incense

Discover the Alchemy of Incense

Rosarium Blends makes their own ritual incense blends, essential oil blends, and natural perfumes using the finest herbs, woods, resins and essential oils. All formulations are original recipes and the result of extensive historical research, practical experimentation and magical studies. Each incense is blended and charged during specific lunar phases, astrological transits, and correspondences. Thus formulated with intention to enhance the charm’s potency, enliven the senses, and increase the heightened awareness they are designed to awaken. This is traditional incense, which is burned on a charcoal tablet in a censer for group ritual or individual devotionals or meditation.

We were so impressed with some samples we received a couple of years ago, that we had Catamara create our signature incense blend for Eye of Horus, based on the mythic parts of our symbol, the Eye of Horus, the “moon” Eye.

Catamara Rosarium is the sole proprietor of Rosarium Blends. She is a Master Herbalist, Alchemist and Ritual Artist. But that’s just the short version.

Rosarium Blends founder, Catamara Rosarium

A student and practitioner of various [Read more…] about Discover the Alchemy of Incense

New Familiar Spirits – Pokémon at the Eye

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It is traditional to burn incense as an offering to spirits in many traditions, but some Eye of Horus Staff and readers have discovered our incense selection is drawing some new familiar spirits… Pokémon. It seems there is a pokémon stop just a few steps from the front door to our store. Admittedly, these aren’t the familiar spirits we are used to, but we really do support diversity. Rather than discourage visitations, we have decided to welcome them into our store and even have gotten some photos of them exploring the store. We also think, though this is a game, we can learn a thing or two about nature spirits and incense and archetypes.

Incense Lures Them

Photo of Pokemon Eevee in Incense Section — Eeevee in the Incense Section – After Dragon’s Blood perhaps?

We think it’s our incense section at the front of the store that lures the Pokémon in. There’s stick, cone, dhoop and traditional resin incense and herbs which make that front corner a favorite location. We aren’t sure if they are drawn to the three different types of Nag Champa (Blue Satya, Golden Nag, or Red Shanthimalai), or the Sage Bundles, or the traditional Japanese Incense sticks.

Japanese Incense Ceremony

Seriously, though, cultures from around the world have used incense as offerings and to draw in good energy and spirits for millennia. We carry incense from around the world. All over, various floral and spice scents are used, but different areas have different prime “notes” for the region. Frankincense is sacred in the middle east, Sandalwood and NagChampa in India, Amber in Europe, Sage in America. But in Japan, they take their incense very seriously. Kōdō (香道, “Way of Fragrance”) is the name of the Japanese tradition of incense burning. Kōdō is counted as one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement, along with kadō for flower arrangement, and chadō for tea and the tea ceremony.

Elemental Spirits Aren’t a New Thing

Pokémon originated in Japan and have migrated here. We take the point of view that these characters are simply commercialized archetypes of nature spirits, and anyone familiar with the elemental spirits will see parallels with some of the “types.” There are eighteen different Types of Pokémon which include Normal, Fighting, Flying, Poison, Ground, Rock, Bug, Ghost, Steel, Fire, Grass, Water, Electric, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, Dark and Fairy. Each has their own unique strengths, representing the various gifts and aspects of the world in which they inhabit; not unlike the Earth, Air, Fire and Water, the four elements used in western magic magic and mysticism, and represented in the four suits of the Tarot. We think this is why this Jynx is visiting our Tarot Demo Station… Not only is it a Psychic Type of Pokémon, but the symbols of the Tarot are no doubt familiar.

Pokémon are a cultural Phenomenon with Ancient Ancestors

In western Europe, there was a tradition of Fairies, in Scandinavia there were Land Wights and Huldre. Many of our stories, which began as tales of interaction with natural forces and deities, have echos in modern art and cartoons. Pokémon seem like a similar thing to fairies, though with a broader scope. Though, since Pokémon come from Japan, the creators draw more on their own culture for archetypes. The indigenous practice and beliefs of Japan is Shintō, which literally means “the way of kami” (kami means “mystical,” “superior,” or “divine,” generally sacred or divine power, specifically the various gods or deities). In Shintō all the deities are said to cooperate with one another, and life lived in accordance with a kami’s will is believed to produce a mystical power that gains the protection, cooperation, and approval of all the particular kami.

So, yes, we welcome Pokémon in our store, and people outside “capturing” them, with the understanding that the games we play do affect our outlook on the world, not as profoundly as spiritual practice and interaction with the deities and spirits of earth-based religions, but as an opportunity to celebrate the diversity offered in these characters and to use as a springboard to further understand our own cultural paradigms. It’s also okay to have fun every now and then.

We also think, that when you are out walking, you should turn off your phone now and again to experience the sacred mystery and diversity of the elemental, animal and earth spirits our western culture has either demonized, demoted or forgotten. Step away from the game and into the mystic.

New Moon 2° 32′ Capricorn – Dec 24, 2011

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Capricorn is the embodiment of maturity and common sense; of hard work, plain speaking, self-discipline, and taking responsibility. The prudent and cautious side of the Capricorn nature can be taken to extremes, so it’s best to maintain another good trait of Capricorn… a sense of humor.

24 December 2011, at 12:06 PM Central Daylight Time

Use the steady strength of Capricorn to turn towards the concept of freedom within a stable framework.

This is not to say that there won’t be obstacles, or that the way is easy or direct. Just look at the Capricorn glyph. It falls, it dips, it goes over and around obstacles, but it does keep going. This is about climbing mountains, step-by-step, over rocky and sometimes uncertain terrain.

