Blessed Be!

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What is Ostara

Ostara is the celebration of the Spring (Vernal) Equinox when day and night balance. Astronomically, the sun crosses the celestial equator at this time.

Held in late March, the actual date can vary from year-to-year as with the Autumnal Equinox and the two Solstices. The Vernal Equinox usually falls on March 20 or 21. Always check your almanac for your time zone.

Called Ostara after the Saxon Goddess Eostre, this is a time of renewal, regeneration and resurrection as the Earth wakes from her long slumber. This is the time of planting, children, and young animals.

It is the fertility of the Earth that we celebrate, and we symbolize this new life springing from sun and soil with eggs, chicks, lambs, and rabbits (all symbols of the Great Mother).

Ostara promises freedom form the dreariness of winters, it heralds the return of hope and dreams. With the days lengthening, we fill our lungs with fresh air and drink the pungent cleansing teas that clear our bodies from the heavy foods of winter

The Goddess at Ostara

Eostre is the Goddess of dawn and new beginnings. Her name is similar to the word for the Christian Easter, because that holiday took its name from the ancient Pagan Goddess of Spring and rebirth. Another name in the same family is Ishtar, the Babylonian Goddess of the forming and evening stars. Eostre's sacred animal is the rabbit or hare. Rabbits bear young in the springs, and have come to represent fertility and abundance. Hares, which are bigger and wilder than rabbits, have long been identified with magic, the springs, and the mysteries. Hares are associated with the moon - the ancients saw the "rabbit in the moon", today known as the "man in the moon".

The other Goddess we associates with the Spring Equinox is Kore or Persephone, daughter of Demeter, the Greek Goddess of grain and growing things. In the Spring, Persephone comes back from the Underworld to be reunited with her mother. A part of the Goddess that has been sleeping all winter reawakens with the warming of the ground of springs. She who has been mother, midwife, and teacher through the winter now welcomes back her own daughter-self, the Maiden of Springs. At this time of balance the Goddess is Mother and Daughter both.

The God at Ostara

The God of Springs is the young God, playful and joyful, the trickster. He is the spirit of everything that is joyful, light, and changeable. Born at Winter Solstice, nurtured at Imbolc, now he's like a young and mischievous child, still wild and new. He is raw, creative energy that has not yet been harnessed, tamed, civilized. He sees with clear eyes and does not hesitate to announce that the emperor is naked. He deflates the pompous and laughs at self-importance.

The trickster is an important spirit power in many earth-based cultures. To many of the Native American tribes, he is Coyote. To the First Nations of the Northwest Coast, he is Raven, who creates the world. In parts of West Africa, he is Elegba, the small child-God who as a point of light constantly runs circles around the universe. To early African-Americans, he is Brer Rabbit, who tricks his way out of trouble.

In European earth-based traditions, he is the Fool of the Tarot, who leaps blithely off a cliff as he follows a butterfly, yet always lands on his feet, because he takes himself lightly. He is spirit taking the plunge into matter, idea manifesting as form. He is Robin Goodfellow, shape shifter and wood sprite, child of the Faery King. He comes to us in the springs when all of nature is shifting and changing: seeds poking out sprouts, butterflies emerging from cocoons, tadpoles growing legs and turning into frogs.

We celebrate him on the Spring Equinox, but of course, his proper holiday comes shortly after, on April Fool's Day. In his honor, we play tricks on one another.

The Altar

The altar for springs includes -- what else?-- images of rabbits and birds, eggs of all sorts, nests, flowers, and living plants.

If you like to keep your altar up for a long time, blow your eggs after you've colored them. Take a small branch from a tree and hang the eggs from it. Start some seeds, to be planted out in the garden, and let your seed trays become the basis for your altar. Water them every day, talk to them, and watch them grow.

The Colors of Ostara

All pastels are appropriate for Ostara -- especially the greens, yellows, and pinks. White makes a nice accent, but seems too sparse for an altar cloth representing the season of growth and fertility.

Incense, Herbs and Woods

Violet, honeysuckle, narcissus, and lemon make good incenses for Ostara -- the scents should be clear and light, floral and evocative, but not overwhelming or intoxicating.

Herbs associated with springs include meadowsweet, cleavers, clover, lemongrass, spearmint and catnip.

If you want to use wood in your spells and rituals, ash has a strong ling with the equinox due to its connection with the macrocosm-microcosm concept in the Celtic ogham runes - the balance of light and dark... as above, so below.

