Two scents meet in this box, soft floral jasmine and deeper, resinous myrrh. The incense sticks are hand-rolled in India, and packed separately beside them is a piece of moonstone.
Jasmine and myrrh
Jasmine smells strongest in the evening. In India its flowers are strung into garlands, tucked into hair and taken to temples. Myrrh is the resin of a thorny tree, and according to the Bible the wise men brought it as a gift, along with gold and frankincense.
In these sticks the two make a sweet, floral and resinous scent. Tradition links jasmine with love and myrrh with prayer.
The glow of moonstone
Moonstone belongs to the feldspar family. On many pieces a bluish-white sheen drifts across the surface as you move it in the light, which is how it got its name.
It is said to be the stone of the moon, of intuition and new beginnings. Many people bring it out at the new moon or keep it on the bedside table. You can keep it too once the sticks are gone.
Moonstone is softer than quartz, so keep it apart from harder stones to avoid scratches, and wipe it with a soft cloth. The decorative box also makes a pretty gift, for instance for a friend who loves stones.
For lighting in the evening
This box suits you if you like to light incense in the evening, by lamplight. Put the stick in a heat-resistant holder, light it and let it smoulder once you have blown out the flame. In a smaller room open a window slightly.
Never leave it unattended while it burns, and put it out before bed by pressing the glowing end into sand. Keep the smoke away from children and pets.