Chrysocolla

Chrysocolla

 

Physical Characteristics: Because of its blue color, this stone may be confused with turquoise.

In Nature: Chrysocolla forms in the oxidation zones of Copper ore and is usually found in masses, not individual crystals. It may also be found as vein fillings.

Chemical Composition: (Cu, Al)2H2Si2O5(OH)4·nH2O

Mohs Scale Hardness: 2 (low)

Can be Found: Worldwide, but especially the USA and Australia

Healing Properties*: The stone raises the metabolism and may assist those seeking to achieve a healthy weight. It provides relief from ulcers and arthritis. Chrysocolla also alleviates cramps, infections of the throat, liver toxicity, and high blood pressure.

Magickal Properties: Chrysocolla is generally associated with peace and tranquility, as well as intuition, patience, and unconditional love. It is a powerful stone of life-force energy and feminine empowerment. Chrysocolla releases feelings of guilt, fear, and tension, building one's inner strength. It releases resentment and helps admit forgiveness. It is extremely helpful to releasing anger and pain related to all forms of abuse. The stone promotes promotes level headedness and clarity of thought. Chrysocolla enhances creativity, female energy, and communication. Lay it on the Third Eye to enhance spirituality. The stone bridges the earth and sky as well as the physical and astral realms.

Chakra Association: Fourth (Heart) chakra, though it lightens the aura and removes blockages from all seven.

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!

September 21st, 2013

Tomorrow is Mabon, in all technicality, but I did my ceremony today because tomorrow is going to be crazy-busy. Mabon is my favorite Sabbat, contested only by Samhain. I always feel super balanced and grounded after going through the ritual.

The* next thing on tonight's agenda is to sit in meditation for a while on the meaning of the Sabbat. Originally, Mabon was celebrated as the second harvest of the year. In today's day and age, most of us haven't the foggiest idea where our food even comes from, let alone when it was harvested. Thus, Mabon has become more about the things we reap and sow in our own lives. Celebrating the gifts of the table can yet make for a really fulfilling ritual - sometimes referred to as the Witches' Thanksgiving, Mabon is still definitely about the food - but you may also choose to meditate on what you've accomplished since last year's Sabbat, and concentrate on what seeds you'd like to "sow" for the coming year. If you have physical seeds to represent your own wishes, so much the better! Above all, make sure your activities mean something to you - a ritual can be beautiful in its poetry and imagery, but if it doesn't strike a spiritual chord then what, really, is the point?

*I feel I ought to mention that the lines in the above picture (just found on google images) are actually copyrighted to, I believe, Silver Ravenwolf. Why do I know that? Because they're actually in the ritual I did not two hours ago. I can't speak for the rest of the image.

September 7th, 2013

Oh my, did it slip into September somehow? Good gracious! I seem to have missed the memo. However, I had an exceptionally productive Saturday for a change - I spent something like 12 hours crocheting a lacy steampunk choker. Why? Because my high school is going to use steampunk costumes for our upcoming production of A Midsummer Night's Dream - I'm going to play Puck and wanted to get a head start on costume design.

I also redecorated my altar for Mabon. It's so nice to be up-to-date on things; I can actually feel the energy change in my room!

It's got a much simpler design than I've had in previous years; right now, I'm appreciating austerity (or at least, a look that's austere for me).
My mini shrine got an update as well; after a field trip to the Anderson Japanese Gardens yesterday, I had several new items for incorporation, compliments of the gift shop.
First and foremost, I bought a package of Japanese incense, scented like lotus flowers. It smells wonderful even without burning it. I didn't realize the package came with its own incense holder, so I bought a ceramic one shaped like an origami crane.

I also bought a Maneki Neko, the beckoning cat who calls forth good luck. The kanji, 学問運, is read "Gakumonun" and means "academic luck"; he's going to be my college kitty! The kanji appear on a gold coin which represents wealth and is also a play on the Japanese idiom "To give gold coins to a cat", which is the equivalent of "Pearls before swine".

