General Information

In most traditional paths of belief - the act of producing self-essences to incorporate within one's rites and practices are taboo, to such a degree as to look down upon that art itself.

There are many reasons why the "self-essences" are used within rites and practices. The "Self-Essences" contain the life-force from within, not only on the physical level but also that of the higher planes. Everything that exists is that of Energy. The higher the frequency - the lighter or more spiritual; the lower the frequency - the more denser or more solid it becomes. In saying this - the "Self-Essences" are usually extracted by alternate means in accordance with your purpose, intent or workings. Methods that will be explained a little later in this page.

The symbology of "Self-Essences" can also play an integral role within not only your own personal experience, but also add that "sustenance" to your rites/practices also - this will be also explained as we go along.

To place in simple terms.... "Self-Essences" are just that.. Normal bodily fluids, that can be utilised, recycled and add a little more of yourself (as a sacrifical context) and/or to add that little "extra oompff" to your works.

In most aspects the use of folk magic is slotted into every aspect of virtually every and all cultures. There have been spells that make use of all known bodily effluvia and detritus. These can go to include the amniotic sac (or caul) of a baby, saliva, semen, tears, urine, faeces, head hair, pubic hair and nail clippings - which are all referred as some type of "cast-offs" as they are all cast from the body either as natural bodily processes or by sheer grooming.

But although we are now in the 21st century, one would think that all misconceptions and ancient practices would have become more understood, or at least the desire to be understood, be it symbolically, religiously, or even scientifically. But however, due to the many taboos surrounding menstrual blood, semen, and urine in some urban cultures, the use of the previously listed bodily fluids in spell-casting can prove to be most problematic. Especially for those who are quite unfamiliar with the greater history of folk magic and cultural uses of them.

I have been on many groups at various times, under a few pseudonyms that have the most honest of discussions of the uses of these "essences" in magic; the like of "ceremonial high magicians" of the later Victorian Era (and yes this does go to include Aliester Crowley) were believed to be a little too prudish to deal with this matter as anything other than anitnomian and rule-breaking.

Surviving many of the ethnological and cultural disgraces of the "upperclass" in the past, and now with the new-age seeming to be yet another statute for excuses (S.T.D), it is found that in true-forms of Folk Magic, all the "Self-Essences" are straight-forward and quite safe items to be incorporated into practices, works, rites and practices. The knowledge of how to actually utilise them is usually routinely passed from one family member to another.

I have not listed all the possible "Self-Essences" or bodily effluvia and detritus here, but I have listed the ones that I myself have tried and found to be most true.

Variations of "Self-Essences"

There are five commonly used "Self-Essences" that are incorporated into rites and practices. They are listed here below - with a brief description of the symbology of use.

1. Saliva - Saliva is symbolic of the oral and gutteral symbiote of the physical form. Saliva is also deemed to have healing properties as well as being one of the most varied sources of sputum within the animal kingdom.
2. Blood - The sacred "life-force" or the "river of life" as is traditionally believed to be. The blood encycles the enrichment of the nourishment that we intake (be it physical or spiritual). It carries and conveys energies around the body and therefore is symbolic of the unleashing, renewal, regeneration, rejuvenation, cleansing, purification, strength, integration and that of pure empowerment. This "Self-essence" is one of the strongest "Self-essences".
3. Vaginal Secretions - Vaginal Secretions is symbolic first of cyclic awareness, fertility, Goddess-like qualities and growing empowerment. But in saying this - please note that womanhood has its ups and downs - and so does the womans cycles. It is believed that 3 days prior and 3 days following Menses (or menstruation), that the vaginal fluids hold the most power. Another time for great fluid collection would be that of Orgasm - be it self-eroticised, or accompanied by another.
4. Menses Blood - (or Menstural Blood) - is symbolic of the mother-aspect of a working (if you are wiccan), or the denotion of the Warrior (if otherwise inclined). The blood of Menses is a very powerful addition that can be applied during a working, especially if you are doing works regarding the "Seeking of anothers' power".
5. Semen - now this gets a little more interesting than the rest in the fact that the seminal fluid withholds the secret of procreation and manifestation. This "self-essence" is tributory of power, wisdom, strength, and is also symbolic of the testament of beginnings and protection.

