The Aztecs were Mesoamerica’s last great native civilisation. They were a dominant force in Mexico between the 13th and 16th Century, before being overthrown by the Spanish in 1521. They were an advanced and spiritual civilisation, with sophisticated construction and agriculture methods and a powerful military. At their peak they ruled around 6 million people under a strict caste system.
They were devoted to the Aztec gods, as you can see from the magnificent temples they left behind. They worshipped different gods, which represented different aspects of their lives. Their calendar of rituals was key to the way they worshipped and ceremonies were held to honour and please the gods, as well as drive out evil spirits and illnesses. Herbs and incense played a big part in their worship, rituals and events, as well as in their healing practices.
Herbs used by the Azetecs and in folk healing today
Folk healing in Mexico still uses practices and traditions dating back to the Aztecs and is a result of a bringing together of Mayan, Aztec and Catholic practices and even being influenced by Cuban santería. They use incense as part of the curandero ceremonies, as well as using herbs to cure conditions. Medicinal plants and herbs were vital to the Aztec culture, with over 250 listed in the first book detailing traditional healing in Mexico. The Ticitl healers used plants to stop bleeding, relieve pain and help to heal wounds. Plants were often burned and the smoke inhaled, rubbed on the skin, or taken as medicines.
Herbs and incense used in rituals
Rituals and ceremonies were an important part of Aztec cultures. They used sacred incense and herbs to connect with gods, drive away illness and purify body and mind. These rituals are often led by shamans who combine the use of herbs and incense with prayers, magical objects and use sacred herbs to connect with the spirit world.
The ritualistic limpia ceremony uses herbs rubbed on the body by a shaman before crushing them underfoot to crush the evil forces removed from the body, this is accompanied by burning herbs and blowing the smoke over the person receiving the healing. It is still performed in Mexico today.
Probably the most famous is the temezcal ceremony of purification which uses a combination of herbs, smoke and incense. The first step involves the application of certain herbs to detoxify the body, and this is accompanied by the burning of the sacred incense of copal to enhance spiritual cleansing. Then local mud clay, combined with rosemary and aloe vera is applied to the body and if required the healers will add herbs into the ritual to improve health, as well as to purify the body, soul and spirit.
The Aztecs’ sacred incense
The most sacred incense was copal, which was viewed as sacred by both Mayan and Aztec civilisations. This copal incense comes in several forms including copal white and copal gold. It is a resin from trees which was believed to be a gift handed down from the gods. Copal was so important that it was given as a tribute to the capital city of the empire and it is still an important part of the Día de los Muertos festival in Mexico.
We recommend Copal White incense if you’re feeling stressed, nervous or blocked. Its fragrance is very calming and grounding and in addition it is said to stimulate self-awareness and promote the feeling of confidence. Copal Gold Incense is valued for its cleansing properties and ability to stimulate creativity and imagination.
You can purchase copal incense in our online shop and we can ship it to your door wherever you are in the world. Alternatively browse our extensive range of high quality incense and feel free to ask us if you have any questions.