using, a layer of sand can be placed inside to help insulate and distribute the heat.

2. Light the Charcoal Tablet

Using charcoal tongs, securely hold the charcoal tablet and light one edge with a lighter or match.

Self-lighting charcoal will usually begin to spark and crackle as it catches.

Once it has started lighting, carefully place the charcoal into your prepared incense burner.

Never hold a burning charcoal tablet with your fingers.

3. Allow the Charcoal to Heat

This is the part beginners are often tempted to rush.

Give the charcoal a few minutes to become properly hot. You'll notice the surface gradually developing a light grey or ashy appearance.

Waiting until the charcoal is properly heated helps your resin release its fragrance more effectively.

4. Add a Small Amount of Resin

Now for the lovely part.

Place a very small amount of resin onto the hot charcoal.

You don't need much.

The resin will begin to warm, melt and release fragrant smoke into the air. Starting with only a few small pieces gives you much more control over the strength of the fragrance.

You can always add more.

5. Enjoy Your Incense

Allow the fragrance to gently fill your space.

Some people burn resin while meditating, journalling, practising divination, preparing an altar or creating a quiet moment at the end of the day.

Others simply love the ancient, earthy fragrance of natural resins.

There doesn't have to be a complicated ritual involved. Your practice can be as simple or intentional as you want it to be.

How Much Resin Should I Use?

One of the most common mistakes when first using resin incense is using far too much.

Resins can produce a surprisingly strong fragrance and plenty of smoke when placed directly onto hot charcoal.

Start with just a couple of small grains or pieces.

If you'd like a stronger fragrance once those have finished, simply add another small amount.

A little resin really can go a long way.

Which Resin Incense Is Best for Beginners?

There's no single correct resin to begin with, but these are four wonderful varieties to explore.

Frankincense

Frankincense has a fresh, warm, resinous aroma with subtle citrus, woody and balsamic notes.

It has a long history of use in ceremonial and spiritual traditions and is commonly associated today with meditation, reflection, cleansing rituals and creating a peaceful atmosphere.

If you're completely new to resin incense, Frankincense is an excellent place to begin.

Myrrh

Myrrh has a deeper, earthier fragrance than Frankincense, with warm, slightly smoky and bittersweet notes.

It has also been used ceremonially for thousands of years and is often chosen for grounding, contemplation and ritual work.

Frankincense and Myrrh can also be burned together.

Benzoin

Benzoin offers something a little different.

Its warm, rich aroma can have sweet, balsamic and almost vanilla-like qualities, making it a beautiful option for anyone who finds some traditional resins too sharp or smoky.

Dragon's Blood

Despite its dramatic name, Dragon's Blood is a naturally occurring red plant resin.

Within various modern spiritual practices, Dragon's Blood incense is often associated with protection, strength, intention-setting and ritual work.

It also has a distinctive rich fragrance and can be used alone or blended with other resins.

Can You Mix Different Resin Incenses Together?

Absolutely.

Creating your own resin blends is one of the joys of working with loose incense.

For example, you might combine:

Frankincense + Myrrh
A classic, rich and contemplative combination.

Frankincense + Benzoin
Fresh resinous notes softened by the sweeter warmth of Benzoin.

Frankincense + Dragon's Blood
A deeper combination often chosen for intentional or ritual work.

Start with tiny quantities until you discover combinations you enjoy.

There's no need to make a large batch — you can experiment directly on your charcoal with just a few grains at a time.

Can You Burn Resin Incense Without Charcoal?

Yes.

Although charcoal is the traditional method, some resin incense can also be gently heated using a purpose-made resin incense burner or suitable electric incense heater.

These methods generally heat the resin more gently rather than placing it directly onto very hot charcoal. This can create a subtler fragrance with less smoke.

If you enjoy resin incense but find charcoal produces more smoke than you'd like, a lower-temperature incense heater may be worth exploring.

Why Does My Resin Incense Smell Burnt?

If your beautiful resin suddenly smells more like a campfire than you expected, don't panic.

Usually, one of two things has happened:

You've added too much resin.
Try using only one or two small pieces at a time.

