April 9th, 2017

Bismuth

Physical Characteristics: Bismuth is a brittle white metal, but when oxidized will display iridescent colors ranging from red to yellow to blue. Its iconic stair-stepped shape results from a higher growth rate along its outside edges than on its interior. The metal is also strongly diamagnetic, meaning that it is repelled by magnetic fields, and is one of the principal components of MagLev train systems.

In Nature*: One of the periodic chemical elements, Bismuth is written with the symbol Bi, and has an atomic number of 83. It is chemically similar to arsenic, antimony, tin, and lead, but curiously has a much lower toxicity. It also has a very low thermal conductivity, and is weakly radioactive, though given that its half-life is a billion times the estimated age of the universe, it is considered stable in virtually all scientific scenarios and is harmless to humans.

*Note: Bismuth's crystal-lattice structure is rarely found in nature. As such, the Bismuth crystals on the market are lab-grown specimens. This does not decrease their metaphysical value, but it is something to be aware of. Websites claiming to sell natural Bismuth crystals are likely running a scam.

Chemical Composition: Bi

Mohs Scale Hardness: 2.25 (very low)

Can be Found: Australia, Bolivia, China, Vietnam, Mexico

Healing Properties*: Bismuth may be used to slow degenerative muscular conditions.

Magickal Properties: With a unique combination of chemical properties and a long, convoluted history of use, Bismuth is a very odd, not to mention fascinating, metal.

It was commonly utilized in alchemical practices, and even had its own designated symbol (see right image) which crops up in the work of such notable scientist-alchemists as Sir Isaac Newton, but records of how or why it was used do not appear to have survived. Modern-day scientists, including Glenn T. Seaborg, continued this ancient tradition by using nuclear collisions to transform Bismuth into Gold as recently as 1980. This website provides an interesting overview of the major alchemical metals, and provides a good background of the associated semiotics and history, but even there Bismuth is not mentioned except in passing.

As with many multicolored or iridescent crystals, Bismuth can be used as a point of focus in shamanic journeying, astral projection, etc. It could act as a focusing crystal in other areas of life as well, and may be beneficial to people with ADHD or other neurotypes characterized by poor executive function. It also enhances visualization, and may improve meditation experiences.

Bismuth reduces feelings of isolation, and can improve connections with other people. Its rainbow colors make it ideal for energy work, and it can be instrumental in cleansing the aura.

Chakra Association: All, but especially the Crown (Seventh) Chakra

Element: Air

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!

July 13th, 2016

I've spent some time the last few days researching the stones I acquired on our June vacation, and I am pleased now to share my research. I'll probably spread posts out over the next few days, but to get things started, let's consider Snowflake Obsidian. For other posts related to this crystal, check out Obsidian and Apache Tears.

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Snowflake Obsidian

Physical Characteristics: Obsidian is a naturally-occurring volcanic glass. It is most commonly black, although other colors can also be found.

In Nature: A chemical instability in Obsidian causes the stone to crystallize gradually. It does this unevenly throughout the stone, with these areas becoming radial clusters of grey-white Cristobalite crystals. The Cristobalite resembles snowflakes, especially when tumbled.

Chemical Composition: SiO2 + MgO, Fe3O4

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5 - 5.5 (middle)

Can be Found: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Italy, Japan, United States (e.g. Yellowstone), etc.

Healing Properties*: In the body, Snowflake Obsidian is most commonly used to manage problems with the skeleton, symptoms of mental illness, and blood circulation.

Magickal Properties: My mother's cousin gifted me my piece of rough Snowflake Obsidian, and she told me when she did that it is a stone of centering, which it is. This makes it a good anchor in chaotic situations. The stone is useful for removing negative energy from a space, and could be beneficial during shadow work or at other times when harmful thoughts and emotions need to be dealt with. Likewise, it is useful when cleansing a space because of its ability to absorb negativity. It helps to foster inner peace in the face of turmoil, and is generally protective in nature. A stone of balance, the black and white of Snowflake Obsidian represents the union of opposites.

