Altar Update

With it now being October, I've updated my altar for Samhain. It was in need of a change, as I hadn't done much to it since the Eclipse.

I've made a sort of ancestor altar toward the front, with the rest of my ritual tools in the back. It's hard to see in this photo, but in front of the cauldron is a black skull candle I bought at Earthbound.

Also from Earthbound is this beautiful display shelf, which I am using to showcase some of my crystals. It has the moon phases at the bottom. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it!

October 2nd, 2017

Had some fun yesterday over at Gaia House with SIPA; they put together a little crafting event painting rocks with fun images, affirmations, etc. The idea is to take the rocks after the fact and hide them for other people to stumble across.

I gave the one with the dragon away, and I'll probably keep the Eye of Horus stone, but the other two I may hide in the courtyard near where I have class.

Virtually any common stone works for this craft - I used river rocks, but there was also some sandstone pieces that came out nicely - and regular acrylic craft paint will stick so long as you let it dry between coats. A final spray-on coat of clear sealant should set it permanently.

May 17th, 2017

I don't believe I ever shared a photo of it, but one of my birthday gifts this year was a piece of Polychrome Jasper from Rebekka's store carved in the shape of a heart. Now that I've had a little free time over my summer vacation, I finally got around to researching its properties.

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Polychrome Jasper 

(aka Desert Jasper)

Physical Characteristics: Polychrome Jasper is so named for the myriad colors it can contain, the list of which includes red, brown, purple, yellow, grey, and teal. These colors are the product of mineral admixtures, usually iron oxides.

In Nature: Jaspers are micro-crystalline, fine-grained, and opaque stones. They are comprised of massive (i.e. formed in a mass) formations of Chalcedony Quartz.

Chemical Composition: SiO2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7 (medium-high)

Can be Found: Madagascar

Healing Properties*: Use Polychrome Jasper to boost your energy; it may be helpful for managing chronic fatigue, exhaustion as a result of a mental illness, or similar conditions.

Magickal Properties: Polychrome or Desert Jasper is a figure stone, which is to say that certain specimens may appear to show images of people, animals, landscapes, or symbols, and one's associations with that image can impact the properties of the stone. The properties can also vary based on what colors are present (see below). 

Generally, Polychrome Jasper is a stone with fiery energy, associated with action, passion, and liveliness. It can be a powerful tool for transforming one's life trajectory into something more desirable; it can be used similarly for new relationships. Additionally, use Polychrome Jasper for grounding, and for finding peace and self-worth during difficult times.

Color properties:

• Red/Red-orange: Enthusiasm, physical and spiritual vitality
• Rose: New love, romance, and/or relationships
• Purple: Awe, mystery, dream interpretation, renewal
• Teal: Temperance, restoring calm, relieving stress, overcoming conflict, protection in the face of cruelty
• Yellow: Happiness, cheerfulness, contentment

Chakra Association: Root (First), Solar Plexus (Third) chakras

Element: Fire

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Earth, 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!

April 27th, 2017

We all know by now that I am a sucker for crystals, and last week, the lovely Rebekka of bekkathyst.com had a really great coupon running. As a result, I bought myself some little treats to get me through the end of the semester.

I got another Aquamarine and a Rainbow Moonstone, and then I also got a new crystal - Apophyllite. I'm looking forward to researching its properties.

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!

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!

April 8th, 2017

Happy April! School continues to give me the run-around, but I've worked a couple of spiritual events into my schedule. Last weekend, the city put on an 11 Days of Compassion program, which included a morning walk over at the Gaia House labyrinth. I had to get myself up earlier than I prefer for a Sunday, but the walk was really nice.

All the flowers were blooming, including these lovely tulips.

I was standing in the center of the labyrinth, thinking about how nice it would be if the fountain were running, and then it suddenly kicked on.

Then today, a friend from school drove with me over to a local gem and mineral show put on by the regional Earth Science club.

There were so many cool specimens, lots of which were from the area, but many others of which were from around the world. Crystals, fossils - you name it, it was probably there.

I tried to keep my purchases moderate. I got a piece of Bismuth, a Celestite cluster, a big chunk of Bloodstone, a Rhodonite pyramid, an Orthoceras fossil, and some Fluorite chunks (which were actually free from one of the vendors).

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.

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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!

February 14th, 2017

Happy Valentine's Day, to those celebrating it!

I really should have made this post last week, but that's par for the course with my schedule. Rebekka, who I love to buy crystals from, was recently selling Gold Sheen Obsidian daggers in her store here, and I just had to buy one. I've been in the market for a good athame for a long time; I technically have one at home, but it's actually my dad's, and the blade likes to fall out of the hilt, so it's not very practical. I've looked at athames before, but just never really found one I connected with. Knowing my love for crystals, however, I thought I might get along a lot better with an Obsidian piece.

