Review: "Power of the Poppy" by Kenaz Filan

The first thing I noticed upon cracking open the beautiful cover of Power of the Poppy is how tediously researched it is. From archaeological reports to the Islamic drug trade, the history discussed in this work is phenomenal. You don't have to be a credited scholar to enjoy this book nor do you have to be a user. Power of the Poppy is for both the studied and the curious.

After an extensive read on the history of the poppy, the reader is brought into the world of its substances. From Heroin to Fentanyl, these drugs are explained well and presented in a comprehensive study which is both historical and practical. The author also has a keen sense of humor in several areas of the book which is a refreshing thing for such a touchy subject. 

There is also a rather large sliver of the book about famous users of the poppy. From DJ Screw to Lane Staley, several people (whom you might not expect) are profiled in the book and presented in what I think is an effort to transport the reader into the life of an opiate user.


And if you think this book is just a history lesson, you're wrong. The author takes the time to talk about the cultivation of the poppy plant, the different ways to implement it in your life, avoiding addiction, and even contains a section on staying clean once you're lucky enough to make the first step. Whether you're completely new to poppies or an opiate tolerant reader, there is something that will spark the interest of anyone in this book.

It is excellent and I highly applaud Kenaz Filan for writing it. I recommend it to anyone wishing to form a relationship with Poppy, or even just to have a different type of read.

www.kenazfilan.com
www.kenazfilan.blogspot.com

-FM

Horses with Elephant Ears

Recently I've begun to refresh myself on the Golden Dawn material which I delved deeply into when I first attained an interest in magick. I neglected it for a long time often irritably but I must accept the fact that it is a system that has worked rather well for me and clicks just as good. So I've been researching things I had forgotten (like the middle pillar ritual) and coming across studies I've yet to pursue. On a google frenzy I came across a site called Ritual Magick, a vendor that sells  a lot of beautiful Golden Dawn tools and ritual clothing. Of course I won't be paying the price but others with paychecks might as for me I must make things myself.

This actually brings a curiosity to my mind: How many others have studied and/or practiced this magickal system. If so what were your results and was it significant in your life? I'd like some feedback if anyone even actually reads this blog.

I've pretty much dedicated my life to studying magick and spirituality in general so I feel like intensely studying the Golden Dawn (who were a very influential order) is a very good stepping stone. Sure it's the cliche' of the community but it certainly holds a lot for the seeker, abundance being something I always appreciate.

This is really all I have to write about for now, but I'll think of something  for the next post.

 

The DMT vs. Alcohol Debate

It's been a little while since I've posted so I thought that I would ramble for a bit. Firstly, I've been researching the origins of the cult of Umbanda and have also been painting a boutey for Legba. Now onto the stuff that I'm writing this post about.

I have noticed an increased amount of ignorance towards psychoactives from many of the people in my age group (late teens). I can understand that they feel the need to not partake in the recreational use of drugs but i do not understand why they feel the need to over-exaggerate them. For example, I was on the phone with a friend of mine tonight and we got into it about alcohol and psychedelics (particularly DMT). She is a fan of alcohol and I am not. When I explained DMT to her she went on raving about how she would never do it. I told her that she need not say never to something that she cannot promise. I then brought up the fact that Alcohol is in the top 2 for the most deaths by substance abuse. This got a paused response but still irritated me. Not to mention DMT is a chemical your body produces every night naturally so you can dream...

What I really don't understand is why the "oven burn" lesson wasn't applied here. If you touch a burning stove you'll never do it again- unless you're a normal person with normal masochistic tendencies. I think this applies to many things such as alcohol, depression, etc. At least I know that if I touch the flaming stove of Dimethytryptamine that I won't end up on the side of the road begging passing people for a .40

Now I don't mean to come off as "righteous" or "All knowing" but instead what I am trying to pass on through words is that human perception is highly limited, especially when that human has yet to open up to the perception of others. To others who have a higher perception.

-FM

A Scar That Always Bleeds- Tribute to First Love

(WARNING: This post is very different from my others and contains much inspiration from a darker perspective. It is of course not mean to be taken literally.)

