MYTHOLOGY AND HISTORY
Apache tears are named after an incident in Arizona. Soilders ambushed a group of Apaches. Many were killed and the rest leapt over a cliff, rather than be taken. The women of the tribe wept at the base of the cliff and their tear were embedded in obsidian. It is said that those who carry Apache tears will never know deep sorrow.
From early times obsidian was carved into arrowheads; obsidian arrows are still used for protection when set points facing outward. Myth relates that the seven arrows of the Ancient loin goddess Sekhmet were sometimes made of obsidian: she used them magically against wrongdoers.
Highly polished obsidian was used by the Mayans for magic mirrors. In Elizabethan times John Dee had a similar divining mirror. Obsidian is often called the wizard stone.
USES AT HOME AND WORK
Black obsidian dampens inner anger and frustration at others incompetence or stubbornness and creates the enivorment for change. Use obsidian spheres or rounded stones as stress absorbers at home and at work. Obsidian helps things run more smoothly. Apache tears lift the pain that comes from grief and loss.
PROTECTION FUNCTIONS
All obsidian protects you from negative vibes and hostility at home or work. It is especially good for kind-hearted people who are innocent of the was of the world. It is also a traveller's stone, especially if you travel at night.
PSYCHIC ASSOCATIONS
It is a stone of prophecy and amplifies magical powers. Use obsidian arrows for psychic self-defense, usually four, five or seven. It is excellent for labyrinth work and for ritual of the Black Madonna, Isis and her infant son Horus, the sky God. Apache tears are good for vision quests or spiritual pilgrimages, innner or outer.
ENVIROMENTAL WORK
Apache tears help in preservation and regeneration of indigenous spirituality, especially Native North American.
SPECIAL PROPERTIES
Obsidian is a personal stone and is generally kept by one person, not given as a gift.
From "The Illustrated Directory of Healing Crystals" By Cassandra Eason
KEY WORDS
Kundalini activation, vitality and prana, spiritual transformation and rebirth, enlightenment, oneness with the All.
Element: Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, Storm.
Chakra: All
Shiva Linghams are egg-shaped stones originating in at the Narmada River, in western India, one of India's seven holy sacred sites. Villagers gather the rough stones from shallow river beds and hand polish them to the classic elliptical proportions. Among the key features of Shiva Linghams are the red spots and stripes found on the otherwise tannish or gray stones. Various meanings are ascribed to the placement and number of these reddish spots.
The elongated egg- shape of the Shiva Lingham is regarded as a symbol of the phallus of the Hindu god Shiva. In temples it is paired with a corresponding object symbolizing the female, or the yoni. Yet within its own form, the Shiva Lingham symbolizes both the male and the female, as well as the cosmic egg out of which all creation is said to have emerged.
Legend has it that the goddess Parvati fashioned a Shiva Lingham out of a fistful of sand at Kanchipuram and there worshipped Shiva. This specimen is known as the Prithvilingham, symbolizing the primorial element Earth. Some Shiva Linghams in Hindu temples are called swayambus, denoting that they appeared on their own, untouched by tools or human hands.Shiva linghams symbolize the primeval energy of the Creator. Hindu devotees believe that at the end of creation, at the time of the great deluge, all various aspects of God find a resting place in the Lingham- Brahma is absorbed through the right, Vishnu on the left and Gayatri in the heart. The Shiva Lingham is also said to be a depiction of the infinite Cosmic Column of Fire.
Esoteric legends (and now some scientists) suggest that there is a field of invisible knowledge similar in some ways to the field of collective unconscious- in which the stored psychic energy of human ritual and belief may reside. When one does something that makes a connection to some portion of this field of consciousness, one can tap into the energy of all the past consciousness that has contributed to it. Thus, when one works with a scred object like a Shiva Lingham, one can recieve the benefit of the collective efforts of those who have used such stones in spiritual pusuits throughout history.
