Witch's Dagger

Kweku Anansi I got this from diabolique in a swap. Thanks! Preconceived notions: Woody, mysterious, and Anansi... I really want this! (Warning - I did my review on paper, not looking at the description, and of the notes I mentioned specifically, all are wrong ) Trying it out: in the vial: I smell spicy dragon's blood and woody notes On me: First impressions: sharp and pungent in a very, very good way. I can't make out any notes specifically, but I'm getting dragon's blood and . . . maybe some juniper? This is very dark green, and it seems like there are some dried herbs in it. There's also a scorched herb sort of scent, what I was looking for in Scarecrow. This is a hot, dark green scent overlaid with a dark red haze (which I keep calling dragon's blood). I'm also wondering if there's some patchouli in this, because it's very, very strong. Later: Good wafting power. I smell mysterious and powerful. 45 min. later: Still no change, and still going strong. From past non-review wearings, I know this won't change anymore, so I'll go write it up! Final impressions: I love, love, love, love, LOVE this! It's not a scent I'd wear every day (well, maybe it is), because it smells so powerful, so dark, so mysterious, and so foresty that it seems to almost require a special occasion. And that occasion is definitely related to rituals, particularly intense and high-powered rituals like Mystery work or anything else that would require a really solid circle. This isn't your 'light a candle to bring (insert goal of choice)' kind of magic, but deep transformative work. I may have to get a bigger bottle in order to use it both to smell wonderful and to use it for the above purpose. Magnificent!

Tintagel I got this in a swap from Hadaverde - thanks! Preconceived notions: Everything with dragon's blood is on my wishlist. So is everything with wine, leather, and juniper. Not only that, but I like woody foresty scents, which includes the hawthorn, blackthorn, and English elm... How could I not like this? Even the bayberry is a foresty scent, at least in my mind... One of the reasons juniper is on my list is that I sometimes park next to a juniper bush when I go to the book store. One day, as I got out, I could smell it, and fell in love. Since then, that parking spot is my favorite, and I call it the "juniper parking spot". Testing it (twice and more): First time: In the vial, first time: Oh my God, this smells *exactly* like Rose d'Anjou (one of my favorite wines: a fruity rose with a lot of spice) On me: First impressions: juniper and wine, with something sharp (the leather?) and I am getting some dark woods holding it up. 30 min. later: Is there vanilla in this? I smell something warm, sweet, and soft (and for me, dragon's blood is *not* sweet, but maybe Beth's dragon's blood *is*). The wine is less prominent, but the juniper is still going strong. 50 min. later: The wine is back. (second time) In the vial: ooh, dragonsblood and juniper! On me: First impressions: There's a wonderful dance going on between the juniper, the dragon's blood and the wine: the dragon's blood gives depth and spice to the wine, the wine sweetens the juniper, and the juniper adds a bitter sharpness to the dragon's blood. The best of all three. Wow. I knew I liked this the first time, but now I know I love it. Throughout the day: This is a powerful, strong, RED scent. I had forgotten entirely about the woody notes when I wore it today, but for some reason I kept getting the impression of a dark red forest. As in, imagine a forest - a very dense forest with a lot of really old trees. Now, put on garnet glasses as in the Wizard of Oz - this is a dark, bloody red color, not ruby. Then, add the sweetness and gaity of wine and a sharp, strong note (juniper). And though I said this is a dark red, and not a 'bright' red, it *is* bright in the sense that it is very bold, and very strong. The woods, while I can't pick them out directly, are not a mysterious, haunted woods, but simply an old, dark, dense woods, the wildness of such woods, rather than the mystery. They also give it a very solid backbone. Seriously, I thought that nothing could stand in my way today. I felt extremely confident. It dried quickly to the point where only I could smell it, and only if I pressed my nose to my wrist, but it stayed on all day at that lightness. I wish it stayed at the stronger level longer. I didn't get much change in the quality of the scent, but it's true that different notes would vie with each other for prominence. Still, we're talking once a minute or so, not once after 15 or 30 minutes. Sniffs wrist: wow, I took a shower, used some wonderful Darkswan soap, and my wrist still smells of Tintagel. That's 16 hours! I just wish it was stronger, so that I didn't need to sniff my wrist if I wanted to smell it... Ah well, that's usual for Black Phoenix oils...

