June 21st, 2017

Happy Litha, Midsummer, Summer Solstice, and whatever else you might like to call today! I have been very engaged in my summer internship, hence my lack of posts, but I did want to take this opportunity to recognize the shifting from the light to the dark half of the year. My internship has revolved around rebuilding homes which were destroyed last year in a flood, and this week in particular has really represented a culmination of energy as walls and roofs have been raised.

My fellow interns and I drove past a deer this evening, which stood and stared through the car window for several minutes. It did not occur to me at the time that it was the solstice, but in retrospect, it feels like a good omen.

May the summer treat you kindly. May the warm rays of the sun uplift your spirits, even as the days begin their slow descent towards the equinox. Let the fields and all your labors be bountiful, act with love in your heart, and be Merry Met in the season to come.

August 29th, 2016

Rhodonite

Physical Characteristics: This Manganese-containing mineral occurs in a rosy pink along with blacks and browns formed through surface oxidation.

In Nature: Rhodonite crystals are thick and tabular, but are rare. More commonly, it occurs in masses. It is found in metamorphic rocks where other Manganese-bearing minerals are common. Other varieties containing Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, and/or Zinc also exist.

Chemical Composition: (Mn⁺², Fe⁺², Mg, Ca) SiO3

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5.5 - 6.5 (middle)

Can be Found: Russia, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Sweden, Peru, England, USA

Healing Properties*: Considered an ideal crystal for healing minor injuries (cuts, insect bites, etc.), Rhodonite is also thought to heal serious illnesses like auto-immune diseases or Parkinson's. For these purposes, one might pair Rhodonite with Rhodochrosite. The stone also strengthens the internal organs and can assist the body in passing gallstones or kidney stones.

Magickal Properties: With a name that comes from the Greek "rhodos" meaning "rosy", Rhodonite is a stone of the heart and the emotions. Its primary use is for dispelling anxiety, envy, and jealousy. Nurturing love, Rhodonite increases self-assurance and provides calming energy in a strained environment. Rhodonite offers equilibrium after a major upset of any kind, and can restore energy which has been drained as the result of emotional trauma. Victims of physical or emotional abuse may find working with Rhodonite a helpful coping mechanism.
Another name for Rhodonite is "Orletz"; allegedly, the crystal was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia, where the locals had noticed eagles carrying pebbles of it up to their nests. The name Orletz translates to "Eagle Stone". Finding documentation of this is difficult, but at least one Russian mineralogy site lists Orletz as an alternate name, lending the story some credence. The story goes on to say that it became custom to put Rhodonite in the cradles of babies and the pockets of travelers for protection. It is the national stone of Russia, and incidentally also the state stone of Massachusetts in the USA.

Chakra Association: Heart (Fourth) Chakra

Element: Fire

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Venus

*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!

July 17th, 2016

I've had some research on Aventurine written up for a long time now, but I apparently never typed it out. Since I've been posting about the stones I acquired while on vacation, of which a rough piece of Aventurine was one, this seems like as good a time as any to publish this.

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Aventurine

Physical Characteristics: Aventurine is most commonly found as a green, lustrous stone, although orange and brown varieties also exist.

In Nature: This stone's characteristic shine comes from the inclusion of Fuschite, a Muscovite-bearing Mica. The effect is referred to as "aventurescence". Aventurine may be confused with Sunstone or Malachite, while Goldstone, also known as Aventurine Glass, may be sold as imitation Aventurine.

Chemical Composition: K(Al, Cr)2AlSi3O10(OH)2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7 (high)

Can be Found: Primarily India, Chile, and east of the American Rockies; also Brazil, Russia, Spain, Austria, and Tanzania

Healing Properties*: Green Aventurine is a helpful partner in psychotherapy, treating heart and lung disorders, and increasing muscle flexibility. It also improves eyesight. The stone treats skin disease, such as eczema and other rashes, and eliminates warts. It improves metabolism and the digestive system.

Magickal Properties: Aventurine is a lucky stone, especially the green variety. It brings opportunity, and is most often noted as a stone for gamblers. Additionally, Aventurine strengthens one's sense of self and helps to reinforce a positive outlook. Relieving anxiety, Aventurine soothes the emotions. It enhances a healthy sense of humor and cheerfulness, and may also draw unexpected adventure or luck in love. Aventurine provides balance and can aid in dreaming. It clears the aura, and helps one to find independence. Moreover, the stone encourages creativity, and brings success to artists.

