February 25th, 2017

I cannot believe I am only just now finishing my research on the stones I acquired at Fairy Fest over six months ago, but to be fair to myself, I've been busy with school and we had a bunch of family crises, so finding the time and energy to do my research has been a challenge.

Anyhow, the last Fairy Fest stone I have to share information on is Andara Crystal Glass; I was gifted a chunk of it by an energy worker at the festival, and it's a variety of crystal with a rather contentious, questionable story behind it. The long and short of it is, Andara Crystal Glass is synthetic, not natural (more on that below), and as such, many unscrupulous vendors will hype up the crystal while providing little factual information on it, and then charge an outrageous price for the stuff.

My stance on synthetic crystals is firmly positive - I enjoy Opalite, Goldstone, and etc. both aesthetically and magickally - but it is important to know before you buy that this is not some incredibly rare and hard-to-come-by mineral. Make sure the price tag reflects that.

~~~~~

Andara Crystal Glass

Physical Characteristics: This variety of glass can be found in virtually any color, and in varying opacities.

In Nature: Andara Crystal Glass is not found in nature. It is cullet glass leftover from other glass-making processes, and often found in the slag variety. Slag glass is its own subsection of streaky, opaque glass, often used decoratively in light fixtures, but the main takeaway is that this is not a naturally-occurring crystal. 

According to one story, a California earthquake in the 1960's uncovered a buried deposit of some of this glass, and that is what brought it to the attention of the metaphysical community. This makes sense in passing, as California is highly earthquake-prone, but I was unable to find confirmation of this from a reliable source, so take the story with a grain of salt.

Chemical Composition: Silica-based, varies by method of production

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5.5 - 6.5 (middle)

Can be Found: Theoretically, wherever glass (especially slag glass) is made

Healing Properties*: None noted besides the benefits listed below

Magickal Properties: The information available on Andara Crystal Glass is mixed, some of it being believable, and some of it going straight off the metaphysical deep end. That being said, Andara Crystals are generally associated with energy work. They can be imbued with Reiki energy, and likewise are used for clearing the chakras and raising one's personal vibration.

Other uses include raising one's conscious awareness, and channeling information. They are stones of positive thought, and for connecting to the energy of the universe and/or deity. Andara Crystal Glass is best charged with light, sunlight being the most effective.

Individual colors have their own meanings which can be investigated further, though keep a critical eye when reading through information provided by vendors trying to sell their product.

Chakra Association: Crown (Seventh) Chakra

Element: Akasha

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Uranus, Moon

*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 14th, 2016

Blessings for Esbat and the Super Moon! I couldn't actually see it tonight for some reason, but the moon was gorgeous last night.

That picture was taken by Destiny; my camera phone was not cooperating at all. Still, it was big and honey-yellow. 

I did a ritual tonight for love, healing, and hope. If you have the time and inclination, I would encourage you out there to do one as well. Goodness knows we could all use it. 

July 16th, 2016

Bubblegum Agate

Physical Characteristics: This is a kind of eye Agate, which gives it a spotted appearance. Bubblegum varieties are typically red, pink, yellow, and/or grey.

In Nature: Scientists remain uncertain how eye Agates form, but one theory shared in Minnesota Rocks & Minerals states that this formation, which occurs in gas bubbles called vesicles, happens when the vesicle is given access to more silica than other Agates of a comparable size, and that excess material interacts with the crystal structure to build the hemispherical spots. Eye Agates are usually small, pea- to palm-sized.

Chemical Composition: SiO2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6.5 - 7 (high)

Can be Found: South Dakota, USA

Healing Properties*: None noted beyond the psychological benefits listed below.

Magickal Properties: As they are fairly rare, there is little research readily available on the metaphysical properties of Bubblegum Agate outside of some anecdotal information. That being said, one crystal healer's YouTube series describes it as a stone of the inner child, helping one rediscover a lost sense of playfulness and wonder. Additionally, if you are the sort of person who has difficulty indulging or taking time for yourself, Bubblegum Agate can help you better manage your self-care.

Chakra Association: First (Root) chakra

Element: Fire

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Moon

*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!

The Sun Goddess

Today I finally finished reading The Sun Goddess, a book I started at the beginning of the semester. I would just like to say straight off the bat that this was an excellent book, and I would highly recommend it.

