Resins, Balsalms, & Saps
The air thickens, sweet and smoky — you’ve entered the alchemical heart of the forest. Resins and saps are the lifeblood of trees, offered freely or in healing. Burned, they become bridges between mortal prayer and divine attention. From frankincense on temple altars to pine resin sealing spell jars, these fragrant offerings embody purification, preservation, and devotion.
This archive catalogs the sacred and practical uses of resins and gums — from ancient rituals to modern blends. You’ll learn which to burn for cleansing, which to mix into incense, and how their elemental natures shape their magical intent.
🜂 A
Amber (Fossilized Tree Resin) – A golden fossilized resin associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for protection and vitality, it is often used to preserve energy and attract positivity.
Asafoetida – ⚠️ Caution – Irritant ⚠️ A pungent brown resin associated with Saturn and Fire. Known for banishment and exorcism, it is often burned to repel negativity and cleanse heavy energy.
Ammoniacum – ⚠️ Caution – Irritant ⚠️ A yellowish gum resin associated with Mars and Air. Known for purification and courage, it is often burned to strengthen willpower and dispel fear.
Amyris Resin (West Indian Sandalwood Resin) – A pale aromatic resin associated with Venus and Earth. Known for peace and sensuality, it is often used in meditation blends and love incense.
🜃 B
Balsam of Peru – A dark, sweet-smelling balsam associated with Venus and Water. Known for healing and love, it is often used to soothe hearts and mend emotional wounds.
Balsam of Tolu – A rich golden balsam associated with Jupiter and Fire. Known for inspiration and renewal, it is often burned to uplift the spirit and promote creativity.
Benzoin – A creamy-white resin associated with the Sun and Air. Known for purification and prosperity, it is often used to bless altars and draw abundance.
Bdellium (Guggul) – ⚠️ Caution – Irritant ⚠️ A reddish-brown resin associated with Mars and Fire. Known for healing and strength, it is often used to purify sacred space and invoke courage.
Birch Tar – ⚠️ Caution – Irritant ⚠️ A dark, smoky resin associated with Saturn and Earth. Known for protection and grounding, it is often used to anoint tools and banish negativity.
Burseraceae Resins (Frankincense/Myrrh Family Group) – A sacred resin family associated with the Sun and Spirit. Known for sanctification and divine communication, they are often used in ritual incense and temple offerings.
🜄 C
Camphor Resin – ⚠️ Toxic if Ingested / Inhaled in Excess ⚠️ A translucent white resin associated with the Moon and Air. Known for purification and psychic defense, it is often burned to clear stagnant or cursed energy.
Cedar Resin (From Sap, Not Wood) – ⚠️ Caution – Skin Irritant ⚠️ A reddish resin associated with Jupiter and Fire. Known for purification and protection, it is often used to consecrate tools and ward off negativity.
Chios Mastic Gum (Mastiha) – ⚠️ Caution – Allergic Sensitivity ⚠️ A pearly resin associated with Mercury and Air. Known for clarity and healing, it is often chewed or burned to refresh the mind and purify energy.
Cistus (Labdanum) – ⚠️ Caution – Digestive Irritant ⚠️ A thick amber resin associated with the Sun and Earth. Known for attraction and power, it is often used in love magic or to summon strength.
Copahu – A golden resin associated with Sun energy and prosperity. Known for purification, protection, and attracting abundance, it is often used in offerings, incense, or anointing rituals.
Copaiba Balsam – A golden, viscous balsam associated with Venus and Water. Known for soothing and healing, it is often used in anointing oils to calm and restore balance.
Copal (White, Gold, Black) – A sacred resin in many colors associated with the Sun and Air. Known for cleansing and divine connection, it is often burned to open spiritual gateways.
🜁 D
Dammar Resin – A light golden resin associated with the Sun and Air. Known for uplifting energy and clarity, it is often burned to dispel sadness and invoke inspiration.
Dragon’s Blood Resin (Dracaena or Daemonorops) – ⚠️ Caution – Irritant if Inhaled or Ingested ⚠️ A deep red resin associated with Mars and Fire. Known for protection and potency, it is often added to spellwork to amplify magical power.
Dittany of Crete Resin (Extract Form) – ⚠️ Caution – Psychoactive / Irritant ⚠️ A rare, aromatic resin associated with Venus and Fire. Known for manifestation and spirit contact, it is often used to summon or visualize spirits.
🜂 E
Elemi Resin – A pale, lemon-scented resin associated with Mercury and Air. Known for enlightenment and healing, it is often burned to lift the mind and restore balance.
Eucalyptus Gum Resin (Kino) – ⚠️ Toxic if Ingested ⚠️ A deep red resin associated with Mars and Fire. Known for protection and vitality, it is often used to clear sickness and strengthen the aura.
🜃 F
Fir Balsam Resin – A thick, greenish resin associated with Earth and grounding. Known for healing and renewal, it is often used to restore strength and calm the spirit.
Frankincense (Boswellia Resin) – A golden resin associated with the Sun and Spirit. Known for purification and divine communion, it is often burned to elevate prayers and sanctify ritual space.