Shiva Linghams are emblems of innner transformation, partaking of the Storm element in order to break up patterns of self-limiting habits, and beliefs, so one may be flooded with Spirit. Like Shiva, they destroy what is old and corrupt to clear away for new rebirth. Those who wish for such transformation will find a fierce and ready ally.Shiva Linghams assist in uniting all sides of the self, overcoming judements and overall unity.
Shiva Linghams harmonize with all forms of quartz. For spiritual transformation, they have a special affinity with Moldavite.
**** Above information from "The Book OF Stones" by Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian
Intesting to note: Those of you who have seen the movie "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" may recall they were searching for the sacred stone. The Shiva Lingham is that sacred stone.
A sage once stated: "If a mini lingham is worn, it will affect mind and heart in positive ways." OM TAT SAM
MYTHOLOGY AND HISTORY
A guardian against all forms of bad luck, particularly in Alpine regions, smoky quartz was traditionally made into crucifixes and hung on the bedroom walls to keep away evil.
DIVINATORY SIGNIFICANCE
Smoky quartz promises a better tomorrow and light at the end of what may seem to be a very long tunnel.
HEALING AND THE ENVIROMENT
Smoky quartz is excellent after a period of illness or depression for gently restoring energy and optimism. It will melt energy blocks.
Stand on the grass or earth holding a smoky quartz pointing downwards in your receptive hand and negativity will drain out of your body and mind. It is an unusally gentle crystal for opening your kundalini energy if you have become tired or dispirited. Use it to direct light from the crown chakra into your body.
USES AT WORK AND HOME
Smoky quartz is truly a stone of protection protects use it to protect the home and work place. It guards vehicles from theft and breakdown and the driver against road rage.
PSYCHIC ASSOCIATIONS
Use it by candle light as a focus for astral travel: in your mind's eye, create within the crystal a tunnel and doorway of light into other realms. It aids meditation if you find concentration difficult. Use it for channeling the wisdom of earth spirits at old sites. It is also good for bringing peaceful dreams.
**** The Illustrated Directory of Healing Crystals by Cassandra Eason
Selenite
MYTHOLOGY AND HISTORY
Selenite can grow naturally as wands, which are sometimes twinned. selenite is named after Selene, the Greek goddess of the full moon. Selene was a prolific mother producing Pandia, goddess of brightness, Ersa, goddess of the dew and Nemea, the mountain goddess. By her mortal lover Endymion she had fifty daughters. A goddess of marriage, married women and mothers, she is mistress of enchantment and magical ritual.
HEALING AND THE ENVIROMENT
Selenite assists in healing the cells of the body and ensures fluid system flows harmoniously, including spinal fluid.
It improves skin tone and increases the body's ability to absorb calcium. A stone of fertility and motherhood. Selenite protects the health of the would-be mother, the pregnant woman and the unborn child.
USES AT HOME AND AT WORK
Selenite is one of the best for clearing negative energies. It transmutes negative energies into positve energies.It is also self clearing. We have sanded pieces down to fine powder and sprinkled it into our paint proir to painting a room and we also use it in our space clearing and home blessings too. Selenite is a wonderful tool to use. Place a small piece in your vechicle for protection and positve energy or place a piece above your doorway at the entry to your home or work. You may also place a piece on your desk or in your work enviroment for transmutaion of negative energies.
I have a large piece that I place items that I have just purchased or that someone else has given me as a gift on or around it over night to clear the item. In fact Selenite is our biggest seller at Inspirations Books & Gifts. We sell small, medium and large pieces as well as spirit windows ( large clear pieces set in stands), spheres, oblisks and pendants too. The uses are endless.
Selenite is a crystal of partnerships, both in love and relationships. and creates a foundation for long-lasting commitment. Selenite gently encourages all forms of communication and enables you to see through deception and lies.
Selenite enhances telepathy with all creatures.
