Magical Days Of the Week – Monday

Monday is the day of the moon itself, and it’s a day that’s connected to lunar colors like silver, white, or even a pale blue. Metals and gemstones like silver, pearl, opal and moonstone all come into play today.

There are plenty of deities associated with the moon – Thoth and Diana for instance – and herbal correspondences include many members of the mint family. Utilize wintergreen or peppermint, as well as catnip, comfrey, sage and chamomile in your workings.

When it comes to Monday magic, because of that lunar connection, it’s a good time to focus on workings related to childbearing and family life, purity and virginity, healing, wisdom, and intuition. Do a little bit of self exploration and work on developing your intuition – learn to trust your gut. Celebrate birth and life, and make some magic to fix what is broken.

Author

Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com

January’s Full Moon – The Cold Moon

In January, the nights are long and dark, and many of us are trying to stay warm under a blanket of snow as the Cold Moon approaches (in some cultures, the Cold Moon is the name given to December’s moon, instead). Some of the native tribes of North America called this time the Wolf Moon, because this was when the wolves were howling, hungry, outside lodges where people stayed warm within. Other groups referred to it as the Snow Moon, for obvious reasons.

This time of year, we’re all feeling a bit slow and “off” as our bodies adjust to chillier temperatures. It’s easy to just lie on the couch watching Netflix and eating comfort food when it’s cold and gloomy outside, and making any kind of magical effort can seem like a real challenge right now.

Correspondences:
Colors: Black and white, silver
Gemstones: Hematite
Trees: Birch, Hazel
Gods: Inanna, Freyja
Herbs: Thistle, nuts and seeds, marjoram
Element: Air

Cold Moon Magic
This is a good time to work on magic related to protection, both physical and spiritual. Use this time to develop your inner self, and advance spiritually, becoming closer to the higher aspects of your deities.

Take the time in your busy schedule to meditate and think about what it is you really want out of life, and whether you’re showing people your true self.

January is also a great time to work on full moon magic – after all, the nights are long and dark, and in some areas the moon itself is the only source of light. Put aside your lethargy, and focus some energy on developing your intuition and wisdom.

Finally, for many people, winter is a season of simplification. Set aside everything you don’t need, and try a minimalist approach instead. On a mundane level, try doing a thorough cleaning of your physical space – get rid of the clutter. On a spiritual and emotional level, try to do the same thing – teach your mind to let go of the things that are creating excess baggage for your spirit and soul.

Author

Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com

Sample Poppet Ideas – Poppetry In Action

1. To Get a Job You’ve Applied For

Material: satin, green or gold or silverHerbs: clover, chamomile, ginger, cinnamon

Gemstones: snowflake obsidian or sodalite

Create a poppet that represents you yourself. As you make it, focus on the positive attributes that you possess which will make you appealing to a potential employer. Another option is to create the poppet in the image of the employer (include business cards or letterhead inside, if you can get them) and tell the employer poppet why you’re the best person for the job.

2. To Protect Your Family

Material: Modeling clayHerbs: Basil, patchouli, coffee

Gemstones: Hematite, amethyst, black onyx.

Create poppets that represent each member of the family, blending herbs and stones into the clay. Put them in a safe place in your home, such as near your hearth, and utilize magical shielding or cast a circle of protection around them. This is actually a fun project you can get your kids involved in as well – let them each make their own poppet person!

3. To Heal a Sick Person

Material: White cotton or unbleached muslinHerbs: Lemon balm, feverfew, ivy, and pine.

Gemstones: Bloodstone, turquoise

When you make this poppet, be sure to indicate what you are trying to heal, whether it’s a case of tennis elbow, a chronic infection, or even a broken heart. Focus all of your energy on the ailment in question.

4. To Bring Love Into Your Life

Material: Red or pink silk or cottonHerbs: Rose petals, parsley, and peppermint

Gemstones: Barite, jade, rose quartz

Make a poppet to represent the object of your affection — remember that in some magical traditions it’s frowned upon to make a specific person the target of your working.

If you are simply trying to attract love to yourself, but you don’t have a specific person in mind, focus on all the desirable qualities you want to see in a potential lover.