The resin is sitting directly on extremely hot charcoal.
Resin placed onto charcoal will eventually scorch once its aromatic compounds have been released. Remove the spent material carefully with appropriate incense tools before adding fresh resin if required.

Experimenting with the quantity is part of learning how you personally prefer to enjoy resin incense.

Is Resin Incense the Same as Incense Sticks?

Not quite.

Incense sticks are designed to continue smouldering after they've been lit.

Resin incense is the aromatic raw material itself and normally requires an external heat source such as charcoal or an incense heater.

That extra preparation is one reason resin incense often feels more ceremonial and intentional to use.

Neither is necessarily “better” — they're simply different experiences.

Incense sticks are wonderfully convenient for everyday use, while resin incense is beautiful when you want to slow things down and make the process part of the experience.

Resin Incense Safety

Because charcoal becomes extremely hot, resin incense should always be treated with care.

Always:

Use a heat-resistant incense burner designed for charcoal or resin.
Place your burner on a stable, heat-safe surface.
Use incense charcoal rather than ordinary barbecue charcoal.
Handle hot charcoal with suitable tongs.
Burn incense in a well-ventilated space.
Keep burning incense and hot charcoal away from children and pets.
Keep the burner away from curtains, fabrics and other flammable materials.
Never leave burning incense or charcoal unattended.
Allow charcoal and your burner to cool completely before touching or disposing of them.

Incense smoke may also irritate some people and animals, so good ventilation and moderation are important.

Creating Your Own Resin Incense Ritual

One of the things we love most about incense is that you don't need to follow somebody else's elaborate ritual.

You might light Frankincense before meditation.

Burn Benzoin while journalling.

Choose Myrrh when you want a quiet, grounding atmosphere.

Or simply burn a resin because you love the way it smells.

Your practice belongs to you.

At Earth Mum, we believe spiritual tools should help you create moments of connection, curiosity and intention — without making spirituality feel complicated.

Whether you're discovering resin incense for the very first time or adding another beautiful resin to your collection, take your time, experiment with different fragrances and find what feels right for your own space and practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you light resin incense directly?

No. Resin incense generally isn't lit directly like an incense stick. Instead, a small amount is placed onto hot incense charcoal or warmed in a purpose-made resin incense heater.

How long does resin incense burn?

The resin itself may release its fragrance relatively quickly, while a charcoal tablet can remain extremely hot for considerably longer. Small amounts of additional resin can be added while the charcoal remains active.

How much resin should I put on charcoal?

Start with only a couple of small grains or pieces. Resin can be surprisingly powerful, and adding more gradually usually produces a much more pleasant experience than starting with too much.

Can I burn Frankincense and Myrrh together?

Yes. Frankincense and Myrrh are a classic combination and can be blended together in small amounts before placing them onto heated charcoal.

Do I need special charcoal for resin incense?

Use charcoal specifically designed for incense or similar aromatic applications rather than standard barbecue charcoal.

