Copal Resin

Copal - Latin names: Bursera bipinnata, Burserahubeiensis, Fraxinus japonica, Fraxinus manchurica et
fagaroides, Bursera ororata et aliaal) for an aromatic experience. As an example, the
The word "copal" derives from the Spanish / AztecLacandón Maya of the northern lowland
Nahuatl word "copalli" which means incense. Copal isChiapas, in southern Mexico, used copal incense or
an aromatic tree resin used by Meso-Americans (i.e.,"pom" as a common offering to their deities on a
the Aztec, Maya, Olmec, and Teotihuacan) for theregular basis. Pom is made from the resin of the Pitch
purification of meat, chewing, pigment binding,or Pitchy Pine tree (Pinus pseudostrobus, Pinus rigida),
medicinal purposes, worship, and as a gluing anda conifer. Copal can be used during protection,
varnishing agent. Copal is not an herb in the typicaldivination, cleansing / purification, banishment,
sense but is a crystallized resin (the solidified portionsexorcism, hex-breaking, love spells, meditation, and
of tree or plant sap). When burned, copal is veryother rituals or spiritual ceremonies. It can be used to
fragrant and aromatic. Copal comes from variousward off negative energy by placing small pieces of
species of the Bursera species of trees found incopal in with your crystals and then kept in a special
Mexico and South America. The three varieties ofplace of your choice or wearing around your neck as
copal are black, white, and gold in color, each with itsa magickal sachet; for example, a "sachet of
own subtle, sweet scent. Copal resin has been usedprotection" can be made with a combination of copal,
and burned, as an incense, atop Aztec and Mayanfrankincense, and myrrh. Copal makes for an
pyramids by Meso-American Indians (the Mayan andexcellent smudge and is commonly used in sweat
Aztec peoples) for many centuries for spiritual andlodge ceremonial gatherings. This is a wonderful resin
ritual purposes.to work with and for creating a mellow, magickal
Two common varieties of copal are the amber-likeatmosphere to work in.
yellow and the white versions. Please keep in mindCopal's Correspondences:
that you should only burn a small portion of the copal- Planet: Sun
resin at a time because resins tend to produce a lot- Elemental: Fire
of thick smoke.- Gender: Masculine
Soaking copal in a mixture of water and ethyl alcohol- Power: Purification, Love
will produce an aromatic tincture; the ethyl alcoholMedicinal Properties:
helps in the extraction of copal's active componentsFor many centuries, traditional Indian, Meso-American,
while concentrating and preserving them. Copal canand Native American healers have known about,
be ground into a fine powder, with a mortar andused, and taken advantage of the anti-inflammatory
pestle, and then sprinkled over a charcoal disc to beproperties of the tree bark's gummy resin known as
used as incense.salai guggal. Modern day herbal preparations are made
Spiritual Properties:from a purified extract of salai guggal, packaged in a
Copal, a "holy incense", can be can used forpill or cream form, then used to reduce inflammation
consecration and anointing of pentacles, athames,associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
wands, etc. by passing these objects through itsFrankincense, in comparison, makes for a fine
smoke. It can be burned when one is seeking "divinesubstitution if you are unable to find any copal.
favors". Like most resins, copal is burned orFrankincense derives from the Boswellia serrata
smoldered as an incense during spellwork and/orspecies of tree also known as Boswellin or Indian
rituals and needs to be burned on charcoal tablets orFrankincense that grow in the dry hills of India.
discs along with some Japanese Ash (Fraxinus