5. Silencing a Gossip

Material: Ground beef or other squishy meatHerbs: Horseradish, pepper, rue, yarrow, valerian

Shape the meat and herbs into a person, and create a “meat puppet” in the same way you’d make a fabric one. As you make the doll, tell it that it’s time to be silent, and tell no more gossipy stories. Remind it that people who can’t say nice things shouldn’t say anything at all. Dispose of the doll by either burning it on your grill and burying it someplace far away, feeding it to your dog, or leaving it out in the sun to rot.

6. Emergency Poppet on the Fly

Material: Aluminum foilPerhaps something has come up in a hurry, and you feel it needs immediate magical attention. Use a piece of aluminum foil to whip together a quickie poppet — shape it into the figure of a person. Fill with any magical components that might be handy — bits of wood, dirt, grass, even a name scribbled on a piece of paper — and personalize the poppet.

Source:

By Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert

Article Found On & Owned By About.com

Let’s Talk Witch – Working With Crystals & Gemstones

Working With Crystals & Gemstones

Over the centuries various Gemstones, Crystals and certain rock formations have held a great mystical appeal to humans. We have found beauty, power, and mystery within stones. Our ancestors knew and understood the spiritual, magical and healing properties of gemstones and crystals, but that wisdom was nearly forgotten over time. In the past, the mystic properties of stones were unquestioned. They were commonly used in magical rituals to help focus the mind and attune the user with the powers that created the Earth and everything on it. Today a few still associate various stones with the four elements, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Some of the more common associations are listed below.

Element of Earth – Traditional Stones Include: Emerald, Green Jade, Green Tourmaline, Agate, Black Tourmaline, Hematite, Jasper, Malachite, Onyx, Obsidian, Peridot, Quartz, Salt (all types)

Element of Air – Traditional Stones Include: Opal, Tiger Eye, Citrine, Topaz, Turquoise, Diamond and Zircon

Element of Fire: Traditional Stones Include – Amber, Carnelian, Citrine, Fire Agate, Fire Opal, Garnet, Red Calcite, Red Jasper, Red Tourmaline, Ruby, Sunstone

Element of Water: Traditional Stones Include – Amethyst, Aquamarine, Azurite, Moonstone, Azurite, Blue Calcite, Blue Lace Agate, Blue Topaz, Celestite, Chalcedony, Chrysocolla, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Sapphire, Sodalite, Sea Salt

Wicca A Beginner’s Guide to Casting Spells: Herbal, Crystal and Candle Magic (Living Wicca Today Book 3) Kardia Zoe

WOTC EXtra – Top 10 Healing Gemstones

Witchy Comments & Graphics

Top 10 Healing Gemstones

Favorite Stones in the Healing Community

Phylameana lila Desy

Gemstones are delightful to give or receive as gifts. They are mother nature’s natural healers. Gifting someone with a crystal is the same as offering a healing. There are literally hundreds of different types of stones to choose from. Listed here are ten popular gemstones that you can’t go wrong with.They each have wonderful healing energies.

1. Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz has a gentle energy. It is a heart healer of physical heart ailments as well as emotional heartbreaks. Rose quartz is a timely gift to offer someone who desires to learn self-love.

2. Fluorite

Fluorite comes in a variety of colors. Fluorite is a beneficial stone to help guard one against picking up negativity or negative energies from those nearby. Basically, the stone absorbs any negativity, keeping it at bay. It is important to cleanse it at least once a week when you are using it as a protective helper.

3. Lapis

Egyptian energy. Lapis is a stone that has been said to unlock mysteries as it helps one move through confusion and emotional blocks and dig through fog/muck to the root of problematic issues.

4. Hematite

Hematite is a grounding stone. This silver-gray metallic gemstone is often used as a grounding tool to aid those who tend to avoid worldly tasks/events by out-of-body flight.

5. Jade

Jade teaches acceptance. Carries serene and calming energy. It helps a person become less critical of self and others.

6. Amethyst

This highly spiritual/healing stone is associated with The Christ Consciousness and the Violet Flame of Transmutation. Amethyst helps one tune into a higher awareness of knowing.

