Conference hydra::dejavu

    Taken from the other spot.....
    
                    <<< DMATE2::DUA0:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DEJAVU.NOTE;1 >>>
                             -< Psychic Phenomena >-
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Note 239.24                   Whats going on! Help!                     24 of 30
CLUE::PAINTER                                        11 lines  26-APR-1988 13:47
                                 -< Question >-
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    Hi Vivian,
    
    Glad to hear all is well.  You mentioned smudge - where does it
    come from and how does one use it?
    
    To all - I know smudge was talked about earlier somewhere, but have
    no idea where the references were.  Any help appreciated.
    
    Cindy
    
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Note 239.25                   Whats going on! Help!                     25 of 30
GENRAL::DANIEL "If it's sloppy, eat over the sink."  11 lines  26-APR-1988 13:54
                                  -< smudge >-
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re; < Note 239.24 by CLUE::PAINTER >

                              
>    You mentioned smudge - where does it
>    come from and how does one use it?
    
Smudge is herbs (in this case, cedar and sage; may include others from time to
time, depending upon the purpose) tied together which you burn inside of a 
seashell to clear an area of any stressed/negative vibrations.  The purpose of 
the shell is to include all 4 elements (earth {herbs}, air {required to burn}, 
water {the shell} and fire {burning}).
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Note 239.26                   Whats going on! Help!                     26 of 30
FSLENG::JOLLIMORE "For the greatest good... "         7 lines  26-APR-1988 14:02
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.24  .25

In the Native American tradition the most common herbs are sage and
sweetgrass (cedar is also added sometimes). The sage "gets rid of
negativity" and the sweetgrass "draws good energy to you".

Jay
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Note 239.27                   Whats going on! Help!                     27 of 30
SCOPE::PAINTER                                        8 lines  27-APR-1988 10:43
                         -< Where doth from it come? >-
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    Where can I purchase this?  (Though my grocery store usually has
    just about everything, I doubt this is one item they stock (;^).
         
    Does the Unicorn Bookstore in Arlington stock this?  I've never
    been there but am thinking about making the trip.
    
    Cindy
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Note 239.28                   Whats going on! Help!                     28 of 30
WATNEY::SPARROW "CAUTION!! recovering smoker!"        8 lines  27-APR-1988 10:56
                                  -< smudge >-
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    The smudge I purchased is cedar, sage and sweetgrass. I got it at
    a health food store.  It can be bought at metaphysical stores also.
    The sweetgrass smell does resemble an illegal herb, but the
    cedar is what lingers the most.  The American indians use smudge
    for religious ceremonies, in sweat huts and medicinal purifications
    I think its wonderful..
    
    vivian
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Note 239.29                   Whats going on! Help!                     29 of 30
FSLENG::JOLLIMORE "For the greatest good... "        19 lines  27-APR-1988 11:34
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.27 (Cindy)

A place called the Hunter's Rendezvous on 119 in Pepperell, Joya's in
Fitchburg.

Smudge comes in two forms; as a 'stick', it's tied together in a bunch
with colored string, or loose in a bag. If you buy a stick, I would
advise breaking off pieces and burning it in a shell, as Meredith
described. Burning the stick tends to provide more smoke than you can
use, and its hard to extinguish (you must have water or sand handy).
I suggest using the loose kind, and getting a smudge-o-matic, from Ronco
for $19.95 ;') [..and if you order before midnite tonite...]

.28 (vivian)

Sweetgrass smells great before its burned!
btw; congrats on your new freedom.

Jay
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Note 239.30                   Whats going on! Help!                     30 of 30
SCOPE::PAINTER                                       12 lines  27-APR-1988 12:48
                             -< 'Nother question >-
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    Thanks Jay, I know just where the place is in Pepperell.
    
    I have one of those simmering potpourri pots.  Is it possible to
    boil the smudge and use it that way, or is it best just to burn
    it like you mentioned in the last note?  (Cancel this request -
    I've decided to start a new topic on smudge, etc. - see you there).
    
    Smudge-O-Matic...Jay, you'd better get a VCR and FAST! (;^)  Those
    Ronco commercials probably contain subliminal messages or something!
    
    Cindy                                                              
                                  

    Incenses.
    
    This is the related part.  A crude incense can be made by heating
    an herb or resin atop a glowing coal or piece of charcoal.
    
    There are a number of excellent incenses.
    
