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You can personalize your incense rituals and accompany them with the imagery that's right for you. We've compiled some of the images, associations, and ideas that have long been associated with incense plants.

Incense rituals are usually performed with an incense bowl, sand, and charcoal on which the incense is placed. This requires time and focus.

But you can also smoke “gently” – with a fine sieve on which the herbs and resins are heated from below by a candle flame and made to smell.

In the herbal pharmacy you will find a large selection of incense and accessories.

Elecampane (Inula helenium, Asteraceae - daisy family) – sunroot, elf dock

Fine, balsamic, slightly violet-like fragrance
It helps you stand up straight and stand true to yourself in dark times. It protects and clarifies, bringing warmth to the heart.
Supports sadness and heavy thoughts. Good for energetically cleansing rooms.
Mixes well with mastic, frankincense, sage, mugwort.
Astrological assignment: Mercury/Aquarius

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis, Valerianaceae) – moonroot, elfroot

Very bitter and intense aroma; only smoked in small quantities in blends
Soul comforter. Brings feelings and thoughts closer together, relaxes.
It is said to bring deep knowledge to light and – in small doses – promote the joy of life and love.
Mixes well with lavender, pine, cedar.
Astrological assignment: Moon/Cancer

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris, Asteraceae - daisy family)

Smells bittersweet and warm-earthy
Clarifying and strengthening. Protective, blessing, and cleansing incense (Goddess Freya wears mugwort on her belt).
Supports decisions and changes in life, strengthens the feminine, intuition, and knowledge; promotes dream awareness and self-healing powers.
Helps with the process of grieving and letting go.
Mixes well with mastic, frankincense, sage, yarrow, rosemary, spruce.
Mugwort is particularly suitable for cleansing rituals, blessings and sweat lodges.
The bundle is lit directly, the flame is blown out – the incense then smolders on its own.
Astrological assignment: Sun/Leo

Benzoin (Styrax benzoin, Styracaceae)

Slightly sweet, vanilla-scented resin that spreads peace and harmony in the room;
Aphrodisiac, sensual, calming.
Fine in erotic blends and very suitable for incense sieves.
Blends well with sandalwood, cinnamon, cedar, frankincense, rose petals.
Astrological assignment: Venus/Taurus

Amber (Pinus succinifera)

Fresh, light resin scent
Amber is a resin that petrified millions of years ago. It has an ionizing effect on the air and is very suitable for purifying and charging with positive energy. It protects against negative influences; it promotes self-confidence and inner fire. It brings light.
According to Chinese medicine, amber provides deep inner peace.
Ideal for long smoking sessions. Recommendation: Grind in a mortar before use.
Mixes well with Damiana, Angelica, Frankincense, Cinnamon, Myrrh
Astrological assignment: Sun/Leo

Copal (collective term for resins of various origins)

Exudes a fine, slightly lemony scent
Promotes clarity of mind, alertness, and calm, and accompanies meditation and inner contemplation. Clears disturbing thoughts. Also suitable for cleansing incense.
Tip: Crush in a mortar before smoking. For smoking in a sieve, place sand or foil underneath.
Mixes well with rosemary, birch, thyme, mint, sage, lavender
Astrological assignment: Jupiter/Sagittarius

Copal negro (collective term for resins of various origins)

Mystical, balsamic, earthy scent
Creates an atmosphere of peace and supports the path to inner peace, contemplation and
Balance. Copal is traditionally used in transition and memorial rituals. It is particularly suitable
for ancestral rituals, good to mix with mugwort, juniper and dragon's blood.
Astrological assignment: Jupiter/Sagittarius

Damiana (Turnera Diffusa, Turneraceae)

Spreads a pleasant herbal, slightly sweet fragrance
Originally used in Latin American folk medicine, it is also known there as "shirt puller," a reference to its aphrodisiac effect. A refreshing, stimulating incense, it works well on an incense sieve when combined with resins. Damiana is also considered a women's herb.
To open the heart, mix with: Styrax, Elecampane, rose petals
For strengthening, mix with: Galangal, Calamus, Angelica
Astrological assignment: Venus/Taurus

Dammar, cat's eye resin (collective term for resins from various deciduous tree species)

