May 17th, 2017

I don't believe I ever shared a photo of it, but one of my birthday gifts this year was a piece of Polychrome Jasper from Rebekka's store carved in the shape of a heart. Now that I've had a little free time over my summer vacation, I finally got around to researching its properties.

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Polychrome Jasper 

(aka Desert Jasper)

Physical Characteristics: Polychrome Jasper is so named for the myriad colors it can contain, the list of which includes red, brown, purple, yellow, grey, and teal. These colors are the product of mineral admixtures, usually iron oxides.

In Nature: Jaspers are micro-crystalline, fine-grained, and opaque stones. They are comprised of massive (i.e. formed in a mass) formations of Chalcedony Quartz.

Chemical Composition: SiO2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7 (medium-high)

Can be Found: Madagascar

Healing Properties*: Use Polychrome Jasper to boost your energy; it may be helpful for managing chronic fatigue, exhaustion as a result of a mental illness, or similar conditions.

Magickal Properties: Polychrome or Desert Jasper is a figure stone, which is to say that certain specimens may appear to show images of people, animals, landscapes, or symbols, and one's associations with that image can impact the properties of the stone. The properties can also vary based on what colors are present (see below). 

Generally, Polychrome Jasper is a stone with fiery energy, associated with action, passion, and liveliness. It can be a powerful tool for transforming one's life trajectory into something more desirable; it can be used similarly for new relationships. Additionally, use Polychrome Jasper for grounding, and for finding peace and self-worth during difficult times.

Color properties:

• Red/Red-orange: Enthusiasm, physical and spiritual vitality
• Rose: New love, romance, and/or relationships
• Purple: Awe, mystery, dream interpretation, renewal
• Teal: Temperance, restoring calm, relieving stress, overcoming conflict, protection in the face of cruelty
• Yellow: Happiness, cheerfulness, contentment

Chakra Association: Root (First), Solar Plexus (Third) chakras

Element: Fire

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Earth, Mars

*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 15th, 2016

Ammolite/Opalized Ammonite

Physical Characteristics: Opalized Ammonites, known as Ammolites, are fossils wherein the animal's shell has been replaced by Aragonite, along with impurities like Calcite and Pyrite. This gives them a characteristic iridescence, usually in shades of red and green.

In Nature: Ammanoid cephalopods first appeared in the Devonian period, over 400 million years ago, going extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period. They are classified by the gas chambers in their spiral shells. After their deaths, the ammanoids fossilized into Ammonites, some of which became Ammolites.

Chemical Composition: CaCO3 with impurities

Mohs Scale Hardness: 3.5 - 5 (low to middle)

Can be Found: Most are found on the eastern slopes of the North American Rocky Mountains.

Healing Properties*: Ammolite is considered psychologically beneficial, strengthening one's will to live and offering energy and stamina. It has also been employed to ease childbirth, and to stabilize blood pressure.

Magickal Properties: Ammolite has been prized around the world as a symbol of many deities, especially those with curved horns. Pliny the Elder called them hammonis cornu, "the horns of Ammon", from the Egyptian god Amun, a ram-headed god. In one legend from the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) Nation, the Ammolite, with its form like a bison, first taught a young woman how to call the bison to be hunted. In Ethiopia, the stone was said to grant deep meditative states and prophetic dreams; today, it remains a common practice to use the spiral shape of the stone to draw one down a coiled astral path on spiritual journeys of all types, including communion with deity and past-life regression.

Ammolites and Ammonites may also be the fabled "dragonstones" or "draconites" described in some texts as protecting against poison, venomous animals, or one's enemies. In terms of sympathetic magick, the Ammolite was once home to a living creature. Therefore, it can be used in magick relating to the home, including protection, selling a house, and moving. 

The stones are protective and radiate Earth energies. As such, Ammolite is a source of grounding and of survival. Its horn shape hearkens back to the cornucopia, and so it is likewise a stone of prosperity. Ammolite can carry one into the subconscious as well as the astral - use it to transform the emotions, especially as they apply to repression, trauma, and problematic familial patterns.

Chakra Association: Particularly the First (Root) chakra, although it works with them all

Element: Akasha

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Jupiter

*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!

Aragonite

I've finished posts about the crystals I bought at Fairy Fest, but that doesn't mean my blog is totally up-to-date yet. As it so happens, I was recently able to identify two of the crystals that came in an assorted box way back at the beginning of last school year. I'm extremely excited about this, and eager to share my new knowledge with the internet.

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Aragonite

Physical Characteristics: Repeated twinning of the crystals can result in pseudo-hexagonal forms. It may also appear fibrous, branching, or columnar. It comes in clear, brown, yellow, pink, or green varieties.

