This is a very interesting and multi-faceted topic. My only experience with deer musk comes from a sample of Ensar's Borneo Zen perfume. A very beautiful perfume! It took some time for it to grow on me, but now it is one of my favorites. The notes of musk come in waves and also surround the fragrance with such nuance and sophistication. It is by no means the kind of in-your-face animalic note I would expect. I can appreciate Ensar's point that deer musk's primary use is as a fixative in perfume, because the musk in Borneo Zen does create a unique synergy with the Borneo oil, and creates an citrusy note that is irresistible.
I should also say that I put some Borneo Zen on before meditating, and it was a very powerful and complementary fragrance. The fragrance of musk becomes quite ethereal, dreamy, and deep, and can have a strong effect on someone, especially if used for sacred activities.
That said, I find it to be a real tragedy that an animal has to be killed in order for this fragrance to exist, and that the species is now endangered. I wonder if there are any efforts happening with the Musk Deer to help increase its population, much how Ensar is putting his energy into organic cultivation for the future of Oud?
I should also say that I put some Borneo Zen on before meditating, and it was a very powerful and complementary fragrance. The fragrance of musk becomes quite ethereal, dreamy, and deep, and can have a strong effect on someone, especially if used for sacred activities.
That said, I find it to be a real tragedy that an animal has to be killed in order for this fragrance to exist, and that the species is now endangered. I wonder if there are any efforts happening with the Musk Deer to help increase its population, much how Ensar is putting his energy into organic cultivation for the future of Oud?