The Qedavian Apocrypha

qedavathegrey:

I feel like I’m morally obliged to condemn smoking – what with
the weird unicorn commercials and whatnot trying to deter teen smoking.
However, I find them far more horrifying than the prospect of smoking, so I don’t
know what their aim is. I digress – the uses of cigarettes in the craft are
many. This is a guide to how I use cigarettes in my craft, to be adapted by my
fellow smokers out there however you see fit.

Offerings

Many entities (especially those of the Afro-Caribbean – and some
Native American, I understand – faiths) accept cigarettes, cigars and varying
tobacco products as offerings. In this regard, it is best to follow tradition
or intuition. Some Spirits/Deities are particular – favoring cigars over
cigarettes, vice versa, or other smoking methods such as pipes – and which you
should use is reliant on what you know of the spirit in question or what you feel the spirit will enjoy. Another
handy note, I think is that other herbs can easily be added to cigarettes
(already rolled or otherwise) to render and lovely aromatic or flavorful blend.
I, particularly, have a fondness for blending rose, cinnamon and cocoa with the
loosened tobacco and then packing it back into the tube. They’re lovely to
smoke, but also make great offerings (I’ve found) to Pomba Gira. It’s very much
a matter of taste – both personal and that of the spirit.

Personal Affects

Many spells call for something belonging to your intended
target – cigarette butts are particularly suited to such, as they must be
discarded after use, already imbued with the thoughts (and saliva) of he/she
smoking it. Simply lift the butt from an ashtray at your convenience and voila!
Personal affect. And with bodily fluid, nonetheless! One of the strongest
personal affects and easily the most difficult to ascertain.

Intention

This is what I use cigarettes for most often – a means by
which to channel my intention into a physical medium. It’s merely a matter of
lighting the cigarette and using the smoke to charge something. Admittedly, I
very rarely use incantations in my practice, but when I do, rest assured there
is always a cigarette hanging on my lips. Every part of the cigarette can be
used, nonetheless! The smoke is exhaled as an expression of your will and might
charge an object or diffuse into the air. The ashes might be collected and
added to any number of powders or herb blends or oils. The butts make nice
additions to things like witches bottles – especially in great numbers as the
tar will set up into this disgusting, gelatinous ooze (most probably what my
lungs look like: best not to think about it too much). I usually use them for
chanting or mantras as well, as I simply continue repeating the phrase or
mantra until I run out of smoke.

Trance Work

This brings us back to something I mentioned in the first
point, that smokes can be personalized – and while no longer technically a “cigarette”
they are quite effective for things like trance work or influencing your own
energy. Needless to say, I advise refraining from adding poisonous herbs to
your blends… considering. However, I have been known to smoke wormwood, though
I wouldn’t classify it as poisonous, per se… Obviously, check the rap sheet of
any herb before ingestion/inhalation. And then do so at your own accord –
though I can say, I’ve never had any unpleasant side effects. Wormwood, mugwort
and mullein are my personal favorites for spirit work. Rose, cocoa and cinnamon
for works with PG or just for my own enjoyment – in fact, cocoa and tobacco
have a long history
together. Of course, we could also talk about marijuana – which can be
added, though I’ve never been particularly invested. It does nothing spiritual
for me, but I understand it does for some, so more power to you – it might be
helpful for trance work, but I just use an ordinary cigarette for that most
times. WARNING: While in trance, don’t
forget to ash, otherwise you’ll come out wearing an entire cigarette. Trust me.
I know.

In loving memory of your lungs,

Q