Lady Victoria Eclectic Pagan's blog: "Stones and Crystals"

Gem of Light A garnet’s inner sparkle stirs something within us – the recognition of beauty, perhaps, or a feeling of strength in its energy that reflects our own. Throughout time, people have harnessed the energy of this gemstone to purify, heal, and protect themselves. But the stone’s true magic lies in its capacity to help us have faith in ourselves. Its reddish hue inspires passion – although garnets can be found in a number of vibrant colors, including red, orange, green, and bluish pink. The garnet’s radiant beauty reminds us of our inner fire and magnifies our power. Ancient mariners watched the garnet‘s glow as it shone in the darkness, acting as a talisman against dark forces. For use as protection against nightmares and disasters, the garnet is embraced by people for its comforting glimmer – a light they can focus on as they dispel their fears. Ancient Egyptians saw the power of purification in the garnet’s radiant blaze and used it to cleanse the body of toxins, such as venom and poison. As a cleanser of the body’s energy, the garnet works on all levels of the mind, body, and spirit. From stimulating vivid dreams and past life memories to helping increase one’s focus for meditation, the garnet assists us in powerful ways. The garnet can also heal and intensify relationships by helping to transmute them to a higher, more spiritual level. All of the many benefits attributed to the garnet’s influence – increased confidence, self-esteem, ambition, popularity, and success in business – can come easily to anyone who combines passion and focus with faith in themselves and the universe. The garnet offers us this gift by allowing us to harness our power. Every time we turn to the garnet for support, we see our own abilities reflected back to us in the brilliant glow of this magical gem.

Crystal grids are similar to mandalas; they are simply an arrangement of stones in a pattern for the specific purpose of directing energy toward a goal. The variety of combinations is limited only by your imagination. For this particular grid, however, we will use a pattern designed to honor the elements and send healing energy to the Earth. Although this ritual can be performed at any time, it is ideal for an Earth Day celebration. It can be done alone or with a group. For a group working, each person can recite a part of the ritual and place a stone into the grid. You will need one quartz cluster of any kind for the center of the grid to symbolize the Spirit. Clear quartz is the ideal choice, but you can also use amethyst. Depending on your collection of stones and crystals, you may have a different stone in mind. Use your intuition to select a stone that best represents the Spirit to you. Select four large stones to represent each of the four elements. You may want to choose these stones by color or association. These can be mineral specimens or rocks you have collected. For example, geodes or stones worn by a river are good choices to represent Water. Amethyst is also often associated with the Water element. Red, orange, or metallic stones are good for Fire, or volcanic glass such as obsidian. Brown or green colored stones, especially agates, are good choices for the Earth element, or a stone that you have collected from your backyard, something native to your area that represents the land. Yellow or clear stones are good choices for Air. You will also need four quartz points of any size and the following eight connecting stones: Tourmalinated Quartz, Rhodocrosite, Gypsm, Chrysocolla, a Geode, a piece of Petrified Wood or a fossil, Lepidolite, and Smoky Quartz. These are fairly common stones among mineral collectors and can be obtained for minimal cost from rock and gem shops. If you have difficulty finding any of these, feel free to use clear quartz as a replacement. Cast a circle as you normally do, or create sacred space in your own way. Set the mood for your ritual by playing a recording of nature sounds, or perform the ritual outdoors if possible. Turn on a fountain if you have one – the sound of running water can also enhance the mood. The four large stones you have selected to represent the four elements will be placed first. As you call each quarter, place the stone in the appropriate direction. Depending on your position, your grid will either be in the shape of a diamond or a square. Be sure you leave room in between for the connecting stones. To invoke Spirit/Deity, place the quartz cluster in the center, and say the following: “The purpose of this ritual is to send healing energy to the Earth. This crystal represents the Spirit, the energy of all things – all things are connected. I empower this crystal with Earth-healing energy. May it flow forth and spread over the world to bring healing, harmony, peace and respect for all life.” Next, use the following visualization – you can do this internally if you’re alone, or read it aloud to a group: “Imagine the Earth flourishing and under our care instead of domination. Pure, clean waters and air, pollutants neutralized and safe, waste being recycled, energy being saved, animals and habitats protected, humans caring about their environment and being responsible for their actions. I (we) will build this grid to hold my (our) energy, and then release it.” Next, each of the eight connecting stones will be added to the grid, stating the purpose of each as it’s put into place. Place each one next to an elemental marker stone. The end result will be four connected lines in the shape of a diamond or square. Between each elemental marker there will be a total of three stones – two