The 'down and dirty' in the write up for this materia is so apt! It's like digging down in the mud or dirt to truly plant yourself in order to grow. I've used it plenty on the shadow work side, and feel like it's a great way to truly get to the root of the cause (and tear out/destroy what doesn't serve you). While I haven't necessarily used it in situations that would require it physically, I do feel a bit more confident, a bit more 'dangerous' (so to speak) when wearing it - almost as if I'd be ready for fight if one were to happen. Less bark, more bite.

I LOVE SWAMP GATOR. Was particularly drawn to this one, combed the reviews trying to figure out why, but it became clear once I actually became acquainted with the mini oil. This materia helps me get grounded and process my emotions. This is a year when I am needing a ton of that. Also, as a person I am particularly unafraid of deep inner work and the REAL truth (even when it's dark). In the past several years I have been doing somatic experiencing therapy, intentional self-reflection, shadow work. I've been applying the oil to my spine, pelvis, ankle bones, and then doing things like random stretches and body movements, and random noises to process emotions (growls feel great!). This energy is also protective and aids with discernment. It helps me not give a fuck, which I am also making a lot more room for, as someone who's struggled with people-pleasing. Final side note, this materia has a similar vibe to Agathos Daimon, who in my gnosis absolutely loves shadow work and understands how doing shadow work creates a better foundation to build on.

I wasn't sure what drew me to the subset. I'd read it through before, didn't feel an affinity. But one morning I was drawn to it, and am profoundly glad I followed that intuition. I tend to be someone who picks up the feelings of others, often in ways that are confirmed. But it's not the most straightforward way of processing, and can lead to confusion, anxiety, etc. Just a whiff of gator powder and I very quickly got a visceral sense of the dynamics with a work situation for others involved - like I could see what was happening, and got a straightforward just-the-facts report. Gamechanger. I could now glimpse something that made no sense until that moment. Clarity. Which is what I need at this point, and could have made life a lot more straightforward over the years. I often thing of situations as tangled - gator helps me untangle and perceive with greater lucidity.

I used this outdoors on the boundary of my house, for protection. It feels deep and powerful.

My initial impression when first receiving this oil was actually that it would be an excellent companion for a camping or backpacking trip. Especially somewhere deeper in the wilderness, or when one’s intentions are to come into communion with Nature on a primordial level. It reminded me of the times I’d gone camping that made me feel like I could have been perfectly happy sleeping in the dry dirt.

The energy of this oil definitely sloooooows everything down (expect delays, maybe energetic/physical “back ups”). But for me, I found the sensation of being “pulled under” to be grounding, even comforting at times. Paired with Fomalhaut is perfect for magical research and meditation - uncovering secrets.
Another side effect is bringing up “dirty” things that need to be dealt with. I was made aware of a pest problem when using this oil. But SG also helps with feeling more comfortable/less grossed out dealing with those things. And it also brings deep reverence for the dirt and dirty, literally and metaphorically.

I applied some of the oil during Saturn’s night and hour to finish up some Saturn prayer/meditation beads, and I was blown away by how strong the effects were.

My first impression was how physically heavy/constricting, antisocial, and specifically dark and silent this subset is. (My natal Saturn is part of a Capricorn stellium. I’ve tried Golden Goat and Golden Gator, and while they assist with discipline and focus, they don’t feel heavy to me. Saturn in Aquarius doesn’t feel heavy, either, just ice-cold, clear, focused, and quiet.)

Applying Swamp Gator felt like I was being pulled into thick, black water where I could see some truly bizarre things if I let myself be pulled further down. This definitely feels best oriented towards meditation and esoteric exploration, and it also feels like it won’t let you go until you’ve spent an adequate amount of time in silence. I finished the beads at the exact minute Saturn hour ended, and then I felt compelled to stare at them like a possessed person for a few minutes until I could make myself stand up. I was genuinely concerned that I might not be able to open my jaws and make my vocal cords work to talk to my family, so I cut it off with Venus’ Aerial Delight water and oil, and Exalted Luna lip balm. I still felt some effect five hours later, although it was closer to wearing off.

Anyway, 5/5 stars; highly recommend if you like being restrained and forced silently into the murky void. I plan on using it for intentional trance work when I have much more time set aside.

When I received this materia, it was delayed by a week from the initial expected date (how very Saturnian). Initially I got this because I needed some further protection from seedy and dangerous characters that were in my life at the time but upon receiving this materia, I had other interesting events that took place that same day.

1. I had to take an Uber to work one day and it was a black BMW with super tinted windows and the driver was dressed in all black as well. Out of nowhere, he had mentioned that he picked up a few people who had oversight on financial institutions and mentioned that sometime in the next few years (this was during 2022 btw) there will be some economic hardships that will impact many who are working class and that it will be best to build a stronger savings or nest-egg. At first I thought “Well yeah? Isn’t that what banks and financial institutions want anyways?” But as I reflect back on that conversation as of Jan. 20, 2025, I can see there was more weight to that conversation than I initially garnered—especially considering current events and intuiting the general trajectory of how this country will fare economically. In the manner of this subset, it was acknowledging a threat that lies in wait. (Sidenote, confirmed with the driver that he was a Capricorn Sun, LOL)

2. Same day, I had a pretty heavy conversation with my mother after I was done with work. The conversation had much to do with some deep familial trauma and my strong disdain towards a few of my siblings as well as the seedy characters they’ve introduced to my family (who tried to jeopardize my mother’s safety). After this conversation, I was reminded of just how much hatred and anger I’ve harbored and how much I’ve tried to protect my mother from the plight of selfish people. In this instant, I believe this subset was showing me my shadow self and the primordial darkness that lies within us all.

Out of all the Saturn materia I’ve owned, I have to agree with the write-up, that this is the most off-putting subset of them all. I have only tried to utilize it twice after those events and I’ve had to stow the powder away deep in my closet as the energy can be too much for me. I give it five stars for its efficacy because it does work, but suffice to say, I’ve had to use a bit of Asclepius right after.

Swamp Gator is actually my go-to for a relaxing meditation session. It also helps me sleep at night, funny enough. It's like everything slows down and those racing thoughts slip away.

When I read the write up I knew this would probably be good for me, but I was also really intimidated. So, I got a mini and set it aside for ‘perfect conditions’ - i.e. when I was in such a good place that I wouldn’t actually need SG anymore.
My concern was not necessary. This is actually really supportive for dealing with appalling and frightening people and situations in your personal sphere and the world at large. SG will help you see it all clearly and deal with it. I couldn’t even identify everything before. Now I can. Which is so much better.
(Can balance nicely with Eirene offerings or for tincture Venus Aerial Delight x Immortal Heart, if desired.)

I've had gator powder for over a year now, but I wonder if I should've gotten the oil instead to "feel" its potency directly. The powder smells "mucky," like decomposition---or beef jerky but wet. But it's not gross or disgusting. It just is. It also has bones, which I think makes the powder so cool. I love using it in spells, dressing candles, hoping for alchemic process when the fire meets the bones. So far, I've been using this for Karma work. Undoing Karma, uncrossing (new), return to sender, and protection. I haven't had to bind anyone, but maybe that's where its power lies. I feel like I might need to dig deeper and go darker with Gator... I haven't been to hell yet, but Gator knows where the river Styx is...