Smoking in the Rhythm of the Moon: Magical Herbs & Phases
Smoking incense in alignment with the various phases of the moon is a tradition as old as time itself. The short guide I present to you here—detailing which herbs are used during which moon phases—dates back to the year 1910. The moon has always held a magical and mystical quality, which is why so many cultures of former times worshipped it.
The herbs and resins are chosen specifically according to the different moon phases to fulfill the specific purpose of the fumigation. Ideally, the incense plants should also be harvested during the corresponding moon phase. These herbs are then dried gently on the windowsill.
The Ritual Setting These fumigations are performed at night during the respective moon phase. Warm evenings are very well suited for performing this incense ritual quietly outdoors, under the open sky. If you wish to smoke in the different moon phases, I can recommend keeping a Moon Calendar. That way, you never miss where the moon currently stands.
The Full Moon (Der Vollmond)
The Full Moon has always served rituals concerning the completion and fulfillment of inner wishes. It is the time of peak power.
Suitable Incense Herbs:
Clubmoss (Lycopodium / Bärlapp)
Myrrh
Poppy (Mohn)
The New Moon (Der Neumond)
The New Moon stands in the service of renewal. It is used, for example, to gain stability in a new venture where we have already taken the first step but need grounding.
Suitable Incense Herbs:
Camphor
Lemon Peels
Lemon Balm (Melissa)
The Waxing Moon (Der zunehmende Mond)
The Waxing Moon helps us in phases where we want to enter “new territory,” but our new project is not yet fully mature. Doubts may still be gnawing at us. To eliminate these doubts and encourage growth, this moon phase is wonderfully suitable.
Suitable Incense Herbs:
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria / Blutweiderich)
Chickweed (Stellaria media / Vogelmiere)
Grapevine Leaves (Weinblätter)
The Waning Moon (Der abnehmende Mond)
The Waning Moon stands for letting go. It is the time to strip away problems that burden us. This moon phase is therefore very well suited to get rid of everything that weighs heavily upon our souls.
Suitable Incense Herbs:
Mallow (Malve)
Calamus Root (Sweet Flag / Kalmuswurzel)