I came across the text after watching The Pagan Scholar on YouTube. The fellow who runs the channel, Travis, is an academic who reads and reviews scholarly works on contemporary Paganism. He had reviewed a title called Eclipse of the Sun, a book on sun goddesses, and I was really interested in reading it. However, when I went to order some books with a giftcard, I couldn't remember the title, nor could I find the video he talked about it in (I now know it was "Ouch, My Paradigm"). I ended up looking at other books on sun goddesses instead, and decided that this one looked promising. I ordered it, and am nothing less than pleased with it as a scholarly examination of the sun goddess narrative.

Title: The Sun Goddess: Myth, Legend and History

Author: Sheena McGrath

© 1997

Sheena McGrath is a practicing Pagan now living in California. She has been involved in groups in England and Canada, and has her degree in medieval studies.

McGrath's book opens with a proposition: that modern Pagans (and non-Pagan scholars, for that matter) who automatically associate the goddess with the moon and the god with the sun are looking at mythology too one-dimensionally. She proposes instead that the majority of pre-Christian Indo-European religions worshiped a sun goddess, with a corresponding moon god. She then goes on to prove this thesis with evidence from a plethora of Indo-European cultures, citing language, migration patterns, iconography, and surviving verses and folklore; she makes a compelling argument suggesting that, historically, the Greeks and Romans were really the odd ones out in terms of assigning gender to the luminaries. 

McGrath begins by introducing the reader to the Indo-Europeans, describing how and where they lived, how language patterns (and in particular, gendered language regarding the sun and moon) changed, and why she chose to compare their mythologies. Namely, Indo-Europeans prior to Christianization had a mythological cycle which was identifiably similar across political, cultural, and ethnic boundaries.

She then launches immediately into describing known sun goddesses from across Western Europe, talking about what we know of their worship, the symbols they used, and what remains of their stories. McGrath starts with Sól in Germany, then moves to Sunna in England, and continues with Freya in Scandinavia, St. Lucia in Sweden, and Œstre of the Saxons.

Next, she looks at Eastern Europe, beginning with the Baltic Saule. She talks at length here about the myth cycle, comparing it to trends in other regions, and in particular examining the frequent pattern of a moon god who seduces the sun goddess' daughter, the sun maiden, as well as twin sons of the sky god who are to be the sun maiden's husband(s). McGrath examines some known sun maidens, and includes in her list Auszrine. She also describes the horse and the swans as being significant examples of sun goddess imagery.

The following section traces sun goddesses in Slavic mythology, looking at Solntse, who between Her and Her sun maiden daughter also fulfill a role in the cult of the dead. McGrath further describes Slavic goddesses of the solstices, a mysterious solar goddess frequently depicted on traditional wedding embroidery, and how even in the Catholic church, the Virgin Mary has come to have solar aspects in Russia.

Then McGrath moves to the Celts, pointing out Grian and Graínne, as well as goddesses of hot springs like Sul, and fire goddesses like Brigit. The Celts also worshiped a series of horse goddesses, and McGrath reiterates her position that equine goddesses usually have a solar aspect. These include Áine and Macha. 

She also covers Arinitti and Nikkal of the Hittites, Arevhat of the Armenians, and Mtsekale of the Georgians.

While McGrath does acknowledge that the Greeks do not generally support her proposal (and indeed, notes that part of the reason for the dominance of the moon goddess, sun god narrative is a fierce historical obsession with neo-classicism), she does point out that it's not all so cut-and-dried as Helios or Apollo as the sun god with Selene or Artemis as the lunar goddess. McGrath brings up references to a female Helia, as well as the the strong solar imagery associated with Pasïphae (who mated with the very lunar bull in the story of the labyrinth). Other Greek women associated with the sun include Circe, Medea, the Hesperides, Eos, and even Helen of Troy.

Then the text moves on to India, where the sun god, Surya, has an aspect, Savitar, which is sometimes addressed as female. There is also his horse goddess wife, and a daughter, Suryaa, a sun maiden who marries twins, as in other Indo-European mythologies. Then there is Tantra, a fire goddess, and Ushas, goddess of dawn.

The next few chapters restate much of what has been said already, but categorizes information differently so that if one were looking for a specific piece of information, it would be easier to locate. One chapter discusses the relationship between solar goddesses and mazes, while others discuss the moon, sky, and thunder gods.

