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!

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 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!

August 18th, 2013

Meet my medicine pouch. I got it at the Faery Fest and am more than pleased with my purchase. The leather bag, empowered to reduce stress (because Goddess knows I deal with a lot of it), has a small Quartz crystal wand tied to it and contains six other small stones. The pouch came with a little blurb explaining the role each stone plays in stress-reduction. In the order they appear in the picture, top to bottom:

• Aventurine: Fosters a feeling of serenity and dissolves distressing feelings
  
• Chrysocolla: Helps one remain calm under sudden or intense stress
  
• Dumortierite: Instils a "take-it-easy" attitude and helps one to be more relaxed
  
• Moonstone: Balances and soothes changing emotions and nerves
  
• Rose Quartz: Opens the heart
  
• Sunstone: Instils a sunny attitude

The provided sheet also described how best to cleanse and empower the stones. According to the given instructions, one ought to either place the stones on the soil of a healthy house plant or leave them in direct sunlight for at least two hours. In this case, it seems wiser not to run them under water because the stones are so tiny - don't want one going down the drain by accident! I was already in the middle of cleansing all my other stones with some holy water yesterday, so I just went ahead and did the same with these.
Once cleansed, one should hold the stones in one's palm and imagine oneself surrounded by bright white light. Center and repeat the following (or similar) affirmation three times: "I feel calm, happy, and free as I easily let go and focus on my Life Force energy".

May 7th, 2013

Goldstone

 

 

Physical Characteristics: Goldstone is created when Silica, Copper oxides, and other metals are melted together. A chemical reaction occurs, causing elemental Copper to precipitate out, and the vat of melted material is sealed until it cools. The finished product is one of a sienna-colored glass with glittering copper suspended throughout it. Varieties using Cobalt instead of Copper may appear a dark blue.

In Nature: THIS STONE DOES NOT OCCUR IN NATURE. According to legend, Italian monks practicing alchemy created this stone instead of the gold they were seeking; whether this is true or not, the best-known producer of Goldstone is an Italian family.

Chemical Composition: SiO2 + Cu

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5 - 6 (low - middle)

Can be Found: Anywhere where someone has a mind to make it, but predominately Italy and China

Healing Properties*: Since this stone contains Copper, it can be used to increase bloodflow and reduce inflammation. It also protects one from ulcers and bacterial infections. Called by some a "Master Healer", Goldstone stimulates the flow of healing energy through the hands, and may assist in long-distance healings.

Magickal Properties: In some ways, Goldstone acts like Sunstone, especially in that it alleviates depression. It promotes calm, and channels energy well, such that it may be employed to charge other stones or generate energy for spellwork. The stone deflects negativity, and assists in reaching lofty goals. In addition to the aspects of physical health listed above, Goldstone may also help to heal spiritual crises, enhancing faith and belief. It balances and grounds one's energy, and, in accordance with its alchemical associations, can be used for personal transformation. Associated with Aventurine (indeed, it is sometimes called Aventurine Glass), Goldstone shares its connections to good fortune, especially in gambling and matters of money, and in travel, both astral and physical. 

Chakra Association: Goldstone is associated with the Second (Sacral) chakra.

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

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!