Start with realistic expectations, so when roadblocks come, you can adapt.

Responsibility

This is where we find an important and much needed Capricorn trait: responsibility. You may think, well, I’m a Gemini or Scorpio. But each and every one of us has a Saturn in our charts, we all have Capricorn as well – those two ask us for one thing: to be responsible for our actions, for our speech, and even our thoughts as well.

With the New Moon in Capricorn, we can draw on those steadying aspects. Think of the positive traits of the sign of Capricorn, the Goat: disciplined, wise, ambitious, prudent, constant, tenacious and resourceful.
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True Will

It is time to figure out the difference between will and whim. When you know and follow your True Will, your Highest Calling, you can climb mountains or do whatever it is you are meant to do. Following whims or fads will just get you going… here, there and everywhere.

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[box] Capricorn
Element: Earth

Modality: Cardinal

Ruler: Saturn

House: 10th House[/box][/one_half_last]

Prepare for the future with what you have at hand. Don’t wait for someone else to make things better or easier or give you a break. In this new moon do yourself a favor, don’t wait for anyone else to lead you, take responsibility over your own life.

Ask Yourself These Four Things

What no longer serves me? Release it, let it go.

What have I been avoiding? Face it, take at least one action step.

What really matters most? Make the time for it.

What would Grandma or Grandpa do in my situation? Okay, maybe your Grandma was a Burlesque star in the 1920’s, and Grandad ran a Speakeasy, but I bet they learned a thing or two along the way about stick-to-itiveness. Perhaps it’s just me, but I feel like earlier generations didn’t just wait for someone else to give them a sign or a leg up or anything.

They had a dream, made a plan, and went at it.

They learned from the school of hard knocks.

They walked 3 miles to school through snow drifts.

Uphill.

Both ways!

How Capricorn is that?

Or pick another role model of mature experience to guide you. Just pick someone you can readily identify with rather than Mother Teresa or the Dalai Lama.

What would they do in your situation? How would they rework their life?

Focus on practical and attainable long-term goals, work on developing maturity and common sense, prepare for the future, make commitments and recognize responsibilities, and nurture your dreams in a realistic manner.

Mountain Goat Image — If he can do it... why can't we?

These qualities are often cast as boring, but the best mountaineers sweat the details, the mundane. Climbers do all they can to ensure their survival, they start small and learn the right techniques, but they don’t stop with learning or practice. They climb, each step taking them closer to their goal.

Burlesque stars do the same thing.

Or fine jewelry makers, or great bosses, or brilliant students, yoga teachers, parents, friends or lovers.

Now is the Time

The Capricorn New Moon is aspected by Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto emphasizing our readiness for taking a giant step forward on our path. Setting goals for ourselves allows us to focus on what really matters. With this potent Capricorn energy, we have the chance to make important, and lasting, changes in our lives.

Pluto is conjunct the Capricorn New Moon. He will draw things up to the surface from the bottom of your subconscious. Whether it’s an issue you need to deal with, or some dream you had forgotten, make sure you take the time to listen to what your True Will tells you and take responsibility.

Suggestions For Your Altar

Candles

Success Affirmation Candle — Click on image to view Success Affirmation

Success Blessed Herbal Affirmation Candle
Use for success and victory through self-mastery. Determination, courage, wisdom, vitality and a little luck combine to clear the way towards Victory.Triumph over what is blocking you – external conflicts, inner struggles, bad habits or financial/personal success.
Success Blessed Herbal Votive Kit
A Triad of Emotional Balance, Vision Quest and Stability. Success is measured with the level of happiness experienced while creating and living your dreams. Let this triad of candles help you identify, love and manifest your dreams and goals.
Healing Moon Candle for Wholeness, Mastery and Recovery. Master your well-being by tuning into your personal needs and fulfilling them. So light the Healing Moon Candle at any time of the lunar cycle or wheel of the year when you seek mental, spiritual or physical renewal; tap into centuries of wisdom for recovery; and fill your life with the Magic and Mysticism of Mother Moon.

Incense

Both of these exquisite Japanese Incense blends by Shoyeido include Benzoin as one of the ingredients. Benzoin is known for its ability to “melt away” blockages. Used in ancient times to drive away evil spirits.

Sapphire – Devotion: Clove, Benzoin, Vetiver and other spices add to this rare gem’s value.
Kyo-zakura – Kyoto Cherry Blossoms: Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Benzoin, Clove and Spices

Stones

Citrine is a gemstone famous for its positive energy, promoting success in business and relationships.
Yellow Jasper
Sunstone

Ritual tips for the New Moon:

This is the time for starting plans, projects or relationships. With new moon in Capricorn, it is especially helpful for long-term planning, think practical, taking responsibility, stepping up and dealing with authority or business.

Don’t try to do everything on the day of the New Moon. That’s when you work on your plan – From new to first trine-about 2 1/2 days after first quarter is best for planning. Then, do ritual. Two and a-half to three days after New moon is one of thee most powerful times to work ritual or otherwise work energetically on a new goal or venture.

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Looking up and looking forward:

Dec 24, 2011 12:06 PM New Moon
Dec 25, 2011 Jupiter Direct
Jan 1, 2012 12:15 AM First Quarter Moon
Jan 9, 2012 1:30 AM Cancer Full Moon
Jan 16, 2012 3:08 AM Last Quarter Moon
Jan 23, 2012 1:39 AM New Moon

Mars retrograde January 23, — April 13, 2012[/box]