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"Ruby, amethyst, emerald diamond,
Sapphire, sardonyx, fire, ide, carbuncle,
Jacinth, jasper, crystal-a-shine,
Topaz, turquoise, tourmaline, opal,
Beryl, onyx and aquamarine;
Marvel oh mortal! - their hue, lustre, loveliness,
Pure as a flower when its petals unfurl -
Peach red carnelian, apple green chrysoprase,
Amber and coral and orient pearl!"
Walter De La Mare

Magick and stones are ancient related; rocks shaped into animal forms by wind and rain have been used as symbols and the focus of rites for longer than has been recorded. For thousand of years gemstones have been worn for protection against the unknown. Stones that were scarce, strangely shaped or exhibited electrical or magnetic properties are long-time magickal tools.

In the earliest ages stones were carved into images seen to be religious or magickal in nature. Stone weapons guarded and ended life. Rocks were heated to boil water before the invention of fire-proof vessels. Stones were at once beautiful and utilitarian, sacred and profane.

Crystals have been used in religious practices for thousands of years being consistently found in tombs of priests and royalty and almost every archaeological site. In the Bible crystals are mentioned over seventeen hundred times. Amethyst quartz is mentioned as the twelfth stone placed in the foundation of New Jerusalem (Revelations 21 verse 19-20). It was the ninth stone on the breast plate of Aaron, the Hebrew high priest (Exodus 28 verse 18). In addition the Roman and Eastern orthodox churches use an amethyst quartz as a symbol of spiritual power. The aboriginals use crystals as part of their Shamanic initiations.

Stones like herbs, colours, metals, numbers and sounds are not inert. They may sit quietly in earth for millions of years but they are active, powerful tools possessing energies which can and do affect our world. Stone magick is built upon simple ideas and has direct results. Using a stone in magick brings its influences and energies into play. Directing those energies is the magick.

What Are Crystals?

Crystals consist of millions of individual structural units of atoms called unit cells. The unit cell is a square with an atom at each corner composed of silicon and oxygen linked together in a network or pattern called the 'lattice'. The effect of heat and pressure on these atoms rearranges them and this process is known as crystallisation. This is why they produce a current of electricity in a process known as piezo electricity or oscillation and therefore can be used in radio, television, computers and any electronic device requiring high precision. The application of heat to natural quartz also changes the negative and positive charges at either end of the crystal. The temperature change disturbs the stability of the atomic structure and attempts to regain stability therefore produce opposite charges at either pole called pyro electricity.

Crystals are fossilised water, coming into existence when water combines with an element in the presence of certain conditions of pressure, temperature and energy (metaphysically water, the source of life, enables a member of the mineral kingdom to express itself as a more unified and ordered being, reaching for greater completion towards the universe). Silicon combines with water to become silicon dioxide or quartz crystal. Crystals have certain physical properties - that of the quartz crystal is called piezo electric.

Quartz amplifies, transforms, stores, focuses and transfers energy. A tiny slice of quartz in a microcircuit amplifies an electrical signal. This property gave birth to microphones, loudspeakers and all forms of audio and video equipment. Quartz transforms energy. If squeezed it generates electricity. When an electric current is sent through it, it swells, an alternating current therefore causes it to alternately swell and shrink, causing oscillation. It, therefore, can vibrate at a precise rate and transform electricity into waves which can be broadcast - for example, radio and television signals. Quartz changes solar energy into electricity in devices called photovoltaic cells. It stores energy. A tiny slice of quartz in a microcircuit stores large amounts of data in the memory of a computer. It is used to transfer information within computers and in intricate electronic switching functions. Its ability to vibrate at precise rates is used in the creation of extremely accurate time pieces. Quartz focuses energy and lasers, crystals, allows us to measure the distance to the moon in seconds, burn through steel walls or perform delicate eye surgery.

In metaphysics, all of the physical properties have counterparts in the mental, or psychic, world.

1. Amplification
   Crystals amplify body energy and thoughts, creating power and clarity in thinking; enabling thoughts to be used more effectively to influence matter.
2. Transformation
   It purifies and transforms the molecular composition in matter - for example the effect of clear crystal quartz in a cup of water left there for twenty four hours.
3. Storage
   Crystals can be charged with energy which will then store it for later use.
4. Focus
   Focussing energy by our thoughts can be improved with crystals, particularly for healing.
5. Transference
   The crystal can enable us to transfer energy to someone not only near, but to mentally broadcast it at great distances - for example in distant healing and in telepathy.

The crystal is a corridor between the physical dimension and the dimensions of the mind. It enables us to communicate with minerals, plants, energies and spirits.

It can aid in creation of altered states of consciousness, serving as a vehicle for reaching and operating talents and abilities of the minds, stimulating all the psychic abilities and amplifying them, particularly in the use of spiritual healing.

Choosing and Using a Crystal

If you are choosing a crystal for the first time, do not let the logical left brain part of your mind decide for you. Crystals speak through feeling and intuition. Pick up the crystal in your right hand (unless you are left handed) and hold it near the centre of your chest, near the level of your heart for a few minutes, rotating it so that each facet has been felt near to but not touching the chest. Trust the feeling that arises. You may get a sensation of coolness and warmth, your heart may give a slight flutter and quicken its beat, the hairs on you arms may stand on head, you may experience a shivery feeling. Once you have established some kind of connection, try the crystal in the other hand, hold it with the sharp pointed end directed up your arm then pointing down, move it over your legs and your body, listen to it with your feeling. If you still experience no real response or sense of relating then try another crystal. Whatever you do, do not hand the crystal to someone else and buy it on the grounds of what they feel. Crystal energy is highly individual.

Although gems and stones have overall properties and meanings amassed throughout the years, each person interacts differently with them due to individual spiritual and physical chemistry, for example green malachite may be extremely useful for some people and in others it may cause headaches, an upset stomach and light headed sensation. Colour should be taken into consideration when using gems and stones.

Within the crystal you will discover various fractures and formations. These cracks, chips, lines and bubbles create endless worlds within the crystal and the more you gaze into them the more complex and entranced these worlds become. Eventually the crystal's beauty will draw you inside it where you may see shapes, landscapes, worlds, people, animals, faeries and other beings. Some may speak to you, others may communicate via your feelings. Guided crystal spirit journeys can be very helpful. Crystals can be used for celebration, they can be exchanged from teacher to initiate - particularly in Shamanistic societies. They can be exchanged in a wedding ceremony where the couple can charge crystals with love and exchange them; or they can be charged with peace for example and hung on a tree; they can be charged with healing and buried in earth for earth healing.

Cleansing

Quartz crystals should be cleansed as soon as possible and if this is not possible then it should be cleared.

The life force of a human is very strong and when another person touches your crystal the life field energy of that person is imprinted on the life field of the crystal. Within this imprint is the emotional and mental energy level of that person and these emotions can be transferred to the user of the crystal which is not so helpful if the first person touching the crystal is feeling sad, angry, hateful or in any imbalanced emotion. In addition it enables an energy transfer from one person to the other which could be a problem if, while you are feeling full of energy, someone connected to you through your crystal of lower energy level than yourself, takes that energy.

To avoid this, the crystal should be cleansed to remove this imprinted energy. This can be done effectively by covering the crystal with sea salt for two to seven days, or immersing it in a saltwater solution for the same period of time. Moonlight and sunlight are also excellent cleansers and can be used in conjunction with salt cleaning. This can be regarded as a WATER cleansing. Sea water is envisaged here, but actual sea water is not as good because of all the toxins now present in it.

Other methods are to pass the crystal over the south pole of a large magnet to demagnetise it or to cleanse it in a solution of half brandy, half water for a maximum of seven days (a FIRE or SPIRIT cleansing). Crystals can also be cleansed by burying them in the ground several inches below with the point down for twenty four hours at least (an EARTH cleansing). They can also be smudged with incense - especially crystals and gems such as calcite, selenite and dioptase which would otherwise crumble or cleave on contact with water. Sage, cedar and sandalwood are the best. Surround the stone with the cleansing smoke of the smudge stick or incense stick and ask for it to be cleaned of any negative and inharmonious vibrations and energies (an AIR cleansing).

Another way of cleansing a crystal is with the breath (a SPIRIT or AIR cleansing). Attune with the crown chakra centre and imagine a flame there, then bring the flame down into the mouth and breathe out into the crystal. The bigger the crystal the more it will need to be breathed upon, each facet or side of the crystal.

Affirm: "I cleanse this crystal in the light and love of the Goddess. Let only that which is of its own consciousness remain and let all else be transformed into the light".

Hold the crystal (apex towards arm) in the left hand with the thumb on the bottom and the third finger on the top; with the right hand touch two faces, one with the thumb and the other with the third finger. Mentally think of cleaning the crystal of anything that is not for your purpose and pulse your breath into the crystal on each side. The same method can be used for programming the crystal.

Clearing

If you cannot immediately cleanse your crystal you should neutralise the energy by 'clearing' it. Picture in you mind an energy meter with the indicator needle at zero, thereby neutralising the old energy; now move it all the way to the right to the maximum, putting your own energy into it; with your eyes closed look at your waist and see a white ring of energy; expand that ring - or aura - until it is a foot away, becoming brighter and more clear until it is like a crystal ball all around you. Any time you hold your crystal and expand your aura it will automatically form a protective shield. Any negative or imbalanced energy which strikes this shield will change to white, positive light which you can either use or send to others. Expand the light until the entire crystal is growing, come out of the crystal, back into your own body, into time, and open your eyes. After you have cleansed the crystal do not let anyone touch your personal crystal but treat it as a dear and precious friend, keeping it in a small bag made of natural materials, periodically placing it in salt overnight when it seems to be getting full of energy. If it is used for healing, wash it after each session.

Attuning

To use your crystal most effectively you must attune yourself to it. The closer your vibrations are to the crystal the more effectively it will operate as a tool to enable you to control energy. Therefore keep your crystal next to your body for one moon cycle. When holding it, use the right hand (projective hand) and chakra energy. This constant interaction with your body will cause the crystal to synchronise its vibration with yours. During this time visualise it and get to know it really well. Imagine that you are right inside it. Do you see colours? What do the walls look like? How do the floors look? Do you see anything else inside? What is the temperature like? What do you feel? What do you hear? How does it taste? Is it soft or hard? What sensations do you feel when you put your hand on the inside wall of the crystal? Feel it vibrating.

Activating and Charging

Crystals can be activated in several ways. This means to prepare the crystal to enable us to use it. The simplest method is to hold it in your left hand and in a short time it will begin to pulse or vibrate in attunement with you. As soon as you feel this tingling sensation you can begin to use it. A more complete activation and attunement can be obtained by using the merging technique mentioned before.

Crystals can also be charged, particular with the energy of a pyramid or with other charged crystals, particularly an amethyst cave. Ideally the crystals to be charged should be put in the pyramid or the crystal cave for a maximum of one lunar cycle. They can also be charged using magnets by placing the crystal on the south pole of the magnet. Constant exposure to an electromagnetic field seems to cause the moisture which can cause 'clouding' to disappear. Finally the crystals can be charged with the focussed energy of a group.

Programming your stone

Programming a crystal involves finding a quiet place and time to relax. Place the stone on the third eye and concentrate on linking with the crystal thinking of the work you intend the stone to do. Ideally, after having cleansed, cleaned, charged and programmed your stone you need to keep the stone near direct sunlight although stones used for meditational or inspirational purposes should be kept in moonlight for several days before using it. The main thing is to make a connection with the crystal and your purpose, thus filling it with the energy from conscious and subconscious realms to fulfil that end.

