Fairy Fest Goodies

I got lots of neat things at the Fairy Festival this weekend.

Among the miscellaneous items I bought were some pieces of artwork, all of them by this artist. I'd seen the original of the mermaid painting on the right at an art fair in Iowa and loved it. When I saw she had little prints available, I had to pick one up. I also got some postcards to give to my girlfriend and friends at school. Then I found a dragon's blood soap, which is great, seeing as I can't burn the incense, some sachets to hold crystals, and a pentacle charm which I'm actually going to use in a Night Vale Girl Scouts cosplay.

In terms of crystals - because I just had to get some - I got two pieces of Sunstone, a Labradorite sphere, a Fluorite point, tumbled Rhodonite and Moonstone, Andara Crystal Glass (which was actually a gift from a man advertising his service as an energy worker), and a Citrine point.

Finally, I picked up this little hummingbird pin. The hummingbird is actually velcroed to the pin, so it can be swapped out with other accessories, or attached to headbands, clips, etc. It's so cute, and it's my favorite color, so I had to grab it.

Posts on the stones are upcoming. In the meantime, hope you're all enjoying your summer!

The World of Faeries Festival 2015

The Fairy Fest was simply amazing this year! The theme was The Eleventh Hour: A Journey Through Time, so of course I wore an updated version of my steampunk fairy costume, while Destiny went with a lovely red and blue outfit of her own.

(That's me on the right.)

Destiny borrowed a pentacle necklace of mine until she could buy her own.

We heard fantastic music from award-winning Native American flutist, Randy Granger (pictured), a Japanese Taiko drumming group, the band Patchouli, the "Harp Twins" who do contemporary music played on harps, and more.

There's always so many interesting characters...

...and fantastic creatures...

...and if one looks carefully in the fairy garden...

...one might spot a little hummingbird up in a tree!

Destiny bought herself several things, including these stones:

From left to right, these are Labradorite, Rose Quartz, and Citrine.

I also bought myself many exciting things, but those will get their own post. 

The weather could not have been better (except for a thirty-second downpour Sunday afternoon), and we met up with many delightfully Pagan vendors, some of whom we already knew and some of whom were new this year. All in all, another amazing weekend!

August 8th, 2014

Labradorite

Physical Characteristics: The shining play of colors (technically called "Labradorescence") within this variety of Feldspar is a side effect of molecular changes within large Anorthosite crystals. Like Opalite Moonstone, light refracts as it passes through the stone, breaking into bands of blue, green, and yellow. Predominantly yellow varieties may also be called Spectrolite.

In Nature: Labradorite occurs in mafic igneous rock, and is common in Basalt and Gabbro.

Chemical Composition: (Ca, Na) (Al, Si)4O8; (Ca, Na) must be between 50% and 70% of the total composition

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6 - 6.5 (middle)

Can be Found: Canada, Norway, Finland

Healing Properties*: This crystal may help detoxify the body from the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and more severe substance abuse. Labradorite is best used to heal ailments of the throat and lungs, combating everything from the common cold to bronchitis. It can also treat eye and brain disorders, soothe anxiety, and ease the symptoms of PMS. The stone lowers blood pressure and alleviates rheumatism.

Magickal Properties: Inuit lore claims Labradorite as the frozen fire of the Aurora Borealis, while other peoples connect it to Arianhrod, the Lady of the Silver Wheel, or Iris, Goddess of the Rainbow. It is a stone of magick, and has been used by shamans, magicians, and healers alike since before its official discovery. Labradorite is a powerful protector, shielding the aura and guarding its bearer from all types of misfortune. The stone does not only ward off danger but actively draws forth beneficial "coincidences". It enhances all psychic abilities (clairvoyance, telepathy, prophecy, astral travel, etc.), assists communication with higher powers, and opens the Akashic Records. In fact, the stone's nickname - the Temple of the Stars - can be seen as a direct reference to the Akashic Records. Labradorite eases the transition of moving between worlds and the return to the present. The stone tempers the negative side of one's personality, reducing anti-social or reckless behavior, anger, and depression, bringing out the best in people. As a result, it can be a beneficial addition to the workplace. 

Chakra Association: Fifth (Throat) chakra

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Moon

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!