Month: May 2012

GARNET (ALMANDINE)

GARNET (ALMANDINE)

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION:  Almandine Garnets are from a group of very
closely related aluminum silicates. The Chemistry for the Almandine
variety is Fe2/3+Al2Si3O12. These Garnets range in color from deep red
to brown and brownish black. The hardness ranges between 6-1/2 and
7-1/2.

ENVIRONMENT: Almandine occurs in diorite of plutonic rocks, and with
andalusite, hornblende, and biotite in hornfels and schist of contact
and regional metamorphic rocks.

OCCURENCE: Well-formed crystals of Almandine have come from Wrangell, SE
Alaska; from Emerald Creek, Benewah Co., Idaho; and from Michigamme,
Michigan.  Gemstone quality material is obtained in large quantities
from Sri Lanka and India, where it is also cut; other sources are Burma,
Brazil, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Australia.

GEMSTONE INFORMATION: Most red garnets come under the name Almandine,
even when their composition is midway between that of Pyrope and
Almandine and similar, in many cases, to that of Rhodolite. The reason
for this is the similarity in their color and absorption spectrum
characteristics. Almandine has a brilliant luster, but its transparency
is frequently marred, even in very clear stones, by excessive depth of
color. The cabochon cut is widely used, often being given a strongly
convex shape and sometimes a concave base, in an effort to lighten
the color by reducing the thickness. Rose cuts have also been used,
particularly in the past. Nowdays, when the material is quite transpare-
nt, faceted cuts are used as well, and sometimes square or rectangular
step cuts.  Gems of several carats are not uncommon. Faceted or even
barely rounded pieces of Almandine, pierced as necklace beads, were very
common in the recent past, but are now considered old-fashioned.

NAME: The name Almandine comes from [carbunculus alabandicus,] after the
city of Alabanda in Asia Minor, where gems were traded at the time of
Pliny theElder.

LEGEND and LORE: All red Garnet has long been associated with love,
passion, sensuality and sexuality. Garnet is considered a birthstone for
those born in January:

“By her in January born
No gem save Garnets should be worn;
They will ensure her constancy,
True friendship, and fidelity.”

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: The darker Garnets are associated with the Will and
the Source of Life Incarnate. This is who and what we are in this
lifetime. This stone is worn for protective purposes, and is thought to
drive off demons and phantoms.

HEALING: Almandine Garnets are used to heal skin conditions associated
with poor circulation. They improve vigor, strength and endurance.

                      ——-bibliography——-
1. Scientific, Environment, Occurence and Name are from (or paraphrased
from) “The Audubon Society field Guide to North American Rocks and
Minerals”.
2. Other scientific information may be from “Simon & Schuester’s Guide
to Gems and Precious Stones”.
3. Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gemstones” by E. H. Rutland.
4. Other precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gem Cutting”, sec. ed., by John Sinkankas.
5. Basic Legends, Lore and Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s
Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.
6. Other Magical and Healing information may come from “ccrystal Wisdom,
Spiritual Properties of Crystals and Gemstones” by Dolfyn.
7. More legends and lore may come from “Stone Power” by Dorothee L.
Mella.
8. Healing information is from “The Women’s Book of Healing”, by Diane
Stein.
9. Additional healing information may be from “The Occult and Curative
Powers of Precious Stones” by William T. Fernie, M.D.

GARNET (PYROPE)

GARNET (PYROPE)

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION: Pyrope Garnets are from a group of very closely
related aluminum silicates. The Chemistry for the Pyrope variety is
Mg3Al2Si3O12. These Garnets range in color from deep red to reddish
black and on rare occasions from purple and rose to pale purplish red
(sometimes called [rhodolite].) The hardness ranges between 6-1/2 and
7-1/2.

ENVIRONMENT: Pyrope occurs with olivine and hypersthene in peridotite of
plutonic rocks.

OCCURENCE: Pyrope Garnets occur in peridotite in Kentucky, Arkansas,
Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. In the latter half of the nineteenth
century, most Pyrope came from Bohemia, where it is still found today.
The main sources nowadays, however, are South Africa, Zimbabwe,
Tanzania, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Australia.

GEMSTONE INFORMATION: The garnet species with red or purple varieties,
including Pyrope are considered gemstones. Usually bright red, Pyrope
can be a much less attractive brick or dark red. It can be perfectly
transparent, but this feature is less visible in dark specimens. It is
either made into fairly convex cabochons, or faceted, with an oval or
round mixed cut or, more rarely, a step cut. The faceted gems have good
luster, rather less obvious in cabochons. The most valuable types are,
of course, the transparent ones with the brightest red color. Pyrope is
relatively common, although less so than almandine. Very large stones,
up to several hundred carats have been found; but these are rare and are
found in museums and famous collections.