PSYCHIC ASSOCATIONS
Selenite is a powerful crystal of communication. It aids interaction with wise ancestors, angels and spirit guides, and loved ones telepathically and through divination, with the cosmic records of wisdom. It is therefore a stone that should be used by mediums and clairvoyants. Selenite also promotes the recall of dreams and past lives.
Selenite wands tipped with calcite, quartz or other crystals or a selenite crystal circle can direct light towards a person, animal or place in healing work or for protection.
Information by Cassandra Eason - The illustrated Directory of Healing Crystals /
personal experience information by Shirley Swift- Wilkinson
Amethyst is particularly effective in meditation and psychic work to develop clairvoyance and clairaudience. It also brings memories of past worlds and past lives if placed in the center of the brow area.
MYTHOLOGY AND HISTORY
Amethyst is considered to be the stone of St. Valentine and of faithful lovers. Indeed St. Valentine reputedly wore an amethyst ring engraved with an image of Cupid. The Greeks believed it to be particularly effective against drunkenness hence the name amethustos, which menas not to be drunk. Wealthier Greeks, and later the Romans, would make wine goblets out of amethyst to guard against the excessive effects of wine. Lengend tells us that Amethysta, a beautiful maiden, attracted the unwelcome attention of Baccus, the god of wine. Diana, the virgin gooddess of the hunt, saved Amethysta by turning her into the gleaming gem, saying henceforward all would behave in a restrained manner in her presence.
Amethyst is also the stone of integrity and was worn by Egytian soilders in battle so they would not lose their courage in dangerous situations. In the Christian Church, amethyst was a gem of purity and is assocated with bishops, who traditionally wear an amethyst ring, especially in the Roman Catholic Church.
Amethyst is the stone of the Buddha and is popular for Buddhist prayer beads, especially in Tibet. In Northern Africa it is a rain making stone, and is dropped into water by medicine men and women.
DIVINATORY SIGNIFICANCE
Amethyst indicates that you may be feeling stressed or exhausted or have experienced difficulties recently and need to give gentle love to yourself until energy flows again.
HEALING PROPERTIES
Often called the all-healer, amethyst is one of the most effective crystals for any kind of healing work. It is effective for people, animals and plants and can even recharge other crystals with healing powers. It is potent for ailments of both the mind and body, especially emotional problems.
It is particularly helpful for addictions, including those to alcohol and food. Placed on the stomach or liver, amethyst helps to soothe problem areas.
AT WORK AND HOME
Amethyst soothes anger and impatience and is good to have in the workplace or at home in a room where you may have to deal with awkward or negative visitors. Place amethyst geodes, spheres or pyramids around your home or workplace and focus on one if you become anxious about potential conflict or feel overwhelmed by the tasks you have to finish.
Children who suffer from nightmares can use amethyst as a talisman. They should be encouraged to look at the crystal while breathing slowly and imagining that they are breathing in purple light and exhaling darkness. Finally they should visiualize themselves as safe and secure in a crystaline castle for the night.
PROTECTIVE FUNCTIONS
If your home or workplace feels unfriendly or always seems cold and dark even in summer, you may be suffering from streams of dark psychic energy beneath the building. Place amethyst crystals over any spot that feels hostile and near doors and windows.
Amethysts are naturally protective against technological polluntants, such as a constantly ringing phone or fax. They are especially good placed on a compute table to avoid excess stain on the eyes and mind.
PSYCHIC ASSOCIATIONS
A powerful psychic enhancer, an amethyst under your pillow will bring peaceful but psychic dreams. An amethyst pendulum aids personal decision making, using a yes/no response. Alternatively, hold it or a pointed amethyst crystal over a series of written options and see over which of the choices the pendulum or crystal pulls down.
ENVIROMENTAL WORK
An amethyst in the soil of a plant in the workplace will restore energies depleted by noise and over bright artificial lighting.
RECHARGING IT'S ENERGIES
Recharge amethyst under the light of the moon rather than in sunlight.