The final sections of the book switch from scholarly research to application, a pleasant surprise for me, as I had not expected this book to contain any information on ritual. McGrath provides a very simple ritual structure, and then offers several guided meditations and rituals by which to honor various sun goddesses and moon gods. 

Whew. If that seemed like a long summary, it's because it was. This is not an especially thick book (177 pages, not counting appendices or the bibliography), but it is dense. There is a ton of information here to read through, all of it very completely researched. If I had one criticism of the book, it would be that the organization of chapters felt, at times, a little arbitrary, but that is a small, small complaint. The book is fully cited from other reputable researchers (including references to Eclipse of the Sun, which makes me chuckle), and I learned an incredible amount about goddesses I had never even heard of before. 

Not only that, but this issue of assigning gender to the sun and moon (which in and of itself I feel is a fairly unnecessary practice, but that's a topic for another time) is an important one, because when we as a community get into this practice of automatically pairing the moon with women and the sun with men, we start leaving the door open for stereotyping and misogyny. 

Why? Because it's never really just that we pair women and the moon, is it? We pair women with all of the other metaphysical associations we have with the moon, namely passivity and receptivity. Meanwhile, men get paired exclusively with the active, sending energy of the sun. This type of binary thinking isn't beneficial to anyone of any gender, because no person exhibits one sole type of behavior all the time, and to suggest otherwise is ultimately limiting. 

Therefore, for that and other reasons, I feel that books like this are really critical for breaking the paradigm in contemporary Paganism, and coming to realize that mythology is complex, and that no one single narrative will ever fit every culture, nor should it, and nor should we try to make up or twist facts to suit a limited world view. 

9.5/10, absolutely read through this if you have the chance.

February 21st, 2016

Leaving therapy tonight, none of the street lamps were on so it was very dark. The moon, however, is very nearly almost full, and was large and bright shining through the wispy clouds. My phone did not get a great picture of it, but it was lovely, and a little moving.

January 26th, 2016

I've had an almost-unnerving amount of free time after my last few days of class in which to sit and read, so I've been working my way through my new books. The first one I picked up was Moon Magick, which I've seen recommended on a few different Pagan and/or witchcraft channels I watch on YouTube. I'll be honest right off the bat: I did not love this book. My review of it, therefore, may be a bit rant-y. You have been warned.

Title: Moon Magick: Myth & Magic, Crafts & Recipes, Rituals & Spells

Author: D. J. Conway

© 1995

I was first intrigued by this text because it sounded like it should be extremely comprehensive, and the formatting reinforced that impression. Also, the artwork throughout the book is quite beautiful. 

The first chapter examines accounts of the moon's effects on human behavior, while the second examines beliefs relating to the lunar year. From there, the book breaks down every lunar month into its own chapter, and lists a ton of information corresponding to each one.

These chapters begin with a quick breakdown of which lunar goddesses around the world have festivals in that particular month. It follows this with a bit more elaboration on the purposes of these festivals and the deities they are associated with. Each month also has a list of magickal correspondences, including stones, herbs, colors, animals, and etc. Conway provides surviving bits of folklore attributed to that moon, and then several simple recipes to try. Each chapter also has ideas for small crafts, incense or potpourri blends, and summaries of the myths of the relevant goddesses. She even provides sample rituals honoring those deities.

It may sound pretty decent, and I cannot deny that there are parts of this book which were quite good, and which I will use. However - I have a few pretty significant complaints to lodge against this text which prospective readers may want to be aware of. Possibly these are related to the age of the book (it turned 20 last year), but as modern Pagans continue to read books like this, the associated issues continue to persist in our community.

First: this text does a great job further solidifying the gender roles which are often assigned to women in ritual, specifically the idea that women can only relate to moon goddesses (one of the other books I'm reading at the moment is doing a marvelous job at arguing against this premise), that feminine always equates to passive, receptive, and/or negative energy, and that masculine and feminine energies are the only kind which exist. As a woman with several friends and acquaintances who do not subscribe to the gender binary, this strict adherence to the male/female division strikes me as cissexist, especially when one considers that there are many deities who are agender, genderfluid, or otherwise neither specifically male nor female. On a side note, some of her cologne or herb blends are specifically listed as being "for men", because apparently Conway's notion of gender is outdated enough that she thinks men cannot enjoy lighter scents, and that women won't like something spicier or more savory.

