The Millstone Times April 2018

Did you know.… SALT By Pam Teel Did you know that the Romans paid their workers in salt and it was actually the Phoenicians who were first involved in the trade of salt? The Egyptians also used this mineral in the mummification process. They would use what’s called natron, a mineral that contains sodium chloride. Natron would be used to keep mummified remains from decaying. A kind of preservative if you will. Ancient Greeks referred to salt as a divine substance, and the Romans even used it to pay workers for their services. They called it salarium, which is the original term for the word salary that is used today. The Romans regarded salt as “the spice of the Gods.” As well as using salt to conserve food or to add flavor, salt played a part in sacrificial ceremonies too as it was believed the Gods liked their offerings to be seasoned. A number of European cities also owe their prosperity to a roaring salt trade during the Middle Ages. Salt has even been used in religious rites and ceremonies due to its ability to reform after being dissolved. It’s been compared to God’s unchanging love. Salt is a natural mineral that is found within rocks on Earth. Now we’re not talking about table salt like you would put in your shaker. But this is the natural element sodium. Deposits may also appear above ground in the form of `salt mountains,’ or could lie deep underground so far that mines have to be dug in order to reach it. Over long periods of time some of this salt is liquefied by the natural rain and gets carried out to sea through the rivers. Once it reaches this area it will build up into what is known as saltpans. There the sun will bake away the water leaving the salt crystals behind. Salt Superstitions; just like anything else that has been around for such a long time, salt has formed many superstitions over time. The most common tradition of salt says it bring prosperity. This is why many times people will give it as a gift upon reaching a new year, or when moving into a new home. Another tradition of salt says it will bring fertility and some say you should give a bride salt on her wedding day. But probably the most common superstition for salt is that it will bring you great protection and its abilities include protecting you from evil as well. Salt is also thought of as a defense against witchcraft and curses that have been brought upon by the evil eye. A simple salt-water bath can do wonders for you spiritually and emotionally. Submerging yourself in salt water removes blockages, neutralizes the evil eye, chases away negative spirits and general cleanses away all that holds us back from progress and success in life. Everything that surrounds us has energy, people, plants, animals; the very environment in which we live and breathe is composed of energy. This energy is constantly bouncing around and leaving a residue on all that it touches. Over time this can build up and turn into “psychic sludge.” It is also a sad fact that many people harbor jealousy and other negative feelings towards us that can be spiritually, emotionally and physically damaging. Remember that spiritual health and physical health are related and what is done to the soul is reflected in the body and vice versa. So, therefore it is a good idea to perform a simple spiritual cleansing at least once a month.

Start by adding an entire box of salt to a tub full of water and soak as you normally would. Salt is a great neutralizer. It takes away negativity, psychic sludge, bad luck, and even chases away chaotic or harmful spirits and energies. Many cultures and religions even use salt in exorcism rituals. Some believe you can also use salt to cleanse away spirits from your house. If you accidently drop the saltshaker and spill salt, quickly throw some over your right shoulder to ward off bad luck. Our bodies need salt too. Unlike sugar, we could not survive without it. However, the jury is out on exactly howmuch salt is actually good for us and at what point it becomes unhealthy. Since 2016, salt is one of seven ingredients that must be clearly labeled on food packaging. Some useful tips: Spilt red wine on a white tablecloth? Scatter a handful of salt over the stain to absorb the moisture. Kiss a hangover goodbye by eating something salty the next day. Alcohol robs the body of valuable minerals. Salt helps readjust the balance.

94

The Millstone Times

April 2018