Limited Edition Samhain Incense Blends (PRE-ORDER 2023)
Samhain Inspired Incense Blends
Hand-rolled rich, resinous "incense pearls" inspired by Matt's original creations from last year's Drawtober challenge on Instagram titled "The Season of the Witch". Unorthodox and highly limited "unofficial" blends for smudging during the dark nights between Halloween and the New Year.
WARNING:
- Contains animal products...
- Contains Solanaceous witching plants...
- May produce unusually intense aromas...
- Not for the faint of heart!
You will receive approximately 15 grams (0.52 ounces) of resin-based incense housed in an aluminum tin with an illustrated label. Designed as smudging incenses for use on top of charcoal, but also excellent upon an electric heater. Each blend is accompanied by an in-house printed rendition of the original artwork, slightly revised and updated specially for this release.
- Only 4 tins available of each blend!
- To purchase all 6, chose the "Complete Set of 6" options and save $25 and receive free shipping.
- Please ask if the set is Sold Out (we may be able to package another for you!).
*** Blend descriptions ***
A Haunting in the Garden of Night (SOLD OUT): Original illustration and incense concept created under the title "Garden of Magick" in October 2022. This new rendition takes the myrrh/patchouli/castoreum concept to even more complex and subterranean depths. This blend is part of a lineage which includes Devilsmoke (Ethereal Aromas, 2012) and Graveyard Dirt (Island Octopus, 2021). Contains a resin base of Sea-Kissed Kua and Erythraea, Gabonese Okoumé, Madagascan Haramy, Neptunian Papyrifera, Sumatran Benzoin and German Larch with the woods of Appalachian White Birch, Tengkaras from Brunei and Cedar from the Atlas. Infused with Castoreum, Patchouli, Sweet Annie, Datura, Labdanum, Galbanum and Indian Amber perfume with accents of Anise, Chamomile, Yarrow, Ammoniacum, Rhododendron and others.
Horror Rides on Moonlit Rays (SOLD OUT): Original illustration and incense concept created under the title "Midnight Delivery" in October 2022. This rendition holds fairly true to the original elemi/tonka/civet concept with a more finessed outcome. Though this blend does not have a direct lineage of any kind, it shares some of the sensibilities of Jaguar's Hunting Candy (Ethereal Aromas, various). Contains a resin base of Manilan Elemi, Peruvian Copal de Santo, Sumatran Dammar and Tolu from the Columbian Amazon with the woods of Ecuadorian Palo Santo and Appalachian White Birch. Infused with Z'bad Civet perfume, Henbane, Mugwort, Black Currant, and White Champaca with accents of Tonka, Propolis, Black Pepper, Nutmeg and others.
Manifestations from a Higher Order (SOLD OUT): Original illustration and incense concept created under the title "Spellbook Apprentice" in October 2022. This new rendition really diverges from the original dragon's blood/asafoetida/camphor concept, instead leaning toward a more rich, balsamic and floral direction and completely dropping the "hing". This blend is part of a lineage which includes Smashan Kali (independent, 2010), The Black Dragon (Ethereal Aromas, 2016) and Blood for Kali (Ethereal Aromas, various). Contains a resin base of Soqotran Emzolo and Dragon's Blood from the Shilin, Indian Kahruba and Rhaal Dhup, Benzoin from Siam, Sea-Kissed Myrrha, Kokopal from the Congo and other rare resins with the woods of Vietnamese Crassna, Mysore Sandalwood and 'Iliahi from Hawai'i. Infused with three types of authentic Ambergris, Labdanum, Frangipani, Peru Balsam and Ylang Ylang with accents of Camphor, West Indian Bay, Damiana, Saffron and others.
