Workin' a Thurible

The word "thurible" comes from the Old French thurible, which in turn is derived from the Latin term "thuribulum". The Latin word thuribulum has the root "thur", meaning incense. The Latin "thur" is an alteration of the Greek word "thuos", which is derived from the term "thein", meaning to sacrifice.

Today we know a thurible as the actual metal censer (incense burner) used in churches, and in our pagan rituals, to purify and cleanse a sacred space.

Thuribles are the best way to really rid a space of negativity. They call for the use of flammable substances, so please exercise caution.

Thuribles should be done in iron cauldrons as there is no chance of the extreme heat shattering it. You can use any heat proof container but most clay and glass bowls will crack due to the intense heat. The ratios of ingredients stay the same no matter what size vessel you use. The surface area is what will allow it to burn the same in any vessel, though in very small diameter vessels (3-4 inches) the flames will be very high, so use these with extreme caution.

Ingredients-

-2 tbls. of rubbing alcohol *Do NOT use spirits (rum, vodka, etc.) Rubbing alcohol is only 70% alcohol and does not burn as hot as these spirits will.

-1 tsp. of Epsom salts or sea salt

-½ tsp. of herbs, seeds, roots, or resin incense such as; cardamom, juniper berries, frankincense, myrrh, copal, benzoin, allspice, cloves, coriander, orange peel, etc.

-Light the rubbing alcohol by throwing a match in the cauldron, then toss in your herbs, then your salts. Lots of popping equals lots of negativity being burned, minimal popping equals a positive space.

Try this ancient practice of space clearing in your home or area of worship, just use caution, as with any working that involves heat or fire.