Page through books on paganism and it becomes abundantly clear rather quickly pagans love to set things on fire. A group I happily fall into. But for someone who has respiratory issues like asthma, allergies, or any chemical sensitivities, this can form a barrier. I am well aware there are some for whom turning off the smoke detector before burning the good incense that cost a pretty penny and then seeing the layer of smoke when you turn the lights back on after the ritual is done is not an option. (Before you ask, the answer is yes. It was a group ritual that used charcoal to burn resin that was either Frankincense or Myrrh and we had to open all the windows.)
But not being able to do the full smoke and smells bling doesn’t stop one from being able to perform good rituals. The first thing to look at when considering leaving out the incense is what purpose does it serve? Here are some alternatives to consider.
What is the Fire and Incense Being Used for?
Is the fire meant to invoke fire? A picture or even a dumpster fire ornament that is the hallmark of 2020 could perform the same function. Or a woven scarf with ripples and a fiery design.
Is the scent merely to train your mind through association? This is a method for meditating or entering an altered state. Scent can be very powerful for this purpose, but you don’t have to burn incense to produce a scent. A candle flame might be used as a focus to meditate, but there are other techniques that are just as effective.
Something a particular deity is known to have a taste for? If that is the case, I am sure research will reveal an alternative. All else fails, you can draw a picture or write a note to said deity explaining that you need to preserve your health.
Don’t Go Cheap
In my thrifty Pagan post, I recommended getting things like candle holders at the dollar store. When it comes to candles or incense, I think the drawbacks outweigh the benefits of saving a few dollars. Stuff you burn is going to end up in the air, and you will ultimately breathe it in. A lot of times, the cheap stuff uses fillers and synthetic chemicals that are not good even for those without issues.
Get Unscented Versions with Natural Wax
Have you ever read the label for a scented candle and had no idea what some of the ingredients listed were? If you get a basic candle, consider rubbing it with oil yourself to dress them. As long as you don’t have an allergy to either, beeswax and soil are good clean burning options. Even for an unscented candle, check the label to make sure there are no fillers.
Use Essential Oils
The don’t go cheap advice applies here too. Using essential oils does require and upfront investment. You need to get a set of equipment like measuring spoons and containers to get started. Good oils are expensive. However, a little goes a long way. A few drops of oil added to the candle will be enough to add scent, or a dozen drops to a diffuser, or you can make a room spray using a carrier oil. I recommend the book 500 Formulas for Aromatherapy by Carol and David Schiller—it’s a good beginner book to keep on your shelf and pull down when you say: I want to mix oils to do this.
Make Your Own
Candle making, incense making, and mixing essential oils are hobbies that do require an investment of getting the right equipment. However, the advantage is that you will know everything that is in what you make. You can also add intention and energy from step one.
Use Electric Candles
Much as I love fire, you’re not any less of pagan if electric candles is your best option for whatever reason.
Invoke Other Senses
For sound, bells are commonly used for blessings. Also consider musical instruments, humming, or singing. Throw handfuls of herbs or salt in the air (if practical). Chew on an (edible) herb. (Anything you put in your mouth, make sure it is safe first.) Have an item like fur or a stone that you hold in your hand to invoke.