April 23rd, 2017

Orthoceras

Physical Characteristics: Orthoceras fossils are the remains of slender, elongate shelled animals, which look similar to related nautiloid cephalopods, making identification difficult.

In Nature: With a name meaning "straight horn", Orthoceras is an extinct genus of nautiloid cephalopod, specifically of the variety native to the Baltic States and Sweden. It lived during the Paleozoic and Triassic periods, and is typically found in a limestone matrix.

Chemical Composition: CaCO3 matrix, with a fossil of varying mineral composition

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7.5-8 (high)

Can be Found: Baltic States and Sweden

Healing Properties*: Orthoceras fossils have been used to lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and to heal conditions related to the spine and to aging.

Magickal Properties: Like with many fossils, Orthoceras is rooted in energies pertaining to time; it can assist in past life discovery and meditation, moving past old traumas, and in working through transition periods. It is likewise a stone of business success, promoting prosperity and financial stability. In energy work, Orthoceras can assist with the development of psychic abilities and in Reiki healing.

Chakra Association: Root (First) chakra

Element: Earth

Energy: 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!

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!

July 9th, 2015

I have been unusually productive today! Got some reading done, reorganized a few things, vacuumed, worked another spell... I also made the effort to stay on top of my crystal research. We visited the zoo on Sunday, and I picked up a new treasure from the gift shop. Here's what I found on it.

Turritella Agate

Physical Characteristics: Fossiliferous brown Agate, which contains white or tan snail shells. The shells appear conic with multiple chambers, while the Agate matrix may appear translucent. 

In Nature: Circa 50 million years ago, rains falling on the young Rocky Mountains carried sand, silt, and mud into the nearby lakes. As the layers piled up, Elimia tenera - the snail originally misidentified as belonging to the Turritella genus - died and sank to the bottom, where they were preserved within the sediment deposits. Over time, groundwater precipitated silica into the mass, which slowly fossilized the material into Agate (Chalcedony). Often, the shells' surrounding matrix is only partly silicified, and may remain as Sandstone or Shale.

Chemical Composition: SiO2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6 - 7 (medium - medium-high)

Can be Found: The Green River Formation, in Wyoming, USA

Healing Properties*: A Root chakra stone, Turritella can assist with most medical problems of the diaphragm, lower back, and feet, including gastro-intestinal disorders, gallstones, swelling, physical balance, and so on. Worn in the center of the chest, this Agate promotes a healthy heart and veins. For a mild fever, place a cold Agate against the forehead. 

Magickal Properties: Like many fossils, Turritella Agate has a strong connection to the past, and can be used in work pertaining to one's ancestry, homeland, and heritage. They are record keeper crystals, and offer access to the Akashic Records, past life recall, and etcetera. The stone stimulates inner composure and maturity. It is also handy for travelers, warding off danger, maintaining a connection with home, and alleviating fear. They could be similarly employed by nervous drivers, as they ward off traffic accidents. 

Additionally, the Agate can be used to heighten concentration or stimulate analytical thought. Turritella is beneficial for self-analysis, as well as for dealing with deep-seated trauma and any accompanying phobias or physical symptoms of suffering. It is likewise a balancer of energy(ies); as such, it could help those who find themselves struggling with hyperactivity or manic emotional swings. It may also help to ease symptoms of dysphoria in transgender individuals, or others outside the gender binary.

Chakra Association: First (Root) chakra

Element: Earth

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Mercury

*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 15th, 2014

So after buying a boat-load of crystals this last weekend, I've been trying to sit down and identify them and realized that I've never done a post about Amethyst. Really? But 'tis so. I don't even have an entry in my notebook about it yet. If that isn't a glaring oversight, I don't know what is. Allow me, then, to remedy this egregious error on my part with this:

Amethyst

Physical Characteristics: Amethyst occurs in colors ranging from pink to deep purple. It may also posses red and/or blue hues. These colors are products of iron and other trace elements in the silica structure, as well as natural irradiation. Artificial irradiation may be used to turn Amethyst into false Citrine.

In Nature: This crystal can be found in numerous forms, but most typically as clusters or geodes. Some underground caverns have been opened which are totally filled with Amethyst points.

Chemical Composition: SiO2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7 (middle-high)

