Well, we had a rainy Esbat last night, which was unfortunate as it was also the "super moon", the day of the year where the moon is closest to Earth. You couldn't see it at all through the clouds. Nevertheless, I did a nice impromptu ritual by my window wherein I empowered some water for healing by using a Moonstone, Quartz Crystal, and a Holed Stone (a stone with naturally occurring holes in it). I then left the water in front of the window to soak up lunar vibrations. Why, you ask? I've had an unfortunate bout of tendinitis in my wrist for the last few months, and the medication I've been taking is only helping very slowly, so I decided to get some magickal backup. Hopefully it helps! :)
Monday
Saturday
Thrift Shopping...
In an additional bout of excitement, my mom took my brother and I to Goodwill on Thursday to do a bit of (thrift) shopping. I found some good quality candles and a glass candle holder, all for less than $4!
Together, I've got an unopened package of eight small white tapers, a medium-sized baby blue taper, and a larger purple one, plus the holder, which I really needed. Now maybe I won't have to try keeping my tapers vertical in a jar full of gravel.
Together, I've got an unopened package of eight small white tapers, a medium-sized baby blue taper, and a larger purple one, plus the holder, which I really needed. Now maybe I won't have to try keeping my tapers vertical in a jar full of gravel.
Also, while cleaning out our shed a week or two ago, my mom found a glass top for my cute little bunny rabbit table. I don't know how well you can see it here, but in any event, I now have another surface in my room on which to set things. I've been wanting to put together a little shrine for a while; maybe I'll make that a summer project.
June 22nd, 2013
Well, I promised a post about Selenite, so I guess I'd best deliver, huh? I must admit, I was very excited when Grandma gave me that candle holder - I've been wanting a bit of Selenite for a while, and anything that will hold one of my numerous candles is a good thing!
Physical Characteristics:
Selenite is a crystalline form of Gypsum, often without imperfections. Though many specimens will have no inclusions to speak of, some Selenite can be found with really unusual inclusions, like fossils or liquid water - be aware that the properties of these will add to the stone's potential.
In Nature: This stone is an evaporite, forming in dried alkaline lake muds, clay beds, seas, salt flats, and caves. Specimens have been discovered dating back to the Silurian Period, making them about 443.7 million years old.
Chemical Composition: CaSO4 · 2H2O
Mohs Scale Hardness: 2 (very low)
Healing Properties*: In healing, the stone ensures the proper flow of bodily fluids (recall that Selenite is named for Selene, goddess of the Moon, and that the Moon causes the movement of bodies of water), including fluid in the spine. It aligns the spinal column and promotes flexibility. The stone may also guard against or reduce the severity of epileptic seizures. Selenite improves the body's capacity to absorb Calcium; if one is not properly assimilating vitamins and minerals, work a ritual with Selenite to correct the problem. It also protects women and unborn children during pregnancy.
Magickal Properties: Selenite is a stone of psychic communication, facilitating interaction with ancestors, deceased loved ones, spirit guides, and other higher beings. Use Selenite to boost telepathy, divinatory skill, and access to the Akashic Records. Professional mediums and clairvoyants may find the stone especially beneficial. As the stone's vibration is very fine, it brings clarity of the mind and opens the Crown Chakra. Use it to access higher consciousness. Selenite links with one's light body, helping to anchor it in earthly vibrations. Selenite is an effective cleanser and charger of other stones. Likewise, one can Lay it on the body or move it through the aura to balance the body's energy. The stone promotes dream recall and improves one's ability to access past life memories. Wands may be made of Selenite in a tabular crystal form; for example, I have seen Chakra Wands made with a Selenite base.
Chakra Association: The Sixth (Third Eye) and Seventh (Crown) Chakras are closely connected to Selenite, though the stone works with the others as well.
Element: Water
Energy: Projective
Planetary Association: Moon (I know it's not really a planet, but it's considered one in astrology.)
*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!
Selenite
In Nature: This stone is an evaporite, forming in dried alkaline lake muds, clay beds, seas, salt flats, and caves. Specimens have been discovered dating back to the Silurian Period, making them about 443.7 million years old.
