October, the most spiritual month on the calendar, welcomes a focus on folklore tales and superstitions that have endured through the generations. One such ritual, not lost on the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, is the practice of saying 'rabbit rabbit' at the beginning of each month, as frequent followers of her Instagram will already know.
It's not uncommon for the Sex and the City actress to share a 'rabbit rabbit' post with her followers at the start of a month (in September, for example, she shared these words from the beach). For October, however, she's taken it a step further. Her most recent ritual also involved burning incense on a table in her entryway – something that, psychologists say, makes the practice even more meaningful.
'The phrase "rabbit rabbit" spoken at the beginning of each month is a delightful tradition that many believe invokes good fortune. Rooted in various folklore, it’s said that uttering these words first thing in the morning on the first day of the month brings a wave of prosperity and positivity for the days ahead. But what adds an intriguing layer to this practice is the act of burning incense simultaneously,' comments Ieva Kubiliute, a psychologist from It's Me and You Clinic. 'In my view, this combination is not merely coincidental; it serves as a powerful ritual.'
Burning incense is one of the quickest ways to make your house smell like fall, regardless of your spiritual beliefs or superstitions. However, when paired with this phrase, the scent and smoke feel even more powerful.
'Burning incense creates a sensory environment that deepens the intention behind the words. The fragrant smoke not only purifies the space but also elevates the spirit, fostering a more profound connection to one’s aspirations. For example, incense such as sandalwood can enhance focus and clarity, while lavender promotes relaxation and peace. This alignment of fragrance and intention creates a holistic approach to welcoming the new month,' Kubiliute explains.
'Moreover, the ritualistic nature of saying "rabbit rabbit" while burning incense can serve as a potent reminder of the power of mindfulness. By intentionally marking the transition into a new month, we cultivate a sense of awareness and gratitude for the fresh opportunities that lie ahead.'
Following Sarah Jessica Parker's lead is refreshingly easy; we simply need some incense ahead of the start of next month (in this case, November 1st). These are our current favorites, starting from as little as $8.99 at Amazon.
This set of 25 charcoal incense cones only takes 15 seconds to work their magic, filling a room with a heady aroma in no time at all.
We love the subtle scent of lavender and ylang ylang that these incense sticks release, as it's much fresher than the usual patchouli aroma.
This pack of 75 Fall-scented incense sticks are non-toxic and organic. They also defy the notion that incense has to smell too earthy, releasing a sweet and clean scent.
'This practice becomes a unique interplay between verbal intention and sensory experience, making it a rich topic for exploration in discussions about spirituality and daily rituals,' Kubiliute says.
'I believe it highlights how simple traditions can have profound impacts on our mental and emotional well-being, offering both insight and inspiration.'
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