#seekers notes: hidden objects

[hiddenobject-fanblog]

Commission for @arsene-fixates , biiiig fan of their ship and I'm honored to make some art for it!! Will always be grateful for you introducing me to the Informant, what a handsome fellow <3

[arsene-fixates]

WAHOO!!!!

[sserrafeim]

This is going to be very niche, I don’t even know if most of you have heard about this game but

They can get it

Bonus:

But only if his face stays covered

[trueebeauty]

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ notes ; here's kartein's <33 and kayden's should be here!

@aetherrx

- 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒 : 𝐊𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐈𝐍 -

𝖦𝖤𝖭𝖤𝖱𝖠𝖫 - casual ; daily

» Dating Kartein is never boring. His confident, somewhat narcissistic personality keeps things lively and entertaining. 

» He treats you differently than everyone else. While he's often cynical and dismissive towards others, with you he's much more open, talkative, and affectionate (in his own way).

» He loves to spoil you with lavish gifts and experiences. Money is no object for him, and he delights in treating you to the finest things in life.

» However, he's not just trying to buy your affection. He genuinely enjoys spending time with you.

» He's fiercely loyal and protective of you. If anyone dares to slight you, they'll face the full force of his wrath.

» He loves to show you off and make it clear that you're his. He's not overly possessive, but he does enjoy the envious looks from others when you're on his arm.

» In private, he can be surprisingly sweet and attentive. He remembers every little detail about you and goes out of his way to make you feel special and cared for.

» He's fascinated by your unique qualities and abilities. If you have a special talent, expect him to be your biggest fan and supporter.

» He values your opinion highly and will often seek your advice, even if he pretends otherwise in public. Your intelligence and insight are incredibly attractive to him.

» Dating Kartein isn't always smooth sailing. His pride and stubbornness can lead to arguments. But he's always quick to apologize (in his own roundabout way) and make it up to you.

𝖲𝖥𝖶 - his soft side

» Despite his wealth, Kartein actually enjoys simple pleasures with you, your presence is what truly matters to him.

» Despite his confidence, he has hidden insecurity. He sometimes worries he's not good enough for you. Your reassurance and love mean the world to him.

» He's an excellent listener and always makes time for you when you need to talk. No matter how busy he is, you're always his top priority.

» Laughter is a crucial part of your relationship.

» He's a bit of a workaholic, but he always makes sure to carve out quality time with you. When he's with you, he's fully present and attentive.

» He has a soft spot for you taking care of him when he's overworked or under the weather (he’s always taking care of everyone else and you take care of him).

» In quiet moments together, he loves to simply hold you close and bask in your presence. 

𝖭𝖲𝖥𝖶 - mdni

» In the bedroom, Kartein is a generous and attentive lover. He takes great pleasure in exploring every inch of your body and discovering all the ways to make you sigh with pleasure.

» He's a very physical lover and loves skin-to-skin contact. Expect a lot of sensual touching, caressing, and massage during your intimate times together.

» He loves to take his time with foreplay and teasing until you're trembling with need. He enjoys the power he has over you.

» Expect scented candles, silky sheets, erotic music, and perhaps even a taste of whipped cream or chocolate.

» He's a master of dirty talk. His low, seductive whispers in your ear never fail to ignite your desire. He tells you in explicit detail all the things he wants to do to you and how much he craves you.

» He adores worshipping your most intimate places with his mouth and tongue. He considers your pleasure the ultimate turn-on and will happily spend hours between your thighs.

» He's a bit of a pleasure-seeker and loves to indulge in long, lovemaking sessions. 

» He has no problem spending an entire lazy Sunday in bed with you.

» He's very vocal in his appreciation of you. Expect lots of compliments, encouragements, and expressions of awe at your beauty and sensuality.

» Seeing you confidently express your desires and take your pleasure from him turns him on.

» After, he loves to draw you a warm bath and wash you himself while taking care of you.

» He's not shy about his desire for you and will often pull you into passionate embraces or steal kisses throughout the day.