7. Turquoise

Turquoise is a teaching stone can be used to help one learn spiritual lessons through meditation and/or dream visions. My first turquoise was a stone set in a silver ring my grandmother gave me as a souvenir she picked up for me when she vacationed in Arizona. It’s little wonder that my grandmother has served as one of my spiritual advisors from the other side since her transition from the physical realm.

8. Kyanite

Kyanite is best worn near the throat chakra. This blue crystal helps facilitate channeling and will open communications centers to enable contact with your guides and angels. Kyanite is probably best known for its balancing properties that align the chakras. There is no need to cleanse this stone, it clears itself automatically of negative energies.

9. Obsidian

All varieties of obsidian are good utilized as grounding and protective agents – The snowflake in particular helps us surrender or let go of negative habits or past pathways that no longer the present condition. It will bring about opportunity for change, serenity, and clarity.

10. Citrine

Citrine is a wonderful yellow stone. It helps to manifest your goals. Also keeps one cheerful. It attracts abundance and personal power.

Quiz for the Week: What Does Your Favorite Aroma Say about You?

Your Favorite Aroma: What Does It Say About You?

Annie B. Bond

Your favorite family of aromas or essential scents can tell a lot about your personality–or that of your friends. This simple little quiz can give useful information about all of you! Are you the outdoorsy type? Is your best friend a romantic? Do you have an adventurous streak? And what colors, gemstones, flowers, activities, and images will be appealing to you or your friends?

Take the quiz and find out!

Which aromas appeal to you most? (You may find you like more than one grouping):

A fresh air, sea spray, citrus fruits

B old English roses, walking through a flower shop, scented candles

C cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, lichens, and moss

D a walk through the woods, linens drying in the breeze

E apple pie, birthday cake, fresh peaches, violets

F incense, gardenias, and night-blooming jasmine

G blackberries, fragrant wood burning, lilies, narcissus

H freshly mown grass, juicy oranges, hyacinths, ocean air

I raspberries, tuberose, old books, leather

If you chose A, you are a sporty, outdoorsy type.

Images: Sailing on azure seas under a brilliant sun. Munching crisp apples by a lake covered in water lilies. A nest of robin’s eggs in a green, leafy tree.

Flowers: Hyacinth, water lily

Colors: Robin’s egg blue, butter yellow, fresh lime, apricot

Gemstones: Peridot, aquamarine

If you chose B, you are a dreamer.

Images: Bouquets of fresh flowers scenting the air. Roses releasing their perfume as honeybees whirl about. Sweet, juicy melons. Lilacs blooming over a porch railing as you rock in the warmth of a summer day.

Flowers: Stephanotis, orange blossom, sweetheart rose

Colors: Blushing pink, misty blue, mint, lilac

Gemstones: Pink, green, and watermelon tourmaline

If you chose C, you are independent and unconventional.

Images: A mossy glen, secluded, filled with ferns and woodland flora. Lichen-covered stones beside a crystal stream. At home, spiced cider by a crackling fire of aromatic cedar wood.

Flowers: Carnations, chrysanthemums, poppies

Colors: Camel, aubergine, moss, acorn

Gemstones: Smoky topaz, amber, carnelian

If you chose D, you are outgoing, sociable, and energetic.

Images: An herb garden filled with tantalizing scents and tastes. Lavender spikes perfuming the paths with their delicious, spicy aroma. Strawberries and cream.

Flowers: Lavender, scented geranium

Colors: Sunset, teal, caramel, hunter green

Gemstones: Coral, jade, malachite

If you chose E, you are a romantic.

Images: A rock garden of violet and lilies of the valley. Delicate sweet peas climbing a trellis. Tea and petit fours, sun warmed peaches and sparkling champagne in crystal flutes.

Flowers: Sweet pea, lily of the valley, violet

Colors: Rose, periwinkle, celadon, peach, ivory

If you chose F, you are sensual, self-assured, and fashionable.

Images: The enveloping scents of tuberose and gardenia filling the velvet night. Mellow pears, the smell of autumn, candlelight. Ruby cabernet swirling in a goblet accompanied by rich canapés.

Flowers: Gardenia, heliotrope, tuberose

Colors: Burgundy, plum, cream, jade

Gemstones: Ruby, garnet

If you chose G, you are motivated and career-oriented.