Another issue I take with this is that it is at times very Eurocentric. While I have no issue learning more about Artemis, Diana, and Selene, there are moon goddesses all over the world, and I would have liked to learn more about them, especially as this book is making the claim to be a global representation of moon worship. There was little information from Africa or Asia, and virtually none pertaining to North or South America. Not only that, but what information there was about non-European cultures was at times just plain incorrect. I cannot claim to be any kind of expert on mythology, but there were some instances where even as a layman, I could tell that Conway's information was wrong. In one instance, she has a "Japanese friendship branch" craft, which she claims is given for weddings, birthdays, and new homes. In six and a half years of studying Japanese language and culture, I have never heard of anything remotely like this, and google does not turn up any results which remotely resemble what Conway is talking about.

Additionally, I found several instances where the language pertaining to other countries and peoples is objectifying at best, possibly tending towards racist by today's understanding of language. For instance, it strikes me as being inappropriate to take a drink based on Indian recipes and refer to it as "exotic", and I also am not thrilled by her practice of adding cinnamon or sandalwood to an incense and thinking that somehow makes it suddenly "middle eastern". If there are actual historical precedents for any of her blends, she did not list them. She could easily have named them something else without any stereotypical overtones. 

Moreover, I object to Conway just taking traditional practices from existing cultures and re-writing them for Wiccan-flavored rituals. While I do think people should work with the deities that call to them, I think that that should in all cases be done respectfully. Appropriating bits of somebody else's culture and pantomiming their religious practice does not in any way strike me as respectful. 

Of less importance, but still irritating to me, Conway cites herself a couple of times, which from a scholarly perspective is a problem, especially as I don't think any of her other books can be considered especially authoritative in their fields. Not only that, but she also interrupts herself a few times to recommend other Llewellyn products. I can't decide if that was her choice, or something Llewellyn advised her to include, but in either case, I don't need to be marketed to while I'm trying to read.

TL;DR: If you're looking for very general, beginner information about lunar deities, it might be worth skimming through Moon Magick and seeing what appeals to you. However, I would take what Conway says with a grain of salt, as her historical information in this text strikes me as very suspect at times, and her treatment of South and East Asian deities in particular is often exotifying. It's definitely the sort of thing I'd borrow or buy used, rather than paying full price.

January 20th, 2016

This was meant to be posted yesterday, but funnily enough, I was reading and forgot. Over the holidays, I received gift cards for Barnes and Noble, and I was able to use them to acquire some books I've been wanting to read for a while now. Three of these are applicable to the contents of this blog, and they all just arrived, so I thought I would share, that you too may experience the joy of new books vicariously through me.

Now, I say "new", but I actually bought all of these used. You can get a lot more bang for your buck that way. I started off with D. J. Conway's Moon Magick, which I've seen several very complimentary reviews of on YouTube. I also picked up a second Conway book, Dancing With Dragons, which has been on my "to read" list for years. I saw it ages ago in a bookstore, thought it looked interesting, and have never been able to get a hold of a copy. 

The last book I picked up was The Sun Goddess, by Sheena McGrath. I had seen a review for a solar goddess book which sounded really informative, but when I went back to look it up, I couldn't find the review anywhere, so I'm not positive this is the same text. Still, it sounded like it had a lot of really interesting content.

I will be reading these as I have time over the semester, and will certainly review them when I've finished!

September 28th, 2015

Last night's Blood Moon was so amazing. I don't even have words, so I won't bother trying to describing it. I've been in such a peaceful place all day today, it's been lovely.

I got a few grainy photos of the moon on my phone, so I'll share some of those.

This is a shot of the moon around 7:45, before the eclipse. There was just a really nice view of it over the neighboring building.

This is the moon around 9:00, when it was about three-quarters of the way eclipsed.

And this is the moon around 9:15, almost fully eclipsed.

My mom got this amazing shot of the Super Moon effect back home.

She also got this fabulous image of the moon in eclipse. If only my camera-phone took pictures that crisp....

September 27th, 2015

It's the lunar eclipse tonight, everyone! Tonight is the Harvest Moon, "Super Moon", and Blood Moon eclipse all at the same time. It is also the end of a four-year astronomical cycle, called a tetrad. You may have noticed we've been having a lot of eclipses recently; two last year, and tonight will be the second this year. These four eclipses happen about every 11 years, and are significant to different groups for different reasons. 

