In this follow-up to my previous release on cloth talismans, I’ll show you how to make talismanic ink with saffron for paper and fabric talismans and magick squares.

My process and measurements follow a NEW walk-through posted by Dr Ali Olomi, as seen on his Instagram highlight. Be sure to check out his highlight; he adds great history and context for the ink, and at the end he recommends beautiful dip pens you can use.

The main difference between my first ink tutorial and this one is that I use Dragon’s Blood Resin instead of Dragons’ Blood Incense Powder. Dr. Olomi notes that the incense powder is not actual Dragon’s Blood, but scented sandalwood powder. So this new video and method is more correct, lasts longer, and has better color. There are other key differences which are outlined below.

Watch the ⬇️ NEW Saffron Ink video tutorial ⬇️ or keep reading!

Saffron Ink with Dragon’s Blood Resin Supply List

The shopping list below shows the exact products I used. I encourage you to buy your supplies locally (if possible) and not from the evil empire. I am NOT an Amazon affiliate.

• 237 grams (1 cup) of Food-grade Rose Water
• Big pinch of Saffron threads (about 1 gram), ground to about 5.69 grams (1 teaspoon)
• 5.69 grams (1 teaspoon) Dragon's Blood Resin
• a few drops of Musk Essential Oil (I use fragrance oil /plant based, not animal based)
• Mortar and Pestle Grinder or spice grinder of your choosing
• Big Tea Ball or similar fine mesh metal strainer
• Glass measuring cup
• Measuring Spoons
• Small Spatula or spoon
• Small stainless steel Saucepan
• Ink Jar, large enough to hold 30 grams (1/4 cup) of ink
• Paper Towels
• Steel Scrubber
• A gas or electric stove (don’t use a microwave)

Optional Extras:
• Speedball calligraphy pen and nibs
• Labels
• Light Pad

Instructions:

Step 1:
Grind the saffron threads until you get 5 grams (1 teaspoon) of freshly ground saffron.

anaastro.com-saffron-talismanic-ink-1.jpg

Step 2:
Grind the Dragon’s blood resin until you get a teaspoon of ground resin (5 grams). If you don’t have a mortar, you can crush and grind the resin using the back of a spoon.

I buy my Dragon’s Blood Resin online from The Incense Stick.

Step 4:
Add the room-temperature cup of rosewater to the room-temperature steel pot. Do not pre-heat the pan.

Step 5:
When you see bubbles, turn the heat on the lowest setting.

Step 5:
Add the ground saffron and the ground dragon’s blood resin into the water.

Step 6:
Set a timer for 12-15 Minutes, stirring occasionally, keeping the heat steady, do not boil. 2-3 minutes before the timer goes off, add a few drops of the musk.

Step 7:
Take the pot off the heat and cover the pot with the lid. Let it sit for 45-60 minutes.

Step 8:
Strain the ink using your mesh strainer/tea ball. Ideally, use a dark jar to hold the ink, and keep it away from light. Fluorescent light or sunlight will shorten the ink's lifespan.

Step 9:
Close the lid on your ink bottle, and put the ink in a dark cabinet. WAIT 24 HOURS before using the ink. Traditionally, Dr Olomi says the ancients used to bury the ink in the earth, but putting it in a dark cabinet is fine.

Screenshot from Dr Olomi’s ink tutorial on Instagram

Optional Extras - Calligraphy pen and nibs by Speedball

I recommend using Speedball calligraphy nibs and pens for smooth, even ink strokes. Speedball has been making writing tools for over a hundred years. These nibs are steel and will last forever if you take care of them.

You can get different kinds of nibs. I prefer the nibs with a little heel at the tip, and this pen set is the exact kind I use.

Optional Extras - Light pads

If you’re illiterate in Arabic like I am, a light pad is a great way to make your paper talismans. It helps you trace your magic square/talisman templates!

The LED light is bright enough to allow tracing onto thick artist papers. Most of these pads are powered with a regular USB cable.

Now you know how to make your talismanic ink from scratch, which I use to make solar return talismans.

If you have any questions along the way, drop them into the comments or send me a message through my contact page. I am more than happy to help you. Happy ink making!

Be sure to follow Dr Olomi on Instagram and subscribe to the Head on History Patreon to learn more about magic squares, talismans and the cosmology behind them.

How to Make Talismanic, Saffron Ink - NEW, BETTER METHOD

Watch the ⬇️ NEW Saffron Ink video tutorial ⬇️ or keep reading!

Saffron Ink with Dragon’s Blood Resin Supply List

Instructions:

Step 1: Grind the saffron threads until you get 5 grams (1 teaspoon) of freshly ground saffron.

Step 2: Grind the Dragon’s blood resin until you get a teaspoon of ground resin (5 grams). If you don’t have a mortar, you can crush and grind the resin using the back of a spoon.

I buy my Dragon’s Blood Resin online from The Incense Stick.

Step 4: Add the room-temperature cup of rosewater to the room-temperature steel pot. Do not pre-heat the pan.

Step 5: When you see bubbles, turn the heat on the lowest setting.

Step 5: Add the ground saffron and the ground dragon’s blood resin into the water.

Step 6: Set a timer for 12-15 Minutes, stirring occasionally, keeping the heat steady, do not boil. 2-3 minutes before the timer goes off, add a few drops of the musk.

Step 7: Take the pot off the heat and cover the pot with the lid. Let it sit for 45-60 minutes.

Step 8: Strain the ink using your mesh strainer/tea ball. Ideally, use a dark jar to hold the ink, and keep it away from light. Fluorescent light or sunlight will shorten the ink's lifespan.

Step 9: Close the lid on your ink bottle, and put the ink in a dark cabinet. WAIT 24 HOURS before using the ink. Traditionally, Dr Olomi says the ancients used to bury the ink in the earth, but putting it in a dark cabinet is fine.