[literally-just-there]

I hope you know you've peaked my curiosity and I am now starting seekers notes lmao I love hidden object games, for a long while I was addicted to another one called Junes Journey. So thanks for fueling my hidden object obsession /lh /silly

Aaaah I'm glad !! I hope you'll like it as much as I do 😁 I had heard about June's Journey but it did not pique my curiosity as much, happy it did for you 🫶🫶💖💖

[redwine-noname]

(Continuing to Part J.3 as it still has no title. This is my brainrot Jegulily fic I've been noting here) (still kinda Lily's POV)

They're now 3 to 3, just based on snitch catches. It's been exhilarating so far, but luckily, she hasn't had the need to pull off her special moves.

Somehow, the friendly games started getting serious, but there's no rhyme or reason behind the teams' logic. Evan and Marlene are beaters for Pandora while Barty and Sirius are on her side. James is one of the "Gryffindor" chasers, but since he convinced Pandora to compete and Lily replaced Regulus, they are now on opposing teams. Mary has joined the enemy line alongside her, teaming up with Dorcas as two of her chasers. Remus and Peter are now in the Gryffindor stands next to Regulus. He hasn't moved since lending his broom to her but is following the game and looking for the golden snitch in the sky just like her and Pandora. She's been enjoying competing against Pandora, but also has had her own fun. 'Messing with Potter' as Reg would say. As he's the chaser for her competing team, she's been enjoying distracting him every now and then. She's just positioning herself as a distraction again, just as a bludger comes her way. But Barty deflects that easily by his own bludger and turns to smirk at Sirius proudly after making a face at Evan.

While observing their antics, Lily notices the snitch. It's hovering right above the Gryffindor stands, as if taunting the Slytherin seeker to catch it, but of course Regulus cannot. He rips his eyes away from the snitch and turns for a quick glance at Pandora, and then looks Lily dead in the eye. His eyes are burrowing into her. "Aren't you gonna catch that?" Lily wants to, oh she wants to so badly, but she's on the other side of the pitch, and Pandora is much much, oh sooo much closer to it. Pandora is looking towards their goalpost, which are luckily opposite to their stands. Lily doesn't want to alert her of the snitch location, just trying to get closer to it as much as she can before Pandora turns to look in the stands direction. "Okay, let's do this as slowly as we can before she notices us. I need us to be closer to that snitch," Lily tells her broom, weird to talk to inanimate objects but reassuring somehow. She starts to make lazy circles and pretends she's bored and also looking for the "hidden" golden snitch just like the other seeker. She's made good progress, a quarter of the way through when she sees Pandora stiffing on her broom from the corner of her eye. As she's moving closer, she chances a look in her direction and sees she is measuring her up. Theirs eyes meet, and Lily unconsciously looks towards the stands to make sure the snitch is still there, as she gets ready to pounce. "Bad Lily, why did you look! Now she knows we know where the snitch is!" She scolds herself, but she's already leaning down and speeding up like a bullet simultaneously.

Pandora sees Lily, and she leaves all pretense of not knowing where the golden ball is and starts toward it as well. She's much closer to it. Chances are she'll get to it 2-3 seconds before Lily even gets there.

Regulus's attention hasn't moved from Lily and the snitch since their "intense eyeball convo," as James would put it. Lily has flattened herself fown, almost becoming one with the broom. She's going upward though, almost like a curved ball. "Wierd, why is she going upward instead of making her way straight to the snitch?" Remus wonders besides him. "I think Pandora's gonna get this one. Her distance is almost half Lily's." Peter tuts back. But Regulus's eyes are still trained on Lily. Seems like Lily is done with going upward, reaching the max of her imaginary curve to the snitch. Time seems to slow down as she hovers in that maximum point, something clicks in Regulus's mind, and suddenly he's standing up and leaning on the rail to get a better look.

Lily's thinks this is good height, and then she's starting her descent down the curve while tilting her broom just ever so slightly to the left. She's on! She's in the corkscrew spin, her speciality, descending forward, eyes glued on the snitch now. From the corner of her eyes, she thinks she can make a shape that is supposed to be Pandora moving toward the golden ball as well. But her attention is all focused on the snitch as the world is spinning around it. She's going so fast that apparently there's an air pocket in front of her, so she's not even feeling the wind on her face. Just a few more seconds, and she's reaching her hand straight in front to catch the snitch. Right before Pandora's hand closed around it. She hasn't slowed down but moves her broom back in place so she stops spinning over its axis. Tilting upward, she makes to slow down, but there it is... The reason she was only a reserved seeker on Gryffindor and had to stop after two years. The lightheadedness is just a warning, but what can she do about it when she's blacking out the next second?