    For cleansing/purification,
    
      Sandalwood
    
      Frankincense
    
      Myrrh
    
    For healing,
    
      Cinnamon
    
      Heliotrope
    
      Lavender
    
      Eucalyptus
    
    For improved morale, relaxation,
    
      Narcissus
    
      Peppermint                    
    
      Rosemary
    
      Sesame
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.
    
      

    
    What about sea salt?  Someone mentioned that earlier.
    
    Cindy

Some of the following was taken from a brochure from "One World Products Inc."
One World Products, Inc. is dedicated to bridging the gap between all men.  
They are committed to building the "rainbow bridge" for all of us to walk 
over.


"In Every Place Incense Shall be Offered"

Another word for "censing" commonly used is "smudging".  To smudge is to 
purify with smoke from certain sacred herbs.

The sacred ritual of purifying with smoke comes from native peoples in both 
North and South America.  Native peoples observe the precept of smudging, 
perhaps more than any other peoples on earth.  They use it is sweat lodges, 
ceremonies and sacred dances, they smudge themselves, their children, their 
horses, their food, every object given to them and everything they give away.

In North America the smoke is created by burning sacred herbs such as sage, 
cedar, sweetgrass and juniper.  In Mexico and Central America, the ingredient 
considered most sacred fro producing the smoke is copal. Copal is a resin 
derived from the Copal tree and its use as an incense dates back to 
pre-Colombian times.  The Mayan name for copal is pom.

A smudge stick made in one of the traditional manner contains a mixture of 
sage & cedar.  The sage acts to draw out any negativity and the cedar to 
attract positive energy.  (one of my Teachers would always clean his office
between patients when he was doing healing  - with the smudge stick)
It is very easy to make your own.  Dry Herbs or not roll the Sage &
    Cedar in a newspaper & wrap with string or elastic for a time. 
    Then take the paper off and wrap with brightly colored string.

How to use a Smudge Stick

Light the smudge stick and when it has ignited, gently shake it over a shall 
or fireproof container to extinguish the flame.

Begin by purifying yourself with the smoke.  Move the smudge stick around the 
perimeter of your body, paying particular attention to any area of your body 
which is not in balance, or which is manifesting any sign of ill health or 
pain.  You then offer the smoke to the six directions using the following 
invocation, and moving the smudge in a counter-clockwise manner.

"To the East when the Sun rises.
 To the North where the cold comes from.
 To the West where the Sun sets.
 To the South where the light comes from.
 To the Father Sun.
 To the Mother Earth."

You may then smudge your object(s), room or another person.  If you are 
smudging another person or persons, slowly move the smudge stick around the 
perimeter of each person's physical body.  Beginning at the front and allowing 
the person to participate by having them draw the smoke toward their heart and
over their head.

As you participate in this ritual, allow yourself to experience the cleansing, 
healing power of the smoke.  Become aware of that higher power in the Universe 
called by many names:  Great Spirit, Heavenly Father, etc.  Allow yourself to 
feel the presence of the Power within you.

To extinguish the smudge and allow for future use, dip smoldering end into a 
shallow dish of water and place in a fireproof container or ceramic or metal 
material.  Note:  If smudge is not fully extinguished it may continue to burn. 
 Leave smudge in open container to dry for re-used.



I quote Brooke Medicine Eagle, North American Nez Pierce/Sioux medicine woman: 
"In the philosophy of the true Indian people, Indian is an attitude, a state 
of mind; Indian is a state of being, the place of the heart.  To allow the 
heart to be the distributor of energy on this planet;  to allow your heart, 
your feelings, your emotions to distribute your energy; to pull that energy 
from the earth, from the sky, to pull it down and distribute it from your 
heart, the very center of your being - that is our purpose."
                                                                  
    
    

Correen Toll at Celebration Bookstore told me that I could either buy what she 
had already gathered and bound, or go to a field here in Colorado, where sage 
and cedar are fairly abundant.  Celebration's was tied into tight enough 
bundles so that the whole thing didn't burn; just parts at a time.

re; < Note 718.3 by SCOPE::PAINTER >
    
>    What about sea salt?  Someone mentioned that earlier.

Some like to do it before meditation or rituals; drink water and eat a pinch of 
salt (earth) and burn incense of any type, as representation of the elements.  
I've never heard about burning salt, though.

    re: .5 (Meredith)
    
    	Where's that field located?
    