Exudes a delicate, slightly citrus-like resin scent
Dammar is Malay and means resin or torch, light. It is said to brighten the mood and spirit,
Promotes concentration and deepens meditation. Well suited as an ancestral incense.
Blends well with lavender, St. John's wort, angelica, orris root, patchouli.
Astrological assignment: Mercury/Gemini

Dragon's Blood (Dracaena draco, Daemenorops draco, Arecaceae)

Intense fragrance that quickly evaporates into a fine, pleasant scent
Dragon's blood is associated with the planet Mars and is a magical protective agent against vile demons, disease-causing spirits, and negative energies. It's best used only in blends (especially with incense), as it produces relatively strong smoke.
Astrological association: Mars/Scorpio

Elemi (canarium luzonicum – from the Manila elemi tree)

Scent spicy-lemon, with fresh fennel note, light and clear
Elemi is an umbrella term for a variety of resins obtained from balsam tree plants.
These plants are mainly found in the Asian tropics; our Elemi comes from the Manila Elemi tree.
Smoking traditions: The resin is burned to purify the spirit and rooms.
Support with prayer and meditation.
Mixes well with cinnamon, benzoin, sweetgrass, labdanum.
The consistency is thick and sticky, so it is recommended to wear disposable gloves when handling it.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica, Apiaceae - Umbelliferae)

Smells earthy-warm and slightly spicy, aromatic
Angelica is considered the energy of the highest angels. It supports self-discovery and the recognition of the light in our lives. The scent of angelica is said to envelop us in a protective cloak of light that nothing dark can consume.
Blends well with frankincense, thyme, elderflower and wood, amber
Astrological assignment: Sun/Leo

Spruce (Picea abies, Pinaceae)

Resin: Emits a strong forest scent when smoked
Brings old wounds to light so they can be healed; clarifies the mind, expands the heart and chest. Spruce resin serves as protection against disruptive influences and helps one find inner peace.
It is said to resolve old entanglements through ancestral incense.
Needles: connect heaven and earth, are considered to bring light
Mixes well with wormwood, mugwort, copal, amber, rosemary
Astrological assignment: Mercury/Gemini

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Smells spicy, warm and fiery
Strengthens creativity and intuition, dispels negative thoughts, has insect-repelling, stimulating, and warming properties. The scent is intense, best used in blends.
Mixes well with orange peel, apple, cinnamon, styrax, benzoin
Astrological assignment: Sun/Leo

Galbanum (Ferula galbaniflua, Apiaceae)

Smells aromatic, balsamic, sweet
For stress, restlessness, and tension. Good for concentration and clarity.
Said to have a balancing effect on strong emotions.
Mixes well with sandalwood, cedar, sandarak, dammar

Galangal, Thai ginger (Alpina galanga, Zingiberaceae)

Smells spicy, woody, cinnamon-like
For strengthening and grounding, centering, encouraging, warming, stimulating, eroticizing.
Good to mix with calamus, sweetwood, frankincense, thyme, sage
Astrological assignment: Sun/Leo

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra, Caprifoliaceae)

The fair lady, Frau Holle, is a powerful goddess of the underworld and the upper world who helps determine the fate of humanity. The intentions behind burning incense are to recognize the right moment and find one's life's purpose.
Flowers: Scent when smoked is floral, spicy and sweetly delicate
Because the dried flowers are so light and delicate, they quickly turn brown and odorless on the incense sieve. Therefore, they are suitable either as a fragrance impulse that can be quickly removed from the incense sieve or in blends with other herbs and resins.
Wood: Smells spicy and woody; suitable for magical protective incense and rites of passage
Mixes well with lavender, chamomile, yarrow, lavender.
Astrological assignment: Moon/Cancer

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum, Hypericaceae)

Scents delicately spicy herbaceous
Conveys cheerfulness and light, conveys a good mood.
It is traditionally smoked at the summer solstice and during the Twelve Nights to banish harmful substances from the house and yard.
Mixes well with mastic, sweetgrass, M.desü., mugwort, frankincense
Astrological assignment: Sun/Leo

Iris root (Iris pallida, Iris florentina, Iris germanica)