Other

Flowers

What better day to decorate for the springs season than with the flowers that blossom at this time? They are abundant and beautiful!

Daffodils, jonquils, tulips, narcissus, violets and crocus and snowdrops - fill the house with their color after you've finished your spring cleaning.

Meditations

Take regular walks around your neighborhood, looking and listening for signs of spring: the fattening leaf buds on trees, the first flowers of spring, the first Robin. Think about the Earth's movement toward greater light and less darkness. How can you mirror this in your life?
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What is Beltane

Beltane is the great spring holiday of the Goddess. Halfway around the year from Samhain, when we honor out beloved dead, Beltane is the festival that celebrates all of the living world: plants, animals, and human beings. On both occasions, the veil between the worlds is said to be thin, and is no more unusual to see the fairies near Beltane, than it is to see the spirits of the dead at Samhain. Beltane is a time of Faerie Magic and the Queen of faeries is represented by the Queen of the May. Along with her consort, she rules over the festivities and serves as representative of the Goddess.

In most temperate climates, flowers are now in bloom, trees are in blossom or in full leaf, and gardens are beginning to grow. All of the hibernating animals are fully awake. The birds have nested and settled down to raise their brood.

Beltane is the Holiday of fertility. For Pagans, one of the great gifts of the Goddess is the power of the earth to grow wonderful flowers and fruits and all the things we eat. We are thankful fu the fertility of the earth, and our job is to keep the land and the soil healthy, to protect the animals and plants and trees so that fertility can continue. The earth is a living being, and all of her creatures are part of her body. Each has a place, a purpose, a special part in the great dance of life.

On Beltane, we also celebrate all the different kinds of human fertility and creativity. We give thanks for the power women and men have to make babies, to bring new people into the world. But people can create in other ways as well. When we paint pictures, make up songs, tell new stories, plant a garden, or cook a dinner, we take part in the fertility of the Goddess.

Beltane is also the time when we celebrate the joys of being alive. We give thanks for all the different kinds of pleasure our bodies give us, for without our bodies we couldn't see, hear, touch, taste, smell, run, dance, jump, sing, dance, or swim. Adults celebrate sexual pleasure at Beltane. For Pagans, the good, loving feelings that people can give each other with their bodies are special gifts of the Goddess. When we give each other love and pleasure, the whole earth is pleased.

But sexual pleasure, like anything of power, must come at the right time and in the right way, when we have grown ready for it. Children's bodies are constantly growing and changing and they need time to get to know them to enjoy the things they are able to do as they mature. So, Beltane is a good time for children to celebrate all the things they can do that they couldn't do before, and to run, jump, play games, climb trees, dance, turn somersaults and cartwheels or do anything that makes them glad they have a body.

Of course, bodies are different. People come in all shapes and sizes and colors. Not everyone can leap or dance, walk, see or hear. Beltane is also a time to admit that sometimes our bodies let us down. We get sick or hurt. Sometimes we well sad and angry about the things we cannot do.

Pagans believe that, just as the different plants and animals each have a special purpose in the web of life, so do the different kinds of people. That's why we should never mock people because of how they look or what they can or cannot do. People who cannot walk or see or hear or who have some other difference, have been given a special challenge in this life by the Goddess. Many things may be harder for them, but other things may be easier. And the harder the challenges we face, the more we can grow in our inner power.

In ancient times Bel-fires were lit on hilltops to celebrate the return of life and fertility to the world. Jumping over the fire could ensure safe delivery of a pregnant woman, spring spouses to young people, grant traveling a safe journey, ensure health, and bring about conception for a barren woman.

Beltane is a time of chaos, of the wild energy and passion found in the Greenwood. Be careful when you walk abroad on Beltane night - you never know when you're going to encounter.

The Goddess at Beltane

We have known the Goddess as Mother and as Daughter. At Beltane, She becomes the Lover of all living things. We could call her by some of the ancient names of the Love Goddess: Aphrodite, Astarte, Flora, Maia, Oshun. Many circles especially like to call her Queen Maeve, the Faery Queen, who comes riding forth from the Otherworld, the realm of dreams, imagination, spirits, and visions, to teach us how to move between the worlds.

In Irish mythology, Maeve was a fierce and beautiful Goddess, who honored her husband, Aillil, because he was generous, brave, and not jealous. She was associated with the sacred hare, which brings both magic and inspiration.