Chakra Association: Sixth (Third Eye) and Seventh (Crown) chakras

Element: Air

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Mercury

*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!

July 13th, 2016

I've spent some time the last few days researching the stones I acquired on our June vacation, and I am pleased now to share my research. I'll probably spread posts out over the next few days, but to get things started, let's consider Snowflake Obsidian. For other posts related to this crystal, check out Obsidian and Apache Tears.

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Snowflake Obsidian

Physical Characteristics: Obsidian is a naturally-occurring volcanic glass. It is most commonly black, although other colors can also be found.

In Nature: A chemical instability in Obsidian causes the stone to crystallize gradually. It does this unevenly throughout the stone, with these areas becoming radial clusters of grey-white Cristobalite crystals. The Cristobalite resembles snowflakes, especially when tumbled.

Chemical Composition: SiO2 + MgO, Fe3O4

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5 - 5.5 (middle)

Can be Found: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Italy, Japan, United States (e.g. Yellowstone), etc.

Healing Properties*: In the body, Snowflake Obsidian is most commonly used to manage problems with the skeleton, symptoms of mental illness, and blood circulation.

Magickal Properties: My mother's cousin gifted me my piece of rough Snowflake Obsidian, and she told me when she did that it is a stone of centering, which it is. This makes it a good anchor in chaotic situations. The stone is useful for removing negative energy from a space, and could be beneficial during shadow work or at other times when harmful thoughts and emotions need to be dealt with. Likewise, it is useful when cleansing a space because of its ability to absorb negativity. It helps to foster inner peace in the face of turmoil, and is generally protective in nature. A stone of balance, the black and white of Snowflake Obsidian represents the union of opposites.

Chakra Association: First (Root) chakra

Element: Earth

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Saturn

*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!

November 1st, 2015

And as of today, the Samhain season is over, and we move on towards the rebirth of Yule. I was thinking a lot the past few days about why we consider Samhain to be the "Pagan New Year", and the conclusion that I've come to is that the sabbat is really the final celebration of death on the Wheel; from Lughnasadh to Mabon to Samhain, we're considering the harvest and the autumn and the gradual shutdown of nature. 

Now, in the month and a half before Yule, is a fallow period of quiet contemplation. We can determine our goals for the next year, get our things in order, and be ready to begin again like the sun on the winter solstice. If we imagine the Wheel of the Year as a tree, then this period is the acorn, lying dormant under the soil. Above the surface, nothing appears to be happening, but beneath the earth, there is so much potential ready to sprout. 

I did a bunch of cleaning today, as well as redecorating. I had a lot of Samhain decorations to take down, and a few little Thanksgiving items to replace them with. It feels far too early still to decorate for Yule, and besides, those things are all at home; I'll have to be sure to pick them up over Thanksgiving break. 

I wanted to redecorate my altar, and so I shifted everything around a bunch. I've decided to try keeping an ancestor altar up year-round, and my crystals also wanted to be switched out. Then I had some sugar maple leaves I'd pressed, so I set those around as well. 

It feels a lot calmer in here after the fact, and I opened my essential oil bottle for a bit this morning, so the whole room smells like frankincense.

This is the Quartz point I received at yesterday's ritual. Since it has such a strong tie to banishing magick, I decided to set it on my altar facing one direction, with my other, invoking Quartz point facing the opposite direction. It struck me as a good way to balance out the energies.

Kyanite

Kyanite

Physical Characteristics: A metamorphic rock which forms under high pressure, it is rich in aluminum, while the presence of manganese can turn it orange. It is most commonly blue, although black varieties also exist.

In Nature: Kyanite may display chatoyancy in the manner of Cat's Eye. Its presence is used to predict the temperature, depth, and pressure at which its host rock formed.

Chemical Composition: Al2SiO5

Mohs Scale Hardness: 4.5 - 5 (middle-low - middle)

Can be Found: Worldwide, wherever Gneiss, Schist, Pegmatite, and Quartz are put under high pressure

Healing Properties*: This stone may assist one with breaking addiction of any kind, or with healing diseases of the throat or larynx.

