Mercury Botanical
Azogue
is Spanish and Vidajan is Haitian Creole for metallic
mercury also known as quicksilver
in English. It is sold in botanicas in capsules
in amounts ranging from a few grams to 3-5 ounces for
spiritual “works” (trabajos). An Azogue / Vidajan capsule
can contain up to10 times more mercury than one thermometer.
Followers of the Caribbean-based religions Santeria,
Espiritismo and Voodoo all have been reported users of
Azogue and/or Vidajan. Ritual mercury is typically sold
by botanicas in capsules with a price of between $1.00
and $2.00.
Some people use Azogue / Vidajan in traditional medicine
or for spiritual / religious purposes. These include:
