Ceremonial Grade Kyphi
Thousands of years ago in Egypt, Kyphi was created using sacred resins, woods, herbs, fruits, wine, and honey. The creation of Kyphi was reverential, representing the resurrection of the god Osiris by his sister-wife-goddess, Isis. Kyphi was used in ceremonies and in daily life.
The Kyphi in this offering was created in very limited quantities, slowly, intentionally, and with reverence for what it represents. Each material is given a day of contemplation, which often includes grinding in a brass mortar and pestle before it is added to a copper vessel. The process is slow, intentional, and the Kyphi itself guides the pace of its creation. After the final steps (adding warm honey and ground myrrh), the Kyphi is then fermented in a clay container for at least 4-6 weeks. This is the formula attributed to Dioscorides; ancient Greek Physician and Pharmacologist c.40-90AD.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Handcrafted, ritually prepared Kyphi (4-5g) on a bed of blue lotus and rose petals.
- Beeswax tealight candle.
WHAT IS IN KYPHI?
- Benzoin
- Calamus Root
- Mastic
- Sandalwood Chips
- Tragacanth
- Cinnamon
- Cassia
- Lemongrass
- Pine Kernels
- Camphor Wood
- Labdanum
- Galbanum Resin
- Orris Root
- Lebanese Cedarwood (or Chinese Weeping Cypress)
- Juniper Berries
- Aleppo Pine Resin (or Canary Island Pine)
- Frankincense (species with boswellic acid)
- Dried Raisins
- Syrah Wine
- Myrrh
- Honey
HOW TO BURN KYPHI?
Although with caution Kyphi may be burned over coal, I don't recommend it. It easily burns and creates excessive acrid smoke. It is easy to waste the Kyphi using this method. With caution, using a shell or other barrier between the Kyphi and the grey coal can be successful, but I find it wasteful.
Electric Incense Burner or Subitism
I prefer to use an electric ceramic incense burner or a subitism incense burner to control the heat source. 300F seems to be a good temperature. A pea sized piece of Kyphi can be burned over several days depending on the length of the session. Typically 4-6 hours. Using this method, it will take 5-10 minutes for the volatile compounds to be released. The experience creates a more relaxing and contemplative experience.