****From "The Illustrated Directory of Healing Crystals" By Cassandra Eason
Citrine
Associated with the crown and solar plexus chakras, citrine releases joy and brings spiritual powers into our everyday world. Citrine was supposedly a powerful transmitter of solar healing energy in Atlantis.
Mythology and History
Until the sixteenth century citrine was an umbrella term for all sparkling yellow stones, including such stones as topaz. Called the sun stone, citrine is said to hold pure sunlight and never absorb any negativity. As a stone of Mercury, the Roman messenger god, it holds the clear sunlight of early morning, not the noon day heat.
Regarded as the merchant"s stone, citrine has been famed for improving communication, increasing selling power (owing to the influence of Mercury) and attracting money or business. A cittrine should be placed in the cash register or put with the account; you might want to put one near the computer as well.
Divinatory Significance
Heralding joy in every aspect of your life, citrine says it is time to communicate your ideas and desires clearly, especially at work. Try new activities and visit new places. Make time for any creative talents you have, as they may prove very lucrative.
Protective Functions
The positive energy of citrine drives away darkness and night fears and protects against negative people.
Psychic Associations
Citrine is excellent for prosperity. Citrine will assist you with developing your intuition and help you distinguish between free-floating anxiety and your innner voice that advises you as to the right action to take. It is also very good for use with automatic writing practices. It draws wisdom from the collective memory bank via your own psychic powers. Use citrine in creative visualzation to assist you in bringing a desired object or goal from your thoughts into reality.
Special Properties
Citrine does not absorb negativity but transforms it into positive energies. Therefore it is a crystal that can keep on energizing and protecting for a long time. This makes citrine useful if you are under a lot of pressure or are away from home and feel vulerable.
Recharging Its energies
Leaving citrine in the sunlight from dawn till noon will fill it with extra radiance. However, do not expose citrine to intense sunlight too frequently as it may start to crack, and you certainly do not want that to happen!
From "The Illustrated Directory of Healing Crystals" by Cassandra Eason
Hello Everyone, we are back on track with Crystal Energies and
we hope you enjoy this newly revised blog.
In peace, Shirley
Myth and History
Pure quartz crystal is the most common mineral on the earth.
The word crystal comes from krystallos (clear ice in Ancient Greek)
- celestial water from the heavens that the deities froze so it would never melt.
According to legend, Hercules dropped the crystal of truth
from Mount Olympus and it shattered into the millions of pieces that we
find today as clear quartz crystal. That is the reason a person using a crystal
for scrying can never lie. It is said.
Australian Aborigines called clear quartz the living spirit and merkigars
(magic men and women) had quartz crystal inserted into their skin by,
it is said, Balame, the All Father, which gave them magical and healing powers.
In the Orient, crystal quartz was regarded as the essence of the dragon;
it was considered to be pure chi, or life force energy.
Uses
Quartz is the stone of the sun, of health, wealth and happiness. A clear quartz cluster
will promote a calm and harmonious atmosphere at home or in the workplace.
Clear quartz contains pure light and undiluted life force, bringing vitality, joy and health;
as it drives away ones fears.
Clear quartz is probably the most versatile of all crystals and can be used for any healing,
energizing or cleansing work.
An ancient Celtic practice used to restore and maintain health is ,
for nine consecutive days drink the water,
in which nine tiny quartz crystals have been boiled.
Place a quartz crystal beneath an older pets bed to assist them in being
more energetic, playful and healthier.
Psychic Properties;
Crystal quartz amplifies any innate psychic healing and is traditionally used to increase the power of prayer, especially in healing. It also acts as a channel for angelic powers and spirit guides. Hold a quartz crystal to send telepathic messages.
A clear crystal pendulum will aid making decisions and will also trace fluid, useful if you are looking for the source of a an oil leak in your car or finding a blockage in a pipe.
