Copal
Copal is the aromatic resin of various Mesoamerican trees of the genus Bursera (cousin of the South American palo santo) and Hymenaea. Sacred ritual incense par excellence of pre-Columbian Mexican and Central American cultures (Maya, Mexica), it continues to be used today in Mexican popular tradition and modern indigenous esotericism.
Origin and indigenous use
The word "copal" comes from the Nahuatl copalli, meaning generically "ritual aromatic resin". Documentation of its use is millennial: archaeological evidence of copal in Mayan and Mexica sacred ceremonies, in offerings of temples and tombs. Was so valuable that was used as tribute and currency in the Mexica imperial system. The copal smoke was considered "food of the gods": with each ceremony, the gods received nutrition through the aromatic smoke ascending towards the heavens.
In traditional Mexican Catholicism, the copal continued to be used after Christianisation in limpias (energetic-spiritual cleansings), in indigenous Catholic ceremonies, in Day of the Dead celebrations (incense altars), in protection rituals. It is one of the most resilient cultural elements: continued to be used uninterruptedly through the colonial centuries until today, conserving its sacred function in the popular conscience.
Types of copal
White copal (most premium, of Bursera bipinnata): clean, lighter, of higher quality. Most ceremonial. Golden copal: medium quality, also widely used. Black copal: more astringent, used for stronger cleansings (heavy energies, harmful entities). Misha copal: special variety popularly used in Mexican shamanism for spiritual visions.
When burned, copal releases a smoke that is: woody, slightly sweet, with notes of pine and resin, mildly spicy. Many users consider it the most spiritually elevating ritual smoke they have experienced — combining the cleansing of white sage with the upliftment of palo santo in unique balance. It is widely used in: 1) Limpias (energetic cleansings of people and spaces). 2) Connection ceremonies with ancestors (Day of the Dead). 3) Manifestation rituals. 4) Personal meditation. 5) Welcome and blessings of new spaces.
Use and considerations
Burning: copal needs self-igniting charcoal disc (specific charcoal of incense — not normal barbecue charcoal). 1) Light the disc with lighter or candle until it ignites red-orange. 2) Place on heat-resistant cup or censer with sand. 3) Place small pieces of copal on the disc. 4) The copal melts producing dense aromatic smoke. 5) Use the smoke for cleansings, walking through the space; or simply enjoy the meditative aroma in your sacred space.
Ethical considerations: like the palo santo, the copal faces overharvesting problems. Buy copal of ethical origin, preferably from Mexican indigenous cooperatives that conserve sustainable cultural-environmental traditions. Avoid generic mass copal of unclear origins. Use with reverence as living ritual element of millennia-old Mesoamerican tradition.
Also known as
- Copalli
- Mexican copal
- Mesoamerican incense