Can be Found: Brazil, Uruguay, South Korea, Austria, Zambia, USA

Healing Properties*: This stone may be employed as a pain reliever for conditions like arthritis. It also addresses diabetes, circulation, and fatigue, as well as asthma. Pregnant mothers may wear it to ensure a safe childbirth and to prevent miscarriage. Those who suffer strong premenstrual symptoms can get relief from an Amethyst. Although Amethyst can be used to accelerate the healing of illness and injury, its primary powers are focused on substance abuse. In fact, the name "Amethyst" comes from the Greek "Amethustos", "a-" being a prefix used still in modern English to mean "not" and "methustos" being "intoxicated". One myth describes how the titan Rhea gave Dionysus (Greek god of wine, theatre, and revelry) an Amethyst to preserve the wine drinker's sanity. In the 1500s, a French poet expanded on this theme by describing how Bacchus (the Roman version of Dionysus) pursued a woman named Amethyste, who refused his advances. The girl prayed for chastity, and Diana answered her, turning her into a beautiful white crystal, because this was how the Greek and Roman deities dealt with mortal problems. Remorseful, Bacchus poured an offering of wine over the stone, staining it purple. Whatever the origin of the crystal's association with liquor, it is a significant one which went so far as to influence some Christians - Western bishops may wear a ring set with Amethyst, alluding to Acts 2:15 wherein the Apostals manage to be sober at 9:00 in the morning for Pentacost. If overcoming alcoholism is one's goal, Amethyst is a tool which will work to your benefit. 

Magickal Properties: When I think "Amethyst", I think "calming". This stone is one of the most powerful emotional soothers in the mineral kingdom. Practically sedative in nature, it promotes calm, happiness, and contentment, easing anxiety and fear. It builds inner fortitude as well as flexibility, changing how its bearer responds to mental and geopathic stressors. With its extremely high vibration, expect Amethyst to clear negativity from the aura. A cluster set in a room will affect the energy of the entire space (I never put mine away!). Not only does this crystal soothe, but it also guards against danger, helping its bearer feel even more at-ease. Worn by travelers, it wards off those who may seek to take them at their advantage, while soldiers wear it to remain clear-headed in the heat of battle. If psychic attack in any form is a concern, Amethyst will divert the negativity. Powerful also in other psychic endeavors, use the stone to open the Third Eye, to meditate, and to lucid dream. Further prescribed uses include telepathy, past-life regression, clairaudience, and communing with spirits, angels in particular. The stone prevents insomnia, and is one of the best stones with which to banish nightmares, especially those which are recurrent. Dionysus was not just the god of alcohol - he was also the patron of the theatre and other visual and performance arts. His connection to the Amethyst therefore makes it an artist's stone, engendering creativity. 

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

Element: Water

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!

A side note:
There are other forms of Amethyst. For one example, check out Ametrine. Another kind, which came in the box of assorted crystals I just purchased, is called Chevron Amethyst.

• Physical: Alternating bands of white Quartz and Amethyst in a chevron (V) pattern.
• Magickal: A powerful spiritual stone, and one of the best for working with the Third Eye. It deepens meditative states and opens access to higher realms. Any psychic venture will benefit from a Chevron Amethyst.

Crystal Shapes

Crystals come in all shapes and sizes, Clear Quartz in particular. In fact, there are so many varieties available that sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. Moreover, some crystals may exhibit multiple attributes. Hopefully, this post will clarify some of that.

