August 9th, 2015

My piece of Aragonite I was able to identify from flipping through some crystal books, but this stone I had to take with me to Fairy Fest and ask around at some of the vendors to learn the name of. It turned out to be synthetic, which I had already guessed at, but here's what information the internet had on it.

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Carborundum

Physical Characteristics: A black crystal that sparkles like a rainbow in the light. Carborundum is water insoluble and does not fade in sunlight, so the more popular modes of cleansing are appropriate for this crystal. As it is synthetic, cleansing it of other people's energy is vital. Do exercise some caution, as pieces may be brittle and break with rough handling.

In Nature: Carborundum only occurs very rarely on Earth; when it does, it is called Moissanite and is generally found in meteorites. The crystal was first developed for mass production in 1890 when Edward Acheson attempted to create artificial diamonds with clay and powdered Carbon. It quickly became popular as an industrial abrasive.

Chemical Composition: SiC

Mohs Scale Hardness: 9.5 (very high)

Can be Found: Rarely in meteorite or Corundum deposits, but is commonly produced in laboratories 

Healing Properties*: The stone can help to clear the mind of chaotic thoughts and stress, while clearing stress' physical symptoms from the body. It can also assist in the treatment of depression or more general melancholy. Carborundum heals eye strain, headaches, and computer-related injuries. Back and neck pain may also be lessened with the stone, as can the severity of problems with the skeletal system.

Magickal Properties: Carborundum is a meditative crystal, inspiring serenity and peacefulness. It strengthens the bond with one's "inner child", or perhaps more accurately with the part of one which is playful and curious before such behaviors are socialized out of our personality. 
It is a purifying stone, and encourages intuition. As a conductor of electricity, Carborundum will amplify energy in any sort of working, but especially in healing efforts.

Chakra Association: All

Element: Air/fire

Energy: Projective/receptive

Planetary Association: Earth

*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!

Chrysocolla

Chrysocolla

 

Physical Characteristics: Because of its blue color, this stone may be confused with turquoise.

In Nature: Chrysocolla forms in the oxidation zones of Copper ore and is usually found in masses, not individual crystals. It may also be found as vein fillings.

Chemical Composition: (Cu, Al)2H2Si2O5(OH)4·nH2O

Mohs Scale Hardness: 2 (low)

Can be Found: Worldwide, but especially the USA and Australia

Healing Properties*: The stone raises the metabolism and may assist those seeking to achieve a healthy weight. It provides relief from ulcers and arthritis. Chrysocolla also alleviates cramps, infections of the throat, liver toxicity, and high blood pressure.

Magickal Properties: Chrysocolla is generally associated with peace and tranquility, as well as intuition, patience, and unconditional love. It is a powerful stone of life-force energy and feminine empowerment. Chrysocolla releases feelings of guilt, fear, and tension, building one's inner strength. It releases resentment and helps admit forgiveness. It is extremely helpful to releasing anger and pain related to all forms of abuse. The stone promotes promotes level headedness and clarity of thought. Chrysocolla enhances creativity, female energy, and communication. Lay it on the Third Eye to enhance spirituality. The stone bridges the earth and sky as well as the physical and astral realms.

Chakra Association: Fourth (Heart) chakra, though it lightens the aura and removes blockages from all seven.

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 16th, 2013

At long last, I'm getting around to posting this! 

Moonstone

 

 
Physical Characteristics: Moonstone can come in a variety of shades, from almost clear to a beautiful light blue. Looking closely, one might see pink, green, and apricot hues.

In Nature: This stone is composed of many thin layers of feldspar fused together; these refract light, giving the stone its characteristic rainbow-like appearance.

Chemical Composition: (NaK)AlSi3O8

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6 (middle)

Can be Found: Australia, Mexico, Madagascar, Burma, Norway, Poland, India, Sri Lanka, and the United States

Healing Properties*: Use Moonstone to assist with female bodily dysfunction and childbirth, or to relieve the lymphatic system, stomach, pancreas, and pituitary gland. It could also be employed to reduce swelling and excess body fluids.

