August 29th, 2016

Rhodonite

Physical Characteristics: This Manganese-containing mineral occurs in a rosy pink along with blacks and browns formed through surface oxidation.

In Nature: Rhodonite crystals are thick and tabular, but are rare. More commonly, it occurs in masses. It is found in metamorphic rocks where other Manganese-bearing minerals are common. Other varieties containing Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, and/or Zinc also exist.

Chemical Composition: (Mn⁺², Fe⁺², Mg, Ca) SiO3

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5.5 - 6.5 (middle)

Can be Found: Russia, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Sweden, Peru, England, USA

Healing Properties*: Considered an ideal crystal for healing minor injuries (cuts, insect bites, etc.), Rhodonite is also thought to heal serious illnesses like auto-immune diseases or Parkinson's. For these purposes, one might pair Rhodonite with Rhodochrosite. The stone also strengthens the internal organs and can assist the body in passing gallstones or kidney stones.

Magickal Properties: With a name that comes from the Greek "rhodos" meaning "rosy", Rhodonite is a stone of the heart and the emotions. Its primary use is for dispelling anxiety, envy, and jealousy. Nurturing love, Rhodonite increases self-assurance and provides calming energy in a strained environment. Rhodonite offers equilibrium after a major upset of any kind, and can restore energy which has been drained as the result of emotional trauma. Victims of physical or emotional abuse may find working with Rhodonite a helpful coping mechanism.
Another name for Rhodonite is "Orletz"; allegedly, the crystal was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia, where the locals had noticed eagles carrying pebbles of it up to their nests. The name Orletz translates to "Eagle Stone". Finding documentation of this is difficult, but at least one Russian mineralogy site lists Orletz as an alternate name, lending the story some credence. The story goes on to say that it became custom to put Rhodonite in the cradles of babies and the pockets of travelers for protection. It is the national stone of Russia, and incidentally also the state stone of Massachusetts in the USA.

Chakra Association: Heart (Fourth) Chakra

Element: Fire

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Venus

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

July 17th, 2016

I've had some research on Aventurine written up for a long time now, but I apparently never typed it out. Since I've been posting about the stones I acquired while on vacation, of which a rough piece of Aventurine was one, this seems like as good a time as any to publish this.

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Aventurine

Physical Characteristics: Aventurine is most commonly found as a green, lustrous stone, although orange and brown varieties also exist.

In Nature: This stone's characteristic shine comes from the inclusion of Fuschite, a Muscovite-bearing Mica. The effect is referred to as "aventurescence". Aventurine may be confused with Sunstone or Malachite, while Goldstone, also known as Aventurine Glass, may be sold as imitation Aventurine.

Chemical Composition: K(Al, Cr)2AlSi3O10(OH)2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7 (high)

Can be Found: Primarily India, Chile, and east of the American Rockies; also Brazil, Russia, Spain, Austria, and Tanzania

Healing Properties*: Green Aventurine is a helpful partner in psychotherapy, treating heart and lung disorders, and increasing muscle flexibility. It also improves eyesight. The stone treats skin disease, such as eczema and other rashes, and eliminates warts. It improves metabolism and the digestive system.

Magickal Properties: Aventurine is a lucky stone, especially the green variety. It brings opportunity, and is most often noted as a stone for gamblers. Additionally, Aventurine strengthens one's sense of self and helps to reinforce a positive outlook. Relieving anxiety, Aventurine soothes the emotions. It enhances a healthy sense of humor and cheerfulness, and may also draw unexpected adventure or luck in love. Aventurine provides balance and can aid in dreaming. It clears the aura, and helps one to find independence. Moreover, the stone encourages creativity, and brings success to artists.

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

Element: Air

Energy: Projective

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!

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!

Tangerine Quartz

Tangerine Quartz

Physical Characteristics: Crystal specimens may range from pale to very dark orange, and appear translucent. 

In Nature: Tangerine Quartz forms in the presence of Hematite and water. The Iron in the Hematite oxidizes, covering the crystal in a thin coat of rust.

Chemical Composition: SiO2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7 (high)

Can be Found: Worldwide, though most mining occurs in Brazil

Healing Properties*: Mentally, the stone boosts self-esteem and brings a sense of empowerment. It may be helpful in recovering from shock or trauma, or can be employed as a more general pick-me-up. Like many orange crystals, it engenders feelings of happiness and positivity.

Magickal Properties: In addition to Quartz's general properties, this stone is especially notable as an emotional healer and for sparking creativity. Use Tangerine Quartz to foster relationships and to release self-deprecating or limiting patterns of thought. It may also be useful as a tool of manifestation, especially when one's desires correspond to one of the stone's other properties (e.g. manifesting a completed project, new relationship, etc.) 

Chakra Association: Second (Sacral) and Third (Solar Plexus)

Element: Fire

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Sun

*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, 2013

Lepidolite

Physical Characteristics: Lepidolite is a form of Mica that appears in a classic mottling of white, lavender, purple, and sometimes pink.