Some Christians, who take the Bible more literally, consider it a sign of the Apocalypse, as noted in the New Testament. Apparently, there's also a pastor who's claiming that they represent the fulfillment of a prophecy in his denomination. 

The Inca believed that a jaguar attacked the moon during this time, staining it red, while the Mesopotamians believed that it was a sign their king was in danger of demonic attack, and so they would install a surrogate king for the length of the eclipse to bear the brunt of any injury. To the Hupa Native American tribe, of northern California, the belief was that the moon had forgotten to feed his pet mountain lions, and so they attacked him.  

On the Pagan side of things, eclipses can be considered an entire lunar month compressed into one evening, as the moon waxes, reaches full, and wanes as the eclipse occurs. Therefore, magick done during this time can really pack a punch, although one should be certain that one knows what one wants, as the effects can really be far-reaching. 

At this time, as this is the end of a moon cycle, and also of the summer season, magick is best centered around banishing and letting go. I know I'm planning to continue the work I began at Mabon, releasing old energies and moving past some things. I'm hoping to go out tonight and actually see the eclipse, but it's supposed to be cloudy all day, so I don't know if I'll be able to.

It should also be noted that while lunar eclipses are often called "Blood Moons" for the reddish color they turn as light refracts through the atmosphere, the general name of the October full moon is also the Blood Moon, and these events are not the same thing. 

August 24th, 2015

I had my first round of classes today, and on the whole, they went pretty well. I did spend a couple of hours doing homework this afternoon, but it luckily wasn't anything too stressful. I was able yesterday to read my new book from the thrift store, but by the time I finished it, I didn't get the chance to do a review. Hopefully I can bang one out in short order here.

Once again, the title of this was We'Moon '07: Gaia Rhythms for Womyn. The 2007 theme was "On Purpose".

This was a datebook and sort of almanac for the year 2007, but it also contained a lot of general astrological information, poetry, short stories, information on the sabbats, and lots of gorgeous illustrations. Interestingly, the calendar component also followed the lunar calendar, so there was that element of femininity to it.

Parts of this book were really great, and parts I was less interested in. The spelling of "women" as "womyn" threw me off a bit. I do have grapheme > color synesthesia, and any time the spelling of something is altered, it also changes the color of the word, so that was weird. They did it, they explained, to create a word etymologically separate from the word "men"; "women", "female", and etcetera are all obviously derived from words referring to the male gender, which the authors apparently found too patriarchal. I sympathize with the sentiment, but found their solution to read as rather contrived.

Besides that small linguistic criticism, I found it to be very readable, and actually more inclusive than I had been afraid it would be. Obviously the calendar was eight years out of date, but if this sounds like the sort of thing you'd want to look into, they are offering a 2016 datebook on their website here.

The message of this book, On Purpose, was really about intention, and using one's energies to focus on the future. A lot of the works asked, what can I, as a person, do to make the world a better place for future generations, and I think that's a message which still bears relevance eight years later. Much of the discussion was about the environment and climate change, but social justice was also a prevalent theme.

There was a poem about being gender-nonconforming, some art and a story by disabled women, works which crossed racial lines... In general, it struck me as being one of the more intersectional books I've come across.

I'd originally bought the book thinking maybe I'd cut out the artwork and do a collage or something, but now that I've read it... Yeah, I think that's just going to stay intact on my bookshelf.

A few other things from today...

That's my "back to school" picture outside the design building.

And then, I was able to pick some sage today!

I only got a couple of leaves, but remember that spiral garden I helped build last spring? Sage and kale were about the only things that grew, and there's a lot of them! I'll probably harvest more gradually, but I need to clean out another jar first.

August 11th, 2015

Oh look, it's my 400th post. I don't have anything particularly spectacular for the occasion, but it's been a productive morning. I spent several hours finishing off my weighted blanket this morning. Ta da!

It weighs about nine pounds, and I got my four little crystals in the corners for some extra soothing energy.

