Dew of Harmon and Punic Wax: The Resurgence of Carthaginian Magic
In the vast tapestry of history, certain practices and substances have remained enigmatic, their significance echoing through time. Among these, the Dew of Harmon and Punic Wax stand as testaments to the profound spiritual and cultural legacy of the ancient world, particularly the Carthaginian civilization. This exploration seeks to illuminate the intertwined history of these substances and their place in the rich tapestry of Carthaginian magic.
A Personal Journey to Punic Wax
Growing up in a realm of mysticism, where Ouija Boards whispered secrets and Reiki channeled energies, my home was a crucible of esoteric wisdom. Spellbooks, herbals, and astrological tomes were my constant companions, guiding me through the spiritual landscapes of various cultures. This foundation set me on a path of discovery, from studying the Bible to embracing the teachings of the Shaivite Temple.
My spiritual compass has always been magnetically drawn to Carthaginian magic. While my primary devotion is to Shiva, the pantheon of Egypt/Kemet, especially the Punics, resonated deeply. Figures like Imhotep, with his unparalleled wisdom, and Hannibal Barca, a devout Punic, became beacons of inspiration.
Carthage and Its Punic Legacy
The Punics, once the crown jewels of the Phoenicians and allies of the King of Tyre, established their stronghold in Carthage, modern-day Tunisia. Carthage, a nexus of trade and a beacon of ancient civilization, was a powerhouse before Rome's ascendancy. The Punics, with their myriad innovations, from pioneering clear glass to the iconic royal purple dye from conch shells, were visionaries.
It's against this rich backdrop that Punic Wax emerged. This wax, a product of a unique saponification process, has been referenced in ancient Greek writings, especially in the context of encaustic painting.
The Alchemy of Punic Wax
My path to Punic Wax was a blend of intuition and meticulous research. From the resins of Gum Arabic and Benzoin Gum to the amber trade's historical intricacies, every trail seemed to lead to the revelation of Punic Wax. The term "Encaustic Paints" was the final clue, unveiling the secrets of this ancient wax.
Crafting Punic Wax: Ancient Recipes for the Modern Age
The art of creating Punic Wax is a delicate dance between age-old techniques and contemporary understanding. Here's a glimpse into its preparation:
- Basic Punic Wax: Boil 150g of pure beeswax in a solution of salt, baking soda, and water. This results in saponified beeswax, the essence of Punic Wax.
- Variations:
- Ashes + Beeswax
- Ashes + Salt and Baking soda in Water + Beeswax
- Vibhuti + Salt and Baking soda in Water + Beeswax
There are other variations involving sodalime, potash, and lye. When melded with pigments, this wax transforms into a versatile medium, finding its place in soaps, paintings, and beyond.
In Conclusion
The exploration of the Dew of Harmon and Punic Wax is a journey into the heart of ancient Carthaginian magic. Their intertwined history offers a window into the rituals and practices of a bygone era. As we continue to delve into their secrets, we're reminded of the timeless allure of ancient knowledge and its profound resonance in our world today.
Punic Wax Preparation: A Revival of Ancient Techniques
The preparation of Punic Wax is both an art and a science. The process involves boiling beeswax in various solutions:
- Salt and baking soda in water
- Ashes
- Ashes combined with salt and baking soda in water
- Vibhuti combined with salt and baking soda in water
- Sodalime
- Potash
- Lye
The result is Punic Wax, also known as saponified beeswax. This wax, when combined with pigments, can be used in various applications, from soap-making to painting.
Ancient Egyptian Beauty and Cosmetics: The Significance of Punic Wax and Head Cones
Ancient Egypt, a civilization known for its rich culture, art, and beauty rituals, had a profound relationship with cosmetics and personal adornment. From the hieroglyphs on the walls to the artifacts found in tombs, it's evident that beauty was an integral part of their daily life and religious rituals.
Punic Wax: The Symbol of Rebirth and Creation Punic Wax, derived from beeswax, held significant importance in Ancient Egyptian culture. It symbolized the cycle of Destruction, Preservation, and Creation. This wax was multifunctional:
- Hair Care: Punic Wax was used to hold wig styles and create dreadlocks. It also served as a form of shampoo.
- Clothing Design: Observing the hieroglyphs, it's evident that the wax, when melted, was allowed to run onto clothes, possibly influencing Egyptian clothing designs.
- Amulets and Statuettes: Beeswax was a primary ingredient in crafting most amulets and statuettes or for making casts for metalwork.
- Religious Symbolism: The Sun, in Egyptian mythology, was often referred to as the Bee God, emphasizing the sacredness of bees and their produce.
