Hellenic Gods : Poseidon

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kisthos - (Greek: κίσθος, κίστος, or κισθός) kisthos is the Hellenic word for cistus, a perennial shrub known as the rock-rose. Several species are included: Cistus cretifus, Cistus incanus, Cistus ladaniferus, Cistus laurifolius, and Cistus villosus. The shrub exudes a black oleoresin known as labdanum (Greek: aladanos - Aλάδανος, ladano - λάδανο, or ælianthes - ἡλιανθές). The resin was collected by driving goats through thickets of the shrub. The animals would graze and emerge with their beards saturated with the resin, which was then collected. The resin can also be obtained with a device known as the ladanisterion or ergastiri, a rake-like tool having long strands of leather that are drawn through the shrubs to gather the resin. In modern times, the resin is usually extracted by boiling twigs and leaves of the plant (Cistus Ladaniferus at Spain) They are not same.The kisthos resin is magnificently fragrant. It makes a superior offering in ritual. Labdanum is usually found in a semi-solid state, a thick, sticky resin. Some sources sell a more refined labdanum which is more fragrant, but less solid. If you have purchased the more liquid form of labdanum, one method to utilize the resin is to push a toothpick into the labdanum and roll it around as if it were spaghetti. If the labdanumis not soft enough (yet too liquid to use 'as is'), place the container in a microwave oven for about 5-10 seconds. Now you should be able to use a toothpick to gather some resin. When you have the amount you desire, press it into a pulverized incense such as powdered frankincense or rose petals. Using another toothpick, you can scrape this off and roll it into a ball to be offered on charcoal.
It is said that Medusa was seduced by Poseidon in a thicket of rock-rose. Therefore, some people believe that the plant and its resin are sacred to Poseidon.