Then I sat and did some further research on Athena, and specifically Her festivals. I found some rather interesting information; first, that Her birthday is celebrated monthly on the third day. Of course, the Greeks followed the Attic calendar rather than our Gregorian one, and the Attic calendar corresponded to the lunar cycles, so the third day of their month actually falls two days after the new moon. For those working with Athena, a new moon ritual this day would be an appropriate way to honor Her. One could incorporate Her worship into an Esbat, or one could opt for a more Reconstructionist approach and honor her with a specifically Hellenic ritual format.

Personally, I think that for now at least, I will continue my Esbat ceremonies only on the full moon, and on Her festival I will give Her offerings in a format more traditionally Hellenic.

Athena also has the festival of Plynteria, which falls on the 22nd - 25th of Thargelion. The month of Thargelion begins on what we would today know as the first new moon of May, and may continue into June. Plynteria honored Her as Athena Polias, or Athena of the City. In this aspect, She is the protector of Athens. At this time, her temples were ritually cleaned, and it was recommended that one avoid new ventures as Athena was resting and would not be available to bless one's efforts.

Blue Moon 2015

What a weekend it has been! A blue moon, Lughnasadh, and Fairy Fest, all overlapping one another!

Destiny came over on Friday and we got all our costume things sorted for Fest. We also did an Esbat ritual to celebrate the blue moon, which was her first time doing an Esbat as well. I won't get into all the details, but we got dressed up in some robes of mine and some pieces of magickal jewelry - a pentacle and Tangerine Quartz necklace for me, and a silver wolf necklace for her.

My phone doesn't have a front-facing camera, so my selfies always turn out a little blurry-looking. I thought this was a cute pre-ritual picture, though.

We enjoyed a nice ceremony where we did some spellwork to further our long-term goals, and then afterwards we took leftover cookies and juice outside for offerings, standing under the moon for a while. It had what looked to us like a blue halo around it, and was very bright over the neighboring houses.

As always, my camera-phone utterly failed to do the phenomenon justice, but the pure Goddess energy was really spectacular.

The next morning, we had to be up quite early for Fairy Fest. Lughnasadh dawned bright and clear this year, and for once we had an actual harvest to honor - our tomato crop has delivered in droves now that my dad and brother built them a planter box. 

As you can see, the tomato on the left was bigger than my hand. We've also had bowls full of cherry tomatoes, and as of yesterday several more large heirlooms have come into ripeness.

I took this photo of a (very short) sunflower soaking up the morning rays after I paused a moment outside to set down a bit of toast in offering. Destiny and I enjoyed the light for a bit, and then it was off to Fairy Fest! 

February 5th, 2015

I totally missed my Imbolc post. That may have something to do with the fact that I've basically been doing nothing but continuous schoolwork for the last 72 hours and never even had the chance to celebrate. Perhaps I will be able to tonight, depending on how late my roommate is out. I missed Esbat, too, for the same reason, but the moon was absolutely lovely tonight. The sad camera in my phone utterly failed to capture a photo, but it was large and honey-yellow and just sort of hanging in the air while I spent my evening running across campus-town.

In the meantime, I'll leave you all with this video. It's of a sleepy little Peruvian hummingbird snoring. (FYI, it's very high pitched, if those sorts of noises are hard for you to listen to.)

August 10th, 2014

Aquamarine

Physical Characteristics: This crystal is a blue or turquoise-colored variety of Beryl. When uncut, the rough stone is typically characterized by fine ribbing scored along its length.

In Nature: The stone's coloration comes from Fe+2 ions; when the ions present are Fe+3, the stone turns yellow (Aquamarine Chrysolite), while the presence of both Fe+2 and Fe+3 ions produce a dark blue color which fades to white if exposed to direct sun.

Chemical Composition: Be3Al2(SiO3)6

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7.5 - 8 (middle-high - high)

Can be Found: USA, Brazil, Colombia, Zambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya

Healing Properties*: The crystal reduces dependency on drugs and strengthens the kidneys, liver, and other purifying organs. Aquamarine is also noted as being a powerful remedy for poor vision. It is a stone of the Throat Chakra, which makes it ideal for healing glandular problems in the neck, tonsillitis, and even the standard sore throat. 

