Anathema publishing approached me with the request to compose an incense that they could add to contributor copies of the new Pillars Periodical. Pillars is an annually published, esoteric magazine featuring occult artists and writers from all over the world. This year’s Pillars comes out under the motto of ‘The Golden Eitr‘, which is a term derived from North mythology and translates roughly as “golden poison” or “golden serpent’s venom” – in reference to the ur-matter of all existence, which is represented as a poisonous liquid substance, from which all living beings evolved.
The incense contains ingredients evocative of the journal’s motto and aims to awaken
‘The Power of Counscious Knowledge, Elevation & Holy Veneficum’
For this the fruits of the (forbidden) tree of knowledge – apple and fig – where harvested and left to dry over the cause of several months. They add the physical link to and represent carnal desires and the sin that follows. The lust for committing deadly sin is furthered by coriander and nutmeg, arousing with fire, yet also potentially protecting against the wrath that may be wrought through this element. Cloves remind the initiate of the pain caused by the nails driven into the flesh of the saviour, who sacrificed himself on the cross timbered from the same tree[1], yet also protecting him and her. Lulled by black henbane – the herb crowning the dead that wander by the river Styx[2], erasing the memories of past lifes – the pain is numbed and the practitioner may find hirself in communion with the shades, their presence sweetened and blessed by the scent of myrrh, whereas the sage of the diviner may act as the secret guide, who challenges and leads the aspirant on his journey and in the quest for spiritual insight and gnosis.
“As cure for the Wrath of another Venom,
– Gratten & Singer [1952: 151-157]
there did Apple and Venom bring it about.”
The incense is currently reserved for contributors of the journal, but it is planned to make available a limited batch together with a signed art print illustrating and evoking the different aspects of our incensus.
Besides, Pillars Periodical can be ordered NOW. Only 220 copies are available and pre-orders are going fast. So better be quick!
Pillars 1.II - The Golden Eitr custom incense
September 27, 2013
Posted In: Publications, Incense
Tags: incense, wisdom, anathema publishing, apple, forbidden tree, golden eitr, knowledge, pillars periodical, ritual