In Nature: The stone is often found in the same rock as Tourmaline and Amblygamite. Its color comes from the presence of Lithium in the stone.

Chemical Composition: K(Li, Al)3(Al, Si)4O10(F, OH)2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 2.5 - 4 (low)

Can be Found: The United States and Brazil

Healing Properties*: With regard to health, Lepidolite helps its bearer to overcome insomnia as well as all kinds of addictions, including anorexia and similar disorders. Placed on the body, Lepidolite finds the source of disease, allegedly giving off a gentle vibration when it locates the problem. It combats a wide range of conditions, from the average (allergies, exhaustion, etc.) to the severe (Alzheimer's and epilepsy). A glass of water in which a chunk of Lepidolite has been soaked is an ideal elixir for dealing with the effects of menopause. The stone is a powerful painkiller and reduces the ill-effects of anaesthetics. Likewise, it may reduce one's dependency on medication.

Magickal Properties: Lepidolite is a stone epitomizing calm, trust, and acceptance, thus enhancing self-love, patience, and optimism. It is extremely useful to those working to reduce stress, depression, and obsessive modes of thought. As a stone of transformation, Lepidolite releases old psychological and behavioral patterns, thus inducing change. It calms the mind in periods of transition and encourages the ability to achieve goals independently. It is a wonderful agent of dream recall, and lends growing energy to gardening endeavors. The stone attracts supportive friends and colleagues, as well as opportunities to succeed. Given its purple color, Lepidolite is a stone of spirituality and grants access to spiritual realms and the Akashic Records. It is reassuring for those new to psychic work, or for those who previously had a bad psychic experience.

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

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Jupiter and 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 7th, 2012

Since I bought several new stones at the Faery Fest, I've been doing a great deal of research into their individual properties, both physical and magickal. I then decided to share a cohesive, manageable post on the properties of various stones, doing perhaps one or two a day. Today's topic is Emerald Calcite. Be aware, however, that Calcite comes in a variety of colors, and that magickal uses, as well as correspondences, may vary between varieties.

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Emerald Calcite

Physical Characteristics: Pale sea-foam green to a rich emerald-like color. It has a distinct "greasy" or "soapy" feeling.

In Nature: Calcite is a major component of chalk, limestone, and marble.

Chemical Composition: CaCO3 (Calcium Carbonate)

Mohs Scale Hardness: 3 (low)

Can be Found: Worldwide, especially Mexico

Healing Properties*: Emerald Calcite acts as a detoxifier, supporting the liver, kidneys, and colon. It is excellent for skin conditions, as well as for bone and joint health (as it contains Calcium), and for boosting the immune system.

Magickal Properties: This variety of Calcite, notable for its distinct green color, is a prosperity stone, drawing wealth and increasing fertility. It enables one to build bridges with others, to see and speak truly, and to be open-hearted. It strengthens not only our connection to others, but to other places and times as well, making this stone excellent for use in past-life regression, astral travel, and out-of-body experiences. It is also useful in dealing with fear concerning change in one's personal life and beliefs, and in letting go of the past. Calcite deals with matters of the heart - of self-love and love of others. It clears the body of negative self-image and negative thoughts regarding relationships. It is calming, and promotes spiritual growth. Further, Emerald Calcite stimulates memory, and so is a great study-stone.

Chakra Association: Emerald Calcite stimulates the Fourth, or Heart, Chakra.

Element: Earth

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Venus

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

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!

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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!

April 21st, 2012

Okay, Blogger seems to have switched it up a bit, and that threw me off, but I think I've got it figured out now. In any event, today marks the first real "weekend" I've had since September: no rehearsals, no set-build - nothing. I can just stay home and write.
Something kind of funny happened in English class earlier this week. Our student teacher was talking about the idea of archetypes, and how they apply to literature. Then he handed us a list of the more common ones: the Mother, the Chariot, the Fool, the Hermit, the Devil, Death, the Hanged Man, the Lovers, just to name a few. What does this sound suspiciously like? Tarot cards! Indeed, the most common types of archetypes in literature are pulled right from the major arcana! I was so greatly amused by this synchronism that I brought my tarot cards the next day to show him, and he agreed. Never would I have thought that I'd be using my deck in the middle of English class...
On a more serious note, later that week my friend Steph announced to the class that she is atheist, which I was already aware of, but a majority of the class wasn't. Both of us have had some past difficulties where Paganism and atheism are concerned, so we're hoping that our current class is more accepting of her. Positive energy is always appreciated.

Finally, I know I've had posts in the past where I've posted ideas for one of my best friends in a bad situation, but at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I say again: no matter who you are, or where, or what you've done, you always deserve to be loved, by yourself most of all. And whoever you are reading this, whether I know you or not, know that I love you also, and that no matter how hard things get, it will get better. Life moves in cycles, some happy, some sad, and some downright awful. But the happy times come back around; sadness isn't forever. God and Goddess are around you always, but they are inside you also, giving you strength. Whatever happens, they always love you and want you to be happy and safe. On that note, here's a little ritual I compiled out of some ideas I found on the web:

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Cast circle and invoke God and Goddess

Place a candle (white or black works best, but use what you have) in each of the cardinal points.

