Incense-ing New York: A Whiff of the Exotic
New York City, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of... and incense sticks are burned. Yes, you heard that right! Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, there are hidden gems where you can find the perfect aroma to calm your nerves or elevate your mood.
So, where can you find these fragrant treasures in the city that never sleeps?
Let's embark on a scented journey through the boroughs!
1. The Spiritual Shops of Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village, a neighborhood known for its bohemian spirit and eclectic mix of shops, is a great place to start your incense hunt.
- Himalaya's: This store is a haven for spiritual seekers and offers a wide range of incense sticks, cones, and oils from India, Nepal, and Tibet.
- Spiritual Galaxy: This shop is a bit more New Age-y, but it has a decent selection of incense and other spiritual supplies.
2. Chinatown's Aromatic Alleyways
Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood with a strong Chinese influence. Here, you can find traditional Chinese incense sticks and coils in various scents, from sandalwood to jasmine.
- Any random shop on Canal Street: Just wander through the narrow streets and alleys, and you're bound to stumble upon a shop selling incense.
3. The Mystical Markets of Brooklyn
Brooklyn, the borough of cool, is home to many unique shops and markets.
- Brooklyn Flea: This popular flea market often has vendors selling incense and other aromatic products.
- Smorgasburg: Another popular market, Smorgasburg, sometimes has vendors selling incense-related products.
4. Online Shopping: The Modern Mystic's Choice
If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, there are many websites that sell incense.
- Amazon: A reliable source for a wide variety of incense, including popular brands like Satya Sai Baba and Hem.
- Etsy: A great place to find unique, handmade incense from small businesses.
A Few Tips for the Incense Novice
- Do your research: Before buying incense, do a little research on different scents and their effects.
- Start small: If you're new to incense, start with a small pack of a few different scents to see what you like.
- Experiment with different types of incense: Incense comes in many forms, including sticks, cones, and oils. Experiment with different types to find what works best for you.
- Burn incense safely: Always burn incense in a well-ventilated area and use a heat-resistant incense burner.
How-To FAQs
- How to choose the right incense scent? Consider your mood and the atmosphere you want to create. For relaxation, try calming scents like lavender or chamomile. For focus, try invigorating scents like citrus or peppermint.
- How to burn incense sticks? Use a heat-resistant incense burner and light the tip of the incense stick. Blow out the flame and let the stick smolder.
- How to burn incense cones? Place the incense cone on a heat-resistant incense burner and light the tip. Blow out the flame and let the cone smolder.
- How to use incense oil? Add a few drops of incense oil to a diffuser or burner.
- How to clean an incense burner? Clean your incense burner regularly with warm water and soap.
