Calming Anger with Blue Lace Agate

Blue Lace Agate is an excellent stone for those who struggle with anger issues or, who simply need help in specific situations.  Anger can have many detrimental effects.  It can cause us to say things we don't mean to loved ones, it can cause poor relations with co-workers and it can even affect our driving and cause us to make poor decisions.  It is wise to examine our own anger triggers and to utilize the calming influence of Blue Lace Agate in those situations.  For example:

- If you find driving to be a stressful time and you feel that your anger with other drivers affects the safety of yourself and your loved ones, why not place a Blue Lace Agate stone in the car.  On you dashboard, in your glove compartment or hanging from your rear view mirror - the calming stone will ensure that you get home safely.

- Try holding a piece of Blue Lace Agate when starting a difficult conversation.  Whether you are speaking with a significant other, a child or a co-worker, the stone will help you keep your cool and speak calmly and rationally.

- Keep a piece of Blue Lace Agate in your desk or office for those particularly stressful days.

- Keep a piece by the phone to help stay calm in the face of angry voices on the other end. 

Stone of the Week - Blue Lace Agate

Blue Lace Agate is a beautiful pale blue stone.  Its bands often reminds one of the gentle waves of the ocean or ripples in a bond.  It is a wonderful calming stone and promotes a serene environment.  It has a cooling energy that can work to lower a temperature or calm a hot temper.  Blue Lace Agate brings peace of mind and increases spiritual inspiration.  It is associated with the throat chakra and clears the way for expression of thoughts and feelings.  It is an excellent stone for those dealing with issues of judgment, particularly when they feel they are being judged by others.  Therefore, it is wise to carry a piece if entering a situation where you feel you are going to be judged (ie, parent-child interactions, neighbors, that cliquey woman's group!).  
Physically, Blue Lace Agate's cooling properties can be utilized to calm an infection, inflammation or fever.  It can aid with any throat problems but is also useful for the neck and shoulders.  It works to help heal bone issues such as arthritis, bone deformity or fractures.  Blue Lace Agate can also aid with blockages in the nervous system, capillaries or pancreas.  

How NOT to clean your crystals

There are several methods for cleansing stones.  However, some of those methods are not recommended for certain crystals.  I have been compiling a list.  Here is what I have so far:

Water
-Halite
-Selenite
-Angelite
-Galena

Sunlight
-Amethyst
-Rose Quartz

Burying in Salt
-Malachite
-Fresh Water Pearls
-Opal

Do you have any to add?

*Note: There are a number of methods for cleansing stones that not mentioned such as under moonlight, by placing on a crystal cluster or burying in soil.  But, as these are usually non-damaging methods (to my knowledge) I have not included them.

Stone of the Week - Clear Quartz

While helping a friend with the last of her moving, I found a piece of quartz that she had tucked away in a corner and it dawned on me that, when starting this blog feature, I hadn't written about, perhaps, the most commonly owned of all crystals.

Clear quartz can be found in most New Age shops and can be purchased fairly cheaply.  Nearly every pagan that I know owns at least one piece of it (many own tons of it!).  It can be found in a myriad of sizes and shapes as both stand alone stones and incorporated into jewelery, statues and various tools. 

Clear Quartz is one of the best all purpose stones as its clear coloring, and the fact that it holds all the colors of the rainbow, lends itself to all types of magick.  It also amplifies our intentions and the vibrations of other stones.   Quartz is an excellent stone for purification.  It brings harmony and balance.  Quartz can be used for gazing and conjures up images of the ancient witch staring into a crystal ball. 

Clear quartz is known as master healer and can aid with any affliction.  It brings harmony within the body and works with all of the chakras.

Stone of the Week: Merlinite

Merlinite is a black and white stone that is found in New Mexico and is becoming more and more readily available.  It is said to hold the wisdom of all those who have worked magick before us, whether they be Alchemist, Magician or Shaman.  It is an excellent stone for connecting with nature.  The blending of two colors in each Merlinite stone lends itself to blending and connecting the different realms.  This can be a particularly useful stone for those who are interested in exploring past lives or astral realms.  It also useful to use Merlinite during meditation. 
Merlinite's balancing properties can be used to bring harmony into one's life.  It can also help heal old hurts and aid the user in getting over issues from their past.

Merlinite and Amethyst and Celestite, Oh My!

Last week I picked up my layaway from Little Mysteries.  It was a big one, and means that I probably won't be able to do any shopping there for a while, but it was WAY worth it.

