The censer is an incense burner, used to hold smoldering incense during Wiccan rituals. A censer can be of the ornate, swinging variety similar to that used by the Catholic church, an exotic Buddhism-inspired covered bowl, or a simple fire-proof dish partially filled with sand or salt.

Incense comes in a variety of forms. Self-igniting cones, sticks, and blocks, as well as granulated forms burned on charcoal disks, are the most common. Many scents are commercially available, or you can allow your intuition to guide you, as you create your own blend.

Incense is associated with the element of Air. Burning incense helps bring about altered consciousness, creates a magickal atmosphere, and enhances spell work. The herbal properties of incense lend their power to any ritual or magickal working as the incense is burned, imparting the qualities of the herb to manifest change.

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Sources:
Lewis-Highcorrell, Rev. Don. Witch School: First Degree. Llewellyn Publications, 2005.
Cunningham, Scott. Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. Llewellyn Publications, 1989.
Robbins, Shawn and Leanna Greenway. Wiccapedia: A Modern-Day White Witches Guide. Sterling Ethos, New York. 2011