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:
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To cleanse and/or protect the home and automobiles
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To cure stomach ailments
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For spiritual cleansing
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For protection
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To increase good fortune
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To offer petitions to the Yoruba gods for love spells
When used for spiritual / religious purposes, Azogue / Vidajan has been used in the following manner:
- Placed in floor washes or sprinkled onto the floor
- Applied to the skin or used in baths
- Mixed with perfume
- Swallowed
- Placed in oil lamps or candles and burned
- Kept inside vials or charm bags as amulets
