Creating Loose Leaf Ritual Incense: Lincoln's Heritage Rose
A Gentle Beginning
One of the simplest ways to begin working with herbs in ritual is also one of the oldest.
Long before incense was pressed into sticks or cones, people simply burned fragrant dried plants over heat. Rose, lavender, rosemary, cedar, frankincense, myrrh, and countless other botanicals have been used throughout history to mark important moments of transition, celebration, prayer, and remembrance.
This month, we'll begin simply.
Rather than trying to make something elaborate, we'll allow Lincoln's Heritage Rose to teach us the beauty of simplicity.
You'll Need
Dried Lincoln's Heritage Rose petals
A fireproof bowl or incense burner
Matches or lighter
Choose whichever burning method feels most accessible to you.
Method One
Charcoal Incense Disc
This is the traditional method used for loose botanical incense.
Light one edge of an incense charcoal disc until it begins to sparkle.
Place it into a fireproof bowl or censer.
Allow it to heat completely (about 5–10 minutes).
Once the charcoal develops a light coating of ash, sprinkle a small pinch of rose petals onto the surface.
The petals will gently smolder, releasing their beautiful fragrance.
Method Two
Frankincense as the Ember
This is one of my favorite methods because it combines two ancient ritual botanicals.
Place a small piece of natural frankincense resin into a fireproof bowl or censer.
Light the resin until it begins to glow and gently smolder.
Once the frankincense is releasing its warm, resinous aroma, add a small pinch of dried Lincoln's Heritage Rose petals on top.
The frankincense becomes both the fragrant foundation and the heat source for the rose, creating a wonderfully layered scent that has been appreciated in sacred spaces for centuries.
Method Three
Tea Strainer Over a Candle
This is a wonderfully simple method that requires very little equipment.
Place a small pinch of dried rose petals into half of a stainless steel tea strainer or another small metal mesh strainer.
Hold the strainer several inches above the flame of a candle.
The gentle heat warms the petals, allowing their fragrance to slowly emerge without producing large amounts of smoke.
Move the strainer slowly if needed to avoid overheating the petals.
I especially enjoy this method during meditation or quiet evening rituals because it feels intimate, gentle, and beautifully uncomplicated.
Working with Intention
Whichever method you choose, remember that the purpose of ritual incense isn't simply fragrance.
The rising aroma becomes an invitation to pause.
To breathe.
To become present.
As the fragrance fills your space, silently ask yourself:
What am I ready to release?
or
What intention would I like to carry into this day?
Allow the incense to become less about smoke and more about awareness.
Safety
Always burn incense in a fireproof vessel.
Never leave burning materials unattended.
Keep away from children, pets, curtains, and other flammable materials.
Allow charcoal, resin, or metal strainers to cool completely before handling or storing.
Living the Practice
Throughout eclipse season, consider working with your loose rose incense:
Before meditation
During journaling
Before your eclipse ritual
While reading or reflecting
At the New or Full Moon
Whenever you'd like to create a quiet, intentional atmosphere
Sometimes the smallest rituals become the ones we return to most often.