Zar is a unique religious phenomenon that predominantly exists in North Africa and Arab countries. Its origins can be traced back to the movement of slaves within Africa and the journey of Islamic converts to Mecca. At first glance, the Zar practice might seem like a mere ritual where women engage in it to acquire materialistic items such as perfumes and clothes. However, a deeper dive reveals a more complex narrative.
The Intricacies of Zar
When a woman is believed to be possessed by a Zar spirit, she often falls ill or experiences various problems. It is the role of a shaman to identify the Zar spirit possessing the woman. Interestingly, each Zar spirit has its own unique desires, including specific colors and items it prefers. This suggests that the whims of the Zar are not merely the desires of the possessed woman.
Once identified, the Zar spirit must be appeased and treated with luxury. Upon doing so, the woman is believed to be cured. The relationship between the Zar spirit and the woman doesn't end there. After the possession, the Zar spirit becomes the woman's protector, and she turns into a devoted follower.
Connections to Other Beliefs
The Zar phenomenon has intriguing connections to other ancient beliefs and practices. For instance, the Carthaginian Gods are believed to have provided the Punic Wax recipes through serendipity. Additionally, there are parallels between the Zar and Egyptian mythology. In Egypt, the terms "Aysitu" and "Azuzar" refer to the deities Isis and Osiris, respectively, when they manifest as Zar spirits. The English term "possessed" is used to describe someone under the influence of a Zar, but in the local dialect, the term "covered" is used, which resonates with ancient Egyptian concepts of the soul.
A Mysterious Practice
Despite its rich history and cultural significance, the Zar practice remains shrouded in mystery. It is illegal in many regions where it is practiced, making it a closely guarded secret. As with many ancient traditions, there is still much to learn and understand about the Zar, and further research is essential.
Further Reading:
Egyptian Magic Skin Cream and the Legacy of Punic Wax: A Tale of Rediscovery and the Mystique of Zar
Egyptian Magic Skin Cream, a product that has garnered a cult following, is often touted as a "miracle" cream. Its simple, all-natural ingredients, including olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, and bee propolis, have been used for centuries, echoing the ancient beauty rituals of Egypt. But what makes this cream so special, and how does it relate to the elusive Punic Wax and the religious phenomenon of Zar?
The Allure of Egyptian Magic
Egyptian Magic Skin Cream, despite its modern branding, has roots that trace back to ancient Egyptian beauty rituals. The cream's formula is said to have been found in the Egyptian tombs, reminiscent of the balms used by Cleopatra herself. Its multipurpose nature, from moisturizing skin to treating burns, has made it a staple in many beauty routines.
The Modern Rediscovery
In the modern era, the cream was introduced to the world by LordPharaoh ImHotepAmonRa. He claimed that the formula was revealed to him during a dream by an Egyptian priest. Since its introduction in 1991, the cream has garnered a cult following, with celebrities and makeup artists swearing by its efficacy. Its multipurpose nature, from moisturizing skin to treating burns and scars, has made it a staple in many beauty routines worldwide.
Ingredients: Nature's Best
The cream boasts of six key ingredients: olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, and bee propolis. Each of these ingredients has its own unique properties:
- Olive Oil: Used for millennia for its moisturizing properties.
- Beeswax: Acts as a natural barrier protecting the skin.
- Honey: Known for its antibacterial and healing properties.
- Bee Pollen: Rich in vitamins and promotes skin regeneration.
- Royal Jelly: Contains essential amino acids and is a natural skin rejuvenator.
- Bee Propolis: Has antiseptic properties and helps in skin healing.
Media Recognition and Celebrity Endorsements
The cream's popularity skyrocketed when it was featured in various media outlets. The New York Times highlighted its growing demand in upscale boutiques and its celebrity endorsements. Refinery29 delved into the cream's history and its "miracle" status in the beauty industry. Amazingy Magazine shed light on the brand's ethos and its commitment to producing a product free from additives, preservatives, fragrances, chemicals, or parabens.