Chakra Association: First (Root) chakra

Element: Earth

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!

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 13th, 2014

Black Tourmaline (aka Schorl)

Physical Characteristics: This is the only common mineral to form three-sided prisms, and the stone Tourmaline can be found in every color of the rainbow, different colors having different properties. Black Tourmaline gets its color by being rich in iron; pieces may exhibit reddish spots if the iron has been exposed to water.

In Nature: Tourmaline is a crystal Boron silicate found in Granite and metamorphic rocks. Heating or rubbing this stone causes it to develop slight electromagnetism, while Japanese research shows that even the smallest specimens always hold a constant electric charge of about 0.06 mA.

Chemical Composition: (Ca, K, Na) (Al, Fe, Li, g, Mn)3 (Al, Cr, Fe, V)6 (BO3)3 (Si, Al, B)6 O18 (OH, F)4

 Mohs Scale Hardness: 7 - 7.5 (middle-high)

Can be Found: Primarily Brazil, Africa, and the USA

Healing Properties*: Because it is such a powerful conductor of energy, Black Tourmaline is an excellent healing stone. Tourmaline wands are most often used for this purpose, but even chunks of the stone will do in a pinch. It soothes panic attacks, cures motion sickness, and reduces fear of the dark and/or confined spaces. If lustre of the hair and nails is a problem, one might consider using Black Tourmaline to repair keratin damage. The stone works with conditions of the lower back, legs, and feet, realigns the spinal column, and relieves pain caused by muscle strain, arthritis, and scar tissue.

Magickal Properties: Black Tourmaline is a scrying stone, but it is most famous for its protective qualities, of which it spans the full spectrum. It wards off negativity caused by people acting as emotional drains, shields against environmental pollution and electromagnetic smog, and purifies the mind and body of even the most severe negativity, including substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. Besides being protective, it is a stone firmly rooted in Earth energy which makes it an ideal grounding stone for meditation and healing.

Chakra Association: First (Root) chakra

Element: Earth

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!

August 10th, 2013

Apache Tears

Physical Characteristics: These unique stones are natural spheres of Obsidian that are translucent when held up to the light.

In Nature: From a scientific perspective, Apache Tears form when lava cools in small droplets before hitting the ground. These deposits are usually found in matrices of Perlite. According to legend, however, the stones originated when fewer than 100 Apache Native Americans were cornered by army cavalry on an Arizona cliff. The Natives leaped off the cliff face rather than be captured, and the mourning tears of their families turned into Apache Tear stones.

Chemical Composition: SiO2, with various impurities

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5 - 5.5 (middle)

Can be Found: Mexico and the United States

Healing Properties*: The stone relieves muscle tremors, and can be used to expel bodily toxins. It may help defeat addiction and personality disorders, especially OCD.

Magickal Properties: According to folklore, any who carry an Apache Tear, especially if received as a gift, need never cry of grief, for the Apache have shed enough tears for all people. The stones allow for the release of grief and the healing of emotional and physical problems created by grief improperly expressed. This can be a very difficult process, so if possible, work with an experienced crystal healer or a close, sympathetic friend. Apache Tears give their bearers the strength for close emotional self-examination without becoming overwhelmed by feelings. People may develop a close magickal bond with the stone as it guides them through difficult times. It enhances meditation, spirit journeying, and prophetic dreaming; regular meditation with an Apache Tear develops a sense of inner peace and acceptance. Work the meditations outside to allow the stone to ground excess energy. The crystal balances the intellect, keeping one level-headed. use Apache Tears to to protect against subconscious doubts that manifest as self-defeating behavior. It doesn't sugar-coat things - if you work with Apache Tear for the purpose of self-help or improvement, it will tell you your strengths and weaknesses exactly as they are. This stone is an excellent ward of negativity, totally banishing it from its bearer's presence. It may also be helpful for empaths and psychics who are too sensitive to others' energy.

Chakra Association: First (Root) chakra

Element: Earth and 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!