First, a nice piece of Merlinite.  Pretty sure this one will end up as Stone of the Week pretty soon

Then two gorgeous amethyst bookends.  The colors on these are just STUNNING!

And, Drum Roll Please......

The Most Beautiful Hunk of Celenite I have ever seen!

It is big and beautiful with gorgeous crystals.  Here is one with a Pepsi can for size comparison

Stone of the Week - Pyrite

Pyrite is associated with the element of Fire and with Mars.  Also known as fool's gold, pyrite is often found near deposits of real gold.  As such, it is a particularly good stone for drawing money and luck to it's owner.  Pyrite is also an excellent addition to a money drawing altar or corner in the home.  Polished pyrite may have been used in the past as a divining or scrying stone.  In any form, it can help aid intuition and connect the left and right side of the brain to increase creativity as well as logical thinking. 
Pyrite is used to protect against infections and viruses.  It can increase physical stamina, remove negativity from the aura and was used to guard against crocodile attacks - though if you wish to avoid crocodile attacks I would recommend simply avoiding crocodiles.  Try working with a piece of pyrite this week!

Stone of the Week - Labradorite

I have been rather lax with my Stone of The Week postings and am going to attempt to remedy this.  In honor of my recent purchase of two BEAUTIFUL Labradorite bookends.  I have chosen it as the stone of the week.

Labradorite is a beautiful blue-green, iridescent stone.  It remains very popular among pagans from many paths and can be found in countries such as Canada, Finland, Greenland and Russia, just to name a few.  Labradorite strengthens and protects the aura, removing or deflecting unwanted energy and preventing positive energy from "leaking".  It can strengthen psychic powers and help connect oneself to all that is mystical and mysterious in the world.  Labradorite acts as a bridge between the user and their higher self or higher knowledge, as such, it can strengthen intuition and inspire imagination.  This makes it an excellent stone for anyone working in creative fields.  It is also an excellent stone to accompany therapy, especially past-life therapy as it can awaken suppressed or forgotten memories. 
Labradorite can be used to balance hormones and regulate metabolism.  It can aid with problems involving the eyes and the brain.  It also works with the immune system and can be used in dealing with the common cold.  Labradorite is also very effective in dealing with bone and joint problems such as arthritis. 

Recent Stone Purchases

I am determined that these stones are the last ones purchased .... at least until April is over!  A friend tempted me with talk of reasonably priced spirit quartz and, once in the store, I couldn't leave without a few more treasures.

First the Spirit Quartz

Then a stunning piece of Zincite caught my eye ...

And finally, I spied a piece of Kunzite. Which I convinced myself was reasonable because the only piece of kunzite that I have is about the size of my pinky fingernail and I'm afraid to take it out of the house because I might lose it.

So now I am really on a budget for the rest of the month .... but holding each new stone makes it feel worth it!

Stone of the Week: Zincite

On a recent trip to my favorite shop Little Mysteries (yes, again - I was tempted by tales of spirit quartz) I picked up a stunning piece of yellow zincite and, of course, am now motivated to learn more about it.

Zincite comes in a variety of colors including red, yellow and green. Zincite removes blockages and promotes creative thinking.  The overwhelming feeling that I get from my stone is one of joy.  It also brings fun and new ideas, something I'm sure we all can use from time to time.  The yellow variety is particularly good at overcoming inadequacy and instills courage and confidence while boosting personal power.  Zincite is also said to be useful in overcoming phobias and in coming to terms with changes such as menopause or empty-nest syndrome.  It promotes friendships and brings together like-minded people.

Physically, Zincite is well known for re-energizing both body and spirit.  It has been used to treat blockages within the body such as mucus conditions.  Because it boosts the immune system, Zincite is effective in the treatment of auto-immune diseases and AIDS.  It may also help prevent epileptic seizures and aid in fertility.

Shopping Trip Goodies

Every year, on their anniversary, my favorite local pagan store, Little Mysteries, has a fantastic sale.  This year, they offered 20% off everything in the store.  I thought I would share some of my new found goodies. 

First, I needed to replenish my herb cabinet with some supplies that I have used in various magickal endeavors over the past few months. 

I usually end up coming home with at least a handful of stones but this time only two caught my eye.  A lapis lazuli and a beautiful blue goldstone.  The goldstone looks almost purple and has an unbelievable sparkle when you turn it in the light. 

