Ares, exceeding in strength, chariot-rider, golden-helmed, doughty in heart, shield-bearer, Saviour of cities, harnessed in bronze, strong of arm, unwearying, mighty with the spear, O defender of Olympos, father of warlike Nike, ally of Themis, stern governor of the rebellious, leader of the righteous men, sceptred King of manliness, who whirl your fiery sphere among the planets in their sevenfold courses through the aither wherein your blazing steeds ever bear you above the third firmament of heaven; hear me, helper of men, giver of dauntless youth! Shed down a kindly ray from above upon my life, and strength of war, that I may be able to drive away bitter cowardice from my head and crush down the deceitful impulses of my soul. Restrain also the keen fury of my heart which provokes me to tread the ways of blood-curdling strife. Rather, O blessed one, give you me boldness to abide within the harmless laws of peace, avoiding strife and hatred and the violent fiends of death.

Household shrine to Ares. Onion flowers and peppers from the TAL garden. Ares incense compounded from yarrow, basil, and hyssop from the TAL garden, with dried ginger, myrrh, and dragon’s blood resin.

TOMATO
Historically, tomato is not a widely-used note in perfumery, but it is gaining a little traction. Its pungent, spicy scent is evocative of summer gardens, and lends well to fresh, wild, outdoorsy fragrances.

The correspondences of the tomato in magical work is complex. The bisexual flowers of the tomato plant can be used in works of transformation, duality, and the combination of opposing forces. The tomato plant corresponds to Saturn or Venus, depending on your tradition, your intent, and your point of view. In contemporary magick, the fruit is used in love work – their voluptuous shape and piquant-sweet flavor are very much in tune with the Venus aspect. Tomatoes are, however, members of the nightshade family – a clan of plants that relates to death, transformation, invisibility, authority, discipline, and, to the unscrupulous, malefic magick. This firmly thrusts the plant back under the auspices of Saturn. Until the early nineteenth century, many believed that the fruit of the tomato was poisonous. Poison and toxicity, as concepts, are another manifestation of Saturn’s power. In our Twilight Alchemy Lab division, we generally use the fruit of the plant for Venus work, and the leaves and roots for Saturnian operations.

The tomato is much more complicated than it seems, no?

Notable tomato-laden BPAL scent:
JERSEY DEVIL
The scent of the wild, hauntingly beautiful Pine Barrens of New Jersey! Pitch pine with blackberry leaf, cranberry, cedar wood and tomato leaf.

(Photo by m’self of a tomato plant in my garden.)

Carnations from the TAL garden. It corresponds to Sol and used in works of protection, love, pleasure, joy, friendship, healing, and strength.

Licorice from the TAL garden. Groovy-lookin’ plant, and it smells amazing. Most will agree that licorice is the province of Venus, but some feel it should be attributed to Jupiter or Mercury. Licorice is used in works of fidelity, loyalty, passion, pleasure, youthfulness, reconciliation, and friendship. It is used extensively in love philters.

A tea of licorice root that stimulates the libido and binds love through friendship and mutual delight:

1 tsp licorice root
1 tsp fennel
½ tsp anise
½ tsp orange peel
Half a stick of cinnamon

Caveat: TAL and I are not responsible for any averse reactions you may have if you put info that I’ve presented here to use. It is presented as lore. Please exercise caution and prudence.

Heliotrope from the TAL garden. It is a Sol plant – as you may have guessed by the name – and is used in works of healing, wealth, prophecy, and protection.

Lemon blossom from the TAL garden. Depending on who you’re speaking to, lemon is considered either a plant of Sol or Luna. Lemon blossoms, lemon peel, and lemon juice are all used in works of purification, longevity, friendship, joy, and clarity.