Call the Quarters.

Concentrate on the the healing, and visualize the problem that needs correcting.*

Face the East, light the candle, and say:

"Candle burn
Shine your light
Take what's wrong
And make it right."

Repeat with the South candle and then the West candle, and the the North candle.

Visualize the healing powers generated by these candles flowing into you. Then Chant:

"Dispel the agony,
let these wounds heal.
Banish the suffering,
no suffering to feel."

As you say this, imagine yourself surrounded by a healing, protective light that shines brighter each time you repeat the chant.

Then, write down on a blank piece of paper all the negative thoughts you have. Make it as detailed and as personal as possible.
Place your paper full of negative thoughts in a container which will hold fire safely (don't set you or your house on fire!)**. Set the paper alight, and as it burns say:

Fire burns and takes away
All that causes me pain
Negative thoughts and fears
They will not trouble me again.

Fire burns and turns to smoke
All that once troubled me
These things no longer exist
As I will it, so mote it be!

Bury the ashes in a garden or scatter them in the wind. Your negative thoughts and feelings are no more.
At this point, you could choose to close the circle, or go on to an additional activity to promote peace and happiness. Grab another sheet of paper and write down the intentions, desires, and affirmations that express what you are going to start giving to yourself and cultivating within yourself to brighten your life.
Fold it up and put it in the middle of the candles to be infused with the positive energy.
Say an affirmation of love to yourself. Close your eyes and have a wonderful meditation session (add in some positive music, if you feel so inclined) for as long as you feel necessary. Bring your hands to your chest in prayer position and say, "Thank you" or any other words of gratitude. Keep the positive paper with you at all times, or at least as much as is feasible (in a necklace, perhaps?)

Then thank God and Goddess, release the Quarters, and close the circle.

*Note: this half of the ritual can also be done for another person, if they are in need of it. Just visualize them at this time, and throughout the ritual.

**Some people, myself included, are not allowed to burn things. If this is the case, then tear the paper into tiny pieces, as small as you can make them.

October 16th, 2011

I have a Pagan friend who needs help. She's smart, absolutely hilarious, and one of the most amazing, beautiful people I know. But her home life sucks, and she's got clinical depression. If you are reading this, I don't care who you are or what you believe, take a moment to send her some positive energy. We've been trying to get her into counselling, but it's so hard to find good therapists who will work for free. In light of this, I want to take today to put down two simple spells to banish depression and negativity, as well as a ritual for increasing self-esteem. This goes out to my soul sister, and to any other Pagans out there also suffering depression.

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To Banish Depression: Go to a place with running water, like a stream, river, etc.. Light a candle for the Lord, and a candle for the Lady (tea lights would work well for this), and take a black stone in the right hand. Focus all the reasons for your depression into the stone. Let your negative feelings drain out of you and fill the stone. Then throw it into the water, and say "I cast you out, let the bad wash away. Let me be filled with peace and harmony.". Sit for a few moments and enjoy a feeling of positive energy flooding you.
To Banish Negativity: When you are feeling particularly stressed, take a deep breath and say or think to yourself "Sun by day, moon by night. Let all dark thoughts be put to flight." Take another deep breath, and release the tension in your body.
To Boost Self Esteem: Take a ritual bath, and really relax. Break out the bubbles, bath salts, special shampoos or lotions - whatever you have. If all you really have is your everyday shampoo and soap, run a bath anyway and add some dish soap and table salt. Afterwards, put on a ritual robe or other special outfit. For anyone on a budget (like me, for example) or who just can't have robes, tie a bed sheet around yourself toga-style. Create Sacred Space, and cast a circle. If you like, play calming music, or natural sounds. On your altar, have a red cloth, on which are pink, white, and silver candles (all-white are acceptable, as are those birthday candles in the bottom of the kitchen drawer). Have also a pen, a mirror, and hearts cut out of construction paper. Light the altar candles, and take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Open your mind to the Goddess, and let her tell you all the amazing things about you. Write these on the hearts. If a negative response comes, write it down, scribble it out, and burn it in the silver candle. Then look in the mirror and say "I am not {insert negative comment here}, I am beautiful/handsome.". Take as long for this exercise as you need. Then say (with feeling) "I am Goddess/God. I am connected to all things great and small. I am Goddess/God. I am the giver of strength and love to life. I honor the Divine in me! Blessed be.". Then eat something tasty, and get out in nature, even if that means sitting on the back porch and enjoying the weather.

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Remember, no matter who you are, you were made specially by the Lord and Lady, and have something unique to bring to the planet, and to learn. Never let anyone or anything cause you to forget that.