The Mystique Continues
Despite its widespread recognition, Egyptian Magic Skin Cream continues to be shrouded in an aura of ancient mystique. Its simple yet effective formula, combined with tales of its divine revelation, adds to its allure. As the world moves towards organic and natural beauty solutions, Egyptian Magic stands as a testament to the timeless beauty secrets of ancient Egypt, proving that sometimes, the best solutions are the ones that have stood the test of time.
Punic Wax: A Lost and Found Treasure
Punic Wax, derived from the ancient city of Carthage, is another beauty secret that has seen its share of obscurity and rediscovery. Made by Saponification of Bees Wax, this wax was a key ingredient in the famed "cold cream" used by the Romans. Just like Egyptian Magic, Punic Wax's formula was lost to time, only to be rediscovered and celebrated once more.
The Zar Connection
The Zar, a unique religious phenomenon predominant in North Africa and Arab countries, offers a deeper understanding of the allure of such ancient beauty secrets. At its core, the Zar practice revolves around possession by spirits, each with its unique desires. When appeased, these spirits act as protectors, much like how ancient beauty rituals protect and rejuvenate the skin.
The Zar's intricate rituals, where specific colors and items are used to appease the spirits, mirror the specific ingredients and rituals associated with Egyptian Magic and Punic Wax. The connection between the Zar and ancient beliefs, such as the Carthaginian Gods providing Punic Wax recipes, adds another layer of mystique to these beauty secrets.
In Conclusion
The stories of Egyptian Magic Skin Cream and Punic Wax are not just tales of beauty products. They are narratives of rediscovery, of ancient practices finding their place in the modern world, much like the Zar spirits finding their devotees. These tales remind us of the timeless allure of ancient beauty secrets and the power of tradition in shaping our modern rituals.
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.
I put this in the Health and Food Section, it is about the Sciences of Sasha Shulgin using Natural Sciences.
When making the Saponified Waxes, or Cold Creams and Things, you can actually be using what he Taught about Natural Plant Oils. And, Saponification could actually make Byproducts and MDMA (Pure Ecstasy/Molly) was considered a Byproduct in like a 100 Year Old French Paper until Sasha’s Student Read it and brought it to him. So the Ancient, the Angels, the Plants, they want us to make Candles and Things.
The Amica Temple of Radiance: Delving Deeper into its Origins and Teachings
The Amica Temple of Radiance, founded in 1959 in Los Angeles by Roland Hunt and Dorothy Bailey, is more than just a new religious movement. It's a testament to the power of color and its profound impact on human existence.
Origins and Influences The temple's teachings are deeply rooted in the experiences and insights of Ivah Bergh Whitten. As a young girl, Whitten faced a life-threatening illness that was deemed incurable by medical professionals. However, she believed that her recovery was a result of her profound connection and understanding of colors, which she termed "color awareness." This personal revelation led her to develop and teach her unique system, with her inaugural course being introduced to the public in 1932.
The Power of Colors Central to the temple's teachings is the significance of colors. Each hue, they believe, embodies a unique aspect of existence and is overseen by a master. By discerning the color ray under which an individual is born, one can ascertain their destined work and position in life. Whitten's teachings emphasized that every color ray harbors its own healing potential, a belief that the temple continues to champion.
Joséphin Péladan once said, “Covering oneself, surrounding oneself with shapes and colors that correspond to a plan, mean that that plan is beginning to be realized.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the temple's teachings, emphasizing the transformative power of colors and their alignment with one's life purpose.
Expansion and Current Practices Over the years, the Amica Temple of Radiance has not only preserved Whitten's teachings but has also built upon them. Today, they offer courses in "color awareness" to eager students nationwide, with centers established in both California and Washington. Under the guidance of its current leader in Washington, Paola Hugh, the temple continues to spread its message of healing and understanding through colors.
The Healing Power of Light Beyond colors, the healing potential of light has been recognized by various experts. Dr. Edward B. Levenson stated, "Light is the medicine of the future." Similarly, Dr. Jacob Liberman emphasized, "Light is the basic nutrient of all life. How we metabolize light energy can determine our health." These insights further underscore the temple's belief in the therapeutic properties of colors and light.