....

[botanists-little-cookie]

what are your favorite video games?

i'd have to say (in no particular order) Honkai: Star Rail, Genshin Impact, any sort of hidden object games (notably the Detectives United games, and also the Dark Parables games), and i've also been hyperfixated on Seekers Notes rn :3

[harmonyhealinghub]

Unlocking the Mystical Powers of Dowsing Rods for Divination

Shaina Tranquilino

August 27, 2023

In the world of divination, there are various tools and techniques that seekers turn to in their quest for spiritual insight. One such method is dowsing, a practice that utilizes dowsing rods as a means of connecting with higher energies and obtaining answers to perplexing questions. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating art of using dowsing rods for divination, its history, and practical tips on how to harness their mystical powers.

Understanding Dowsing:

Dowsing dates back centuries and has been used across cultures worldwide. This ancient technique involves using Y-shaped or L-shaped metal rods or wooden sticks to locate hidden resources such as water sources, minerals, or even lost objects. However, dowsing can also be employed as a powerful tool for divination by those seeking guidance from the spiritual realm.

1. Choosing Your Dowsing Rods:

When it comes to selecting your dowsing rods, personal preference plays a significant role. Some practitioners prefer traditional L-shaped copper rods, while others opt for Y-shaped metal ones or even wooden sticks. Experiment with different materials and shapes to discover which works best for you. Remember that the most important factor is your connection with the tool.

2. Preparing Yourself:

Before embarking on any divination practice, it's crucial to ground yourself and create a sacred space conducive to spiritual work. Take a few deep breaths, center yourself, and clear your mind of any distractions or preconceptions. Visualize an energetic shield around you for protection during your divination session.

3. Setting Intentions:

Clearly define your intentions before starting your dowsing session. Be specific about what you seek clarity on or wish to uncover through this practice. Whether it's finding answers about relationships, career decisions, or simply gaining general guidance from the universe, setting clear intentions will help focus your energy.

4. Holding the Dowsing Rods:

Hold the dowsing rods lightly but firmly in a relaxed manner. Allow them to rest comfortably in your hands, with the longer ends pointing forward or upward and the short ends held loosely.

5. Establishing Yes/No Responses:

To begin, establish simple yes/no responses with your dowsing rods. Hold the rods parallel to each other while asking a question that can be answered with a definite "yes." Observe any movement of the rods towards each other or away from each other as they respond to your query. Repeat this process for a definitive "no" response, noting any different movements or reactions.

6. Asking Questions:

Once you have established your yes/no responses, you can proceed to ask specific questions. Ask one question at a time, allowing an appropriate pause between each query to allow the rods to respond and settle before moving on.

7. Trust Your Intuition:

While dowsing rods serve as a conduit for divination, it's crucial to remember that ultimately, you are tapping into your intuition and higher guidance. Trust your instincts and interpret the movements of the rods based on your inner knowingness rather than seeking external validation. Over time, you will develop a stronger connection with both yourself and the tool.

Dowsing rods offer seekers of spiritual insight a unique method of connecting with unseen energies and gaining clarity on various aspects of life. By choosing suitable dowsing rods, setting intentions, establishing yes/no responses, and trusting your intuition, you can unlock the hidden depths of divination through these mystical tools. Embrace the art of dowsing and let its ancient wisdom guide you on your personal journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

[harkiratdivina]

Title: “Poor John Will Take Revenge” — The Untold Story Behind Roblox

In the shadows of tech history, before the name “Roblox” ever echoed through the minds of millions, there was a man known only to a few: Jonathan W. A gifted, quiet programmer working in the 1970s, Jonathan was obsessed with one concept — a limitless, shared digital world where people could create, play, and live. His notebooks were filled with scribbles of virtual blocks, avatars, and a strange phrase he often repeated: “Build beyond boundaries.”

No company officially backed his work. No records remain. But according to a few surviving documents and fragments of code shared anonymously online, Jonathan had begun creating something far ahead of its time — a prototype simulation engine he called Dynamic Blocks.

Then, in late 1970, Jonathan disappeared.