    					Carla
    

re; < Note 718.6 by BSS::BLAZEK "Dancing with My Self" >

>    	Where's that field located?

Wherever housing developments haven't ensued at this altitude (around 6100).

Merewest

    I grow an abundant quanity of sage in my garden any locals wishing
    some may contact me via mail. BTW- its not quite ready yet but will
    be in a very short time.
    
    -j
    

    
    
    Sulpher-great to purify (but keep the windows open)
    Pepper-(believe it or not) i have found that burning a tad of this
    	seems to increase whatever energy is in the room. increasing
    	emotions of people in the room and after bannishing increases
    	the cleansing feeling.
    Salt-throw it all over the house.
    Dragons Blood-almost as good as pepper, and smells better.
    Scullcap<sp?>-great relaxant (in a clean enviornment)
    Sandalwood- if burned in pieces, great visonary tool
    Frankencense<sp>-sylphs love it.
    Cedar-underrated magikal wand, commonly used by hampsters.
    Tobacco-relaxant, (what god wouldnt want a little every now and
    	then) get it at a tobacco store different sents ect.
    
    the above is not the opinion of any one legitimate source, rather
    it is info gathered from many sources (some good some bad) over
    a period of time by the writer.
    
    fey mouse
                                  
    

    
    	When I attended the Inipi ceremony last weekend, they seemed
    to be burning sage all_the_time. The 'gesture' one would use when
    they brought the burning sage over to you would be to fan the smoke
    toward you, over the top of your head and around your upper torso.
    ...I had no idea what this was doing, but since I was next in the
    circle...
    
    	Joe Jas
    

    This stuff is really good to know...There is a place called the
    Framingham House of Zodiac that carries stuff like that...You
    might want to call them and ask if they have that stuff I know
    I will.  
    
    A Story:
    
    I bought LOVE INSENCE from there and they were great .. I really
    got them for the smell but it suddenly made us lovey dovey.....
    
    My girlfriend was complaining that her husband wasn't affectionate
    enough, so I gave her a love insence and she told me that it worked,
    because he suddenly became lovey dovey...
    
    This sage sounds great...

    Re .11:
    
    > ............................... ...There is a place called the
    >Framingham House of Zodiac that carries stuff like that...
    
    Most of the stuff at the House of Zodiac is prepared incenses and
    oils.  [FWIW, I suggest staying away from oils like "fast money,"
    and such; they're Voudoun derived and if they work at all, have
    to be integrated into a minor ceremony.]  Prepared stick/cone incenses
    like sandalwood, pine, and cinnamon are available there.  For herbal
    incenses on charcoal, you might try herb shops, like Concord Spice
    and grain in Concord [Mass] or The Alchemist in Hudson [Mass]. 
    Of the two, CS&G is more likely to have more herbs on hand and have
    _lots_ of both pure Myrrh and pure Frankincense.
    
    If you go to House of Zodiac, give 'em my regards.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

    Re .16:
    
    Please.  I'm still confused.  _What_ strong opinion?  I always tyake
    constructive criticism, but to this note, I'm not sure what I'm
    being criticized about.
    
    The House of Zodiac, for instance, I've personally recommended in
    this very file numerous times.  And both the owner (Rocky) and his
    manager (and occasional reader) Sandy are friends. I have bought
    lots of books, many prepared incenses, and some oils there.  It
    is, however, not my only source of supply, since there are things
    I use that they do not carry.
    
    Since this seems to be developing into an issue, I'm requesting
    that you peruse whichever response upset you, extract whatever it
    is that's bothered you, and append it as a response with your
    understanding of what you feel needs criticism.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

    
    
    Steve,
    
    Your not the only one confused...so am I?  What the heck happened
    here?
    
    Carole

    Also confused .........
    

    I think she just took it the wrong way. Sounded more like information
    than criticism, Steve. I'm glad you know alot, some people need
    the wise guidance.
    
    Relax...
    renee. :')

    	I believe it is the Conference Moderators' duty to step in on
    issues like this.
    
    	I think it also might be appropriate to have them set up some
    Conference Guidelines and VAX Notes Commands in Topic 1 to help
    Noters in reading, writing, and understanding this Conference.
    
    	Larry
    

    In addition to smudges and incenses, there are associated oils.
    These generally are essential oils that can be used to supplement
    (or in some cases replace) incenses, particularly in what's been
    called "aromatherapy." (aromatherapy -- using odors to aid in the
    healing process.)
    