I'll add a vote to Hecate and Mystery, and also propose Kweku Anansi and Darkness. I'd say that out of these (and I haven't tried many of the ones listed above), for sheer 'swirling cloak' mystery, Mystery is the way to go. Kweku Anansi is the spiciest of the bunch (due to the frankincense), and Hecate the most intriguing/musky. I'm having troubles remembering exactly what Darkness smells like, since I haven't smelled it in awhile. Mystery was the first one I tried of my bunch, and I remember it very distinctly as it was distinct and wonderful. Hecate I just wore the other day, but other than those two, I've been spending most of my time with the newer scents that just came in swaps (and Kweku Anansi is one of those, which I just wore today). Anyway, even though I can't get a better fix on Darkness, I think it would definitely go in that category... And, since this is probably my *favorite* category of smells, I'm going to hurry off and write down everyone's suggestions for my own selfish purposes!

Scarecrow I got this in a swap from Hada Verde. Thanks! Preconceived notions: This was on my wishlist because of the hot winds, the grasses and harvesty scents, which made it sound like it might be nice for Lughnassadh. I also hoped that the 'desolate, scorched barren fields' might make it a good Samhain scent, since I have a *very* strong Scarecrow-Samhain association. I was slightly worried, because of a couple of the reviews, that it might end up being too bright. Testing it out: In the vial: I get a sweet, almost honeyed grass scent, a very bright and sunny day. Okay, so I was 'right' to be worried about it being too bright, and yet wrong, because I *really* like this. On me: First impressions: This is a summer day personified. The green is sharper - again, this is a bright, grassy kind of green, rather than a bright electric green or deep forest green, or even a pungent herbal green. This is the green of summer grass. It's mixed with the smell of corn husks right after you've taken them off the corn and they're all piled up in brown bags. And a specific childhood summer memory keeps coming back to me: I'm sitting with my parents on our front porch, snapping green beans, and waving at all the people who walk by. Calm, contented, happy summer and fresh vegetables. Wonderful! 15 minutes later: The sweetness I detected in the bottle has now made its presence. What is it? It's definitely not vanilla, nor a floral note, so honey, maybe? I think it might actually be mead... ooh! 1 hour later: All gone (this is normal for me), with just a slight whisp left if I smell my wrists. And yes, I really do think the smell I was getting is mead. Final impressions: This isn't a Lughnassadh scent for me, per se, but it is *definitely* a late July, early August scent. It's for those late lazy days of summer, when it's hot and humid, and the fireflies have given way to sandburs *ick*. And because of my associations, this is definitely a childhood scent for me. I probably won't buy more, because it's just too *bright* for every day wear, but I love this, and I'll definitely keep the imp.

Bon Vivant An effervescent blend of crystalline champagne notes and sweet strawberry. I got this as a gift from renaissancerouge - Thank you so much! Before I begin the review proper, I have a couple of words - this oil has acted strangely from the beginning, basically splitting itself into the champagne part and the strawberry part... So, on with the review: Preconceived Notions: A friend of mine recently introduced me to his tradition of having strawberries and champagne for Beltaine. So, I thought this might make a good oil for that holiday (May Day). Testing it: In the vial: Champagne On the wand: Strawberries On me: First impressions: the left wrist smells like champagne, and the right wrist smells like strawberries. I can *kind of* see where people are getting the sweet, fake strawberry smell, but to me this is still very *real* strawberries drizzled with sugar. Very sweet, yes, but not at all fake-smelling. But that's only on the right wrist 10 minutes later, I notice the scent wafting around me. Mmm... Wow. Yes - strawberries and champagne. I wanna party! (said by someone who usually hates parties and avoids them unless she knows *everyone* involved) 40 minutes later: It's starting to fade . I can still smell it on my wrists, and at this stage, both wrists smell alike, and both wrists have both strawberry and champagne in them. I still haven't gotten the fake strawberry scent, and I really like it. Final impressions: I do think it's not one I'll wear regularly, but will save for Beltaine and other summer occasions of revelry. It's too sweet and fruity for my usual preferences.

