Many spiritual traditions around the globe use scents to uplift the spirit. Catholic churches commonly use incense that wafts gently skyward. In temples throughout Asia, sticks of burning incense carry prayers and good thoughts up into the ethers. Scents like olibanum (frankincense), myrrh, sandalwood, lavender and lotus oils can inspire and elevate the mind to a better place. When scents are combined with spiritual practice, they help to create an environment that signals to the senses that this is a sacred space.

In Cherokee, NC, I met with an elder  who explained that people call on him to open ceremonies and festivals. He continues to burn sage to purify and as an offering to the four directions – North, South, East and West.  A Navajo drum circle leader and master drum maker I know uses dry sage when burning isn’t appropriate. He suggests that people rub it between their hands and then move their scented hands over the body to benefit from the fresh smell.

My favorite scents to use with meditation and for purifying the environment are frankincense, jasmine and fir balsam. Eucalyptus is good for raising my spirits when I feel down. Bringing a new scent into a space can shift the energy and improve the air. In many places burning incense is not possible or the dry air makes it feel harsh and strong. Diffusers are a gentle way to pump scents into the air and a nice option to burning oils.

If you have an opportunity, begin to explore the scents that uplift you. Many health foods stores have sections to test oils. You may also want to begin to experiment with creating your own scented perfume blend. Some guide books like Mandy Aftel’s “Essence and Alchemy” can offer some good suggestions for creating perfumes from natural essences.

Bio: Debra Moffitt is author of Awake in the World: 108 Practices to Live a Divinely Inspired Life. A visionary and teacher, she’s devoted to nurturing the spiritual in everyday life. She leads workshops on spiritual practices at the Sophia Institute and other venues in the U.S. and Europe. Her mind/body/spirit articles, essays and stories appear in publications around the globe and were broadcast by BBC World Services Radio. She has spent over fifteen years practicing meditation, working with dreams and doing spiritual practices. Visit her online at http://www.awakeintheworld.com.