    I've found sandalwood, vanilla, lavender, and cinnamon oils in several
    stores.  Sometimes, a person will put a drop of essential oil on
    a hot surface; then, it acts almost like an incense.  (Some people
    use essential oils as perfumes however; patchouly is a favorite
    that way, since some think it encourages love.)  Those using lightbulbs
    as the hot surface occasionally find a gummy trace of the oils later.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

I've noticed a lot of tension happening really quickly around here.  Bruce 
Laru, you were right; you didn't blast John Mitchell yesterday, and I am sorry 
for saying you did.  My DEJAVU NOTES are set seen/before=yesterday, and I had 
just read that one topic that John had started about having a convention of 
channeled entities, in which John was indeed blasted, and in that context, it 
was easy to take things incorrectly.  I hope that those who blasted John are 
sorry; I'm sorry for blasting you for thinking you blasted John; blast it all! 
And Steve certainly didn't deserve the blast he got, either.  I was pretty 
puzzled upon reading ::SNOW's note, but seemed to remember something from the 
astrology topic, which is fitting to place here;

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Note 672.13                      Astrology Watch                        13 of 14
ISTG::DOLLIVER "Todd O. Dolliver"                   156 lines  15-APR-1988 13:43
                             -< New Moon in Aries >-
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Yes, its time for another ... Astrology Watch Calendar :

Astrology Watch Highlights:
--------------------------

  Finally, the square between Mars in Aquarius and Pluto in Scorpio on April
 23 is a potentially very serious aspect for which little positive can be said.
 The coupling of reform tendencies (Pluto) and desire/anger (Mars) can make
 for a very explosive situation, and since both planets reside in Fixed signs
 there may be little room for discussion or compromise.  In addition, Jupiter
 (also in a Fixed sign, Taurus) is approaching opposition to Pluto, and even
 the Moon will be in the Fixed sign Leo on this day.  This creates a transiting
 grand cross (four planets all squaring/opposing each other from different
 quadrants) in fixed signs which is likely to make some type of confrontation
 unavoidable.

  The Mars/Pluto square indicates the potential to destroy things (Pluto) out
 of anger (Mars), and thus this is _definitely_not_ the time to decide upon
 major changes in your life, since they are likely to be ill advised and
 reactionary.  This aspect can involve being downright mean and nasty to people
 you care about, so try to keep some perspective on events during this time,
 and struggle to retain feelings of kindness for those you love.  If your
 natal chart has any planets or house cusps between 10 and 12 degrees of any
 fixed sign, expect these aspects of your life to be aggravated at this time.
 If you were born between May 2-4 (Taurus), August 2-4 (Leo), November 2-4
 (Aquarius) or January 31-February 2 (Aquarius) then your Sun falls within
 this range, so these warnings apply especially to you.

  This nasty aspect provides an opportunity to start using astrology in a
 productive way by trying to use your foreknowledge of these tendencies to
 side-step the potential calamity indicated by this aspect.  Simply stated,
 do not try to reform (Pluto) your loved ones during this time (April 22-24),
 as it may provoke extreme anger (Mars), and similarly, if someone else is
 attempting to impose reform on you, try to overlook it for now and cling to
 feelings of kindness.  It may be tough, but you _can_ defuse difficult
 aspects such as these without getting trapped into their negative tendencies,
 and you may gain some extremely valuable insights along the way.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In conclusion...oh forget it, I'll leave your conclusions for yourselves!

Take care, and 

PEACE be with you!
Meredith

re:  House of Zodiac

Last time I was there (a month or two ago) they did have smudge.  It
seemed to consist of several types of herbs tied in bundles.  I can't
remember how much they were charging, but I remember thinking it was too
much for me!

re: last several responses

I am also confused.  I think part of the problem is something discussed
in one of the earlier notes (I don't remember which one) - that those
of us who have been reading/writing this conference for quite a while
have gotten to know eachother's style's of communication, have
developed respect for these differences, and developed a sense of
community.  

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think noter Snow has either
read the note I mentioned above, or has been reading/writing in
DEJAVU for that long.  I suggest that take 24 hours to cool down
the next time you feel a heated reply coming on, as has been suggested
in other similiar situations.  Steve has been a valuable contributor
for a long while and I am puzzled by your response.

I suggest everyone take a deep breath!