Synthetic crystals are increasingly found these days, particularly to replace the rare and expensive ones - for example alexandrite. Science has discovered synthetics are limited as compared to natural crystals. For example in a computer memory the synthetics begin to use their information storage ability after several years, unlike natural crystals. Regard the synthetic as like a baby with no intelligence or information, operating only on stimulus and response. They cannot work on emotional or higher mental levels. However synthetics can be transformed into natural ones by various methods. One way is to place a synthetic crystal next to a natural crystal under a pyramid for one lunar cycle. Another is to mentally 'project' into the synthetic crystal, to create seven doorways for the seven directions (north, south, east, west, above, below, centre) or the seven different colours of the rainbow - this will take seven consecutive days.

Uses of Crystals

1. Better gas mileage.
2. Increasing electrical efficiency.
3. Charging water so plants given the water grow faster and better.
4. Drying meat without decay.
5. Improving the ability to enter altered states of consciousness and programming that altered state to stimulate clairvoyant abilities, improving visualisation and focussing.
6. To better communicate with our spiritual guides and teachers (otherwise known as our 'higher self' or, in some cases, our 'power animal')
7. Manifesting something in our life that we want or need i.e. improving the likelihood that spells will work.
8. Increasing the power of positive reaffirmations.
9. Improving psychic abilities.
10. Improving the power of our meditation.
11. Communicating with each other by using telepathy or transmitting emotions.
12. Increasing our intuition, accuracy and improving our creativity.
13. Using the crystal as an energy measuring tool, for example in dowsing rods and pendulums.
14. Using them for psychic protection and as balancing, for example as a necklace over the throat chakra; or over the heart chakra as pendants; or over the crown chakra as earrings; over the third eye and crown chakra as a diadem. If used as a ring be sure that the underside of the stone of the ring is open to allow free access from the crystal to the skin. Crystals should be cleaned with soap and water and putting the pieces in sea salt for seven days and preferably on a regular basis.
15. Crystals can also be used as amulets, to amplify the auric energy fields of the body, to use as a protective psychic field they can be empowered by inscribing the stones with special power symbols. They can be used to be embedded in the shaft of a wand the hilt of an athame; to improve focussing using these magickal tools. A simple wand can be made with a crystal stuck into a rod of wood or copper tubing. A healing wand is best made with wood and a clear quartz crystal is set into one end and a natural amethyst of a dome shape is set into the other. Wire should connect the two crystals through a hole down through the middle of the wand.

Healing with crystals

Crystal healing deals not only with the physical body but the energy systems which create and support that body. The total human is a series of energy systems interconnecting the mind, emotions and body. Crystals can interact with these systems and, in conjunction with the mind, create functional changes which will then manifest in the physical body by means of its electronic piezo electric properties. The energy vibrations of a crystal cycle at about 20,000; this property can be used to carry energy levels of someone who is "low" (ill, depressed, sad) up to the higher level of the crystal.

Hold your crystal in your left hand; place your right hand over the painful area or the area to be repaired; hold this for about half an hour. The crystal will amplify the energy, flowing in the left hand and out the right and the energy from the right hand will go into the area causing pain which will reduce the nature of pain. The energy will cause the automatic repair system of the body to begin the repair process, removing the cause of the pain, thereby shutting off the pain signal.

Other ways of healing are to place the crystal on or near the area of the body that needs to be healed; the base of the crystal also can be placed on the effected area to 'draw out' the negative energy or the point can be placed over the effected area to send in healing energy. The crystal can be held while falling asleep and asking the subconscious mind to direct the healing energy, or crystal can be aligned in creative and intuitive ways on or near the person to be healed. They can be waved around the body in large arcs, or crystal pendulums can be twirled over chakras. Various crystals and other gemstones can be arranged on the body in a systematic and intuitive way.

Exercise: Healing the Earth Mother

Bring a crystal to a natural body of water, programme the crystal to help the waters of the earth run pure and clean again and visualise white, purifying light going into the crystal. Dip the crystal then into the water, send healing thoughts of love into that water and then either take the crystal home or drop it into the water as an ever-present healing gift to the water spirits and to the earth mother. This example could also be used for trees or special sacred places to be used as ritual temples.

Crystals will channel, focus, project and increase any energy you send out and therefore this is one of their major functions. Be careful that the energy sent out is positive because whatever you will send out can come back to you magnified many times because of the focussing and amplification powers of crystal. One way of projecting the energy through a crystal is to hold it out at arms length, point it to the sky and send out your 'will' via the crystal. To project this energy as a group the crystal can be in the middle of a number of people in a circle where everyone puts their hands on or near the crystal, sending their intent into the crystal by visualising white light entering the crystal. This is enhanced by chanting the intention into the crystal rhythmically.

Crystal gazing can help enhance psychic 'knowing' by inducing balance in the person doing the gazing and awakening the intuitive and spiritual side.

Types of Crystals

Each crystal has its own identity and therefore you have to get to know the crystal and its unique abilities. However there are some categorisations of crystals that have been developed from the experience of very many people which may help in finding the various abilities of the crystals that you will collect.

1. Abundance Crystals.

   This is a quartz crystal with many tiny crystals growing at the base. It is a mothering, protecting crystal bestowing nurturing, loving energy on those who use this. It fosters prosperity, wellbeing, success, good fortune, blessings and growth. It encourages us to be generous and to give freely.

   With ancient wisdom and mothering care,
   I teach your spirit to flourish and share.

   Open your arms and you shall receive
   That which you visualise, think and believe.

   And learn as your blossoming dreams unfold,
   That a generous heart is worth more than gold.

2. Amethysts.

   These are coloured violet to dark purple and associate with increased nobility, spiritual awareness, meditative and psychic abilities and inner peace. It transforms negative energy into positive energy, brings an understanding of death and rebirth, amplifies healing and promotes altered states of consciousness and relieves stress. It is therefore one of the most important and powerful stones and probably the most spiritual.

   The Legend of Amethyst

   Bacchus, in a drunken rage, commanded tigers to eat the first human they came across. This happened to be a young girl, Amethyst, who was worshipping at the shrine of Diana. In terror she begged Diana for help and was turned into a statue of white crystal. Bacchus was ashamed, calmed down and poured grape juice over the statue, turning into the colour now called amethyst. In Rome it was regarded that to drink out of an amethyst goblet was protection against drunkenness.

   I come to you in gentle love,
   Uniting Earth with Heaven above;
   Be peaceful children and never afraid,
   For in love and light we all were made.

   Youngest species, human child,
   Learn to be gentle, loving and mild.
   I teach you the ALL:
   Birth, death and rebirth.
   Together we can create Heaven on Earth.

   • Energy - receptive.
   • Planets - Jupiter, Neptune.
   • Element - water.
   • Deities - Bacchus, Dionysius, Diana.
   • Powers - dreams, overcoming alcoholism, healing, psychism, peace, love, protection against thieves, courage, happiness.
   • Magickal uses - This is a stone steeped in ancient magick. It is a member of the quartz family and ranges in colour from light lavender through violet to almost black. Australian amethyst is particularly dark. It is associated with the third eye and crown chakras, enhancing right brain activity. It has a calming mental effect and is one of the best stones to use for meditation and over-worked, over-stressed and overwhelmed mental states, for those who suffer from recurrent nightmares. It is a blood cleanser and energiser and assists purification and regeneration, cutting through elusion. It has strong protective qualities and enhances psychic abilities and spiritual awareness. As it is the stone that Bacchus used to cure his drunkenness it is thought to help cure alcoholism. It can be used for cleansing other crystals and stones. It strengthens the endocrine and immune system and is useful in the treatment of emotional and mental disorders, nervous disorders and easing pain. As an elixir it can be used for the pain of arthritis. It can also be used in dream revelation and give clarity of thought. It is a stone of love, not only of human love but divine love and unconditional love. It can also be used in spells designed to magnify beauty. Hundred of years ago the amethyst was moistened with saliva and rubbed on the face to banish pimples and rough skin.

3. Artemis crystals.

   Artemis crystals are long, thin crystals with sharp, undamaged points. They are supportive of those struggling for independence of all kinds: economic, spiritual, creative or mental. It combines strength, action and directness with sensitivity and kindness and, being dynamic arches of the quartz clan, they focus energy extremely accurately and speedily.

   Lady of the wild things - wood and hill and dale -
   Steward of all freedoms, defender of the frail,
   Tender of the forests, empowering the tame,
   Protectress of all nature, I ask this in your name:
   (State your prayer)

4. Channelling crystals.

   These are crystals wrapped in copper wire or placed in a copper dish; or crystals with a seven sided front facet and an opposite facet that is an equilateral triangle. Channelling crystals help tap into our abilities to channel life-affirming energies and entities, communicating with the higher forces and with our higher selves.

5. Citrine.

   Citrine is a gold and yellow crystal which is an energiser, furthering prosperity, generosity and creative power, stimulating earthly pleasure, protection, strength and confidence. It is particularly healing to digestion and the emotions and strengthens the bodies.

   Look to the truth, look to the light;
   There is no sin in earthly delight.

   I help you to balance, with golden glow,
   Heaven above with Earth below.

   For all life is sacred, there is no doubt;
   Sacred within and sacred without.
   You also are sacred; your body and soul,
   United in love and once again whole.

   So create and enjoy and affirm as you live,
   And give back to life, abundantly give.

6. Crystal balls.

   Crystal balls represent the wholeness and integrity of the circle and enable one to reach the place between the worlds and other realities.

7. Crystal clusters.

   Cluster protection, co-operation, participation, harmony, union agreement and sharing as they live together in a close-knit family. They encourage us to realise we are all related. Living in perfect concord crystal clusters therefore have the ability to break up negative energy in the environment and keep the emotional atmosphere sweet, purifying minds and hearts.

   Animal, human, plant or stone,
   None are meant to live alone.

   From the safe shore nest of a loving clan,
   You can reach out to every woman and man.

   Loving, sharing, living as one;
   I teach you that it can be done!

8. Devic crystals.

   These are crystals with a great deal of faery frost (the fractures and inclusions inside the crystal). They open us to the beauty and wonder of nature and facilitate communication with nature spirits.

   Celebrate life, laugh and sing;
   Dance with me in a faerie ring!
   Sing for the elfin, the little folk all:
   If your heart be pure they will heed the call.

   If your soul be gentle and peaceful within,
   You will be accepted as faerie kin.
   For you the woods will glitter and shine,
   And worlds of magick will always be thine.

   If your soul be gentle and peaceful within,
   You will be accepted as faerie kin.
   For you the woods will glitter and shine,
   And worlds of magick will always be thine.

   For you every valley and mountain and moor,
   Will lead to another faerie door.
   You will walk with the faerie folk hand in hand,
   And the Earth will become an enchanted land.

9. Dolphin crystals.

   These are crystals where there is a smaller crystal riding near the base of the larger crystal, symbolising the young dolphin swimming with its mother. It is protective and loving, particularly of the handicapped. They like most women and gentle men and have a problem attuning with aggressive people.

10. Double terminated crystals (balancing).

    This is one that is faceted at both ends. In the more common single terminated crystal the energy flows in through the base and out through the point. However, in double terminated crystals the energy flows both ways at once and therefore can ease the transition between alternate realities and the mundane world, facilitating communication between the conscious and subconscious mind, between the heart and the mind and promote psychic work, dream the call and the balance of body, mind and spirit. They are helpful in any form of prophetic and divinatory endeavour, as well as in astral projection. They open up the inner eye and our intuitive selves bridging the right and left hemispheres of the brain. They both ground earth energies and improve higher karmic energies.

    Out of the spiralling, soft velvet night
    I bring intuitive knowledge delight.

    Act and then dream, awaken then sleep;
    I glide in the shoals as I swim in the deep.

    Spirit to matter, woman to man,
    Cosmos to atom - I am the span.

11. Eight faceted crystals.

    Crystals with eight facets are valued for their empowerment and energising abilities, associated with success, prosperity and accomplishment. They teach balance for desire of material things and a need for spiritual attainment. They show how to put energy to practical and pragmatic use while not losing sight of spiritual values.