I got this as a swap from xoe - Thanks! Preconceived notions: Originally, I didn't bother putting it on my wishlist, since it was discontinued. Nor did I even read the reviews, though I was curious about both it and Noir, as well as the old Limited Editions (well, ones that were no longer available). Then I read the reviews, and thought I might like it. Seeing that it was discontinued, and that I *couldn't* simply wait for my next order or even several orders down the line, I began watching for it on the swaps (again, along with Noir and a couple of Limited Editions). I admit, I didn't memorize anything, and when I tried it, I didn't go back to look at the reviews. I also tried it twice - the first time, I was just trying it for me, the second time, I was paying attention so I could review it (the second time being now): Trying it: First time, in the vial: Ylang ylang, but dark and evil entrapment - Yes. This is what I'd think of for Black Widow. It's perfect. Second time, in the vial: Oh, wow. I'm getting the same sharp, intoxicating sweetness that Mandarin talked about. In fact, I'm going to quote her: "When I opened the bottle, I was assaulted by the most piercing sweetness..something strange and strong, and almost queasy-making to me. It was a strangely unsettling smell, very heady and almost narcotic." I'm not noticing the ylang ylang as much as I did the first time, and I'm definitely getting something super sweet, like honey. Is there wine in here? There's also something spicy in the background (NOW, after reading the reviews - maybe the patchouli?) On me (both times): At first, it keeps the ylang ylang sweetness, but it's a smoky, spicy ylang ylang. There's a bitter note as well, and I'm getting a little rose. After 10 minutes or less: Rose. That's it. Final impressions: I like rose, but I now have three scents that all smell just like different kinds of rose. I'd rather have different kinds of scents in general. I do like all of the rose scents I have, it's just, well, the beginning of this one was so complex, interesting, and evil-smelling, and rose is just rose. Ah well - I'll definitely keep the imp, and maybe I'll use it for room scenting, or for when I want a rose that has a really wonderful and interesting introduction. Edited to add: I tried this again, and it was worse - a very loud, ugly rose on me, though the scent in the vial is still absolutely amazing and wonderful. Also, this time, it didn't have the wonderful opening and went straight to rose as soon as it hit my skin.

Maybe try a cooler?

I got this as a gift from renaissancerouge for liking Pablo Neruda poetry. Thanks so much! Preconceived notions: This was on my wishlist mainly because of a couple of words I'd hastily written down from the reviews: "blue in black hair". Imagine my surprise to discover that that concept came from renaissancerouge's review! Anyway, I'm glad I kept it on my list even after the powdery disappointment of The Raven and the earlier reviews saying that Nocturne was a really powdery violet... In the vial: Yep, violet. Hmm... Although I didn't like The Raven on me, I really liked Chypre. I think I like violet! On me: I can't distinguish any notes besides the violet, but this is a very calm, cool, and mysterious scent. It definitely conjures up night for me - a night with a deep blue blanket covering the sky, with an ineffable immensity about it. I imagine a woman in a long white dress with black hair standing on a hill overlooking a lake, and gazing into the reflection of the moon in the indigo waters. This isn't a *dark* night, it's a soft and elegant night. Final impressions: This is "lovely, dark, and deep", a deep midnight blue, and very elegant. Though it seems to fade sooner than the Absinthe I tried at the same time, it's wonderful, and I'm keeping it. And, I should note - this is what I was hoping for in The Raven. Thanks again, renaissancerouge! Edited to add: I tried to change the color of my font to Indigo, but it isn't working. *sigh* It would have been so appropriate for this review.

Wow. Preconceived notions: None really - it was a mystery, and I was intensely curious... In the bottle: This smells like pure intoxication. Wow. On me: The anise quickly comes in... I used to hate black licorice and anisy scents, but lately, my taste buds (and nose sensors) have been beginning to like it more. This is a bright green licorice, and even as it dries, it retains that electric greenness. Around me, I can smell champagne wafting - I'm not entirely sure it's the Absinthe, though I rather suspect it is (it could be the Nocturne (highly unlikely, in my opinion) or it could be a weird reaction to having opened Bon Vivant and then closed it again), as there is a bright sparkly note floating around the green licorice. This is one I'll need to save for special occasions so I can keep applying it like mad. It does tend to fade after awhile. Final impressions: This one is a keeper, my friends, and although I'm half afraid to, I think I'd like to try the drink one of these days... (if I can ever *find* some, considering it's illegal) (Origin: this came in a swap from Hadaverde)

