Incense in The Wind: Chakra themed incense

Chakra is a meditation aid which originated in ancient Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, which is also used in modern Western New Age and Witchcraft circles. The chakras are seven areas in the body that are considered centres of life force or energy. They are counted from bottom to top, so the first Chakra is at the base of the spine, and the seventh and last Chakra is at the top of the head.

The chakra is a fairly popular subject for incense, especially incense aimed at the Western market. A responsible and respectful incense maker will select the fragrances which will best serve the chakra for that part of the body.

The Muladhara Chakra is located at the base of the spine, in the perineum, and is considered the foundation of the body.

The Manipura Chakra is located in the navel, and is considered the body's energy centre, which gives confidence and drive, or, as it says on the packet of Gurugee's Manipura Chakra, it puts "light in your eyes and fire in your belly". Scents which are associated with helping self-confidence are bright, uplifting citric scents like lemon and grapefruit; and spicy or fiery fragrances, such as clove, cinnamon, and ginger.

The Vishuddha Chakra is located in the throat, and controls communication and truth; balancing heart and mind, giving "expression & insight" as it says on the packet of Gurugee's Vishuddha Chakra. It is linked with the colour blue which itself is associated with trust, stability, and knowledge. There are many scents associated with truth and communication, such as chamomile and lavender to promote calmness; peppermint and bergamot to promote clarity; along with sandalwood and frankincense to promote calmness and confidence.

The Ajna Chakra is located on the forehead, in the place where the "third eye" is considered to be, and powers insight, imagination, and wisdom. It is generally associated with the colour indigo, which itself is related to creativity, mystery, and insight. Scents such as lemon and bergamot, along with rosemary and sage, are linked to creativity and insight by wakening the mind, and creating positivity, while grounding scents like sandalwood, and frankincense encourage calmness and focus.

Reviews

* = review over five years old so may not be reliable

^ = brand discontinued, though incense may be available under a different name