12. Empathic crystals.

    These are the odd, chipped and damaged crystals that, in some strange way, speak to us perhaps more than the prettiest one on the tray. These crystals have developed understanding and kindness to a great degree and they are the ones we can tell our own hurt to and permit us to grow in compassion for ourselves and others. They can protect the open-hearted from too much pain - for example, if you are overwhelmed by somebody else's pain, hold an empathic crystal, take three deep breaths, breathe the pain into the crystal then bury it in the earth. The earth which can make flowers our of manure can make something beautiful out of your pain. This type of negative energy, born of the empathy and kindness to another, can be easily transformed by the Earth Mother and at the same time enable you to be free of immobilising discomfort.

13. Extraterrestrial crystals.

    These have a single termination at one end and multiple terminations at the other. They are a form of 'channelling' crystals particularly for Gods and Goddesses.

14. Artificially faceted crystals.

    Artificially faceted crystals can be helpers towards the light as much as any other crystal but they are more likely to radiate their energy outward in all directions and not to point a laser like focussed power as naturally terminated crystals do. When worn as jewellery they work well because the wearer absorbs their vibrations. They can hold a programme or be charged or inspired for a particular purpose and can be helpful in meditation and divination and facilitate communication and connectedness. However they do not focus and direct energy as well.

15. Hera crystals.

    These are known as 'self-healed' crystals which have been broken off at one end and then grown one or two terminations over the broken area. They are therefore associated with regenerative powers and with the concept of life, death and rebirth.

16. Herkimer diamonds.

    These quartz crystals found in Herkimer County, New York, are double terminated and sometimes have three or more terminations. They are considered good for promoting smooth energy flow, enhancing creativity and getting in touch with our own 'uniqueness', fostering originality of thought and stimulating the imagination. They are the non-conformists of the crystal clan, having the courage and energy to stand alone.

17. Inner Child crystals.

    These are crystals which have another smaller crystal partially embedded in it. They are particularly good for those who come from dysfunctional families and can help us go back to our childhood and heal the child within.

18. Left Handed crystals.

    These are crystals with an extra facet on the left side of the largest facet. They are considered to be receptive and to help us receive energy when we hold them in our left hand (right hand if left-handed) activating the right hemisphere of the brain, increasing creativity, imagination, psychic ability and meditation. They enable us to become more intuitive, promote emotional clarity and spiritual insight and offer patience and tranquillity to our highest good. They are absorbent and therefore able to draw out unwanted or negative energy. Finally they are a source of acceptance and tolerance.

19. Life Path crystals.

    These are long, thin crystals with one or more totally smooth sides. They help us walk upon a path of beauty and joy and flow with the current of life.

    Follow a path filled with love and peace,
    Walk in the sunlight with hope and with ease.
    Walk in the moonlight with unending grace,
    And beauty will find you in every place.

20. Merlin crystals.

    These are ascending crystals which are single terminated with six facets that come to a sharp and undamaged point. They are not as slender as Artemis crystals and they project a great blast of concentrated energy. They can be used in conjunction with other stones to focus and augment their energy which is particularly useful with any crystal or stone that has no termination; for example in the use of an Abundance crystal with a damaged point a Merlin placed on top will help direct its energy.

    I gather together to lovingly guide
    Energy far and energy wide
    To one tiny point; the whole will unite
    To generate goodness, to focus the light.

21. Meteor crystals.

    Meteor crystals have a number of tiny craters indented on one side of the crystal with a tail trailing from them. They foster transcendence, cosmic consciousness, mystical vision, universal love and a sense of vastness of the universe and the soul.

    You were born in light, you were forged in the fire,
    Of passion and power and loves desire.

    You have travelled long; you have far to go.
    Therefore journey in peace and in loves fair glow.

    For no matter who or what you are:
    You are a miracle, you are a star.

22. Milky quartz crystals.

    Milky quartz appears whitish and opaque compared to clear quartz. They help us get in touch with our hidden, invisible, elusive selves, our subconscious mind, tapping the deep wisdom from within, unlocking secrets and mysteries of all kinds and being useful in conjunction with psychological therapy, particularly delving into the mystery of our own dreams, desires and motivations.

23. Muse crystals.

    This is a cluster of nine similarly sized crystals. They represent the nine Goddesses, the Muses, who preside over the arts. They promote creative expression as well as appreciation for beauty, grace, harmony and bestow flights of inspiration and ecstatic awareness. They open our eyes to beauty around us, both inner as well as outer and awaken in us the poetic and lyrical side. They are therefore particularly helpful to artists, musicians, writers and craftspeople.

24. Mythic crystals

    These are double terminated milky quartz crystals. They hide within their opaque beauty a mysterious archetypal foreknowledge of the direction that we must travel to reach our highest good. They can be programmed and inspired to hold whatever mythic prophecy we ask; for example - the story of Robin Hood speaks of a desire for social justice, the myth of Avalon expresses our longing to restore a mystical world view and to renew respect for feminine attributes. It can therefore retrieve the hidden 'female' part of ourselves in particular.

    You'll find them not so far away,
    Merlin and Arthur and Morgan La Fay.
    Enshrouded in mist, enclouded in haze,
    The magickal, beautiful ancient ways
    Of walking in balance upon the green earth ,
    Respecting a mother and giving her worth.

    When fear of the feminine spirit is gone,
    We will all return from Avalon.

25. Parity crystals

    Any cluster of identical sized crystals is a parity crystal which teach us to wean ourselves from authority figures of all kinds; we are all peers on a spiritual level and the spirit realm is open to all alike. They awaken within us the knowledge that we make up the sacred circle of life.

    Born in wisdom, equal in soul,
    Together we're the circle,
    Together we're the whole.

    Equal in the spirit, all children of the light,
    Our selves are all the greater when our selves unite.

26. Phantom crystals

    Phantom crystals result when a crystal stops growing for a while and then resumes its growth again. They are therefore excellent in gaining awareness of past lives and helpers in all kinds of inner growth, encouraging us to extend beyond our current limitations. They also remind us of the reality of life after death.

27. Pixilated or enchanted crystals

    These are double terminated crystals with a rainbow inside as well as a lot of faery frost. They have the ability to awaken us to beauty and delight and the wonder of our world. They open our eyes to the numerous beings who share the earth plain with us; unicorns, faeries, dragons, animal divas, elemental spirits and the Gods and Goddesses.

    The Pan pipes of nature entice you away,
    From a world view that is cold, that is drab and is grey.

    To a world filled with wonder and beauty and grace,
    To a glittering, sparkling, magickal place.

    The dragons, the naiads, the unicorns all
    Invite you, entreat you to hear their fey call.

    Earth is more than a place to endure, to survive -
    It is sacred, enchanted, sublimely alive!

28. Quantum crystals

    When three or more double terminated crystals join together they become a quantum crystal. Quantum physics tells us that reality is constantly being created and altered on many plain simultaneously, that there is no such thing as hard and fast reality but simply endless probability waves. Therefore quantum crystals will enable us better to alter the statistical probabilities of a wish or spell coming true and are particularly good for 'spell' work.

    I am the pause, I am the ebb,
    Linking together all the worlds web.

    Exploring alternatives, endless and deep,
    As consciousness takes a quantum leap.

    The space between stars, the blink of an eye,
    As worlds are born and other die.

    And with a wish are born anew,
    And the world and the wish - the creator is you!

29. Rainbow crystals

    If you can turn a crystal and find, in bright light, a rainbow inside this is a rainbow crystal. Such crystals are considered helpful in promoting feelings of hope, happiness and optimism and also awaken us to the beauty of nature, enabling us to realise that when we attune ourselves to the earth our lives become whole.

30. Receiving crystals

    Having one broad, flat face these crystals are considered good for drawing or receiving energy. Many healers put the flat face against a body part that is ailing to draw out the negative energy or near their heart and head to draw out negative thoughts and feelings. Others will hold a receiving crystal in one hand (the left hand in a right-handed person) and a projecting crystal in the other to simultaneously receive and give a specific energy that they call upon.

31. Right-handed crystals

    These have an extra facet on the right side of the largest facet of the crystal. They are considered dynamic, projective and energising when held in the projective hand, activating the left hemisphere of the brain therefore promoting rationality and reasonableness and aiding us in any analytical and intellectual ability, encouraging studying and learning.

32. Rose quartz

    Rose quartz are of a rose colour and enhance all forms of love; self love, mother love, caring, kindness, platonic love, romantic love. It emanates the nurturance of unconditional love, particularly when worn near the heart and can also attract positive, gentle nurturing love into our lives when held over the heart each night when one lies in bed ready for sleep.

    Gentle and kind, loving and tender,
    I am souls ease and the hearts mender.
    Soft as a doe, pure as a dove,
    I bathe your heart in healing love,
    So that in your turn you might
    Bathe all life with love's warm light.

33. Rutilated quartz crystals

    Rutilated quartz promotes determination, self control and strength of will. It is a stone of high resolve, assisting our strength of mind and self-reliance and is helpful for those who have trouble making decisions or are too easily led by others as it teaches moral courage.

34. Selene crystals

    These are crystals with any rounded inclusion and are attuned to lunar energies. They promote psychic ability, gentleness, insight into the mysteries and all feminine qualities.

    Priestess am I to the Goddess Selene,
    Protectress of life and the night's silver queen.

    Reflecting so softly, so sweetly above
    The gentle abundance of feminine love.

    Hold me so near to receive, to attune,
    The light of my lady, Selene, the moon.

35. Seven faceted crystals

    Seven faceted crystals enhance truthfulness, serenity, harmony and cosmic consciousness. It is a very intuitive and inspirational crystal, recognised for balancing properties and inducing a quiet, introspective, calming energy. It is therefore useful to place in a turbulent atmosphere or in people who are in turmoil.

36. Smokey quartz

    This is a stabilising grounding stone encouraging a mindset that is practical and rooted in reality. It is therefore good if you tend to become too ethereal and can help turn our wishes into reality. It ranges in colour from dark grey to black and is linked to the subconscious mind. It is the Zen master of the stones, teaching us to simplify our lives and carry out life's details in a centred way, promoting serenity, calmness and positive thoughts, calming fears, soothing nerves and lifting depression.

    I am the beauty in practical things.
    While stirring the oatmeal, the spirit still sings.

    While tilling the soil, the heart can still love;
    For as is below, so is above.

    When you make the mundane a deep meditation,
    The daily routine becomes spirit's elation.

37. Soulmate crystals

    Two crystals attached side by side, of similar size, are soulmate crystals promoting loving contact, tender communication and togetherness. They can help us find and merge with a kindred spirit.

    Through daylight and darkness and world without end,
    You've travelled together, you and your friend.

    In one life, kin; in another life, wed;
    Sometimes the leader, sometimes the lead.

    Incarnate on other planets than earth,
    Together in death, together in birth.

    It is I who will guide you once again
    And help you find your cosmic friend.

    Call through me, pray through me;
    It is my goal to help you meet your kindred soul.

38. Spirit guardian crystals

    These are double terminated soulmate crystals. They help contact our spirit guardians.

39. Tabular crystals

    These have a flattened shape. They have the power to enhance communication, integration, smooth energy flow and balance, promoting positive exchange of energies between conscious beings and facilitating understanding with others.

40. Teaching spirit crystals

    If there is a shape of a 'being' seen inside a quartz crystal as you turn it this way and that, this is a teaching crystal which may be a spirit, about to incarnate out of the mineral world.. It is a Great Teacher Spirit and guidance and help can be got from this.

41. Twin flame crystals

    These are two crystals of a similar size, joined at the base and flared out in a V shape. They share similar energies with soulmate crystals, fostering co-operation, union togetherness and fusion but specifically help us attract our spiritual partners, not necessarily people we will mate with but people we will work with us and be our life's companions in the spirit.