Smells warm and balsamic
The root of the iris is often called violet root because of its similar smell.
Fine, light-filled smoke is a balm for the soul, releases blockages, strengthens intuition and love, and cleanses the aura.
In Greek mythology, the goddess Iris accompanies the dying along the rainbow to the land of eternal peace. Therefore, in ancient times, the scent of iris incense was used to ease the dying's journey.
Iris root is a classic ingredient in love spells, for example, with rose petals, frankincense, benzoin, styrax, or damiana. It makes a good fixative. Crush in a mortar before burning.
Astrological assignment: Moon/Cancer

Jasmine incense – see incense (below)

Calamus (Acorus calamus, Aracaceae)

Smells woody, oriental, a bit like leather
In Sanskrit, calamus is called vacha, which means "to speak," and thus signifies the power of words, intelligence, or self-expression. Calamus is said to have a spiritually uplifting and strengthening effect. It is said to boost energy and nerves.
Fragrance message: allowing yourself to be sensitively perceived. Often used for "successful incense burning."
Blends well with frankincense, lemongrass, orange and lemon peel, labdanum
Astrological assignment: Moon/Cancer

Chamomile flowers (Matricaria recutita, Asteraceae - daisy family)

Delicate floral scent
Provides pleasant inner peace and serenity.
Mixes well with yarrow, lavender, St. John's wort, valerian, cedar
Astrological assignment: Moon/Cancer

Camphor (Cinnamomum camphera, Lauraceae)

Smells very fresh, pungent
Makes you awake and clear, promotes concentration, clarity and mental awareness.
Eliminates negative vibrations. Evaporates very quickly, smells very intense!
Do not smoke on charcoal! Flammable! Place on a foil on the grate of a smoking stove.
Do not smoke during pregnancy or with small children!
Mixes well with juniper, thyme, clove, mint, rosemary, copal
Can also be used in a fragrance lamp.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum - Zingiberaceae)

Smells elegantly aromatic, spicy, slightly sweet
Quote from Christina Fuchs in the book “Smoking in the Rhythm of the Year”: “Cardamom brings happiness to the mind, it seems to give wings to the soul and conjures a smile on the face.”
It is best to use the whole capsules and grind them in a mortar before smoking.
Mixes well with bay leaf, tonka bean, labdanum, cinnamon, orange peel

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum, Apiaceae)

Smells fresh and spicy
Said to clarify thoughts and dispel negative thinking. It is often used to combat fear, fatigue, and lack of motivation, as well as to promote inner balance and calm. In the Arab world, coriander is considered a magical remedy for warding off evil and energetically balancing the environment. Coriander is often mixed with benzoin resin there. It has a unifying effect—it is used as an incense during conversations to clarify the atmosphere. Or it is burned in places of great unrest, along with myrrh and sandalwood, to create peace and balance. In the tales of 1001 Nights, coriander is used for love incense; in German folk medicine, it is considered an aphrodisiac; in Ayurveda, it is considered a mood-lifting agent.

Labdanum, cistus resin (Cistus ladanifer, Cistus creticus)

Smells balsamic, vanilla, earthy, warm – complex
Aphrodisiac, relaxing, grounding. Balm for the soul.
The resin becomes very sticky when it gets warm, so it is best to store it in the refrigerator.
Blends well with Rose, Styrax, Frankincense, Palo Santo, Myrrh

Lavender flowers (Lavendula officinalis, Labiatae)

Smell fresh, sweet
Lavender incense has an invigorating, clarifying, cleansing, and unifying effect. Lavender blossoms symbolize love and harmony, as well as clarity. They are traditionally used to bless children and infants; they open the "third eye" and promote clear vision. Lavender is said to take away what is too much energy and give what is too little.
Lavender incense also has an insect-repellent effect.
Mixes well with elecampane, rose, angelica, linden wood, elderflower
Astrological assignment: Mercury/Gemini

Linden wood (Tilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllos)

Warm, woody scent
It's pleasantly and gently grounding, inviting you to unwind. It's good at the end of a stressful day. The subtle energy of linden helps you see things as a whole, as if you were an observer, and thus gains new inspiration.
Symbolizes female protection and security.
Blends very well with other incense, such as lavender, elderflower, yarrow, cedar, meadowsweet.