Magickal Properties: Aquamarine is considered indicative of both its bearer's feelings and the weather. If one is calm and relaxed, the stone appears bright blue, while negativity or depression turns its translucence turbid. Likewise, a stretch of bad weather is said to turn the stone dull green. For a stone whose name means "Water of the Sea", it should be immediately apparent that many of the stone's properties are water-centered. Since ancient times, it has been the talisman of seafarers - today, a soldier in the Navy might benefit from an empowered Aquamarine as readily as a fisherman or water sportsman. It wards off storms over water and grants safe passage on all liquid bodies. It is also a folk remedy for seasickness. Aquamarine is a stone of truth, illuminating the causes of unpleasant situations so that one can progress, and its energy is compassionate, encouraging the judgmental to be more tolerant. It accelerates intellectual reasoning, and enables flexibility and moderation. The stone encourages one to be prepared while easing the burden of responsibility. Aquamarine is a stone of peace, and can reconcile quarreling lovers. It is practically an essential crystal for Sea Witches, and for those wishing to expand their psychic horizons, Aquamarine may also be a good choice. Allowing a crystal to soak in a bowl of water under the moonlight for three hours creates a gentle cleansing elixir.

Chakra Association: Fifth (Throat) chakra

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Moon, 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 8th, 2014

Labradorite

Physical Characteristics: The shining play of colors (technically called "Labradorescence") within this variety of Feldspar is a side effect of molecular changes within large Anorthosite crystals. Like Opalite Moonstone, light refracts as it passes through the stone, breaking into bands of blue, green, and yellow. Predominantly yellow varieties may also be called Spectrolite.

In Nature: Labradorite occurs in mafic igneous rock, and is common in Basalt and Gabbro.

Chemical Composition: (Ca, Na) (Al, Si)4O8; (Ca, Na) must be between 50% and 70% of the total composition

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6 - 6.5 (middle)

Can be Found: Canada, Norway, Finland

Healing Properties*: This crystal may help detoxify the body from the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and more severe substance abuse. Labradorite is best used to heal ailments of the throat and lungs, combating everything from the common cold to bronchitis. It can also treat eye and brain disorders, soothe anxiety, and ease the symptoms of PMS. The stone lowers blood pressure and alleviates rheumatism.

Magickal Properties: Inuit lore claims Labradorite as the frozen fire of the Aurora Borealis, while other peoples connect it to Arianhrod, the Lady of the Silver Wheel, or Iris, Goddess of the Rainbow. It is a stone of magick, and has been used by shamans, magicians, and healers alike since before its official discovery. Labradorite is a powerful protector, shielding the aura and guarding its bearer from all types of misfortune. The stone does not only ward off danger but actively draws forth beneficial "coincidences". It enhances all psychic abilities (clairvoyance, telepathy, prophecy, astral travel, etc.), assists communication with higher powers, and opens the Akashic Records. In fact, the stone's nickname - the Temple of the Stars - can be seen as a direct reference to the Akashic Records. Labradorite eases the transition of moving between worlds and the return to the present. The stone tempers the negative side of one's personality, reducing anti-social or reckless behavior, anger, and depression, bringing out the best in people. As a result, it can be a beneficial addition to the workplace. 

Chakra Association: Fifth (Throat) chakra

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Moon

*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!

October 16th, 2013

Our house is getting spookier every day as we approach Samhain - I set my altar up on Monday, and it looks fantastic! Plus there's going to be a lunar eclipse on Esbat Friday night (7:50 pm EST, I believe).

The proper name for this month's full moon is "Blood Moon". I don't know if that is because of the eclipse or it's just a fascinating coincidence, but either way it's appropriate, as lunar eclipses color the moon pink!

I understand that some people find eclipse energy difficult to work with and so choose not to work magick on eclipsed Esbats. What are your thoughts?

 

August 9th, 2013

Howlite

Physical Characteristics: Howlite is a white mineral veined with grey. Rarely forming crystals, the most common form of Howlite is large, cauliflower-like nodules of stone. As it is both soft and white, the stone is easily dyed. The most common dye is a light blue. Given the natural grey veins, this causes the Howlite to look like Turquoise, and it is sold under the name Turquenite. Do not be fooled - Turquoise and Turquenite are not the same stone.

In Nature: This stone occurs in evaporite deposits, and especially around Gypsum-heavy regions. Some Gypsum miners actually consider Howlite a nuisance stone.

Chemical Composition: Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5

Mohs Scale Hardness: 3.5 (low)

Can be Found: Canada and the United States

Healing Properties*: Physically, Howlite releases muscle tension and heals stress-related conditions: ulcers, heart problems, rashes, acne, etc. The stone also assists in balancing the body's calcium level.