The God at Beltane

At Beltane the God is the Green Man, God of all growing things. He too is the lover of all that lives, the protector of the wild things and the guardian of the forest. Often he is depicted as a leafy face peering out from the branches and foliage. He even appears in many old Christian churches, carved on pillars or decorating the altar screen.

One of the Green Man's ancient names was Robin Hood, the huntsman who lives under the Greenwood Tree. You may be familiar with the stories of Robin Hood, bud did you know that he took his name from our ancient Pagan God? Robin Hood means "Rob in the Hood" - the hood worn by the Good People, the Faeries. He dressed in green and lived in the wilderness with his companions, who protected the poor and taught some hard lessons to the selfish and greedy.


The Altar

The altar for Beltane can be a simple arrangement of flowers in bloom at this time. May baskets can be made of paper strips or created from existing baskets. Branches of Hawthorne (the May tree) or oak leaves and branches (sacred to Robin Hood) can form a green background. You might also want to include pictures of the Fair Folk. And be sure to set out a bowl of milk or cream for them at night. Don't worry if the cat drinks it - she's probably a Faery in disguise!

The Colors of Beltane

Bright colors abound at this time of year. Some especially connect the colors of purple and green with Beltane - the deep plum of grape wine, the peridot and hunter greens of the forest - and the gold of the sun shining through the trees are natural choices for Beltane

Incense, Herbs and Woods

Incenses used for Beltane should be intoxicating, heady, and erotic. Rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, peach, musk, and vanilla are all appropriate.

If you want to use herbs to make an incense or spell powder to throw on the fire, woodruff, fern, rose, chamomile, wormwood, and galangal are good choices.

Often you will read about the nine sacred woods used in kindling the balefire. Obviously, the trees should all have strong connections to magick, but substitutions can be made depending on where you live.

Oak would be the first choice, the backbone of the fire, so to speak. To that add eight other types of wood. Any and all of these are acceptable: apple, Hawthorne, birch, elder, ash, thorn (blackthorn), grape vine, rowan (mountain ash), holly, willow, cedar, yew and hemlock.
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What is Mabon

Mabon, the Fall Equinox, is our harvest celebration. As during the Spring Equinox is is a time of balance between dark and light. But now, we are moving from light to darkness, from warmth to cold. We gather the harvest of summer and prepare for the winter ahead.

The Goddess at Mabon

At Mabon, The Mother of the Harvest becomes the Old One, the wise grandmother who teaches us to rest after our labors.

In ancient Greece, the Goddess of the season was both Demeter, who can be generous with her gifts, or hold them back as she mourns for her daughter, and Persephone, who goes into the underworld to return again.

In the British Isles, the ancient name for the Goddess of this time was Modron, which simply means "Mother". Sometimes she was pictured as a trio of women, each seated on a throne. Together, they were called the Mothers. They were responsible for abundance and sustaining the life of the people In the Celtic myths, is is Modron's son who is stolen away into the Underworld.

Whenever we feed the hungry, we honor the Mothers.

The God at Mabon

This Holiday takes its name from the God Mabon. He was called "Mabon, son of Modron," which means "Son, Son of the Mother." He is such an ancient God that most of the stories about him have been lost. All we know is that he was stolen away from his mother when he was only three nights old and imprisoned until he was rescued by King Arthur's companions.

Because Mabon knows what it is like to be imprisoned, he is also the God of freedom. He frees animals from their cages and loosens the bonds of all those unjustly imprisoned. He protects all things wild and free.

His totem animals are the owl, blackbird, stag, eagle and salmon.

We honor Mabon when we protect the wild things, animals and when we work for freedom for all people.

The Altar

The Mabon altar is simple. Make an arrangement of some of the things harvested that will keep for a few weeks: winter squash, dried corn, herbs, pumpkins. If you haven't harvested anything yourself, this is a good time to go to a farmers' market or a pick-your-own farm and choose what you want on the altar.

Autumn leaves, a bouquet of late-blooming flowers, picture or figurines of animals are good additions, as well.

If you know any stories of people who have been imprisoned for their beliefs, their religion or race, you can put their pictures on the altar.

The Colors of Mabon

The colors of Mabon are vivid and brilliant. Just look at the burst of color in the forests with autumn leaves in red, bronze, orange, yellow and rust! Even the night sky glows a deep indigo and the stars shine clear thru the colder sky.

Incense, Herbs and Woods

Nutmeg, cloves, SPICE are the scents of Mabon, along with Sandalwood and myrrh. Heather, pine and cedar also make good choices.

