STILL AIR X

WINTER HEARTH

Shelter • Quiet Warmth • Protection

 

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Supports contained warmth, emotional shelter, and a sense of quiet protection

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INGREDIENTS

(Small batch - approx. 20 hand-rolled sticks)

Primary Materials
• Charred wood powder (untreated hardwood) - 1½ tsp
• Makko powder - 2 tsp

Supporting Materials
• Clean white wood ash (very fine) - ½ tsp
• Benzoin resin powder - ⅛ tsp

Resin is used sparingly - this is not a resin incense.
No essential oils.

 

TOOLS REQUIRED

• Stone mortar and pestle
• Fine mesh sieve
• Ceramic or glass mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Distilled water
• Wooden board or tray
• Baking paper or unbleached cloth
• Damp cloth
• Airtight storage container

 

PREPARATION

Refining the Materials
Place charred wood powder and wood ash into the mortar.
Grind slowly until extremely fine.

Add benzoin powder last and grind gently to integrate.

Sift through a fine mesh sieve.
Return any coarse particles to the mortar and repeat.

Winter incense must be smooth to prevent harsh smoke.

 

DRY BLENDING

Combine in a bowl:
• Charred wood powder
• Wood ash
• Benzoin powder
• Makko powder

Mix thoroughly until completely uniform.

The blend should be soft charcoal-beige - never dark black.

 

ADDING WATER

Add distilled water very slowly, mixing gently.

The dough should become:
• Soft
• Cohesive
• Slightly warm to the touch
• Never sticky

Ash- and resin-based blends absorb water slowly - patience matters.

 

RESTING THE DOUGH

Cover with a damp cloth.
Rest for approx. 15 minutes.

This stabilises the ash and resin elements.

 

HAND-ROLLING

Pinch a small amount of dough.
Roll gently into thin ropes:

• 2-3 mm thick
• 8-10 cm long

Pressure should be slow and steady.

Winter Hearth should feel solid and reassuring in the hand.

If surface cracks appear, lightly dampen fingertips and smooth once.
Do not overwork - quiet strength comes from restraint.

 

DRYING

Place sticks on baking paper or cloth.

Dry in a shaded, still space:

• No sunlight
• No artificial heat

Drying time: 5-7 days.
Turn once daily.

 

CURING

Once fully dry, store in an airtight container for 4-6 weeks.

This allows resin and ash to fully integrate and soften.

 

HOW TO BURN

• Burn on a mica plate or ash bed
• Break into shorter pieces if desired
• Best burned in cold weather, at night, or during emotional fatigue

This incense holds space rather than changing it.

 

WHY THIS BELONGS IN STILL AIR

• Protection without armour

• Warmth without fire

• Shelter without enclosure

• Strength that does not announce itself

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CaravanSerai Gypsy

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