    
    	Somehow, I *knew* 13 additional replies weren't telling me what
    I was doing with that sage smoke...guess "if I dont know by now"...
    
    	Joe Jas

>    We
>    should try to act our age in these notes and not our shoesize!!

3 wrongs don't make a right either.

There's a lot of tension in the air.  Steve, what kind of smudge would help to 
clear the air of tension?  Seriously, I'd like to know.

Thanks!
Meredith

Oh by the way, as if CXO folks didn't know already, the best place to get 
smudge is Celebration Bookstore on Colo Ave.  As for some of the other burnable 
herbs, like sandlewood and the like, you can find sticks and cones all over the 
town.  (Sticks and cones may break my bones??? ;-)

Celebration also carries a line of charcoal incenses (and the charcoal) blended 
together by Coven Gardens of Boulder.  Correen Toll has a paper which tells 
what herbs are in the various incenses, and for what purposes those herbs may 
be burned.  (I don't recall which are for tension, though).  Warning - the 
charcoal makes very very hot, any surface on which it is burned.  I have a 
metal incense burner which I place on a flat rock to save surfaces.

In Denver, Isis Metaphysical Bookstore on Colfax (near the Honda dealership) 
sells smudge and incense.  Buy a car; make it smell nice (hee, hee hee).

Meredith

    RE: many previous
    
    Now I know why they call this topic "smudge."
    
    Things haven't been the same ever since the moon entered Virgo,
    I tell you.
    
    FWIW:  I believe frankincense simply means "expensive incense" and
    doesn't refer to any particular resin.
    
    Now the question is *how* does smudge work, if it works.
    
    John M.

    
    re .29
    
    John,
    
        
�    Now the question is *how* does smudge work, if it works.
 
    
    i gently and respectfully suggest that the above might be less 
    provocatively  phrased:
    
     Now one question is *how* does smudge work, if it works.
         ^^^
    
    _how_ is not the paramount issue for everyone...  
    
    	bruce :-)))))

    RE: .30 (Bruce)
    
    OK, I'll accept that phrasing.
    
    
    John M.

    this note sure went down a rathole in a hurry!
    
    
    -j
    

    Set mode = moderator
    
    re: .32  
    
    	Yes it certainly did.  That's why replies .14  .15  .16  
    
    	    .21  and .27    have all been set hidden.  
    
    .13 was apparrently deleted by the author.
    
    Let's stick to the topic at hand in further replies. In general,
    if you find yourself getting upset about something, either persue
    the issue thru personal mail or _request_ a clarification of what
    is upsetting you either in the note or in mail.         
                                    
    Name calling and flaming is not acceptable behavior under any 
    circumstances.
    
    As others have stated, there is _something_ that seems to be affecting
    people adversely recently. Let's all try to keep a little calmer.
    
    	- Bill Keefe

    
    .24 yea i know, my wife (scorpio, Pluto) and myself (sag, Jupiter)
    have been at odds all week! i myself (sag w/scorpio r) cant stand
    to be in the room with me! :-)
    
    Ref: Frankincense... There is such an animal! it is sort of yellowish
    chunks of tree sap that look alot like gummy-bears (taste awful)
    and i have found it to be cheap ($1.50 ounce)
    
    .28 *TENSION* there are various herbs that are great for this as
    well as some chemicals, however they are illegal and quality control
    can be lacking.....Scullcap<sp?> however is a great relaxant and
    Wormwood rings a bell too? 
    
    Q. is there any rea/symbolic/? use of Cat-tails (besides the fact
    that they assist when playing "Helicopter" with kitty. 
    "meeeeOOOOwww") they grow in abundance by my home but i have never
    heard of any type of use.
    
    REF: "War of The Words" a couple of ideas i use to cool my temper
    in notes and to keep my feet somewhat in a reality are...
    	1)sign my name "fey mouse" hard to take something threatining
    from someone who associates with dying little furry creatures.
    (and i am not into necromancy)
    	2) use the small i instead of I when doing it it changes the
    way you think.
    	3)not take myself seriously!!! if i am a joke (no comments)
    the person who takes the garbage i write seriously has problems!!
    	4)remember... most of the contense of this note is made up of
    theories not facts...so there is a good chance we are all wrong...
    WHY ARGUE! (except it can be fun with the right people. (see item
    2)).
    		dont take me seriously
    		i am but a 23 year owld
    		poyson who kant spewl aynd
    		has horridabl grammrr aynd
    		nows evnn les bout liphe!
    
    fey mouse                                                  	

    Re .28 (Meredith):
    
>There's a lot of tension in the air.  Steve, what kind of smudge would help to 
>clear the air of tension?  Seriously, I'd like to know.
 