Chemical Composition: CaSO4 · 2H2O
Mohs Scale Hardness: 2 (very low)
Can be Found: Gypsums in general are very common, and can be found on all seven continents.
A Public Service Announcement: DO NOT cleanse Selenite in water.
Because the chemical structure contains water, exposure to the liquid
can cause the stone permanent damage.
Healing Properties*: In healing, the stone ensures the proper flow of bodily fluids (recall that Selenite is named for Selene, goddess of the Moon, and that the Moon causes the movement of bodies of water), including fluid in the spine. It aligns the spinal column and promotes flexibility. The stone may also guard against or reduce the severity of epileptic seizures. Selenite improves the body's capacity to absorb Calcium; if one is not properly assimilating vitamins and minerals, work a ritual with Selenite to correct the problem. It also protects women and unborn children during pregnancy.
Magickal Properties: Selenite is a stone of psychic communication, facilitating interaction with ancestors, deceased loved ones, spirit guides, and other higher beings. Use Selenite to boost telepathy, divinatory skill, and access to the Akashic Records. Professional mediums and clairvoyants may find the stone especially beneficial. As the stone's vibration is very fine, it brings clarity of the mind and opens the Crown Chakra. Use it to access higher consciousness. Selenite links with one's light body, helping to anchor it in earthly vibrations. Selenite is an effective cleanser and charger of other stones. Likewise, one can Lay it on the body or move it through the aura to balance the body's energy. The stone promotes dream recall and improves one's ability to access past life memories. Wands may be made of Selenite in a tabular crystal form; for example, I have seen Chakra Wands made with a Selenite base.
Chakra Association: The Sixth (Third Eye) and Seventh (Crown) Chakras are closely connected to Selenite, though the stone works with the others as well.
Element: Water
Energy: Projective
Planetary Association: Moon (I know it's not really a planet, but it's considered one in astrology.)
*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!
Friday
June 21st, 2013
A very happy Litha to everyone! It's been storming here, so rather than reading out in the sunshine like I'd planned, I spent most of my afternoon taking a nice nap. My youngest brother is having a sleepover with a friend for the first time, so I'll do my ritual this evening while they're occupied and won't come barging in on me. We had some Midsummer bunny rabbits sitting in the wet grass earlier which pleased me to no end, and given that today is a sabbat for extra acknowledgement of one's pets, I spent some time whistling back and forth with our cockatiel, Icarus.
Please do share what all you're getting up to in celebration of the Solstice! I'm always looking for new ideas.
Please do share what all you're getting up to in celebration of the Solstice! I'm always looking for new ideas.
Thursday
June 20th, 2013
My family went out of state last weekend to visit with my
grandparents for Father's Day, and to see my Aunt C's new house. It's
pretty fantastic, even though she's not all situated yet - the garden
alone is awesome! On the drive up there, we stopped at a rest station
for lunch and I got myself a pretty pewter faery statue while I was at
it. I think it's just perfect for my Litha altar, don't you?
The picture isn't the greatest; my apologies. I'm sure I'll put together a post about the various properties of Selenite sometime in the next few days.
My
grandma had some other exciting goodies for me, one of which had been
meant as a Christmas present: a Selenite candle holder! It's really
good-sized, and a perfect centerpiece for ritual.
The picture isn't the greatest; my apologies. I'm sure I'll put together a post about the various properties of Selenite sometime in the next few days.
Monday
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.
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)
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!
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
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!
Thursday
May 9th, 2013
As of today, I have 8,888 pageviews. You guys make my day! :D
And, since they seem to be at least mildly popular, here's some more exposition on stones that I've bought - oops! Today's topic for discussion isn't a stone, it's a mineral - Copper!
Physical Characteristics: Copper is a metal with the atomic number 29. It is ductile and highly conductive, both of heat and electricity. Though it has an orange coloration to it, Copper corrodes with time and turns a sort of teal (think the Statue of Liberty).
In Nature: This metal is essential to the survival of most organisms on earth, humans included. It is created in giant stars and is found in Earth's crust at a concentration of about 50 ppm (parts per million).