Bay leaves (Laurus nobilis, Myrtaceae)

Smells spicy, fresh, herbal and balsamic when smoked
Apollo loved Daphne, who transformed herself into a laurel tree. Laurel was sacred to the Greeks and dedicated to Apollo, the god of spiritual ecstasy; it was also burned for the Oracle of Delphi. "Know thyself"—clairvoyance and visionary insight—accordingly, laurel supports prophetic dreams, as well as perseverance, energy, and personal growth and insight.
Bay leaves help purify the atmosphere and—when smoked before bed—help you remember dreams better. It sharpens perception and opens the senses.
Mixes well with myrrh, rosemary, cedar, calamus, patchouli
Astrological assignment: Jupiter/Sagittarius

Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus)

Light, fresh, balsamic scent
This resin originates from Greece and has a long tradition there – both for incense, flavoring, and medicinal purposes. Mastic is considered the "light-bringer" among resins and is smoked to refresh and invigorate, create a clear, alert mind, and strengthen intuition.
Mastic creates a particularly friendly, open atmosphere!
Mixes well with coriander, spruce resin, willow bark, mugwort, lavender, rose
Astrological assignment: Jupiter/Sagittarius

Mistletoe (Viscum album, Loranthaceae)

Emits a warm, spicy scent and is best used in blends
Mistletoe is one of the traditional, ancient magical plants. It is said to transform slow, negative vibrations into bright, higher ones, unlock inner treasures, and bring the unconscious to light.
Mixes well with elecampane, angelica, mugwort, mastic, dammar
Astrological assignment: Saturn/Capricorn

Myrrh (Commiphora species, Burseraceae)

Smells warm, earthy, intensely aromatic
Sensual and slowing down, special reference to women and femininity.
Myrrh calms a strained mind, promotes relaxation and leads inward.
Frankincense and myrrh are considered the pair of divine fragrance.
Frankincense represents the male part – spirit & heaven; myrrh the female part – body & earth.
Mixes well with cinnamon, benzoin, sandalwood, rose, lavender
Astrological assignment: Moon/Cancer

Opoponax

Smells spicy, sweet, slightly animalistic
Has a grounding effect, supports calm and alertness of the mind, stimulates joy of life and imagination.
Adds an interesting touch to sensual blends. It's also a great aid in room cleansing.
Good to mix with mugwort, dragon's blood, angelica, sandarac
Astrological assignment: Venus/Pisces

Palo Santo, “holy wood”
(Collective term for various aromatic woods, especially Bursera graveolens/mycrophylla)

Smells woody, warm, aromatic, beguiling
Evil spirits shy away from this scent, but good spirits are attracted to it – so they say in South America.
A Palo Salto incense burn creates calm and balance, creating an optimistic mood. Ideal for combating anger and tension. It is used to purify the air and in healing rituals. The fragrance's message: May the heart be light.
Wonderful to mix with rose petals.
Astrological association: Venus/Taurus.

Patchouli

Spreads a woody, dark, sensual scent, a little like clay cellar and earth
The characteristic scent of this plant is created through a fermentation process. It has an eroticizing, grounding, strengthening, calming, balancing, and centering effect. In combination with sandalwood, myrrh, and benzoin, patchouli develops a highly sensual component.
Astrological assignment: Moon/Cancer

Rose blossoms (Rosa spp., Rosaceae)

Smells sweet and floral
Symbolize love, harmony and help to let go of painful memories.
Possible associations when smoking: connection and reconciliation, good relationships.
Rose petals have an aphrodisiac, calming, and relaxing effect; they create a warm, harmonious environment.
Blends well with myrrh, sandalwood, cedar, styrax, lavender, labdanum
Astrological assignment: Venus/Taurus

Rose incense see incense (below)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, Lamiaceae)

Smells spicy and refreshing
It promotes energy and change, uplifts and strengthens the will, and has a protective, clarifying, cleansing, and refreshing effect. Rosemary stimulates action and is used in incense blends for creativity, concentration, purification, and success.
Stimulating for love incense; supports letting go and is well-suited for rites of passage of all kinds. Rosemary is sacred to the Roman household gods and drives away evil spirits; it is also considered a symbol of loyalty, friendship, and remembrance.
Mixes well with bay leaves, thyme, galangal, mint, lemon peel
Astrological assignment: Sun/Leo

