Less witchery, more gastronomy – I love the taste of the above three, but I can’t bear to eat fennel (seed). Often recommended as a stomach and digestive aid, it almost immediately makes me sick to my stomach. I don’t know how many times I’ve unknowingly eaten Italian sausage on pizza only to spend the rest of the evening hugging the porcelain.
Strangely, it’s just fennel. And usually just fennel seed, though, admittedly, knowing my reaction to the seed I’ve been leery of going anywhere near the bulb.
I’m not allergic to anything (food wise), and I wouldn’t really consider myself allergic to fennel, just intolerant.
The only other food I react to is almonds, which I have a very mild allergic reaction to in my throat, but from what I understand, this is most probably due to my tree (birch) pollen allergy – which almond can apparently mimic.
Just curious if any of you have a similar reaction. After my first experience, I mentioned it in passing to my mother who confided that she had the same problem. And at every mentioned of Italian sausage she makes the most disgusted face.
Standard
Consideration || Rihanna
Heavy Metal & Reflective || Azealia Banks
Get Dark || Mz Bratt
Throw It Down || Dominique Young Unique
Flawless (BaddyGirl) || MIA
No Light, No Light (Breakage’s OMLFM Remix) || Florence + the Machine
Do any of you Quimbandeirxs know whose ponto this is? It was shown to me by Maria Padilha and I’m having trouble figuring out who it is for. It does look like a few of hers, but I don’t know why she’d be showing me her own ponto, especially considering it seemed that she was directing me to someone else.
Alguém sabe cujo ponto é este? Maria Padilha mostrou lo para mim e estou tendo dificuldade para descobrir quem ele pertence. Parece que uma dela, mas ela parecia estar guiando-me para outra pessoa.
After having read a number of posts/comments made on my use
of sulphur – often to the extent of, “Where does one obtain sulphur?” and “Is
it safe to use?” – I decided to make a post answering these questions and more
in regards to everyone’s favorite smelly, yellow mineral.
It should first be noted that sulphur is an extremely
important mineral to the body (it’s the 3rd most abundant) –
ensuring proper physiological function, it can be found in muscles, skin,
bones, it can soften hardened arteries, it is needed for insulin production,
and to the body it is truly indispensable. With that being said, in its raw
form, there are a number of hazards that can be easily remedied with proper
handling.
As with any mineral powder, there is a hazard in breathing
large quantities of sulfur “dust” – if this is a big worry to you, I recommend
simply wearing a mask or spritzing the dry powder with a bit of water so as to
eliminate the possibility of airborne particulates. The only time I ever had a
problem with this was when I was grinding my own sulfur – which not only threw
powder everywhere, but the purity of the powder wasn’t great. Buying it in a
chemically pure, powdered form cuts this out entirely and I highly recommend
it, as there is little price difference between the activated sulphur (which
required further processing) and the pure, powder.
The other notable health risk comes with the burning of
sulphur. Sulphur in its natural state is relatively stable and unreactive – it
pretty much won’t dissolve in anything any layman can get their hands on, but
it can be burned, at which point it reacts with oxygen to create sulphur
dioxide, a poison gas, wherefrom its reputation of “stinking” comes from. As a
powder it doesn’t smell at all, but the minute you light it on fire, noxious,
choking fumes will ensue. If you must burn it, do so outdoors and stand upwind –
though burning is still not recommended.
Sulphur also has a relatively low melting point, and when
melted it turns into what looks like magma – very cool to see! So long as you
do not over heat it to its flame point, it is still relatively safe to work
with (minus that whole, it’s “very
hot” thing)
So to answer the question “Is it safe?”: As safe, or safer,
than most common, household cleaning products
Uses
Sulphur – by nature – is a “hot” mineral, ruled by the sun (undoubtedly
due its bright, yellow color) and fire. Paired with its biblical connotations
as “brimstone,” it’s developed a bad rap (which I find makes it perfectly
befitting the Craft). In combination, these constructions paint a rather
diabolical picture – one of hellfire and those “hot” demons – and it’s no
wonder it is prized by Exu and Pomba Gira. I could also argue that it is
well-suited for work with the Pet(w/r)o Loa – specifically Kalfou or perhaps
the more volatile aspects of Ezili Danto (Erzulie Dantor).