connecting stones and one quartz point between each of them, to be placed last. * Tourmalinated Quartz: “To create a solving atmosphere for positive change.” * Rhodocrosite: “For Earth-healing, love and balance.” * Gypsm: “To end stagnation and promote progressive thinking.” * Chrysocolla: “To help all beings become attuned with the Earth.” * Geode: “To represent the Earth Mother and help us see the ‘big picture.’” * Petrified Wood: “For protection from environmental pollutants, to promote energy and enjoyment of life, strength, transformation – to change what we can – and for grounding, connection with the Earth.” * Lepidolite: “To facilitate harmony and a peaceful environment.” * Smoky Quartz: “For protection, especially for all creatures and natural resources.” Finally, complete the grid with the remaining four quartz points to direct the energy outward. Place them with the points facing away from the grid. Chant the following words as each crystal is put into place: Elements and Spirit praised, healing energy be raised, send it to our Mother Earth, land that gives us life and birth. Proceed with grounding in the manner of your choice, and close your circle with the following words, or some variation: “Elementals and Deities, we thank you for your presence here, depart with our love and gratitude. The circle is open but unbroken; may this energy for Earth-healing grow as it spreads across the land. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again. Blessed Be.” If possible, leave the grid in place for a few days or until you feel it has completed its work. It may be useful to build it on a piece of cardboard so you can simply move the cardboard to another location where the grid will not be disturbed. If you need to disassemble the grid right away, visualize any remaining healing energy within the grid being dispersed to the Earth.

Before buying crystals and gemstones, it’s a good idea to plan how you are going to use them. Over time, you may want to build up a collection with sets of stones for different purposes because the particular energies that are intended for one use may not be relevant in another use. Write up a "shopping list" for your stone collecting before heading out the door. If you are like me, you’ll find that it is easy to get sidetracked like a kid in a candy stone when confronted with an array of beautiful crystals and gemstones. People have been attracted to gemstones since prehistoric times. While beauty plays a part in their appeal, it is their energy that has a powerful impact on us. If you like to wear crystals or place gemstones around your house, you are aware of their power. The practice of gemstone feng shui combines the wisdom of gemstones and crystals with the ancient art of feng shui to invite positive change into your life. At its core, feng shui is a method to balance the dynamic, ever-changes forces of the natural world. Gemstones are perfect for feng shui work because they are formed through the powerful dynamic processes of nature. As a result, gemstones personify the energy of the elemental cycles that are utilized in feng shui. The ancient Chinese divided the universe into five elements: water, fire, wood, metal and earth. These elements embody the archetypal energies that shape all things and processes. Because of the manner in which certain gemstones are created, they invoke specific elemental energy. For example, peridot or obsidian invoke fire because both are born from volcanic action. In the case of peridot, it could also come from a fiery meteor. For the element metal, malachite or azurite can be used because they contain more than 50% of the metal copper. In traditional feng shui, balancing elemental energy is accomplished by positioning an element or an object that represents it in a particular location. In gemstone feng shui, gemstones and crystals are used in place of other objects. The feng shui tool used to apply gemstone energy to your environment is the Lo Shu grid, also called the Magic Square, which looks like a tic-tac-toe grid. The Magic Square divides space into nine sectors/directions that form a matrix of attributes and associations: . North – Career and personal journey; Element, water; Gemstone, opal or pearl; . Northeast –Wisdom and self-cultivation; Element; earth; Gemstone, andalusite or tourmaline; . East – Family and community; Element, wood; Gemstone, jet or amber; . Southeast – Prosperity and self/net-worth; Element, wood; Gemstone, jet or amber; . South – Success and reputation; Element, fire; Gemstone, peridot or obsidian; . Southwest – Relationships and partnership; Element, earth; Gemstone, andalusite or tourmaline; . West – Creativity and children; Element, metal; Gemstone, malachite or azurite; . Northwest – Achievement and benefactors; Element, metal; Gemstone, malachite or azurite; . Center – Harmony and spirit; Element, earth; Gemstone, andalusite or tourmaline. To use the Magic Square, create a drawing of the floor plan of your home or just one room where you want to perform feng shui. With a magnetic compass determine the direction of north and orient your floor plan in the correct direction. Next, draw a Magic Square (tic-tac-toe grid) over your floor plan with the middle row of squares oriented north and south, and with the center square in the center of your floor plan. This will show you in what area of a room (or your house) to invoke particular elemental energy. Simply place one of your gemstones in the corresponding sector. The Magic Square also shows the basic proportions of elemental energy needed for balance. For example the earth element, which is vital for overall well-being (both physical and spiritual) occupies three of the nine sectors/directions. After all, it is the earth’s cycles that we follow, and we are most healthy and strong when we are "grounded". There are many sources for crystals and gemstones. New Age bookshops frequently carry them, as well as museum gift shops and earth science stores. Rock and fossil shops are great sources and you can count on them to correctly identify the less popular types of stones. Ask and look for notices of upcoming mineral shows or swaps, which are excellent venues for finding a stunning range of crystals and gemstones, as well as learning more about them. Once you have found a place to buy your crystals and gemstones, and have located one that is on your shopping list, take a few moments to hold it in the palm of your hand. Close your fingers over it or hold it between both palms to get a sense of its energy. Think of how you are planning to use it. If you are going to use it to represent the element water, think of water. If the stone still feels good as you think of an element, then it’s the right stone. Don’t expect a thunderbolt or choir of angels to let you know you’ve chosen the right one. Clues tend to be subtle. Or you just might "know" it’s the right stone for you. Also listen to yourself if something doesn’t "feel" right. You may not be able to pinpoint what it is about a particular stone, but if this happens it’s just not the right one with which you should do energy work. Don’t take it personally, just listen to your heart-of-hearts. Stones that you trade or receive from friends can be very special. Ones that you find yourself are gifts directly to you from Mother Earth. If you are not sure about the identification of a stone you find, take it to a rock shop and ask for advice. Don’t be shy, most rock hounds are happy to share their knowledge. Whatever way a stone comes into your life be sure to clean and prepare it for energy work. Even one that comes from your best friend should be prepared in order for it to react more richly and fully with your own energy. Your own energy is the most important ingredient in gemstone feng shui. Open yourself to the wisdom of gemstones and they will help you transform the energy around you. Go with the flow and enjoy their magic.

Many people are drawn to the mysterious deep blue of lapis lazuli, or lapis for short. It is one of the oldest “spiritual” stones, first mined 6,000 years ago in Afghanistan – the finest stones still come from that area. Its name comes from the Latin word lapis, meaning “stone” and the Arabic word azul, which means “blue.” In addition, it has been noted the Persian word lazhward means blue and could possibly be another origin of the name. But whatever its origin, lapis is a wonderful stone rich in folklore and metaphysical tradition. Before you buy a piece of lapis, it’s useful to know something about its content to ensure you obtain a good quality specimen. Lapis is a rock consisting mostly of the mineral lazurite and commonly contains pyrite and calcite, among other minerals. It sometimes has a greenish or violet tint and the presence of pyrite often creates lovely metallic sparkles on the surface. Calcite sometimes produces white streaks in the stone. Well-formed crystals of pure lazurite are rare and valuable. Lazurite is sometimes confused with lazulite but they are different minerals; lazurite is softer and lighter. In addition, azurite is very similar in color to lapis, but is also a different mineral that is associated with malachite. Sodalite is a similar blue stone, but it lacks the occurrence of pyrite. Varieties of Chilean lapis contain more calcite; the Afghanistan variety contains pyrite and is more highly prized. Lapis has been used in ornamental decoration for thousands of years. The Egyptians crushed it and used it to decorate their eyelids. It was also ground and used for paint. In Egypt lapis was used mainly by royalty and priests, and it is believed that the sapphire referred to in the Bible was actually lapis lazuli. Lapis is often worn as talismans and used in inlaid work and ornaments. The Romans believed it was an aphrodisiac. Lapis is associated with the astrological signs of Sagittarius and Libra and the planets of Neptune and Venus. Reputed to be a stone for teachers, lapis has many useful magical properties. It has been referred to as a stone of awareness and wisdom and may be used to enhance creativity. Its gift of insight is useful in divination – it is useful to keep a small piece of lapis with Tarot decks – and lapis aids in understanding and psychic work. Other areas of use include the throat and brow charkas, overcoming depression and balancing yin and yang energies. Lapis is a protective stone, both from physical danger and psychic attacks. Lapis is probably most well-known metaphysically for its use to promote psychic awareness. To aid in achieving meditative states such as trance and other altered states of consciousness, hold a piece of lapis in your hand to accompany visualization or whatever other technique you prefer. Or you can use the stone as a focal point and concentrate on its deep blue color. Lapis Lazuli is fairly soft, so it should not be soaked in water for a long period of time. After cleansing, dry the stone immediately. Also take care if you wear lapis jewelry and remove it before swimming. Lapis is an expensive stone but good quality small pieces can be found for just a few dollars. Visit rock and gem shops or check with local geology clubs or rock and mineral organizations. With its striking beauty and metaphysical properties, lapis is an essential stone for any collection.