Bestial Calls in the Wilderness: Original illustration and incense concept created under the title "Fiendish Familiar" in October 2022. This new rendition expands on the copal negro/juniper wood/hyraceum concept adding more leathery, wilderness, resinous and complex notes. This blend is part of a lineage which includes The Beasts of Africa (Ethereal Aromas, 2016). Contains a resin base of Guatemalan Copal Negro, Omumbungu from the Namibian desert, Siberian Pine, Sandarac from the Atlas, Camoyna from the Congo, Soqotran Ornifolia and German Larch with the wood of Nepalese Juniper, Juniper needles from the Black Forest and Lavender flowers. Infused with Hyraceum, Mandrake, Sweetgum, Storax, and Halmaddi with accents of Lavender, Costus, Spikenard, Amyris, Ginger, Spruce and others.
As Shades Pass in the Misty Slough: Original illustration and incense concept created under the title "Bewitched Bog" in October 2022. This new rendition keeps the protium/oakmoss/muskrat concept while adding numerous other ingredients commonly found in the swamps and wetlands around the world. Contains a resin base of Guatemalan Pom, Sea-Kissed Mukul, Peruvian Copal de Santo, Dammar Batu from Java and Puerto Rican Lignum Vitae with the woods of Papuan Aetoxylon and locally collected Camphorwood, Driftwood and Brazilian Pepper. Infused with Sassafras, Brugmansia, Muskrat, Myrtle, Oakmoss and Florida Water perfume with accents of Cypress, Lotus, Fig, Cabbage Palm, Moonflower, Nagarmotha and others.
Sisterhood of the Spectral Light (SOLD OUT): Original illustration and incense concept created under the title "Candlelit Coven" in October 2022. This new rendition builds on the frankincense/tobacco/musk concept creating an even richer and more sensuous blend. This blend is part of a lineage which includes The Smoking God (Ethereal Aromas, various) and The Old God of the Sea (Island Octopus, forthcoming). Contains a resin base of Neptunian Occulta, Soqotran Root Juice, Sea-Kissed Myrrha and Erythraea, Sumatran Benzoin and Ivy from Morocco with the woods of Juniper from Bhutan and 'Iliahi from Hawai'i. Added were the leaves of Sunpatti from Nepal and a finely aged black pipe Tobacco. Infused with antique Yemeni Musk, Belladonna, Labdanum, Frangipani, and Vetiver with accents of Birch, Wormwood, Clove and others.
NOTE: These incense blends are intended to be used as an aromatic incense only! We create incense as a form of functional and interactive art, and make no guarantees or claims to any desired effects, whether they be expressed or inferred.
*** WARNINGS ***
Always maintain good ventilation when producing smoke of any kind in doors. Always be cautious when using hot charcoal and keep out of the reach of children & pets!! Incense is not edible! This incense blend is intended to be used as an aromatic incense only. None of our products are intended as food and should not be ingested in any way. Learn more about how to use resin incense.
*** Shipping FAQ’s ***
$5 flat rate shipping is available for all US orders! Order $50 or more for free standard shipping, and $100 or more for free Priority Mail shipping.
Most orders are dropped off at the Post Office within 3 business days, except for print on demand items. View more shipping details & FAQs before ordering. Be the first to see new arrivals by joining our newsletter!
All artwork & images © 2023 by The Island Octopus™. All rights reserved.
The Birth of Aphrodite Incense
The Birth of Aphrodite Incense
A "Beach Sand" incense blend created at The Island Octopus Incensarium.
You will receive approximately 15 grams (0.52 ounces) of all natural resin-based incense housed in an aluminum tin with an illustrated label. The Island Octopus' "Beach Sand" blends are a loose form of incense designed for easy use with electric and charcoal censers.
*** Blend description ***
The Birth of Aphrodite is inspired by the Aphrodite/Venus mythos, incorporating numerous plants considered sacred to the goddess of love. In some ways, this incense blend is a reimagining of my Venus Embrace incense blend released through Ethereal Aromas in 2019. However, this new creation contains a richer complexity of ingredients and is more balanced than the previous rose/benzoin combination.
