April 8th, 2017

Happy April! School continues to give me the run-around, but I've worked a couple of spiritual events into my schedule. Last weekend, the city put on an 11 Days of Compassion program, which included a morning walk over at the Gaia House labyrinth. I had to get myself up earlier than I prefer for a Sunday, but the walk was really nice.

All the flowers were blooming, including these lovely tulips.

I was standing in the center of the labyrinth, thinking about how nice it would be if the fountain were running, and then it suddenly kicked on.

Then today, a friend from school drove with me over to a local gem and mineral show put on by the regional Earth Science club.

There were so many cool specimens, lots of which were from the area, but many others of which were from around the world. Crystals, fossils - you name it, it was probably there.

I tried to keep my purchases moderate. I got a piece of Bismuth, a Celestite cluster, a big chunk of Bloodstone, a Rhodonite pyramid, an Orthoceras fossil, and some Fluorite chunks (which were actually free from one of the vendors).

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!

August 14th, 2013

Celestite

 

Physical Characteristics: This crystal is the primary source of Strontium, used in both fireworks and many metal alloys.

In Nature: Celestite occurs as crystals and en masse; it is also a common geode stone, and is found primarily in sedimentary rock deposits.

Chemical Composition: SrSO4

Mohs Scale Hardness: 3 - 3.5 (low)

Can be Found: Worldwide, but especially the United States and Madagascar

Healing Properties*: Celestite is known to ease stress on the physical body, thus preventing stress-induced disease. It improves eyesight and hearing, and also alleviates conditions of the throat. The stone both aids in the functioning of the thyroid gland and detoxifies the body.

Magickal Properties: Celestite is excellent for fostering communications with angelic beings and spirit guides. It opens a channel to the Universe's pure, positive energy, and enables a better understanding of the energetic ebbs and flows in one's life. The stone assists greatly in dream recall, and may also induce lucid dreaming. Astral travelers can use the crystal to improve accuracy in reaching a pre-determined location. Its blue color links the crystal to the throat; as such, it boosts eloquence and demands truth from its bearer - use it if you think you're being lied to, but don't be the liar. Celsetite only needs occasional recharging, and ought not be left in direct sunlight, as this can cause discoloration.

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

Element: Air

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, 2013

Whoo hoo! The World of Faeries Festival was AWESOME!
I went over to Hazelnut’s house on Friday night. We were up Saturday morning at 6:30 to get into costume and buy our lunch for the day at Subway. Since we were volunteering, we had to be at the festival grounds by 8:30; she and I helped set things up and got an early look around at the vendors.

Here's me as a Time Faery named Amser.

And here's Hazelnut as a Fox Faery named Corra.

The grounds were beautiful - we had perfect weather both Saturday and Sunday. It was warm but not hot, and there was always a gentle breeze going.

New this year to the Fest was this gorgeous Andalusian Unicorn. His rider performed a bit of dressage, and all the little fairy girls and boys got to pet his (very soft) nose.

There were a lot of other great costumes, including Nautica, the Water Faery.

There was also the ever-popular "statue lady" and her pet dove, Noah.

Then, completely by surprise, we ran into Raincloud and her recently acquired boyfriend, Fox. It was wonderful to see them again!

In addition to all the wonderful people, the Faery Fest always includes wonderful things to purchase. I spent a boatload of cash, but I haven't even the tiniest of regrets. What all did I get? Let us see...

 

The final count includes:

• Beaded pentacle necklace
• Beaded Goddess necklace
• Tumbled Howlite
• Tumbled Angelite
• Tumbled Celestite
• Tumbled Lapis Lazuli
• Tumbled Lepidolite
• Tumbled Apache Tear
• Tumbled Fairy Cross
• Tumbled Jade
• Tumbled Serpentine, carved with a Goddess figure
• De-Stress medicine pouch including seven additional stones
• Clock and key necklace
• Fairy dust necklace
• Nectarine-Guava lip balm
• Spearmint-Eucalyptus soap
• Mini steampunk top hat (see following picture)
• Celtic cross earrings and matching Snowflake Obsidian necklace (not pictured)

See? It has little elastic bands on the bottom for sliding onto headbands.

My legs will be stiff for a week, but I couldn't have had more fun with my friend. Can't wait for next year!