December 26th, 2013

I was bored this morning, and frequently when I am bored I play with my photomanipulation software. For lack of another idea, I decided to make a quick illustration of the chakra crystal layout I did yesterday, in case my halfhazard explanation in the previous post was somewhat ambiguous. All the images are shopped together off the internet, so don't sue me, please.

From the bottom up, the list runs as follows:

• Grounding Cord - Andalusian Cross Stone
• Base Chakra - Red Jasper
• Sacral Chakra - Carnelian
• Solar Plexus Chakra - Citrine
• Heart Chakra - Rose Quartz
• Throat Chakra - Turquoise 
• Third Eye Chakra - Lapis Lazuli
• Crown Chakra - Lepidolite
• Higher Crown Chakra - Clear Quartz

Get comfortable - you may want a mat or a blanket, the latter especially if you're likely to get cold. I always find that energy work makes me feel warm, so I didn't use one, but you may find differently. You may want to play music - my family was watching a movie, so I popped in my earbuds, but sometimes silent meditation can be even more powerful. Lay out the stones, from the bottom up. You needn't use the same ones on my list - any stone of the same color or correspondence will do the trick if it's meaningful to you. Getting the last few in place can be a little awkward if you're working by yourself since you can't move around as much.
Then relax - your eyes can be open or closed as you prefer. Breath regularly and focus on each of the chakras in turn. As you contemplate the meaning of each energy vortex, look at your life specifically, see how each chakra relates to it, and decide what changes, if any, need to be made on an energetic level to bring things into balance. If, for example, your work with the heart chakra shows you that your relationships have been lacking due to an inner lack of self-acceptance, then broaden the energy flow to the region, filling it with white light that assimilates into the chakra's pink or green glow. On the other hand, some chakras might be too open, bringing too much of an energy into your life. If this is the case, temper the flow of the energy vortex, bringing it back down to its appropriate level. Work with the stones' natural vibrations to bring the energy centers into equilibrium.
Seek any additional insight from the meditation. Then allow excess energy to drain into the ground. Visualize it returning to the earth and being recycled through the planet's endless cycles. Before you return to your daily life, you may want to do a quick aura combing with the Quartz crystal. Just run it through your aura on all sides, allowing it to fill in any holes in the energy and smooth any rough patches. It only takes a few minutes and feels great afterwards. Make sure to cleanse your crystals after working with them.

June 10th, 2013

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

Obsidian

 

 

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

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

Chemical Composition: SiO2 + MgO + Fe3O4

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5 - 6 (middle)

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

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

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

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

Element: Fire

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Saturn

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!

March 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!

Blue Lace Agate

Blue Lace Agate

 

Physical Characteristics: Blue Lace Agate is a periwinkle blue stone characterized by banding in pale grey and white. As this coloration resembles a cloudy sky, this Agate has been nicknamed the "Stone of Ecology".

In Nature: A form of chalcedony, Blue Lace Agate forms when siliceous matter crystallizes inside cracks in lava rock or granite.

Chemical Composition: SiO2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6.5 - 7 (middle-high)

Can be Found: Namibia, South Africa, Germany

Healing Properties*: This Agate may be used to lessen pain from arthritis, bone and/or growing pains, headaches, and digestive disorders. For centuries, the stone has been used to quench thirst and cure fevers.

Magickal Properties: Blue Lace Agate assists in flight - use it for astral travel or even to get a discount on those airplane tickets you need. It increases grace and agility, and helps one reach higher spiritual planes. The stone has a strong calming effect, reducing anger and uneasiness, while the blue color stimulates the Throat Chakra, improving communication and even helping one overcome speech impediments. Persian magicians used this stone to divert storms, perhaps making the above connection between the stone and the sky. One might also use it to discern truth, prevent insomnia, and increase analytical abilities. Furthermore, the stone has a long history of protecting children, especially from falling. This is a Pisces stone (that's me!), and as such, I would infer that Blue Lace Agate could be used to stimulate creativity, the ability to visualize, and positive dreams.