Magickal Properties: Like Citrine, Kyanite is a stone which recycles and and cleanses energy so thoroughly that it never needs to be cleansed itself. It has a calming effect on the entire body, neutralizing stress and fear. It also keeps one from feeling drained; for instance, an introvert might wear a piece to a party.
When meditating, Kyanite opens the mind to psychic abilities, heightening intuition. It can assist one in connecting to higher spirits, or in improving one's dream recall. Meditate with Kyanite to deepen your understanding of your identity. A balancing stone, it brings the chakras into alignment and nurtures trust and respect. 
As a stone of blue energy, Kyanite is a master of communication. Whether one is a diplomat, a thespian. or a public speaker, the stone can help to improve one's skills. Also, it assists in developing a solution or a compromise rather than arguing over the issue, and in bridging the gap between very different beliefs. 

Chakra Association: Fifth (Throat) and Sixth (Third Eye) chakras

Element: Air, water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Neptune

*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!

August 5th, 2015

Spirit Quartz (aka Cactus Quartz)

Physical Characteristics: Most Spirit Quartz is a variety of Amethyst, and so this post will focus on this type. However, some varieties may appear as Citrine, Smoky Quartz, or White Quartz, and these will have additional properties.

In Nature: Spirit Quartz occurs when hundreds of tiny points grow off the sides of a central, larger Quartz point. As stated above, most specimens are a subtype of Amethyst, and as such appear as a gentle purple or pink. Any specimen which appears to be iridescent in some ways is likely Aura Quartz, which has been artificially treated. See my post about Ruby Aura Quartz for more information.

Chemical Composition: SiO2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7 (high)

Can be Found: The Magaliesberg Mountain region of South Africa is the only area known to produce Spirit Quartz.

Healing Properties*: Bringing emotional healing on all levels, this crystal may be used by the passing and the bereaved alike to come to peace. It likewise heals skin disorders or blistering and etcetera as a result of an allergic reaction. The stone can also help to manage Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or abuse-related stress disorders. 

Magickal Properties: In the words of the vendor who sold me my piece, this is an incredible social stone which promotes harmony in any group, be it family, friends, or peers. In the home, it welcomes guests, newborns, adopted or foster children, and even pets. Merging step-families might want to bring in a piece of Spirit Quartz to ease any initial tensions; the crystal may also help to reconcile quarreling siblings. 
As it promotes group consciousness and cooperation, a coven or study group could find it beneficial in building team unity. Use it to heighten psychic perception and dreaming, or to facilitate out of body experiences. It is also useful for cleansing the aura or a room, dispelling negative entities or energies.
This crystal is specifically one of non-duality and balance on a spectrum. Amethyst Spirit Quartz is about beginnings and endings; through this one sees its balancing properties, as well as its capacity to seek karmic justice in traumatic situations.
Especially useful in artistic endeavors, it stimulates creativity and imagination. Regardless of how it is used, the numerous small points amplify energy and send it out in all directions.

Chakra Association: Seventh (Crown) chakra, but may be used to heal any of them

Element: Spirit/Akasha

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Any

*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!

April 7th, 2015

My afternoon class got cancelled, so I decided to use the time to get caught up on a few things. One of those things includes finally getting around to researching the properties of Chrysanthemum Stone. I received my piece of it as a gift from my grandma several years ago, and neither of us knew what it was. Then I got Judy Hall's The Crystal Bible, and came across an entry about it. Now, an eternity later, I finally got my information on it consolidated.

Chrysanthemum Stone

Physical Characteristics: These stones are most commonly black with white inclusions, although the matrix surrounding the "chrysanthemum" may also be dark brown or red.

In Nature: Sources on both the composition and formation of Chrysanthemum Stones differ in explanation. The matrix can appear as a mineral called Xenotime, limestone, or clay, while the interior may be Zircon, Celestite, Calcite, Andalusite, or etcetera.

Chemical Composition: Various

Mohs Scale Hardness: 3 - 4.5 (low)

Can be Found: Japan, China, Canada, USA

Healing Properties*: In matters of health, use Chrysanthemum Stone to ease problems with the skeletal system, nails, and eyesight. It can also help to dispel abnormal growths. Those who struggle with depression or anxiety may find that this crystal eases some of the symptoms. 

Magickal Properties: The name comes from the Japanese 菊石, or "kiku-ishi", which literally translates as "Chrysanthemum Stone". The crystal's black and white nature lend it associations with harmony and balance. It brings joy and enthusiasm to one's life, and makes a great gift for one starting out on a new path. Heightening one's energy vibration, these stones can cause more meaningful synchronicities to occur around their bearer. As such, they can bring prosperity and general good fortune. They may also be used in the same vein to encourage manifestation. It has been said that the floral nature of the crystal inclusions can help those struggling with self-esteem issues to open up and "bloom". Use this stone for reflective meditation when one needs to open pathways to happiness and contentment. This can also have a grounding effect.  

