Lilac Incense: Protection, Clarity & New Paths
We smoke with Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) when we wish to free ourselves from unfaithful connections with people—for example, to break free from a dependency. Through this incense, we find the exit from this soul-suffering.
(Read here how to smoke correctly: The Art of Sacred Smoke: How to Burn Resin & Herbs Correctly)
Areas of Application
Space Clearing: If a room is filled with misfortune, strife, or arguments, it is cleansed with a Lilac incense ritual.
Happiness & Contentment: Its Plant Spirit shows us the path to happiness and deep inner satisfaction.
Negative Energies: Lilac flowers can be used to smoke out entire houses to banish lingering negative energies.
Tradition and Folklore
In earlier times, Lilac was burned to break curses. Therefore, in both ancient and modern incense lore, it is considered exorcising (banishing) and protective.
The Connection to the Elder Tree The Lilac has not been in our gardens for very long (historically speaking), so most beliefs date from the 19th and 20th centuries. The folklore attached to the Lilac is closely leaned upon the beliefs surrounding the Elder tree (Holunder).
A Linguistic Note: In Northern Germany, Elderberries are often confusingly called “Fliederbeeren” (Lilac-berries). This linguistic connection shows why the magical properties of the two plants are so intertwined in our local folklore.
Just like the Elder, a Lilac tree was planted near the house to keep all evil away from the inhabitants and the farm animals.
Protection in Everyday Life: Lilac belongs in every protection incense blend. Only therein can it fully unfold its exquisite, guarding properties. During the blooming season of the Lilac, flowering branches can be hung over the front door so that no evil may enter the house.
Harvest and Preparation
To use Lilac for incense, both its flowers and its wood are used.
Drying the Flowers: The flowers dry quite quickly. You should dry them on a piece of linen cloth, because otherwise, the sticky nectar might cause them to adhere to the surface. Therefore, they must be turned often during the drying process.
Drying the Wood: The Lilac wood must be dried for at least two years before it is ready for the fire.
Mixing Tip: Lilac mixes wonderfully with Elderflowers, Arborvitae (Tree of Life / Thuja), and Hazel leaves to create a powerful protective incense blend.