It's so beautiful, and the shimmer only sort of shows up in the photo, but it's absolutely stunning in the light. The blade is about 3" long, and as I predicted, I like it much better than any steel blade I've ever looked at.

There it is, sitting on my altar. As always, Rebekka shipped quickly, and her items are so high quality. I definitely recommend her products!

November 23rd, 2016

Happy Day-Before-Thanksgiving to those of you reading in America. I got home from school last night, and it's smelled like apple pie here all day long - I'm really hungry now!

I also wanted to share these cool new crystals my grandma gave me.

This one's a Selenite tower; I have a pair of them now, but the other is at school.

And then this is a massive Rose Quartz generator point - it's literally the size of my hand! I think I'm in love.

I hope you all have a good week and enjoy the festivities. Things have been hard for a lot of people lately, but maybe a little food and thankfulness will go towards some sort of resolution. And if you're out there knowing you have to spend the holidays with prejudiced, bigoted people, then know that I am sorry, and I hope things get better soon.

November 7th, 2016

I'm really excited! A week or two ago, I put down a bid on a crystal auction that Rebekka, who I've ordered crystals and jewelry from before, was having on Tumblr. Her pieces usually sell very high, and I was expecting to get out-bid. Somehow, however, I didn't, and I ended up winning the auction for five beautiful pieces of Spirit Quartz for only $41!. If you've ever bought Spirit Quartz before, then you know it can be quite pricey; the one little piece I had already was $15 or $20 by itself when I bought it. Five pieces for $41 is definitely a deal!

These are my new babies - on the top left is a Clear Spirit Quartz, while the top right is an Amethyst Spirit Quartz. The other three are Citrine Spirit Quartz, and they're all uniquely beautiful. I immediately set them up around the election spell I did the other night to amp up the power (remember, Americans - go vote tomorrow!).

This Amethyst Spirit Quartz I bought at Fairy Fest last year. Now it has friends!

And finally, Rebekka was also doing a little "Trick or Treat" special in October - anyone who ordered something before Halloween got either a bit of Green Jasper or some plastic spiders. I would have loved the Jasper, but the spiders are cute (they'll be good for next Samhain), and I can always use little sachets, so that was a nice bonus, too.

For my post on the specific properties of Spirit Quartz, click here. If you would like to check out Rebekka's shop - and I highly recommend you do - you can find her new website here.

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!

August 21st, 2016

I've moved back into school, and start classes again tomorrow. While I still have a little time, I've been trying to research some more of my stones for you all.

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Sunstone

Physical Characteristics: Sunstone is a type of plagioclase feldspar, and can be colorless, yellow, red, or copper-colored.

In Nature: Goldstone has been sold as imitation Sunstone, due to the fact that Hematite inclusions common in Sunstone can have a similarly glittery effect. This effect is more properly termed Aventurescence, as it is in Aventurine.

Chemical Composition: (Ca, Na)(Al, Si)2Si2O8

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6 (medium)

Can be Found: Southern Norway, Sweden, USA, Siberia

Healing Properties*: Sunstone increases bodily warmth, and improves metabolism and digestion. Use it to relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder and nightmares, as well as chronic sore throat, cramps, and other aches and pains.

Magickal Properties: Sunstone is a crystal of originality, revealing and nurturing one's talents. It is similarly a stone of independence, and can help one to reduce emotional dependence on others. It helps people establish boundaries and learn to say "no". Use Sunstone to remove emotional "hooks" or "cords" from the energy field binding oneself to others.
Sunstone offers energy and vitality, and as such can be of use to those developing an exercise regime, or whose careers are fast-paced and high-energy. In the workplace, Sunstone fosters opportunity and promotion.
This stone alleviates stress and fear, including fear of the dark, small spaces, and other triggers.

Chakra Association: Root (First) Chakra

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 17th, 2016

It's as hectic as ever here, and no less stressful where family matters are concerned. I drive down to school tomorrow, so it isn't likely to get any less busy. That being said, I have a few photos I wanted to share.

This is a Selenite tower; my mom and I were at my grandma's house helping her pack to come stay with us for a few weeks, and I happened across this sitting on a shelf. My grandma knows how much I love crystals, so she let me keep it. I'd thought about buying one while at Fairy Fest - I'm glad now that I didn't!

Later that same day, we stopped at a McDonald's for lunch. I took a few minutes after eating to poke around in the garden beds, as they had stones instead of mulch, and I found this shell fossil. The photo came out a little blurry, but it's really well-defined.

I'm hoping this school year goes better than the summer did. I'm also still trying to get information on my new crystals together to share, so we'll see how that goes.

Fairy Fest Goodies

I got lots of neat things at the Fairy Festival this weekend.

Among the miscellaneous items I bought were some pieces of artwork, all of them by this artist. I'd seen the original of the mermaid painting on the right at an art fair in Iowa and loved it. When I saw she had little prints available, I had to pick one up. I also got some postcards to give to my girlfriend and friends at school. Then I found a dragon's blood soap, which is great, seeing as I can't burn the incense, some sachets to hold crystals, and a pentacle charm which I'm actually going to use in a Night Vale Girl Scouts cosplay.

