Iron has held a significant place in human history throughout various cultures and has often been associated with occult beliefs and practices. The metal's dense and durable nature has led to its symbolic representation of strength, protection, and spiritual boundaries. In ancient times, iron was regarded as a powerful material with mystical qualities. The Hittites, for example, believed that iron possessed magical properties and used iron weapons and tools in their religious ceremonies. Iron was also used in rituals and offerings by the Celts, who believed it had the ability to ward off evil spirits and protect against supernatural harm. Iron has been associated with occult practices due to its association with the planet Mars.
It is normal to lose 0.5 to 1.5 mL of blood daily in the gastrointestinal tract, 3 and melena usually is identified when more than 150 mL of blood are lost in the upper gastrointestinal tract. 3 FOBTs have sufficient sensitivity to detect bleeding that is not visible in the stool. There are three classes of FOBTs: guaiac-based tests, hemeporphyrin tests, and immunochemical tests.
, Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome Amyloidosis Hemangioma Radiation-induced mucosal injury Extraintestinal source Hemobilia Hemosuccus pancreaticus Hemoptysis Nasopharyngeal e. 2 4 A patient s medical history, age, symptoms, and physical examination and laboratory test results may be used as clinical clues to help guide the initial investigation.
Iron has been associated with occult practices due to its association with the planet Mars. In astrology, Mars is linked with passion, energy, and assertiveness. The metal's connection to this fiery planet imbues it with properties that are believed to enhance magical rituals and spellwork.
Iron and occult
Objective To determine whether faecal occult blood (FOB) testing in patients with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) can predict the presence of gastrointestinal cancer.
Design Cohort study.
Settings Single secondary care hospital UK.
Patients All individuals aged 20 years and older referred for the investigation for IDA.
Interventions Data was collected from all the patients regarding haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume, age, sex, symptomatology and medication. All patients had FOB tests using laboratory guaiac and haemocell methods, and then underwent gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
Main outcome measures Accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of FOBs for identifying cancer in the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract.
Results In total, 292 patients completed the study; 37 patients were diagnosed with carcinoma (colon 34, gastro-oesophageal 3). Using an optimal combination of lab guiaic and haemocell test resulted in just one colorectal cancer being missed, a sensitivity of 97%, specificity of 49% and negative predictive value of 99%. The test was less effective for upper gastrointestinal cancer, with 2/3 tumours missed by the tests.
Conclusions Patients who have negative FOB tests are very unlikely to have a colorectal cancer, and the benefits to further colonic investigation is limited. This should be carefully considered in patients with significant comorbidities, where the risks of investigation may outweigh the benefits.
- Iron Deficiency
- Cancer
- Colorectal Neoplasm
Rockey DC, Auslander A, Greenberg PD. Rockey DC, et al. Am J Gastroenterol. 1999 Feb;94(2):344-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.1999.855_r.x. Am J Gastroenterol. 1999. PMID: 10022627
Iron amulets and talismans are often used for protection and defense against negative energies or entities. In folklore and mythology, iron has been considered a powerful deterrent against supernatural creatures such as vampires, fairies, and witches. It is believed that these entities have an aversion to iron, and therefore, iron jewelry, weapons, or even horseshoes were commonly used as protective measures. Iron was also used in the construction of holy structures, such as iron nails in churches, to create spiritual barriers against evil forces. Iron's association with the occult can also be seen in alchemical practices. Alchemists believed that iron was associated with the planet Mars and represented the element of fire. They sought to transform base metals into gold through the use of iron and other elements, believing that this would unlock spiritual enlightenment and bring about personal transformation. In modern occult practices, iron continues to hold significance and is often used in various rituals and ceremonies. Its association with strength, protection, and the ability to distinguish between worlds (as iron is said to offer protection from spiritual influences) make it a valuable tool for practitioners. Overall, iron's historical and mythological connections to the occult have solidified its role as a powerful symbol in spiritual and magical practices. Its representation of strength, protection, and the ability to create boundaries make it an essential element in various rituals, spells, and amulets..
Reviews for "The Influence of Iron in Occult Art and Iconography"
1. John - 2 stars - The book "Iron and Occult" was quite disappointing for me. I had high expectations for a thrilling and captivating story, but unfortunately, it fell flat. The characters were underdeveloped, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The plot seemed disjointed, and the pacing was inconsistent, making it hard for me to stay engaged. Overall, I found it to be a lackluster read.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I really struggled to get through "Iron and Occult." The writing style was confusing and convoluted, making it difficult to follow the story. The author seemed to rely on shock value rather than developing a coherent and intriguing narrative. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and the descriptions were overbearing and unnecessary. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written and enjoyable occult-themed novel.
3. Tom - 3 stars - "Iron and Occult" had its moments, but it didn't live up to my expectations overall. While the concept seemed interesting, the execution fell short. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging and others feeling rushed. The plot twists were predictable, and the character development was lacking. However, the author's descriptive prose was engaging at times, and there were a few intriguing scenes that kept me invested. Unfortunately, these few positives couldn't redeem the book entirely for me.