#styrax tree

[rataccoon]

Natural Stone Pavers Front Yard in Seattle Image of a sizable, traditional front yard stone garden path in the springtime.

[faguscarolinensis]

Styrax obassia / Fragrant Snowbell at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University in Durham, NC

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Some Perfumery Vocabulary

Absolute - An extraction from a concrete using alcohol. The essential oil of scented flowers and other aromatic plant parts in its purest and most concentrated form. It is extremely expensive. A few important oils used in an absolute form are: geranium, lavender, lily, and rose.

Accord - A combination of a number of different scents which blend together to produce a new fragrance.

Agrestic - "Of the countryside"; odours of heather, forest depths, and the meadow.

Aldehydes - Aromatic chemicals isolated for the first time in the 19th century, but that also occur naturally. Certain aldehydes provide an increased diffusiveness, sparkle, and lift to perfumes, most famously in Chanel No. 5.

Almondy - Bittersweet, soft, and nutty scent.

Amber - An accord in perfumery that is supposed to recall the qualities of ambergris. It is often constructed with labdanum, Tolu balsam, or Peru balsam. Often an accord in Oriental perfumes.

Ambergris - A highly prized perfume ingredient consisting of the oxidized excretion from a sperm whale. It is rarely used in its natural form in perfumery because of its rarity, exorbitant cost, and concerns about sourcing ambergris from live whales rather than from shore-found ambergris. It’s said to have an earthy, sweet, tobacco, and pleasantly animalic scent. It primarily works to bring out other notes in perfumery rather than to impart a particular scent on its own.

Ambrein - The primary scented molecule in ambergris, isolated and used in perfumery. It’s warm, sweet, vanillic, and ambery, with facets of spice and tobacco.

Animalic - Describes fragrances with animal ingredients in natural or synthetic form, including civet, castoreum, musk, or ambergris. The voluptuous, erotic, and sometimes disturbing quality of animalic perfumes can register in an olfactory way, as something “dirty” or animal-smelling, or as a feeling, a mood, or a quality. Sometimes, it can be both.

Aromatic - Having a strong or distinctive smell.

B—E

Balance - A combination of different fragrance notes so adjusted in proportion to one another that none of the individual notes is more prominent than any of the others.

Balsamic - The resin from the bark of trees and shrubs (Peru, Tolu, styrax) that have a rich vanilla scent. Balsamic is a term used to describe perfumes with the soft, ambery aspects these resins impart.

Benzoin - A sweet, balsamic resin used in incense and as a base note in perfume for its vanillic scent and fixative properties. Also known as styrax because it comes from the bark of the styrax tree.

Bergamot - The essential oil from the peel of the nonedible Citrus aurantium fruit that looks like a small orange. Its sweetish, mellow lemony scent is a crucial top note in perfumery.

Calone - A synthetic “marine” note that is supposed to evoke the freshness of the ocean. It has a slight watermelon facet.

Camphoraceous - Describes a fresh, clean, medical fragrance.

Caramel - Sweet, rich, creamy, buttery scent.

Cardamom - An intensely aromatic, sweet spice from the ginger family, in the form of a pod filled with seeds.

Carnation - A smoky, sweet, and clove-like scent, the latter facet due to Eugenol, the primary component of clove.

Cassis - (or black currant bud) A sharp, fruity, almost cat-urine-like scented perfume note.

Cistus - (or Labdanum) A resin from the rockrose bush, traditionally gathered from goats’ beards as they fed on the plant. Labdanum is said to be the note closest to the scent of ambergris. Creamy, soft, vanillic.

Citrus - Fresh, light fragrance characteristic of citrus fruits, but also imitated synthetically.

Civet - In classical perfumery, the cream harvested from the anal gland of the mongoose-like civet animal, often described as cat like. Fecal-smelling when undiluted, civet “rounds” out other notes when used judiciously. Famous as an overdosed note in Guerlain’s Jicky (1889), it is considered one of the first abstract modern scents. Civet is primarily in synthetic form now.

Clove - An aromatic spice similar to cinnamon, but less sweet. Its primary component is Eugenol.

Coniferous - The fragrance note of pine, spruce, juniper and similar such trees, often used in men's fragrances.

Diffusive - A perfume whose fragrance quickly becomes apparent in the air surrounding the wearer.

Dry - The aromatic effect of perfume ingredients such as woods and mosses in contrast to sweet and warm fragrances.

Earthy - The subtle fragrance impression of earth or earth-mould which is found in certain essential oils such as vetiver and patchouli.

Equine - Notes of hay and leather.

F—M

Floral - The general fragrance of flowers.

Fruity - Citrus, berries, tropical, and other non-citrus fruit scents.

Fungal - Molds, yeast, and mushroom scents.

Green - General fragrance of grasses and green plant parts.

Harmony - A pleasing combination of fragrance notes.

Hayfield notes - Usually based on coumarin, which have an odour of new-mown hay.

Heavy - Denotes a fragrance in which the least volatile ingredients, such as mossy or animalic ones, are dominant, giving a very strong effect. Such fragrances are mostly used in chypre and oriental-type perfumes.

Herbaceous - The characteristic general fragrance of herbs and herbal medicines. Sage, rosemary and lavender are examples.

Honey - Used as an ingredient in early Arab perfumes and appears in later European ones (e.g., Honey Water). In modern perfumery a substance providing the sweet aromatic effect of honey and known as Honey (or Miel) is manufactured synthetically.

Indolic - The disquieting, ripe, animalic, and almost excremental facet of scents.

Leather - A perfume accord and category of perfume constructed from various notes, including birch tar, styrax, castoreum, and a variety of synthetic notes.

Light - Delicate, clean, and fresh-laundry scent.

Marine - Iodized scent.

Mellow - Soothing and calming scent.

Metallic - A fragrance reminiscent of metal, providing a clean, cool effect. Metallic notes are used in perfumes to assist in promoting an effect, not as main fragrances.

Minty - A fragrance reminiscent of mint, e.g., peppermint or spearmint. Such fragances are usually used to provide a special, fresh effect in a top note.

Mossy - The general odour of oils obtained from mosses and lichens.

Musk - Produced by the musk deer and excreted by the male during mating season. Musk deer were killed almost to extinction for their valuable musk glands, which were dried, and whose musk “seeds” were removed and steeped in alcohol to create tinctures for perfume. The scent of real musk is warm, with depth and a dark animalic aroma. Many synthetics now can mimic musk scent, but one of the most superior musk synthetics, nitro-musks, which were in Chanel No. 5 and countless other vintages, has been banned due to toxicity concerns. Musk can also be substituted with plant ingredients including ambrette seed and angelica.

Musty - Damp, earthy, or stale odor.

N—W

Narcotic - Exceptionally strong and heavy fragrances obtained from some flowers (e.g. jasmine and tuberose) and animalic ingredients, which need to be used with careful discretion in a perfume.

Ozonic - A perfume accord that attempts to create the smell of fresh air after a thunderstorm.

Peppery - Odour of pepper.

Powdery - Soft and clean scent.

Rich - Fragrances that have numerous layers, notes, and accords in all stages (top, mid, base), creating a multifaceted feel.

Rounded - The overall smoothness and fullness of a fragrance.

Sharp - A strong scent.

Smoky - The slight smell of smoke created in a perfume by certain oils such as Birch Tar Oil. It is used in men's fragrances to provide a leathery effect.

Spicy - Describes in general the distinctive fragrance of essential oils which have been obtained from spices.

Sweet - A sweet and rather sugar-like fragrance such as vanilla.

Tobacco - Fragrances resembling cured tobaccos, which are particularly popular in masculine toiletries.

Wintergreen - Has a very powerful and fresh, medicinal odour.

Woody - Fragrances reminiscent of wood. These fragrances are provided by wood oils, such as cedar, by essential oils from other plants having a wood-like aroma, such as patchouli, and by synthetics.

