Balm of Hermanubis

On the evening of 1st Nov 2024, as the new moon in Scorpio rose in the sky, I went to my fraternal grandparents’ grave to present the offerings for the Feast of All Saints (also known as All Saint’s Day or The Day of the Dead). The offerings included lavender I gathered from the bushes growing nearby my parents’ house, anointed with the Balm of Hermanubis and a drop of my blood. Nothing theatrical, but the tiniest amount, for the symbolism. It is the fluid of life and it connects me directly to my ancestors as their blood flowing in my veins is what connects us through the veil between the dead and the living. The Sun, which in my birth chart, rules the 4th house of the father, is placed for me in Scorpio. There, it’s conjunct Mercury Rx (Hermanubis), Mars and Pluto, all in one big stellium – yes, quite the party, I know. The purpose of this offering was to connect to my father’s parents and ask them for guidance and to watch over as at the time my dad was battling for his life in the hospital after complications from a cancer removal surgery. I decided to place my unknown in the hands of my ancestors and asked them to either help my dad to fully recover, or, to hold his hand and guide him safely and peacefully to the other side. My grandparents visited me in my dreams quite a few times after that, and although it was a journey of many months, my dad did manage to recover and regain his independence. I’ve used this balm for meditations on the nature, understanding and acceptance of death as a rite of passage and a natural part of our existence. Of course, to do it all safely, I would discourage wearing this materia for prolonged periods of time (anything over an hour and you’re bound to get a headache). Follow any wear with a thorough cleansing with Asclepius series. I specifically use the Son of Apollo as it also has revitalising properties alongside banishing the dead and any energetic attachments. I’m not sure about the experiences of others, but for me, even when positive, any contact with the dead seems to leave me feeling depleted of energy, almost as if they needed to use some of my “living” energy to participate. I like to fumigate with the incense my body, hair and any spaces first, then put any clothing in the washing machine, followed by a thorough hair and body shower. For the shower, I take three to four tablespoons of salt in a glass, add some Son of Apollo bath salts (the principle of contagion) and rosemary, pour mineral water and then use it as a body and hair wash first thing in the shower, before the hygiene products. This should be plenty to do the job, however, I like to finish off with a touch of Deneb Algedi II oil (Saturnian King Subset) on my forehead, temples, wrists and bottom of the feet to reinstate the protective boundaries.

has aided in traveling the necromantic sphere. the scent and election highlight the TRUE nature of the liminal space the dragons create. cheers

I personally have not loved BPALs in the past. A lot of them IMO smell like soap underneath the top notes and something about that has just *not* jived. However--I took a chance on this one because I love this series and had a feeling these notes would compliment me more. I was correct! Now, keep in mind people LOVE the BPALs and I just didn't get why. Now I get it. I love this scent and the vibes. I don't know why this one wasn't more popular but its my ride or die now (hehe)

I haven't worked with this perfume a lot because the one time I did, it was so viscerally felt that it scared me off a bit. I felt almost light-headed or nauseous, with sensations similar to having taken a medication, or being slightly drunk. I reckon I'll need to try third-party application, or choose timing more carefully! It definitely facilitated communication. Very efficacious, but make sure you're well-prepared if you're energetically sensitive!

I am a very serious necromancer, regularly doing work with all kinds of spirits, many of them restless and unhappy. This fragrance, along with being a lovely soothing scent, has always left me with the most gentle aura of love and care that immediately puts spirits at ease with me and me at ease with them. I even anointed my storage box with it, infusing my whole kit with that kind intention simply through its passive energy. If you work with the dead in any capacity, I can't recommend this enough.

I felt called to this perfume oil as soon as I saw its name and read the write-up for it. I've worn it during ritual which has the effect of drawing me deeper into what I'm doing, kind of like pressing your ear into the wall to hear the words murmured on the other side of it. It easily facilitates a 'tuning in' and I have a much easier time clearing my mental debris to actually listen to my intuition, which can so often be drowned out by my overthinking. I've also applied it before bed and have the most vivid dreams, where I'm either journeying or doing dutiful shadow work. Highly, highly recommended.

I ordered this right before Kaitlin put out the social notice that the Hermanubis II series was up.

My learning process has always been initiatic, and I was called toward spiritual channeling recently. I figured I may as well see if S+S had something to support the journey... always.

Anyway, the scent is ETHEREAL and physically gorgeous. In the two days I have ritually worn it, I have come into contact with two acquaintances who have revealed they have a strong spiritual channeling practice. Perfect timing? Yes. Hermanubis works with swiftness!

I can't wait for future revelations. Beautiful offering and great blessing to my collection!