 

My final big effort of the evening was to painstakingly reduce the number of stones on my shrine - it was getting way too cluttered! I moved all the stones to boxes and pouches, and put all of those into a large cosmetics bag to keep them together. I left out only a few pieces: a Fossil for earth, Emerald for air, Garnet for fire, Amethyst for water, and a geode for Akasha.

I also left my Quartz point and Petrified Wood for the Goddess and God, respectively. Two snail shells were added to the same effect, and I finished it off with a mussel shell for water offerings.

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".

August 17th, 2013

Today has been full of cleaning. So far, I've scrubbed down the tub, the walls of the whole first floor, and the kitchen cabinets. I swear, I'm going to smell like a pool for the rest of the day.
Our neighbors across the street had a garage sale this morning; I wandered over and picked up a cool Buddha statue for $2.00. It lights up, too, although I felt that feature was maybe a touch tacky.

He's holding the peaches of immortality, some lucky coins, and a bag (possibly of rice?). After a lot of research and some good guess work, I discovered that the kanji on the necklace, 福, means "good fortune". In Japanese, it is pronounced "Fuku". I think this particular Buddha might be related to Hotei, one of the seven Shichifukujin (七福神), gods of good fortune. At any rate, I really like it and placed it on my little shrine.

Here's what it looks like all put together. I added a shell to hold water and incense, and yesterday rearranged my stone collection so that the crystals are grouped by chakra association. I felt like that balanced out better than dividing them on elemental lines. As you can see, I'm having my new statue keep an eye on my medicine pouch - I don't think he'll let it wander off, do you?

August 16th, 2013

My mom posted this on Facebook the other day, and I thought it was appropriate to this blog.
Time until school starts: T-minus two days...

August 15th, 2013

Andalusite Fairy Cross

Physical Characteristics: This unique crystal bears the shape of an equal-armed cross when sliced vertically.

In Nature: Usually found near granite deposits, Fairy Crosses made of Andalusite (also called Chiastolite) form when bulges of Andalusite fuse to a central (often square) piece of Mica.

Chemical Composition: Al2SiO5

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6 - 7.5 (middle-high)

Can be Found: United States, Spain, Switzerland

Healing Properties*: These stones reduce stress and help their bearers deal with addictive habits, especially smoking. They reduce fever and have been a historical helpmate for those suffering depression. Crosses of the Andalusite variety heal disorders of the hands and eyes, oxygenate the blood, and promote proper chromosomal development. They may also strengthen the body's ability to learn and remember. The stones prove especially useful to those wishing to heal pets or children, as these are creatures favored by the Fey.

Magickal Properties: In Christian folklore, it is said that the first Fairy Crosses were formed when the Fey wept tears over Jesus' crucifixion. From a Pagan perspective, the same story could be told, only in reference to the sacrificial death of the Horned God. Additionally, an equal-armed cross often denotes the four elements; use this stone to balance elemental energies in your life. Those in possession of a Fairy Cross may work stronger weather and gardening magicks as well. The stone casts a protective aura around its bearer, and is excellent for grounding work. Fairy Crosses are a "cross"roads for the physical and astral realms - use it to strengthen communication with all creatures of spirit: angels, fairies, devas, guides, etc. They dispel illusion and misunderstanding and represent devotion, change, and power.

Chakra Association: First (Root) chakra

Element: All four elements can be accessed with a Fairy Cross.

Energy: Receptive and Projective

Planetary Association: Pluto

*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 14th, 2013

Celestite

 

Physical Characteristics: This crystal is the primary source of Strontium, used in both fireworks and many metal alloys.

In Nature: Celestite occurs as crystals and en masse; it is also a common geode stone, and is found primarily in sedimentary rock deposits.

Chemical Composition: SrSO4

Mohs Scale Hardness: 3 - 3.5 (low)

Can be Found: Worldwide, but especially the United States and Madagascar

Healing Properties*: Celestite is known to ease stress on the physical body, thus preventing stress-induced disease. It improves eyesight and hearing, and also alleviates conditions of the throat. The stone both aids in the functioning of the thyroid gland and detoxifies the body.