Magickal Properties: Moonstone carries the vibration of Goddess energy, and is thus reflective and calming. It strengthens psychic and intuitive perception and brings the user into balance with Spirit. The stone is said to grant wishes, and aids in dieting, gardening, and meditation. Moonstone soothes stress, anxiety, and women's hormones; it further helps prevent one from being overcome emotionally. The stone assists those of either gender in becoming more comfortable with their feminine side. Water signs find Moonstone ideal, as do gardeners, dancers, and artists. To cure insomnia, pair Moonstone with Amethyst. In magick, Moonstone makes an excellent substitute for Pearl. It draws love and is gently protective of its bearer, especially while travelling and/or while on the water, while also providing wealth and prophetic abilities. Matched with Garnet, the stone reveals the truth behind illusions and will unmask enemies. Moonstone opens the gateway to the subconscious, especially at the full moon. Finally, employ the stone to strengthen one's connection with a patronus or spirit guide.

Chakra Association: Because of its range of properties, Moonstone works with several: the Second, or Sacral, the Fourth, or Heart, and the Sixth, or Third Eye, chakras.

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Moon (I know it's not a planet, but it's considered one in astrology)

*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 10th, 2012

I saw this earlier and it made me smile.

Hazelnut and I went to Styx & Stonez, a local metaphysical store, on Saturday. She got two new CDs, a piece of quartz, Scott Cunningham's Wicca, and a dozen small taper candles. She also got me a black taper, since I didn't have any. It's a beautiful store with practically one-stop-shopping for most typical metaphysical supplies. 

I've also been working my way through Teen Psychic, by Julie Tallard Johnson. It's full of great information, with personal and traditional stories from around the world. The book has sections on chakras, the Rainbow Body, spiritual empowerment, psychic protection, and psychic visions, among other things. It's great for anyone looking to develop their intuition, teen or not.

Celtic Tree Month: Alder

Today is the first of the Celtic Tree Month of Alder, known as Fearn by the Celts. The Alder tree, in the birch family, is deciduous, with simple serrated leaves. The tree also flowers, with long male catkins and shorter female catkins on the same plant. The trees are mostly pollinated by wind, but bees also act as pollinators. The Alder is particularly noted for its role in nitrogen fixation, having large nodules in the roots, wherein live small bacterium that absorb nitrogen from the air and greatly improve soil quality. For anyone who passed 9th grade biology, the Alder is a pioneer species, meaning that it spreads to new areas and prepares previously barren area for the species that follow it. The timber has been used historically for building bridges and foundations, as the wood is very water-resistant.
According to Welsh legend, the Alder tree was sacred to Bran the god-giant. Like the tree sacred to him, Bran made his body into a bridge in order to invade Ireland and help his sister, Branwen. Unfortunately, Bran's head was cut off, and was buried under the modern-day Tower of London. Supposedly, the ravens living in the tower and Bran's sacred birds. Interestingly, it is also said that the Alder fairy can fly in the form of a raven.
In magick, the Alder is well known for having divinatory properties, and therefore this month is characterized by prophecy and getting in touch with one's own intuition. If you are musically inclined, consider carving a flute out of an Alder shoot, and using it to call spirits of Air. Similarly, the tree has connection to the Fey, and charms made of Alder can be used to contact them.
While the Alder is not poisonous, it's also not known for being particularly tasty. The catkins of some species are edible, but due to a highly bitter flavor are generally left for a means of survival only. On the other hand, the bark was common among the Blackfoot Native Americans as an infusion to cure tuberculosis and lymphatic disorders. Now, I personally do not recommend that if you have tuberculosis you go out and make tea with Alder bark; indeed, unless you are an expert forester and know without question that bark from a specific tree is safe to ingest, I would highly advise against it. However, the Alder was also used by the Native Americans as an ingredient for smoking mixtures, so if you happen to have an Alder tree nearby, you might consider using fallen branches in your spring bonfires.