Kyphi Ceremonial Offering
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 fermented in a clay container for 4-6 weeks.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Handcrafted, ritually prepared Kyphi on a bed of blue lotus and rose petals
- Beeswax tealight in a fire-safe cup
- Wood matches
- Ceremonial instruction pamphlet
- Three journal pages
- Oracle, Citrina, & Ember Sol (2ml vials)
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
WHAT IS THE CEREMONY?
The three-day ceremony involves a day of release, a day of reverence, and a day of renewal. At the end of the ceremony, you are offered the choice of fire or water to close. Each day begins with burning a piece of Kyphi, lighting a beeswax candle, a page of writing, and setting aside time for reflection. This is similar to the ritual I used when creating the Kyphi.
HOW TO BURN KYPHI?
Kyphi is not self-igniting, so it will require one of the methods below to burn. You will receive one Kyphi ball that can be broken into small pieces. You should have enough for at least three, thirty-minute sessions. Your heat source mustn't be too high. If the Kyphi is excessively smoky or smells acrid, move it away from or lower the heat. It should smell sweet while burning, and the fragrance may take a few minutes to build in intensity as the woods and resins heat and melt.
Electric Incense Burner
I prefer to use an electric ceramic incense burner or a subitism incense burner to control the heat source.
Charcoal Incense Burner
Charcoal may also be used. I prefer incense-grade Japanese charcoal that is not self-igniting. It takes longer to light, but there is minimal smoke. Using tongs hold the Japanese charcoal over tealight until it becomes red-hot, then allow it to cool on a bed of ash, salt, sand, or even kitty litter (unscented) until it is covered with grey ash. You will want to use an incense burner or fire-safe vessel. Allow grey ash to cover the coal. The Kyphi may then be placed directly on top of the coal or placed next to the coal, depending on the heat. Lighting Japanese charcoal feels ceremonial, and each step takes time. Minimal smoke is produced from the charcoal.
Lastly, there is self-igniting charcoal. It is smoky when first lit, and it is important to avoid the low quality versions. It is very convenient. Place the charcoal puck in an incense burner with a bed of ash, salt, sand, or even kitty litter (unscented) before lighting. Use a match or lighter to ignite the puck, once it has started to burn, allow the charcoal to form a layer of grey ash. Set the Kyphi directly on the ash-covered puck or next to it to control the heat. Three Kings is a highly regarded brand.