More esoterically. a crystal pendulum will identify energy pathways in the body and unblock and energize chakras.
Enivormental Work:
Even the tiniest piece of crystal quartz will send healing vibrations to the planet and help towards creating a world community based on tolerance and diversity. Bury tiny quartz crystals in the soil to regenerate wastelands and help bring back wildlife.
Recharging It's Energy:
There are many schools of thought on this one. Why not leave it in the midday sun among the plants.
******Information from "The Illustrated Directory of Healing Crystals" By Cassandra Eason
An old book I have called the Curious Lore of Precious Stones (by George Frederick Kunz) indicates theat moonstone is believed to bring good fortune.
Moonstone is believed to arouse passion and give lovers the power to read in the future the fortune (good or bad) that is in store for them.
I always wear a moonstone necklace and recently bought a beautiful ring from Shirley. I had been searching for a moonstone ring for a long time and was not able to find one that called to me. But Shirley had the perfect ring for me. I truely believe that the ring was meant for me and that it found her to get to me.
The moonstone makes me feel calm and loving. I could stare at it for hours and gaze into its depths.
There are reports of a moonstone that had a white point or mark that waxed and waned with the cycle of the moon. If you have a moonstone, you may wish to study it during the course of a month and see if you don't notice a change in the stone similar to the moon cycle.
Guess I need to spend a moon cycle noting any changes in my ring and necklace to see what happens!
Amethyst is very common.....and how lucky we are that it is so common and inexpensive.....because it is beautiful! Most women love amethyst, even if they aren't the "purple" type. Amethyst bribgs purification, divine connection and release of addictions.
SIdetrack: When I was a kid, a friend and I were walking around the block in town (Jackson Michigan-sidewalks and everything) and we found a large chunk of amethyst crystal. We were amazed. There was no explanation for how it got out on the sidewalk in a residential area....other than the obvious that someone may have dropped it. But why would someone be walking around with it (it was bigger than a fist) and why would they have left it??? We thought it was a real treasure. We took turns keeping it at our houses. At the time, it seemed like a miracle to find such a fabulous piece of crystal. And even now...I still think it was a miracle.
OK, back to the real scoop on amethyst. It is associated with the crown chakra. It forms a shield of spiritual light that is protective from negative energies. Amethyst is recommended for healers, teacher and people who work dangerous jobs.
To me, amethyst is soft and radient and feels like a warm hug when I wear it. Once again, it is available at craft stores for just a few dollars for some beads to wear it and see what you think. Of course, the cut amethyst is a real treat....and realtively inexpesive as well. It is often found set in silver or gold, so it is very affordable.
Have fun with it! Use it in your meditations. Keep some around the house, especially in the bedroom and even in the car.
Lets back up a little and start doing the description of the birthstones commonly associated with each month. We'll do January - Garnet today and then catch up to February - Amethyst next week. Besides, Garnet is my birthstone and just happens to be another of my faves!
Garnet is typically thought of as being a deep red, but it actually is available in many different colors. Typically, green is fairly common (especially in antique jewlery). It can also be found in orangeish, brownish and even nearly purple colors.
Garnet is said to be good for getting the creative imagination to manifest desires in the physical world. They are also good for grounding since they are associated with the root chakra. The green garnet can bring prosperity and increase your overall well-being. The orange garnet is healing of physical limitations and regenerates energy.The brownish garnet is thought to be a stone of attraction, helping to attract your desires. The purple-red garnet enhances ones vitality and endurance.
Personally, I have always felt that wearing garnet gives me strength and confidence. I perfer a large emerald cut garnet of a deep red. Wearing garnet makes me feel safe.
Try wearing garnet for a few days and see how it effects you. It doesn't have to be expensive. You can purchase garnet chips that you can make into a little bracelet or necklace at craft stores or bead stores. You may find that combining it with other stones enhances its effect.
I would love to hear comments from anyone who trys garnet and how it felt to wear it! Let me know!