Sources: Perfume: The Art and Craft of Fragrance by Karen Gilbert ⚜ The Perfume Handbook by Nigel Groom ⚜ Scent & Subversion by Barbara Herman ⚜ Scent: A Natural History of Fragrance by Elise Vernon Pearlstine ⚜ Introduction to Perfumery by Tony Curtis & David G. Williams ⚜ The Big Book of Perfume

More: Word Lists ⚜ References ⚜ Describing Scent ⚜ Fragrance Notes & Levels

[greenwitchcrafts]

February 2025 Witch Guide

New Moon: February 27th

First Quarter: Feb 5th

Full moon: February 12th

Last Quarter: February 20th

Sabbats: Imbolc- February 1st

February Ice Moon

Also known as:  Cleansing Moon, Deep Snow Moon(Mahican), Eagle Moon(Cree), Bear Moon(Ojibwe), Black Bear Moon(Tlingit), Bony Moon(Cherokee), First Flowers Moon(Catawba), Goose Moon(Haida), Groundhog Moon(Algonquin), Hungry Moon(Cherokee), Ice Moon, Midwinter Moon(Oneida), Raccoon Moon(Dakota), Sleet Moon(Comanche), Solmonath, Suckerfish Moon (Ojibwe) & Quickening Moon

Element: Fire

Zodiac: Aquarius & Pisces

Nature spirts: House Faeries

Deities: Aphrodite, Brigid, Demeter, Diana, Juno, Kuan-Yin, Mars & Persephone

Animals: Otter

Magical: Unicorn

Birds: Chickadee & Eagle

Trees:  Cedar, laurel, myrtle & rowan

Herbs: Balm of Gilead, hyssop, myrrh, sage & spikenard

Flowers: Primrose

Scents: Heliotrope & wisteria

Stones:  Amethyst, jasper, moonstone, obsidian, onyx, pearl, rose quartz, red zircon &topaz

Issues, intentions & powers: Astral travel, banishing, beginnings, empowerment, fertility & purification

Energy: Breaking bad habits, creative expressiveness, energy working to the surface, forgiveness, freedom, friendships, future plans, growth, healing, problem solving, purification, responsibility & science

The explanation behind February’s full Moon name is commonly known as the Snow Moon. This is due to the typically heavy snowfall that occurs in February. On average depending on location & climate conditions, February can be one of the snowiest months of the year according to data from the National Weather Service.

• In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver, who had visited with the Naudowessie (Dakota), wrote that the name used for this period was the Snow Moon, “because more snow commonly falls during this month than any other in the winter.” 

 

Imbolc

Known as: Brigid’s day, Feast of Torches, Feast of Waxing Light & Oimelc

Season: Winter

Element: Air

Symbols: Besoms, Brigid’s cross, candles, candle wheels, corn dolls, cauldrons, fire, ploughs, priapic wands & white flowers

Colors: Black, brown, green, lavender, orange, pink,  red, white & yellow

Oils/Incense: Apricot, basil, bay, carnation, chamomile, cedar, cinnamon, dragon's blood, frankincense, heather, jasmine, myrrh, neroli, peppermint, red sandalwood, sage(green), styrax, vanilla, violet & wisteria

Animals: Badger, cow, deer, groundhog, sheep & snake

Birds: Lark, robin & swan

Stones: Amethyst, bloodstone, ×citrine, clear quartz, garnet, green tourmaline, hematite, iron, lodestone, onyx, red zircon, rose quartz, ruby, turquoise & yellow tourmaline

Mythical: Dragon

Food:  Ale, breads, chives, cider, cornmeal, curry, dairy products, dried fruit, dried meats, eggs, garlic, grains, herbal teas, honey cakes, lamb, mead, muffins, nuts, onions, peppers, poppy seed cakes, pork, potatoes, poultry, pumpkin seeds, raisins, scones, spiced wine & sunflower seeds

Herbs/Plants: Angelica, ashleaf, balsam, basil, bay, benzoin, blackberry, celandine, clover, coltsfoot, coriander, dragon's blood, garlic, lemon, myrrh, reed, rosemary, sage, vervain, wheat, witch hazel & wormwood

Flowers:  Chamomile, crocus, daffodil, heather, iris, rose hips, sunflower, tansy & violet

Trees: Blackthorn, cedar, rowan & sycamore

Goddesses: Anu, Aradia, Arianrhod, Artio, Athena, Branwen, Brigid, Danu, Februa, Gaia, Inanna, Juno, Selene, Selu, Sirona & Vesta

Gods: Aengus Mac Og, Bragi, Cupid, Dian Cecht, Dumuzi, Eros, Februus & Pax

Tarot cards: Death, The Empress & The Star

Spellwork: Air magick, cleansing, divination, fertility & new beginnings

Issues, Intentions & Powers: Awakening, animals, banishing, beginnings, change, fertility, healing, hope, illumination, inspiration, light, patience, pregnancy/childbirth, prophecy, prosperity, purification, transformation, well-being & youth

Activities:

•Make & light white candles

• Clean/decorate your altar & consecrate your  altar tools

• Go on a walk in nature & look for signs of spring

• Make a Brigid’s Cross

• Have a feast with your family/friends

• Give thanks & leave offerings to the Earth

• Set intentions, reflect & look deeper into your goals for spring

• Start a bonfire

• Bless new projects

• Clear snow/ice from public walkways

• Gather & distribute warm clothes, hand warmers & blankets to those who need it

• Pepare plans for your upcoming garden

• Craft a priapic wand

• Spend time with children celebrating Imbolc by making crafts & or baking

• Make or buy new magical tools

• Practice divination & fire scrying

• Draw a cleansing ritual bath for yourself

• Meditate, reflect & say your farewells to winter

• Cleanse & clean your house to prepare for spring

• Create a Brídeóg: a doll of Brigid made of straw

• Make Bride’s bouquet satchets & exchange as symbols of good luck and fertility

• Set aside seasonal food & or drinks as an offering to Brigid to invite her in your home

• Find Imboloc prayers & devotionals that bid farewell to the winter months & honor the goddess Brigid

Imbolc is a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of spring. Most commonly it is held on January 31 – February 1, or halfway between the winter solstice & the spring equinox. The holiday is a festival of the hearth, home, a celebration of the lengthening days & the early signs of spring. 

•  It is suggested that Imbolc originally marked the onset of the arrival of fresh sheep milk after a period of food shortage & the beginning of preparations for the spring sowing.

The word “imbolc” means “in the belly” and refers to the pregnancy of ewes at this time of year. The term “oimelc” means ewe’s milk. Around this time of year, many herd animals give birth to their first offspring of the year or are heavily pregnant & as a result, they are producing milk.

Imbolc is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and it is associated with important events in Irish mythology. It is believed that Imbolc was originally a pagan festival associated with the lambing season and the goddess Brigid. It's believed that Imbolc was Christianized as a festival of Saint Brigid, who herself is thought to also be a Christianization of the goddess.

• Joseph Vendryes and Christian-Joseph Guyonvarc'h suggested that it may have also been a purification festival, similar to the ancient Roman festival Lupercalia which took place at the same time of year.

Some scholars argue that the date of Imbolc was significant in Ireland since the Neolithic. A few passage tombs in Ireland are aligned with the sunrise around the times of Imbolc & Samhain.

Related festivals:

•Groundhog Day: February 2nd- 

Is a tradition observed in the United States & Canada every year. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day & sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den & winter will go on for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early.

• While the tradition remains popular in the 21st century, studies have found no consistent association between a groundhog seeing its shadow & the subsequent arrival time of spring-like weather.

•St. Brigid’s Day: February 1st-

Celebrates the beginning of spring and the celebration of Lá Fhéile Bríde, St Brigid’s Day. The day has long symbolised hope, renewal and the feminine.

•Because Saint Brigid has been theorised as linked to the goddess Brigid, some associate the festival of Imbolc with the goddess.

St. Brigid is the patroness saint (or ‘mother saint’) of Ireland. She is patroness of many things, including poetry, learning, healing, protection, blacksmithing, livestock & dairy production. In her honour, a perpetual fire was kept burning at Kildare for centuries & a recent campaign successfully established her feast day as a national holiday in 2023.

The customs of St Brigid's Day did not begin to be recorded in detail until the early modern era. In recent centuries, its traditions have included weaving Brigid's crosses, hung over doors and windows to protect against fire, illness, and evil spirits. People also made a doll of Brigid (a Brídeóg), which was paraded around the community by girls, sometimes accompanied by 'strawboys'. Brigid was said to visit one's home on St Brigid's Eve. To receive her blessings, people would make a bed for Brigid, leave her food and drink, and set items of clothing outside for her to bless. Holy wells would be visited, a special meal would be had, and the day was traditionally linked with weather lore.

•  Candlemas: February 2nd-

 Is a Christian feast day on February 2nd commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the Temple. It is based upon the account of the presentation of Jesus in Luke 2:22-40. 

•While it is customary for Christians in some countries to remove their Christmas decorations on Twelfth Night, those in other Christian countries historically remove them after Candlemas.

On Candlemas, many Christians also take their candles to their local church, where they are blessed and then used for the rest of the year. For Christians, these blessed candles serve as a symbol of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the Light of the World.