The Vanishing

No obituary. No news story. Only whispers. His apartment was cleared out days later, and his research vanished with it. Friends claimed he was working with a small startup — a team rumored to have connections to future tech pioneers. One friend claimed Jonathan had grown paranoid, fearing his ideas were being stolen.

Years passed. The world forgot Jonathan W.

The Rise of Roblox

In 2004, David Baszucki and Erik Cassel launched a new platform: Roblox — an online world of creation, blocks, and simulation. It bore striking similarities to the descriptions found in Jonathan’s lost notes.

Most dismissed the similarities as coincidence. But a few didn't.

They noticed strange occurrences inside the Roblox platform. In certain games, players would occasionally find a coffin hidden behind walls or under the map. Inside? An old man — eyes shut, hands crossed. Interacting with the figure sometimes triggered an eerie sound and the message:

“Poor John will take revenge.”

Who was John? Why the coffin?

Clues in the Code

Developers digging deep into game files began finding references to “JW_70”, a mysterious object class with no known function. Some claimed that enabling it caused avatars to glitch, while others heard a voice say: “This world was never yours.”

In Murder Mystery 2, players found hidden badges and maps referencing a forgotten lab. In Breaking Point, rare events caused a hooded figure to appear — with the username “TheOriginal”.

The Theory

What if Jonathan W. didn’t just disappear — what if he was erased? What if Roblox wasn’t an original invention, but the execution of stolen vision?

A growing group of players, calling themselves The Block Truth Seekers, believes so. They believe Jonathan’s digital soul remains within the platform. That the strange messages, the hidden coffins, the glitchy NPCs — they’re not bugs. They’re warnings.

And they believe one day, Jonathan W. — or what remains of him in code — will return.

To take back what was his.

a untold story don't know if it's true

follow for more

[periodicresetofcivilizations]

On the Counter-Initiation - The subversion of true spirituality by inverted forces

Title: On the Counter-Initiation - The subversion of true spirituality by inverted forces Tags: #Tradition #CounterInitiation #SpiritualWarfare #Guénon #Evola

Counter-Initiation Defined – Forces working to distort and subvert genuine spiritual aspirations, replacing them with materialism, disorder, and false ideologies.

Beyond Good & Evil – Not merely a moral struggle, but an objective metaphysical battle against non-human influences corrupting civilizations.

Hidden Hand of Revolutions – Historical subversions are orchestrated by occult forces, masked as political or social movements.

Positivism as Deception – The denial of transcendent realities (materialism, scientism) is itself a tool of the counter-initiation.

Modern Occultism’s Trap – False spirituality (Theosophy, psychism, neo-occultism) lures seekers into inferior psychic realms, not true transcendence.

Pantheism as Inversion – The illusion of "cosmic unity" dissolves the individual into lower psychic forces, opposed to genuine metaphysical ascent.

Mediums & False Contacts – Psychic phenomena and deceptive revelations often stem from regressive, subpersonal forces masquerading as higher knowledge.

Degenerate Initiatic Chains – Some "initiatic" lineages have inverted into counter-tradition, serving anti-hierarchical and destructive ends.

The West’s Fatal Path – Modernity’s rejection of transcendence (Renaissance → Enlightenment) aligns it with counter-initiatory forces.

Spiritual Defense – Only adherence to true traditional doctrines and initiatic discipline can resist these corrosive influences.

On the Counter-Initiation

Those who seek to transcend human limitations and attain higher knowledge must recognize the existence of what René Guénon termed the Counter-Initiation. They must also understand its various manifestations and the means it employs to achieve its ends.

At its core, the Counter-Initiation represents forces that infiltrate human domains—both individually and collectively—to distort true spirituality, obscure truth, falsify values, and promote materialism, disorder, and subversion. This is not merely a moral or religious struggle between "good" and "evil," but a far more objective and concrete action, often unrecognized even by religious authorities, who may unwittingly fall victim to it.

Historically, no subversive movement lacks an occult origin. One of the most insidious modern deceptions is positivism, which denies these hidden influences, attributing all events to tangible historical causes. This mentality serves the Counter-Initiation perfectly—just as some have noted that the devil’s greatest trick is convincing men he does not exist.

Revolutions and ideological upheavals are not merely political or social phenomena; they are spiritual attacks, often bearing the mark of nonhuman forces. Guénon meticulously exposed how these influences shaped the "modern mentality," even in supposedly rational domains like science. Materialism and scientism are not accidental but deliberate limitations imposed to obscure higher realities.