Magickal Properties: Celestite is excellent for fostering communications with angelic beings and spirit guides. It opens a channel to the Universe's pure, positive energy, and enables a better understanding of the energetic ebbs and flows in one's life. The stone assists greatly in dream recall, and may also induce lucid dreaming. Astral travelers can use the crystal to improve accuracy in reaching a pre-determined location. Its blue color links the crystal to the throat; as such, it boosts eloquence and demands truth from its bearer - use it if you think you're being lied to, but don't be the liar. Celsetite only needs occasional recharging, and ought not be left in direct sunlight, as this can cause discoloration.

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

Element: Air

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: 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 13th, 2013

Sorry about my absence of posts yesterday, I was doing some very important things before school starts again on Monday (no, I was not writing fanfiction, why would you accuse me of that?). Then this morning, I went in to get my first driver's license, and I passed! So excited! My third and final bit of personal news is that we'll be having a Japanese foreign exchange student stay with us for 10 days, starting next Tuesday. Her name is Miho, and we've gotten to talk a bit. She seems really nice; can't wait to meet her! All right, without further ado... 

Angelite

Physical Characteristics: Angelite is the common name for Blue Anhydrite, which can occur in variations of pale blue, grey, and off-white. The stone is almost exactly Gypsum, only without any water in its chemical structure. 

A Public Service Announcement: DO NOT cleanse Angelite in water. Your stone will thank you.

In Nature: Because Angelite is only found in the absence of water, it is usually located in arid regions.

Chemical Composition: CaSO4

Mohs Scale Hardness: 3.5 (low)

Can be Found: Austria, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Canada, the United States

Healing Properties*: Angelite relieves all kinds of physical and psychological pain and protects against cruelty and abuse. Its domain is that of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, healing inflammations of the throat, upper body, lungs, and the base of the skull. It balances bodily fluids and reduces the severity of of stomach ulcers and sunburn.

Magickal Properties: Angelite is an excellent balancer, aligning the physical body with the ethereal. The stone assists in contacting angelic beings, astral travel, and heightening sensory awareness. It also fosters telepathic communication, provided that both persons are carrying a piece of the stone. If the piece has been programmed for telepathy, so much the better. Angelite provides inner peace, tranquility, and focus, and endows its bearer with compassion, pity, and tenderness. It increases one's commitment to alleviating suffering. The stone creates a protective energy shield around where it is placed or held, and as a communication stone it is ideal for positively dealing with anger. Angelite may be used as an aura cleanser.

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

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!

August 11th, 2013

Lapis Lazuli

Physical Characteristics: Lapis Lazuli is a stone containing Lazurite, Calcite, Sodalite, and Pyrite.

In Nature: This conglomeration forms when weathered rock undergoes a chemical transformation to become Lazurite, an essential component of Lapis Lazuli. The Lazurite must then bond with Calcite and Sodalite to become the final stone. The presence of Pyrite is not required, but makes a beautiful and unique element.

Chemical Composition: (Na, Ca)8(AlSiO4)6(S, SO4, Cl)1-2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 5.5 (middle)

Can be Found: Afghanistan, Chile, Russia, Siberia, Angola, Argentina, Burma, Pakistan, Canada, India, the United States

Healing Properties*: This stone balances the function of the thyroid gland while strengthening the neck and vocal cords. Use it to soothe sore throats and inflammation of the neck and head.

Magickal Properties: Lapis Lazuli enhances one's awareness, insight, and intellect. It imparts ancient wisdom to its bearer, bringing with it peacefulness, self-acceptance, and objectivity. Lapis expands one's tendency toward leadership while lending aid in legal matters. The stone was carried by Egyptian judges and was dedicated to Ma'at, Goddess of Truth. Use during a court case when you need the truth to come out. Lapis Lazuli shields its bearer from psychic attack, relieves insomnia, and releases anxiety. As an elixir, the stone aligns the energy bodies. Lapis Lazuli has a very high vibration - it is a stone of Deity, and will encourage its bearer to raise his/her own vibratory level to match it. Finally, Lapis Lazuli is a draw for both love and fidelity.

Chakra Association: Fifth (Throat) chakra

Element: Water, Air

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Venus, 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!