•Setsubun: February 2nd-

Is the day before the beginning of spring in the old calendar in Japan. The name literally means 'seasonal division’, referring to the day just before the first day of spring.

Both Setsubun & Risshun are celebrated yearly as part of the Spring Festival (Haru matsuri ) in Japan. In its association with the Lunar New Year, Setsubun, though not the official New Year, was thought of as similar in its ritual & cultural associations of 'cleansing’ the previous year as the beginning of the new season of spring. Setsubun was accompanied by a number of rituals & traditions held at various levels to drive away the previous year’s bad fortunes & evil spirits for the year to come.

• The commonly practiced tradition of throwing of roasted soybeans (called "fukumame") in order to drive away evil spirits & bring good fortune into one's home is upheld by both places of worship & regular people. Then, as part of bringing luck in, it is customary to eat roasted soybeans, one for each year of one's life (kazoedoshi), plus one more for bringing good luck for the year.

Other celebrations:

• Lupercalia: February 13-15th-

In ancient Rome, this festival was conducted annually on February 13th through 15th under the superintendence of a corporation of priests called Luperci. The origins of the festival are obscure, although the likely derivation of its name from lupus (Latin: “wolf”) has variously suggested connection with an ancient deity who protected herds from wolves & with the legendary she-wolf who nursed Romulus & Remus. As a fertility rite, the festival is also associated with the god Faunus to purify the city, promoting health & fertility.

Each Lupercalia began with the sacrifice by the Luperci of goats & a dog, after which two of the Luperci were led to the altar, their foreheads were touched with a bloody knife & the blood was wiped off with wool dipped in milk; the ritual required that the two young men laugh. The sacrificial feast followed, after which the Luperci cut thongs from the skins of the sacrificial animals & ran in two bands around the Palatine hill, striking with the thongs at any woman who came near them. A blow from the thong was supposed to render a woman fertile.

In 494 CE the Christian church under Pope Gelasius I forbade participation in the festival. Tradition holds that he appropriated the form of the rite as the Feast of the Purification (Candlemas), celebrated on February 2, but it is likely that the Christian feast was established in the previous century. It has also been alternately suggested that Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th, but the origin of that holiday was likely much later.

Sources:

Farmersalmanac .com

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kines

Wikipedia

Encyclopedia Britannica

A Witch's Book of Correspondences by Viktorija Briggs

Encyclopedia britannica

Llewellyn 2025 magical almanac Practical magic for everyday living

Llewellyn's Sabbat Essentials: Imbolc

Note:

This guide was written with Moon phases and dates corresponding to North America. These guides are supposed to be a generalized stepping off point to do your own research & help celebrate the way you feel called to.

•THIS IS CONDENSED INFORMATION AND SPECIFICS MAY NOT BE MENTIONED

This isn't based off what I do personally & I'm by no way suggesting people celebrate a certain way. It's stuff I've read & put together from books so people of different traditions & practices can get an idea of what to do for the sabbat, months or research for themselves.

Note that for Native American names, each Moon name was traditionally applied to the entire lunar month in which it occurred, the month starting either with the new Moon or full Moon. Also the name of the lunar month might vary each year or between bands or other groups within the same nation.

Some names listed here may reflect usage at once in history but may no longer be used by a designated group today. Many of the names listed here are English interpretations of the words used in Native American languages. They are only roughly aligned here with the months of the Gregorian calendar; you’ll notice that some names are repeated in multiple months.

The ones listed are the ones that were used in the books I used for correspondences & there are many more that are not mentioned.

[cursecuelebre]

All About Lady Hekate

(Definitely a long post so lock in y’all and feel free to jump around)

“….And she conceived and bore Hecate whom Zeus the son of Cronos honored above all. He gave her splendid gifts, to have a share of the earth and the unfruitful sea. She received honor also in starry heaven, and is honored exceedingly by the deathless gods. For to this day, whenever any one of men on earth offers rich sacrifices and prays for favor according to custom, he calls upon Hecate.” - Hesiod, Theogony lines 404-415.

Attributes:

The Crossroads

The Underworld

Necromancy

The Sea

The Heavens

The Moon/Night (the dark moon)

Witchcraft/Socrery

Liminal spaces

Childbirth/midwifery

Children, protecting of

Ghosts and spirits

Familiars and Symbols

Dogs especially black

Ferrets and Weasels

Fish

Bull

Wheels (four/eight spokes especially)

Deer

Lionesses

Serpents/Dragons

Horses

Frogs

Keys

Torches

Oak tree

Crossroads (a forked road)

Triple colored candle (white, black, red)

bronze

double edged knife

Offerings

Garlic

Rosemary

Styrax incense

Dry Laurel leaves

Saffron

Cakes

Eggs

Meat like beef (Bull meat)

Fish (seafood)

Wine (any libation is acceptable but one cannot drink it or share the drink it must be poured on the ground or soil for Chthonic gods).

Rue

Dragon’s blood

Festivals

The Deipnon a monthly festival held on every last day lunar month (29th or 30th), the ancient Greeks based their days on the lunar cycle when the sun sets that’s where when a new day begins rather the sun rising. She would be offered at crossroads and shrines. Time of purification of the household but also honouring the restless dead. That includes a great meals (dinners of Hekate) placing on crossroads for the dead a modern way to do this is called a “dummy dinner” which someone will put a plate of food down at a empty spot on the dinner table. Helios would also be included. Also can offer at graves.

Noumenia (New moon) is the celebration of the new lunar month on the first day called Noumenia as I said a new day starts when the sunsets. Hekate’s Deipnon is held on the last day of this festival and the last day of the month. Not only Hekate is involved but other household gods. Both festivals were held on the (Dark Moon)

Kleidos Agoge the first new moon of spring it was held at Lagina in Turkey that involved her key symbolism the meaning “Procession of the Key” where her sacred key be carried to the center of town, offerings like games, hymns, and songs were made to Hekate.

Mythology/General history

Hekate is a very mysterious but important divine goddess in Greek mythology but also religion even outside. Her origins at least her earliest known history is found in Thrace and Anatolia (modern day Turkey) as a lunar goddess of wildlife and childbirth but the Greeks adopted her into their culture and religions where we find more evidence on how to worship and see how she was seen in ancient society. Hekate the name means “worker from afar” or “far-reaching one” her name is often are epithets of Apollo and Artemis.

She was commonly had shrines in households as being a protector of households (Epiteichea) a guardian and overseer the shrine being place near doorways especially coming in and out of the house or corners she was to protect the house and family from witchcraft and the evil eye. But she had shrines at the crossroads (Enodia) which she is seen very commonly in Ancient Greece. Hekate wasn’t a goddess but a Titan who ruled over both Sky, Earth, and Sea. She aided the gods during the great war of Titan and Gods when it was over Zeus won and granted Hekate her to rule her share of domains out of great honour and respect. But in Ancient Greeks mostly saw her as a chthonic goddess of the underworld and earthly but they still acknowledged her other aspects celestial and of the sea.

Family

Her parentage in Mythology is interesting and not certain, it’s said that she was the daughter of Perses (destroyer) and her mother is Asteria (Falling stars and night divination) some say it was Zeus and Asteria, or Nyx being her mother. But most believe that is likely that Perses is her father certainly another epithet was Persis (destroyer, Child of Perses). Now Hekate is a virgin goddess meaning she won’t ever marry or have natural born children however there has been instances in the myths of where she has “children” like Medea and Circe who most people believe which is very likely that their referring to “follower or servant” to Hekate. But it is said that she was the grandmother or mother of the sea monster Scylla. Though she often seen as a virgin goddess it does say she might have a few lovers.

Significant myths and pairings

Circe and Medea, often described as “daughters of Hekate.” You can find them in the Odyssey where Circe is a enchantress and turns Odysseus men into swine. Medea who was the wife of Jason famously evoked and sacrificed to Hekate Brimo which made appearance to Jason which he became afraid Brimo is Hekate’s terrible and angry aspect.

The abduction of Presphone and aiding Demeter, when Presphone was kidnapped by Hades and taken to the underworld Demeter was distraught and grief stricken she ask the gods if they known anything about what happen to Presphone but they know not of where she gone. But Hekate step forward saying she heard the cries of Presphone and Helios seeing the abduction. Now Hermes is also very heavily involved in this story but often Hekate and Hermes were seen together, either in the story or one of them but both are correct and valid since the ancients saw them as psychopomps. Hekate guides Presphone out of the underworld carrying two twin torches always facing Presphone to make sure she is following her.