Magickal Properties: Howlite is recognized for its associations with self-awareness, creativity, and improving one's attitude. The stone enables character building and dispels anger, resentfulness, and selfishness. It enables one to look within for answers and helps one communicate clearly in the midst of emotional crisis. Students will love this stone, as it is great for beating procrastination (I think everyone at my high school needs a piece!). Meditating with Howlite takes one on journeys outside the body and activates past life recall. Predominantly a calming stone, Howlite eases insomnia and soothes the overactive mind - light sleepers will be especially appreciative of its effects. It relieves stress and bolsters dream recollection.

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

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Moon (Yes, we know it's not technically a planet.)

*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 24th, 2013

Well, we had a rainy Esbat last night, which was unfortunate as it was also the "super moon", the day of the year where the moon is closest to Earth. You couldn't see it at all through the clouds. Nevertheless, I did a nice impromptu ritual by my window wherein I empowered some water for healing by using a Moonstone, Quartz Crystal, and a Holed Stone (a stone with naturally occurring holes in it). I then left the water in front of the window to soak up lunar vibrations. Why, you ask? I've had an unfortunate bout of tendinitis in my wrist for the last few months, and the medication I've been taking is only helping very slowly, so I decided to get some magickal backup. Hopefully it helps! :)

June 22nd, 2013

Well, I promised a post about Selenite, so I guess I'd best deliver, huh? I must admit, I was very excited when Grandma gave me that candle holder - I've been wanting a bit of Selenite for a while, and anything that will hold one of my numerous candles is a good thing!

Selenite

 

Physical Characteristics: Selenite is a crystalline form of Gypsum, often without imperfections. Though many specimens will have no inclusions to speak of, some Selenite can be found with really unusual inclusions, like fossils or liquid water - be aware that the properties of these will add to the stone's potential.

In Nature: This stone is an evaporite, forming in dried alkaline lake muds, clay beds, seas, salt flats, and caves. Specimens have been discovered dating back to the Silurian Period, making them about 443.7 million years old.

Chemical Composition: CaSO₄ · 2H₂O

Mohs Scale Hardness: 2 (very low)

Can be Found: Gypsums in general are very common, and can be found on all seven continents.

A Public Service Announcement: DO NOT cleanse Selenite in water. Because the chemical structure contains water, exposure to the liquid can cause the stone permanent damage.

Healing Properties*: In healing, the stone ensures the proper flow of bodily fluids (recall that Selenite is named for Selene, goddess of the Moon, and that the Moon causes the movement of bodies of water), including fluid in the spine. It aligns the spinal column and promotes flexibility. The stone may also guard against or reduce the severity of epileptic seizures. Selenite improves the body's capacity to absorb Calcium; if one is not properly assimilating vitamins and minerals, work a ritual with Selenite to correct the problem. It also protects women and unborn children during pregnancy.

Magickal Properties: Selenite is a stone of psychic communication, facilitating interaction with ancestors, deceased loved ones, spirit guides, and other higher beings. Use Selenite to boost telepathy, divinatory skill, and access to the Akashic Records. Professional mediums and clairvoyants may find the stone especially beneficial. As the stone's vibration is very fine, it brings clarity of the mind and opens the Crown Chakra. Use it to access higher consciousness. Selenite links with one's light body, helping to anchor it in earthly vibrations. Selenite is an effective cleanser and charger of other stones. Likewise, one can Lay it on the body or move it through the aura to balance the body's energy. The stone promotes dream recall and improves one's ability to access past life memories. Wands may be made of Selenite in a tabular crystal form; for example, I have seen Chakra Wands made with a Selenite base.

Chakra Association: The Sixth (Third Eye) and Seventh (Crown) Chakras are closely connected to Selenite, though the stone works with the others as well.

Element: Water

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Moon (I know it's not really 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!

April 25th, 2013

.....

I got my books today!

The left book is Scott Cunningham's Earth, Air, Fire, & Water, a book about
elemental magick, and the one on the right is Drawing Down the Moon, by Margot Adler, which is about the history of Paganism in the United States. I'm finishing up the last book in The Lord of the Rings right now; these are on my list-of-things-to-read as soon as I'm done! In the meantime, I'll just have to sit and stare at them...