No matter what scent I try, as soon as I try to burn any insense I get a instant headache. Does anyone else have trouble with this as well? Any advice?
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You could be allergic to something in it. Have you tried different brands? You may need to do something else, like essential oil sprays or something.
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Hi @rebecca48,
Sorry about the headaches, those are no fun! I’m seconding Amethyst about trying other brands/types of incense. There may be an additive in the incense you have that is irritating your senses. If you’re using a stick incense, you could try cone or charcoal instead. I’d also recommend opting for more natural scents (as opposed to ones with fake chemical scents).
If that doesn’t work, it might be the smoke bothering you. You could switch it up and try aromatherapy with essential oils, which is a good way to draw on the scent and benefits of herbs without smoke.
Wishing you good luck! Blessed be.
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I would agree with @BryWisteria @Amethyst that you don’t need an insense in any spell work, I don’t always use. I have a a Made By Zen Essential Oil Diffuser and buy organic oils they are wonderful no smoke, good for other family members and pets. You can also add them to your bath, spells bottles.
You can also get a Smoke Free Energy Clearing & Energy Spray by “The Devine Hag” or something similar in the US.
Hopefully, you can get what you need.
Brightness Blessings 
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I´d say it´s a clear “no” from your body…and maybe even from a spirit guide or deity if you should be working with any.
You can easily replace it, depending what you´re using it for.
Here are some suggestions:
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Cleansing: to cleanse yourself, your sacred space or items you can use sound for example a singing bowl or bell. Also some Florida Water or Full Moon water in a spray bottle work well for cleansing.
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Offerings: incense smoke is a popular offering for deities, but flowers, candles, sweets, artwork etc. are great offerings as well.
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Shifting energies: the smell of incense can shift ones attention, awareness and energy, which makes it a helpful tool to “get in the zone” before spellwork. The same can be done with music! Some witchy music to set the mood can help you move your body a bit and get into that spellwork mindset quickly.
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Witchy Wednesday Rebecca,
I would not be upset if you cannot tolerate incense, that is not a deal breaker in the Craft.
I believe that incense is representative of the Air element. I see it as “floating to the heavens” which a flame will also provide without the unpleasant aspects. You have the flame for fire and for air. Two birds with one one stone/ win-win. If you wish aroma, find scented candles that you like. I do agree with Bry and Amethyst and Moonbeam, there are so many other ways that you can use scent, and other ways to represent air. For the Air element, a feather, a whistle, a bell, a picture of a kite, you understand where I am going.
So, go out, and make your magick!!
Lady Gene 
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