Which Crystals Should Beginners Start With? A Simple Beginner’s Guide

Article published at: August 23, 2026

Walking into the world of crystals can be exciting — and a little overwhelming. There are hundreds of different stones, each with its own colour, appearance, history and traditional associations. Before long, you're hearing about cleansing, charging, intentions, chakras, crystal grids and moonlight and wondering where you're actually supposed to begin. The good news? You don't need dozens of crystals to start your collection. A handful of versatile, easy-to-find stones is more than enough to begin exploring crystals and discovering which ones you're naturally drawn to. If you're wondering which crystals are best for beginners, these are some of our favourite places to start. 1. Clear Quartz – A Wonderful All-Rounder If you only choose one crystal to begin with, Clear Quartz is an excellent option. Clear Quartz is one of the most recognisable members of the quartz family and has long been used decoratively as well as within modern spiritual practices. It is traditionally associated with: Clarity Focus Intention setting Energy amplification Spiritual awareness Because Clear Quartz is often used alongside other crystals, it's a particularly versatile stone for a beginner collection. You might keep a piece beside your journal, hold it during meditation, place it on your altar or incorporate Clear Quartz chips into a crystal grid. A lovely choice for: someone who isn't quite sure what they want from their first crystal yet. 2. Amethyst – For Calm and Intuition With its beautiful shades of pale lilac through to deep purple, Amethyst is often one of the first crystals people recognise. Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz and has been valued by different cultures throughout history for both its appearance and symbolism. Within contemporary crystal practices, Amethyst is commonly associated with: Calm Intuition Meditation Spiritual awareness Peaceful surroundings Many people like keeping Amethyst beside their bed, in a meditation space or somewhere they regularly go to unwind. It also pairs beautifully with Clear Quartz. A lovely choice for: meditation, quiet spaces and anyone drawn to intuitive or spiritual practices. 3. Rose Quartz – For Love and Self-Love Soft, gentle and instantly recognisable, Rose Quartz is another beautiful crystal for beginners. Its delicate pink colour has helped make it one of the most popular crystals in the world. Rose Quartz is traditionally associated with: Love Self-love Compassion Kindness Emotional connection Some people keep Rose Quartz in the bedroom or another relaxing area of the home, while others carry a small stone or wear Rose Quartz jewellery as a symbolic reminder to practise compassion and self-care. A lovely choice for: someone wanting to focus on love, kindness or self-care intentions. 4. Citrine – For Positivity and Abundance If you're naturally drawn to warm, sunny colours, Citrine may be the crystal that catches your attention. Citrine belongs to the quartz family and ranges from pale yellow to deeper golden tones. In modern crystal traditions, Citrine is often associated with: Abundance Confidence Positivity Creativity Motivation Success Because of these associations, Citrine is often placed near a desk, workspace, business area or somewhere connected with personal goals. It's also commonly incorporated into abundance and prosperity-focused crystal grids. A lovely choice for: creativity, goal-setting and abundance intentions. 5. Green Aventurine – For Growth and New Opportunities With its beautiful green colouring, Green Aventurine is another accessible crystal that's easy to incorporate into everyday life. It is traditionally associated with: Growth Opportunity Optimism Prosperity New beginnings You may sometimes hear Green Aventurine described as a stone of luck or opportunity within crystal traditions. It can be a lovely stone to work with when you're starting something new — whether that's a new job, project, business, relationship or personal goal. A lovely choice for: new beginnings and opportunities. 6. Carnelian – For Motivation and Creativity Warm orange and reddish tones give Carnelian a completely different feel from softer crystals such as Amethyst and Rose Quartz. Carnelian has been used decoratively since ancient times and remains popular in jewellery and crystal collections today. Within modern spiritual practices, Carnelian is commonly associated with: Motivation Creativity Confidence Courage Vitality Because of these associations, some people like keeping Carnelian in creative spaces or carrying it when working towards a goal. A lovely choice for: creative projects, confidence and motivation. 7. Hematite – For Grounding If your crystal collection is starting with lots of soft pinks, purples and translucent stones, Hematite brings something wonderfully different. Hematite is an iron oxide mineral that often has a metallic grey or almost black appearance when polished. It is commonly associated in modern crystal practice with: Grounding Stability Focus Balance Protection Hematite bracelets are particularly popular because they're easy to wear throughout the day. A lovely choice for: someone looking for a grounding stone to balance their beginner collection. 