NAME: The name comes from the Greek [pyropos,] meaning “fiery.” The name
“Garnet” comes from the Latin [granatus,] meaning “seed-like”.

LEGEND and LORE: Pyrope Garnet has long been associated with love,
passion, sensuality and sexuality. Some Asiatic tribes used red garnets
as bullets for sling bows because they pierced their victims quickly,
and could not be seen well in the body when they mingled with the blood.
2612

Throughout the ages, Pyrope has been used as a curative for all types of
ailments dealing with blood.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Pyrope is directly linked with the Will. As such, it
is a strong stone for the Magician and Shaman. It is associated with
Fire and Mars, Strength and Protection. It will help the practitioner
tap into extra energy for ritualistic purposes.

HEALING: While all Garnets are associated with the Root Chakra, Pyrope
is particularly symbolic. It is used for healing when the subject
involved has “lost the will to live”, since it is directly related to
the desire to live and achieve in this lifetime. This stone warms and
aids blood circulation, rouses sexuality and heals the reproductive
system and the heart.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: If you are already a strong willed individual or
have a fiery temper that you need to learn to control, I suggest that
you work with the Alamandine Garnets, rather than the Pyropes. This is
a good stone to use for treating depression. Very often, when I’ve
“worked” on an individual who has suffered a heart attack, I find that
the individual is rather severely depressed (which I think is a side
effect of the medication) and has lost the will to continue in this
lifetime. I’ve found that fiery red Pyrope Garnets are a great help in
this situation.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: The Latin name [carbunculus,] (small coal or ember),
is attributed to all red transparent stones. It is more often applied to
Pyropes when they are formed into cabochons than any other stone.

——-bibliography——-
1. Scientific, Environment, Occurence and Name are from (or paraphrased
from) “The Audubon Society field Guide to North American Rocks and
Minerals”.
2. Other scientific information may be from “Simon & Schuester’s Guide
to Gems and Precious Stones”.
3. Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gemstones” by E. H. Rutland.
4. Other precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from
“Gem Cutting”, sec. ed., by John Sinkankas.
5. Basic Legends, Lore and Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s
Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.
6. Other Magical and Healing information may come from “ccrystal Wisdom,
Spiritual Properties of Crystals and Gemstones” by Dolfyn.
7. More legends and lore may come from “Stone Power” by Dorothee L.
Mella.
8. Healing information is from “The Women’s Book of Healing”, by Diane
Stein.
9. Additional healing information may be from “The Occult and Curative
Powers of Precious Stones” by William T. Fernie, M.D.

EMERALD

EMERALD

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION:Emerald is a type of Beryl, Beryllium aluminum
silicate, frequently with some sodium, lithium and cesium.It’s chemistry
is Be3Al2Si6O18. Beryls range in color from Bright green (emerald),
blue, greenish blue (aquamarine), yellow (golden beryl), red, pink
(morganite) to white. The streak is colorless. It’s hardness is 7-1/2 to
8. The crystals are Hexagonal and they are common. Fine emeralds have
velvety body appearance; their value lies in their even distribution of
color. Inclusions are common in emerald, but other stones of this group
are usually most valuable when free of flaws.

ENVIRONMENT: Beryl develops in pegmatites and certain metamorphic rocks.
It occurs with quartz, microcline, and muscovite in pegmatites, and with
quartz, muscovite, and almandine in schist of regional metamorphic
rocks.

OCCURENCE: Best emerald comes from Colombia.(NOTE: it is not necessary
to spend thousands of dollars for a tiny chip of emerald to add to your
healing/ magical collection. If you look around in rock shops, you may
be able to come across some “less than perfect” stones that aren’t
faceted. I’ve found 4 of them, slightly larger than my fingernail and
they were about $3.00 each.)

NAME: The name is from the Greek [beryllos] indicating any green
gemstone.

LEGEND and LORE: Emerald is considered a birthstone for the month of
May.

    “Who first beholds the light of day,
    In spring’s sweet flowery month of May,
    And wears an Emerald all her life,
    Shall be a loved, and happy wife.” (4)

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: “If you wish to bring a love into your life, buy an
emerald and charge it with your magical need through your visualization,
perhaps while placing it near a green candle. After this ritual, wear or
carry the emerald somewhere near your heart. Do this in such a way that
it cannot be seen by others. When you meet a future love, you’ll know it
wasn’t the visible jewel that attracted him or her.” (3) The Greeks
associated this stone with the Goddess Venus. It has come to represent,
for many people, the security of love.  Emerald, like allmost all of the
green stones, is also advantageous for business/money ventures.

