Papier D’Armenie or Armenian paper are sheets of paper incense that are scented with resins. It is quick-burning, very convenient to use, and is still popular in France to this day.
I think that the use of materia magica that corresponds to one’s intentions may boost the power of burning sigils. This, of course, is not absolutely necessary, but at the very least fun to do and adds mystique to magickal performance.
Here’s a sample recipe for general positive manifestations:
- Sheets of thin paper (not as thin as tissue or blotting paper—those will disintegrate in wet solutions), cut into squares
- A clothesline and clips
Tincture
- An amber dropper bottle
- Perfumer’s ethanol or high-proof vodka
- Resins (much better if you can get resinoids so they can easily dissolve in alcohol): 1 part frankincense, 1 part benzoin, 1/2 part myrrh
- Essential oils: sandalwood and lavender are multi-purpose oils that are amazing for spirituality, cleansing, and invoking peace, as well as materializing wishes
5: Dry herbs: ginger and coffe grounds for potency and speed
Igniting solution
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoon saltpeter (Potassium nitrate)
Directions
First, you have to blend the tincture ahead of time. If you can’t get hold of liquid resinoids, grind the resins with the dry herbs into a very fine powder using a mortar and pestle. Use a clockwise direction for amplifying and blessing as this particular recipe is for positive workings.
Fill 1/3 of the bottle with the ground mixture, along with a few drops of essential oils. Top up with perfumer’s ethanol or high-proof vodka. Shake the bottle vigorously. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for about a week, shaking it everyday for maximum infusion.
When your tincture is ready, it’s time to prepare the igniting solution and the paper base. Dissolve the saltpeter in very warm water and dip the paper squares in the liquid. Hang them to dry in the sun or air.
Pour a few drops of tincture on both sides of the dry paper squares. Make sure every millimeter of it has been thoroughly covered by the tincture, but not soaking wet. Hang to dry.
Test one for burning. If it still smells like paper, repeat the previous step. Place the squares in a small box, away from heat and sunlight.
This paper incense can be used in a lot of ways: write sigils and petitions on them, use them in spellwork and evocation rituals, or simply scent your room with them. The possibilities are endless.