Possible Applications of "Self-Essences"

There are many applications that you could utilise your "Self-Essences" within your rites and/or practices. Below are just some of the more commonly known ones. But do feel free to experiment where you see fit - but remember - that the "fresher" the "Self-Essences" are, the more power/energy is retained within them - therefore the greater the success of your rite/practices.

Just let you imagination run rampant here in the endless possibilities - if you have any suggestions of your own - please do email me at Umbra_Ingredior@yahoo.com and I will be more than happy to discuss them with you, or even add them to the list here if you wish.

1. Saliva
   • As saliva has a variant of PH levels differing from individual to individual - will greatly depend on its healing qualities and its range of effectiveness within rites. It is advisable to check your saliva ph, to gain more accurant workings.
   • In Egyptian Myth it is said that (from the creator Atum), the Pharaoh's eldest son Shu, was created from saliva. Shu is symbolic of the embodiments of the concept of air, wind or atmosphere. Shu was invoked in antiquity to give a good wind to boats and metaphorically to "lift up" the spirits of the deceased in order that they might rise to the afterlife.
   • Saliva in some cultures was spat directly into food or wine for protection from poisoning - unfortunately nowadays this rite is only done with ill-intent.. lol
   • Depending again on your metabolism, your saliva has increased potency to use in your workings. Saliva is also known for its binding properties.
   • In other cultures herbs, and other food materials are macerated with saliva to active (or in some cases deactivate) their active constituents, which can also be applied to traditional "foodstuffs" also - especially in libation and/or offerings.
   • Depending on which animal you partake this particular essence from - can also incorporate toxins within a rite or practice, that can greatly aid it.
2. Blood
   • Shamans were known to commonly perform the act of bloodletting to relieve aching or inflamed parts of the body, for healing.
   • It has been believed that for the release of blood functioned to appease various ills and spiritual manifestations.
   • Intended to put the human soul in harmony with supernatural forces and ensure continuity between this life and the next.
   • To create a vibrating pool of blood (mixed with ink) for scribing.
   • The drawing of blood, which to the savage world over is full of significance as a rejuvenating and includes the immortalising factor.
   • Blood mixed with anothers' can be inclusive of the empowerment of a single rite, or a series of intents/works - can also act as a "bonding" ingredient to that of the workers. (Can also be a symbol of unity and act as a bond formed with another of like-mind etc.)
   • Usually your blood will coagulate within a few minutes, thus symbolising the fluidity (emotions, spirits) into physicalness (or manifestation / formation).
   • Throughout history the cutting of the flesh and blood-letting were rituals that were performed to unleash demonic and supernatural powers. Because the "life of the flesh is in the blood" [Leviticus 17:11], the blood is highly valued in the occult as the "power source". And by releasing or letting the blood or the "power source" – supernatural power is unleashed.
3. Vaginal Secretions
   • In the instance of Orgasm, the vaginal secretions change in ph levels - medically speaking this would be to cater for the company of semen. But magically speaking this "surge" of endorphines and other chemical transmittors within the fluid itself enhances greatly during the orgasm. To encapsulate this into a working, to enhance a working with these "energies" only go to serve your working in a way that is unsurpassable. Rites that can be performed with this "self-essence" include: Protection; bindings; love-casts; attractions; empowerment; seduction
   • Vaginal Secretions gathered after auto-eroticism and collected during the full moon. In hoodoo and Sicilian folk-magic, vaginal secretions make a good substitute for menstrual blood in coffee or tea love spells.
   • You can use either Menses or vaginal secretions with equal success when anointing idols (statues of deities), amulets, and curios -- for instance, when dressing lodestones in spells for sexual attraction and bonding.
4. Menses Blood
   • Can be collected and used within offeratories such as incenses and other libations, to enhance the cyclic changes within a work or rite, as well as to invoke the more feminine qualities of the other ingredients used.
   • Menses can be collected via sanitory means, soaked in water and then recycled as garden water to enhance the nourishment of magical plants. Giving a little of yourself to them, as they thrive on your proteins, to further come full cycle to reimburse your works/rites.
   • A mixture of menses and semen is used in the practice of Yoni Tantra. With most respect - The matter was obviously held to be highly sensitiveand parts of a commentary relating to consumption of the yoni tattva are usually left untranslated.
   • As the menstrual cycle is the periodic change in a woman's body that occurs every month between puberty and menopause and which is related to reproduction, using menses within a rite or practice further enhances the reproductive nature of your working also, but more on the other planes of existences, stemming from the physical.
   • In Kerala, the Bagavathiamman temple at Chenganur conducts a purification ceremony almost every month, in the belief that the goddess is also subjected to this cycle. The fourth day is supposed to be a day of purification, called tirup£rattu. The idol is taken back into the sanctum sanctorum only after this ceremony every month (Nagam Aiya 1906: 89–90). The practice has been observed in Assam as well. In the temple of the goddess Kamarupa, no idol is found except a stone with a symbolic vaginal form. It is believed that the goddess’ cycle coincides with the full moon, and the sanctum sanctorum is closed for three days at that time.
   • Menses imbibed with a little wine is useful to invoke the regenerative and rejuvenational properties of your own self.
   • Dried Menses can be added to incense to invoke the darker Goddesses such as Kali, Hecate etc etc...
5. Semen
   • Uses of semen can be commonly used to attract a woman/women...however....
   • A woman who can capture a man's semen is said to be able to rule and control him or to keep him faithful, is also been known to work.
   • When Lover's combine the both of their own "Self-Essences" in any combination or form, they can work together to further enhance their combined intent/desire - be it for whatever purpose.
   • Semen imbibed with a little juice or wine can be used to invoke the masculine forces that can enhance the qualities of strength, protection, skill, and unequalled physical power.
   • Semen dried and burned as part of an incense mixture can also invoke the forces of protection, regeneration, long-life, and lust.

