How To Burn Incense Trails

Step #1 – an incense bowl is filled with white chaff ash and compacted by tapping lightly on the bottom of the bowl.

White ash can usually be found whereever Japanese incense is sold.

Step #2 – an indentation is made in the ash with a “U” or other shaped koh press.

If a koh press is not available you can use any small object that will leave a straight line or shaped impression in the ash.

Gently press into the ash to make an indentation roughly about 1/2 inch deep x 1/2 inch wide.

Note: this style was used to create beautiful and elaborate patterns that were used as incense clocks in ancient Asia – see the book, “The Trail of Time.”

Step #4 – fill the entire indentation with either Makko powder, Sandalwood powder, or a pre-mixed incense powder of both Makko + a loose incense mixture.

If using Makko powder alone, then you’ll sprinkle either loose incense or pellets on top of the trail once it’s burning.

Sandalwood powder can be used and will burn on its own and produce its own wonderful aromas to add to your mixture or ingredient.

A pre-mixed incense powder is a finely powdered loose incense combined with the proper amount of Makko powder, or other base ingredient, to create a fragrant incense powder that will burn on its own once it’s lit

To pre-mix your incense with Makko follow the instructions for making incense sticks, cones, and trails.

Step # 4 – the koh press, or its substitute, is used to lightly compact the makko trail.

Step #5 – to light the trail you have options.

a) light one end of a small 1″ piece of a Japanese incense stick, and place it in one end of the trail and let burn.

b) use a long fireplace lighter to get one end burning.

c) lay match on the end of the trail while still lit – note that this will give off a foul sulfur smell at first. Worst option.

Step # 6 – once the trail is burning red-hot you can sprinkle your incense mixture or ingredient directly on top of the small section that is burning.

Step # 7 – now you can either:

a) sprinkle your incense all along the entire trail now (but don’t smother it!) or…

b) wait and as the incense trail burns you place additional incense only on the portion of trail that is burning.

The latter requires more direct attention and patience.

Enjoy!