Not able to use incense

[michelle64]

What is a good alternative for incense on an altar if I am unable to use incense? Something that will be able to be “air” related

[marsha]

Hi @michelle64

I add essential oil to a diffuser. I have asthma and can’t use incense. The essential oils don’t cause any problems for me.

Love always

[michelle64]

Ok thank you. I just didnt know if an air diffuser would be ok

[Amethyst]

An old-fashioned hand fan would work too I bet. I used to have one with purple feathers. Not sure where it went to.

[Susurrus]

To represent Air you could also use feathers on your altar if you come across any

[AileyGrey]

I think bells can also represent air? Or drums? Since the sound waves carry over the air?

[jan_TheGreenWitch]

Whatever you are comfortable with and relate to as air will work, it’s all about your intentions and what the symbols mean to you @michelle64 - figure out what work and speaks to you and you have your answer! Even a picture or a symbol of a bird - if it works, it works!

[Phoenix_Fire]

Yeah i found using incense triggers my asthma too but i still wanted something for air… I had similar thought about oil diffuser for air. I wasnt sure if work but its nice to know i was in right direction, especially as incense is big part of practice but it also triggers asthma. Thanks for sharing cause it jelps to know im not stretching too far by replacung incense with oil difuser for air element

[Melora_Fae]

I am right there with you! Some have mentioned asthma, I don’t have asthma but I do have a heart disease so smoke is out, especially in the winter with closed windows. It bums me because I used to love incense!!

I use a water based diffuser, but haven’t in some time. It’s actually very mild and quite soothing, and gives the appearance of ‘smoke’ as the water vapor rises.

Another idea I just had is to use wooden skewers or any kind of stick, and adding essential oils to them and waving them around. Or sitting them in a little cup like a reed diffuser. I did that once with frankincense essential oil and it was lovely. The scent doesn’t last as long on the sticks for me but I can imagine adding one drop on the end and sticking it in something would smell lovely if you’re sitting near it.

[Susurrus]

@AileyGrey bells, music, sound can all represent air!

I had conpletely forgotten about those ones.

[Amaris_Bane]

In addition to the items already mentioned, air is associated with the East and Spring so a picture of the sunrise or spring scene could be used.

Also, it’s associated with the Waxing moon so you can use images of crescent moons as well.

Also the wand is representative of air.

The zodiac signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are air signs so you can use their symbols. The planet Jupiter is also associated with air.

Air’s color is yellow so anything yellow could also be used. I’ve used images of honey bees in my travel altar before. They fly, black and yellow, and often seen in spring.

Also, Groove and Grotto had a really good post about the elements that lists more alternatives for all the elements.

[MeganB]

How about a jar of wind? It sounds super simple but hear me out. Go outside with a jar and ask the wind of that direction for a small gust or breeze so you can carry it with you on your altar. If they give you a breeze, hold your jar open in that direction for a moment to catch the wind. Then close the jar and give thanks and an offering to the wind for their help

[Melora_Fae]

Holy cow @Amaris_Bane and @MeganB those are great ideas! I might use those myself!!

[Amaris_Bane]

I love this idea!! So simple yet so powerful!

[MeganB]

Thank you!