When to Burn Incense vs. Candles: A Guide for Rituals, Moods & Spaces
Ever stood in front of your altar wondering, “Do I light a candle… or incense?” Same. 🙃
Both are powerful. Both set the mood. But depending on the vibe you’re going for—cleansing, calming, manifesting—one may support you more than the other.
This guide breaks it all down:
💡 When to reach for incense
🕯️ When candles shine
🌀 And how to layer them together like a ritual baddie
💨 When to Burn Incense
If your goal is energy-shifting, spiritual alignment, or ritual focus—incense is your girl.
🔮 Best times to burn incense:
- Before or during meditation – it quiets the mind
- Energy cleansing rituals – smoke clears stagnation
- New moon + intention setting – boosts manifestation clarity
- After guests leave – resets your space
- Morning rituals – sets the tone before the chaos hits
Our go-tos for these moments:
- Chomolung Snow – cleansing + fresh energy
- Sera Serene – grounding, gentle start to the day
- Lucky Zaki – manifesting coin, baby 💸
🕯️ When to Burn Candles
Candles are for softness. Comfort. That ambient glow that makes you feel like you’re in a Pinterest board.
✨ Best times to burn candles:
- During baths or self-care time – hello, sensuality
- Evening wind-down – cozy lighting without stimulation
- Gratitude journaling – warmth + presence
- Date nights (with self or others) – romantic, atmospheric energy
- Post-ritual grounding – seals in your intention
Try pairing candles with scents like:
- Vanilla or amber – nurturing energy
- Sandalwood – comfort + connection
- Eucalyptus – relaxed clarity'
🧘How to Use Both Together
Power move? Use them together. They’re not competition—they’re a duo.
🔁 The Layered Ritual Technique:
- Start with incense → Use it to clear energy and shift your vibe
- Add a candle → Ground the intention with soft, steady light
- Anchor your ritual → Set your goal, say your affirmations, or just sit and receive
It’s like clearing the canvas then painting on it 🎨
🛋️ Candle vs Incense Cheat Sheet
| Goal/Activity | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Energy cleansing | 💨 Incense | Smoke moves stagnant energy |
| Meditation | 💨 Incense | Helps focus & breathwork |
| Journaling | 🕯️ Candle | Grounding, gentle glow |
| Self-care bath | 🕯️ Candle | Sensual, relaxing |
| New moon ritual | 💨 + 🕯️ | Cleanse + anchor energy |
| Daily vibe boost | Either | Choose what feels right in the moment |
🛍️ Our Faves to Mix & Match
- Chomolung Snow – for clarity and cleansing
- Lucky Zaki – for prosperity rituals
- Sera Serene – for emotional grounding
- Perfectly Imperfect – for a little bit of everything
💡 Final Thoughts
There’s no right or wrong here—just energy.
Tune into what you need, then pick your tool.
✨ Need clarity? Burn incense.
✨ Want calm? Light a candle.
✨ Want both? You’re spiritually upgraded, babe.
🕯️💨 Light it up, clear it out, glow up your space.