Chakra Association: The Fifth - or Throat - Chakra

Element: Water

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!

Garnet

Garnet

 

Physical Characteristics: Garnet can be found in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, pink, and colorless.

In Nature: Colorless Garnet is the most common, and is used in industry as an abrasive. Blue Garnet is the rarest. Some varieties change color when moving from sunlight to incandescent light.

Chemical Composition: X3Y2(SiO4)3, where X represents a divalent cation (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, etc.) and Y represents a trivalent cation (Al³⁺, Fe³⁺, etc.).

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6.5 - 7.5 (middle - middle-high)

Can be Found: United States, Madagascar, Russia, Tanzania, Kenya, Turkey

Healing Properties*: Garnet has been employed as a talisman against death and injury, while drawing victory, peace, and tranquillity. Garnet staunches blood flow from injuries, and cleansing with Garnet vibrations is beneficial to both the thyroid and spleen.

Magickal Properties: Garnet is a stone of love and passion, boosting sensuality, sexuality, and intimacy. It increases one's personal level of energy, bringing positive thoughts, and builds both self-esteem and career success. The stone warns of impending disaster by paling in color, similar to rubies. Given as a gift, Garnet enhances loyalty and affection. A stolen Garnet will plague its thief with bad luck until it is returned to its proper owner. Placing the stone under one's pillow at night drives off nightmares, and wearing it as jewelry helps the bearer generate popularity among his or her peers. Also, the stone may be used in meditations on past lives, as it enhances truth and clarity. Not only does the Garnet ward off negativity, it actively returns it to its sender. For example, use a Garnet to repeal the negativity from malicious lies or gossip.

Chakra Association: The First, or Root Chakra, although Garnet may also be associated with other chakras according to its color.

Element: Fire

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: 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 7th, 2012

Can I just say that I love Rose Quartz? I've been working some experiments with different stones lately, and today Hazelnut and I were really hoping to get together. However, we hadn't planned anything in advance, and you know how parents can be when you spring things on them. So I grabbed a piece of Rose Quartz, known for it's tendency to attract love, happiness, friendship, and other such positive emotion, and asked mom if I could have Hazelnut over. She agreed, right off the bat! And then I asked dad, and he said it's okay, too. Huzzah for positivity!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Rose Quartz is a stone with a pale pink to rosy hue. The coloration is caused by various minerals in the crystal, such as titanium, manganese, and iron.

This type of quartz is excellent for bringing peace to a home or workplace. It is known for the ability to calm violent tempers and soothe arguments. It causes negative energy to dissipate, and encourages optimism. Rose Quartz is also notable in its characteristic of manifesting self-love, as well as bringing positive relationships.  Here, it can be used for romantic love, to make new friends, or even to find the perfect pet.

Rose Quartz is also a stone of healing: place a piece next to the heart chakra, located in the center of the breastbone, to release negative energy and draw positive thought. In this way, one can also banish self-defeating thought, bad habits or addictions, and repressed emotion. The stone is a comforter to those dealing with poor body image, bullying, physical assault or harassment, and other negative experiences. It increases self-esteem, confidence, self-trust and trust in others, and acceptance.

Because of it's healing, loving qualities, Rose Quartz is an excellent "give-away" stone, appropriate for small children, teens, adults, and grandparents. Everyone can benefit from a piece of Rose Quartz. The stone is attractive, and as such, can be worked into beautiful jewelry, charms, and other gifts. Rose quartz also makes an excellent tip for a wand, particularly one to be used in a love spell.

One final note: if you are suffering an abusive relationship with someone, are being hurt, or are hurting yourself, Rose Quartz can help. But don't just leave it at that. A piece of mineral cannot solve all your problems. Talk to the authorities, a parent, a friend, or other trusted adult. Seek help, no matter what. Magick should always work in tandem with "mundane" effort!