August 7th, 2013

Serpentine

Physical Characteristics: Up to 20 different minerals are classified as belonging to the Serpentine group, but given their difficulty in individualizing, distinctions are not usually made. Serpentine is a green stone, thought to resemble the skin of a snake, hence its name.

In Nature: There are three major varieties of this mineral: Antigorite (formed by the geologic metamorphosis of wet ultramafic rock), Chrysotile (in which the same minerals form a variety of crystal structures), and lizardite. Antigorite Serpentine is most commonly a decorative stone.

Chemical Composition: (Mg, Fe)3Si2O5(OH)4

Mohs Scale Hardness: 2.5 - 5.5 (low - middle)

Can be Found: Canada, the USA, Afghanistan, Britain, Greece, China, France, Korea, Austria, India, Myanmar, New Zealand, Norway, Italy

Healing Properties*: Serpentine is used to treat a wide range of physical disorders, including cardiac irregularity, stomach and bowel issues, kidney disorders, menstrual problems (particularly cramps), and sexual dysfunction in women. It is an excellent stone for those in need of cellular regeneration, may aid those struggling with diabetes, and can help eliminate parasites.

Magickal Properties: An excellent meditation stone, Serpentine assists in finding inner peace as well as clearing the mind. This is especially effective when paired with Jade. For those seeking to awaken Kundalini energies, Serpentine may provide any needed assistance. Also, the stone is a draw for both elemental beings and angelic guides. In ancient Assyria, the stone was carried to request blessings of the Gods and Goddesses; there is no reason to believe that this is an invalid use today. Furthermore, the stone is good for the mind, keeping its bearer calm in hectic and/or stressful situations. It protects against snakebite, and could theoretically be charged to ward off animal bites in general. The stone's protective power extends to banishing poisons, malicious spirits, and negative magick. In the Far East, Serpentine is often incorporated into altars and temple decorations to create a peaceful atmosphere.

Chakra Association: Fourth (Heart) Chakra, though it can clear blockages from any of the seven.

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!

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 6th, 2013

Winter Storm Saturn hit us yesterday, snowing about 9", and closing school. I nearly had a heart attack when my mom woke me up at 5:00 yesterday morning, but it was nice to get to sleep in. After finishing my homework, I spent something like 10 hours crocheting a little Totoro plushie (see the picture) - he's really cute! Totoro is a nature spirit from Miyazaki's animated film, My Neighbor Totoro; he's pretty fantastic. I'll have to put up pictures later though, as I ran out of time to take one this morning. In other news, my AP Environmental Science class is going to the zoo tomorrow, which should be a lot of fun. What exciting things have you done recently to celebrate nature?

March 11th, 2012

Whew! I've thought I was busy before, but this last week has literally been a whirlwind! I've had play practice, musical practice, and/or choir practice every day, so I haven't been returning home until 8:40 or so, hence my lack of posting. My mom actually had to have surgery on Friday, so that's been adding to the craziness. However, she's recovering well, and ought to be home tomorrow. Nevertheless, positive thoughts are appreciated. :) Today I actually have some quiet time while Ben is at a birthday party. I'm thinking of putting some bread and honey out at the shrine I built with Hazelnut in the garden. It's tiny, but powerful. The weather has been wonderful recently, so I can visit now without freezing my toes. I really feel it has helped in getting in touch with the local fairies and devas (nature spirits, for those unfamiliar). Things have been gong a little nuts here of late, and I'd like to figure out where the imbalance is. We've had internet, cell phone, computer, washing machine, and tire issues, and for whatever reason, everything I plant keeps growing and then dying on me. I can't decide if the issues are interconnected, or a whole bunch of energy imbalances that require correcting. Additionally, I looked back on all that feng shui stuff I posted last Spetember, and yet, that doesn't quite seem to add up either. Currently, Saturn and Mars are in retrograde which could be potential contributes, but they don't have a major impact on communication with others, and a majority of the appliances we've had fail have had to do with communication. No, it's time to take this one up with the local flora and fauna.