Chakra Association: Seventh (Crown) chakra

Element: Water

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Neptune

*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!

September 14th, 2014

Tektite

Physical Characteristics: These gravel-sized stones occur in shades of black, green, brown, and grey, and are generally opaque. They are essentially pure glass, because they are created so quickly that even microcrystals do not have time to form within the structure. Also, they contain almost no water, unlike other natural glasses, such as Obsidian. Tektites are found in huge numbers spread across meteoric "strewnfields" - one such field stretches halfway across the United States!

In Nature: Tektites are often confused with meteorites, but please note that there is a distinction. Tektites are made wholly from terrestrial matter, forming when an extraterrestrial object hits the ground and melts or vaporizes earthly debris. To translate that into English: when a meteorite hits the earth, the impact melts the surrounding rock, and it is this which solidifies as Tektites, not the meteor itself. 

Chemical Composition: SiO2, nominally, but the composition is largely determined by the location of the impact crater.

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6 - 7 (middle to middle-high)

Can be Found: Australia, Czech Republic, Germany, Ghana, USA, China, Belize

Healing Properties*: Use Tektites to speed recovery from injury and illness. The stone may also help those with depression lift their spirits. Tektites improves blood circulation and capillary health.

Magickal Properties: Tektites are a stone of psychism, especially telepathy. The longer they stay in one's energy field, the stronger the effects become. They raise one's personal vibratory energy and strengthen the aura, while additionally allowing you to expand your consciousness during meditation. Tektites ward off negative entities - keep one in your pillowcase and it may also encourage lucid dreaming and astral travel. When working a manifestation spell, include a Tektite to encourage synchronicities (i.e. beneficial "coincidences"). The stone clears blockages in the lower chakras and links them energetically with the higher ones. The stone's connection to the extraterrestrial enhances communication with other worlds and allows access to higher knowledge. Tektite helps one release undesirable experiences, retaining lessons learned, but also allowing one to move on. Traditionally, the stone encourages fertility, which may also be taken to mean creativity. It balances male and female energies in the body and is considered a stone of good fortune in numerous cultures. 

Chakra Association: First (Root) through Third (Solar Plexus)

Element: Fire

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Tektites do not have a planetary association that I could find. Given the nature of their formation, it makes most sense to associate them with meteors and asteroids. 

*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!

August 6th, 2014

The second stone I bought at Faery Fest is commonly called Peacock Ore, due to its flashy, metallic colors. I should note that this is a stone that is becoming less common - unless you are actively seeking out lapidary stores or vendors, you may never see it. I suspect that this is to do with the Copper content (at least 60% according to one source); with Copper being so highly valued at present, it seems likely that more of this ore is being refined into metal as opposed to being sold to collecting metaphysicians. Also, just for the record, this is post #300! Thank you so much to all my wonderful readers for putting up with my crazy and sticking with this thing I call a blog.

Peacock Ore

Physical Characteristics: This mineral begins as a coppery-red and then tarnishes to beautiful iridescent shades of blue-green and purple. If the sample contains Pyrite, this will be visible as gold flecks on the surface.

In Nature: Also called Bornite (and sometimes incorrectly Chalcopyrite), Peacock Ore is a sulfide and is an important source of commercial Copper. It is found in Copper deposits and as dissemination in magnesium-rich igneous rocks, metamorphic deposits, and sedimentary shales.

Chemical Composition: Cu5FeS4

Mohs Scale Hardness: 3 (low)

Can be Found: USA, England, Austria, Zimbabwe

Healing Properties*: In terms of healing, this stone promotes cellular regeneration and will heal the spiritual and physical causes of most ailments.

Magickal Properties: Peacock Ore is associated mostly with energy work. As a multicolored stone, it opens and balances all chakras, also removing energy blockages. Moreover, its benefits to one's psychic senses and abilities are numerous. Peacock Ore opens the mind to ancient esoteric knowledge and may help one access the Akashic Records. The stone opens new avenues for self growth, and is a valuable meditation aide. It dispels negativity and is generally a mood lifter.

Chakra Association: All

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Mercury

*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!

August 5th, 2014

I bought several new stones this weekend, and will naturally be posting information about them as I research it. This is the first such post.