Images: Creamy calla lilies reflected in silver mirrors. Blackberries lump and juicy atop white chocolate mousse. Kir Royale shimmering like jewels. Sandalwood carvings on a rosewood desk alight with vanilla-scented candles.

Flowers: Calla lily, damask rose, peony

Colors: Black, red, beige, ivory

Gemstones: Pearls, jet

If you chose H, you are elegant and somewhat formal.

Images: Mimosa blossoms dancing in the wind, lacing the veranda with sweet perfume. Tea roses sway in a cobalt vase, spreading scents of lemon, myrrh, and raspberry. Peach melbas rest on a dessert table with delicate glasses of fragrant Chambord liqueur.

Flowers: Tea rose, jasmine, mimosa

Colors: Royal blue, deep rose, purple, pearl gray

Gemstones: Sapphire, lapis lazuli

If you chose I, you are naturally charming, extroverted, and love to entertain.

Images: A wildflower meadow filled with the sweet scent of honeysuckle. Picnicking by a pond, watching a beaver build its dam. Enjoying a juicy orange while basking in the warmth of summer. Napping on grandma’s quilt spread upon the verdant, scented grass.

Flowers: Freesia, lilac, honeysuckle

Colors: Forest, lavender, pearl, rose, azure

Gemstones: Emerald, malachite, moonstone

Gemstones of the Zodiac

Helpful and healing gemstones for every zodiac sign

Emily Trinkaus on the topics of zodiac, insight, astrology

Gemstones are more than just pretty ornaments. These natural, Earth-based beauties also have the power to heal, protect, relax and clarify. Certain gemstones are particularly beneficial for each zodiac sign. When thinking about which gem is appropriate for you, a friend or a loved one, consider not only Sun signs, but the Moon and Rising signs as well.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Diamond: Like Aries, a sign known for its strength and survival skills, the diamond is the hardest of the gems. The diamond carries masculine energy, evoking your inner warrior and helping you to pursue your goals and persevere in challenging times. Considered the stone of innocence and purity, this precious gem also assists you with attaining spiritual clarity and speaking your heart’s truth. The diamond, associated with wealth, can help you attract abundance in all areas of life.

Additional gemstones associated with Aries: Bloodstone, Jasper, Ruby, Carnelian, Garnet

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Amber: Amber is not actually a stone, but the petrified resin of trees that once grew in forests along the Baltic sea — appropriately earthy origins for nature-loving Taurus. Amber’s gold-orange color is known for grounding and stabilizing higher spiritual energies into the physical body. Its influence is simultaneously calming and energizing, enhancing patience, protection and balance. Amber is said to absorb negative energy, thereby promoting the body’s ability to heal itself.

Additional gemstones associated with Taurus: Rose Quartz, Turquoise, Blood Coral, Emerald, Sapphire

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Agate: Mentally active (and sometimes hyperactive) Gemini can benefit from the grounding and calming influence of this stone. By strengthening the body’s connection to the Earth, agates enhance courage and vitality while protecting from energy drains and stress. Considered a stone of harmony, the agate can inspire the Twins’ multiple personalities to come into a state of balance and integration. Carry or wear agate when you have to make an important decision — this stone will sharpen your sight, stimulate your intellect and dispel fears.

Additional gemstones associated with Gemini: Citrine, Chrysoprase, Pearl, Moonstone, White Sapphire

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Moonstone: This magical gemstone is, not surprisingly, associated with the Moon, Cancer’s planetary ruler. Moonstone is said to absorb the healing power of the Moon, and the most powerful time to wear it is during a Full Moon. Moonstone offers protection for Cancer’s sensitive nature while enhancing intuition, feminine energies and psychic abilities. Considered a stone of inner growth and spiritual perception, Moonstone is an excellent ally during meditation. Additionally, Moonstone brings success in both love and business.

Additional gemstones associated with Cancer: Pearl, Emerald, Ruby

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Tourmaline: Tourmaline is often associated with the heart, the part of the body ruled by Leo. This stone can help you open yourself to love, and it enhances compassion, happiness and serenity. Leo is a naturally creative zodiac sign, and tourmaline provides added inspiration — or can help jumpstart the process if you’re feeling blocked. Tourmaline strengthens your ability to manifest your goals, and it attracts abundance and prosperity as it makes others more receptive to your talents. Traditionally used as a meditation stone, tourmaline is also considered helpful for channeling.

