I keep forgetting that I have this oil in my arsenal, which is a shame since it's such a valuable asset! I'm so glad that I thought to use it today, though, since I had to get up early to bring my car in to a new mechanic to get some issues addressed that the dealership was possibly over-exaggerating (and certainly overcharging me to fix). I hadn't slept well and was not looking forward to any of this, but it had to be done!
***Enter: Azure Dragon***
After prepping with the Antares Kolonia, I applied some of the AD oil before setting out. First I encountered surprisingly smooth traffic conditions. Then when I arrived, I found an easy parking spot right next to the main office (in the otherwise crowded lot). Then when I walked in, I saw others were seated and waiting already in the stifling hot space, making me fear that it might take awhile before my turn. But then the mechanic walked in and was ready to speak to me straight away! -- Fast forward to me having been able to articulate my concerns unusually well (being very much not well-versed in car talk), and learning that two separate issues I thought I'd need addressed were actually the same issue and would require an easy, single fix for a very reasonable cost. The third issue, meanwhile, was identified as a non-issue after all, which was a huge relief since I'd been quoted around $2k in repairs if it came to that! Also the mechanic installed some wire mesh to prevent rodents from accessing part of my car they'd been nesting in at no additional cost! GAME CHANGER.
I actually had to drive out to the place three times in one day, which would ordinarily be a draining hassle, but it all went super efficiently and I managed to run some extra errands along the way! At the end I chanced on a new drive-thru car wash that had just opened and decided to check it out, only to get another fantastic deal. Then I took advantage of their self-service vacuum and window-cleaning stations and went into cleaning overdrive in 90 degree heat, which probably wasn't a great idea but I had so much STAMINA to spare so I really went for it.
Afterwards I was totally exhausted so the warnings about burnout are quite apt, but it was kinda worth it i.m.o. -- definitely something to watch out for, though. All in all, I felt like I was sailing on a benefic breeze of high energy and good fortune today -- but now I'm so tired that this review has spiraled out into something way too long, so I'm gonna go get the good night's rest that I feel is coming to me ;)

I LOVE this incense. An absolute slay (pun intended) from S+S. I was a bit nervous about getting it, but was Told to do so and repeatedly drawn to it. When I received it, I had just the worst migraine, which had been in effect since I ordered it, so I didn't touch it because I knew migraines were one side effect. But I was just so drawn to it, so finally, I unwrapped it and picked it up. As soon as I touched it, the migraine went from a 100% to a 25%. I set the materia down, and back up the migraine went. Picked it up and down it went. It was one of the wildest things I've experienced. So I burned some and used it one myself, and the migraine left entirely. My migraines do not just leave, especially suddenly. It felt almost like I had had some sort of severe deficiency that this materia satiated. I am a very Martian person, but am often unable to run that charge, and I've realized recently how much that has hurt me. This series feels like a homecoming in many ways.

I've used it to Get Shit Done a lot as well, and while it's absolutely aces at that, there is definitely the risk of burn out or running on fumes. I've never stayed up for 24hrs straight in my life, and after using this, I once stayed up for over 36hrs straight, just working on a creative project. So don't do that! Or if you do, do a ton of self-care afterwards and apply more nurturing series in between.

Application of this powder gives me terrific energy and stamina for workouts and other physically-oriented tasks. For ones of a more cerebral nature, however, it makes me quite irritable. I’m still experimenting at combinations with other, more softening materia with the aim of tapping into that energy and drive while avoiding the mental overstimulation part.

This is an extremely hot item. Instant energy and power to accomplish that which is before. A series of profound synchs led me to purchase this product, and engage with Spehre and Sundry in the first place. It is eminently useful, I can't recommend it highly enough. As many people will attest, it is a user friendly way to access Martian energy.

Honors the divine Mars energy within, appreciate the "frame" especially for Wood Dragon year. Up and at'em energy with a healthy mindset both spiritually and physically. I'm definitely connecting with this series for the heart and purifying Shen energies, Azure Dragon feels like a safe way to do it, win-win situations, and the Mandate indeed!

Azure Dragon is *so* effortlessly lovely. It's be my main tool for Martial remediation and it's somehow just the right blend of no nonsense (very good for getting me out of my head) but not overbearing or stern in any way. I burn the incense every time I need to get my brain in order to apply it to a task and things just click into place and open up for me in a way my watery ADHD self rarely experiences any other way. I truly cannot say enough good things, doubly so as I was so unsure about the materia in the first place.

I wasn't quite sure how this subset would work for me because like that joke that goes "'Do you or anyone in your family suffer from mental illness?' 'No, we all seem to enjoy it,'" I cannot claim to "struggle" with not wanting to be part of the world. AD doesn't make me social, but it doesn't force everyone out of my sphere the way the Badger and Scorpion subsets do.

I don't use AD for warding since it doesn't want to be used that way. I use it for that "you got this" feeling when I have a ton of things to do and zero motivation to do them. Although I feel it's less "win just by showing up" and more "win just by trying." I have to actually do something for this energy to kick in but once it does, we're off to the races! It's an interesting energy and rather different than Exalted Mercury's "tackle your to-do list" or Quicksilver Tongue's "whistle while you work" energy. You won't forget to eat or sleep with AD.

This is great for helping with motivation and increased energy without being too much

A great alternative to Mars materia for those with challenging Mars placements. Something about this oil is comforting. The scent reminds me of herbal medicines and bittersweet tonics. Use with intention for best results (such as for exercise or blasting through a checklist of to-do's).

I came here to write a review of the Azure Dragon ink/stain, and fell down the rabbit hole of reading others' reviews. It's always inspiring to learn how others are engaging with this magic. As someone with a moderately dysfunctional Mars, I approached this series with care. The ink is a sweet spot for me -- invigorating, dense with focus, and beautiful to boot. I use it in tandem with written goals and benchmarks, as a magical asterisk and booster. Though it appears to be sold out, this is a ringing endorsement for all future S+S inks.