In Nature: Aragonite is a carbonate mineral, but with a different crystal structure from Calcite. It forms in many marine creatures' exoskeletons, including mollusks and corals.

Chemical Composition: CaCO3

Mohs Scale Hardness: 3.5 (low)

Can be Found: Spain, USA, UK, the oceans

Healing Properties*: Use this crystal to heal broken bones or damage to the nerves. It relieves stress and related symptoms, such as restlessness or twitching. Additionally, it can improve circulation in the body's extremities. 

Magickal Properties: Named for its place of discovery in Aragon, Spain, Aragonite is a healer of the earth and a good choice for conservationists or people who regularly work with the land. If one lives in an area greatly disturbed by industrialization, this crystal can help return balance and ease sources of geopatbic stress (e.g. electrical boxes or wires). 
It strengthens all of the lower chakras, boosting self-confidence. It also has a grounding effect, particularly for those who find themselves struggling with self-care and necessary tasks.
Clusters of the crystal send out energy in all directions, and are therefore ideal for auric cleansings. Meditating with it can be intense, as it brings back repressed memories and memories from past lives. 

Chakra Association: First (Root), Second (Sacral), and Third (Solar Plexus)

Element: Earth

Energy: Projective/receptive

Planetary Association: Mercury, 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!

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 7th, 2014

Smoky Quartz

Physical Characteristics: Smoky Quartz ranges from almost complete clarity to almost black; typically, it is a translucent brown or grey.

In Nature: Natural irradiation creates free Silicon ions within the crystal, thus giving it its color. The same effect can be obtained artificially using radiation techniques. Artificial Smoky Quartz will be lesser in quality but may be more inexpensive.

Chemical Composition: SiO2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7 (middle-high)

Can be Found: Worldwide, but especially Brazil, the USA, and the Swiss Alps

Healing Properties*: Physically, this crystal treats ailments of the lower abdomen: cramps, back pain, kidney and liver problems, sexual dysfunction, etc. Moreover, it relieves mental disorders, ADD, and hyperactivity.

Magickal Properties: Smoky Quartz possesses many of the same properties as Clear Quartz, including energy amplification, but because of its chemical differences, it is rooted in the physical plane rather than the psychic. It is a grounding stone, but unlike its opaque relatives, Smoky Quartz's energy is joyful, connecting one to safety and security while lifting the spirit and transmuting negativity into positivity instead of just neutralizing it. It relieves depression, stress, and anger while keeping its bearer relaxed and centered. The stone strengthens one's survival instincts (Live in a dangerous neighborhood? Carry some Smoky Quartz.), and also eases the grieving process. Like many dark stones, this crystal is a good choice for a focus when scrying the future. Hung or placed near the bedside, it prevents nightmares and insomnia. Meditation with Smoky Quartz encourages creative solutions to problems.

Chakra Association: First (Root) chakra

Element: Earth

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Jupiter

*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!

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!

May 7th, 2013

Goldstone

 

 

Physical Characteristics: Goldstone is created when Silica, Copper oxides, and other metals are melted together. A chemical reaction occurs, causing elemental Copper to precipitate out, and the vat of melted material is sealed until it cools. The finished product is one of a sienna-colored glass with glittering copper suspended throughout it. Varieties using Cobalt instead of Copper may appear a dark blue.

In Nature: THIS STONE DOES NOT OCCUR IN NATURE. According to legend, Italian monks practicing alchemy created this stone instead of the gold they were seeking; whether this is true or not, the best-known producer of Goldstone is an Italian family.

Chemical Composition: SiO2 + Cu

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5 - 6 (low - middle)

Can be Found: Anywhere where someone has a mind to make it, but predominately Italy and China

Healing Properties*: Since this stone contains Copper, it can be used to increase bloodflow and reduce inflammation. It also protects one from ulcers and bacterial infections. Called by some a "Master Healer", Goldstone stimulates the flow of healing energy through the hands, and may assist in long-distance healings.

Magickal Properties: In some ways, Goldstone acts like Sunstone, especially in that it alleviates depression. It promotes calm, and channels energy well, such that it may be employed to charge other stones or generate energy for spellwork. The stone deflects negativity, and assists in reaching lofty goals. In addition to the aspects of physical health listed above, Goldstone may also help to heal spiritual crises, enhancing faith and belief. It balances and grounds one's energy, and, in accordance with its alchemical associations, can be used for personal transformation. Associated with Aventurine (indeed, it is sometimes called Aventurine Glass), Goldstone shares its connections to good fortune, especially in gambling and matters of money, and in travel, both astral and physical. 

Chakra Association: Goldstone is associated with the Second (Sacral) chakra.

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

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!

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.