    Not a love, nor a mate,
    But an even higher fate
    Unites yourself with your twin flame,
    Separate souls and yet the same.

    Ever one, yet ever free -
    Converging for eternity.

    Together, spirits rise and fall
    Where one soul could not go before.

42. Wand crystals

    A slender crystal at least three and a half inches long is a wand. They are distinguished from Artemis crystals by size as a wand crystal is much longer and somewhat wider. They can extend manifestation powers greatly and enable you to work very powerful magick. They can be thought of as psychic knives to symbolically cut away negative psychological emotional psychic patterns.

43. Window crystals

    Window crystals have an extra diamond shaped facet, a large, symmetrically shaped window lets us see the better know spirit world such as the realms of spirit guardians. Oddly positioned smaller windows lead to worlds that are harder to reach such as extraterrestrials, devas and Goddesses. They all offer us the great gift of communication with our own souls or spirits i.e. our 'higher' and 'eternal' self.

    Hold me gently in your hand;
    A window to another land,
    A different time, a world apart,
    A journey to a distant star.

    Hold me again, as at the start;
    Now find that same place in your heart.

44. Worldly crystals

    Worldly crystals are those that help us in the mundane world. They are the crystals in watches, lasers, computers and electronic circuitry. They can teach us that a serene and hopeful mindset can be obtained in the middle of a busy work-a-day world.

Pure quartz is more versatile than any single gemstone but coloured stones are more specific and can go directly to the heart of the disease and change it in the etheric double and the chakras. Work with gemstones is based on work with colours and chakras and their energy is the energy of colour healing intensified. Pure quartz crystal sends all colours, gemstones send their own. Pure quartz needs to be programmed, gemstones come with set programming. In some ways gemstones are simpler to use but they are as powerful for their uses as is pure quartz. In using clear quartz the direction for healing comes from the healer's hands and the aura through the stone and this is also true in gemstones. Using coloured stones the skill is in the healer's ability to analyse and assess auras and chakras to choose the correct gem energy.

Gemstones

Gemstones are minerals found in the earth with those few exceptions of marine, plant or animal origin such as coral, pearl, jet, amber, and ivory. Any ornamental stone is a gemstone and the line between precious and semi-precious gemstones is a fuzzy one. In general stones that are used faceted in jewellery work are considered precious. They are powerful for healing but so are the less expensive semi-precious stones which are cheaper and more easily available.

Mineral gemstones are formed by volcanic action, intense pressure, heating and melting or by sedimentation effecting chemical properties. Crystalline gemstones all involve heat formation as do most that are non-crystalline. Hardness is also a factor, the harder it is the less fragile it is and the more cutting and working it is able to withstand.

Coloured gemstones also contain piezo electric energy but most bond to a specific chakra frequency rather than the entire aura. Gemstones are 'healing specific' - for example a stone good for headaches is ineffective for indigestion or ovarian cysts. A stone that calms is not the same one to use for energising.

The difference in gemstones' piezo electricity from that of quartz means the healer has less 'bonding' to do with the new stone but the process of starting gem use is the same. The healer chooses the gemstones in the same way as the quartz - by feel.

The colours of gemstones are caused by their chemical compositions. Metals present in gemstone composition are chrome, iron, cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel and vanadium, usually in very small quantities. The type of metal determines which colours of light are absorbed and which irradiated. In the case of some coloured quartzes it is heat and not chemicals that make the colours. Natural radiation makes clear quartz into smoky quartz and natural heat makes amethyst into citrine.

Stones of the Calendar.

The belief that a particular stone was dedicated to each month of the year was very ancient and related to the twelve stones on the breast plates of the Jewish high priests. The Chaldeans, who lived in Mesopotamia around 400BC discovered a relationship between planets and specific gems.

• Saturn - sapphire
• Jupiter - Jacinth
• Sun - diamond
• Mars - ruby
• Venus - emerald
• Mercury - agate
• Moon - selenite

However the general wearing of a stone associated with the birthdate did not become fashionable until the eighteenth century. Before this time the stones were used more for their therapeutic reasons. The traditional stones for the seasons are:

Emerald for Spring, associated with Venus the Goddess of love, symbolising growth and sensitivity;
a ruby for Summer stimulating expression and creativity created from fire and blood of earth;
sapphire for Autumn bringing clarity and insight, protecting against depression;
and diamond for Winter, the card hard brilliant ice on a winter's day.

Birthstones

There are many different types of birthstone charts. Following is one which is related to the zodiac signs rather than the months of the year.

• Aries - bloodstone, coral.
• Taurus - sapphire, emerald, topaz.
• Gemini - agate, green Tourmaline.
• Cancer - emerald, moss agate, green turquoise.
• Leo - amber, peridot, onyx.
• Virgo - carnelian, pink jasper, rose quartz.
• Libra - opal, Tourmaline, chrysolite.
• Scorpio - ruby, topaz, garnet.
• Sagittarius - turquoise, malachite, amethyst.
• Capricorn - ruby, garnet.
• Aquarius - blue sapphire, amethyst.
• Pisces - Tourmaline, amethyst.

Colours, gemstones and healing

Each colour is a manifestation of the vibratory rate of a particular colour ray which has certain characteristics and can be a guide when choosing gems. The power of colour healing used to be widely understood in ancient Egypt by American Indians and others and its importance is being rediscovered today. For example, in America, research has shown that when violent prisoners are placed in a pink room they calm down within ten minutes; hyperactive children can be calmed by change to a pale pink amethyst colour.

1. Red - slowest rate of vibration and is the most dense and opaque colour, it is therefore a strong physical colour stimulating energy, vitality, regeneration of cells, blood and tissue. It is a hot colour, generating heat and warmth; it is a colour of empowerment, action and expansion to reach out and initiate something new; it encourages leadership and initiation and enjoyment of all things physical from food to sex, sport and music but can cause overt aggression and insensitivity. Red stones include ruby, garnet, agate and carnelian.
2. Pink - pink stones are receptive, packed with loving vibrations. They are calming and soothing and can de-stress and relax the physical body and aggressive mind. They can also attract love or strengthen love already present, particularly by smoothing over difficulties in long-standing relationships. They can be worn to promote self-love and promote peace, happiness, joy and laughter. Ideal to utilise in group rituals.
3. White - white stones are receptive, ruled by the moon and intimately related to the sleep and psychism. In the past white stones such as chalcedony were worn to promote lactation by mothers having trouble feeding babies. They can be used for protection after dark and can be magickally charged to act as substitutes for stones of any colour through visualisation.
4. Black - black stones are also receptive representing earth and stability and ruled by Saturn, the planet of restriction. They are symbolic of self-control, resilience and quiet power. They can be used to 'earth' a person and sometimes are viewed as protective.
5. Multi-coloured stones such as blood stone, Tourmaline, opal, alexandrite are more complex in magickal make-up than single hued stones.
6. Orange - balances the emotional body and the digestive system promoting the assimilation of both food and the events of ones life. It integrates what we need to accept and releases what is no longer necessary for growth, literally helping us to digest life. It is effective for releasing self-pity, lack of self-worth, unwillingness to forgive. It enables warm, sympathetic, caring feelings but can lead to over dependence on other peoples approval in order to function. Orange stones include amber, topaz and smoky quartz.
7. Yellow - yellow is a warm colour associated with the intellectual, rational side of the mind, the colour of taking in and giving out, sharing, expressing and communicating, the life-giving power of the sun. It helps develop powers of discernment and discrimination as opposed to judgement. It enables good organisation and efficiency but can lead to isolation of the mind from the heart. Yellow stones include citrine, topaz and yellow zircon.
8. Green - green is the fulcrum colour, the mid-point between the hot colours of red, orange and yellow and the cool colours of blue, indigo and violet. It is a major healing colour therefore, it soothes, balances, calms and helps develop unconditional love. It can alleviate over possessiveness and encourage sensitivity, responsiveness and loving. It can however lead to possessiveness and jealousy. Green stones include emerald, Tourmaline, jade and moss agate.
9. Blue - blue is a cool colour associated with wisdom, truth and integrity being the blend of love and will, inspiring mental control, clarity, creativity and acceptance of responsibility. It soothes a burn or a fever, acts as an antiseptic and eliminates confusion. It encourages idealism but can also result in a cool personality. Blue stones include sapphire, aquamarine, turquoise, lapis lazuli, blue lace agate.
10. Indigo - indigo is a cross between midnight blue and navy. It is a powerful colour associated with the right hemisphere of the brain, stimulating intuition and imagination. It is a psychic colour, connecting with the third eye and can aid in success when acting on intuitive flashes but can cause people to be carried away with unrealistic ideas. Indigo stones include sodalite and amethyst.
11. Violet and purple - this is the colour of transformation, change and uplifting, they aid in artistic and creative endeavour and spiritual awareness. However it can encourage people to live in a fantasy world, being spaced out and particularly being late for appointments! Violet and purple stones include amethyst, clear crystal, sodalite and sugilite.

Note that the darker and more dense the colour, the more earthy and physical it is. The lighter, more pastel shades are a different, higher octave of the same primary colour - for example, pink is a derivative of red but softer and gentler. The lighter the colour the higher the rate of vibration, the more solid the colour the slower the more vibratory rate. In the same way the density of stone is an indication of its qualities. The more opaque it is the closer it is to the earth and the greater the power it has to absorb and contain, on the other hand the more brilliant and sparkling the gem the greater its ability to stimulate and liberate spirit and intellect. The most common error people make in choosing a stone is not to go for the one which balances them - this being the one opposite to their own nature. If, for example, we tend to live in a fantasy world of mind and imagination, our bodies will respond best to the stabilising physical groundings of stones of the earth such as agate; if we are ruled by emotion we do not need a gem to increase emotional sensitivity, but rather one that will enable us to act rather than react. The opposite of what we are brings balance and healing, whether in a stone or a relationship.

Gemstones Elixirs

Gem elixirs are made from water in which the relevant stone has been soaked and can be used as a means of drawing healing vibrations from crystals into the body. Use filtered water which has been sterilised and purified; put the gemstone in the water and leave it in the sun for four hours; the stone should have been programmed beforehand for healing purposes; use the time two hours either side of midday; remove the stones and then pour the elixir into 10ml bottles, filling two thirds of each bottle, and fill the other third with pure alcohol (vodka is acceptable); shake occasionally to prevent stagnation. Note that the shelf life is only three months. Using the elixir requires one to be in a calmed, relaxed state. Take a few deep breaths before taking the elixir and take three or four drops in the mouth under the tongue.

Gemstone Oils

These are similar to aromatherapy oils where the skin absorbs the oil and helps the body 'open up' to the healing vibrations. Use any natural oil. Most aromatherapists will suggest sweet almond oil as it is easily absorbed, non-greasy and an excellent healing oil. Place the stones directly into the oil, avoiding contamination from dirt; make sure the stone has been programmed first and then charge it under a pyramid shape or in a triangle made by three crystals and for those oils needed for emotional problems leave the elixir under this pyramid in the moonlight. Use the thumb and palms to warm and stimulate the skin first and massage the oil in gently. Do not take these internally.

Metals

All metals are potent magickal tools. Their ritual use is as old as magick itself. Just as early people sensed 'forces' within stones so too were metals found to contain energies which had tremendous influence. As humans devised the technology to free metals from their rocky matrices more sophisticated magickal knowledge concerning metals evolved. Metals can be used alone or in combination with stones. Since at least ancient Babylonian times certain metals have been associated with the planets and this system, designed for ritual use, has remained fairly constant to this day. Following is the list of the commonly attributed metals:-

• Sun - gold.
• Moon - silver.
• Mercury - mercury or electrum.
• Venus - copper.
• Mars - iron.
• Jupiter - tin.
• Saturn - lead.

