Incense burning has been part of rituals and ceremonies for thousands of years. Though its use in the Far East has never waned, the practice was largely overlooked in the West until recently. Now that its healing properties have been rediscovered, many people utilize these aromatic substances to cleanse the atmosphere, to reduce stress, to renew energy, even to help insomnia or to stimulate creativity. The Complete Incense Book draws upon traditions throughout world history, blending historical survey with a rundown of incense plants, recipes, and instructions for preparing vessels. Though there's a fair amount of text to wade through, the rewards are many as narratives evoke the spirits of the Druids, the gardens of Babylon, the Oracles of ancient Greece, the mysticism of Arabia, and many other incense-loving cultures. And the recipes have alluring names like "Morning of Happiness," "Breath of the Soul," "Game of the Elves," and "Kingdom of Angels." --Amy Handy
