Nature's Wild Kingdom - Copal Amber with insects Madagascar 55-65 mm

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This Natural Copal is from Cap D'Ambre, Madagascar. Copal is a form of amber. It is not quite as hard or old as amber. Madagascar Copal has cognac red to pale yellow color and every color in between. There are often interesting inclusions such as spiders and mosquitoes and other bugs. Madagscar Copal can vary in age from a couple of thousand years to one million years old. It is great study material for budding paleontologists.

Copal is a crystallized resin (the solidified portions of tree or plant sap). Copal is not an herb in the typical sense. When burned, copal is very fragrant and aromatic. Copal comes from various species of the Bursera species of trees found in Mexico and South America. The three varieties of copal are black, white, and gold in color, each with its own subtle, sweet scent. Copal resin has been used and burned atop Aztec and Mayan pyramids by Meso-American Indians (the Mayan and Aztec peoples) for many centuries for spiritual and ritual purposes. Please keep in mind that you should only burn a small portion of the copal resin at a time because resins tend to produce a lot of thick smoke. Soaking copal in a mixture of water and ethyl alcohol will produce an aromatic tincture; the ethyl alcohol helps in the extraction of copals active components while concentrating and preserving them.

Copal can be ground into a fine powder, with a mortar and pestle, then sprinkled over a charcoal disc to be used as incense. Spiritual Properties: Copal can be can used for consecration and anointing of pentacles, athames, wands, etc. Like most resins, copal is burned or smoldered as incense during spellwork and/or rituals and needs to be burned on charcoal tablets or discs along with some Japanese Ash (if you choose) for an aromatic experience. Copal can be used during protection, divination, cleansing/purification, banishment, exorcism, hex-breaking, love spells, meditation, and other spiritual ceremonies. It can be used to ward off negative energy by placing small pieces of copal in with your crystals in a special place of your choice. This is wonderful resin to work with and for creating a mellow and magickal atmosphere to work in.

Copal Correspondences: Planet: Sun Elemental: Fire Gender: Masculine Power: Purification, Love Medicinal Properties: For many centuries, traditional Indian, Meso-American, and Native American healers have known about, used, and taken advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of the tree bark's gummy resin known as salai guggal. Modern day herbal preparations are made from a purified extract of salai guggal, packaged in a pill or cream form, then used to reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.