8. Sodalite – For Communication and Reflection Known for its rich blue colour, often mixed with white veining, Sodalite is a striking addition to a beginner collection. Sodalite is traditionally associated with: Communication Self-expression Intuition Reflection Mental clarity It can be a particularly lovely crystal to keep near a journal, workspace or meditation area. A lovely choice for: journalling, communication and thoughtful reflection. 9. Lapis Lazuli – For Wisdom and Intuition Deep blue Lapis Lazuli has been treasured for thousands of years. Unlike many beginner crystals that belong to a single mineral family, Lapis Lazuli is actually a rock made up of several minerals and often contains beautiful golden-coloured pyrite flecks. Within spiritual traditions, it is commonly associated with: Wisdom Truth Intuition Self-expression Spiritual awareness Its long cultural history and unmistakable colour also make it fascinating even if you simply enjoy collecting beautiful natural stones. A lovely choice for: intuition, spiritual exploration and anyone drawn to deep blue crystals. 10. Bloodstone – For Strength and Grounding Bloodstone usually has a deep green base with distinctive red or reddish inclusions. It has a long history of symbolic use and continues to be popular among collectors and spiritual practitioners. Bloodstone is commonly associated with: Strength Courage Grounding Resilience Vitality It's an interesting option for beginners who are drawn towards earthy, grounding crystals rather than pastel stones. A lovely choice for: strength, grounding and personal determination. Do I Need All of These Crystals? Absolutely not. This is probably one of the most important things to remember when you're beginning. You don't need to buy ten crystals because somebody on the internet told you that every beginner should own them. Start with one, two or three. Learn what they look like. Read about their history and traditional meanings. Use them. See which stones you find yourself reaching for. Your crystal collection can grow naturally from there. A Simple Three-Crystal Starter Collection If choosing from ten still feels overwhelming, begin with: Clear Quartz For versatility and intention setting. Amethyst For a calm, reflective element. Rose Quartz For love, compassion and self-care symbolism. These three are widely recognised, easy to incorporate into everyday practice and give you a lovely introduction to three different ways people work with crystals. If you'd prefer something more grounding, swap Rose Quartz for Hematite. If you'd like to focus on abundance and new opportunities, try Citrine or Green Aventurine instead. How Do I Choose My First Crystal? There are two simple approaches. Choose by Intention Think about what you'd like your crystal to symbolise or remind you of. For example: Clarity – Clear QuartzCalm – AmethystLove & Self-Love – Rose QuartzAbundance – CitrineOpportunity – Green AventurineMotivation – CarnelianGrounding – HematiteCommunication – SodaliteIntuition – Lapis Lazuli This can make choosing your first crystal much easier. Choose What You're Drawn To Sometimes you don't need to analyse it quite so much. You might find yourself continually noticing a particular colour or stone. Perhaps it's the purple of Amethyst. Maybe you love the warmth of Carnelian. Or perhaps there's something about Clear Quartz that keeps catching your eye. There's nothing wrong with simply choosing a crystal because you love it. Crystals are natural objects, and appreciating their colour, texture, formation and beauty can be part of the experience too. Raw Crystals, Tumbled Stones or Crystal Bracelets? You'll find crystals in many different forms, and beginners often wonder whether one is better than another. The answer is mostly personal preference. Raw Crystals Raw crystals retain more of their natural shape and texture. They're beautiful displayed in your home, on an altar, beside other spiritual tools or simply as part of a mineral collection. Tumbled Stones Tumbled stones have been polished until they're smooth. Their smaller size makes them easy to carry in a pocket, hold during meditation or incorporate into a crystal collection without taking up much space. Crystal Chip Bracelets Crystal chip bracelets are an easy way to keep a particular crystal with you throughout the day. They're also a lovely option if you'd like to begin exploring crystals without creating a large collection at home. At Earth Mum, you'll find crystal chip bracelets made using stones including Rose Quartz, Citrine, Carnelian, Green Aventurine, Hematite, Bloodstone, Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Clear Quartz and Amethyst. How Do You Use Crystals? There isn't one compulsory way to use a crystal. You might: Carry one in your pocket Wear a crystal bracelet Place crystals around your home Keep one beside your bed Hold one while meditating Place one beside your journal Include crystals on an altar Use crystal chips in a crystal grid Choose a crystal to represent a particular intention Simply display them because you find them beautiful You don't need an elaborate ritual. Sometimes using a crystal is simply about creating a physical reminder of something you'd like to focus on. Do I Need to Cleanse My Crystals? You'll often hear people talk about cleansing crystals. Within many modern spiritual practices, cleansing is a symbolic way of resetting or preparing a crystal before using it for a new intention. There are many methods people choose, including: Smoke from incense Sound from a singing bowl or bell Moonlight Placing crystals beside other crystals traditionally