I weeded out a few purchases in order to be able to afford the following two pieces.  First, a Tiger's Eye Pendant.  I have been searching for just the right Tiger's Eye for years now and I really felt that if I left the store without this piece, I would regret it later.

And finally, this absolutely STUNNING Labradorite Bookends.  They were actually a recommendation from a good friend who works at the store.  The first day of the sale was Saturday, which just happened to be the day I had scheduled an all-day rehearsal for the school musical (I direct).  SO, my wonderful fiance offered brave the crowds and go for me and came back with these hunks of gorgeousness.

I spent about twice what I had intended this year.  But scrimping and saving over the next month to make up for it will be well worth it every time I look at these stones. 

Stone of the Week: Chrysocolla

I was shopping at my favorite New Age store last week and a new stone caught my eye.  Chrysocolla is a very gentle stone that promotes peace, tranquility and harmony.  It removes negativity from a person or place and is an excellent stone for easing fear, anxiety and guilt.  Crysocolla is associated with the throat chakra and, ask such, helps with communication.  It also increases intuition and creativity. 

As a healing stone, Crysocolla can aid with many stress related issues such as ulcers, headaches and digestive problems.  It also clears breathing pathways and is helpful for those who suffer from asthma, emphysema and pneumonia.  This soothing stone is also excellent at reducing PMS and muscle cramps during a woman's menstruation. 

Stone of the Week: Aqua Aura Quartz

Aqua Aura Quartz is a man made quartz that is created when gold is artificially bonded with the quartz to produce a brilliant blue color.  Aqua Aura Quartz is an excellent stone for increasing psychic abilities and for guarding against psychic attack.  It can be used to help promote peace during meditation and to increase intuition.  Aqua Aura Quartz activates the throat chakra and aids with communication, especially speaking from one's heart.  It is a useful tool for strengthening the effect of any stones with which it is kept.
Physically, Aqua Aura Quartz works to heal and strengthen the throat and thymus gland.  It can aid in reducing stress related issues and boost the immune system.  An excellent stone to carry on a stressful work day, especially during flu season!

Stone of the Week: Emerald

Emerald is known as the "stone of successful love".  It increases loving vibrations and helps bring about a happy home.  It enhances joy, faith and loyalty.  Emerald can strengthen both friendships and romantic relationships.  It also promotes truthfulness and calms the emotions while bringing inspiration and patience.  I am hoping that carrying a piece of emerald will be particularly helpful in dealing with the last week of school before the holiday break and in communicating with a demanding parent as it can bring mutual understanding and promote cooperation.
Emerald is known to help with memory and to enhance mental clarity.  It is known as a detoxifyer and can aid with diabetes and problems with the liver and pancreas.  Emerald is also associated with the eyes and can aid vision problems while it promotes clarity.

Stone of the Week: Turquoise

Turquoise is a beautiful stone that has been prized throughout history by many different cultures and used for everything from adorning tombs and making jewellery to healing magick and ensuring an arrow hits it's target.  Due to it's vibrant color, this stone is associated with the sky and may be help one connect with sky deities.  It is a strong stone for protection and legend has it that a turquoise stone will shatter if the carrier is about to find themselves in immediate danger.  It also absorbs negativity and clears away pollution and electromagnetic smog.  It brings with it wisdom and truth and is said to change color when one is faced with infidelity. Turquoise is associated with the throat chakra and allows the user to release inhibitions and express themselves more freely.  In this way, it also strengthens creative expression. 
Turquoise is known as a "master healer" stone.  It enhances the immune system and alleviates infection.  It can also aid with throat and lung issues such as asthama.  Turquoise is a stone that enhances positive thinking and, as such, can aid in any number of health and mental well being issues. 
Due to the popularity of turquoise there are many people selling imitation pieces.  Usually these are howlite that has been dyed to resemble turquoise.  If you are looking to purchase turquoise be sure that you trust the seller as reputable and ask questions about whether or not the stone has undergone any treatment.  For side by side examples of real vs fake check out  TheTurquoiseChick

Dispelling Negativity with Hematite

 Hematite has the unique quality of acting as a mirror.  Because it reflects what it sees it can also be used to dispel negativity.  This makes it an excellent stone to keep in an area that you feel negativity building up.  I am making a personal effort to leave my work issues at work and maintain a (relatively) tranquil and peaceful home.  In order to aid me in this I installed a key rack with a mirror and placed three small hematite stones on top. Before stepping through the door at the end of each day I take a moment to cleanse myself of the negativity gathered throughout the day. 
You may also wish to take advantage of these qualities to rid yourself of the emotions and anxiety that can trouble your sleep.  Simply hold the stone and allow your troubles to slip away.  You may also wish to light a candle and/or play some relaxing music.