HEALING: Emerald is said to aid perception and inner clarity. Because of
this, they are also associated with healing diseases of the eye, and
problems affecting eyesight. It was believed that emeralds could
counteract poisons and cure disentary.

……………………………………………………………………..

1. Scientific, Environment, Occurance and Name are from (or paraphrased
from) “The Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and
Minerals”.

2. Legends and Lore, Magical Properties are from “Cunningham’s En-
cyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic”, by Scott Cunningham.

3. Some of the healing information may come from “Color and Crystals, A
Journey Through the Chakras” by Joy Gardner. Other sources may be “Stone
Power” by Dorothee L. Mella.

4. Birthstone poem from “The Occult and Curative Powers of Precious
Stones” by William T. Fernie, M.D.

Rice Powder

Rice Powder

 
 
Plain old rice powder enhances sexual attractiveness in women and virility in men. It also heightens passions for both: use by itself as dusting powder or as the preferred basis for other love powders. Sprinkle it between your sheets.

True Love Powder

True Love Powder

 
 
This is a very ancient formula. Some recommend mixing it in food or water, as a love philter. Mistletoe has toxic properties–perhaps this is taking too much of a chance with romance. However, grind dried elecampane, mistletoe and vervain into a fine powder.
 
*Sprinkle the powder around the bed
 
*Use it as drawing powder
 
*Decorate an altar
 
*Dress a candle
 
*Carry it in a charm bag
 
If your heart is set on that love potion, a safer and perhaps even more powerful method of drawing on the powder of the herbal blend is to substitute the flower essence remedies made from each plant. Add a few drops of each to champagne or sparkling water.

Evil Eye Potion

Evil Eye Potion

 
A modern Syrian custom suggests that an Evil Eye afflicted ailing child drink water blended from seven distinct wells or cisterns. It can be difficult to locate one well or cistern. As if you didn’t have enough trouble, now you have to locate seven? Update the spell, itself an adaption. There is a very anicent pan-Semitic belief in the magickal healing power of water blended from seven springs. When the springs became unavailable cisterns were substituted.
 
1. Blend seven different bottled spring waters, each from a distinct source.
 
2. Give the child a glass to drink and apply a compress soaked in the blended water, too.

PROTECTION POTION

PROTECTION POTION

 
* 2-4 Cups of Spring Water, as a base
* 1 Tble. Powdered Iron or Iron Shavings
* 1 tsp. Vervain
* 2 Tble. Sea Salt
* 2 Tble. of each frankincense & Myrrh
· A pinch of Wolf’s hair from a live, shedding Wolf (ask a local Zoo keeper)

WISHING POWDER

WISHING POWDER

 
* The Great Outdoors (This could be your back yard, a park, or forest — anyplace where the wishing powder will land on the earth when you release it).
* Anything else you feel you need to personalize your wish.You will need to craft the wishing powder ahead of time. You can either do this at home in a Circle or, if you don’t mind taking your mortal and pestle along with you, you can make it outside where you plan to use it.
(This isn’t too hard to do if you’re staying in your own backyard).
 
2 parts sage
1 part sandalwood
1 part Tonka beans
 
Grind, mix, and empower.
If you’re feeling adventurous, customize your wishing powder to the wish you’ll be making. (Example: Crushed rose petals for bringing love into your life).
Find a spot to make our wishes from. Take a handful of the wishing powder and begin concentrating on your wishes.(Please do not put yourself in danger to make a wish. A wish is just as powerful whether it’s made standing on a rock on the side of a steep hill or standing in a field). Put your energy and wish into the powder you are holding. When it feels like you can no longer hold the energy, let it fly. As the powder settles to the ground, visualize your wishes joining with the Earth,
gaining power and strength. As always, remember the Rule of Three when making your wish. After putting the energy out there, it’s impossible to call it back.
Remember the old saying, “Be careful what you wish for, you may get it.” If you are worried about where to get Tonka Beans (as needed for the above wishing spell). You can do an easy search for them through any search engine to find them. Vanilla Beans/pods are a Substitute

LOVE POTION TEA

LOVE POTION TEA

 
1 pinch of rosemary
2 teaspoons of black ordinary breakfast tea
3 pinches thyme
3 pinches nutmeg
3 fresh mint leaves
6 fresh rose petals
6 lemon leaves
3 cups pure spring water
Sugar to taste
Honey
 
To make another person fall in love with you, brew this tea on a Friday during a waxing moon. Waxing = moving from dark or no moon to fullPlace all ingredients in an earthenware or copper tea kettle.
Boil three cups of pure spring water and add to the kettle. Sweeten with sugar and honey, if desired.
Before drinking, recite this magical rhyme:
 
BY LIGHT OF MOON WAXING BREW THIS TEA TO MAKE [lover’s name] DESIRE ME.
 