Sage (Salvia officinalis, Lamiaceae)

Smells aromatic, spicy, tart
It has a clarifying effect, promotes concentration, and purifies homes, rooms, and auras. In Ayurveda, sage is considered a spirit-lifting herb that reduces disturbing emotions and promotes calm and clarity. It promotes peace and healing (Latin: salvia, salvare = heal); it is good for accompanying prayers and expressions of thanksgiving.
Desert Sage: When burned as a bundle, it is used without charcoal.
Blends well with frankincense, copal, cedar, lavender, rosemary
Astrological assignment: Mercury/Gemini

Sandarak

Smells incense-like, balsamic, fruity.
Relaxing, sensual, cleansing. Allows you to breathe a sigh of relief. Incense traditions: clarity, meditation, dreams.
Mixes well with mastic, frankincense, rose.

Sandalwood (Santalum album, Santalaceae)

Smells wonderfully soft and balsamic (temple fragrance, dedicated to the god Shiva)
Sandalwood promotes calm and peace. It centers one and helps one surrender trustingly to the flow of life and love. It has an uplifting, calming, soothing, and tension-relieving effect.
Sandalwood goes well with almost all other scents, but can also be burned on its own.
On the incense sieve it produces an even finer fragrance than on the coal.
In India, sandalwood symbolizes vitality and affects the root chakra—awakening the Kundalini serpent and causing this energy center to blossom. It connects sexuality and spirituality.
Mixes well with benzoin, myrrh, elderberry, rose, labdanum
Astrological assignment: Venus/Taurus

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium, Asteracreae)

Smells finely spicy
It strengthens intuition, promotes dream work, and supports the creation of visions. It is used in many cultures for oracles.
Mixes well with elderberry, mugwort, lavender, rose, angelica, damiana

Star anise (Illicium verum, Illiciaceae)

Smells fresh of anise
Star anise can harmonize, comfort, aphrodisiac, and warm. It is smoked for confidence, freshness, and depth. The star-shaped fruits are used throughout Asia as an additive to incense powders and incense sticks, creating a welcoming, cozy atmosphere.
Crush finely in a mortar before smoking.
Mixes well with cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, clove, orange peel

Styrax, Storax (Styrax officinalis, Styracaceae)

Smells wonderfully balsamic and sweet
Charcoal soaked in styrax balsam is used. The vanillin it contains gives the fragrance a pleasant, sweet, exotic, and soft note.
Styrax grows in Syria and Greece and was a cult in ancient times for the dark goddess Hecate, mistress of all witches and sorceresses, goddess of magical and poisonous plants. Hecate is reminiscent of the Hindu goddess Kali. Styrax promotes self-confidence, helps relieve mental and emotional tension, and has a calming and relaxing effect.
Mixes well with Damiana, Rose, Sandalwood, Cardamom, Myrrh
Astrological assignment: Mercury/Virgo

Sweetgrass = vanilla grass = lady grass (Hierochloe odorata, Pocaceae)

Smells sweet of coumarin and vanilla, like freshly cut grass
“Grass of Harmony”
Native Americans braid the long grass, let it dry, and use it for smoking.
To do this, the grass braid is lit at one end and gently blown out again. Sweetgrass incense has a cleansing effect on the atmosphere, creates a positive, peaceful mood, and can help bring a community together. It's best to incense first with sage, then with sweetgrass.
For mixes, cut into small pieces with scissors.
Mixes well with sage, mugwort, yarrow, cedar, linden wood
Astrological assignment: Venus/Pisces

Thyme – thyme (Thymus vulgaris, Thymus serpyllum, Lamiaceae)

Smells spicy, herbaceous, tart
Greek thymon = to fumigate; thyos = wood; emits a pleasant fragrance when burned.
Among the Germanic tribes, thyme and mugwort were smoked at the summer solstice to drive away demons. It cleanses, protects, and strengthens the power of separation. It is smoked for physical and mental weakness and fatigue.
Mixes well with spruce resin, rosemary, peppermint, lemon peel, angelica
Astrological assignment: Sun/Leo

Tolu balsam (Myroxylon balsamum)

