Step into the mystical world of copal — a sacred resin revered across many cultures for thousands of years. Copal has a rich history of use in spiritual practices, healing ceremonies, and even as a form of currency. From the Aztecs to African tribes, copal has been highly valued for its potent energy, master healing properties, and ability to connect us to higher realms.
Whether you’re new to copal or work with it regularly, it’s worth diving into copal’s fascinating history, modern-day uses, and profound healing properties.
What is Copal?
Also known as ‘young amber,’ copal is a natural resin that comes from trees in the Burseraceae family. It’s primarily found in Central and South America, specifically in Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador.
The resin is harvested by making cuts in the tree’s bark, allowing the sap to flow out and harden into a resin over time. Collectors gather copal resin by hand, using skill and precision to ensure quality. For centuries, people have used this extra-special resin for its spiritual and medicinal properties.
Types of Copal
There are three primary types of copal resin — blanco (white), oro (gold), and negro (black), each with its own unique properties and characteristics.
Blanco copal, also known as ‘white copal,’ is the purest variety of copal and is often used in spiritual practices for its cleansing properties. It’s a creamy white color with a light, citrusy scent. Healers work with it in ceremonies to purify and protect spaces, clear negative energy, and create a connection with the spiritual realm.
Oro copal, also known as ‘gold copal’ is characterized by its golden color and warm, resinous scent. It has strong purifying and protective properties. Shamans often use it in spiritual practices to honor deities or ancestors, create sacred space, and enhance meditation and visualization.
Negro copal, also known as ‘black copal,’ is characterized by its dark, almost black color and deep, earthy scent. The dark color results from the resin mixing with bits of bark or other plant material during harvesting. While some prefer to remove the material before using the resin, others believe it adds further healing properties to the mix. Negro copal has powerful properties of grounding, protection, and manifestation. Indigenous people have worked with it for centuries to communicate with ancestors and bring forth guidance and higher-realm wisdom.
Six Ways to Work with Copal
Copal has so many amazing uses. Here are five easy ways to work with this sacred resin to elevate your mind, body, and spirit.
- Burn copal as incense. You can burn copal on charcoal discs or in a copal incense burner to create a fragrant smoke that can be used for purification, protection, and grounding — inhaling the smoke can be deeply healing. The smoke has a profound effect on the energy of a space and is perfect to use during meditation or other spiritual practices and rituals.
- Clear your energy with the ‘Holy Cross.’ Working with an incense burner, light your resin and use the smoke to clear above your head, then bring it down across your shoulders from left to right, down to your feet, and back to your heart. This traditional practice is a fusion of Christian and indigenous beliefs and is still practiced today as a way to honor both spiritual traditions.
- Create a copal infusion or salve. You can also infuse copal resin in water or oil to create a medicinal tincture or salve for topical application. Copal has both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It can help treat various physical ailments, such as respiratory issues, inflammation, and pain.
- Add copal to your bath. You can add copal resin to a warm bath to create a relaxing and cleansing experience. Copal has a calming and grounding effect on the mind and body and can help alleviate stress and anxiety. The warm water will also help release the fragrance of the resin, providing a soothing and aromatic experience. This method can be particularly beneficial in promoting mental and emotional well-being.
- Wear copal resin as jewelry. Copal resin can be fashioned into beads or pendants and worn as jewelry for its energetic and protective properties. This helps you stay grounded, centered, and protected throughout the day.
- Work with copal-dipped smudge bundles. Burning white sage smudge bundles coated in copal is a great way to invoke the ancient magic of these two powerhouse healing tools. White sage draws positive spirits and discourages the presence of any unwanted energy. When combined with copal, it brings powerful energies of purification and protection to your sacred ceremonies.
In Conclusion
Copal is a sacred resin imbued with the wisdom and energy of generations of healers and spiritual practitioners. Its rich history of use in traditional medicine and spiritual practices spans cultures and continents, making it a revered and beloved substance for those seeking healing and enlightenment.
Whether you burn it as incense, wear it as jewelry, or add it to a bath, copal offers a multitude of healing and spiritual benefits. As you connect to its potent energies, you may find yourself drawn closer to the Divine and the deep wisdom of higher realms. Allow it to purify your space, enhance your spiritual practice, and elevate your mind, body, and spirit to new heights of transformation and growth.