Chemical Composition: Cu
Mohs Scale Hardness: 2.5 (low)
Healing Properties*: As Copper is so important to Earth's biology, it is natural that it should play a significant role in metaphysical healing. Employ it to reduce cramping, smooth the functioning of bodily glands, and help prevent wear and tear on the joints. It is especially known for assisting with arthritis and rheumatic diseases, and is likewise used to improve blood circulation and detoxification, reduce inflammation, and stabilize the metabolism.
Magickal Properties: The first metal to be used extensively by humans, Copper metallurgy developed in Egypt and Sumer around 3900 BCE. The Egyptians also developed Bronze, an alloy of Tin and Copper, ushering in the Bronze Age. Just as it conducts electricity, Copper conducts energy between people, crystals, auras, etc. When working with telepathic communication, Copper can help send and receive messages. Many wands are made of or include Copper, again to aid in the direction of energy. Use Copper to overcome lethargicness, to improve communication, channeling, cleansing, purification, and increasing self-esteem. Copper has long been a metal of the Goddess, dating back to the Astrate of Mesopotamia. Finally, Copper draws good fortune and is easily used in tandem with stones of a similar nature.
Chakra Association: Copper works with all of the chakras, but especially the First (Root) and Fourth (Heart).
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!
And, since they seem to be at least mildly popular, here's some more exposition on stones that I've bought - oops! Today's topic for discussion isn't a stone, it's a mineral - Copper!
Copper
In Nature: This metal is essential to the survival of most organisms on earth, humans included. It is created in giant stars and is found in Earth's crust at a concentration of about 50 ppm (parts per million).
Chemical Composition: Cu
Mohs Scale Hardness: 2.5 (low)
Can be Found: Copper is typically mined in the USA, Mexico, Chile, and the southern portion of Africa
Healing Properties*: As Copper is so important to Earth's biology, it is natural that it should play a significant role in metaphysical healing. Employ it to reduce cramping, smooth the functioning of bodily glands, and help prevent wear and tear on the joints. It is especially known for assisting with arthritis and rheumatic diseases, and is likewise used to improve blood circulation and detoxification, reduce inflammation, and stabilize the metabolism.
Magickal Properties: The first metal to be used extensively by humans, Copper metallurgy developed in Egypt and Sumer around 3900 BCE. The Egyptians also developed Bronze, an alloy of Tin and Copper, ushering in the Bronze Age. Just as it conducts electricity, Copper conducts energy between people, crystals, auras, etc. When working with telepathic communication, Copper can help send and receive messages. Many wands are made of or include Copper, again to aid in the direction of energy. Use Copper to overcome lethargicness, to improve communication, channeling, cleansing, purification, and increasing self-esteem. Copper has long been a metal of the Goddess, dating back to the Astrate of Mesopotamia. Finally, Copper draws good fortune and is easily used in tandem with stones of a similar nature.
Chakra Association: Copper works with all of the chakras, but especially the First (Root) and Fourth (Heart).
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!
Tuesday
May 7th, 2013
Goldstone
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!
Monday
May 6th, 2013
Whew! I had my first AP test today, out of the three that I'm taking this year. It was on Environmental Science, and I think it went okay. I got tendinitis or something similar in my right arm a few months ago, though, so as I was doing the extended response, all the writing was making my arm burn. 'Twas not fun. As they say in Japan: "Shikata ga nai" - "It can't be helped".
In addition to visiting a prospective college on Saturday, my family stopped at the Field Museum. True to form, I expanded my now quite extensive collection of rocks. Kindly bear with me as I expound upon a few of their properties over the next few days, yeah?
Physical Characteristics: Amazonite is a blue-green variety of Feldspar, named after the Amazon river, though it is not actually found in the Amazon basin. Apparently, the Spanish explorers got even more wrong than we thought.
In Nature: Feldspars are also microlines, types of minerals that are important in the formation of igneous rocks. Microclines like Amazonite are typically rich in Potassium and Sodium.
Chemical Composition: KAlSi3O8
Mohs Scale Hardness: 6 (middle)
Healing Properties*: This stone assists in stopping self-destructive behavior, both physical and emotional, and alleviates stress and exhaustion. Additionally, Amazonite soothes the nervous system and supports the processing of information. It also improves posture and may protect against snakebite, though in modern times, unless you own a grumpy pet snake, you're probably better off working with your stone to protect against bites from other types of animals.