Hecuba, the Queen of Troy and Wife of King Priam the mother of Hector and Paris. After the war of Troy after witnessing her children’s and husband’s deaths it wrecked Hecuba’s life. She became enslaved and grief stricken by the deaths of her children. There is many myths of how she ended up as Hekate’s companion, one was she threw herself into the sea but then transformed into a dog but buried in a wretched place called “dog’s grave” called Kynsossema, when she was enslaved to Odysseus she barked and snarled at him like a dog thus transforming into one and escaping, another after seeing her youngest son and daughter killed she began barking like a dog. But accounts of her transforming into a dog she was rescued by Hekate who became her canine companion ever since.

Hekate and Helios, this pairing is interesting occurrence throughout the myths of Hekate minus Hecuba. Helios is present in some way or other in myths with Hekate, as Helios being the grandfather of Medea or the actual father of Circe even being releated to Hekate as he is the grandfather of her through Perses. Scholars say this is a depiction of duality and balance like light and dark, life and death, etc. It never says explicitly of why they are often pair but it clearly shows they have a strong connection and association.

Hermes and Hekate, both when in their Chthonic aspects are often paired together, at crossroads, being psychopomps, blessing travelers and messengers. Both being consorts (companion wise). Hermes is also a known household deity as well. Considered to be sacred pairings a dualistic connection and often Hermes has associations with dogs especially with animal husbandry and shepherds. A famous Aesop fable is when a dog approaches Hermes’s temple.

Hekate and Artemis, now these goddesses are very similar and confused to be the one and the same sometimes but often they had the same attributes and domains. For instance both goddesses are associated with the moon, Artemis the actual moon and phrases but Hekate it seems to be the New moon or dark moon a singular phrase that lasts three days, both are maidens, both are depicted as huntresses seen in Hekate’s Orphic hymn and epithet, Artemis’s epithet was even Hekate, both share the epithet of Phosphorus, Artemis also bears torches, both have a strong connection to the wilds and earth, and both share attributes of protecting children and midwifery. Still doesn’t mean they are one and the same including Selene the Titaness of the moon. These goddesses are similar but entirely different because yes they may have used same names and attributes but it doesn’t mean they are one in the same best to keep in mind about that. Parentage is different, attributes are not the exact same, nor their history and how the ancient saw them as. Artemis and Diana are used interchangeably but Artemis is Hekate are not for various reasons.

Triple Goddess

The most common and important depiction when one sees or hears about Hekate is that she is a triple goddess for good reason so what is Hekate’s triple form and what is the purpose of it.

Trimorphis or Triformis (Three-formed or body) is an epithet of Hekate that is depicted with Hekate with three bodies or faces one facing straight and the other two facing the opposite directions it is linked to her Enodian aspect Trioditis or three ways, of cross roads. Imagine the figure of the letter T it depicts a crossroads that is three ways. It represents her domain over liminal spaces and crossroads, but also her triple form is associated with her domains of Earth, Sea, and Sky also aspects of life, death, and rebirth. Ovid described her as Triceps or three-formed, The poet Lycophron describes Hekate having three necks, many depictions within ancient sculptures and art. In this aspect she helps with banishing ghosts and evil spirits and magic. As well a guide and proctor of roads. The Number 3 is often associated with her because of the three formed aspect.

What Hekate is compared to Neopagan idea of Triple goddess.

Huge discussion of how Hekate is associated with the triple goddess within neo-paganism often is Wiccan ideology called “Maiden, Mother, Crone” this concept is not ancient and it’s best to recognized that it was based off and nitpicked historical deities and religious traditions that created the idea of MMC. Hekate was NEVER referred to MMC because one she is a virgin goddess always a maiden, yes many followers including I refer to her as mother but not in the MMC context, two following that point she was never married or aged she is immortal and never described as being an older woman, nor that her triple form was three different goddesses. About the moon phrases, well that came from a neoplatoist poet named Porphyry who made her to be a triple moon goddess. Neoplatonism is complex but it is centred around monism which is basically all that is derived from a single principle called “the One” Porphyry was a philosopher and poet not a religious man of Hekate who became obsessed with Hekate and Chaldean oracles and began to associate her with many different things like world soul and moon phrases, even being a creator goddess without any evidence. Neoplatonism is essentially a philosophical thought build from Plato’s teachings mixed with Christianity and Judaism even Islamic thoughts. I’m not an expert on this I’m sure someone can better explain than I can but what I’m getting at is that Hekate with the lunar goddess which yes she is partially associated with the moon as in (New Moon) but she is not with the whole triple forms meaning triple moons it’s based off a philosophy that has no merit other than it was nitpicked from hher mythology and traditions not a religious or mythical background in her origins or even mysteries. It’s not historical nor recognize by the ancient Greeks or Romans of this school of thought. I’m not trashing Neoplatonism but just saying that the whole “world soul” and Anima Mundi titles and lunar/creation goddess was a much later interpretation of Hekate which the Greeks or Romans never saw her as.

Hekate and Sorcery and Magic

My favorite topic so far, Hekate along with her triple goddess aspect she was often seen as the goddess of sorcery and necromancy. Yes she protected those from evil magic and the evil but much like how Apollo can bring plagues as well to stop them Hekate can help with spellcraft and spirit communication but before delving deep in her associations we must talk about what was Necromancy and Sorcery to the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Now the dead were sacred and the people of Greek and Roman societies did not want to disrespect them since they knew spirits can bring misfortune and curses. The Ancient Greeks feared Hades even avoid saying his name because it was feared it would bring death their way. Hades was not only a god but a place, though they feared it and him they still saw death as sacred and respected the dead and their journeys afterwards. Of course they worshipped Hades and Presphone during funeral rites and had shrines but he was not a popular god in Ancient times so they used other epithets instead of Hades. Hekate doesn’t bring death to those like Thanatos rather she guides them and is able to come and go through the underworld she not is a harbinger of death rather a escort for those who are lost in the underworld she would take in souls and be part of her horde of nymphs and unrestless spirits. But she was saw as a proctor of evil spirits and misfortune however there is a dark side to Hekate which the Greeks and Romans saw very taboo which was not only sorcery but also Necromancy which is quite blasphemous during those times. The Greeks and Romans though revered their dead saw dead bodies and blood as impurity and pollution of humans and a offense to the gods if you were to kill or offer a human sacrifice to the gods they will not be happy it was called Misama, Lyma is pollution of the natural world that regularly attaches to a human so even if you didn’t come in contact with dead bodies or blood or such, purification is still needed. But the Greeks weren’t so black and white on it though they still contact and work with the dead especially educated people or contacting actual necromancers for help with spirits. I’ve mention Circe and Medea as being sorceresses, Medea who is known to be excellent herbalist and Circe turning people into other animals or monsters all in connection with Hekate. What we know of mostly about Hekate and sorcery outside of myths is the Greek Magical Papyri (PGM) which is a collection of curse tablets of that were found with magical incantations, spells, and rituals with numerous gods found like Hermes Chthonios but common one was Hekate and Necromancy. Necromancy comes from the Greek words nerko (corpse) and mancy (prophecy or divination), in Greco-Roman mythology there are numerous accounts of heroes summoning the dead and speaking with them like Odysseus and his mother, Orpheus traveling to Hades and saving his lover, etc. But it’s spirit communication not reanimation of the body or resurrecting a body simply summoning and speaking to a earthly spirit for knowledge or deity. It’s not evil nor good just simply divination it’s not what today’s media portrayal of Necromancy. Necromancy can fall into what we call today ceremonial magic not so much of folk magic the rituals are very complex and structured I recommend you reading PGM if you’re interested. But how necromancy was done in ancient times and now are extremely different and illegal like grave robbing an epithet for Hekate is Tymboryenos (Grave digger, Grave robber). You’ll also find other rare epithets used in PGM like Hekate Arykia (Net, Weaver). However you can evoke Hekate during simple spirit work (Nekuia or Nekyia) or Kthonia for protection and allowance for spirits to speak to begin with necromancy doesn’t have to be elaborate like traditional necromancy in the ancient world if you don’t want to of course cause it does in involve lot of human remains and animal life.