The recipe is primarily based in sweet Sumatran & Thai benzoin, clear Indian dammar, mysterious Guatemalan copal, and other evocative resins blended with our sultry Sea-Kissed Erythraea myrrh created using fresh seawater, personally collected Atrina shells, and a sprinkling of sea salt. Warm and seductive notes of agarwood, sandalwood and driftwood from Vietnam, India, Timor, Hawaii and Sanibel meld into the resin base, accented by a variety of herbal ingredients such as wax myrtle, damiana, seaweed, cypriol and others. The sweet and fruity notes of labdanum, geranium, pomegranate, rhododendron, and xanthorrhoea bind the recipe together. Finally, an infusion of rich Bulgarian rose, a hint of champaca, and a touch of vintage ambergris add their ethereal characteristics, bringing the blend to completion.
The Birth of Aphrodite is best experienced on an electric incense heater such as the legendary Golden Lotus heater. Also for use using the traditional charcoal method. Please ask if you have any questions!
Aromatic design and artwork are original creations by Matthew Gindling exclusively for The Island Octopus!
NOTE: This incense blend is intended to be used as an aromatic incense only! We create incense as a form of functional and interactive art, and make no guarantees or claims to any desired effects, whether they be expressed or inferred.
*** WARNINGS ***
Always maintain good ventilation when producing smoke of any kind in doors. Always be cautious when using hot charcoal and keep out of the reach of children & pets!! Incense is not edible. This incense blend is intended to be used as an aromatic incense only. None of our products are intended as food and should not be ingested in any way. Learn more about how to use resin incense.
*** Shipping FAQ’s ***
$5 flat rate shipping is available for all US orders! Order $50 or more for free standard shipping, and $100 or more for free Priority Mail shipping.
Most orders are dropped off at the Post Office within 3 business days, except for print on demand items. View more shipping details & FAQs before ordering. Be the first to see new arrivals by joining our newsletter!
All artwork & images © 2023 by The Island Octopus™. All rights reserved.
Mermaid's Dawn Incense
Mermaid's Dawn
A "Beach Sand" incense blend created at The Island Octopus Incensarium.
You will receive approximately 15 grams (0.52 ounces) of all natural resin-based incense housed in an aluminum tin with an illustrated label. The Island Octopus' "Beach Sand" blends are a loose form of incense designed for easy use with electric and charcoal censers. We also have 1 gram sample sizes available.
*** Blend description ***
Mermaid's Dawn is the newly reenvisioned blend based on the well-received incense created by Ethereal Aromas Incense Company in 2018. This incense blend was brought into existence with the intent of using the natural elemental forces of the sea-side realm to transform the land-based ingredients. The incense marries the mysterious depths of the ocean with the birth of the rising sun, bringing the captivating light of morning to the oceanside. Various ingredients were personally collected from the beaches of South Florida, including a salty and beautifully smooth Driftwood, Atrina Pen shells, and fresh ocean water from the Gulf of Mexico.
First and foremost, this is a myrrh based incense, with our personally created Sea-Kissed Somalian Myrrh being the foundation to which all other ingredients are added. This Myrrh provides the deep and mysterious watery depths to which resins such as Brue, Copal, and others have been added. The fathoms of the deep are further impregnated with other like-minded notes which arise from the addition of Labdanum, Oakmoss, West Indian Bay, and a curious Seaweed absolute. Next, the wooden warmth of Agarwood and sweet Driftwood meld with the exotic subterranean scents of Kava and Vetiver. As the sun's morning rays provide their warm and soothing caress across the landscape, so does the breath of exquisite Jasmine Sambac and Red Champaca flowers arise with a fleeting sensation of Grapefruit. Acting as a sort of metaphysical net which holds this incense's various parts together are the alluring and fixative aromas of fresh Vanilla bean, Coconut, Sandalwood and a touch of vintage Ambergris.
Mermaid's Dawn is best experienced on an electric incense heater such as the legendary Golden Lotus heater. We have found that we enjoy this most when used at a temperature of approximately 210°C and allowed to develop over the period of about 30 minutes. For traditional settings, place the incense directly on the red hot coal. Alternatively, you may allow the coal form a thin layer of ash over its surface, creating a thin barrier between the incense and the coal. While this is not necessary, it allows for the subtle and delicate notes to emerge with less charing resin.