Methods of Collection

Here listed are some common methods of "expressing" or "collecting" your "Self-Essences" that are incorporated into rites and practices.

1. Saliva - Saliva can be collected in sputum jars. If large amounts are needed - I would suggest to either not swallow for a period of time, allowing the saliva to build - or to suck on a slice of lemon which will get the saliva glands working - (which will also also alter the ph levels of your saliva, making it more acidic)
2. Blood - Common extraction of blood if via "blood letting", which include various techniques. Most common is self-mutilation or by cutting into the skin to extract the life force.
3. Vaginal Secretions - Method of Collection here is by way of vaginal "plunge" (as expressing with a tubular instrument - as found in most canestan packs for "candida"). Other methods include scrapings, paps, and if you are lucky during orgasm, also by ejaculation. Either are quite effective.
4. Menses Blood - (or Menstural Blood) - three methods most common. The first being that with the use of the Menses Cup which is fairly new on the market also via the method of freshly soaked/used sanitary items placed in small amounts of water to extract the essences from them, and lastly to the same which includes paps during Menses.
5. Semen - two methods of collection here - first being that of ejaculation straight into storage container and by the use of collection in a condom. Both are quite effective.

Furtheration on "Self-Essences"

There are still many cultures that still embrace the use of "self-essences" within ancient practices and folk magic. Some may find this page a little disturbing as they read through as their altruism is not as sustained as they first thought - but please do not be perturbed from incorporating some more of your "own self-essences" within your own workings - I can guarantee that they enhance your workings, rites and practices quite greatly, their efficiency is more than just mere words and actions.

Well in anycase - if you are not sure of incorporating "Self-Essences" within your own workings, at least this page, at the very least, gave some insight to the folk-loric practices that have survived time and trials, and which have also been revived by some folk magicians.