Incense is an herb (or blend of herbs) burned to create fragrant smoke and atmosphere. Because it creates a smoky atmosphere, it is not appropriate for everyone, and there are alternatives (such as fragrance oils). Incense comes in several forms:

   Whole herbs and powder are sprinkled over hot charcoal in a censer. Whole herbs are sometimes used, as the pure form of an herb can be very powerful. However, the herb (or herbs) is often ground into a powder; your own personal energy and power can be added to the powder as you grind it, often making the result much more effective for your specific purpose. Incense powders are the most commonly homemade incense as they're easy to create and use. Smudging sticks, incense sticks, and incense cones are usually pre-prepared and purchased, although they can be made. These are used by lighting the tip, then lightly blowing it out and allowing it to smoke; they all require a burner of some sort to rest the incense in while it burns. Smudging sticks are usually used to cleanse space, and once this is accomplished the stick it extinguished (by placing it in sand).

   Some links: