Copal Sage Stick
Copal unites the energizing force of the Sun with the grounding, transmuting properties of the earth. This resin is a great and gentle healer. Copal works by bringing out Negative energies and transmuting them into positive energies. This resin also aids in healing - physical, emotional, and environmental, making it great to use in recovery or sickroom. Copal also is excellent for opening and cleaning all the Chakras. Copal is a highly protective energy that aids in manifestation.
Copal incense was burned in Mesoamerica in ancient times and is still burned for special ceremonies and is often placed on or near Day of the Dead altars as another olfactory element to draw in the spirits. The word copal comes from the Náhuatl word “copalli” which means “incense.” Copalli incense comes from the copal tree. It symbolizes the transformation from the physical, the tree, to the supernatural, the aromatic smoke. The rising smoke takes the prayers to the heavens and the gods. Pre-Hispanic civilizations such as that of the Aztecs and Mayans placed it in a clay incense burner as food for the Gods. In this ritual, the copal was offered to the four cardinal points and to the Sun to guarantee the protection of the people and gratitude for the crops.
They also used it in various energy cleansing ceremonies, such as temazcales, to make protective or purifying remedies and incense.
The scent of copal is believed to be therapeutic. Indigenous communities use the different types of copal to cure headaches, diseases caused by cold or humidity, stomach, toothache, uterine pain, burns, fever, and breathing problems.
Copal is a natural tree resin that is between two states — it is neither a hardened resin nor sap. Copal resin comes from the Buresa family of trees. The tree is considered medicinal to the Mayas in southern Mexico and is traditionally used for clearing the body of diseases. Not to mention the added benefit of keeping mosquitoes away.