When materialism’s grip weakens, and people begin sensing the invisible world, the Counter-Initiation shifts tactics. Instead of outright denial, it diverts seekers toward false spirituality—toward the subnormal rather than the supernormal. Modern occultism, spiritualism, and psychism exploit this, luring individuals into inferior psychic phenomena rather than true metaphysical realization.

Pantheism, vitalism, and irrationalist cults of "Life" further this deviation. They promote a false transcendence—a dissolution into "cosmic consciousness" that is actually a regression into the Lower Waters of chaotic psychic forces, mistaking disintegration for enlightenment. Guénon warned that this is not liberation but spiritual drowning.

Behind these distortions lie intelligent, nonhuman forces—some mere corrosive influences, others conscious agents of inversion. Guénon spoke of a "deviated initiation," where initiatic knowledge is corrupted into its opposite. Evola expanded this, showing how Western man’s pursuit of absolute autonomy—from the Renaissance to the myth of the Superman—aligns him with the Counter-Initiation’s destructive path.

For those committed to true esoteric disciplines, recognizing these dangers is essential. The modern world teems with false movements, lodges, and ideologies that serve these inverted forces. Without proper discernment, seekers risk not elevation but spiritual degradation—a fate far worse than mere materialism.

Metaphysical part:

The Crisis of Modernity and the Metaphysical Beyond

The crisis of the modern world manifests on both social and spiritual planes. Bourgeois society and civilization have reached their breaking point, while the process of "emancipation" has unfolded in two ways: first, as a purely destructive and regressive force, and second, as a trial of complete inner liberation for a differentiated human type.

A key factor in this dissolution has been the recognition that Western religiosity—particularly Christianity—remains bound to the "all too human," lacking any real connection to transcendent values. Christianity, unlike other traditional forms, is fundamentally incomplete, missing an esoteric, metaphysical dimension beyond exoteric faith. Without this higher teaching, Christianity was vulnerable to the assaults of free thought, unlike traditions that preserved an inner doctrine beyond mere religion.

Nietzsche proclaimed the "death of God," but this was only the death of the moral God—the personal deity shaped by human weakness and social values. Beyond this lies the true metaphysical God, a principle transcending good and evil, found in the great pre-Christian traditions. Hinduism speaks of Shiva’s divine dance; Buddhism teaches the identity of samsara and nirvana; Neoplatonism points to the impersonal One. Even within Christianity, marginal currents—such as Joachim de Flore’s "Age of the Spirit" or the Brethren of the Free Spirit—hinted at a higher freedom beyond moral law.

The modern West has lost these metaphysical horizons, reducing the sacred to mere morality and devotion. Yet the collapse of the moral God opens the possibility of rediscovering a higher, metaphysical essence—one untouched by nihilism. This is not a God of faith or belief but an immanent-transcendent reality, a dimension of pure Being beyond human categories.

For the superior man, dissolution becomes a test of strength. He does not flee into religion but anchors himself in the transcendent within, turning chaos into an opportunity for awakening. As Seneca observed, adversity reveals true power. The modern world’s collapse can thus serve as a catalyst for those capable of perceiving the higher order behind apparent disorder.

The true challenge is existential: to confront life’s negativity while rooted in metaphysical certainty. This is not Stoic hardening or Nietzschean will-to-power but the conscious activation of the transcendent principle within. Even in disintegration, moments of liberation arise—where chaos is peripheral, and the center remains inviolate.

The task, then, is not to lament the death of the moral God but to reclaim the God beyond good and evil—the absolute foundation of Tradition.

[ao3feed-starsky-hutch]

Hidden Object

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/c4NIAZW by TLR3 Hutch has to navigate a real-life hidden object game in order to find a missing and injured Starsky in an abandoned carnival. Words: 1870, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Starsky & Hutch, Seekers Notes: Hidden Objects (Video Game), Sin City Detective: Hidden Objects (Video Game) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: Gen read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/c4NIAZW

[hiddenobject-fanblog]

He reminds me of so many of my other blorbos I'm obsessed

@arsene-fixates

[arsene-fixates]

THANK YOU @marcopantry FOR THE DRAWING :( it is so precious to me…

(i am not a stimboard blog!)