Anyone with an interest in stones has probably encountered the lovely Moonstone. It has undeniable appeal, especially for its lunar associations. Moonstone has many wonderful metaphysical properties and its appearance alone inspires tenderness and a soft, loving quality. It brings soothing security and comfort and can be used to promote inner peace. But its mundane aspects deserve consideration as well, and can enhance appreciation of the stone. When working with a stone, it is useful to know something about its scientific nature: what it’s made of, where it’s found, how it’s formed. Our Mother Earth has many facets to explore and we begin by understanding – this involves studying an object’s properties on many different levels. Moonstone is a variety of orthoclase feldspar called Adularia, named for a locality in the Adula Mountains in Switzerland. The word Orthoclase is of Greek origin: orthos meaning “upright” and klasis meaning “fracture” describing the nature of the stone. Moonstone’s soft-looking, pearly sheen, referred to as Adularescence, is caused by light reflecting internally due to thin layer inclusions. The stones can be colorless, white or ivory, slivery-gray or bluish in color. Some specimens have a “layered” appearance while others are translucent, but all will have the distinguishing luster that gives the stone its common name. Some will even have rainbow effects. The feldspar group is very important. Not a single mineral, but a group of common, rock-forming minerals that all contain aluminum, silicon, and oxygen with varying proportions of potassium, sodium, and calcium. They are the most abundant constituents of rocks, making up about 60 percent of the total weight of the Earth’s crust. Orthoclase is part of the potassium group. Pure feldspar is used in the making of porcelain and as a mild abrasive. Consider this: Oxygen and silicon are the most abundant elements in the Earth’s crust. Silicon plays the same central role as carbon does in the organic world – its compounds make up about 87 percent of the rock and soil. This makes Moonstone a very “earthy” gem. One of the alternative birthstones for the month of June and associated with the astrological signs of Cancer, Libra, and Scorpio, Moonstone is also linked with all the water-signs as it is a stone of comfort and representative of the Goddess. It is associated with lunar energy and is a great stone for women, especially useful for feminine cycles, and is useful for all rhythms of the body. It enhances flexibility and flow in life, easing stress and anxiety for both men and women and it has a balancing effect, especially on emotions and female hormones. Women may find moonstone helpful during the menstrual cycle, especially to ease discomfort and promote regulation. It can be carried, worn, or placed in the pillowcase while sleeping. Men find it useful in connecting with the emotional side of their personality. It is a stone of feeling, especially love. Moonstone is reputed to be the “traveler’s stone” and may be carried to bring good fortune. I always carry one in my pocket while traveling or wear one as a pendant. It’s also good for stimulating “new beginnings” and for hoping, wishing – to determine one’s needs instead of wants. It may also be used for the heart and sacral charkas, and to strengthen confidence and composure. In addition, Moonstone is lovely in jewelry, particularly when paired with silver. It’s also a perfect compliment to Full Moon rituals. Surround a candle with a ring of moonstones. Put them in your bath or set them on the edge of the tub. Charge them with moonlight on the night of the full moon. Moonstone should be relatively easy to find, I have ordered specimens by mail and have found them in a variety of metaphysical and craft stores – particularly nature shops. I found a large bag of them marketed as an educational tool for children for just a few dollars at a local campground. Often state and national park gift shops will have bins of tumbled stones where you can choose your own and pay a price per bag; many times there are moonstones in these collections. Use care when handling and storing Moonstone; it is slightly harder than glass but not as hard as quartz and can be easily scratched. Whether you follow a path of nature spirituality or simply have a passion for lovely stones, bringing Moonstone into your life is sure to add a beautiful, magical quality to every aspect on levels both mystical and mundane.