Hekate and Witchcraft

Now Hekate traditionally wasn’t referred to goddess of witchcraft or Queen of Witches, because one The Greeks or Romans never used the term witch or witchcraft more like sorcery or sorceress which the Greeks saw very slanderous and disrespectful comparison to Theurgy or high magic. Use of spells and charms to do harm, hence the modern term is used for Hekate for witchcraft because of how similar it is to sorcery its low, earthly, and folk based. Now Hekate has always been associated with “Witchcraft” way before Wicca started because she was spread throughout many different cultures and traditions from Greece to England. Hekate has been involved in many folklore and legends because of her influence, cause Greek mythology was quite popular among modern Western Europeans plus Romans went to other places like England where shrines were dedicated to her or her counterpart (Trivia). Hekate soon merged with what the English saw as witches and witchcraft throughout history one is such of Clapham Hill near Chanctonbury Ring in South Downs, England. Ancient Neolithic site, an ancient hill fort early Bronze Age used for rituals or defense purposes but abandoned for 500 hundred years til the Romans came upon it building two temples that were Romano-Celtic. Some say it was used for the Druidic purposes, others the devil created the ring or hill but one story does stand out but it’s very close to the hill fort called Clapham Wood which says to be cursed by landowner named Robert Le Faulconer in 1228 who wanted to obtain a petition from a local parson but failed to do so, therefore he cursed the land in the name of Hekate. Clapham Wood is very mysterious and said to be extremely haunted with many missing persons and unexplained deaths but also very strange is that dogs go missing or end up being sick, strange sightings of humanoid figures that look like women screaming like women some people blame aliens but I personally believe it be of Hekate and her horde personally. I highly recommend reading the story it’s really interesting. Whether or not the legend is true Hekate has been spread outside of means of Greco-Roman myths and traditions as people spread of cultural exchange she began to adopt aspects like “Queen of Witches and Witchcraft”.

Witchcraft and Sorcery has associated with curses, healing, herbs, spell craft, folk magic, divination, etc. Is it wrong to associate her with witches and witchcraft no I personally don’t think so because it’s part of syncretism that evolved into the something very similar to the point she becomes synonymous with that term. From my personal experience she doesn’t mind it and is pleased with it.

Modern day

Now I touch upon the MMC aspect and that’s a very modern thing that was invented in Wicca not even in Celtic paganism in general but should you associate Hekate with MMC? Well I’m not your mother but from researching Hekate, the question is why do you see her MMC when she’s not associated with the concept. I don’t agree with it nor I think it’s appropriate but again I’m not your mother it’s your practice not mine but here’s some things I do incorporate in modern day practice.

Strophalos or Hekate’s wheel or Inyx wheel: It’s an ancient symbol but debated whether or not it was associated with Hekate however in modern Hekeaten Witchcraft many witches including myself associates Hekate with the wheel. I do believe it became her symbol overtime of her devoted followers. It’s not just a symbol but a ritual tool. But WHEELS in general have been associated with Hekate like Sun wheels and wheels with eight spokes, wheel images are stamped on temples of Hekate like Lagina in Turkey also amulets and other art forms. It’s ritual tool, spinning the wheel to attract something or someone to oneself or extent one self. It’s made from metal or other materials and held and spun on a string while the disc is spinning one would chant or pray as the disc spins. You can use just general wheels not Strophalos if that’s makes you more comfortable you can make your own Iynx as well.

Owls or other birds, birds aren’t historically associated with Hekate but birds like crows or owls can be messengers from Hekate. But keep in mind it’s based on your own experience lot of people are saying she is associated with crows or ravens or owls but historically she wasn’t. Just be aware of that fact you can associate aviary animals with her of course but I can see her sending messages and signs in forms of owls and such

Moon Phrases especially full moon, again she wasn’t historically associated with moon phrases except the dark moon however if you’re say into Moon magic I don’t see a reason not to include Hekate if you do work with her to be involved with the rituals again but you can base your rituals with lunar phrases if you wish to just not on the note she wasn’t worshipped or dedicated to phrases like the full moon but it can’t hurt to work or worship her during that time.

Again I’m not your mother I can’t dictate what you can or can’t do in your practice but be diligent in your practice with her. If you want to include her modern day symbols or rituals always ask why and always do research and ask questions don’t follow what a random TikTokker or even me on tumblr do your own research it’s free usually on online just cross reference and make your own judgements again I’m not an authority just spewing information.

Appendix:

Tarot didn’t exist during the Ancient Greek World (from my knowledge) at least RWS standard but I do associate my divination practice with her and dedicate decks to her even some tarot cards. This is my personal interpretation of the cards with her you can change it up of course if you feel like. It’s based on how I read her in practice, mythology and such.

The High Priestess (Magic, Sorcery, Hidden)

Hierophant (Keys, Traditional knowledge, Taurus)

Empress (Earth, Nature, Providing, Nurturer)

Hermit (Solitude, reflection, Sovereign)

Death (Underworld, Psychopomp, Leading)

Devil (Brimo aspect)

Moon and Star (Associations with Stars, Night, and Moon)

Judgement (Psychopomp, Leader of Souls)

World (Kthonic aspect)

Ace of Wands (Lampadios-Torch bearer or Dadouchos - Torch Bearer)

Two of Swords (Cross roads)

My Favourite Epithets

She has a lot but I’ll leave a list of ones I like to use

Enodia - Crossroads

Trivia (Roman form of Hekate three formed)

Skylakageia - Dog leader

Ourania - Celestial

Kthonia - Of Underworld

Einalia- of the sea

Kleis - Key holder

Apotropia- Averter of Evil

Alexeatis - Averter of Evil

Dadouchos - Torch bearer

Arkuia - Spinner of Webs (PGM)

Brimo - Angry, terrible one

Triformis/Trimorphis - Three formed or Three bodied

Nyktipolos - night wandering

Nekyia - goddess of death

Tauromorphos - bull formed

Agrotera - Huntress

Mene - Moon

Eileithyia - Goddess of Midwives

Geneteira - Mother

Kaurotrophos - Child’s nurse

Angelos - Messenger

Drakaina- she dragon

Phôsphoros - light bringer

Hiera- holy one

Ephoros- Guardian, Overseer

Leaina- Lioness

Hipparete - Horse speaker

Empylios - one at the gate

Zonodrakonitis - Encircled by snakes

Photoplex - One who strikes with light

Phroune - She toad or Frog (PGM)

Deities that can be paired well with her

Certain aspects of deities and spirits can work and share an altar within reason. Like I wouldn’t place Apollo and Hekate without any merit or correlation with each other depending on context. So it’s deities she often is seen with and associated with.

Helios - many myths with each other I keep a sun plaque above Hekate’s statue to signify her celestial but also balance and duality.

Hermes Kthoninos- Hermes underworld aspect but also his Angelos a messenger, common pairing with one another considered to be a sacred pairing

Circe and Medea, Hero worship is very common and you can work with Circe and Medea as heroines or predecessors of followers of Hekate

Presphone- Queen of the underworld and associated of following Hekate deep underground to Hades or remerging from the depths

Demeter- also associated with Hekate as Hekate helps Demeter finding Presphone

Artemis- Similar qualities and both can be worked well together

Sources:

Greek magical Papyri (PGM) in translation, University of Chicago Press (1986) various contributors

Hesiod, Theogony

Ovid, Metamorphosis

Hellenic Polytheism, Labrys (2014)

Theoi.com

 https://historycooperative.org/hades-greek-god-of-the-underworld/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hades

Thomas Bulfinch, Myths of Greece and Rome (1979)

Couterney Weber, Hekate Goddess of Witches (2021)

[the-polyam-polytheist]

Yggdrasil

i am every tree in the world that is known their DNA winding, winding forth in three massive roots lifting off the soil, smaller growth winding down from them.

you smell cedar, sandalwood, mahogany, pine, spruce, birch, myrtle, rosewood, ash and elm, myrtle, cypress, frankincense, fir, galbanum, labdanum, myrhh, amber sawdust and styrax, thousands of subtle colors on my bark they snake together as one.

the smell of rot death creates new life amanita, psilocybe, cordyceps, violets, anemones, lillies ferns, moss, grass underfoot

pick a berry off one of my low hanging branches i have apples i have honeysuckle i have everything, darling (i am everything)

i am the pollen in your nose the nectar in your mouth lay down and i am leaves falling on your body and i am the grass underneath i am sound of the insects and birds and a thousand little squirrels carrying gossip movement too fast, too slow to be still stillness, movement too still to be slow too quick to be anything but

the whirr of a compass runes scattered about, carved and painted in mud i am the sound your voice takes up

i am the feeling of floating in the river flowing beneath one root and you float beside me, and you and you and you i am perched in the nest at this branch and this branch, and this one, and this− i grow on the bark spotted with brilliant white i am red as sunset and pink as dawn blue as the twilight, brown as the soil i am holding your hand, and your hand, and yours too

i am with you i am with you i am with you i am with you i am with you i am with you i am with you i am with you i am in you

everywhere and within the notches of spine the curve of your ribs the fur of your dog it all twines down into me

everywhere, everything.