• The most basic form of crystal is the classic single termination. This is a crystal with one point. It can be used to direct energy, either toward an object or away from it. For example, one might point a crystal at an object to empower it, or do a protection ritual where one sits in a circle of Smoky Quartz, points facing outward, to direct negativity away from the caster.
• A long point crystal (which may also be double terminated - see below) is simply a long crystal with a point at at least one end. These can be natural or artificially sculpted, but the end result is a crystal wand, used frequently in both ritual and healing. They are quick and efficient, moving energy on the spot.
• A double terminated crystal is exactly what it sounds like - a crystal which is pointed on both ends. This formation is less common in nature and may be artificially shaped. This stone directs energy in two directions at once and is a stone of balance, integrating spirit and matter. They absorb negativity and break old habits, making them helpful for overcoming addiction. Double terminations assist with integrating blocked parts of the body or psyche, and placing one over the third eye enhances telepathy.
• A cluster, or crystal matrix, is a group of multiple points fixed to a single base. These radiate energy outward, and may also absorb negative energies. These are most often programmed and then set in place to do their work, making them useful primarily for affecting the energy of a space. Clusters can also cleanse single crystals, if said crystal is left next to a cluster overnight.
• An abundance crystal is a cluster where one point is significantly longer than the others. These stones are thought to draw abundance and prosperity.
• A geode is a geological phenomenon where a rock, hollowed by erosion, is infiltrated with crystals such that when the rock is broken open, the crystals glitter on the inside of the formation. These can be very small or many feet across. Geodes hold and amplify energy within themselves, allowing for a slow, steady release of power. They have many associations with the Divine Mother, the Cosmic Egg, and creative power. They were called Thunderstones by some Native American tribes, and were believed to be the eggs of Thunderbirds.
• Phantom Quartz occur when, over millions of years, a crystal grows entirely around another crystal, creating the "phantom" image of a crystal within a crystal. They have absorbed millions of years' worth of learning which can be accessed through meditation. Phantoms put the past into perspective, allowing for growth and personal evolution.
• Spheres (your classic crystal ball) are nearly always sculpted by man. They emit energy in all directions, and act as a focus for meditation. If one's intent is to view the future, staring at a crystal sphere (this need not be Clear Quartz - many, many varieties are available) will relax the mind and allow visions to enter the mind.
• Think of a square crystal as acting like a battery. They consolidate energy and provide a grounding influence. Salt is the most common square crystal.
• Pyramidal crystals will typically have a square base and four faces meeting in a single point. These are your manifestation stones, drawing energy up from the base, focusing it, and projecting one's intent from the point. A simple manifestation spell is to set a picture of your desire under a pyramid crystal.
• Egg shapes are less common in crystals than spheres, but they actually tend to be less expensive. These project a very gentle healing energy, and are ideal for finding and repairing energy imbalances in the body. The narrower end can be used as a reflexology or acupuncture tool. They can also be employed as worry stone in times of stress.
• Some stones have no definite structure, and may be referred to as amorphous solids. If you hear "amorphous", think "glass". Natural glasses - Obsidian, Apache Tear, Tektite, etc. - all have amorphous structures. Energy flows quickly through them, making them fast-acting stones. 
• All crystals with many layers, like Lepidolite or Desert Rose, act sympathetically, such that one can see the "many layers" of a situation and act accordingly.
• Tabular crystals are kind of like slices of bread, in that you have two opposite, flat sides which are much wider than the other two sides. Many of them have grooves usually running perpendicular to the length of the stone. These can be rubbed to activate stores of information. The stone itself offers little resistance to energy and directs it easily. They are tools of communication, preventing confusion and misunderstanding. 
• Elestial stones have many terminations folding over another multilayered crystal. Their energy is very gentle, soothing emotions and removing fear. These are stones of past life regression and karma work.
• Occlusions can occur within any sort of crystal, and are essentially where one stone has another, separate mineral inside it. Tourmalated Quartz, for example, is Clear Quartz with Tourmaline occlusions. These stones amplify the energy of the inner crystal and direct it. 
• True generator crystals have six sides all meeting equally in a single point. Large or small, these stones are ideal for producing energy and provide a powerful kick start to any magickal endeavor. In other formations, such as the one I purchased, multiple smaller crystals may be combined to create a formation favorable to energy genesis.
• A generator cluster is one in which many individual, long points are all fixed at the same base. Each point can be programmed for a different purpose, unlike in traditional clusters.
• A so-called "manifestation crystal" is one where several larger crystals totally enclose a smaller crystal. They are very powerful for getting what one wants, but to make a bad pun, one's intentions must be crystal clear, without any ambivalence. Generally, they work best when one's desires are not selfish. These stones can also stimulate creativity, promote visualization, and improve the effectiveness of group work.
• Cathedral Quartz are usually very large specimens with one bigger point and at least one other medium-sized termination, joined at the base. They plug directly into the universal unconscious and Akashic Records, making them the metaphorical Google of information-retrieving stones. At least one source suggests that these stones seem initially to posses no vibration whatsoever, but which after careful examination proves to have "an eerie inner glow". Having never seen one, I can neither confirm nor deny this observation.
• Record Keeper crystals are recognized by the triangle shapes etched on their sides. Some may also have a chevron pattern of etching. They represent the total harmony of body, mind, and spirit, and are portals of spiritual wisdom. Placed on the Third Eye, one can access one's past, personal or collective. Activate them by gently rubbing the pyramid shape.
• An "etched" crystal may appear to be covered in hieroglyphics, cuneiform, or other forms of ancient writing. These stones provide a direct link to the past. Use them to access your past lives as well as the esoteric knowledge of our ancient ancestors. They can be especially helpful with connecting to ancient rituals and initiations.
• Scepter Quartz looks rather like a club, in that the main, thicker crystal has grown out of a shorter, stubbier crystal. They generate and amplify energy, and are excellent healing stones, fixing the cause of a problem rather than just its symptoms. According to legend, these were symbols of power in Atlantis and Lemuria. Use them to solve infertility or to balance male and female energies in the body. 
• A reversed scepter has an additional small crystal projecting from the base of the primary stone. These transmit healing energy, cleanse it, and return it to the healer. They soothe the mind and remove illusions.
• Windows occur in crystals that have two pentagonal faces. The small, triangular face between them is the window. These provide a doorway into the self, and can help one balance the material and the spiritual. They can also help to find missing persons if one projects a strong enough visualization into the window.
• A self-healed crystal has many small points where it was broken from its base and then laid down fresh crystals. As one might suspect, these are healing stones and teachers of the healing arts.
• Quartz specimens with an indentation or aperture in it are called key crystals; the indentation is often three or six sided. Meditating with these crystals unlocks the hidden parts of the self, as well as information you may not otherwise be able to access.
• Tantric Twins (aka Soulmate crystals) are two stones of approximately equal size joined along one side, which also have clearly distinct and separate terminations. They enable the bearer to find someone with whom they truly connect and form a harmonious relationship. This could mean a romantic partnership, but could also be a lifelong friend.
• A twinned stone where one crystal is smaller than the other may be used to strengthen parent-child or employer-employee relationships.