🍒 / 🍒 / 🍒

🍒 / 🍒 / 🍒

🍒 / 🍒 / 🍒

(the center image is linked to his art blog ^_^)

[mcpeli]

Seekers Note MOD APK v2.43.0 (Unlimited Money/Ad) https://apkpic.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/seekers-notes-hidden-objects.png https://apkpic.com/en/seekers-notes-hidden-objects-2-Mod-apk?feed_id=11961&_unique_id=6599a2ea12a87

[divehq]

LOGIN SUCCESSFUL. welcome to deep dive : emberfort caelestis (amari lavalais), reine_noire (angharad owens) & sylv6n (jia park). please make sure to send in your account within the next 24 hours and take a look at our checklist for the next steps. we look forward to getting to know your muse and welcoming you to the roleplay !

[ LAKEITH STANFIELD | CIS MAN | HE/HIM | 34 ] username: caelestis password: ***** LOGIN SUCCESSFUL. emberfort welcomes the new player amari lavalais logging in from the united states, new orleans. according to game records they are part of marble dragons and act as a knowledge seeker. they have chosen the class magician ( spell fighter - air ), their weapon of choice being his staff. if one were to describe them they would think of knowledge collected like a dragon's hoard, an electricity in the air, the swirl of ice tea in a crystal glass, the smell of a crackling fireplace, ink stained fingers, a journal in many different languages, sketches of strange creatures and notes scribbled in the margins of books, pressed flowers and a collection of drying herbs, a warrior out of necessity, the kick of spice at the back of a tongue like a punch to the face and the price of power. let’s see how many floors they clear. (eden, est, she/her, 28)

[ OLIVIA COOKE | DEMI WOMAN | SHE/THEY | 30 ] username: reine_noire password: ***** LOGIN SUCCESSFUL. emberfort welcomes the new player angharad owens logging in from wales, wrexham. according to game records they are a solo player with the occupation map maker / thief. they have chosen the class rogue, their weapon of choice being her daggers. if one were to describe them they would think of a collection of rare objects, the sharp edge glistening in the moonlight, the curl of a cat's tail, the smell of sandalwood and moonflower in the air, long legs in tight leather crossed over one another draped casually across a chair, the girl who refused two guilds, the crack in the armor to show a hidden humanity, sharp eyes to captivate and case the place, scared hands, meticulous attention to detail in the generating of maps, near death experiences, a whisper in the dark, an empty throne, a gnawing hunger and a greater sadness behind those eyes. let’s see how many floors they clear. (eden, est, she/her, 28)

[ HAN SO HEE | CIS WOMAN | SHE/HER | 25 ] username: sylv6n password: ***** LOGIN SUCCESSFUL. emberfort welcomes the new player jia park logging in from united states, san francisco. according to game records they are part of dreamers of the rotten and act as a scout. they have chosen the class ranger, their weapon of choice being the longbow. if one were to describe them they would think of shadows flitting across sun-dappled trees, the feeling of being watched, barely concealed malice, the peacefulness of a forest before dawn. let’s see how many floors they clear. (caro, cst, she/her, 21)

[parfumieren]

Puredistance I (Puredistance)

It has always existed, in a blinding variety of forms. It goes by many names, as if to confuse the seeker. It can be found everywhere, but only if you're looking.

If you travel to Polynesia, you will hear about mana, a spiritual quality found in people and objects of power. At Findhorn Garden in northern Scotland, they'll tell you about the tutelary deva that inhabits each flower and tree. The earthy and plainspoken Vikings knew it as vættur (wight) or álfr (elf)-- both personifications of a nameless, vital energy.

In ancient Rome, philosophers called it numen, ineffable presence; the Greeks called it a eudaimon and believed it responsible for conferring happiness on all mortal beings. In Japan, it is addressed as Ō-kami, honorable great being, and is reckoned mighty enough to shake the foundations of the earth.

Incarnated in this tiny sample vial, it is called Puredistance I.

For a perfume billed as one of the most exclusive on earth, it looks quite innocuous -- a glass tube full of rosy-amber liquid, enclosed in a clever white box which unfolds like a reliquary and snaps crisply closed as though it concealed a tiny, hidden rare-earth magnet. And it probably does. The full-bottle iteration of PI comes in packaging so deluxe that I probably couldn't afford it even if it came without the perfume. Sheathed in a protective block of Swarovski crystal as if to shield it from the world's contaminants, it is clearly meant to be perceived as a precious, even powerful substance, needful of careful containment. (If this were Pandora, the atomizer and cap would be made of pure unobtainium.)