Ametrine

Physical Characteristics: Ametrine is a translucent mixture of Amethyst and Citrine. The color gradient blends Amethyst's purple with Citrine's gold.

In Nature: Technically called Trystine or Bolivianite, the stone's coloration comes from different oxidation states of the Quartz, which is in turn caused by different temperatures being applied across the crystal's length during its formation.

Chemical Composition: SiO2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7 (middle-high)

Can be Found: Bolivia, Brazil, and India

Healing Properties*: This stone strengthens the nerves and promotes oxygen distribution in the body. Water that has held an Ametrine for several hours will reduce fever and the associated aches, while worn around the neck the stone reduces trembling and sweating. Generally, Ametrine combats hardening of the arteries, as well as more specific complaints like dementia, deafness, and problems with the eyes. When preparing for an artificial implant or limb, Ametrine is said to help the body accept the addition.

Magickal Properties: Ametrine has the properties of both Amethyst and Citrine, but it also possesses unique qualities of its own. In particular, it is known for blending masculine and feminine energies. The stone, as a result, can benefit anyone (societal gender roles make a habit of squashing one energy or the other), but it could perhaps be most helpful to those of a non-standard gender identity or sexual orientation. It links the higher spiritual chakras with the lower, mundane energy vortexes, enhancing mental and spiritual clarity. The powerful Citrine/Amethyst combination strengthens the will while also releasing stress. It is a particularly potent stone for battling addiction. Ametrine stimulates the intellect and banishes negativity from the aura. The stone also gives a major boost to psychic workings, whether one is doing readings, spirit communication, or astral travel. It can likewise protect against psychic attack.

Chakra Association: First (Root) and Seventh (Crown) chakras

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Mercury

*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!

August 18th, 2012

I just finished cleansing the house! After the events of yesterday, and the passing of one of my dad's good friends, I thought the energy really needed to be cleared, and it already feels way better in here! Energy cleansing is an important part of regulating the health of a household, and should be done after a bad fight, break-up, divorce, death, or other negative occurrence. It can also be done even when nothing bad has occurred, to keep the positive energy fresh and flowing. All you need is some salt, water, and a bell (but you don't even need that if you can clap your hands). Bless and cleanse the first two. Put three pinches of salt into the water and stir, while consecrating the mixture as holy water. Then walk into the room where the most negative energy is clinging (if, for instance, you are cleansing after an argument, go first to the room where the argument took place). Dip your fingers into the holy water and draw a banishing pentagram in the air. Say something along the lines of:

"I cleanse this space of all negativity, in this world and in the astral. Nothing evil or nasty, real or imagined, can ever abide here. So mote it be." 

Then sprinkle some of the water three times in a counter-clockwise circle. Ring the bell or clap your hands until the energy in the room has been raised to a normal, positive level. Repeat the procedure in every room of the home. Note: energy should always be cleansed after a new home, apartment, dorm, etc. is purchased. Old negativity from the previous owners can hang around otherwise.
Now that I'm home, and have some time to do so, I can finally finish off my running gemstone presentations with today's final stone (for now), Unakite.

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Unakite

Physical Characteristics: Unakite appears as a pink stone mottled with an  olive green. It may look almost mossy, and have little pink showing. If there is no pink, however, the stone may not be Unakite, but green Epidote.

In Nature: Unakite is an altered granite composed of pink feldspar and green Epidote, mixed with clear quartz.

Chemical Composition: SiO2 + Ca2(Fe,Al)Al2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6.5 (middle)

Can be Found: South Africa, the USA, Brazil, and China

Healing Properties*: By releasing emotional trauma, the whole body is impacted, with healthier organs, muscles, and other tissues. Unakite is important to a safe pregnancy, aiding healthy growth of the infant, and, if one is underweight, can help one reach a safe body mass.

Magickal Properties: Unakite provides balance between the mundane and spiritual lives. It helps remove obstacles to personal growth, allowing one to let go of pain and anger. The stone builds self-confidence, strengthens courage, and allows one to really take control of one's life. Additionally, Unakite can be taken into difficult situations, to retain one's personal power. Unakite also has associations with finding lost objects, gardening, and attracting spirit guides.

Chakra Association: Unakite is best synchronised with the Third, or Solar Plexus Chakra, and the Fourth, or Heart Chakra.

Element: Fire, Water

Energy: Projective, Receptive

Planetary Association: Mars, Venus

*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!