Cleaning the altar accidentally knocks over the incense bowl, is it a ‘disaster’ or not?

Why should we trim and tidy up the incense table?

According to feng shui, the main altar is the place where energy accumulates in the family. This energy directly affects all aspects of family life. Therefore, having an overcrowded incense bowl can affect the circulation on the altar, causing negative effects on the family’s fortune.

The incense bowl is the number one important worship item on the altar, and many people believe that moving the incense bowl is a bad omen. If it is moved or touched, it can have a negative impact on family life, leading to misfortunes and bad luck.

Based on the information above, many people may worry when moving the incense bowl. However, Dr. Vu The Khanh, Director of the UIA Applied Computer Science and Technology Federation, believes that “It depends on each family and the attitude of the householder. If the householder is careful and respectful during the cleaning process, accidentally moving the incense bowl won’t have any significant impact.”

Therefore, it can be said that accidentally moving the incense bowl doesn’t have a significant impact on the householder. If there is an accidental movement, you can follow these steps:

– Clean up any spilled ashes on the altar (if any) and wipe it clean with a dry cloth.

– Add fresh ashes to the incense bowl.

– Use specialized water to clean the area around the incense bowl.

– Place the incense bowl back in its original position and light the incense to pay respect.

– Clean up any broken pieces of the incense bowl (if any) and dispose of them in a respectful location that is not frequently stepped on or disturbed by people.

To avoid the incense bowl being moved, the householder should trim and tidy it gently and carefully.

In addition, you can also use a small vacuum cleaner for cleaning. Not only during the New Year, but also every week, you can use a vacuum cleaner to clean the altar and remove dust. This method helps keep the altar clean without much effort.

What is the best water to use when cleaning the incense bowl?

Warm water

Use warm water in a clean basin to wash the incense sticks, worship items, and incense bowl. If you are more careful, you can use a separate cloth to wipe the incense bowl, worship items, and incense sticks. A small basin with warm water and a cloth for the altar should be stored separately. During the process of trimming the incense bowl, do not use a face towel or a bathing basin.

Incense-scented water for cleansing

The householder needs to distinguish between incense-scented water for cleansing and cooking spices. Incense-scented water for cleansing includes cinnamon, clove, star anise, agarwood, and frankincense. This water is also called “water of peace” or “water of prosperity.” The householder can buy bottled incense-scented water or boil herbal packages to filter the water.

Ginger wine

Ginger wine not only has health benefits but can also be used as a good water for trimming the incense bowl. Both ginger and wine have antibacterial properties, clean worship items, and bring a mild fragrance. Ginger wine also brings new vitality to the altar space.

The householder can make a large jar of ginger wine for the whole year, so it is always available whenever needed. If there is no pre-soaked wine, you can also use a few fresh ginger roots, wash them, crush them, soak them in white wine for about 1 hour, then filter the water to mix with warm water to clean the altar.