A Question About Non-Combustible Incense

[Adam Of Avalon]

I did a search and couldn't find a thread on the subject. Here goes:

I'm having trouble lighting my charcoal tablet. I've tried using matches and a candle lighter. Any suggestions?

[st0rm]

hmm... 90% moonshine :D or gas? or ne kind of oil?

[Rick]

Some charcoal has something akin to lighter fluid in it, some doesn't, usually says on the package... & even the 'easy light' type goes bad over time...

[Mithrea]

My charcoal tablets are the "Swift-lite" kind and they are very hard to light too. I have to hold a lighter to an edge for about two minutes before they will light, but they eventually do.

[Theres]

self-lighting charcoal contains salt peter. this is the same stuff used in stick and cone incense to keep it lit.
if you can't get it to light even after prolonged exposure to the flame, then it's probably just old.
since this stuff is relatively inexpensive, i'd suggest you just buy some more. but after the package is open, try storing the remainder in a zip-lock baggy.
as far as the old dead stuff, keep it. you can still use this on top of another already glowing charcoal in those longer rituals where one just isn't enough.
(damn, this sounds like Martha Stewart!)

[Pan]

"And that's... a good thing" ;)

I get these sometimes too and it cheeses me off! 8O So I just go out and buy some more. They might just be old, like what Greenman said, so don't fret. :D

[Arduinna]

I usually use one of those long butane lighters ( like for lighting stoves) to light the charcoal. I leave the flame on it until it catches good. That method works the best for me. Matches just don't seem to cut it. They always seem to burn out before the charcoal catches good.

[)O( ~ Khara~ )O(]

WD-40 works wonders.

OK so I am strange, I also use it with a lighter as a blow torch to kill spiders. It's instinct. Besides I don't use hairspray in a can.

On the actual subject..... in a pinch WD-40 works, otherwise keeping your charcoal in a air tight bag or bowl works well as mentioned above. You can also add a pinch of salt peter to your charcoal which can help.

I have used many different flammable liquids when in need. Alcohol, butane, paint thinner (not one of my BEST ideas) finger nail polish remover etc....

[Flar's Freyja]

Wow, WD-40, huh? That's a critical Okie tool chest item, along with duct tape :T

I only found the problem with a certain brand, and I found that using two pieces seemed to work better.

[Rick]

My HoneyGirl's brother, the Eastern Orthodox Catholic, gave us some charcoal that he said came from 'the Catholic store'... it lights pretty well with paper matches (usually takes 2 or 3)... he gave us a giant box of frankincence which is great, too (must be 3 pounds of the stuff; we'll probably never use it all in this lifetime :) )... so if you can't find any good charcoal, you can ask your neighborhood priests where they get theirs...

[Theres]

yeah, any Bible Store store will have it, as will any 'New Age' Store.
sometimes you can find it at health food stores where they carry incense.