Alchemically, sulphur and mercury serve as two, base
elements – wherein sulphur is regarded as the masculine, driving change, a
source of power, whereas mercury (as the feminine) directs and focuses this
raw, untamed power of sulphur (interesting this dichotomy is reversed in
Quimbanda, wherein Pomba Gira acts as the sulphur force and Exu shapes and constrains
her electric energy). I think it best not to assign gender to plants or
minerals, but simply refer to them as active or receptive/passive – in which
case, sulphur is very much an active element. As such, I find it brings a raw,
unadulterated fire to my rituals. It possess a very unique, almost electric
energy (much like PG, herself), that I would never want to go without. True, it
can be wild and unpredictable, but so long as you match it with a mercurial set
of ingredients to direct its flame, you will be astounded at the powder it can
bring to even the smallest ritual.
Being ruled by the sun and possessing and creative, fiery
force, many deities could be honored through its use, but I think Apollo(n)
would be very well suited, especially when you apply the male-female, sun-moon,
sulphur-mercury dichotomies to he and Artemis.
Given its nature, I find it best used for offensive magics –
hexing/cursing/etc., love magic (to add that pivotal spark), and aggressive
protection rituals – in that “disregard the barrier and your ass is grass.”
Admittedly, though, I add a pinch of sulphur to most rituals just to give it
that extra zing.
I also like using it as a circle when great force and power is needed for a ritual.
Where To Buy
Where you buy any oddity – the internet. I go through a
dealer on Amazon (Alpha Chemicals)
which offers a guaranteed 99.9% lab-grade purity, but there are other listings
depending on what grade, how much you want and how much you’re willing to
spend. Overall, it’s a relatively cheap product – especially when compared to
its vastly more dangerous sister, mercury.
After having read a number of posts/comments made on my use
of sulphur – often to the extent of, “Where does one obtain sulphur?” and “Is
it safe to use?” – I decided to make a post answering these questions and more
in regards to everyone’s favorite smelly, yellow mineral.
It should first be noted that sulphur is an extremely
important mineral to the body (it’s the 3rd most abundant) –
ensuring proper physiological function, it can be found in muscles, skin,
bones, it can soften hardened arteries, it is needed for insulin production,
and to the body it is truly indispensable. With that being said, in its raw
form, there are a number of hazards that can be easily remedied with proper
handling.
As with any mineral powder, there is a hazard in breathing
large quantities of sulfur “dust” – if this is a big worry to you, I recommend
simply wearing a mask or spritzing the dry powder with a bit of water so as to
eliminate the possibility of airborne particulates. The only time I ever had a
problem with this was when I was grinding my own sulfur – which not only threw
powder everywhere, but the purity of the powder wasn’t great. Buying it in a
chemically pure, powdered form cuts this out entirely and I highly recommend
it, as there is little price difference between the activated sulphur (which
required further processing) and the pure, powder.
The other notable health risk comes with the burning of
sulphur. Sulphur in its natural state is relatively stable and unreactive – it
pretty much won’t dissolve in anything any layman can get their hands on, but
it can be burned, at which point it reacts with oxygen to create sulphur
dioxide, a poison gas, wherefrom its reputation of “stinking” comes from. As a
powder it doesn’t smell at all, but the minute you light it on fire, noxious,
choking fumes will ensue. If you must burn it, do so outdoors and stand upwind –
though burning is still not recommended.
Sulphur also has a relatively low melting point, and when
melted it turns into what looks like magma – very cool to see! So long as you
do not over heat it to its flame point, it is still relatively safe to work
with (minus that whole, it’s “very
hot” thing)
So to answer the question “Is it safe?”: As safe, or safer,
than most common, household cleaning products
Uses
Sulphur – by nature – is a “hot” mineral, ruled by the sun (undoubtedly
due its bright, yellow color) and fire. Paired with its biblical connotations
as “brimstone,” it’s developed a bad rap (which I find makes it perfectly
befitting the Craft). In combination, these constructions paint a rather
diabolical picture – one of hellfire and those “hot” demons – and it’s no
wonder it is prized by Exu and Pomba Gira. I could also argue that it is
well-suited for work with the Pet(w/r)o Loa – specifically Kalfou or perhaps
the more volatile aspects of Ezili Danto (Erzulie Dantor).
