What is Copal?

Copal is a generic name for a resin derived from various trees of the Torchwood (Burseraceae) family which also embraces the Palo Santo, Myrrh and Frankincense trees.
The most common tree for Copal in Mexico and central America is Protium copal.

The resin was in use for spiritual purposes by the pre-Columbian Mesoamerica Mayan, Inca and Aztec indigenous people .

Copal wonderful sweet-sharp aromas will open your heart and relax you. It is one of the most amazing incense worldwide!

About this product.

Incense sticks handcrafted by authentic Mayan artisans from a well balanced blend of pure Chiapas Mexican Penca and Gold Copal resin.
This is a totally natural and organic product, produced in a sustainable manner.

Each incense stick lasts an hour and more (depending on the environment: humidity, temperature, winds etc.). It produces a relatively large amount of purifying, aromatic smoke, thus it may be used in portions (detailed instructions below).

Types of Copal.

There are three main categories of Copal.
Black Copal: Has a rich and heavy scent.
Golden Copal: Has a wonderful balance and the sweetest scent.
White or Penca Copal: Tends more to the Pine type of scent. It is a sharper, not as sweet scent.

During the 18th century there was a great demand for Copal for production of glue and varnish. Copal from East Africa was produced from the tree species Hymenaea verrucosa in huge quantities.

This is not the same Copal as the one we provide, which is produced by the Mayans of South America.
If you buy Copal from sources in South-East Asia, you are likely to encounter Copal which is derived from other types of trees.

The Aroma.

The aroma of Copal varies according to the type of tree from which it has been derived, the age of the resin, mode of collection, season and more.

The aroma of our Copal incense sticks is rich and warm, tends to sweet (which comes from the Gold Copal) and has a hint of the sharpness of the Penca Copal.

The aroma is absolutely unique, unlike anything else. It can't even be described in words.

Major Benefits of Copal.

• Excellent for clearing negative energy and cleansing of spaces.
• Powerful repellent of Mosquitoes and other insects.
• Used for spiritual Ayahuasca and Sweat Lodge ceremonies
• Uplifting and inspires creativity.
• Calming, balancing. Relaxing and Reducing Stress.
• Focuses and helps with meditations.

How to use?

Burning.

To use as incense, and/or mosquito/insect repellent, ignite the end of an incense stick. Once the flame catches, blow it off. Place the stick in a special incense burner. Do not forget to blow off the fire, or the entire stick will burn immediately and ineffectively.
If you don't have an incense burner, you may use a small bowl filled with sand or rice and simply stick the burning incense stick inside.

Allow the wonderful aroma to disperse in the room or move around to spread the scent and clear the energy.

Each incense stick lasts an hour or more (depending on the environment: humidity, temperature, winds etc.). It produces a relatively large amount of purifying, aromatic smoke, thus it may be used in portions. To stop the burning, place the burning tip on a fireproof surface and press the tip so it breaks exactly at the end of the ember (it will naturally do so). You may light and turn off the sticks many times with this method.
Another way is to dip the burning tip in water. After drying, it will easily re-lit.

 

Spiritual Ceremonies With Copal.

The use of Copal for sacred purposes is dated to ancient cultures of the pre-Columbian mesoamerica.
For cleansing the energy of a ceremonial (or any other) space, use Copal smudge of smoke. The smoke may come from either burning an incense stick (for small spaces), or burning (actually fuming) Copal resin on an ember of a charcoal disk for large spaces or to obtain a thorough cleansing.
Move around the space and spread the smoke or fumes. To establish a thorough energy cleansing, allow the space to be actually filled with heavy smoke and leave the space for some time. Avoid breathing dense smoke.

For energetic purification of ceremony participants, move the smudge above and around the head, body, underneath the arms and legs.

History and current use of Copal.

The word Copal comes from the Nahuatl word Copalli which means "Incense".

The use of Copal for sacred purposes is dated to ancient cultures of the pre-Columbian mesoamerica. Scientific evidence for that has recently been found in meaningful sites such as the Cenote Sagrado in Chichen Itza, the Templo Mayor of the capital city of Tenochtitlan and the Laguna de la Luna in Toluca, Mexico.

In the shamanic tradition, Copal helps in the communication between humans and the non-physical world ("The great mystery") and symbolizes consciousness and wisdom. It is associated with the god Tlaloc and goddess Chalchiuhtlicue, the gods of water, fertility and creation.

Dia de los Muertos

Today, Copal is being used in Mexico to celebrate "Dia de los Muertos" ("Day of the Dead"). It is a day of celebration of the gift of life. It is a common belief that on this day, the souls of loved ones will return to visit their family and friends. To help them find their way home, Copal is being burnt in homes and churches and is also being offered at the grave site together with candles and flowers.

Sustainability, Eco Friendliness and Supporting the Community.

The resin is obtained by Mayan expert artisans called "copaleros". They have the expertise and knowledge of cutting the tree bark in a sustainable manner in order to obtain the wood sap ("blood") without harming the tree. Once the sap comes into contact with air it turns into resin.

When you purchase our Copal products you are supporting the native Mayan artisans and their families.