Herbs commonly associated with Mabon are: mace, cinnamon, cloves, cypress, juniper, oakmoss, marigold, ivy and sage.

Build your fires with pine, apple, and oak. Make your wands from hazel at this time of year.
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What is Samhain

Known to most as "Halloween: Samhain is the time that the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead is the thinnest. In ancient times it was believed that this is the time that our ancestors would return to visit us, to give help and advice. People set out lights in hollowed-out turnips to guide the spirits of the dead (the fore-runners of the modern Jack-o-lanterns) and put out food as an offering (which evolved to the modern tradition of "trick-or-treating").

Pagans are not afraid of the spirits of the dead. They are our friends and family. They are our ancestors who gave us life. We call them our "beloved dead". Death is a natural part of life, in fact, a gift of the Goddess. If nobody died, there would be no room for new things to be born, not change or growth.

Nobody really knows what happens when they die. Most Pagans believe that our spirits live on in one way or another while our bodies return to the elements and sustain other lives. There are many beautiful names for the place where our spirits go: Summerland (the place that is always summer and never winter), Tir n'a Nob (The Irish "Land of the Youth" where spirits grow younger and younger until they are young enough to be reborn) , Avalon (the Isle of Apples, where the dead wander in the orchards of the Goddess, where the trees bear fruit and flowers at the same time), and Heaven (where streets are paved with gold, and the spirits are transformed into angles and spend eternity in the presence of God). However we imagine this place, it is a place of peace and rest where we stay for a time until we are ready to be reborn again, perhaps as an animal or a tree or as another person. In each life we learn new lessons, so our spirits are always growing wiser.

Samhain is also our New Year's Day. It may seem strange to have a new year begin in the fall, when the days are growing shorter and colder. But death and birth are two sides of the same coin. It is the time of death and the time of new beginnings, when we think about hope and change and what the next year will bring.

The Goddess at Samhain

The aspect of the Goddess at Samhain is the Crone. The Crone is the Old one, who teaches us wisdom and helps us let go when we need to change and grow. Growing older means losing something as well as gaining something. The Crone teaches us that letting go is a natural part of life.

When we let go, we make space for something new, just as when a person dies, they make room for another person to be born. When we let go of the old year, let it die, we make room for the new year to be born.

The time between Samhain and Winter Solstice (Yule) is the waiting time, like when a babe is in the womb, not yet ready to be born. We don't yet know what the new year will bring, but we can dream, and imagine, and plan!

We can feel close to the Crone at this time of year by spending some time with an older person. Visit your grandparents, or an elderly neighbor, who can tell you stories about their life. Knit or Crochet blankets to donate to a retirement home at Yule.

The God at Samhain

The aspect of the God at Samhain is the Horned God, the stag whose antler are fully developed. In ancient times, people depended on hunting for their food. The Horned God was the God of the hunt, and he represents the animal that gives its life so we can be fed.

Today, most of us buy our meat at the store, and some of us are vegetarians. But even the vegetables and grains were once alive. The Horned God reminds us that our lives are gifts given to us by other living beings. Because all food is a gift of a life, it is sacred. We treat food with respect.

We feel close to the Horned God by stopping for a moment before eating, to thank the plants and animals that have given their lives to be our food. We also say thanks for the work of all those who grew and harvested that food.

In our family, we take the opportunity of the Thanksgiving holiday (which does fall during the Samhain season!) to honor the Horned God, to give thanks for the "harvest" of the past year.

The Altar

The Altar at Samhain can be covered with a black or orange cloth. Upon it, pictures of our beloved dead and things that remind us of them are very appropriate. Symbols of the season, such as pumpkins, pomegranates, gourds, Indian corn and fallen leaves make wonderful and beautiful decorations.

The Colors of Samhain

Orange and Black are the most commonly thought of colors associated with Samhain. But, also consider the other colors of autumn: Rust, Bronze, Red and Yellow of the leaves, the Brown of the Earth, and the grey-green of dying moss.

Incense, Herbs and Woods

Gum mastic, Copal and Myrrh creates an Other-worldly atmosphere when burnt. Heather and Clove also add to the ambiance.

Herbs for this Sabbat should include wormwood and Mugwort. Wash your scrying mirror or crystal ball with and infusion of these herbs. A tea of Chamomile and Valerian can produce a drowsy, trance-like state. Rosemary is used for remembrance, so is perfect for Samhain.