In terms of crystals - because I just had to get some - I got two pieces of Sunstone, a Labradorite sphere, a Fluorite point, tumbled Rhodonite and Moonstone, Andara Crystal Glass (which was actually a gift from a man advertising his service as an energy worker), and a Citrine point.

Finally, I picked up this little hummingbird pin. The hummingbird is actually velcroed to the pin, so it can be swapped out with other accessories, or attached to headbands, clips, etc. It's so cute, and it's my favorite color, so I had to grab it.

Posts on the stones are upcoming. In the meantime, hope you're all enjoying your summer!

July 22nd, 2016

I've spent the last week working on a bit of a sewing project. Last summer, I made myself a weighted blanket (which you may or may not remember from this post); I love it, and so does my girlfriend, so I offered to make her one of her own at the next opportunity. Last Friday, I was able to go pick up supplies, and I finished it this morning.

As I did last year, I selected four little crystal chips and added one along with the poly-pellets in each corner. I chose two Quartz, one which I think is Moonstone, and a black one I couldn't identify but which I figured would still pick up on protective, grounding energies by virtue of its color. I cleansed them all, and empowered them to instill the blanket's user with comfort and peace. As that is sort of the point of a weighted blanket anyway, I liked the idea for reinforcing the blanket's purpose.

Here's the finished blanket. Blue is her favorite color, and the fabric has a really fun, soft texture. The grey backing fabric has a much more subtle pattern, but it's also a pile fabric, which makes it soft. It was important to me to be listening to videos that exhibit a positive energy while I worked, because it is my belief that when sewing, knitting, or otherwise making textile crafts, it is possible to weave one's thoughts and energies into the piece itself that can then affect the user.

I'm very happy with how it came out. It also took me a lot less time to make this than my green one from last summer, which was a bonus, and in general it just ended up looking neater now that I have more practice.

With Lughnasadh coming up soon, this is a great time of year for arts and crafts of all kinds, as Lugh is a god of artisans and the season can tend towards that direction. As it is, I always enjoy making gifts, and I especially like to add little bits and pieces of magick to the things I make.

Weighted blankets are wonderful tools for people like myself who find the feeling of gentle pressure to be soothing. Autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodiversity can affect sensory input, which may make the sensation of pressure more appealing, although I am sure there are also neurotypical people who would enjoy a weighted blanket as well. For anyone interested, these instructions are the ones which I followed, and I liked them a lot.

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!

July 15th, 2016

Ammolite/Opalized Ammonite

Physical Characteristics: Opalized Ammonites, known as Ammolites, are fossils wherein the animal's shell has been replaced by Aragonite, along with impurities like Calcite and Pyrite. This gives them a characteristic iridescence, usually in shades of red and green.

In Nature: Ammanoid cephalopods first appeared in the Devonian period, over 400 million years ago, going extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period. They are classified by the gas chambers in their spiral shells. After their deaths, the ammanoids fossilized into Ammonites, some of which became Ammolites.

Chemical Composition: CaCO3 with impurities

Mohs Scale Hardness: 3.5 - 5 (low to middle)

Can be Found: Most are found on the eastern slopes of the North American Rocky Mountains.

Healing Properties*: Ammolite is considered psychologically beneficial, strengthening one's will to live and offering energy and stamina. It has also been employed to ease childbirth, and to stabilize blood pressure.

Magickal Properties: Ammolite has been prized around the world as a symbol of many deities, especially those with curved horns. Pliny the Elder called them hammonis cornu, "the horns of Ammon", from the Egyptian god Amun, a ram-headed god. In one legend from the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) Nation, the Ammolite, with its form like a bison, first taught a young woman how to call the bison to be hunted. In Ethiopia, the stone was said to grant deep meditative states and prophetic dreams; today, it remains a common practice to use the spiral shape of the stone to draw one down a coiled astral path on spiritual journeys of all types, including communion with deity and past-life regression.

Ammolites and Ammonites may also be the fabled "dragonstones" or "draconites" described in some texts as protecting against poison, venomous animals, or one's enemies. In terms of sympathetic magick, the Ammolite was once home to a living creature. Therefore, it can be used in magick relating to the home, including protection, selling a house, and moving. 

The stones are protective and radiate Earth energies. As such, Ammolite is a source of grounding and of survival. Its horn shape hearkens back to the cornucopia, and so it is likewise a stone of prosperity. Ammolite can carry one into the subconscious as well as the astral - use it to transform the emotions, especially as they apply to repression, trauma, and problematic familial patterns.

Chakra Association: Particularly the First (Root) chakra, although it works with them all

Element: Akasha

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Jupiter

*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.

~~~~~

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!