    Scullcap is a good one.  Catnip can be used for this, too.  Verbena,
    and rue can be used.  Valerian is particularly effective, especially
    when used in conjunction with dragon's blood.  Burn these over
    charcoal.
    
    Re .29 (John):
    
    >FWIW:  I believe frankincense simply means "expensive incense" and
    >doesn't refer to any particular resin.
     
    It refers to the resin of trees of the Burseraceae, genus Boswellia,
    esp. Boswellia carterii.  I've found this available in several
    health-food and herb stores.  
    
    Re .34 (fey_mouse):
    
    >Wormwood rings a bell too? 
    
    Wormwood is a synonym for absinthe.   It's primarily used to raise
    spirits and for clairvoyant activities.  Use with caution, if you
    must.
    
    >Q. is there any rea/symbolic/? use of Cat-tails (besides the fact
    >that they assist when playing "Helicopter" with kitty. 
    >"meeeeOOOOwww") they grow in abundance by my home but i have never
    >heard of any type of use.
     
    I've read in survival manuals that they're edible (roast as one
    would corn, they say) when young, but I've never tried any and have
    no intentions of doing so.  I can't recall any esoteric uses of
    'em, but they're used in sdome festivals to help symbolize autumn.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.
      

re; .35 (Steve):

    
    >Valerian is particularly effective, especially
    >when used in conjunction with dragon's blood.

Then, Dragon's blood is an herb?  I must confess, I had not heard of it before 
it was mentioned here (in Dejavu, over the past few days).
    
Valerian is used in the making of valium, is it not?  I also have seen it 
available in gelatin capsules, and used to take it every day when I was not 
thinking for myself (as a matter of fact, I think it helped the other person in 
gaining some control).  This brings to mind a couple of thoughts;

If orally taking valerian, are there some good rules-of-thumb to follow?  I 
find the instructions on the side of the jar to be not-specific-enough (take 
one or two every so-many-hours; no indication as to whether or not a certain 
number of pills or days should not be exceeded).  I haven't taken it, BTW, 
since the Denver Plan became history, last October.

Burning valerian - Are the tension-dissipating effects similar to having orally 
taken the herb? - am I, in a sense, "smoking" it by inhaling the fumes, or is 
it simply the odor that brings forth calming vibrations?

Treading lightly,
Meredith

    Re .36 (Meredith):
    
>Then, Dragon's blood is an herb?  I must confess, I had not heard of it before 
>it was mentioned here (in Dejavu, over the past few days).
 
    Dragon's Blood is indeed an herb.  Generally, though, when one
    specifies Dragon's Blood, one means the powder.  It's often used
    in purification, but when added to incenses/smudges of other herbs,
    can act as an "accelerator" or "supercharger."
    
>Valerian is used in the making of valium, is it not? ...
    
    I believe so, but won't say for sure without conducting reference
    works.
    
    I haven't taken the stuff orally, so I'll have to sidestep that
    one, other than to say that if an herbal remedy has very nonspecific
    instructions, before I took any, I'd find out by some outside source
    what it's supposed to be used for and any dosage recommendations
    _and cautions_.  Some health-food stores have books on herbal medicine;
    look for those with a genuine medical connection.  _John Lust's
    Herb Book_ is a good overview in this area, though (he treats almost
    every plant as an herb, though; I suppose better some superfluous
    information than not enough).
    
>Burning valerian - Are the tension-dissipating effects similar to having orally 
>taken the herb? - am I, in a sense, "smoking" it by inhaling the fumes, or is 
>it simply the odor that brings forth calming vibrations?
 
    Depends.  There should be an esoteric element involved, and the
    censing can be done in an open-window volume, so you need inhale
    little of any smoke.
    
    But there's nothing wrong with treading lightly.  I'm a strong advocate
    of that approach.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.        

    RE: .36  :Dragon's Blood!
    
    	Dragon's blood grow naturally in the Northeast.  Being from
    Ohio I have went many times with my grandfather and father to hunt
    various wild roots.  Although they never used them themselves, they
    often sold them to places that would sell them to Japan, etc.
    	We use to did up Gensing, Yellow roots, and Dragons Blood. 
    Dragon's blood when fresh from the ground, if broken, actually bleeds
    just like if you cut your hand.  It is indeed just as red, although
    a bit thinner than actual blood!
    