Elemental metals are as follows:-

• Earth - lead and mercury.
• Air - aluminium, mercury and tin.
• Fire - antimony, brass, gold, iron, meteorite, pyrite and steel.
• Water - copper, Lodestone, mercury and silver.
• Spirit - meteorite.

Mercury, due to its peculiar properties, is jointly ruled by earth, air and water. Electrum and other amalgams are obviously governed by the elements which rule each of its component - for example, an electrum of gold and silver is ruled by fire and water.

1. Aluminium
   • Energy: Projective
   • Planet: Mercury
   • Element: Air
   • Powers: Mental abilities, travel.
   • Magickal powers: Travel, image magick, magickal uses

   This is a modern metal with no history of usage among earlier peoples. It is sometimes recommended as an alternative to mercury. Aluminium foil can be used as a tool of image magick by forming the foil into the proper shape.

2. Antimony
   • Energy: Projective
   • Planet: Sun
   • Element: Fire
   • Powers: Protection.
   • Magickal powers: Magickal uses.

   Protects against negative vibrations and therefore can be used as protection.

3. Brass
   • Energy: Projective
   • Planet: Sun
   • Element: Fire
   • Associated metal: gold.
   • Powers: Healing.
   • Magickal powers: Magickal uses, money, protection.

   This has often been used as a magickal substitute for gold and can be used in money attracting rituals, particularly at sunrise. It has also been used in ritual healing, for example a brass ring can halt stomach cramps. It can be used to send negativity back to its sender and brass jewellery is worn to guard the person.

4. Copper
   • Energy: Receptive
   • Planet: Venus
   • Element: Water
   • Associated stones: quartz crystal, emerald.
   • Associated herb: mimosa.
   • Powers: Energy
   • Magickal powers: Direction, healing, luck, love, protection, money.

   During ancient Mesopotamian times this was attributed to the Queen of Heaven. It is well known as a conductor of electricity and can be used to fashion healing wands of copper tubes with a quartz crystal in one end and an amethyst at the other. It is able to stimulate healing by its ability to balance the body or the flow of projective and receptive blockages which can lead to imbalances and therefore disease. It is often worn as a bracelet to relieve rheumatism and arthritis. It is also worn to attract love as it is a metal of Venus, Ishtar and Astarte.

5. Gold
   • Energy: Projective
   • Planet: Sun
   • Element: Fire
   • Associated stones: quartz crystal, lapis lazuli, olivine, peridot, sardonyx, sunshine, topaz, turquoise, zircon.
   • Associated metals: Lodestone, pyrite.
   • Powers: Healing.
   • Magickal powers: Protection, wisdom, money, success, male sexual dysfunction.

   Gold is intimately linked with sun Gods and was the material of choice for fashioning sacred images and decorating altars. It continues today as the symbol of wealth and success. In magick it lends its energy to rituals and can enhance the magician's ability to arouse and send forth power. Traditionally they were used to collect herbs, particularly the masculine positive or electric projective herbs (silver is better for collection of feminine negative, magnetic and receptive herbs). It can bring a continuous flow of money into the magician's life and is generally used in rituals for success. Especially empowered gold can also relieve male impotency.

