It originated in the Caucasus and is often called âFrench roseâ, âProvins roseâ or âRose of Anatoliaâ. The second old rose is R. centifolia, which originated in Persia and is often known as âProvence roseâ or âRose of Ispahanâ: itself descended from R. gallica, it is parent to moss and cabbage roses.
Tamasic means having tama guna. It is one of the three gunas (tendencies) discussed in the last post. Something tamasic makes the body and mind sluggish and slow, leading to torpor. The tamasic foods include meat, fish, onions, garlic, mushrooms, alcohol. In addition fermented foods, including vinegar, bread, pastries and cakes are tamasic.
Marcasite is a pale bronze yellow or brass color, with dark gray-green streaks. It rates a 6 to 6.5 on the hardness scale, is opaque, and has a beautiful glittering metallic luster. It is commonly cut into small rose cuts. Twinning is common in marcasite crystals, and can produce a spearhead shaped form, which has been mistaken for Roman weapons.