All illustrations and recipes are original creations by Matthew Gindling exclusively for The Island Octopus!
NOTE: This incense blend is intended to be used as an aromatic incense only! We create incense as a form of functional and interactive art, and make no guarantees or claims to any desired effects, whether they be expressed or inferred.
*** WARNINGS ***
Always maintain good ventilation when producing smoke of any kind in doors. Always be cautious when using hot charcoal and keep out of the reach of children & pets!! Incense is not edible. This incense blend is intended to be used as an aromatic incense only. None of our products are intended as food and should not be ingested in any way. Learn more about how to use resin incense.
*** Shipping FAQ’s ***
$5 flat rate shipping is available for all US orders! Order $50 or more for free standard shipping, and $100 or more for free Priority Mail shipping.
Most orders are dropped off at the Post Office within 3 business days, except for print on demand items. View more shipping details & FAQs before ordering. Be the first to see new arrivals by joining our newsletter!
All artwork & images © 2023 by The Island Octopus™. All rights reserved.
SWFL Peace Day Incense 2022
SWFL Peace Day Incense
2022 edition
A "Beach Sand" incense blend created at The Island Octopus Incensarium.
You have the choice between approximately a 2 gram or 5 gram of all natural resin-based incense housed in a corked test tube with an attached illustrated label. The Island Octopus' "Beach Sand" blends are a loose form of incense designed for easy use with electric and charcoal censers. However, you are encouraged to use this blend on charcoal if desired. NOTE: The event transpired on quite a hot afternoon here, and the incense more stuck together than anticipated. It may need a little help getting it out.
*** Blend description ***
Created for the 15th Annual SWFL Peace Day Celebration in Fort Myers Florida. My main inspiration came from the ingredients themselves, which have been used as smudges and healing incenses among the various cultures of the world. Pictured are 8 different incense ingredients, with the last being hidden within the image.
This incense is based in the clean burning dammars of Indonesia and the tropical woodland aroma of elemi from Madagascar. Added were different resins from around the world including Piñon from the American West, Lignum Vitae from the Caribbean, and others from Central America, East African, the Mediterranean, the Himalayas, South Asia and Australia. Traditional holy woods, healing herbs and roots such as Palo Santo, HawaiianSandalwood, Agarwood, White Sage, Tulsi, Lavender and Rustica help balance the rich incense resin, bringing their white plumes of smoke. This multifaceted blend was completed with the additions of precious floral and citrus essences including Jasmine Sambac, Ylang Ylang, Mandarin, Petitgrain and others.
While SWFL Peace Day Incense works excellently with an electric incense heater such as the legendary Golden Lotus, my intent was for this incense to be used in the traditional setting and placed on top of charcoal. You can place the resin directly on the red hot coal, or allow the coal to form a thin layer of ash before placing the incense. Using a half teaspoon of this blend creates a rich and enveloping smudging smoke which can be used the cleanse indoor spaces and as a medium for lifting your consciousness to other realms.
All illustrations and recipes are original creations by Matthew Gindling exclusively for The Island Octopus!
NOTE: This incense blend is intended to be used as an aromatic incense only! We create incense as a form of functional and interactive art, and make no guarantees or claims to any desired effects, whether they be expressed or inferred.
*** WARNINGS ***
Always maintain good ventilation when producing smoke of any kind in doors. Always be cautious when using hot charcoal and keep out of the reach of children & pets!! Incense is not edible. This incense blend is intended to be used as an aromatic incense only. None of our products are intended as food and should not be ingested in any way. Learn more about how to use resin incense.
*** Shipping FAQ’s ***
$5 flat rate shipping is available for all US orders! Order $50 or more for free standard shipping, and $100 or more for free Priority Mail shipping.
Most orders are dropped off at the Post Office within 3 business days, except for print on demand items. View more shipping details & FAQs before ordering. Be the first to see new arrivals by joining our newsletter!
All artwork & images © 2023 by The Island Octopus™. All rights reserved.