[arabic-langblr]

hi!! what would be the arabic name closest to lotte? also, is it common to use an arabic name instead of your own name when speaking arabic? thanks for all your posts and info, you're one of my favorite langblrs :))

Hi anon! Thank you for your kind words, I'm happy to know that you enjoy my posts and info (⁄ ⁄>⁄ ▽ ⁄<⁄ ⁄)

Send me your name (on or of anon) and I'll tell you what is the closest Arabic name to your name.

I thought of a few suggestions

لُبْنَى (Lubnā) it's the name of a beautiful type of tree that has white flowers, it has a certain substance similar to a glue that is said to have medical benefits. I looked up the name in English and it's "Styrax officinalis"

لولوة (Louloua) which means pearl (it's from the word لؤلؤة (Lou'Lou'a) which means pearl but this variation is easier to prounounce).

لُجَيْن (Lujain) which means silver

And to answer your question, I've seen a lot of people do this, especially people from East Asian countries who are learning Arabic who perfer to use an Arabic name. I've seen many cases like this on social media.

I also had a colleague who liked to use an Arabic name as her nickname instead of her real name.

Some people do it to feel immersed in the language or blend in the culture, some people on social media do it to protect their identity and some people like to chose a name that's easier to pronounce in Arabic speaking countries, sometimes the name comes in error but the person ends up liking it and using it as a nickname (like what happend to my colleague).

Of course it's not mandatory like you don't need to do it but if this is what you want then why not :)

[wrathofrats]

Hiiiii I’ve seen some perfume posts going around and I’ve decided to make one for the old ghouls

Everything is purely based on vibes and what I think fits them best! Era 1- 3 ghouls (:

Alpha:

Smells of something smoky, mechanical. As bright as a factory fire.

- https://www.sirensongelixirs.com/products/archangel-mass-effect-garrus-inspired-perfume-blue-steel-icy-musk-leather-black-pepper-coal-gunpowder-sandalwood-vegan-indie

Blue steel, icy musk, kiss of leather, black pepper, dry coal & hint of gunpowder, citrus, & soft woods.

-https://six-scents.com/products/ierofante

Suede, Gasoline Accord, Nutmeg, Styrax Pyrogene, Smoky Leather, Golden Amber, Cashmeran, Vetiver

Omega:

Like a hug from an old familiar book, something intellectual and dusty

-https://us.akrofragrances.com/products/ink

Vetiver, Black Ink, Jasmine, Birch

- https://nuicobaltdesigns.com/products/bibliophilia?variant=31891723386957

The vanillic scent of aging paper, the tang of fresh ink, venerable bookshelves of oak and mahogany, a sweet trace of pipe tobacco, an undercurrent of faded leather. Wear this subtle potion to invoke spirits of arcane knowledge and empower your perceptions.

Water:

Bright crispy and refreshing. Smells of tropical waters and the feeling of meeting your childhood best friend on a beach

- https://www.smallflower.com/products/outremer-oceane-eau-de-toilette-1_7-fl-oz?variant=37056704610455

Let the scent of ocean mist transport you to the Southern coast of France, where the bright, fresh Mediterranean sea fragrances the air. Oceane is a mix of marine notes that conjures the salty, sultry allure of the beach.

-https://www.sephora.com/product/skylar-salt-air-eau-de-parfum-P456975?skuId=2468445&icid2=seop_2_title

Salt Air is the fragrance of a perfect seascape with notes of sea salt to give you a fresh-out-the-water feeling. Grounding driftwood and green seaweed mingle with light floral notes of water lily for a perfume that smells of endless summers and breezy, beachy days.

Earth:

Like a dark soil. A deep ancient being buried beneath the ground. Ominous greenery

- https://www.poesieperfume.com/featured-collection-ss/enchanted-forest

Notes: ancient hinoki trees shading moss covered stones, playful forest spirits, bone musk, a hint of gunpowder

-https://fantomeperfume.com/products/ruslan

Black spruce, smoky opopanax, oud, fresh cedar, hinoki, dry fir needles, oakmoss, frankincense, black tea.

Air:

Like a breath of fresh air. Air smells like the first deep breath in a national park

- https://www.victorinox.com/global/en/Products/Fragrances/For-Her/Morning-Dew/p/V0000897

Swiss made revitalizing scent interweaving a sheer citrus blend of lemon, bergamot and mandarin with white violet and airy musk.

-https://altraprofuture.com/products/ghost-flower

A maximalist gathering of smokey woods, rich resins and a singular White Lily. Notes of unripe tropical fruits surround the full-bodied floral, bringing an unexpected neon brightness. Bohemian at its heart, this evocative floral is enveloped by a veil of incense, leathery saffron and unifying spice.

Delta:

Something dark and horrifying. Like a terrible atrocity has occurred but you can’t place what makes you feel like something’s watching you

- https://sucreabeille.com/products/seems-legit

Rotten river mud, a few drops of blood, a swirl of tobacco smoke, sweet pumpkin pie, candy corn, tears.

- https://eaudespace.com/products/eau-de-space-the-smell-of-space-100ml

Latex, metallic, fire, gunpowder, rum and bitter almonds

Pebble:

Mossy. the smell of sitting on a rock the day after it rains

-https://www.cbihateperfume.com/0069

The smell of pavement on a rainy day

-https://alkemiaperfumes.com/products/gaea-perfume-oil-forest-loam-ferns-decaying-leaves-lichens-wet-stones

Forest loam under warm spring sunshine, new ferns poking up through decaying leaves, maple sap flowing over lichens, mosses and wet stones at the edge of a vernal pool.

Cowbell:

Warm and sterile. Light a brightly lit well lived in hospital room

- https://www.toskovat.com/product/anarchist-a_/

Top notes: credit cards, snow, whiskey

Heart notes: dirty dollars, ink, candle wax

Base notes: green sacra resin, holy water, old confession room, priest’s clothes, plastic bag

White-collared promises that children follow, a better tomorrow. Only if you work for it

for every tomorrow.

And me, waiting in the cold, snow on my face, rye in my pocket, hoping for answers for a different age.

Society remains dying. And we have killed it. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers?

- https://fzotic.com/products/room-237

a bracing vinyl shower curtain note followed by a supernatural green-floral accord that includes wild fleabane and estragon. In the base: whispering aquatic notes that smell like cool steam haunt a blend of soft woods, opoponax, and costus root.

Mist:

Refreshing and feminine. Crisp ocean air on a cold winter night

-https://forstrangewomen.com/products/siren?variant=31095095361633

Siren opens with a salty overtone of Pacific Ocean air and Jasmine vines filled with tiny white blossoms along the coastal landscape. The blend dives deeper into the water with notes of seaweed, driftwood, and ambergris, finished with a bonfire on the beach.

-https://imaginaryauthors.com/products/every-storm-a-serenade?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAzJOtBhALEiwAtwj8tmsMiNIu7KuYJkeTgspW3Noe-Ck6deUEdECrK-ihHLGqGTFPuXcnDRoCChEQAvD_BwE&variant=30276992729165

Danish Spruce, Eucalyptus, Vetiver, Calone, Ambergris, Baltic Sea Mist

Ivy:

Sweet and inviting, like your grandmas garden after she waters it.

-https://margotelena.com/products/poison-ivy-eau-de-parfum

An ode to the powers of nature. Intoxicating notes of sumptuous Bergamot are lavishly laced with blooming florals of Eden Rose and Lily of the Valley, a tangle of Orris Root completes this brush with a dangerous beauty.

- https://www.perfumesclub.us/en/4711/acqua-cologne-blood-orange-basil-eau-de-cologne-spray/p_44880/

Acqua Colonia Blood Orange & Basil combines the aroma of exotic flowering blood oranges with the characteristic essence of basil.