6. Iron
   EnergyProjective PlanetMars ElementFire, deity celene. Associated stones quartz crystals. Associated metals Lodestone, meteorite. PowersProtection. Magickal powersDefensive magick, strength healing, grounding, return of stolen goods. Many different countries have ancient taboos against iron particularly in ritual and magick use. However, it can be worn and used in protective rituals and avert danger either from death or plague. It can be used particularly for protection, defence, grounding, warding away of bad luck and evil magick. Lead EnergyReceptive PlanetSaturn ElementEarth, associated herbs rose, nettle, rue, cumin. PowersDivination. Magickal powersProtection, defensive magick. In ancient Greece tablet of metal were ritually charged and inscribed with words of power. In India during the eleventh century charms and figures designed to cause conception or increase fertility of gardens and orchards were engraved on lead tablets. It is a heavy metal which causes death when absorbed by the body. It can be used in protective spells and also divination. Lodestone (otherwise known as magnetite) EnergyReceptive PlanetVenus ElementWater, associated herbs sandalwood, rose, riaro, lavender. Associated stone coral. Associated metals iron, copper, silver, gold. PowersHealing. Magickal powersPower healing, attraction, friendship, love, fidelity, male impotency, well protection, business, money, games of chance The stone was associated with both Venus (attracted to the image of Mars of iron) and the hero Hercules, thus becoming a symbol of strength and invulnerability. It has the power of attracting iron which many years ago was thought to be a magickal, miraculous property. It is a power stone used to strengthen spells and is added to sachets or herbal amulets. The larger the stone the more inherent power within it and its basic use in magick is attraction. It can be effective in treating rheumatism and headaches and healing wounds. It can retract friendship or love - for example a magnet for hearts when worn in a ring or placed within a circle of pink or red candles with love attracting herbs such as rose, yarrow, lavender and the metal copper. It can smooth over troubles in a relationship, particularly arguments. Mercury (quicksilver) EnergyProjective and receptive PlanetMercury ElementWater, air and earth. Powers Magickal powers This is the metal that never solidifies and is possessed of a dual nature, projective and receptive, yang and yin, metal and liquid. There are safer metals to use in magick, however, and cheaper as well. It can be used for protection and gambling and good luck and scrying. Meteorite EnergyProjective PlanetThe Universe ElementThe spirit, fire. Associated stones peridot, diamond. Powers Protection, astral projection. Magickal powers Meteorites are thought to be gifts from the Gods and Goddesses - for example, the Kaaba stone in Mecca is a stone originally thought to represent the Great Goddess Mother. Peridot is often found in meteorites, sometimes small diamonds. They are the spiritual penetrating the physical. They are an earthly thing, literally, possessing the powers of inter-galactic flight, movement, speed and energy. They can be used in rituals of protection; to promote astral projection, particularly if placed under a pillow. Pyrite (fools gold) EnergyProjective PlanetMars ElementFire. Powers Money, divination, luck. Magickal powers Pyrite was used by ancient Mexicans in making polished mirrors to divine the future and in American Indian's medicine bundles to lend extra energy and in China to guard against crocodile attacks. It is used to draw wealth and money and luck. Used as a mirror it can awaken psychic impulses. Silver EnergyReceptive PlanetMoon ElementWater. Associated stones emerald, pearl, jade, lapis lazuli. Powers Invocation, love, psychism, dreams, peace, protection, money. Magickal powers Silver is the moon's metal and is associated with the Great Mother. It is the metal of emotions, the psychic mind, love and healing and can be used to mount stones such as emeralds, pearls, jade, lapis lazuli. It is particularly powerful if used on the night of the full moon. It is particularly potent in guarding travellers from dangers at sea and can also be used to attract money and for protection (as moon reflects the light of the sun, so too does its metal reflect negativity away from the wearer). You hold in your hands a tiny moonbeam, Aglow with the lover that is soft as a dream - Reflecting and shimmering, dancing moonlight The metal most dear to the lady of night. For mystery, kindness and love I esteem, And all of wild nature I hold supreme. The feminine spirit, both gentle and true, And all of her powers I grant unto you! Steel EnergyProjective PlanetMars. ElementFire. Powers Anti-nightmare, healing. Magickal powers Steel is a modern metal and can be used to guard against negativity or as a protective amulet. Tin EnergyProjective PlanetJupiter ElementAir. Powers Divination, luck, money. Magickal powers This can be used in divination as in the use of lead and is also a 'good luck' charm and money attracting talisman. Stones The following stones will be discussed in some detail:- Amethyst, amber, peridot, lapis lazuli, tigers eye, garnet, carnelian, quartz crystal, tourmaline, moonstone, malachite, agate. Gemstones Agate Energy - various dependent upon the colour. Planet - Mercury. Element - various dependent upon the colour. Deity - Asclepius. Powers - strength, courage, longevity, gardening, healing, love, protection. Those who befriend me know and see The earth in her entirety. Healing and wise, protective and strong, I sing to you a loving song. A tiny Earth Mother in your hand, Expression of air, fire, water and land, My charge always has been and always will be: Heal the Earth as I heal thee! In Ancient Rome an agate worn in a ring on the hand or bound to the left arm ensured the favour of the vegetative deities who would cause the earth to be fruitful. Agates were also popular in the Middle East to ensure the healthy state of the blood. In Ancient Britain they were worn to guard against skin diseases and triangular shaped agates were used in Syria to avert intestinal problems. In ceremonial magick agates were engraved with serpents or men riding on snakes and worn as an amulet it prevented reptile and insect stings. In Asia agates were used much as quartz crystal is today. The numerous types of agates distinguishable by colour or markings are used in various types of magick: a) Banded agate (energy - projective, element - fire). Used for protection and restoring bodily energy, easing stressful situations. b) Black agate (energy - projective, element - fire). Protection, courage and successful competition. c) Black and white agate (energy - receptive, element - earth). Guards against physical dangers. d) Blue lace agate (energy - receptive, element - water). For peace and happiness and to de-stress. Reduces household or family quarrels if surrounded with flaming light blue candles. It is also associated with hope, unity, cleansing, harmony, protection, optimism, positive thinking, appreciation for nature, smooth energy flow, joy, truth, purification and promptness and makes us more easy-going. Pink lace agate increases friendliness and happiness. White lace agate attunes us to our highest mind and creator. e) Brown or tawny agate (energy - projective, element - fire). Success in any undertaking, guarding against evil why(??) and it is also used as a wealth talisman. f) Green agate (energy - receptive, element - earth). Improves health of the eyes and guards against sterility if drink from water that a green agate ring was washed in. g) Moss agate (energy - receptive, element - earth). The especial gardeners talisman and can also relieve stiff neck and is used for healing purposes and for spells involving riches, happiness and long life and to make new friends. A greenish brown member of the quartz clan. This can increase prosperity, success and abundance nurturing congeniality and compatibility and associated with healing, harmony and rain with a restorative effect on all living things. It links us to the plant kingdom and nature spirits and therefore aids in the fertility of plants. Each blade of grass, each tiny flower Is filled with healing, wisdom and power. Earth mother calls to you, if you but heed The trees of the forest, the buds of the mead. The creatures of nature grant knowledge untold, And give back your love a thousand fold h) Red agate (energy - projective, element - fire). Also known as blood agate, it is worn to guard against insect bites, to heal the blood and promote calm and peace. As a divinatory stone agate indicates increases of energy and surprises and suggests that the energy of the person concerned may be put to the test in an unexpected way. Generally this is thought of as a stone that attracts lover, for as it clears away the bitterness of negativity in our hearts it opens us up to the love and sweetness around us. It teaches us to be more generous and overcome bitterness of heart and inner anger. They balance, stabilise and protect. Agates can be used almost like worry beads. Alexandrite Powers - luck and love. Magickal uses - this is a rare and expensive gemstone and is usually synthetic because of this. It is a variety of chrysoberyl and changes colour according to the light, from green to deep purple and red. Associated with the crown chakra and it is a regenerative stone aiding the tissue of the bodies to renew after internal or external disease, particularly on the nervous system, spleen and pancreas. It helps align emotional and mental bodies and enhances ability to find joy in life. It signifies a spiritual metamorphosis and is an excellent stone for spiritual growth and psychic protection and regeneration and re-birth, particularly on the spiritual level. Amazonite Energy - receptive. Planet - Uranus. Element - Earth. Powers - gambling and success. This is a powerful blue/green feldspar having in it a trace of copper. It can be worn by gamblers to attract money and luck and by anyone 'taking a chance' to ensure success. It is said to help with nervous problems and mental anguish. It comes from Brazil and is said to provide strength, soothing of the nerves and aiding auric healing. It is one of the major stones for emotional and mental problems. It was highly valued by the Egyptians, its chakra is the throat. It is excellent for the terminally ill and can benefit their transition from life to death. It bestows truth, sincerity and honour and is a stone of communication allowing us to speak from the heart, encouraging honesty and integrity in all situations. It is the prophetess of the mineral clan and unlocks the starlight vision if held to the third eye. It is therefore the patron stone of those who wish to develop their clairvoyant abilities and is very useful in divination, particularly when doing tarot, I Ching and the runes. You hold in your hand a tiny truth seeker, A seer of visions, an eloquent speaker. And all that I see, I truly impart Straight from the spirit and right from the heart, To serve the truth, to foster the light. I am the stone you call amazonite. Amber Energy - projective. Planet - sun. Element - fire and spirit. Deity - the Great Mother. Powers - luck, healing strength, protection, beauty and love. Amber is the oldest substance used for human adornment. Beads and pennants of amber have been found in Northern European gravesites dating back to 8000 BCE. It is a fossilised resin of coniferous trees of the Oligocene Epoch often containing fragments of insects and plants that fell into the sticky resin million of years ago. It is warm to touch and is therefore thought to possess life. Because it is a fossil it has association with time, cycles and longevity and since it was once a living substance is related to the fifth element of spirit. In contemporary Wiccan covens the high priestesses wear necklaces consisting of alternating amber and jet. These materials representing the Goddess and God respectively thereby heightening magick effects. Amber rubbed against wool or silk becomes electrically charged. Its old Greek name was Elektron from which we derive our modern word electricity. It is these properties and associations which make amber one of the most widely used and prized magickal substances in earth. Amber necklaces are a potent amulet against negative magick and particularly effective in safeguarding children. Amber carved in the shape of a phallus was carried as a supremely potent magickal protectant and representations of generative organs carved from amber were commonly used in magick. Witches wear amber beads to strengthen their spells and a large piece of amber on the altar increases effectiveness of magick. It also enhances beauty and general attractiveness and has long been regarded as being highly sensual and magnetic, worn to attract love and increase ones enjoyment of sex. It has also been used to combat impotency and to ensure fertility. Beads of amber around the neck are also seen as a general protector of health and relieve or prevent convulsions, deafness, insanity, sore throat, ear ache, headache, toothache, asthma, rheumatism, digestive troubles and other internal ailments. It can be worn to increase strength, utilised for business success and to stimulate the flow of money towards the magician and plays a part in attraction spells - love, money, power. It is associated with the genital chakra and the solar plexus chakra. It has uplifting energies and is good for those with suicidal tendencies and those who get easily depressed, helping them find humour and joy and creating a balance between daily life and spiritual expansion. It absorbs negativity balancing the yin and yang or male and female aspects, bringing life giving energy and the warmth of the sun. When rested on the solar plexus and the genital area it will help dissolve emotional rigidity. Life blood of an ancient pine, Knowledge and wisdom and truth are mine. A spirit pine, glowing gold, I sing of the love and wisdom of old. Hold me closely to your heart, And all I know, I will impart. Aquamarine Energy - receptive. Planet - moon. Element - water. Power - psychism, peace, courage, purification. This is the stone of the Sea Goddesses of past times. Beads of aquamarine were found in ancient Egyptian money pits. It is a semiprecious variety of beryl and of pale blue/green colour. It is used to enhance the utilisation of psychic powers and also as a cleansing and purification stone. It can be worn or rubbed on the body as purification prior to magick or place in the bathtub during cleansing dips. It is much like amethyst in soothing and calming emotional problems as it is a stone of peace, joy and happiness, particularly in relationships. It is the most magickally appropriate gift for the bridegroom to give him bride on the day of the wedding. It is also used as a protective amulet for travel by sea. It can relieve the pain of toothache and cure the illness of stomach, throat and jaw and, as a charm, can ensure good health; and to halt fear so as to strengthen the courage behind it and for alertness of the mind. It is also good for fluid retention problems because of its connection with the sea, particularly for those born under the sign of Cancer which links with water and the moon. Its chakra is the throat chakra. It shields the aura from negative vibrations and temporarily protects one from pollution. You hold in your hands the spirit of ocean, Teaching you calmness, peace and devotion. I am the sea womb, of all life that starts; I offer you comfort and peace of the heart. Call me grandmother; in me be serene. I am the stone you call aquamarine. Bloodstone (also known as Heliotrope) Energy - protective. Planet - Mars. Element - fire. Associated herb - heliotrope. Powers - Halting bleeding, healing, victory, courage, wealth, strength, power, legal matters, business, invisibility, agricultural. The bloodstone is a green chalcedony flecked with red spots. Used in magick for at least three hundred years. In Ancient Babylon it was used to overcome enemies and in Ancient Egypt to open doors, break bonds and cause stone walls to fall. Its most famous use is to halt bleed and it was frequently carried by soldiers to avoid wounds or as a magickal first aid. It can be used to stop nose bleeding and to cure fevers. Because of its association with blood it is a popular stone with athletes to increase physical strength and win competitions. It lends courage, calms fears and eliminates angers and has long been used to secure victory in court and legal matters. Because of its green colour it is utilised in wealth, money and business spells and attracts wealth. On the land it increases the yield of the crops. With its blood stopping properties it can prevent miscarriage and ease childbirth. For magickal invisibility (when you wish to lay low and not attract attention to yourself) it can be smeared with fresh heliotrope flowers and carried. This is said the dazzle the eyes of the bearer's beholders. It is associated with the root or heart chakra and can assist in realigning spiritual purpose by clearing self-doubt. Giving strength and stamina during periods of stress, difficulty and loss of hope. It can also be useful to help in decision making. It can be used for regulating menstrual flow for those women who have problems with bad periods. It enhances alignment, organisation and smooth energy flow, it is also said to bring rain, abundance, generosity, idealism and good fortune. It is able to remove emotional and physical blockages. Calcite (Iceland Spa) Depending on the 'type', it has various energy, planet and element attributes. Powers - spirituality, centring, peace, love, healing, purification, money, protection, energy. Calcite is a transparent crystal which has the unique optical quality of double refraction. This property causes calcite to be used in spells to double the power of the rite. It is excellent in cases of fear and anxiety. True calcite can be easily cut with the knife and is also commonly known as alabaster. It is found in large quantities in Egypt where it was used by the Ancient Egyptians. It can help with kidney problems and skin problems. It is also a very good meditational stone. Clear calcite (energy - receptive, planet - Moon, element - water). This is utilised in spirituality rituals and is a focus for meditation. This involves all the chakras, particularly the crown. Pink calcite (energy - receptive, planet - Venus, element - water). It is calming, centring and grounding and used in love rituals. It is involved with the heart chakra and helps heal the heart of emotional pain and trauma. It has a very uplifting energy. Blue calcite (energy - receptive, planet - Venus, element - water). This is a healing stone when worn on the body or placed between flaming blue or purple candles. It can also be used for purification. It is associated with the throat chakra and helps balance and calm emotional and mental levels allowing clear sight. It should be used when overwhelmed with the intensity of change and it lessens the sense of trauma and assists with the expression of emotion. Green calcite (energy - receptive, planet - Venus, element - earth). This draws money and prosperity to the household, especially when surrounded by flaming green candles every morning. It is associated with the heart chakra and erases reverberations of shock, promotes a peaceful sense of being in control of life. It helps release old mental patterns and is good for rheumatic illness and arthritis and injuries involving bone and ligament damage. It is also good following toxic fume inhalation or allergies to toxic chemicals. Orange calcite (energy - projective, planet - Sun, element - fire). This is a protective stone and lends energy to the body when held. It is associated with the solar plexus chakra and is also known as honey calcite. It alleviates tiredness, burdens and feelings of disillusionment. Red calcite It is associated with the base and solar plexus chakras. It provides a safe grounded space to open up emotionally, absorbing the negative emotions that are blocking and unbalancing the lower chakras. Gold calcite It involves the genital and crown chakras. It is good for meditation and assists in mental alertness, enhancing clarity of thought and vision and the ability to see the truth. It deepens intellect, wisdom and psychic abilities. Carnelian Energy - projective. Planet - Sun. Element - fire. Powers - protection, peace, eloquence, healing, courage, sexual energy. This was worn on the hand in Ancient Egypt to still anger, jealousy, envy and hatred and is still used to promote peace and harmony and dispel depression. It can be worn by the shy to bolster their courage and is therefore excellent for public speaking, strengthening the voice, providing self-confidence and conferring eloquence. It can counteract doubt and negative thoughts and confers patience. In addition it can guard against others who try to read your thoughts. It was worn to prevent skin diseases, insanity, nose bleeds and all blood diseases and also as a general health inducer. It strengthens astral vision and can halt nightmares. It is also worn to stimulate sexual impulses. It is associated with the naval and solar plexus. It is an orange red to orange brown variety of chalcedony. Natural carnelian has a cloudy distribution of colour. Generally it is a motivating stone bringing joy, happiness and blessings, bringing ideas to fruition, healing jealousy and envy. Mohammed and Napoleon both wore carnelian. Harvest your wishes, harvest your dreams, Gather in stardust, reap the moon's beams. All things are possible - but love the earth first! She feeds your hunger, she quenches your thirst. Life never ending, of autumn I sing. Yes, winter cometh, but comes then the spring. I sing of the seasons, earth mother's great wheel. A tune to the rhythm to harvest and heal. Chrysoprase Energy - receptive. Planet - Venus. Element - earth. Deity - Vesta. Powers - happiness, luck, success, friendship, protection, healing, money. This is an apple green form of chalcedony and can be used to lift the emotions and banish greed, envy, selfishness, tension and strength. It is a cheering stone. It can also be used to prevent nightmares. It is a lucky stone and can be worn for eloquence, success in new undertakings and to attract friends. Its healing powers include strengthening the eyes, staunching blood and relieving the pain of rheumatism. It is the 'maiden' of the mineral clan, ever youthful and full of promise, protective of all young life and granting the hope of re-birth to all. It is the patron stone of children, young animals and seedlings. It is associated with the heart chakra. Nickel appears in it as a trace mineral therefore producing its green colour. I sing of the springtime, for out of the earth The soft buds of life bring the hope of the earth. I am the youth that still lives in your soul, No matter how tired, no matter how old. I bring the truth that spring comes anew Ever from winter, that each soul can renew It self in death and lifetimes untold; That the soul and the seasons alike unfold. Citrine Energy - projective. Planet - Sun. Element - fire. Powers - anti-nightmare, protection, psychism. It is a yellow quartz with natural colours ranging from lemon yellow to smokey gold. It is involved with the naval and solar plexus and is excellent for tissue regeneration, strengthening kidneys, colon, liver, gall bladder, digestive organs and heart. It is a detoxifier. It raises self-esteem and helps synthesise understanding when you are pulled in many directions. It is helpful for mental clarity in communication, writing and problem solving. It enhances optimism and intellectual capacity, creativity and personal power. It can be used for clearing the aura and cleansing and stabilising the physical body. It can be worn at night to remove fear and prevent nightmares. It is particularly useful in the office when communication needs to be clear and concise. It will promote a feeling of self-esteem which, in turn, aids communication. Crystal quartz Energy - projective and receptive. Planet - Sun and Moon. Elements - fire and water. Deity - the Great Mother. Associated metals - silver, copper, gold. Associated herbs - copal, mugwort, chicory, sage, sweetgrass. Powers - protection, healing, psychism, power, lactation. Fluorite Energy - projective. Powers - mental powers. This is one of the 'New Age' stones and is found in various colours and in masses of interlocking, interpenetrating cubes. It has not got a long history of magickal use and its influences are now only being discovered. In general it seems to work with the conscious mind, useful for straightening thoughts, reducing emotional involvement in a situation and strengthening analytical abilities. It is therefore useful for theorising and assimilating information and quelling strong emotions. Some workers use fluorite to strengthen the effects of other stones. It comes in a variety of colours and its chakra is according to the stone colour. It strengthens teeth and bones, improves absorption of nutrients benefiting the blood vessels and the spleen. Blue fluorite calms the emotions. Purple fluorite increases spiritual balance and mystic visions. Yellow fluorite nurtures wisdom, knowledge and intelligence. White fluorite builds purity of spirit. The spirit must journey to far lands and near, To visit new worlds without worry or fear. While your body remains at the place of your birth, The spirit can travel beyond the green earth. To the stars and beyond, your soul must soar As I stand love and watch the spirit door. In general fluorite is a repairer and builder and is also useful in meditation and calming even the most excitable person. Garnet Energy - projective. Planet - Mars. Element - fire. Powers - healing, protection, strength. In the thirteenth century garnets were worn to repel insects. It is a fiery