    FYI :: Dan
    

    
    
    Re: .35
     WORMWOOD
    
    	It hit me where I heard of Wormwood but I will require
    help to be precise.
    
    	I believe the Old Testament (bible) mentions Wormwood and I
    think it is in the book of AMOS???
    
    	Also...isn't Wormwood used in the making of a drink called
    Gaul<sp?>. I tried it once and it tastes rather sweet at first but
    then tastes icky after you swallow it. I also know that Gaul<sp?>
    was supposedly offered to Jesus during the crucifiction and that
    Jesus refused it once he found out what it was. (KJV somwhere in
    Math.)
    
    comments/corrections??
    
    craig

    Re .39 (Craig):
    
    Absinthe, or Wormwood, can be found in Jerimiah 9:15,
    
    Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; behold,
    I wiull feed them, even this people, with wormwoopd, and give them
    water of gall to drink.
    
    ("Gall" can be any bitter fluid.)
    
    And in Amos 5:7, which in context requires the two surrounding verses:
    
    Seek the Lord, and ye shall live; lest he break out like a fire
    in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench
    it in Bethel.
    Ye who turn judgement to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in
    the earth,
    Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion ... The Lord is
    his name.
    
    Also in Revelations 8:10-11,
    
    And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven,
    burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the
    rivers, and upon the fountains of the waters;
    And the name of the star is called Wormwood, and the third part
    of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters,
    because they were made bitter.
    
    .. symbolic as it was, this, and the previous passages, indicate
    that wormwood was not too well thought of.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

    RE: .40 (Steve)
    
    Absinthe was a liqueur popular in the demimonde of late 19th century
    France.  It contained an extract of wormwood and had a very high
    alcohol content.  The drink was rather toxic and could cause permanent
    neurological damage, and so was made illegal.  The offending wormwood
    was taken out and substituted with anise.  The liqueur exists today
    as Pernod.

    Re .41 (John):
    
    Gee!  I thought _everyone_ knew that! :-)  It was supposed to have
    some degree of aphrodesiac qualities [==>not proved<==], leading
    to the quip, "Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder," that was popular
    in the 1920s.  I do not suggest for one minute anyone try to make
    homegrown Absinthe liqueur, and in fact would discourage anyone
    from doing so.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

     
    Re.42 (Steve K.)
    
    >Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder...
    
    Is that really where that saying came from?  Or did you just make 
    that up?
    
    Cindy (truly wondering)

    Re .43 (Cindy):
    
    Geez!  This is surely getting away from the paranormal, but:
    
    The original phrase, going _way_ back, was "Absence makes the heart
    grow fonder."
    
    Certainly in the "Roaring 20s," when a lot of people lived in the fast
    lane, this saying was corrupted to "Absinthe makes..." again, based
    on its supposed aphrodesiac qualities.  A sort of play on words.
    [I really ought to cross-post this to JOYOFLEX].
    
    > ........................................ Or did you just make 
    >that up?                                     
     
    Cindy, you cut me to the quick! :-)
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

    RE: Whatever
    
    I had this nightmare a few nights ago where a ghost was torturing
    me and I tried to chase it off by burning sage.
    
    
    I gotta quit reading this conference!
    
    John M.

re; .45

Yes, O Anchovy, but did it *work*?

;-)

    RE: .45 (Mer)
    
    No, it did not work.  In fact, it pissed the ghost off.  Then it
    decided it LIKED the smell of sage.  (Really.)
    
    Better I should have burned hair.
                                                  
    
    John M.

re: John M. "The anchovy speaks"

The Disney Anchovy Channeler, I like it!

Interesting dream brother. I liked to see someone take a shot at
intrepreting that one. Smart ghost anyway, it ain't fraid o'no smoke.
Who knows what the smell of burning hair would do for it.

You may have been reading here too long, but please don't stop.

Jay

    Re .45 (John):
    
    > .....  I tried to chase it off by burning sage.
          
    You should have used crystals, O Anchovy. :-)
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

But Steve, crystals don't burn!  ;-) ;-) ;-)

    Re .50 (Meredith):
    
    But some _do_.  Diamonds, which are crystallized carbon, if put
    in a blast furnace, will burn readily.  This has been verified
    experimentally, if expensively.
    