Ifrit:

Warm and sweet. Masculine but comforting, like a hug from someone you love most

- https://www.vixtorm.co.uk/products/lava-cinnamon-b

Balsamic,earth,rich,root,smoke,spice,sweet,warm

- https://www.doctorsweettooth.com/products/cinnamon-bun-perfume-oil-roll-on

Irresistibly sticky and sweet cinnamon buns, the aroma of cinnamon spice and warm flakey pastry dripping with icing wafting through the kitchen

Zephyr:

Spicy, crispy, hurts upon first wiff but is addictive the longer you smell

- https://www.aedes.com/products/menta-y-menta-eau-de-parfum

Moroccan mint, peppermint, mint tea. The name of the perfume menta y menta is repeated like a captivating mantra reminiscent of the movements of the dervishes turning to infinity. menta y menta is definitively a mixted fragrance. Notes: Moroccan mint, tea leaves, citrus, jasmine and roasted coffee

-https://www.etsy.com/listing/836191387/solanum-tomato-leaf-wild-mint

Tomato Leaf, Wild Mint, Blackberries

River:

Dark water, an abandoned dock, secrets only a body of water can hold

-https://alkemiaperfumes.com/products/st-louis-cemetery-1-perfume-oil-moss-stone-cement-dirt

A BROODING OF SPANISH MOSS, CRUMBLING STONE, OLD CEMENT, RED CLAY BRICK, AND GRAVEYARD DIRT

-https://nuicobaltdesigns.com/products/queen-s-bath?variant=39376179724365

Its scent portrait balances cool floral notes of lotus, pikake, and tuberose with bracing springwater and moss-covered stone. Wear for bright blessings and to facilitate deep meditation.

Lake:

The inviting sound of waves crashing into the shore on an empty beach

-https://juniperridge.com/collections/perfume-cologne/products/redwood-mist-cologne

Fog Drenched Forest, Fresh Rain, Crisp Coastal Air

- https://www.poesieperfume.com/fragrance/full-moon

fragrant white rice, shiso leaf, bitter yuzu zest, hinoki wood, green tea, lakewater

[giostrugglies]

Trees

From Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers - book study

Trees are woody plants with several decades-centuries lifespans, deciduous (leaves that fall yearly) or evergreen (remains green throughout the year), size 1-90 meters. Conical, columnar, rounded, spreading, arching or weeping shape, with wide variety of leaf shapes and color.

size > season of interest > color

Large trees

Spring White: Davidia involucrata (Dove tree, handkerchief tree), Populus x canescens (Gray poplar) Red: Acer platanoides 'Crimson King', Aesculus x carnea 'Briotii' Yellow: Acer macrophyllum (Oregon maple), Fraxinus excelsior 'Jaspidea' Summer White: Aesculus chinensis (Chinese horse-chestnut), Castanea sativa 'Albomarginata', Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip tree), Populus maximowiczii, Populus alba (White poplar) Purple: Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii', Fagus sylvatica 'Rohanii' Green: Acer cappadocicum subsp. lobelii (Lobel's Apple), Acer saccharinum (Silver maple), Ailanthus altissima (Tree of heaven), Alnus incana (Gray alder), Celtis australis (European hackberry), Fagus sylvatica (Common beech), Fagus sylvatica 'Aspleniifolia' (Fern-leaved beech), Fagus sylvatica f. pendula (Weeping Beech), Juglans regia (English walnut), Juglans nigra (Black walnut), Nothofagus obliqua (Roblé, Southern beech), Nothofagus x alpina (Rauli, southern beeech), Platanus x hispanica (London plane), Platanus orientalis (Oriental plane), Populus nigra 'Italica' (Lombardy poplar), Populus x canadensis 'Robusta', Populus x canadensis 'Serotina de Selys', Quercus canariensis (Algerian oak, Mirbeck's oak), Quercus castaneifolia, Quercus frainetto (Hungarian oak), Quercus laurifolia, Quercus macranthera (Caucasian Oak), Quercus muehlenbergii, Quercus nigra (Water oak), Quercus robur f. fastigiata, Sassafras aibidum, Tilia oliveri, Titia 'Petiolaris' (Weeping silver linden) Yellow: Liriodendron tulipifera 'Aureomarginatum', Pterocarya x rehderiana

TBA

Medium trees - magnolias

Spring White: Fraxinus ornus (Manna ash), Halesia monticola (mountain silverbell), Michelia doltsopa, Prunus avium 'Plena', Prunus mahaleb, Prunus padus 'Watereri', Pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer' Pink: Aesculus x neglecta 'Erythroblastos', Magnolia 'Heaven Scent', Malus 'Profusion', Melia azedarach (Chinaberry, bead tree), Paulownia tomentosa (empress tree, princess tree), Prunus jamasakura (Hill cherry), Prunus 'Kanzan', Prunus padus 'Colorata' Yellow: Cleditsia triacanthos 'Sunburst', Quercus rubra 'Aurea' Summer White: Acer pseudoplatanus 'Simon Louis Freres', Catalpa bignonioides (Indian bean tree), Catalpa speciosa, Drimys winteri (Winter's bark), Eucryphia cordifolia (Ulmo), Eucryphia x nymansensis 'Nymansay', Ostrya virginiana (American hop hornbeam, Ironwood), Pterostyrax hispida (Epaulette tree), Quercus cerris 'Argenteovariegata', Styrax japonicus, Toona sinensis

[goblin-milque]

wikipedia rabbit hole on the tree outside the liquor store: Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus)

origin: eastern Asia, tropical and temperate climates

brought to Oregon (and Western hemisphere in general) for ornamental landscaping

benzoin: styrax are known for their aromatic resin, used for vanilla notes in perfume. Tincture of benzoin has antibacterial properties, and has been used as a disinfectant and local anesthetic. Alao historically used in cosmetics and household cleaners. Benzoin is collected by piercing the bark and allowing the resin to bleed and dry.

saponin: there is a higher concentration of saponins in the wood during flowering. pericarp of the unripe fruit can be used to make soap. saponins are amphipathic, meaning they bond with both water and lipids. They can be used in surfactants and detergents. the fruit contain high levels of egosaponin, specifically, which has historically been used worldwide to poison/stun fish, making them easier to catch. saponins have a No Observed Adverse Effects Level (NOAEL) of 300 mg/kg in rodents and a Safety Factor of 100, making the recommended safe dose 3 mg/kg. adverse effects include but are not limited to: liver damage, gastric pain, and diarrhea.

Flowers: ethanol extract of flowers is analgesic, has been used to treat oral pain. (Contrast with oral irritation associated with eating the fruit: the common Japanese name is egonoki for its bitter, repulsive flavor)

Leaves: Water extract, steam distillation, and solvent extraction of the leaves all have antibacterial properties. Water extract is notably effective against e. coli and salmonella.

Bark: Stem-bark extracts have hypoglycemic effects.

[pairfum]

What Does Amber Smell Like?

Amber is one of the most fascinating and evocative elements in perfumery but What Does Amber Smell Like? captivating fragrance lovers with its mysterious, warm, and resinous aroma. Found at the heart of many beloved fragrances, amber exudes a deep, slightly sweet, and sensual scent that many describe as enchanting. But what exactly makes amber such a sought-after component in perfumes? It’s not just about its aroma; amber adds luxurious depth, warmth, and comfort, making it an essential ingredient in many scent compositions. In this exploration, we delve into the essence of amber, uncovering its origins, how it is used in perfumery, and the different effects it brings to a fragrance. From its cosy, velvety notes reminiscent of ancient forests and mystical spaces to its ability to harmonise beautifully with other ingredients, amber is a cornerstone in the art of fragrance creation. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind amber’s alluring scent and how its golden warmth transforms perfumes into sophisticated, multi-layered experiences steeped in elegance and history.

Unveiling the Mystery: What Is Amber in Perfumery?

Amber in perfumery is somewhat of an enigma, as it is not a single ingredient but rather an accord—a carefully crafted blend of multiple natural resins and oils designed to evoke warmth, depth, and a hint of sweetness. Unlike amber gemstones, which are fossilised tree resin, amber in fragrances is a composition of ingredients such as labdanum, benzoin, and vanilla, each contributing unique facets to its distinctive aroma. This warm, golden scent has been a staple in perfumery for centuries, often associated with opulence, sensuality, and nostalgia. The versatility of amber makes it a favoured note in many fragrance families, especially oriental, woody, and gourmand scents. Whether used as a dominant note or a subtle base, amber has the power to elevate a perfume with its rich, inviting presence.

The Ingredients Behind Amber’s Rich Aroma

To truly understand what does amber smell like, we must explore the natural ingredients that create its distinct fragrance. Unlike floral or citrus notes that come from a single botanical source, amber’s scent is a masterful blend of several key components: - Labdanum: Derived from the cistus shrub, which thrives in the Mediterranean, labdanum is a resin with a deep, musky scent and slightly sweet aroma. It forms the cornerstone of amber accords, adding richness and warmth. - Benzoin: Harvested from the styrax tree, benzoin contributes a smooth, vanilla-like aroma with hints of almond and caramel. It enhances amber’s sweetness while adding a creamy softness. - Vanilla: Known for its comforting and velvety qualities, vanilla rounds out the amber accord with its luscious, warm sweetness, creating a cosy and inviting scent. - Styrax and Tolu Balsam: These additional resins provide a smoky, slightly spicy undertone that enhances amber’s complexity. Through the careful blending of these ingredients, perfumers craft amber notes that are more than just a fragrance—they are an immersive aromatic experience that exudes warmth, sophistication, and depth.