Frankincense Oil – Golden essential oil connected to spiritual clarity and the Sun. Known for cleansing, meditation, and spirituality, it is often diffused or used in anointing.
🜄 G
Galbanum Resin – A green, earthy resin associated with Saturn and Air. Known for protection and sacred insight, it is often burned to ward off malice and summon ancient wisdom.
Guaiac Resin (Guaiacum Tree Sap) – ⚠️ Caution – Skin & Liver Irritant ⚠️ A dense blue-green resin associated with Mars and Fire. Known for strength and vitality, it is often used to fortify the spirit and ground physical energy.
Guggul (Commiphora Mukul Resin) – A rich brown resin associated with Jupiter and Fire. Known for purification and prosperity, it is often burned to remove obstacles and draw wealth.
Gum Arabic – A clear to yellowish resin linked to Mercury and communication energies. Known for amplifying intention, protection, and binding spells, it is often used in ritual powders, incense, or talisman crafting.
🜁 H
Hemlock Resin (Conifer, not the herb) – ⚠️ Caution – Not Poison Hemlock, but May Irritate Skin ⚠️ A golden sap associated with Saturn and Earth. Known for protection and grounding, it is often used symbolically to represent endurance and transformation.
Honey Resin (solidified bee secretion blend) – ⚠️ Caution – Contamination Risk ⚠️ A golden, viscous blend of bee secretion and botanical resin associated with Venus and Water. Known for attraction and sweetness, it is often used to bind love and soothe the heart.
🜂 I
Incense Resin Blend (traditional church or temple mix) – A composite of sacred resins associated with the Sun and Spirit. Known for devotion and focus, it is often used in ritual offerings and temple work.
🜃 J
Jalap Resin (from Ipomoea Purga Sap) – ⚠️ Toxic – Purgative ⚠️ A dark resin from purgative sap associated with Saturn and Water. Known for expulsion and renewal, it is often used in banishing and uncrossing rituals.
Juniper Resin – A pale, aromatic resin associated with Mars and Fire. Known for cleansing and courage, it is often used to banish negativity and renew energy.
🜄 K
Kauri Gum (fossilized resin) – A fossilized golden resin associated with the Sun and Earth. Known for preservation and memory, it is often used to anchor ancestral energy and protect relics.
Kino (Eucalyptus or Pterocarpus Gum) – ⚠️ Caution – Digestive Irritant ⚠️ A deep crimson gum associated with Mars and Fire. Known for healing and fortitude, it is often used to strengthen vitality and courage in spellwork.
Kopai (Amazonian resin blend) – A fragrant Amazonian resin associated with the Moon and Water. Known for purification and peace, it is often used to cleanse the soul and open the heart to healing.
🜁 L
Labdanum – A thick amber resin associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for attraction and manifestation, it is often used in love and prosperity incense.
Liquidambar (Storax / Sweetgum) – ⚠️ Caution – Allergenic ⚠️ A dark balsam associated with Venus and Water. Known for love and tranquility, it is often used to ease sorrow and promote emotional balance.
Larch Resin (conifer sap) – A clear, golden conifer sap associated with Jupiter and Air. Known for courage and optimism, it is often used to lift spirits and dispel fear.
🜂 M
Manila Copal – A pale golden resin associated with the Sun and Air. Known for purification and creativity, it is often burned to cleanse sacred space and inspire the muse.
Maple Sap (used magically, not culinarily) – A golden, sweet liquid resin associated with the Sun and Water. Known for nurturing and abundance, it is often used to attract prosperity and promote gratitude.
Mastic (Chios Mastiha Gum) – A pearly white resin associated with Mercury and Air. Known for clarity and purity, it is often burned to cleanse energy and refresh the mind.
Mecca Balsam (rare historic resin, now extinct trade) – ⚠️ Caution – Nausea & Skin Sensitivity ⚠️ A rare, dark balsam associated with the Moon and Spirit. Known for sacred offering and sanctity, it was once used to consecrate temples and holy relics.
Molmol (African Myrrh variant) – ⚠️ Caution – Irritant / Avoid in Pregnancy ⚠️ A deep reddish-brown resin associated with Saturn and Earth. Known for grounding and endurance, it is often used to fortify strength during spiritual trials.
Myrrh (Commiphora Resin) – ⚠️ Caution – Irritant / Uterine Stimulant ⚠️ A dark brown resin associated with Saturn and Water. Known for healing and spiritual depth, it is often used in ancestor work and purification rites.
Myrrh Oil – Dark brown essential oil associated with grounding and Saturn energies. Known for healing, ancestral connection, and protection, it is often used in rituals for meditation or honoring ancestors.
🜃 N
Nagasura Resin (rare temple incense) – A fragrant temple resin associated with Venus and Fire. Known for devotion and sensuality, it is often burned to enhance meditation and ritual focus.
Nauclea Resin (ritual gum) – A pale amber gum associated with Jupiter and Air. Known for insight and elevation, it is often used in rituals for higher understanding and spiritual awakening.