Chypre Preconceived notions: I originally ordered this because I wanted to wear it to SCA (i.e. Medieval/Renaissance) Events, where I tend to prefer the 14th century. When I ordered it, that's *all* I was thinking about. Then, I read the reviews. Then, I learned I don't like florals all that much... My order consisted of 3 florals and 3 darker scents. Of the florals, I had the highest expectations of this one because of the reviews emphasizing lavender, which I *love*, and the 'masculine' nature, which I figured translated to a sharper, less "sweet & powdery" type of scent. Trying it: In the vial: a spiky green lavender - the green note is very dark and sharp, almost, but not quite, piney. Ooh! I know - stems, open and bleeding green - it's that kind of an almost astringent green, and I love it. On me: First impressions: it softens slightly, but the lavender is still there, along with the greenness. There's a bit of powder (oh no!), but it's not overwhelming. Over time: This gradually fades, and in fading, I can detect the powdery quality, but the lavender and the sappy green are sharp and strong enough to hold it off. Final Impressions: Yay! A 'light' scent that actually works! I'm keeping this, and may someday get a larger bottle (though, I admit that overall, I prefer darker scents, even disregarding the powder problem). Edited: I was in a Renaissance Faire today, and so I decanted my imp into a necklace perfume holder I got in Russia. It was *very* strong all day, since it seemed to be leaking somewhat or maybe I didn't close it well, or... In any case, even though it was so strong, I still enjoyed the way it smells. Above, I wrote that I 'may someday get a larger bottle', but because of the SCA (medieval reenactment) events I go to, I may have to get a larger bottle sooner than later. This is truly lovely.

Hecate Preconceived notions: I love almonds. Especially bitter, smoky almonds. I have some bitter almond oil on my shelf, that I've used. Hecate sounded wonderful. I also like myrrh and I think I'll like the musk. In the vial: Sharp, bitter, smoky almonds. This is like my almond oil spiked with a black, smoky spear. It's very dark, and almost too strong to stand. Wow. If this doesn't work on my skin, I'm definitely using it for ritual purposes. On me: First impressions: On contact with my skin, it immediately mellows into a musky, sweet almond that is very nice. It's deep and dark, yet ethereal and light (lightweight, rather than light/bright). It's mysterious, too, in the sense of sacred hidden mysteries and prophecies spoken in candlelight. Over the course of an hour: I happen to be drinking amaretto-flavored coffee from Gevalia (as in - with 'amaretto' flavoring, not spiked), and I keep thinking it's even nuttier than normal, and how much I like it. Hecate seems to be having a good effect After an hour: Still sweet, almondy, smoky, ethereal, and mysterious, but a lot softer. It's starting to fade. Final impressions: This is wonderful. It has the sharpness and depth to work for a ritual, yet isn't at all overpowering on me. This is also a very sacred scent to me. As someone else wrote about another oil (Hymn, I believe?), it may be too sacred for me to wear casually.

Rosalind I got this as an extra in my order. Thanks! (Note - I didn't review the description or the reviews to find out what the notes are) Preconceived notions: Upon seeing the bottle, I couldn't remember what it was, or why it wasn't on my list. Now, seeing the reviews, I see why. I absolutely *hate* the way babies smell. I know, it's awful, but there's something about that smell I don't like. Luckily, this doesn't smell like babies to me. In the vial: citrusy and green. The green is spiky. I didn't think I liked citrus smells, but this is nice! Testing: First impressions: It's softening a bit, but it's still nice. I can smell some florally powder, which I desperately hope doesn't take over. So far, the citrus is keeping it bright and alive. After one hour: Still a powdery citrus. The powder hasn't gotten any stronger, but the citrus has gotten a lot weaker. I like the initial smell better. Final impressions: I'm not sure. Yesterday, when I was at someone's house for a meeting, someone was drinking orange juice, and I thought it smelled delightful. I think I wouldn't mind a citrusy perfume, especially if it had the spiky green note this one had in the vial. However, that doesn't last very long on me, and I'm really not too fond of the powdery citrus. So, I'm going with a 'so-so' for me. The powder thing has happened with almost all the oils I tried, so it's definitely a body chemistry issue. This is a really nice scent.