The Sensory Experience: How Amber Evolves on the Skin

Amber does more than just add a scent to a perfume; it transforms the entire olfactory experience. This rich and velvety note acts as an anchor, imbuing fragrances with a sense of depth and longevity. When incorporated into a perfume, amber interacts with other fragrance components in a way that enhances and elevates the overall composition. One of amber’s most remarkable qualities is its ability to create a smooth and creamy finish, offering a lingering warmth that makes perfumes more memorable and sophisticated. It softens sharper notes, enriches floral and fruity accords, and adds an alluring sensuality to woody and spicy compositions. Over time, amber evolves on the skin, revealing its complex layers and ensuring a fragrance remains intriguing from the first spritz to the final dry-down.

Perfect Pairings: Notes That Complement Amber

Amber’s versatility allows it to blend beautifully with a wide range of complementary notes, each combination bringing out different facets of its character: - Citrus Notes (Bergamot, Mandarin, Lemon): These add a refreshing brightness, preventing the fragrance from becoming overly heavy while maintaining warmth. - Floral Notes (Rose, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Lavender): Florals enhance the sensual and romantic aspects of amber, creating a balanced composition that is both elegant and inviting. - Woody Notes (Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Vetiver): These deepen amber’s earthy qualities, resulting in a rich, grounding scent with a sophisticated character. - Spices (Cardamom, Clove, Cinnamon, Saffron, Tonka Bean): Spices amplify amber’s warmth and complexity, making it ideal for winter or those who enjoy a bold, exotic fragrance profile. - Resins and Incense (Frankincense, Myrrh, Opoponax, Balsam): These add a mystical, smoky undertone, making amber-based fragrances even more intriguing and long-lasting. These pairings allow perfumers to create different types of amber-based fragrances, ensuring there is an amber scent suited to every preference and occasion.

The Role of Amber in Candles and Home Fragrances

Beyond personal fragrances, amber is a popular note in candles and home fragrances due to its ability to create an inviting and comforting atmosphere after a long day. Amber-infused candles often evoke a sense of warmth and relaxation, making them ideal for cosy evenings or luxurious spa-like experiences at home. When paired with elements like vanilla, sandalwood, or spices, amber-based home fragrances provide a rich and sophisticated ambience that lingers beautifully in any space.

The History and Evolution of Amber in Perfumery

Amber’s use in perfumery dates back to ancient times, when resins like labdanum and frankincense were prized for their aromatic and preservative properties. Ambergris, a rare and valuable substance historically sourced from sperm whales, was once used to enhance the longevity and depth of fragrances. Today, synthetic alternatives replicate the musky scent of ambergris, ensuring ethical and sustainable perfumery practices. Amber’s rich legacy continues to influence modern perfumers, who experiment with natural essential oil and synthetic elements to create new interpretations of this classic scent. Whether in perfumes, candles, or home fragrance products, amber remains a timeless example of a beloved fragrance note that embodies nature’s warmth and elegance.

Experience the Warmth of Amber at Home with Pairfum London

For those who love the rich and sensual aroma of amber, the Blush Rose & Amber scented candle from Pairfum London offers a luxurious way to bring this enchanting scent into your space. Blending the warmth of amber with delicate rose and refined woody notes, this elegant candle creates a cosy, sophisticated ambience perfect for any setting. Indulge in the comforting glow and exquisite fragrance that transforms your home into a haven of relaxation. Blush Rose & Amber Large Snow Crystal Perfumed Candles by Pairfum London Enjoy a beautifully clean burn for up to 60 hours with the Snow Crystal Candle, crafted from 100% natural wax and infused with natural and organic essential oils. Designed for a pure perfume bloom, this luxuriously scented candle fills your home with a sensuous couture fragrance, creating an inviting and elegant ambience.

Conclusion - What Does Amber Smell Like?

Amber fragrance is a true cornerstone in perfumery, a note that transforms any fragrance into an opulent and deeply aromatic masterpiece. Whether paired with woody, musky, or incense-like elements, its versatility ensures an exquisite scent experience. Discover the enchanting world of amber and its unique ability to evoke warmth, sophistication, and nostalgia in every fragrance composition. Read the full article

[faguscarolinensis]

Styrax japonicus / Japanese Snowbell at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University in Durham, NC

[gul-essence]

Sambrani Incense Sticks: A Timeless Fragrance for Purity and Positivity

Incense has been an integral part of spiritual and cultural practices for centuries. Among the various types of incense, Sambrani Incense Sticks stand out due to their rich, earthy aroma and deep-rooted significance in Indian traditions. Sambrani, also known as benzoin resin, has been used since ancient times for its purifying and healing properties. Whether for religious ceremonies, meditation, or home purification, sambrani incense is a must-have for those seeking a sacred and calming atmosphere.

In this blog, we will explore the benefits, uses, and significance of Sambrani Incense Sticks, helping you understand why they are a timeless choice for enhancing your surroundings.

What Are Sambrani Incense Sticks?

Sambrani is a natural resin obtained from the bark of the Styrax tree. This resin is traditionally burned in its raw form over charcoal to release its aromatic smoke. However, to make it more convenient for daily use, sambrani is now available in the form of Sambrani Incense Sticks, which provide the same soothing and purifying benefits without the need for charcoal.

Benefits of Using Sambrani Incense Sticks

1. Purifies the Air and Eliminates Negative Energy

One of the primary reasons people use sambrani incense is its powerful cleansing properties. The smoke generated from burning Sambrani Incense Sticks is believed to remove negative energy, purify the air, and create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.

2. Enhances Meditation and Prayer

The calming and grounding aroma of sambrani incense is perfect for meditation, yoga, and religious practices. It helps improve focus, enhances spiritual connection, and deepens the meditative experience.

3. Natural Stress Reliever

Burning Sambrani Incense Sticks can help reduce stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue. The earthy fragrance has a soothing effect on the mind, making it ideal for relaxation after a long day.

4. Repels Insects Naturally

The smoke produced by sambrani incense acts as a natural insect repellent. This makes it a great alternative to chemical-based insect repellents, especially for those who prefer eco-friendly solutions.

5. Creates a Divine Ambiance

In Indian households, Sambrani Incense Sticks are often burned during morning and evening prayers to invite positivity and divine blessings. The rich aroma fills the space with a sense of peace and devotion.

How to Use Sambrani Incense Sticks?

Using sambrani incense is simple and requires minimal effort:

Place the incense stick in a heat-resistant holder.

Light the tip of the stick and let it burn for a few seconds.

Blow out the flame, allowing the incense to smolder and release its aromatic smoke.

Let the fragrance spread, creating a peaceful and purified environment.

Where to Buy Sambrani Incense Sticks?

To experience the authentic essence of sambrani, choose high-quality Sambrani Incense Sticks made from natural ingredients. Look for options that are free from synthetic additives and chemicals. Many reputable brands offer sambrani incense online and in stores specializing in traditional incense products.

Final Thoughts

Sambrani Incense Sticks are more than just a source of fragrance; they are a powerful tool for purification, relaxation, and spiritual enhancement. Whether you want to cleanse your home, enhance your meditation sessions, or simply enjoy a soothing aroma, sambrani incense is a perfect choice. Experience the magic of this timeless incense and bring peace and positivity into your life today!

[abcarborist01]

Japenese Snowbell Tree

It is also sometimes called the Japanese snowdrop tree. This graceful native of Japan, China and Korea takes its name from the delicate bell-shaped flowers produced in clusters.

Japenese Snowbell Tree

About Company :-Daniel Maple is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist, ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, with a Commercial Applicator License and has been serving the Arboriculture industry since 1987, as a Consultant to Cities, Municipalities, Property Managers, Professionals as well as the Private sector. Daniel has 30 years in the industry and the following specialized formal Arboricultural education:We are constantly training and adding to our knowledge base, to bring you Scientific Based Solutions for all your Arboriculture needs, as this list is always changing please contact us for a comprehensive updated list

Click Here For More Info.:- https://abcarborist.com/japanese-snowbell-styrax-japonicus/