Your bonfire, whether it be outside or in your fireplace, should be of Hazel, Hemlock and/or Apple wood. Inscribe runes of divination on the pieces of wood before placing them in the fire, then watch the flames for symbols and omens.

Contacting the Dead

Most Pagans consider contacting the dead a risky proposal, at best. We do so only when absolutely necessary. Contacting the dead can be disruptive to your psyche. While some spirits involve themselves in our world as guides and mentors, others remain connected in more negative ways. Spirits need to be free to move on and we can best help them by leaving them alone. Death is a transition, signaling movement from one realm to another, and it's risky, and rude, to disturb them.

Samhain is one of the few exceptions to this rule, but even at this time, we do not hold seances or call up spirits who do not want to be disturbed. During this time we invite those whom we wish to remember to be part of our celebrations IF they choose to join us, but we never coerce.

Divination

The three days surrounding Samhain are the most potent times of the year for divination and scrying. Since the veil between worlds is thinnest, we can see easily into the realms of spirit and faerie.
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What is Yule

Yule is the celebration of Midwinter. The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year, when the Sun King is re-born to light the world, to free it from the chilling grip of winter.

Traditionally a time of getting together, parties and festivities. In the past, villages and towns were often cut off from one another, going through the harsh part of winter alone. Yule was the hope which people hung on to, the hope for the return of warm weather and planting seasons. When Yule arrived, with it was cause for celebration, the source of life was re-emerging from darkness

The Goddess at Yule

At Winter Solstice, the Goddess is seen as the Mother. The Dark Mother, Mother Night, Mother Winter. Just as death is followed by re-birth, the Crone Goddess of Samhain becomes the Mother who gives birth to the Sun.

The Dark Mother is the giver of gifts and the teacher of lessons. She gives her gifts and her love freely to her children, without limitations. We don't have to earn them. We don't have to "deserve" them. We simply receive them. We are worthy because we are.

The God at Yule

The gifts of the Mother are brought by the God, the Bring of Gifts. He is the one who carries them into the world to be used and enjoyed.

Old and tired by the longest night, the God goes to sleep in the arms of the Goddess and is re-born at dawn as the Sun, and fresh possibilities are re-born in us all.

He brings all of your hopes and wishes and dreams for the coming year with him. From him we learn to rest and be renewed when we are tired, and to trust, especially when life seems hard, that change will come.

The Altar

The Altar at Yule centers around the Sun. A yellow candle, a picture, or a figurine can be used to represent the Sun. I like to use a white Altar covering, representing the snow covering the sleeping earth. Pine Cones and nuts represent the sleeping earth A Yule log, made from last year's tree, with a hole whittled in it holds the yellow candle representing the sun.

The Colors of Yule

Red and Green are traditional colors this time of year. White, gold (for the Sun King, and silver (for the Holly King) are also appropriate.

Incense, Herbs and Woods

Bayberry, cinnamon, frankincense, are the traditional Yule scents, as well as spruce or pine.

Write wishes on bay leaves then throw them into the Yule fire. Holly invokes the powers of protection and good fortune.

Birch, Pine and Ash make up the Yule fire, inviting protection and prosperity for t he coming year.

Meditations

Traditionally, Yule is associated with the longest night of the year, the hope of return of the sun and light, rebirth. In you meditations, you may want to think about how you might like to invite light, hope, and energy back into the world and your life.

(Litha - coming soon!)

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

Agate (Moss)
Get in touch with nature. Plant knowledge.

Agate (Tree)
Introspection. Helps one view themselves with more clarity and see the world through a broader viewpoint.

Agate
The darker stones were believed to inspire courage, boldness, victory in games, and bring prosperity. The lighter stones were believed to bring peace, protection against lightening, and immunity from snake bites.

Alexandrite
This stone got it's name when it was discovered on the 12th birthday of Czar Alexander II in the Ural mountains of Russia in 1830.

Amazonite
Improves self worth. Helps give the feeling of confidence

Amber
Lift heaviness. Amber is great at lifting the heaviness of burdens -- allowing happiness to come through.

Amethyst (Cape)
Inner alignment. This seems to balance the inner bodies as well . Wrap strands of cape amethyst around an aching joint

Amethyst
Once believed to be able to prevent drunkenness and protect people from contagious diseases. Also believed to give courage, bring victories to soldiers in battle, and attract favors from those in high places. Other attributes that have been associated with the stone are it's ability to soothe the nerves in times of stress, make the wear become calm and gentle, repress evil and make men successful in business. Good for Spiritual Upliftment. This is also the present carrier of the purple color ray.

