Copal, the Sacred Resin of Ancient Civilisations
Incense Copal is a precious resin used since ancient times by the civilisations of Central and South America, notably the Mayas and the Aztecs. Its name comes from the Nahuatl word "copalli", meaning "incense" or "scented resin".
In these ancient traditions, copal was offered to the gods as a smoky prayer, used in religious ceremonies, purification and healing rituals. Today, it remains a powerful incense for meditation, protection and spiritual uplift.
Burning copal is connecting with sacred traditions, purifying your soul and your environment, and raising your prayers to God.
An Incense Universally Recognised for its Spiritual Virtues
Copal incense is used in many spiritual and religious traditions for its purifying and energising properties.
It is often used for:
- Uplifting the soul in prayer and meditation.
- Creating an atmosphere of purification and spiritual protection.
- Favour concentration and inner harmony.
Its sweet, resinous fragrance is reminiscent of ancient worship rites, where smoke rose towards the sky as an offering to the deities.
Composition and Harvesting of Copal Incense
The encens Copal is a resin extracted from several types of trees belonging to the Burseraceae family, including Protium copal and Bursera bipinnata. These trees grow mainly in Mexico, Guatemala and Peru.
Harvesting process:
- Incision of the tree : A notch is made in the bark to release the resin.
- Natural drying : The resin flows out and hardens, forming small translucent stones.
- Selection and purification : Copal pieces are sorted according to quality and colour.
Once prepared, copal is used in the form of grains or powder, which can be burnt over hot coals.
The Spiritual and Therapeutic Benefits of Copal Incense
The Encense Copal is renowned for its spiritual and energetic properties, in addition to its benefits for mental and physical well-being.
1. An Incense of Purification and Protection
- Cleanses places of all negative energy and spiritual impurity.
- Ideal for decorating a fireplace, altar or prayer space.
- Used in exorcisms and rituals to protect against evil.
- Fosters concentration and deep introspection.
- Ideal for accompanying meditation and silent prayer.
- Helps to open one's mind to divine inspirations.
- Tends the mind and reduces stress and anxiety.
- Known for its antiseptic and air purifying properties.
- Helps to refocus and find inner peace.
How to Use Copal Incense?
Copal incense can be used in many spiritual contexts, depending on the intentions and needs of the worshipper.
1. For the Purification of a Place or Person
- Light a burning coal in a censer.
- Drop a few grains of copal on the coal.
- Let the smoke spread while reciting a prayer or blessing.
- Burn copal before recollecting in silence.
- Inhale its fragrance deeply to promote concentration and serenity.
- Letting the smoke carry you like an offering to God.
- Burn copal at the four corners of a room to sanctify the space.
- Recite a prayer asking for divine protection against negative influences.
- Let the smoke purify the body, soul and environment.
Copal Incense: A Gateway to Spirituality and Purity
Copal incense is much more than just a fragrance : it is a sacred tool for purification, upliftment and connection with the divine. Used for millennia, it continues to accompany prayers and rituals in a quest for spiritual peace and harmony.
By burning it, we unite with ancient traditions and we offer God a fragrant prayer, full of faith and trust.
May this incense accompany our moments of prayer, our meditations and our requests for protection, reminding us that the smoke rising towards heaven is a symbol of our soul ascending towards the divine.