Stone of the Week: Hematite

Hematite is an excellent grounding stone and is a staple of any witch's collection.  It is a protective stone not only for the physical realm but the astral one as well.  Hematite cleans the aura of negative energies and is particularly useful in stressful and negative environments, especially those involving the legal field.  Those who use this stone find themselves strengthened as it enhances their self esteem, willpower and confidence levels.  Hematite can aid those seeking to overcome addictions or over-indulgences such as smoking or over-eating.  Hematite helps organize the mind and stimulates concentration and focus.  As such, it is a useful stone for any workplace. 
As a healing stone, Hematite is associated with the blood and can be beneficial to those suffering from blood-related conditions such as anemia.  It also aids the kidneys and tissues.  Hematite can be used to treat cramps, anxiety and insomnia.  An elixer can also be used for fevers. 

A Tiger's Eye Abundance Spell

Hold at least 4 tiger's eye stones in your hand and charge them to bring abundance.  Place the stones around a green candle (either in a ring or one stone in each direction - North, South, East and West).  You may chose to anoint the candle with a money drawing or success oil, such as cedarwood.  You may also wish to burn money drawing herbs such as basil or mint (since mint grows and multiplies very fast I find it particularly effective when you need the spell to work quickly).

If you simply need a quick influx of cash try chanting:

Money, money plentiful
Make my wallet mighty full
Money, money overflowing
Keep my cashflow ever growing

If, however, you are looking for more long lasting prosperity I would choose:

My prosperity will grow and flower
Increasing my financial power
Bills are paid with funds to spare
Money both to save and share 

Stone of the Week: Tiger's Eye

Tiger's Eye is a beautiful stone and most Pagans tend to have at least one piece lying around.  It is a wonderful stone for creating courage and helping maintain one's convictions.  It brings out the inner integrity in a person and allows them to see true intentions (both their own and others), this, in turn, aids them in accomplishing goals.  Tiger's eye is very potent when it comes to protection and many people wear a piece as a talisman against danger.  It is an excellent stone for attracting money and luck.  When placed on the third eye it can also enhance psychic abilities, particularly in those born under and earth sign.  In terms of healing, Tiger's eye is associated (obviously enough) with the eye and can aid with vision problems.  It is also helpful in repairing broken bones and dissolving constrictions.

Tiger's eye is most commonly known in the gold variety but also comes in Blue and Red.  Blue Tiger's eye has a calming effect and can be particularly helpful with those who are over stressed and/or quick tempered.  It can also slow one's metabolism and calm an overactive sex drive.  Red Tiger's Eye has the opposite effect, speeding up one's metabolism and increasing a low sex drive.  It is also a motivating stone that can help overcome lethargy and procrastination. 

Attracting Abundance and Positive Energy with Citrine

Citrine is a fairly plentiful and commonly used stone and so I am really hoping that some of you are playing along at home with our Stone of the Week game. Here are some of the ways in which you can participate with your Citrine stone.

- Place a piece of Citrine in the wealth corner of your home (furthest to the rear and left of your front door). You may also wish to strengthen this by adding rose quartz and aventurine in order to attract not only money but also success.

- Carry or display a piece of Citrine and a piece of amethyst in order to promote happy relationships. Citrine fills you with joy and confidence while amethyst helps calm strong emotions and allows you to get in touch with your feelings.

- Ever feel that your bathroom is has a heavy atmosphere? This can be especially strong for those in apartments like mine with no window. Try keeping a piece of Citrine where it will catch the light and lift those weighty vibrations.

- Feeling out of sorts and down on yourself? Take a few minutes to lie comfortably and place a citrine crystal on your solar plexus chakra. Concentrate on your ego issues and let them slip away. Repeat daily for a few weeks or until you are feeling yourself again.

- Help menopausal symptoms with a Citrine elixir. Clean your stone thoroughly with water and then place in a glass container. Cover the stone with mineral water and allow to sit on a sunny window sill for 1-2 hours. Remove the crystal and store the liquid. Drink a small amount whenever you feel symptoms

Sources: Crystal Energy by Mary Lambert