Apatite
Communication.

Aquamarine
Said to assure love, affection, youth, and health to the wearer of this stone. It can help one understand difficult situations from a love-filled viewpoint. For those who are experiencing a lot of grief.

Aventurine (blue)
Circulation.

Aenturine green)
For Physical healing. Believed to reinforce a person's decisiveness, amplify a person's leadership qualities, and make a person a willing participant in instinctive action. Also believed to help bring a person emotional tranquility, have a positive attitude towards life, and bring them into alignment with their center. It has been reported by some people to be able to provide independence, health and well being.

Aventurine (red/orange)
This color of aventurine has been said to provide reflective qualities so that a person can recognize the flaws of humanity and can remain in the heart space to continue to love this same humanity. To be able to help a person to look at a situation in complete detail, and magnify those aspects of importance. Some people believe it provides for self reflection, and allows a person to recognize that when you look at a person... You are actually only seeing the reflection of the person that you choose them to be. It is believed by some people that when you use this stone while fasting it will help to reduce your hunger.

Aventurine (transparent)
is extremely powerful - however, it needs washing daily (dry flat). Immature transparent aventurine will fade.

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B

Bloodstone (Heliotrope)
Originally thought to represent the blood of Jesus Christ by Christians because of its' colors (dark green with orange or red spots). Used to be prescribed as a cure for all types of bleeding. It was given to the injured or sick person to wear or place it over the affected area so the bleeding would stop. Scientifically it was probably the stone's cold touch which caused the bleeding to stop. Also said to bring the owner strength, justice, and success in court and legal affairs, and allegedly make the owner prosperous in all financial dealings.

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C

Carnelian
Balance creativity and mental processes. Best with natural carnelian. Wash carnelian under water after wearing it. Carnelian is the carrier of the orange ray.

Cat's-Eye
Believed to be a potent charm against the Evil Eye. Also said to bring success in business speculations, gambling, and games of chance, bring wealth, and prevent all financial losses. It was thought that if you carried a cat's-eye you would be assured mental stability and general attractiveness.

Chalcedony
Once believed to protect from the Evil Eye and give the owner a calm disposition.

Chrysoprase
Spiritual protection. This stone allows me to work through issues without outside influences. Great when starting in management or working with large groups of people.

Citrine
Upliftment. Citrine encourages the yellow ray to support the body. This stone also helps one process energy work. This is one of the few minerals on the planet believed to not hold and accumulate negative energy, but to be able to dissipate and transmute it, which in turn gives it the ability to work out problems on both physical and subtle levels. Citrine has been called the "merchants stone" because it was said that if you (a merchant) place a piece of citrine in your cash box it will produce more income for you (the merchant). People once believed that citrine would diminish a person's self destructive tendencies.

Coral
Emotional Foundation. Coral protects and strengthens one's emotional foundation. Not truly a stone, but a hard calcium-like substance formed from the fossilized skeletons of marine life. Comes in many different varieties and colors. Coral has been carried by some people as a Kahuna magical charm. It was believed to be an amulet that protects people from sterility and from a gaze of the Evil Eye. When used as protection from evil, the coral had to be worn directly against the body, because it was believed that the coral itself captured and destroyed the sorcery before it could reach the owner. This is a popular stone that is used to make rosary beads to keep evil at a safe distance.

Crystal (Rock)
Once believed to be able to foretell the future. Known fact, when squeezed this stone becomes electrically charged. Synthetic quartz crystals are used to regulate watch movements and the electronic frequency of radios because they vibrate at a single constant frequency when an electric current is run through them.

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D

Diamond
Increase personal clarity. Once used as an amulet to protect a person from the plague, pestilence, and the Evil Eye. It was believed to drive away madness, wild beasts, demons, and devils. Losing a diamond was considered an omen of bad luck. Some people believe that if you dip a diamond in water... That water would acquire healing properties. It was also believed that if you dipped a diamond in a mixture of water and wine... the mixture would have the ability to make a person immune to gout, jaundice, and apoplexy. Diamonds have had a reputation for keeping the body in tune with the infinite, which in turn helps a person to withstand the pressures of the material world.

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E

Emerald
Physical and emotional healing. Thought to signify faithfulness and unchanging love, to protect from accidents and guard one from possession by demons. The strongest physical healing gemstone. Carrier of the green ray.