The Enigma of the Head Cones Ancient Egyptian art frequently depicts individuals, both men and women, wearing pointy head cones, especially during royal feasts and divine rituals. These cones, often seen in artistic representations on papyrus scrolls to coffins, have puzzled historians for years. Were they symbolic, like the halos in Christian iconography, or did they have a tangible existence?
Recent archaeological discoveries have shed light on this mystery. An international team of archaeologists found physical evidence of these head cones in the cemeteries of Amarna, an ancient Egyptian city. These cones weren't solid but were hollow shells folded around an organic matter, possibly fabric. Chemical analysis revealed traces of decayed wax, suggesting they were made of beeswax. The exact purpose of these cones remains a subject of debate, but their association with childbirth in art hints at a possible connection to fertility.
The Dew of Harmon and Galen’s Cold Cream While the detailed specifics of the "Dew of Harmon" are not readily available, Galen's cold cream is a well-known ancient cosmetic formulation. Named after the Greek physician Galen, who is believed to have created it, this cream was a blend of water, beeswax, and olive oil. It served both as a moisturizer and a base for makeup.
Kyphi (Kapet) Incense Kyphi, or Kapet, was a popular temple incense in Ancient Egypt. Its preparation was intricate, involving a blend of ingredients like raisins, wine, honey, frankincense, myrrh, and various herbs. The incense had both religious and medicinal applications. It was believed to purify temples, act as a remedy for ailments, and even induce restful sleep with vivid dreams.
Conclusion The intricate beauty rituals of Ancient Egypt, from the use of Punic Wax to the mysterious head cones, reflect a civilization deeply rooted in symbolism, religion, and aesthetics. Their practices, while seemingly extravagant, had practical, spiritual, and medicinal purposes, showcasing the depth and richness of their culture.
Punic Wax: The Fabric of History
The intricate tapestry of history is woven with threads of myths, symbols, and truths. One such thread is the story of Punic Wax, which intertwines ancient civilizations, their beliefs, and their interactions with one another.
The Symbolism of Hieroglyph R24 Hieroglyph R24 depicts two hunting bows tied together, symbolizing the Goddess of Weaving, Neith. Neith, the sister of Bat, represents the Milky Way, a concept understood as early as 3,000 B.C. In Greek mythology, Neith transformed into Arachne the Spider, who was cursed by Athena for criticizing the gods' treatment of mortals. This symbol of two bows tied together was likely a common emblem in ancient times.
Neith's Connection to Aquila and the Phoenix To delve deeper into Neith's significance, one can explore the connections with Aquila and the Phoenix. Aquila, the eagle, is known to carry Zeus's lightning. In Roman culture, an Aquila was a prestigious badge awarded to standard bearers. Losing this badge was considered a grave dishonor, prompting searches that could last decades. Interestingly, many of Zeus's mortal lovers and victims were Punic goddesses, queens, and princesses. These stories might have been crafted to motivate Romans to conquer the Punics, a civilization predating the Romans by at least 1,500 years. The Phoenix, on the other hand, represents the Punic Aquila and embodies the power of the goddess.
Arachne's Father and the Megarians Arachne's father, an oracular god, led an unremarkable life, raising many questions. He traveled to an island, foreseeing his death, and was eventually killed by either a boar or snake. On this island, the Megarians built a temple in his honor and worshipped him. These Megarians, who once debated with Aristotle and founded Stoicism, introduced the concept of the Megarian Trap. This idea suggests that beneath the layers of history lies an underlying truth, much like the truths hidden beneath myths.
The Greek Perception of Scarab Beetles It's probable that the ancient Greeks mistook scarab beetles for spiders. If they were better informed, they might have associated these beetles with the Cancer Crab from astrology, using the same terminology as they did for crawfish.
Hannibal's Worship and Influence Hannibal, the renowned military commander, worshipped Eshmun, Hercules, and Hera. He likely possessed an Indian elephant and was familiar with hemp. Hannibal held great admiration for Alexander the Great, who established ties with the East and coined the term "Media" by centralizing his communications in a region named Media.
Thought-Provoking Insights:
- Symbols and Myths: How do symbols like Hieroglyph R24 evolve over time, and what do they reveal about the societies that revered them?
- Interconnected Civilizations: What can the connections between Neith, Aquila, and the Phoenix teach us about the interactions between ancient civilizations?
- Truth Beneath the Surface: How do stories like those of Arachne's father and the Megarian Trap challenge our understanding of history and encourage us to seek deeper truths?
Further Reading on the Cultural History of Crayfish
While initially the Spartans voted for unconditional war with rising Athens, they eventually backtracked and elected to sent envoys instead, bearing a single demand: “They proclaimed publicly and in the clearest language that there would be no war if the Athenians withdrew the Megarian Decree.”
https://thediplomat.com/2014/10/us-china-japan-beware-the-megarian-trap/