associated with cleansing Visualisation or intention However, it's important to remember that not every crystal is suitable for water, sunlight, salt or other physical cleansing methods. Some minerals can fade, dissolve, rust or become damaged. When you're unsure, gentle methods such as sound or simply wiping your crystal with a soft dry cloth are good places to start. We'll explore crystal cleansing in much more detail in another Earth Mum guide. Do Crystals Have to Be Charged? Charging crystals is another practice you'll encounter frequently. Some practitioners place crystals beneath moonlight, use sound, meditation or intention, or arrange them alongside other stones. There's no scientific requirement to “charge” a mineral. Within spiritual practice, however, charging can be a meaningful ritual that helps you pause, reconnect with your intention and approach your crystal practice mindfully. There's no need to make it complicated. What Crystal Should I Keep Beside My Bed? Amethyst and Rose Quartz are two popular choices for bedrooms because of their traditional associations with calm, peace and gentle energy. However, your bedroom should ultimately contain crystals that you personally enjoy having around you. If you love the look of a particular crystal and find it creates a peaceful environment, that's reason enough to have it there. What Is the Best Crystal for Protection? Protection is one of the most common reasons people begin exploring crystals. Stones traditionally associated with protection and grounding include: Hematite Black Tourmaline Smoky Quartz Obsidian Bloodstone Different spiritual traditions may associate these stones with slightly different meanings. What Is the Best Crystal for Love? Rose Quartz is probably the crystal most commonly associated with love. Importantly, that doesn't have to mean romantic love. Many people use Rose Quartz as a symbol of: Self-love Compassion Friendship Family connection Kindness That makes it a wonderfully versatile beginner stone. What Is the Best Crystal for Abundance? Citrine and Green Aventurine are both commonly associated with prosperity and abundance within modern crystal traditions. Citrine is often linked with confidence, success and positive energy, while Green Aventurine is commonly connected with opportunity, luck and new beginnings. Many people combine the two in abundance-focused crystal grids. Start Small and Let Your Collection Grow With You Starting a crystal collection shouldn't feel like studying for an exam. You don't need to memorise every crystal meaning. You don't need fifty different stones. And you definitely don't need to know everything before you're allowed to begin. Choose a crystal you love. Learn a little about it. Use it in whatever way feels meaningful to you. Then allow your collection to develop naturally as you discover new stones, colours, traditions and practices that interest you. That's part of the fun. At Earth Mum, we love helping people explore crystals and spiritual tools without making the experience feel intimidating or complicated. Whether your first crystal is Amethyst, Clear Quartz, Rose Quartz or simply the stone you couldn't stop looking at, there's no perfect collection you need to build. Start with what speaks to you and explore from there. Frequently Asked Questions What are the best crystals for beginners? Clear Quartz, Amethyst and Rose Quartz are three excellent beginner crystals because they're widely available, recognisable and traditionally associated with versatile intentions. Citrine, Green Aventurine, Carnelian and Hematite are also lovely options. How many crystals should a beginner have? There is no required number. Starting with one to three crystals gives you plenty of opportunity to learn about each stone before expanding your collection. How do I know which crystal is right for me? You can choose according to a particular intention, such as grounding, love or creativity, or simply select a crystal you're naturally drawn to because of its colour, appearance or meaning. Can I wear different crystal bracelets together? Yes. Many people enjoy wearing several crystal bracelets together. There are no fixed rules requiring particular crystals to be kept apart. Do crystals really work? Crystals are used symbolically within many contemporary spiritual and wellness practices, but claims that crystals can diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions aren't supported by scientific evidence. They can still be meaningful objects for meditation, reflection, intention setting or simply appreciation of the natural world.

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Cleanse Your Space: How to Use Smudge Sticks Safely & Effectively

Article published at: March 21, 2025

Looking for a natural way to refresh your home and clear out stagnant energy? Smudge sticks are a time-honoured tool used to cleanse spaces, objects, and even yourself. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to use smudge sticks safely and effectively. Whether you're new to smudging or need a refresher, our step-by-step directions make it simple. You’ll learn how to light your smudge stick properly, why it’s essential to use a fireproof holder, and how to direct the smoke to cleanse your space. Plus, we share crucial safety tips so you can enjoy all the benefits of smudging while staying mindful. Ready to fill your home with good vibes? Discover how smudging can transform the energy in your space today!