Preconceived notions: Before Ordering: This was on my big list of scents I wanted to try, and when I got around to ordering, I picked it solely on the name without reviewing what was in it. I love Baudelaire! Then: Hmm... I'm kind of worried about this. I don't really like lilac, and I'm not sure about rose or wisteria either. This doesn't sound like Baudelaire at all to me. Then I was kindly given a sample of The Raven (which I had also ordered) and discovered I really didn't like it. This made me worry even more about Les Fleurs du Mal. Upon testing: In the vial: Oh, this is floral, but it's a sharp and complex floral, with some green notes. I really like this! First impressions on me: Nice. A heady bouquet of florals with sharpness and complexity. 5 minutes later: Oh no! It's doing that powdery thing that the Raven did, and it's really rosy. I like rose, but not this powdery rose. Ugh - I hope it gets better. An hour later: Nope - still powdery rose. Final opinion: Why oh why do I get all this powder? It's happened with every single scent except Satyr (with which I had civet issues) and Mystery (which I adore). Can I trade in my body chemistry, please? Not for me, alas.

Preconceived notions: First thought (based only on the description): They have a scent called Darkness! I have to try it! After reading reviews, but before getting it: Oh, it sounds like it really *is* Darkness. I'm really glad I ordered it, especially since I think some of the other oils I ordered might be too light. And I love opium and myrrh - not too sure about narcissus, but that sounds nice, too. Trying it: In the vial: At first, I notice a really sharp, strong scent that I can't place, until I realize it's soap. I've never thought of soap as being this strong, which is why I couldn't place it. There is a lot of smoky darkness around it, too, though unlike the darkness in Mystery, this isn't a 'swirling' darkness, but a dry and dusty darkness, like the inside of a cave. Mystery smells better to me. First impressions: I'm having mixed reactions that change very abruptly. First, there's a sweetness that enters, and softens the soapiness, but then *that* gets much louder and more persistent and definitely floral (aha! so it must be the narcissus... I don't think I care much for narcissus). At this point, I literally pointed at my wrist with my other hand and said, "Myrrh! Where are you! I need your spice!" and poof! Spicy myrrh... Oh, it was so nice right then, but immediately went back to the soapy sweetness. All of this took less than 5 minutes, and then settled into the loud soapy smell. After an hour: Huh? What? All I smell is baby powder. I'm not even getting the soap. I think I don't like my body chemistry . Final impressions: Out of all the oils I ordered, I really thought (based on the notes and reviews) that I would like this one the most, and that it would be my Dark scent. It ended up being mostly soap and baby powder on me, and I like Mystery a lot more. I'm going to try it again, with some patchouli, since I think that might be able to darken it. If I remember to do so, I'll add my comments about that when I do. Edited: I teach Russian 101 to pay for my graduate studies. I wore Darkness yesterday, and all day, I kept noticing that I smelled chalk - I thought it was from using too much chalk in my teaching, so tried to wash my hands. This didn't work. Finally it clicked: it was the Darkness that was creating the chalk smell! This was a big relief as I like chalk much better than either soap or baby powder. It's also somewhat empowering, as it reminds me that I'm in charge of my classroom. So, I'm glad I kept it, and I'll probably wear it again. I still like Mystery and Hecate a lot more, but this is ironically light, soothing, and relaxing for me.

First Preconceived Notion: Mystery. And the description doesn't give anything away. I must try this! *orders it as part of imp set* After reading reviews: Oh no, it's going to be soapy and lemony! Well, no there's hope - Shollin says it's darkness smothering the light and is very creepy. She doesn't like it, but that sounds like my kind of thing In the vial: Oh, the description is right on and the reviews are wrong (at least for me). This is lovely, dark, smoky, and mysterious. I need to try it right now! *opens carefully, and liberally rubs the wand against wrist lovingly while making all sorts of orgasmic sounds* On me: First Impressions: Oh, how wonderful! This is what I've always wanted! It's so me! So smoky, so deep, so dark and heavy. This is black velvet on the darkest night of the year. I smell heavy incense smoke and a lot of anise. I'm surprised. From the reviews, I was expecting black jelly beans and black liquorise, which I despise. But no, *this* anise is the anise I associate with cooking, white baths, and Indian food. It is a spice, not a candy, and I really like it. It adds a level of darkness I didn't realize was possible. I also think there might be some amber in here, for there's a creeping sweetness to it, amongst the dark, sharp anise/incense - it's what I imagine chloroform would smell like. Over time: (this happens very gradually): the smoky sweetness gradually overtakes the darker, sharper scents, and yet it retains that mysterious depth. I definitely think there's something like amber in here. Final impression: I love this. This is so me. It's the first to go on my bigger bottle list. And I'll also be using it in ritual to experience that other kind of Mystery.