Smells velvety-sweet, oriental, vanilla
Serves as a “fixative”, meaning it binds fragrances together and enhances the overall aroma.
Calming, centering, grounding, harmonizing.
Supports healing and blessing ceremonies.
Blends well with Palo Santo, Patchouli, Tonka, Myrrh, Galangal
Astrological assignment: Venus/Taurus

Tonka beans (Dipterryx odorata, Fabaceae)

The seeds of the tonka tree give off a sweet, warm, vanilla-like scent when smoked
The tonka bean has a balancing, mood-enhancing, and aphrodisiac effect. According to legend, the tonka bean can also be used as a bean for making wishes.
“Happy Blend”: Tonka, Coriander, Sweetgrass, Cinnamon, Palo Santo
Astrological assignment: Venus/Taurus

Juniper (Juniperus spp., Cupressaceae)

Scent: fresh, woody, aromatic. Wood, berries, leaves/needles
It conveys protection and security, supports rites of passage and ancestral contact. We feel its clarifying and purifying effect and simultaneously experience inner stability, as juniper smoke also helps us sense being supported by the earth – according to Rene Strassmann in his book "Tree Healing."
Mixes well with bay, rosemary, camphor, pine resin, copal
Astrological assignment: Sun/Leo

Frankincense/Olibanum (Boswellia species, Burseraceae)

The word olibanum comes from the Hebrew lebona and the Arabic luban, meaning purity. Frankincense is one of the oldest and most popular incenses and is still used today in temples and churches. It forms the basis of many incense blends. Frankincense is available in various varieties and fragrances; it clarifies the senses, creates purity and tranquility. It has a stimulating and relaxing effect and is ideal for meditation.
Astrological assignment: Sun/Leo

Jasmine incense from Mount Athos

Sensual, erotic, floral-warm fragrance.
A blend of the finest frankincense, jasmine oil, and other ingredients, traditionally made by the monks of Mount Athos. It promotes devotion and opens the heart.

Rose incense from Mount Athos

The finest incense, enriched by the monks of Mount Athos with rose water, genuine rose oil, and other ingredients. Athos rose incense promotes devotion to the divine, opens the heart, and represents gentleness and love, profound, subtle beauty, and inner harmony.

Rose incense

A composition of frankincense, rose petals, and genuine rose oil. The sensual and erotic scent of the rose blends harmoniously with the sweet and rich scent of frankincense. It has a mood-enhancing effect and supports empathy, and is considered a symbol of love and passion.

cedar

Balsamic woody scent
The cedar represents vitality, dignity, strength and life force.
It stands for courage and will, harmony and relaxation.
Often used to combat negative vibrations in buildings.
Cedar smoke is used to purify the atmosphere and objects and to repel insects.
Blends well with rose, sandalwood, amber, myrrh, benzoin

Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum verum, laurel family)

Warm, spicy, sweet
It conveys warmth, protection, security, and sensuality. It has a relaxing and calming effect, but also increases concentration.
Blends well with bay leaf, tonka bean, orange peel, apple, patchouli
Sensual blend with rose, sandalwood and a pinch of myrrh (Christine Wolf)

Stone pine incense

A blend of Fair Trade frankincense, pine shavings, and pine oil. A woody, warm scent. The fragrance of the Alps. Allows you to breathe deeply and deeply. Relaxes and purifies. Supports vitality and the ability to recover.

*Important instructions:

Incense is intended for smoking purposes only, not for consumption or other purposes (internal or external use) and should be kept out of reach of children.
Statements about the use or effect of the respective products are not scientifically based and do not constitute healing claims.

If you are pregnant, have an illness or have allergies, please consult your doctor before use.
No liability or warranty is assumed for incorrect use and its consequences.

Literature:

Bader, Marlies: Living in good energy
Bader, Marlies: Smoking with local herbs
Fuchs, Christine: Smoking with native plants
Fuchs, Christine: Smoking in the Rhythm of the Year (WONDERFUL!)
Fuchs, Christine: Smoking in winter and the Twelve Nights
Kinkele, Thomas: Native incense plants
Kinkele, Thomas: Psychology of Smoking.
Kinkele, Thomas: Incense and Incense Rituals.
Fischer-Rizzi, Susanne: The Book of Smoking.
Rätsch, Christian: Incense. The Breath of the Dragon.