While several methods exist for the creation of the Ens, the one described here is easy and safe and requires no special equipment. While herbs freshly cut immediately before use are preferred, they can be cut several days beforehand and stored in a plastic container in your refrigerator to maintain freshness. The glass used in making an Ens will be etched by the caustic nature of the liquefied potassium carbonate; therefore, use materials that you will set aside for use only in making future Ens.
• Glass jar or container for making a tincture. Canning jars work best.
• 1 ounce of dried plant, or preferably 2 or more ounces of herb.
• 11h pounds of potassium carbonate.
• Glass dish no less than one inch deep.
1. Read all directions several times prior to undertaking the experiment. Be sure that you are familiar with the process prior to its actual performance.
2. Spread the potassium carbonate in a thin layer inside the glass dish, no more than a quarter of an inch thick (less than 1 centimeter). Take caution to avoid exposure to the potassium carbonate in either its dry state or when it becomes liquefied through exposure to the night air, as it is toxic and can cause a rash or burning of the mucous membranes. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling it to avoid any accidental exposure or contamination of your eyes or other sensitive areas. Remember, the potassium carbonate will etch the sides of the glass container used during this experiment.
3. Place the tray in an area where it will be exposed to the night air. As potassium carbonate (or salt of tartar) liquefies (becomes deliquescent), it absorbs the water carried in the night air. This water, or humidity, is the vehicle of Universal Fire, It is most easily obtained in the spring and summer months and is known as "Angel Water."
4. Decant or filter off the liquid each morning, being sure to avoid its exposure to the sun or a direct water source, such as rain. To do this, use either a syringe, large eyedropper, turkey baster, or lab pipette set aside only for this purpose, as it will also be etched by the Angel Water.
5. Caution: Never pipette by mouth!
6. When 4 to 5 ounces (125 to 150 milliliters) have been collected, you can begin the first Ens tincture. To avoid too much loss of this precious liquid through filtering, you may want to collect it in a jar or flask and then filter it all at once prior to use. Note: It will etch the glass it is stored in just as it does the container that is used to make it.
7. Make sure you seal the storage jar tightly to prevent the liquid from absorbing any additional fluid from the surrounding air. Fill only two-thirds of the jar, leaving room for possible expansion if the seal is accidently loosened or broken.
8. Place an ounce of finely ground herb, or several ounces of freshly cut herb, in a fresh jar and pour in the clear fluid you have collected and filtered on the planetary day and/or hour of the planet ruling the herb. Pour in enough fluid to cover the top of the herb and to allow for thorough shaking. Depending on the absorbent nature of the herb chosen, this can be from 100 to 200 milliliters of the collected "Oil of Tartar" per herb for adequate coverage. If any Oil of Tartar remains, save it for future use.
9. Pour in an equal amount of grain alcohol and shake daily to ensure the two liquids mix, as the lighter alcohol will float on top. The alcohol that forms the Ens tincture is removed after it turns a dark reddish color. It will only take on the color and tincture of the Oil of Tartar through repeated mixing, as the two fluids will quickly separate.
10. When you have obtained the proper color, pipette the top layer of alcohol off and store it separately. It is ready for use. (You can use a turkey baster set aside exclusively for this purpose.)
11. Be careful not to pull off any of the Oil of Tartar, as it is caustic and will be very unpleasant if swallowed.
Because of the magnetic nature of the deliquescence, it is important that the lid be nonmetallic or that the mouth of the jar be wrapped in plastic food wrap prior to sealing. You may also wish to wrap it in aluminum foil to limit or reduce the amount of psychic contact the liquid receives.