🜄 O
Opoponax (Sweet Myrrh) – ⚠️ Caution – Respiratory Irritant ⚠️ A golden-brown resin associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for grounding and empowerment, it is often burned to amplify confidence and attract success.
Olibanum (Frankincense variant) – A pale golden resin associated with the Sun and Spirit. Known for purification and divine connection, it is often used in prayer and consecration rituals.
🜁 P
Peru Balsam – A sweet, dark balsam associated with the Moon and Water. Known for comfort and sensuality, it is often used in love potions or to calm emotional storms.
Pine Resin – ⚠️ Caution – Skin Allergen / Mildly Toxic if Ingested ⚠️ A sticky golden resin associated with Mars and Fire. Known for cleansing and protection, it is often burned to dispel illness and renew vitality.
Podocarp Resin (ancient resin of yew family) – A rare conifer resin associated with Saturn and Earth. Known for ancestral wisdom and grounding, it is often used to anchor deep spiritual work.
Propolis (bee resin, botanical resin mix) – ⚠️ Caution – Allergenic ⚠️ A brown-gold resin made by bees, associated with Venus and Earth. Known for healing and harmony, it is often used to mend emotional wounds and fortify community.
🜂 Q
[none]
🜃 R
Red Gum (Eucalyptus resin) – A dark crimson gum associated with Mars and Fire. Known for vitality and cleansing, it is often used to banish exhaustion and renew personal strength.
Rhododendron Resin – ⚠️ Toxic – Contains Grayanotoxins ⚠️ A golden resin associated with Venus and Air. Known for beauty and subtle power, it is often used in transformation rituals — though toxic if mishandled.
Rosin (Pine-derived solid resin) – ⚠️ Caution – Respiratory Irritant / Toxic if Ingested ⚠️ A hardened amber resin associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for steadiness and energy, it is often used to strengthen resolve and maintain magical focus.
🜄 S
Sandalwood Resin – A golden-brown aromatic resin associated with the Moon and Spirit. Known for peace and devotion, it is often burned to center the mind during meditation.
Sangre de Drago (Dragon’s Blood from Croton lechleri) – A bright red sap associated with Mars and protective magic. Known for wound healing, magical protection, and empowerment, it is often applied directly or used in spells to strengthen intent.
Spruce Gum – A clear amber resin associated with Jupiter and Earth. Known for renewal and grounding, it is often chewed or burned to bring stability and focus.
Storax (Liquidambar form) – ⚠️ Caution – Mild Allergen ⚠️ A dark balsam resin associated with Venus and Water. Known for attraction and tranquility, it is often used to calm anger and inspire tenderness.
Styrax Resin (true form, from Styrax officinalis) – ⚠️ Caution – Irritant if Ingested ⚠️ A blackish resin associated with the Moon and Water. Known for emotional healing and release, it is often used to quiet grief and restore inner harmony.
Sumatra Benzoin – A creamy white resin associated with the Sun and Air. Known for purification and prosperity, it is often blended into incense to bless and protect.
🜁 T
Tamarind Resin (rare sap form) – A sticky brown resin associated with Venus and Water. Known for peace and reconciliation, it is often used to sweeten relationships or restore harmony.
Terebinth Resin (Turpentine Tree) – ⚠️ Toxic – Fumes & Ingestion Hazard ⚠️ A sharp, clear resin associated with Mars and Air. Known for cleansing and action, it is often used to drive away harmful energies.
Tolu Balsam – A dark, honey-scented balsam associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for love and healing, it is often used in perfumery magic or charm oils.
🜂 U
[none]
🜃 V
Venice Turpentine – ⚠️ Toxic – Respiratory Hazard ⚠️ A golden, fluid resin associated with Mars and Fire. Known for purification and endurance, it is often used to cleanse tools and strengthen protective charms.
Varnish Tree Resin – A clear, glossy resin associated with the Sun and Air. Known for preservation and manifestation, it is often used to “seal” magical works and intentions.
🜄 W
White Copal – A pale resin associated with the Sun and Air. Known for elevation and clarity, it is often burned to call higher guidance and invoke truth.
Willow Sap Resin (used in folk charms) – A translucent golden sap associated with the Moon and Water. Known for healing and emotional release, it is often used to soothe grief and invite forgiveness.
🜁 X
[none]
🜂 Y
Yew Sap Resin – ⚠️ Deadly Toxic – Contains Taxines ⚠️ A dark, viscous resin associated with Saturn and Shadow. Known for transformation and death’s mystery, it is often used with great caution in ancestor and underworld rites.
🜃 Z
Zanzibar Copal – A rich golden resin associated with the Sun and Fire. Known for illumination and blessing, it is often used in sacred incense to invoke warmth and clarity.
Zedoary Gum (rare form) – ⚠️ Caution – Skin Irritant / Contraindicated in Pregnancy ⚠️ A pale yellow resin associated with Mercury and Air. Known for protection and purification, it is often burned to banish negativity and sharpen focus.
Resin magic is a dialogue of smoke and spirit. As it rises, it carries your intention skyward — but also draws it inward, to the burning heart of yourself. Handle these fragrant relics with gratitude; every plume of smoke is a story retold.
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