REALGAR was used extensively as a rodent poison in medieval Europe. Until the early 20th century, realgar was widely used in medicine as a purgative and to treat infections. According to current metaphysical beliefs, realgar energizes the body, increases sexuality and fertility, and reveals both the positive and negative qualities of the inner soul. It is an important ore of arsenic and is used in certain pyrotechnic applications. ORPIMENT was formerly a yellow-orange pigment and, until the 1970s, an ore of arsenic. Until the early 20thcentury, orpiment was widely used in medicine as a purgative and to treat infections. According to current metaphysical beliefs, orpiment speeds recovery from disease and imparts direction and a sense of purpose to aid in the understanding and removal of mental blocks.