Alchemically, sulphur and mercury serve as two, base
elements – wherein sulphur is regarded as the masculine, driving change, a
source of power, whereas mercury (as the feminine) directs and focuses this
raw, untamed power of sulphur (interesting this dichotomy is reversed in
Quimbanda, wherein Pomba Gira acts as the sulphur force and Exu shapes and constrains
her electric energy). I think it best not to assign gender to plants or
minerals, but simply refer to them as active or receptive/passive – in which
case, sulphur is very much an active element. As such, I find it brings a raw,
unadulterated fire to my rituals. It possess a very unique, almost electric
energy (much like PG, herself), that I would never want to go without. True, it
can be wild and unpredictable, but so long as you match it with a mercurial set
of ingredients to direct its flame, you will be astounded at the powder it can
bring to even the smallest ritual.
Being ruled by the sun and possessing and creative, fiery
force, many deities could be honored through its use, but I think Apollo(n)
would be very well suited, especially when you apply the male-female, sun-moon,
sulphur-mercury dichotomies to he and Artemis.
Given its nature, I find it best used for offensive magics –
hexing/cursing/etc., love magic (to add that pivotal spark), and aggressive
protection rituals – in that “disregard the barrier and your ass is grass.”
Admittedly, though, I add a pinch of sulphur to most rituals just to give it
that extra zing.
I also like using it as a circle when great force and power is needed for a ritual.
Where To Buy
Where you buy any oddity – the internet. I go through a
dealer on Amazon (Alpha Chemicals)
which offers a guaranteed 99.9% lab-grade purity, but there are other listings
depending on what grade, how much you want and how much you’re willing to
spend. Overall, it’s a relatively cheap product – especially when compared to
its vastly more dangerous sister, mercury.
As far as I can tell there are two types of spirit workers – those who are always available and those who set time aside. I value myself of being the latter. I like my place and I like it free of disturbances, as such I have always been very thorough when setting my perimeters. I don’t just bar the main doors, I would bar every doorway – just in case should someone break through one, there would still be containment so that I could manage the issue without worry. While this is a great defensive, I find that communicating with spirits in my home can be somewhat difficult – even when given permission to enter. Given my recent move, I elected to try a new strategy – which so far has paid off quite well so far. That is a selectively permeable boundary, through which those who share my blood/spirit (ancestors) or given my blessing may pass. Now, you can rest assured that my bedroom will still be spelled up like Fort Knox, but at least I’m becoming a little more hospitable, right?
I digress.
To Perform the Ritual, gather:
Brick Dust
Salt – a half/half blend of black and white
White Chalk – and/or Cascarilla
Sulphur
Vinegar
Saliva
Blood
Optional: to add a little more fire to those who might try to pass the boundary – add in a blend of used coffee grounds, chile powder, black pepper, iron oxide and dark rum (pine tar is a great addition, too, but it’s hard to find)
Don’t waste your time on any ceremonious nonsense for this one, just combine your dry ingredients first and then the wet and toss/churn/shake your concoction aptly. Your ratio and consistency is dependent on your preferences, but I like more of a dry paste. It really depends on how fine your brick dust is – for chunkier, hand-broken bricks, you’re not going to have a paste one way or another and that’s completely fine, just dampen your ingredients. For a very fine dust, you want to add a bit more to ensure your powder will hold once dry: a bit more vinegar can remedy an overly dry mix.
Take your paste and run it along the base of each entrance to your home. After each has been door has been dressed, read the following incantation as you “close” the door:
Mind these words – for they bear weight and consequence: Those of blood and spirit blessed – yet kinsman all the same, For it is they whose lines I tie, And they who govern fate; But to the wayfarer and the miscreant, No tiding favor found, These walls be charmed These doors be crossed The ill might find no solace; By witch’s blood – By witch’s word – By witch’s will – ‘Tis I who mark the Gates
To close the door, place both index fingers together at the middle of the frame overhead. As you read, trace your fingers along to the corners, down their respective sides, then closing them together at the base of the door. I like to then walk through the door and “cross” it from inside. That’s been the hardest habit to break, as every time I walk through the door, I was used to ‘X’ing it immediately.
The Qedavian Apocrypha 