I got this one as a freebie from the lab - thanks! Preconceived notions: Very first thought (upon reading the description ages ago): It's Ophelia, but there's no rosemary or pansies??? Then (after having come to terms with the lack of rosemary and pansies and adding it to my tentative wishlist): Well, it's on my tentative wishlist as possibly aquatic or ethereal, but, grr... it's gonna be another light floral. *opens imp, slowly, and hopes for the best* In the vial: Ooh! This is nice: rosy, full-bodied, and complex. I have to try this now! Maybe light scents will be okay! First impressions: Wow, this is even better! There's a lovely green scent in here that's coming to the forefront, not piney, but definitely somewhat sharp and herbal. Mmm... Must smell more... After an hour: The herbal note is gone. It's rose, the kind of rose I would associate with a dark-haired women in her 40's. She looks somewhat exotic in my mind - with a hooked nose, black hair, and big, staring, dark eyes, but she isn't actually exotic. This is a woman you'd see every day - at the post office or the grocery store. She's somebody's mom, and she's going through the attic to get rid of things she no longer needs. Strong-willed and determined, and reliving the past. After two hours: same as 'after an hour'. Final impressions: This isn't bad, but it's a little too 'normal' for me, and I really miss the nice green herbal note that made this so complex earlier on. However, I think this would be a lovely scent for a character I play in a role-playing game. Much better than the synthetic 'tea rose' I used last time. I also don't find it at all aquatic or ethereal. Makes me reconsider my wishlist *sigh* ~Vorona

I'm remiss in my duties. I tried Red Devil (given to me by a friend along with The Raven and Satyr), and my reaction was, "Hmm... Okay..." and not much else. I figured I didn't have anything to say because it was just kind of 'well, okay' and I had already been feeling somewhat naughty before putting it on. I figured I'd try it again to see its effects, but I just haven't been interested in it at all since then. I think I could easily forget about it entirely. Finally, upon seing Laurel_the_Woodfairy's review, I decided to just write something, as I believe that something is better than nothing. But now I've rambled on and on, and here's the real review: It's quiet, soft, gentle, and utterly unremarkable for me. This is probably because I like my scents to be strong, spicy, and dark. This was none of these for me. It was kind of herbal and soapy (which I've heard is true of all the Voodoo oils). I didn't get any of the spice others have mentioned, either in the bottle or on me, nor the citrus notes. Maybe my nose is funky. I'm going to keep it around for now, and if I don't forget about it, I'll try it again, preferably when I'm not in a spunky mood (to see if it encourages one). As a scent, it really isn't me, I don't think.

From the Lab: "The oils that we use are all steam distilled or cold-pressed directly from their organic origin. Some fragrances cannot be obtained purely through natural extraction processes, therefore some of the scents that we use are 'bouquets' - essentially a combination of natural scents created to imitate a fragrance that is irreproducible by other means. We never skimp on quality, and it shows through in the excellence of our creations. " Natural extraction = essential oil. Basically, an essential oil is the watery stuff that comes directly from the plant (and it's not always 'oily'). As mentioned above, some scents cannot be obtained this way, and there are two ways to deal with this problem: either use a synthetic scent or make a blend. Thus, many ritual/perfumel oil makers divide their products into three categories: essential oils (single notes derived entirely from the plant mentioned), blends (what Beth is calling a 'bouquet' above) and fragrance/perfume oils (which contain synthetics). On this site, however, it's clear from her description of how she gets the oil that 'perfume oil' does mean 'essential oil', even though it may mean something different somewhere else.