red stone and the name comes from the Latin granatus meaning "like seeds". It is associated with the root and heart chakras and enhances bodily systems, particularly the blood stream. It is worn to enhance bodily strength, endurance and vigour and in magick taps extra energy for ritual purposes. It can be worn when exerting yourself such as hiking up a mountain or studying until dawn. It is worn for protective purposes and strengthens the aura, creating a shield of highly charged positive vibrations which repel negative energies upon contact. It relieves skin conditions, particularly inflammations and regulates the heart and blood. In the past garnets were exchanged between parting friends to symbolise their affection and to ensure that they met again. It is associated with love and compassion and enhances the imagination. It will provide a sense of grounding in times of change and upheaval and it stimulates kundalini energy enhancing the flow of kundalini from the base to the crown, promoting a balanced and calming effect when everything seems chaotic. It can stimulate repressed sexuality or modify overactive sexuality. Note that statues of Isis often include garnets in her ceremonious belt because they represented her blood and her power. Adorned in red, I am loves delight - The warmth of the fire, the passion of night. I help to invoke, entice and inspire Joyous expression of love and desire. Bathed all in green I shine forth anew To regenerate life, to refresh and renew. Healing of soul and cleansing of heart, Love is my power, patience my art. Hematite Energy - projective. Planet - Saturn. Element - fire. Powers - healing, grounding, divination. It is a heavy solid, silvery black stone and was originally the name given to blood stone. However, hematite, as we know it, is a different stone. When worked on the lapidary wheel it bleeds and produces stains that look much like blood. It possesses the curious property of healing itself. A small scratch on the surface of the stone can be eradicated by rubbing the finger over it. It is powerful in drawing illness from the body and is good for grounding and stabilising purposes, focussing the attention on the physical plain. It can also be used for scrying. It occurs in tabular and rhomboid crystals and is grey to black with a metallic lustre. It is associated with the base chakra and is useful in meditation connecting to earth energies. It strengthens both the physical and aesthetic bodies and is helpful for disorders of the blood, nervous complaints and healing broken bones. It is also traditionally considered to have a beneficial influence on legal situations which require sharp attention and the ability to distinguish between appearance and substance. Jade Energy - receptive. Planet - Venus. Element - water. Deities - Kwan Yin, Maat, Buddha. Powers - love, healing, longevity, wisdom, protection, gardening, prosperity, money. Jade is a sacred stone in China from which altars of the Moon and Earth were fashioned as were images of Buddha and other Deities. Because it is thought to lend vitality to the deceased it is often included in 'grave' goods in China. Jade carved in the image of two men was exchanged between two males as a token of friendship. The Maori carve Nephrite, a stone related to Jade into images of ancestral figures called Tiki. It has power over the weather and if thrown into the water with great force will bring mist, rain or snow. The Maoris regard the green jade Tiki as being a lucky stone. It was originally called Hei-Tiki, meaning a carved decoration for the neck, and passed from one owner to another on death, believed to contain and impart the wisdom of the ancestors. It is an ancient love-attracting stone particularly when carved into a butterfly and is a frequent engagement gift from woman to man. The soothing green colour of jade is also healing, enabling the body to heal itself while working through the underlying non-physical problems which manifested the disease. It is particularly helpful for kidney, heart and stomach complaints. The ancient Mayans wore jade amulets to guard against kidney and bladder problems. If worn while gardening it improves the health of plants. Four pieces of jade buried along the garden's perimeter are also effective for this purpose. It can be used for money attractive energies and creates a positive attitude to money. It also helps in business deals. If worn or placed against the third eye it enables reception of wisdom, strengthening mental faculties and helping reasoning. It is protective, guarding against accident and mishaps which proper attentiveness can avert. Jade and nephrite both have a monoclinic crystalline structure. Jade is a sodium aluminium silicate. It corresponds to the solar plexus and heart and has a focussed, calm balance. It is excellent in past life and dream work and provides balance for those who are emotionally over-sensitive. It is associated with the 'sage' or wise man whose serenity is based on deep wisdom, living in harmony with the laws of nature and the laws of spirit, living a life of moderation, always balancing the yin and yang. Black jade offers protection from negativity and the wise use of power. Blue jade inspires meditation. Butterfat jade brings relaxation. Lavender jade inspires love, optimism and beauty. Nevada jade brings healing ability and forgiveness. Orange jade enhances energy and protection. White jade fosters practical application of spirituality. Yellow jade is linked with assimilation, digestion, understanding and empathy. Jet Energy - receptive. Planet - Saturn. Elements - Earth, spirit. Deity - Cybele. Associated herbs - lavender, sage. Powers - protection, anti-nightmare, luck, divination, health. Jet is fossilised wood, millions of years old. It is a form of coal. It appears as a black, glass-like stone. It is associated with the element of earth but because of its organic origins is also related to spirit. It therefore shares with amber the property of becoming electrically charged when rubbed and its association with plant life. Contemporary Wiccan high priestesses use necklaces of alternating amber and jet beads. Beware that much of what is sold as jet is actually black glass and true jet is quite expensive. I teach you honour and gallantry, Guardianship and honesty, That even a humble piece of coal Can transform itself to a higher goal. In the face of change, be brave and bold, Allowing the gem within to unfold. As it is receptive and absorbs negative energies it is a good protective substance. It is a special travellers amulet to ward off dangers while on the road or in strange countries. It guards against nightmares and ensures a good nights rest, particularly if placed under the pillow or hung on the bedpost. It strengthens psychic awareness and if small shavings of it are put in a clear glass bottle, filled with water and left in the sun for four hours, followed by filtering out the jet and drinking the liquid before contacting the psychic mind, then success is greatly enhanced. It is also utilised in health and healing spells to maintain proper energy flow within the body. It is combined with blue candles or 'fumed' with lavender and sage. Lapis Lazuli Energy - receptive Planet - Venus. Element - water. Deities - Isis, Venus, Nuit. Associated metal - gold. Powers - healing, joy, love, fidelity, psychism, protection, courage. It has timeless association with kings and queens. In ancient Suma it was associated with the deities in general and was a popular substance for cylinder seals in Suma. It is a beautiful royal blue stone with flecks of golden pyrite, white flecks are often calcite, gold are tiny spots of pyrite. It is associated with the third eye chakra and is a mental and spiritual cleanser. It strengthens the skeletal system and activates the thyroid gland. It releases tension and anxiety and enhances strength and vitality. It facilitates the opening of chakras and assists creative expression. It can help one look at things that have been avoided to become aware of reasons why you are ill, it is also excellent for past life work. It connects the physical to the astral plain. It eases depression. It balances male and female energies. It expands awareness and enhances the ability to take in more of what is going on around you. It opens the mind to the divine and protects against psychic attack and depression. It enhances wisdom, inner vision and mental clarity. It is the gem of truth and integrity. It has also been powdered for cosmetics around the eye. It is a healing and soothing stone, improving mental, physical, spiritual, psychic and emotional conditions. It is specifically used to alleviate fevers and diseases of the blood and strengthening eyesight. Held in the hand or placed around blue or purple candles it can help the magician focus energy towards the magickal outcome. It is an uplifting, spiritual stone and is useful for relieving depression and promoting spirituality. It is therefore also a fine meditative stone. It can attract spiritual love, particularly with the use of a pink candle and where the lapis lazuli has been used to carve a heart onto the candle. It is a potent fertility charm and is worn to strengthen bonds that have grown between lovers. Its most common use is to strengthen psychic awareness and divination. In India it is used as a protective stone for children, strung on gold wire as a necklace. It has a courage inducing influence and this can also be used by adults and is perhaps due to its psychic and protective properties. Pray with me, hold me close, under the stars. All mystery, magick and wonder are ours. I open your star powers from deep within. I give you the strength to renew, to begin. What better magick, O woman, O man, Than to hold the night sky in the palm of your hand! Malachite Energy - receptive. Planet - Venus. Element - earth. Associated herb - mallow. Powers - power protection, love, peace, business success. It is a copper carbonate, hence its intense green colour. It is opaque and layered. It will lose its sheen if soaked in salt water, therefore cleanse it by smudging with sandalwood or sage incense. It is associated with the solar plexus and heart chakras. It will help in uprooting fear by assisting in understanding its source. It increases courage and determination and revitalises body and mind. It ages tissue regeneration. It is good for teeth. It soothes and calms thereby helping foster patience, physical endurance and inner peace. It is considered as a talisman to protect against falling, particularly for children. The Egyptians used it for eyeshadow and to promote good eyesight. It clears the mind of illusion and works on all depressive types of disease. It is a fine balance for the physical body and soothes swelling and inflammation. It has an antiseptic quality and is therefore good for rheumatism and arthritis. It is good for the pituitary gland and for men who need to be more open emotionally. If it breaks danger of disaster may be imminent. It is associated with loyalty, healing, dreams, emotional maturity, leadership ability and protection and promotes comfort, balance, peace and sensitivity. It expands inner clarity and self-understanding. It is dedicated to purification and draws out negativity. Although the stone is a tranquil blue/green, it can be used in protective magick involving children. It can expand your ability to love if touched near the heart and utilised in love attracting spells with a piece of copper with the symbol of Venus on it and a green candle. Moonstone Energy - receptive. Planet - Moon. Element - water. Deities - Diana, Selene, Isis. Associated stone - quartz crystal. Associated metal - silver. Powers - love, divination, psychism, sleep, gardening, protection, youth, dieting. The moonstone is a blue, white, or pink opalescent felled spa. It is more magickally potent during the waxing moon and less so during the waning. It is love drawing and particularly will enable love to be drawn into your life if used on the night of the full moon with a pink candle ringed by moonstones. It is also prized for its ability to work out problems between others. If placed beneath the pillow it will ensure restful sleep. It is associated with gardening and enhance agricultural fertility. It is a perfect gift for sailors and people travelling by water and while swimming. It can be used to divine the future, particularly if used at least three days after the new moon, while visualising a possible future course of action and placing the moonstone beneath your tongue. Cunningham states also that it is useful for trying to lose weight. It can help with re-programming eating habits, eating right meals at regular intervals, avoiding sugar fats and consuming less red meat. Three nights after the full moon stand nude before a full length mirror in bright light, study your body closely and accept your faults and allow yourself to change. Visualise a new you, slimmer, in control of your food intake and fully alive. Then, holding a moonstone in your projective hand, continue to visualise your body and the discipline you wish to have. Rub the moonstone over the problem areas of the body, over the excess amounts of fat - visualising them melting away, draw it across your head to help control your urges to eat unhealthy and fattening foods. Finally carry, or wear, the stone with you at all times. When you feel the urge to eat unsuitable food, take the stone in your receptive hand, breathe deeply for ten seconds, push the image of the food from your mind and grab a piece of fruit or current instead. I dance between the sun and the earth, Granting you love, and the hope of rebirth. From the heart comes truth, children of earth, Fear not your feelings, be assured of their worth. Your feelings are kin to the tides of the sea. Gently express them, and let them flow free. The tides, like your feelings, ebb and they flow. Unite them with spirit, so that you may grow. Moonstone is a translucent, milky stone, coming in yellow, peach, grey, colourless and blue colours. It is a potassium aluminium silicate variety of feldspar. Its chakras are according to the stones colour. It generally assists with emotional release and is the key to maintaining balance and wellness on all levels. It is generally said to promote good fortune, nurturing, mothering, unselfishness, happiness, humanitarian love, hope and spiritual insight. It eases childbirth and protects those who travel on water. Obsidian Energy - projective. Planet - Saturn. Element - fire. Deity - Tezcatlipoca (Aztec smoking mirror). Powers - protection, grounding, divination, peace. Obsidian is lava that has cooled so fast that the minerals contained didn't have time to form. It is a naturally occurring glass. It is a popular material for fashioning stone knives, spearheads and arrowheads which have no magickal properties. It is a grounding, centring stone and is effective when in protective rituals surrounding a white candle with four obsidian arrowheads pointing to each of the directions. They also fined scrying tools, used as an obsidian bull. The blackness of the stone allows easy access to the subconscious mind. Obsidian offers a doorway to your inner depths. It connects mind and emotions, grounds spiritual energy and helps clear subconscious blocks. It influences the stomach and intestines. It is a good idea to have a clear quartz in close proximity to polarise the intensity of the black obsidian and help dissolving and neutralising any physical or emotional debris that surface. Green obsidian, known as Mount St Helen's stone, resonates with the heart chakra. It is a much less demanding stone than black obsidian and is particularly useful in personal meditation for exploring the inner self. Peridot also known as chrysolite. Energy - receptive. Planet - Venus. Element - earth. Metal - gold. Powers - protection, health, wealth and sleep. It is almost identical to olivine, its colours range from yellow green to olive green and it is a magnesium iron silicate. In involves the heart and the solar plexus. It enhances a feeling of inner joy and lightness. It builds confidence and a feeling of oneness with the world, accelerating personal growth. It resonates well with the heart, pancreas, spleen and liver, reduces strength and aids tissue regeneration. It traditionally inspires purification, growth, intuition, healing, renewal and re-birth. It is soothing to the nerves and good for alleviating anger, jealousy and irritation. It is associated with recuperative ability, encouraging us to bounce back from physical, emotional and spiritual traumas. It is the patron stone of healers and is particularly useful in avoiding the 'burn out' syndrome, common to all healers. It is particularly effective if set in gold, although this makes it a very costly amulet. It can be used for general healing purposes and medicinal liquids drunk from peridot were said to be more effective. It can be used to attract love as well as calm raging anger and dispel negative emotions. In Ancient Roman times rings of peridot were worn to relieve depression. It is also a money drawing stone and can be used with green candles. You hold in you hands the secret of night; Grant inner vision's intuitive sight. I teach you to face your darkest fears, To learn from laughter as well as from tears. For very deep within is your power - Face it, and own it so that it may flower! Opal Energies - projective and receptive. Planets - all planets. Elements - all elements. Deity - Cupid. Associated herb - bay. Powers - astral projection, psychism, beauty, money, luck, power. To many the opal is a stone of misfortune, sorrow and bad luck but this, however, is a modern idea and probably originates from a reference by Sir Walter Scott in his novel Anne of Gierstein. It contains the colours as well as the qualities of every other stone and as such it can be programmed or charged with virtually every type of energy and used in spells involving all magickal needs. In the past opals were used to create invisibility and was carried in a fresh bay leaf for the purpose. In actuality the stones and herbs linked with invisibility were used to promote astral projection and to recall past incarnations. The stone is also favoured to develop psychic powers, particularly if worn as earrings. They also bring out inner beauty. Fire opals are often used in drawing money. Black opals are prized by magicians as power stones to increase the amount of power aroused and released from the body during magick and due to its flashing colours and beautiful unique appearance the opal is luck-bringing stone. It is the patron stone of actors and performers, enlivening all who come to appreciate them. It is a sentimental and passionate stone, removing emotional repression. White opal enhances competency and efficiency. Fire opal inspires dynamic energy and intensity. Black opal promotes cosmic awareness and oceanic consciousness. Opals can also be used to aid prophecy and divination, they are good for the lungs. Opal is a member of the quartz family and involves the third eye and crown chakras. Sodalite Energy - receptive. Planet - Venus. Element - water. Power - healing, peace, meditation, wisdom. I can walk amidst squalor, .................. the land, Yet my spirit shines strong as a glowing bright flame. I feel all beings hunger, sadness and fears, Yet I sing as I feed them and wipe away tears. The ecstatic joy of life I can feel too; The impact must have that to heal and renew. Close not your heart to another's pain But stay open to sunshine as well as to rain. The Creator gave you a sensitive soul To make the universe better and whole. Sodalite is a deep blue stone, veined with white, often mistaken for lapis lazuli but lacks the golden flecks of iron pyrite. It is associated with the throat or third eye and aids the pancreas and strengthens metabolism. It alleviates fear, calming and clearing the mind. It is slightly sedative. It grounds and brings clarity enhancing communication and creative expression. It is very much a stone for the 'New Age' creating a link between conscious, superconscious and subconscious, balancing metabolism, lowering blood pressure and helping sleep. It is amplified when used with clear quartz. It helps people who are highly strung to be a little more focussed and rational. It promotes communication and encourages forms of self-expression. Sodalite under the pillow may help you remember your dreams. It is the patron stone of those who seek wisdom, particularly science, logic and rational thought. Tigers eye Energy - projective. Planet - Sun. Element - fire. Metal - gold. Powers - money, protection, courage, energy, luck, divination. Bright warmth of Sun Father, dark womb of the Earth, Uniting in love to give all life its birth, I bring you hope to renew and begin, Tapping deep power and strength from within. Man and woman, Earth and Sun, Join in love to become as one. Roman soldiers wore tigers eye engraved with symbols for protection during battle. It is a fine stone for promoting wealth and money, particularly with a green candle. They are protective against all forms of danger, particularly if set in gold. It can strengthen convictions and create courage and confidence. It is a warm stone and promotes energy flow through the body when warm and is therefore beneficial for the weak and sick. It enhances protection, clear thinking, personal empowerment, integrity, willpower, practicality and integration of spirit with mundane energy. It enables all who draw near its aura to tap their own inner power and use it wisely. It is a stone of great will that strengthens our willpower and enables us to see clearly without illusion. It is a golden brown, chatoyant stone, a variety of quartz and is associated with the solar plexus. It benefits the spleen, pancreas, digestive organs and colon. Because it allows clear perception it is particularly useful in business dealings. Tourmaline Energy - various, according to colour. Planet - various, according to colour. Element - various, according to colour. Powers - love, friendship, money, business, health, peace, energy, courage and astral projection. Tourmaline comes in many colours. Blue/green tourmalines are known as indicolite. Pink and red as rubelite. Green and red is also called water melon tourmaline. Black is known as shorl. Black/brown is known as dravite. There are also green, lavender, clear and yellow varieties. The chakra is, therefore, according to the stone colour. It is a powerful healing stone and dispels fear and negative influences and has strong protective qualities. It enhances flexibility, happiness, objectivity, compassion, serenity, balance, positive transformation, healing and strength. It enables us to be flexible and tolerant and enables better understanding of complexity. It is an excellent channel to higher forces. Blue tourmaline (Energy - receptive, Planet - Venus, Element - water). It is linked with peace, balance, eloquence and emotional purification and is associated with the throat and third eye chakras. It strengthens the nervous system and focuses personal power into the right direction. It helps in decision making when in doubt. This stone is used to de-stress, for peace and restful sleep. Tourmaline was unknown to ancient magicians and although its popularity is increasing it is still little used in magick. It is unique in that it is transparent when viewed from the side of the crystal and opaque from either end. It will polarise when heated or rubbed, that is one end becomes positive and attracts ashes or light straws and the other negative. Black tourmaline (Energy - receptive. Planet - Saturn. Element - earth.) It protects against negative energy. It is associated with the base chakra and is grounding. It has far reaching memory and is excellent for bringing up memories hidden deep inside and also for past life recall. It will help in those in long-term work by providing stability which may have been lacking, particularly for people who have unstable lives, that is those who constantly travel, change relationship or whose environment is changing around them. Pink tourmaline (Energy - receptive. Planet - Venus. Element - water). Pink tourmaline draws love and friendship and promotes sympathy towards others. It is associated with the heart chakra and releases fear, guilt, grief and sorrow. It is beneficial to the immune system, heart circulation, nerves and endocrine system. Red tourmaline (Energy - projective. Planet - Mars. Element - fire). This lends energy to the body and is used in protective rituals promoting courage and strengthening the will. Green tourmaline (Energy - receptive. Planet - Venus. Element - earth). This draws money and success in business and stimulates creativity. Yellow tourmaline brings heightened intelligence and spiritual awareness. Violet tourmaline inspires meditation. Multicoloured tourmaline promotes harmonious living with the whole range of humanity. Colourless tourmaline brings us in contact with the higher realms. Brown tourmaline encourages stability and practicality. Water melon tourmaline (Energies - projective and receptive. Planets - Mars and Venus. Elements - fire and water). It is the commonest type. It consists of an interior red or pink tourmaline, encased in green tourmaline. It is worn to balance the projective and receptive energies within the body and is a lover attracting stone. It works best for this purpose when used by balanced people. It is tranquil, calming and good for lymphatic and digestive systems. It effects mind and body and is a very versatile gem. It assists in the forgiveness of self and others and is helpful when one is sensitive to criticism and others opinions. By its combination of pink and green it symbolises the tunnel experienced in death or near death experiences and can facilitate the movement of consciousness from one level to another. It is full of joy and can help to heal a broken heart. It is associated with the heart chakra.