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G

Garnet
This stone represents friendship. According to legend, if you wear garnets they will improve your personal relationships and protect you from harm. This benefit supposedly doubles if your birthday is in January. They were often used as good luck charms by the bourgeoisie in the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe. Also thought to assure the wearer of love, devotion from loved ones, health, faithfulness, energy, and to keep a person from having bad dreams during sleep. When worn on the body, it is thought to prevent skin diseases and protect against infection of wounds.

Green Fluorite
Hormone Balance. This stone has been helpful with hormonal changes such as PMS and menopause.

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I

Iolite
Has been known to be referred to as the "Viking's Compass." The Vikings were able to locate the position of the sun by looking through thin colorless slices of Iolite on cloudy days. Most likely because the stone acted like a light polarizer and canceled out haze and mist.

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M

Moonstone (orange)
Helps one accept other stone's help by comforting you. This is less powerful than white - but helpful when one really needs a certain stone.

Moonstone
In India a very long time ago, people once thought moonstone was actually moonlight that had solidified. Supposedly, it could bring you good fortune and help you foretell the events of the future. It has also been reported by some to attract good luck, protect a person on land and/or while at sea, be able to give you mental inspiration, bring success in love and good fortune in business. People believe that if you want moonstone to bring you good luck, you should keep it wrapped up in a yellow cloth and carry it in your pocket. Moonstone has also been taunted by some as a talisman against cancer, kidney disease, and dropsy.

Mother of Pearl
Protection; Know mother's love. This stone is a great protective stone.

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O

Obsidian (black)
Grounding stone. I gaze into it for a very short time (1-5 minutes) each day for 3 days when I need insight into a problem. Use black obsidian when not being able to understand what aquamarine has been trying to show you. This is a very strong stone. Use it sparingly.

Obsidian (mahogany)
Decision making.

Onyx (black):
Helps one to change bad habits. Also believed to keep nightmares away and bring a peaceful rest.

Onyx (Mexican)
Helps one sleep better. For more details, see my Sleeping Better therapies. Black Opal: See self as Soul. I find this stone is great for helping one see the possibilities of how one can be all they can be. This stone seems to strengthen bones too.

Opal
Enables you to see possibilities; discover a broader view. Opals were once said to bring good fortune because they possessed the colors and powers of all gemstones. Since they are very sensitive to the atmospheric conditions, their brilliancy varies and is determined by the temperature and moisture in the air. Many believers say that an opal has a soul of their very own, and it attunes it's soul to that of the person who wears it.

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P

Pearl (freshwater)
Enables one to accept love. See the good parts of oneself so you can love yourself and others.

Pearl
Known to many as a symbol of wisdom, wealth, faith, knowledge, and innocence. It has been said that if you wear a pearl next to the skin it will give off a vibration that has healing properties. Divers often treasure pearls and they are seen as a protection from sharks. It is believed that pearls that are worn by a married woman are considered unfortunate and signifies much crying and sadness.

Purple Rainbow Fluorite
Change. Helps one get out of ruts.

Peridot
Brings the energies from in the aura to the physical body. This is useful after energy work -- however, one needs to be certain that they are bringing in the new energy -- not the stuff they are trying to purge. Use with caution. According to ancient legend, people who wear peridot will be protected from evil spirits. Once considered more valuable than diamonds, the Romans wore them as protection from enchantment, melancholy, and nightmares.

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Q

Quartz (Frosted)
Balance.

Quartz (Rose)
Emotional balance. Very good for expressing and soothing emotions. Try to find undyed rose quartz. Carried by people to insure peace, fidelity, and happiness. People believed rose quartz could emit a calm and cool energy which would enable it to gently remove all negativity and allow a person to feel the loving, gentle forces of self love. People felt this stone was good to wear in a chaotic or crisis situation, and they refered to it as "the stone of gentle love" because they believed it to be able to bring peace and calm to all relationships. It was also thought to be an excellent energy for healing emotional "wounds".

Quartz (Smokey)
Many people have carried smokey quartz because they thought it was able to gently dissolve negative energies and clear up all emotional blockages. It was also thought to emit a powerful force field which could absorb many forms of negativity... not only from within the person that carried this stone, but from outside forces as well. It was believed to be able to make a person feel personal pride and to create an overall joy in living. And has also been used by people to help regulate their creative abilities in business aspects, as well as being able to bring about the ability to make smart purchases. Some people believe that smokey quartz can solve communication problems between one another, and may have the ability to get rid of all mental and emotional blockages... which in turn opens up a person's creativity, mental perception, and learning abilities.

