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!

September 26th, 2015

It was a little surreal to just sit and relax this afternoon after being in a constant state of motion all week, but I did make myself take some time to recharge. I ended up doing a page in a Japanese brocade-pattern coloring book that my mom sent me in the mail.

Complex patterns like this, as well as mandalas and similar, are great tools for active meditation; that is, if you find it difficult (as I sometimes do) to calm your mind just sitting still, then coloring is a good way to center and focus while still doing something.

Now, I wasn't doing this as a meditation today. Instead, I sat watching some YouTube videos by other Pagans and just generally trying to expand my knowledge base. Still, in the future, I may very well use it as a meditative technique. I may also cut up a page or two and paste smaller drawings into what I've decided to call my Scrapbook of Shadows, especially if I need decorations for pages on Shinto deities, practices, etc.

June 10th, 2013

Would you believe it if I said I've done almost nothing but read since school got out last Monday? It's true - I've gone through eight and a half books so far. All of these have been non-Pagan in nature, but don't worry - I have probably 20 metaphysical books that I have yet to read as well.
Before school finished, my brother apparently knocked a chip off of a piece of science-class Obsidian and was allowed to bring it home. Since he knows I love rocks, he let me have the piece. I've been meaning to post about it for a while, and just fought off the procrastination bug. 

Obsidian

 

 

Physical Characteristics: Obsidian is a naturally occurring glass, though for the sake of simplicity, I will use the word "stone" in the following descriptions. Most varieties are black.

In Nature: This glass forms when felsic lava cools very rapidly without much crystalization, forming an extrusive (above ground) igneous "rock".

Chemical Composition: SiO2 + MgO + Fe3O4

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5 - 6 (middle)

Can be Found: Argentina, Canada, Chile, Greece, Iceland, Japan, Mexico, Scotland, the USA, etc.

Healing Properties*: Obsidian alleviates pain, reduces tension, and accelerates the closing of wounds. It helps with ailments of the stomach and intestine, and cleanses the liver of toxins. The stone is especially beneficial for people living with environmental pollutants.

Magickal Properties: This stone deals extensively with the transformation of energy. It can, for example, release pent-up energy, or turn negativity into positivity. Furthermore, it may be employed in ritual to ground and center, and to clear the subconscious of blockages, as Obsidian is symbolic of the entrance to the labyrinth. Black Obsidian is a highly protective stone warding off abuse and psychic attack. Additionally, it helps one manage bad habits and cravings. Use Obsidian to face both present challenges and those left over from previous lifetimes. When working with one's karma and the like, one ought to pair Obsidian with its opposite, Clear Quartz, for balance.

Chakra Association: The First (Root) and Sixth (Third Eye) Chakras

Element: Fire

Energy: Projective

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!

March 31st, 2013

I was reading a book today about the Japanese Tea Ceremony, called (somewhat obviously) The Book of Tea. To illustrate a point, the author, Okakura Tenshin, related a traditional Japanese parable. I so enjoyed it that I thought I'd share it here:

The Taming of the Harp

Once in the hoary ages in the Ravine of Lungmen stood a Kiri tree, a veritable king of the forest. It reared its head to talk to the stars; its roots struck deep into the earth, mingling their bronzed coils with those of the silver dragon that slept beneath. And it came to pass that a mighty wizard made from this tree a wondrous harp, whose stubborn spirit should be tamed but by the greatest of musicians. For long the instrument was treasured by the Emperor of China, but all in vain were the efforts of those who in turn tried to draw melody from the strings. In response to their utmost strivings there came from the harp but harsh notes of disdain, ill-according with the songs they fain would sing. The harp refused to recognize a master.
At last came Peiwoh, the prince of harpists. With tender hand he caressed the harp as one might seek to soothe an unruly horse, and softly touched the chords. He sang of nature and the seasons, of high mountains and flowing waters, and all the memories of the tree awoke! Once more the sweet breath of spring played amidst its branches. The young cataracts, as they danced down the ravine, laughed to the budding flowers. Anon were heard the dreamy voices of summer with its myriad insects, the gentle pattering of rain, the wail of the cuckoo. Hark! a tiger roars - the valley answers again. It is autumn; in the desert night, sharp like a sword gleams the moon upon the frosted grass. Now winter reigns, and through the snow-filled air swirl flocks of swans and rattling hailstones beat upon the boughs with fierce delight. 
Then Peiwoh changed the key and sang of love. The forest swayed like an ardent swan deep lost in thought. On high, like a haughty maiden, swept a cloud bright and fair; but passing, trailed long shadows on the ground, black like despair. Again the mode was changed; Peiwoh sang of war, of clashing steel and trampling steeds. And in the harp rose the tempest of Lungmen, the dragon rode the lightning, the thundering avalanche crashed through the hills. In ecstacy the Celestial monarch asked Peiwoh wherein lay the secret of his victory. 
"Sire," he replied, "others have failed because they sang but of themselves. I left the harp to choose its theme, and knew not truly whether the harp had been Peiwoh or Peiwoh were the harp."

I liked the story for a couple of reasons: the evocative language and beautiful description of nature, and that moral that those who do best are those who are humble. I also thought (did anyone else do the same?) that the description of the tree in that first paragraph could be easily employed as the basis for a grounding and centering meditation. Maybe that's just the nerd Pagan in me. ;D

October 7th, 2011

Today's weather is absolutely gorgeous. I'm sitting at my desk writing this with all my windows open, enjoying the gentle breeze and fresh air. One of my two Pagan friends, Hazelnut, is coming over around 4:30 this afternoon, and I'm super excited. More on that later. :) It occurred to me today that some people, particularly those new to the Craft, might be left confused after my post on Wednesday, where grounding and centering is concerned. So, I thought I would do a (hopefully) brief post on how this is usually done. Note that I say "usually": I am here presenting the method that I use, and that I have seen used in books and rituals most often. That does not mean it is the only way to ground or center. Without further adieu:

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To ground, begin by sitting or standing with the back comfortably upright. Utilizing a straight-backed chair can be particularly helpful if you're inclined to slouch. Plant both feet firmly on the ground, and imagine that you are a tree: roots travel down from your feet far into the earth, gathering nutrients and energy from the soil. Try and hold on to this image for at least a minute, and really soak in the feeling of stability the earth energy gives you. Centering is usually done after grounding, though I suppose one could center first. Imagine your body's energy gathering into a super-concentrated ball of gold energy at your solar plexus, an area just above your belly button. One is literally centering one's energy in their body. Again, hold this image for about a minute. Then continue on with your meditations.

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Grounding and centering is also important in magick. It is wise to do this both before and after a spell, ritual, etc.