Drink some of the tea and say:
 
GODDESS OF LOVE HEAR NOW MY PLEA
LET [lover’s name] DESIRE ME!
SO MOTE IT BE
 
On the following Friday, brew another pot of the love potion tea and give some to the person you want to love you. He or she will soon begin to fall in love with you.

EMPLOYMENT POTION

EMPLOYMENT POTION

 
One part sandalwood oil
One part patchouli oil
One part clove bud oil
One part frankincense oil
One part nutmeg oil
 
You will also need a green candle, parchment, a pen and dragon’s blood ink.
You may also use a green or gold ink pen.
On the waxing or full moon, fold all the herbs into the cloth and tie a ribbon around it and place it on your altar.
Combine the oils together and place the bottle on your altar.
On the parchment draw the symbol for Jupiter, a money symbol (like a dollar sign or the
symbol for the pound or a rune for prosperity). Also make a general list of all the things
you’d like to gain from your new job. Take the green candle and with a pen, tack or crystal,
carve the word “Prosperity” into the wax. Anoint the candle with some of the oil and allow it
to burn out. Wear the remainder of the oil as a perfume, add it to a bath or put a drop or two
on your application or resume. Sleep with the sachet under your pillow for at least a week.
You should see results in 1-3 months.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for May 25th

Today’s ‘National Tap Dance Day’ gives me the opportunity to share a show stopping way to enhance your own creativity simply by stomping your feet. According to ancient Indian scripture, there are auric centers on the soles of your feet that are very strongly connected with the earth’s energies. If you ever suffer any sort of creative blockage, then this philosophy says that you might also be experiencing a blockage in the ‘energetic bundle’ at the bottom of your feet. You might then feel ungrounded while also feeling unproductive, unmotivated or just plain stuck. To exit this low energy state, simply stand up and stomp the bottom of each bare foot on the ground nine separate times. Take a deep breath between each stamp. Once you are done with one foot, go on to the next. Stomp out the stuck and get your creativity flowing again. Once you are done tap dancing around this exercise, you will also stop tap dancing around your artistic block while also feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for May 25th is 30: Clinging like fire

30: Clinging Like Fire

Hexagram 30

General Meaning: Flames cling to their source of fuel in order to keep the fire burning. Likewise, in the human world, emotional attachment results from everything that radiates light or warmth is dependent upon something else. Through these dependencies we can see that all things are related, each thing to the other. Awareness of your own dependency on others is the key that unlocks the door to your true place in the world. No woman is an island.

Fire is also a symbol of liberation — sending out crackling molecules that fly away from home. Paradoxically, by clinging to what is balanced and true, we gain inner freedom.

Given perseverance on your part, this hexagram indicates success. In spite of challenges, cling to what is luminous in yourself, in others, and in life itself, never forsaking your belief in what is right. When events seem foreboding, or people seem oppressive, remember the good that has been and is yet to be. Holding to this idea is to cling to the power of the light and love within you.

Today’s Runes for Friday, May 25th is Hagalaz

Today’s Runes

Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement. Hagalaz is the rune of hail. Hail is a destructive and elemental force, so one can expect this rune to represent the disruption of one’s life. In the harsh northern winter there is a halt to activity, and so delay or hindrance is frequently associated with this rune. The opposite of chaos is yet more chaos, as illustrated by the fact that this rune cannot be reversed.

Today’s Tarot Card for May 25th is The Hierophant

The Hierophant

 

This Tarot Deck: Ukiyoe

General Meaning: Traditionally known as the Hierophant, this card refers to a Master and the learning of practical lessons from the study of Natural Law. This energy of this card points to some agent or resource that can reveal the secrets of life, the cycles of the moon and tides, the links between human beings and the heavens.

Because monasteries were the only places a person could learn to read and write in the middle ages, a Hierophant was one to whom a student would petition for entry. He was the one to set the curriculum for the neophyte’s course of study.

Often pictured with the right hand raised in blessing, the Hierophant is linked with the ancient lineage of Melchezidek, initiator of the Hebrew priestly tradition, the one who passes on the teachings. All shamans of any tradition draw upon this archetype.

