Meet the Incense: Cherry Bark

Cherry Bark (Prunus avium)

Meet the tree:

There really aren't many things more delicious than a ripe, plump Summer cherry. And it's no coincidence that this juicy fruit has songs written about both its innocence and its seductiveness, Cherry heralds a time of sweetness, love and harmony.

Uses:

• The sticky resin was thought to promote a good complexion and eyesight, and help to cure coughs.

• The wood burns well and produces a sweetly scented smoke, similar to the scent of its flowers.

• They are seen as symbols of renewal, rebirth and reincarnation. Cherry blossom festivals called “hanami” or flower-viewing take place throughout Japan to celebrate the blossom’s sweet but impermanent nature.

• The cherry spirit teaches us to embrace the sweetness and grace of life while practicing non-attachment.

• Cherry juice is considered an elixir of immortality most often associated with the feminine aspects of beauty, sexuality and procreation.

• Cherries ripening on the tree are often associated with the sweet innocence of youth and purity.

Myths & rituals:

• In Highland folklore, wild cherry had mysterious qualities, and to encounter one was considered auspicious and fateful.

• In Japan sweet-smelling cherry blossoms, commonly known as Sakura, appear in waves of pink in early spring.

• Holding onto pain creates more pain: learning from the pain and releasing it allows us to move forward.

• Cherrys red colour symbolises love, and carries a high vibration for healing, joy, vitality and joy

• God Apollo and Goddess Venus

• When burned is a unifer for covens and social connections

• Make a wish to the Fae and allow to blossom throughout the Spring

Cherry Bark features in the Alchemy of Agni Manifest loose incense blend to help you move forward with love and positivity.