Additional gemstones associated with Leo: Carnelian, Sardonyx, Onyx, Golden Topaz

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

Blue Sapphire: Considered a sacred stone in Buddhism, the blue sapphire brings order and clarity to the mind, thereby increasing your ability to access spiritual wisdom. Since Virgo is prone to anxiety and worry — populating the mind with distracting or unproductive thoughts — this gemstone is particularly useful. The color blue is traditionally associated with the heavens, and Virgo benefits from this reminder of a higher perspective. Blue sapphire also increases mental flexibility, helping Virgos release hardened attitudes and open themselves to new possibilities.

Additional gemstones associated with Virgo: Jasper, Carnelian, Jade, Moss Agate

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Lapis Lazuli: Considered a stone of universal truth and friendship, lapis is said to foster harmony in relationships — always a priority for significant-other-oriented Libra. At the same time, Lapis supports expressing your authentic self and inner truth, which can sometimes be challenging for this peace-seeking sign. Highly valued for its spiritual properties, lapis helps you to access sacred knowledge, expand consciousness, communicate with your spirit guides, and purify your mind and soul.

Additional gemstones associated with Libra: Opal, Emerald, Rose Quartz, Peridot (Chrysolite)

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Aquamarine: The name of this beautiful blue gemstone refers to the ocean, and resonates with Scorpio’s watery nature. The element Water represents the emotional realm, and Scorpio’s waters run deep — so deep, in fact, that this sign sometimes gets lost in the depths. Aquamarine can soothe Scorpio’s intense emotions and counteract the forces of darkness, bringing a sense of tranquility, as well as clear insight, to underlying feelings. By aligning the physical and spiritual bodies, Aquamarine can help you attune to higher levels while remaining grounded.

Additional gemstones associated with Scorpio: Black Obsidian, Topaz, Beryl, Apache Tear, Coral

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Turquoise: Valued as a sacred stone in many spiritual traditions, turquoise helps truth-seeking Sagittarius attune to higher consciousness. Additionally, turquoise is considered a communication stone, enhancing a speaker’s eloquence, honesty and creativity — and offsetting the Sagittarian foot-in-mouth syndrome. Turquoise improves the mind by increasing intuition, sensitivity and positive thinking, resulting in a calmer mental state that leads to greater wisdom.

Additional gemstones associated with Sagittarius: Topaz, Sapphire, Amethyst, Ruby

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Ruby: By enhancing confidence, courage and joy, ruby can compensate for the Capricorn tendency toward melancholia and negativity. Ruby’s deep red color strengthens the heart and invites love for self, others and spirit. Capricorn has a well-deserved reputation as the hardest-working sign of the zodiac, and ruby is a great ally in restoring depleted energy reserves and promoting stamina, vitality and strength. Ruby is said to increase generosity as well as attract abundance and prosperity.

Additional gemstones associated with Capricorn: Black Onyx, Garnet, Agate

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Garnet: If Aquarians get stuck in the mental realm, garnet can help bring this sign back into the body by boosting sexual energy, passion, sensuality and general vitality. Friends and community are of great importance to Aquarius, and garnet both stabilizes relationships and enhances popularity. Garnet is said to promote success in business and improve higher education and professional prospects. On a spiritual level, garnet heightens clairvoyant abilities and is considered a powerful ally for accessing the wisdom of dreams.

Additional gemstones associated with Aquarius: Sugilite, Amethyst, Moss Agate, Opal

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

Amethyst: Hyper-sensitive and energy-absorbent Pisces can greatly benefit from amethyst, which repels vibrations that the body does not need. Calming both the mind and nervous system, amethyst has been called “nature’s tranquilizer,” and is useful for releasing tension and soothing anxiety. Amethyst can also assist with healing from grief and releasing addictions, and supports general emotional stability. Considered an excellent meditation stone, amethyst enhances psychic abilities and spiritual awareness.

Additional gemstones associated with Pisces: Jade, Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Rock Crystal, Sapphire