The finest blend of sulfur rests in her mouth

She is made of both silver and gold

Maiden of anemia with foul intention

The woman not young nor old

Through thickets of thorn and bestial rage

Limping one- leggeds return to their grave

Surreal it is to be alive

When death feels the same

She is a sillhouette in satin, a fiend of my defense

Shadowed by intrigue with fatal intent

She bats her eyes unto animated things

I feel rest's call when I hear her sing

Oh how exotic she is beneath funeral shroud

A non-existent death whereever we're found

I dream of her immeasurable passion

Her secrets unbound

The skeleton of lust has become once again

Speaking by action to bring forth the end

She is cadaverous and cold

Her winds are of razors

To die with her mystery so subtle yet bold

The path to her love is through serpents and worms

A cold corpse I am without regret or care

Her roads are forsaken yet more secrets to learn

I Like My Coffee with Sugar

So yesterday was rather good. I recieved two books that I had been anticipating greatly: Power of the Poppy- Harnessing Nature's Most Dangerous Ally by Kenaz Filan and Palo Mayombe- The Garden of Blood and Bones by Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold. A review for Kenaz's book will be posted very soon. On top of that I had plenty of good experiences and was in a better mood than usual. I hope today will be the same as I would like to go out into town with my friend (whom I like to refer to as my brother) for a day of fun and relaxation.

I have been working pretty hard on my book and am on the third draft of the manuscript. I am pondering whether to completely make the book myself or to go through www.lulu.com for self-publishing options. The book itself is a tome of magickal practice according to my own workings and experiences.

I also experienced "shadowing" today. Its a light form of possession and happened when I was near Legba's altar. It was very intense and a little shocking but totally opened up my eyes. Never doubt yourself because your spirits might decide to make their presence very clear.

On top of all of this I am trying to write as much as I can and am hoping to submit a few things to various publishers who are asking for submissions. So if any of you need submissions for a book on Afro-Caribbean tradition or just general magick please contact me with details! I'm not a Houngan but i do know quite a bit about Haitian Vodou and even some other traditions.

I've also been quite interested in the medicinal and practical use of Antispasmodics and the qualities of Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Thats all for now but until then have a safe travel no matter where you are going and much luck in life!

Monotony the Tree- Shakti Inspired Piece

Sustained from the drops of the leaves- I lay beneath the oldest tree

Its branches twisted and smelling of rot; I know its name

Monotony the Tree; Gnarled and boring

Take the ties of three- the Knot of my epiphany

Monotony the Tree;

Harlequin I am when I wield my tongue; The sword of my Speech 

The verbal next to none. Dear Monotony the Tree, what have we become?

Simple Sultans of Subtlety? Or a vast majority? 

Of the things we have undone.

The roots of what is tall and lame; is far above raged or tame

For the blooming rose-red sister tree; forms with the Monotony

I watched in awe as thee; Entangled themselves next to me.

Alas comes the earth itself, a hermaphroditic entity. 

Monotony the Tree

The Other Parts of Me

I've noticed that the majority of my posts have been primarily about Haitian Vodou. This is what I intended for sure, but I wonder if it paints a different picture than it should. So I feel I must say that Haitian Vodou is not my only calling.

I have practiced (and still know) much of the "Golden Dawn" approach to ceremonial magick. That helped me immensely and has proved to be the launching point of my interests. I am (and was since the beginning) extremely interested in the many aspects of Hinduism. My interests in Hinduism were particularly around Shakti and a sect of Hinduism called "Aghora". For those of you that are not familiar with the sect, I will post a number of great videos about the subject:







The last three videos:







For people reading with Dial-Up: I'm sorry.

Anyway, Hinduism has always intrigued me and I have read a nice bit of literature on it. I've consulted my birth chart for my ishta devta (similar to the met tet in Vodou) and studied the gods that were near me. The only reason I have not pursued a Guru is because 1. I do not know where or how to go about finding one, and 2. It's just not time yet. I'm sure later down my path I'll have an opportunity.

Another thing that I am deeply interested in is the Traditional Ophidian Witchcraft and the Cultus Sabbati. I respect and am in awe of Mr. Chumbley very much and am currently studying his Azoetia. My interest in Traditional Witchcraft came from the Cain (Qayin) tradition at first and grew into a full interest in its many traditions. I'm also a decent (I can't complement myself) energy worker and artist (this relates to my magickal practice a lot.)

These are just things that are not related to the Afro-Caribbean traditions, but there are more things in the African traditions that I am drawn to than Vodou. An Afro-Brazillian tradition known as Quimbanda (Kimbanda, Kiumbanda,..,)is of a real interest to me even though I do not know a lot about it (yet). So, the point of this post was to open anyone who is reading up to all of the things I have going on in this nifty little head of mine.

April 1st, 2011
-D