Magickal Properties: Allegedly, the deeper the color of the stone, the more powerful it is; though this is usually true, there's also no need to blow your food budget to get a gigantic piece of gem-quality crystal. Work with what you can get, and the stone will respond to the energy you put into it. Amazonite is a stone of self-respect, confidence, grace, and self-assuredness. Use it to increase understanding and smooth cooperation with others. Another application is to heal emotional trauma and to balance the male and female (or yin and yang) energies in the body. Furthermore, Amazonite draws forth the motivation to reach your goals, and can be used in matters relating to the truth, trust, and integrity. Due to its blue-green color, the stone brings monetary success, while opening the psychic centers. Those performing rune or tarot readings may find the stone's assistance helpful.
Chakra Association: As it deals with emotions and communication, Amazonite is connected to the Fourth (Heart) and Fifth (Throat) chakras.
Element: Earth
Energy: Receptive
Planetary Association: Uranus
*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!
In addition to visiting a prospective college on Saturday, my family stopped at the Field Museum. True to form, I expanded my now quite extensive collection of rocks. Kindly bear with me as I expound upon a few of their properties over the next few days, yeah?
Amazonite
Physical Characteristics: Amazonite is a blue-green variety of Feldspar, named after the Amazon river, though it is not actually found in the Amazon basin. Apparently, the Spanish explorers got even more wrong than we thought.
In Nature: Feldspars are also microlines, types of minerals that are important in the formation of igneous rocks. Microclines like Amazonite are typically rich in Potassium and Sodium.
Chemical Composition: KAlSi3O8
Mohs Scale Hardness: 6 (middle)
Can be Found: The USA (especially Colorado), Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia, and Zimbabwe
Healing Properties*: This stone assists in stopping self-destructive behavior, both physical and emotional, and alleviates stress and exhaustion. Additionally, Amazonite soothes the nervous system and supports the processing of information. It also improves posture and may protect against snakebite, though in modern times, unless you own a grumpy pet snake, you're probably better off working with your stone to protect against bites from other types of animals.
Magickal Properties: Allegedly, the deeper the color of the stone, the more powerful it is; though this is usually true, there's also no need to blow your food budget to get a gigantic piece of gem-quality crystal. Work with what you can get, and the stone will respond to the energy you put into it. Amazonite is a stone of self-respect, confidence, grace, and self-assuredness. Use it to increase understanding and smooth cooperation with others. Another application is to heal emotional trauma and to balance the male and female (or yin and yang) energies in the body. Furthermore, Amazonite draws forth the motivation to reach your goals, and can be used in matters relating to the truth, trust, and integrity. Due to its blue-green color, the stone brings monetary success, while opening the psychic centers. Those performing rune or tarot readings may find the stone's assistance helpful.
Chakra Association: As it deals with emotions and communication, Amazonite is connected to the Fourth (Heart) and Fifth (Throat) chakras.
Element: Earth
Energy: Receptive
Planetary Association: Uranus
*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!
Sunday
May 5th, 2013
I took my first college visit yesterday to the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. I really want to go to school in the city, and I liked what I saw. Besides, being the "Windy City", what better place is there to connect with the element air, and its associations with intellect? Seems like a good place to go to school, don't you think? It seems an interesting challenge to find ways to connect with nature in a major city like that. There is, of course, Lake Michigan and the Chicago River for water, the aforementioned wind for air, for earth there is an abundance of parks, the zoo, conservatories, etc., and for fire, there is a seemingly endless number of city lights - electricity, after all, is part of the fire element.
While walking, I found a most intriguing feather. Perhaps it belongs to one of the fabled parrots of Parrot Park - I've never seen a pigeon with yellow feathers.
I took it as a good omen - yellow, like air, is well-connected with schooling.
While walking, I found a most intriguing feather. Perhaps it belongs to one of the fabled parrots of Parrot Park - I've never seen a pigeon with yellow feathers.
I took it as a good omen - yellow, like air, is well-connected with schooling.
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