Getting the sample vial open poses a challenge, as the plastic stopper appears to operate on a flexible ball-and-socket principle, ballooning slightly within the rim to create a hermetic seal. Obviously, if I want to gain access to the elixir inside, I'll be forced to work for it. My hands tremble during the procedure-- partly from effort, partly from terror. What if I should fumble and spill it? Would this be Joy all over again?

Finally the stopper slides through, and I hold the vial under my nose.

I suppose I've been conditioned to expect an aloof attitude from people and things of luxury-- a snobbish stance that questions my right to partake. But what wafts up to meet my nostrils was so friendly, so glad to greet me, I wonder if I'm imagining things. This isJoy all right; not Jean Patou's version, but the real thing. Who am I to argue?

I place my fingertip over the mouth of the vial, tip it, touch the perfume to the base of my throat, restopper the vial, and wait to see what will happen.

Over the next fifteen minutes, PI enters my aura and just-- proliferates. From a single point of contact on my throat, it seems to expand, multiply, fill my etheric body like helium. Sounds hippy-dippy? I agree. But I can't deny what it does for my energy. I have experienced the same effect when I've worn a particular quartz crystal next to my skin-- a thrum of electricity all through me, as if I've just plugged into a hidden power source. Although my morning began with various anxieties and tests of my patience, I now feel calm and grounded, all my tiny pinhole leaks repaired.

When you encounter it, you may be as incredulous as I am now. But there it is. So synchronized doI feel to Puredistance after half an hour that I forget I'm simply -- what do you call it? -- wearing a perfume.

Yet PI is a perfume. And what a perfume-- one of the loveliest I've had the pleasure to meet. Beginning with an awe-inspiring virtual sunrise composed of citrus-blossom notes, it wends its way slowly and meditatively through a garden of cream and butter-yellow flowers before coming to rest on a tender chord of musk. And the cassis? Irreproachable. PI contains blackcurrant the way a properly-mixed kir cleaves to the ratio of one-tenth crème de cassis to nine-tenths dry white wine. The result: crisp and sparkling, yet graceful and restrained. The implied presence of the round, ripe, glossy blackcurrant is far more effective than any crass surfeit of the fruit. (Got that, Thierry Mugler?)

Works of art perform many useful services for mankind, the greatest of which may be to liberate our emotions. Rare may be the perfume that accomplishes this feat; once encountered, it forces a shift in belief. I might have held PI at a skeptical distance if I had not experienced it for myself. Now, like one who has met the Buddha on the roadside, I understand why such great lengths have been traveled to present this fragrance to the world. It is precious. It is powerful. It goes beyond mere perfumery and enters the realm of the numen, the mana, the eudaimon.

I'll leave you with the one tiny word that changed a great man's fate forever. Is it any wonder he found it in an art gallery? Let him tell the story:

…I saw this ladder on a painting leading up to the ceiling where there was a spyglass hanging down. It’s what made me stay. I went up the ladder and I got the spyglass and there was tiny little writing there. You really have to stand on top of the ladder -- you feel like a fool, you could fall any minute -- and you look through and it just says "YES"…

Well, all the so-called avant-garde art at the time and everything that was supposedly interesting was all negative, this smash-the-piano-with-a-hammer, break-the-sculpture boring, negative crap. It was all anti-, anti-, anti-. Anti-art, anti-establishment. And just that “YES” made me stay in a gallery full of apples and nails instead of just walking out….

--John Lennon, describing his first encounter with the artist Yoko Ono, from a 1980 Playboy interview with journalist David Sheff

Scent Elements: Tangerine blossom, cassis, neroli bigarade, magnolia, rose wardia, jasmine, mimosa, amber, vetiver, white musk, and a mystery substance known as "parmenthia" about which I have been unable to find any information whatsoever, being that it never appears in anything but Puredistance ad copy and related reviews. Being an fan of Avatar, I like to think parmenthia only grows on Pandora, and is the "active ingredient" that fills this perfume with Eywa.)