Handcrafted Incense; Sat, Oct 17 @ 2:00pm

Incense making is an artform that dates back more than 5,000-6,000 years, to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. It has been practiced by many different cultures around the world throughout history.  Whether in rituals for birth, death, medicine, celebration, or meditation, the burning of resins, spices, and herbs has long been used as a sacred practice to heal, protect, invoke divine presence and connection, as well as expand human consciousness.

It is only relatively recently, about 150 years ago, that the production of synthetic chemical fragrances began to take over the ancient traditions of making incense using natural botanicals from the earth.  Unfortunately, these days it is extremely rare to find incense that isn’t made with toxic synthetic fragrances.

In this workshop, you will explore many different botanical herbs, spices, and resins used for natural incense making throughout time.  You will learn some of the history of incense and meet some of the most ancient herbs and resins used by indigenous cultures, as well as connect to many botanicals that can be sustainably harvested locally and grown in your garden.  You will learn how to craft an aromatic botanical incense blend from start to finish and go home with a few handmade incense sticks that we make together, the knowledge required to start crafting your own blends, and smelling like a sacred temple of antiquity.

*Please note that this workshop is mostly instructioinal, as there is a lot of information to learn about the botanicals used and the art of crafting incense blends.  The focus of the workshop is to give you the basic skills needed for you to start exploring and creating natural incense on your own. There will be a short time at the end of the workshop where we will make an incense blend together, from start to finish.

All materials included.

Length: 2 hours

Location: Harbor Studio, 523 Harbor Street