Your Daily Horoscopes for May 25th

We think that more data brings us closer to the truth today, but it’s challenging to synthesize all the information. Clever Mercury in noisy Gemini enables us to handle the overload, even if there are unresolved contradictions. However, Mercury’s conflicting square with surreal Neptune fuzzes out facts while the sensitive Cancer Moon encourages intuition over analysis. Clarity begins to return as the Moon slips into expressive Leo at 6:11 pm EDT.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Sometimes you’re so confident that you have absolute faith in a wildly unrealistic idea. Ironically, reality seems to encourage you to turn up your volume even higher now. Be careful; if you’re in need of a reality check, someone may come along and pull the plug to teach you a lesson. Instead of responding defensively today, be quiet and pay attention to your own feelings. Rushing off to start another project will only distract you from what you need to learn in the present moment.

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

You may struggle with your self-esteem today, especially if you receive mixed messages about your work from your boss. You aren’t clear about what is expected of you and you might just want to sidestep the whole issue. However, it’s healthier to talk about your concerns with coworkers or friends. Once you make some sense out of the situation you’ll be able to keep moving forward.

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Your current indecision is a symptom of a deep uncertainty about your goals. You may be quite confused, yet others cannot see the crossed signals you’re receiving from within your own subconscious. Pretending that you have answers will only alienate you further from those who could be allies now. Find the courage to be honest today; revealing your vulnerability to a trusted friend can be a catalyst to deepen a relationship and bring clarity back into your life.

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

You feel a flood of powerful emotions washing over you today with the Moon back in your watery sign. The waves of feeling are strong enough to take you for a ride, whether or not you’re a willing passenger. There is nothing to be gained by fighting the currents or trying to control your changing moods. Go with the flow, allowing the tides to take you where they will.

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Although you might be sparkling on the surface, there’s something brewing today underneath your apparent display of warmth. Your insecurities are gnawing at you from within and they just won’t leave you alone now. Your sixth sense tells you that something is preventing you from living up to your potential, yet you cannot quite put your finger on where this feeling is coming from. Don’t run from the truth; seek clarity by practicing meditation or engaging in a deep discussion with a close friend.

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You are the Champion of Critical Thinking, but it may not feel that way to you now. You like everything in neat and tidy compartments (even within your mind). However, conflicting thoughts draw you back and forth, making it difficult to find resolution to important matters today. Your mind is like a camera that won’t focus sharply and the picture remains blurry no matter how you alter your perspective. No struggle is needed; free your imagination from all the rules for just one day and relax.

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You have lots of good ideas about something exciting that you want to do, but it’s difficult for a plan to get traction at this time. You can feel the inner tension as you try to resolve a conflict between your hypersensitive feelings and the overall situation at work. You may be called on to nurture someone who you secretly think should be taking care of his or her own business. But you might choose to ride to the rescue now, even if you must temporarily put your needs on hold.

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

The watery Cancer Moon instinctively feels comforting, giving you permission to muck about in the feeling realms today. You’re like a beautiful rhino, enjoying playtime in the swamp. You can bask in the added intensity of today’s experiences, but they lose something in the translation when you try to share them with others. There’s nothing wrong with keeping some secrets to yourself until the Sun comes out tomorrow.

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

It’s frustrating that you cannot easily resolve an emotional conflict today. Your feelings are tugging at your pants leg like the proverbial persistent puppy trying to tell you something important. Nevertheless, your resistance is wearing down and you’re more willing to compromise now. Just make sure you’re not giving in to avoid the truth. Keep in mind that your desires won’t really fade until you take the time to acknowledge them.

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Sometimes you must drop what you are doing and place another person’s agenda ahead of yours. Someone may reveal an emotional dilemma today that requires you to jump in and engage your feelings, even though they aren’t very practical. Don’t worry about solving anyone’s problems now; you can be a good friend simply by showing up and responding in the present moment.

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Radical ideas are popping into awareness today faster than you can deal with them. You’re more inventive and clever now, but some of your brilliant ideas might not hit the nail right on the head. Letting go of the craziest thoughts that would rightly be criticized by others is a good way to minimize the noise so you can focus on what’s most important.

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Mercury the Communicator is stressing your key planet Neptune, and you may feel like you are looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. Everything appears tinted by your imagination, as if you’re seeing things through a filter that blurs difficult perceptions. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that they’re non-existent. Ask a friend for a reality check if something looks particularly amazing or terribly bad. Remember that what you see today is not what you get