   Zircon

   • Energy - projective.
   • Planet - Sun.
   • Element - fire.
   • Metal - gold.
   • Powers - protection, beauty, love, peace, sexual energy, healing, anti-theft.

   This stone is found in many colour, although many have been artificially produced. All have magickal qualities.

   White Zircon is a magickal substitute for diamond and is worn for protection, clear thinking and promoting of mental processes.

   Yellow Zircon (also known as Jargon and Ligure) increases sexual energy and attract love. It can drive away depression, increase alertness and be used for new business success.

   Orange Zircon (otherwise known as Jacinth and Hyacinth) can be used to increase beauty and to still fears and jealousy.

   Bibliography on Crystals:

   1. The Crystal Book by Dael Walker published Crystal Co. 1983.
   2. Gems and Crystals for Beginners by Kristyna Arcarti published Hodder Stoughton 1994.
   3. Cunningham's Encyclopaedia of Crystals, Gem and Metal Magick by Scott Cunningham published Llewellyn Publications 1993.
   4. The Power of Gems and Crystals - How They Can Transform Your Life by Soozi Holbeche published by Piatkus Press 1989.
   5. Gem Elixirs and Vibrational Healing Volume I by Gurudas published Cassandra Press 1985.
   6. Crystal Wisdom - Spiritual Properties of Crystals and Gemstones by Dolfyn published Earth Spirit Incorporated 1989.
   7. Gem Therapy by A K Bhattacharya (fifth edition) 1985.
   8. To Ride a Silver Broomstick by Silver Raven Wolf published Llewellyn Publications 1996.
   9. The Women's Book of Healing by Diane Stein published Llewellyn Publications 1994.
   10. Crystal Workbook: The Spiritual Healing, Transformational and Metaphysical Properties of Crystals and Healing Stones (revised edition) by Sheril Berkovitch published Gemcraft Books 1995.

   PRACTICAL - SESSION 19 - Crystals.

   1. Purify, cleanse and charge crystals according to one of the methods mentioned in the notes. Write down your experiences.
   2. Write a one-page essay on 'How You'll Use Crystals'.
   3. Perform a meditation on Time.

   

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