    Anyway, these are dream-crystals.  And who an I to disturb John's
    creating his own reality? :-D
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

	
    Paraphrased from the intro of the most recent Niven book (a
    "historical novel"
    	                                            
    
    	...and the wormwood fell into the waters, and made the waters 
    	bitter, and a third of the people drinking the water were killed...
    	
    	The Armenian word for wormwood is "chernobyl"
                
    end paraphrase
            
    Can anyone verify this alleged "fact" of "chernobyl"==Armenian(wormwood)
                                                          

    RE: burning crystals....
    
    Any crystal held in the hands of the great Anchovy would be sure
    to smoke! :-)
    
    Carole

RE: .53 (Carole)

>  Any crystal held in the hands of the great Anchovy would be sure
    to smoke! :-) <


As would any woman.

Slap me!


John M.

    re:last couple
    
    
        Don't you know that smoking "causes" cancer?    :-}
    
    
    Frederick
    

    re: .55
    
    Frederick, let's get it right - Smoking cures Cancer!!!!
    
    re: .54
    
    John,
    
    Way to go....
    
    ...dale
    

re; .54 and .53;

>>  Any crystal held in the hands of the great Anchovy would be sure
>    to smoke! :-) <

>As would any woman.
>Slap me!

O Anchovy, methinks you might enjoy that slap, too much.

(Hee, hee hee)

    
    Oh dear, the smoke is getting in my eyes here.
    
    Time to go back to "Across a Crowded Room...."
    
    Cindy

    re .58 (Cindy):
    
    Well, let me _try_ to get back to the topic.  
    
    A good exorcism/purification herb is asafoetida.  Put on charcoal,
    it's supposed to drive away evil (and disease, for that matter).
    If you've ever smelled it, you might believe it would drive away
    _anything_.  If you decide to get any, get it in an airtight container.
     
    Re valerian:  I found nothing in my reference literature that said,
    yea or nay, that Vallium was derived from it.  I did read, though,
    that a tea of it can be used as a tranquilizer.  If you decide to
    do anything with it, check with a pharmacologist first.  An overdose,
    I've read, can be toxic.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

  re. .52
            
    > Can anyone verify this alleged "fact" of "chernobyl"==Armenian(wormwood)

      My father-in-law speaks Armenian.  So far he says the most common
      word/phrase is vort payd (phonetic spelling).  He will look through
      his Armenian bible for any other translations.

    Terry
                                                          

  re. .-2, .-1
            
      Straight from an Armenian bible, the word used in Revelation (8:10)
      is O'shintr.  As far as my Armenian Father-in-law knows, chernobyl
      is not an Armenian word (the first sylable 'cher' means evil/bad).

      Terry
                                                          

RE: Last few.
    
    There was a discussion of this a while back in the USENET language
    bulletin board.  I can't swear to it, but I think that the outcome
    was that the etemology is obscure but that "bitter water" is one
    reasonable translation/modernization.
    
    						Topher

    I occasionally drink a cup of valerian root tea, to relieve pain
    or to get to sleep.
    
    If sleep is my goal, one cup will do it.  If dealing with moderate
    pain (headache or 1 day after having teeth pulled), as many as 3
    cups will cure it.  I don't know how much is dangerous, but I wouldn't
    try more than that, nor would I use it every day.
    
    Elizabeth
    

    Re .59
    
    Asafoetida will drive away ANYTHING (diseases, evil spirits, good
    spirits, dogs, men, women...)
    
    If you want to understand why, open some up and sniff (or stand
    back...)
    
    Elizabeth
    

    Re .64 (Elizabeth):
    
    >Asafoetida will drive away ANYTHING (diseases, evil spirits, good
    >spirits, dogs, men, women...)
     
    It stops at dogs (it _will_ drive away the rest).  I was having
    trouble with a neighborhood dog going after our garbage, so I
    sprinkled some asafoetida around.  Didn't faze him for an instant
    (though camphor, as in moth flakes, is an effective dog repellant).
    Of course, I neither burned it on charcoal nor performed any rituals
    with it, so maybe I wasn't giving it a fair trial.  Though if you've
    ever smell;ed it, you might wonder why anybodt would _want_ to give
    it a fair trial. 
    
    Potent stuff; one of its folk names is "devil's dung."  Seems
    appropriate.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.
    
    Remember: if you want any, make certain you get it in an airtight
    container.