This is bar none my favourite sol series since, ex sol and golden sol 1. Then again, I LOVE me some sunshine so this series is my jam anyway but OMG it all smells sooooooo good!! Opening the incense out wafts this glorious scent of THE perfect summer day. Close your eyes, picture a perfect summer day - there you have it. That’s all I really need to say about how this series smells and initially made me FEEL.

As for magically, next level. I’ve been heavily engaged with the whole series since receiving it and can truthfully say that it is life changing and groundbreaking, and I’ve had the pleasure of trying all other materia and forms offered by S&S - I think?

Inks are one of my favourite forms for their versatility and longevity. I’ve been tracing the outline of a crown on mmy forehead and the sign of regulus on my heart nearly every morning and the effects have been profound. I literally feel the weight of a crown on my head at times, especially if I find myself feeling uncertain- my back straightens up and my posture too and I find myself “surveying” the land if you will and am able to gaze out over it with a calm and wise eye. I’ve also added some of the ink and powder to a batch of rocks I’m polishing that were picked during exalted sol in Aries - the turmeric doesn’t seem to stain them. Don’t sleep on the inks!

My first ink/stain, and a gamechanger. I like to sketch, and write, and find a playful creative attitude goes well for me with this materia. A good way to get out of own way, and into wider territory, befitting regal energy. Through asking my mother about a health issue troubling her, I met a cartoon tiger who loved my idea of drawing him. Only later did I realise sun in Leo is that tiger. Inspired by that encounter I suggested to Sachiel they may like to appear in a script I'm writing, an idea they took to and which I did on June's full moon, discovering along the way that the best fit for the angel was the story's most magical and moving scene, and seemed to have been waiting for them all along.

Now, sometimes, I get to be Calvin to that tiger's Hobbes. Which as a way of safely exploring new terrain works grear for me, and feels distinct to the ink aspect of this excellent materia. Heading to visit a friend I was urged to use bus not train, despite having purchased a train ticket. Which led to seeing a magnificent shop window tiger, and celebrating that by buying a tiger eye stone. Since then sight in my left eye has improved. Of course. What is a king, if not master of what he surveys?

Wore this ink on my hands today. It's very bright, a little warm. Definitely magnified both Sun and Leo qualities in me. Similar to regulus ink but also different.