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R

Red Agate
Believed to soothe the nerves and quiet the mind of the person who carried this stone.

Rhodocrosite
Change. Gives one confidence while making desired changes. Very supportive. One can make large changes very quickly with this stone.

Rhodonite
Emotional support. Helps one take the next step emotionally. This stone has been dubbed "the stone of love" because it is supposed to be able to help a person achieve everything to their greatest potential. It is said to allow a person to feel unconditional love on a physical level. It was believed to be able to dispel anxiety and promote coherence, and enable the user to possess an observant nature which allowed them to focus all of their attention to details and interrelationships.

Ruby
Love; Open the heart. It allows me to overcome fear. Carrier of the red ray. Considered regal and sacred, in ancient India the ruby was called the "king of gems." In England, it was once used for coronation rings. Ancient Hindus once thought that if they offered them to the god Krishna, they would be reborn as an emperor. It was said that if you dreamed of a ruby, it indicated success in business and good fortune in money matters. Long ago it was believed that a ruby could protect you from all kinds of witchcraft, plague, and famine if it was worn on the left side. It has also been said to be able to attract favors from those in authority, be able to give the wearer control of their passions, to preserve the strength in your body, return possessions to their rightful owners, and end quarrels between friends. People used to think that if you washed a ruby in water, that water could be used to relieve stomach cramps.


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S

Sapphire
Mental clarity. Clear mental garbage. Carrier of the blue ray. Also considered regal and sacred, sapphires were worn by kings and queens for good luck. They were set in rings for bishops and cardinals. Their blue color was believed to symbolize heaven. Sapphires were believed to promote peace and happiness between lovers. St. Jerome wrote that sapphires could "procure favors with princes, pacify enemies, free a person from enchantment, and help one to obtain freedom from captivity. Other beliefs are that it could resist black magic, give its' owner great powers of concentration, preserve chastity, and promote good health.

Sardonyx
Believed to be able to lead a person to high position, honor, renown, and financial rewards. It was said that if you hung sardonyx around your neck, it could ease pain, give a person self-control, help to attract friends, insure a happy marriage, and bring success in legal matters. It was also believed to be able to restrain people who were inclined to dissipation, and to be able to protect the wearer from all infections.

Sodalite
Protects from external negative energy.

Sunstone
Enhances contemplations. Meditations can be clear when wearing this stone. Many people carried sunstone to bring themselves success and good fortune.

Sugilite
Absorbs garbage from wearer's aura. I feel lighter when I wear this stone. It uplifts me and gives me more energy.

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T

Tanzanite
Changes. Uplifts and opens the heart.

Tiger's Eye
Once believed to defeat sorcery in all its forms and inspire courage. It was especially recommended for people who are shy or timid because it could give them self-confidence to make them become strong and assertive.

Topaz
Known as the "Stone of strength," people believed that if you wore topaz it could protect you from any and all accidents that you may encounter when you traveled, keep you from becoming injured in a fire, and get rid of all fears of death. It was also believed that if you wore it on your left arm or hung it around your neck it could break all enchantments that may have been cast upon you, bring you loads of money, and enable you to receive impressions from astral sources.

Tourmaline
Believed that if a person carried or wore tourmaline, it could help to rid the person of fears and melancholy, attract favors from other people, insure that your friends were loyal, and encourage clear thinking

Tourmaline Green
Promote male balance and physical healing.

Tourmaline pink
Promote female balance and protection.

Turquoise
For centuries, turquoise was considered a highly esteemed gem. It was admired by the Egyptians for its very distinct color. It is the national stone of Iran (Persia) and has decorated the thrones and the attire of high officials. In Tibet, its' role is comparable to that of jade in China. Turquoise was a commodity more valuable than gold to the Aztecs. It was so highly regarded by European men that they did not consider their hand to be well adorned unless they wore a fine turquoise. It was once believed to be able to draw evil to itself and away from the person that the evil was intended for. Because of this fact, it was a popular amulet, but it has many other attributes as well associated with it. It was said to be able to ward off the Evil Eye and warn of approaching death by changing its' color. Also taunted to be able to protect from poison, snake bites, and eye troubles. People also believed that if you drank the water from which a turquoise had been dipped in, it would cure a weak bladder problem.