Preconceived notions: Sounds like a good scent for a Green Man or King Stag type of God. Probably not for me. Actual testing: I got this from a friend, along with two other imps she didn't like. In the vial: intriguing bitter, warm, vanilla, musky scent. It's very harsh and smooth at the same time. I really want to smell more, maybe it will be nice on me. On me: there was a definite difference between what I smelled on my wrist, and what was wafting around me. On the wrist: the bitter note immediately takes over and becomes what I can only describe as sweaty, dirty, hairy pee. This lasts for *hours*. Drat. I was really hoping I could do civet. Wafting: this is lovely. It's a warm, deep, intense, smoky vanilla. I miss the original bitter note from the bottle, though. Complete dry down, hours later: Finally, the wrist scent matches the wafting scent, though it is even more what I'd call "light and sweet". Again, I really miss that initial bitterness in the vial. Final Opinion: If I didn't have a compulsive habit to sniff my wrist while wearing perfume, I'd probably wear this, as the wafting scent is very nice. However, I do keep smelling my wrists. I don't like the smell there, and it gives me a headache. So, my preconceived notion was probably right: this does seem to be good for a wild, animalistic God, but it's not something I want to wear. I probably won't buy more, but I'll keep this around for ritual purposes. I also probably won't buy any more scents with civet, though I'll try any that are sent to me as an extra with an open mind.

Preconceived notions: A friend of mine gave three scents to me that she didn't like. This was one of them. It's also one I ordered in my first order, which has not yet arrived. I associate very strongly with ravens of all sorts, and I worship a God/Goddess I call Raven. I was really, really excited about this, but a little nervous due to the notes listed. It didn't sound very dark to me. Then, I read the reviews, and I thought, "Okay, maybe it is dark..." Actual testing: This is not a dark scent. In the vial: really, really sweet floral. I can make out a certain powdery, floral sweetness that reminds me of why I don't like herb teas with rose hips and hibiscus flowers. It's catching in my mouth, right before my throat. I decide to take a chance and hope that it would disappear on me. On me: Nope, actually it's getting stronger... An hour later: Smells like baby powder. I never smelled any sandalwood, which I think could have deepened and subdued the sweetness a little. From other reviews, it also seems like neroli has a sharp, bitter/spicy note which might have helped if it had come through on me. I haven't completely given up - we'll have to see what My Lady Of Ravens thinks of it. But I'm not all that optimistic, since She is also very dark, and is in fact, darker than me. I'm somewhat disappointed that I ordered this one: the imp I have is sure to be enough. Edited to add: I've read more reviews of this that say things like, "If you love violets, you will love this." This was one of the first scents I tried, but I can still say that I did not get a strong violet from it. I can say this because I've loved almost all the scents I've tried with violet in them, and feel that violet does add darkness. So for me, the violet in this was sugared down to the point of being nearly white. I don't remember *exactly* what it smelled like, but if there were violets, they were weak, sugared down violets and not strong ones. For me. I wish I could have gotten some of the strong violets others have experienced from this.

Shoot, I should have put this at the other thread: in the 'tle' is that what it looks like in the real word, as in 'tlee'? Or is it the 'tle' at the end of 'little'? I'm assuming the former, but am still curious as I would like to have it right...

First, I'd like to thank Jenmaha for the Sheherezade and comments about transliteration. I've been pronouncing it wrong, and am happy to learn the correct way. The transliteration problem is true of Russian words, and it gets very frustrating, especially about Moscow. None of the pronunciations people use for this word are correct in English because the spelling is not at all phonetic or even correctly transliterated (in *none* of the transliteration methods). It's really pronounced musk-VAH. So when people get all worked up about saying "It's Moscoh in Russia and Moscow in Iowa" it frustrates me. When speaking English, I normally pronounce it "Moscow" because that at least is truer to English phonetics... As for Oneiroi, this isn't French, so the end would be 'oy' and not 'wa'. I'm guessing it's Greek. It looks like I've been pronouncing it wrong, though, because I've been doing a dipthong of eh+ee for the ei (basically, the 'ay' in day, but with more of an ee at the end). It seems that -oi (sound) is a common plural ending for Greek words... aren't the Fates something like the Moeiroi? Okay, apologies for my linguistics rant...