The rising-smoke reading
Follow a thin thread of fragrant smoke and read its bends, breaks, and direction.
What you’ll need
- One incense stick
- A fireproof holder
- A glass of water
- A notebook
The ritual
- Open a window slightly and set the incense in a stable holder on a clear, fireproof surface.
- Light the tip, extinguish the flame, and speak a question while the first smoke rises.
- Observe from a comfortable distance. Note whether the smoke climbs straight, curls, divides, or drifts in one direction.
- Extinguish the incense completely in water. Give each movement one word and read the words as a sequence.