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Stones & Minerals Information

Page 27

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50 pages of this Stones & Minerals Information section are below. The other 4 are in the index, page 5. (see the end of the page for link)

Metala & Minerals
By CinnamonMoon

***Information is from my notes and Scott Cunningham’s work.

ALUM
Receptive, Saturn, Earth, Protection

Alum has been worn in Egypt as a protective amulet against evil. On the north coast of Africa, it is also used for this purpose. A piece of alum is placed in the home to guard it, and small amounts of this mineral are sewn into or placed in children's hats to protect them as well.

BRASS
An elixir of brass eliminates toxins throughout the body; stimulates hair growth; aligns the vertebrae. Helps scalp and skin diseases. Scott Cunningham: Projective, Sun, Fire, associated metal: gold; healing, money, protection. Magical Uses: Brass has long been used as a magical substitute for gold. While it doesn't possess all of gold's attributes, brass is used in money-attracting rituals. Brass has also been used in ritual healing. Wearing a brass ring, for example, is said to halt stomach cramps. A brass key placed on the nape of the neck or dropped down the back is an old spell to stop nosebleeds. This yellowish gold metal is also protective. Brass jewelry is worn to guard the person. It is used in defensive magic to send negativity back to its sender. Empowered brass objects are placed in the home for protective purposes.

BRONZE
An elixir of bronze helps produce red corpuscles.

ELECTRUM
Magical uses: Electrum is a general term describing a mixture, or alloy, of metals. Gold, silver, and platinum are often found, in some combination or other, in electrum used in magic. Naturally occurring electrum is rare and was once highly desired for use in magic. Today, even though electrum is produced through artificial means, this doesn't lessen its energies. The process of mixing metals combines their powers. The "new" metal thus created is used in various magical operations, perhaps one requiring the combined forces of several different planets, or for a specific purpose. Hundreds of years ago an electrum of gold and silver was fashioned into a cup. When a poisonous solution was poured into the cup, the electrum revealed its presence by emitting half-round rainbows and sparks. While we needn't take this too seriously (though such an effect might be discerned through psychic vision), and certainly poisoning isn't as rampant today as it was in earlier times, this is an example of the powers attributed to electrum. Ancient Egyptians made jewelry from naturally occurring electrum. Contemporary magical practitioners skilled in metalcraft make their own electrum for specific purposes. for example, a Wiccan dedicated to the old Goddess and God of nature might wear a ring or pendant of silver and gold electrum. This would be symbolic of the unity of the two primal deities. Today, electrum is rarely commercially available and usually must be custom-made.

GOLD
Ideal for balancing the heart chakra. As the heart is critical to the circulatory flows of the body, it is the master healer. It aligns higher spiritual thoughts, increases the ability to give and receive love.

*Scott Cunningham: Projective, Sun, Fire Associated stones: quartz crystal, lapis lazuli, olivine, peridot, sardonyx, sunstone, topaz, turquoise, zircon Associated metals: lodestone, pyrite Powers: Power, healing, protection, wisdom, money, success, male sexual dysfunction

Ritual Lore: Gold is intimately linked with divinity, particularly with gods associated wiht the Sun. Throughout the ages, wherever it was found or obtained through trade, gold was often the material of choice for fashioning sacred images and decorating altars. It was also considered the highest offering to the deities. During recent times gold has soared from an American value of about $30 an ounce to an incredible $1,000. Gold prices continue to fluctuate. Though the reasons behind this price increase need not concern us here, such worldwide interest in this precious metal is indicative of the power, if only financial, that gold possesses. today, gold continues to be the symbol of wealth and success to many. Gold jewelry is worn as if to say, "I'm successful." Few today seem to know its ancient magical properties. When visiting cathedrals in central Mexico several years ago, I was amazed and saddened by the lavish use of gold on the altars. The meager wages of peasants have built monuments to the financial power of organized religion. In Mexico, as elsewhere, gold continues to be lined with religion. Magicians working almost exclusively with solar energy wear gold ritual jewelry to attune with that power source. In Wicca, High Priests and those who revere the Sun as a symbol of the God often wear gold. Legend states that the Druids collected mistletoe with sickles of gold. Herbalists in the Middle Ages also used gold implements during herb harvesting to strengthen the powers of the plants they collected.

Magical Uses: Gold, perhaps the most magically potent of all metals, is utilized in magic to lend its energy to rituals. Worn during magic, gold jewelry enhances the magician's ability to rouse and send forth power. Wearing gold during your everyday life increases your personal power thus promoting courage, confidence, and will power. As mentioned above, gold tools were traditionally used to collect herbs. I say "traditionally" because pure gold is too soft for this purpose. If you happen to have some gold-plated knives lying around the house, they would be ideal for herb collecting. Strictly speaking, used these to gather projective (masculine, positive or electric) herbs. Silver knives are better suited symbolically for the collection of receptive (feminine, negative, magnetic) herbs. Chains of gold are worn around the neck to preserve health, and gold bands are worn to alleviate arthritis. gold worn habitually is said to ensure a long life. Owing to its solar gleam, gold is a protective metal. Plain gold can be carried or worn as a guardian. A special ring made of gold and studded with gold nails is also protective. To this day small children in India are guarded by tiny gold amulets. The gold crucifixes and crosses worn by Christians are a survival for ancient Pagan customs. During protective or defensive magic, place gold objects or jewelry on the altar. A simple gold chain placed around a white candle can be the focus of protective rituals. Gold is also utilized to promote wisdom. For their purpose it is not carried but given to another, with no conditions. This is done to bring illumination to the giver.

Since it has long been used as a medium of exchange, and due to its great value, gold often figures in money rituals. This may seem strange. If you have gold, why perform money rituals? Actually, the smallest amount of gold, even a fragment of gold leaf, is all that is required. You might work out rituals involving gold, money-attracting gemstones and candles. Gold-nugget jewelry is worn to bring a continuous flow of money into the magician's life, again by those fortunate enough to possess such rings. It is thought to be particularly potent for miners and for those investing in mines or precious metals. As a symbol of the Sun gold is utilized in success rituals. Wearing specially empowered gold has also been found to be helpful in relieving make sexual dysfunction (impotency).

IRON
Projective, Mars, Fire, Selene Associated stones: quartz crystal, holey stones Associated metals: lodestone, meteorite Powers: Protection, defensive magic, strength, healing, grounding, return of stolen goods.

Ritual Lore: Because iron is seldom found in pure form except in meteorites, the earliest iron available for use by humans was obtained from these strange celestial objects. Meteorites, which were observed falling from the heavens, were used to make simple tools, supplementing bone and stone implements by earlier humans. Throughout most of the world, humans eventually learned how to remove iron from its ore, which made it a available for wider use. Once this occurred, it was soon limited to purely physical applications and was restricted in magic and religion. In ancient Greece, for example, no iron was brought into the temples. Roman priests could not be shaved or scraped with iron during bodily cleansing. Ireland, Scotland, Finland, China, Korea, India, and other countries have severe taboos against iron. Again and again in ancient rituals fire was made without iron, altars built without its use, and magical rituals performed only after divesting the body of all traces of the metal. Herbs were usually collected with non-iron knives, owing to the belief that the vibrations of this metal would "jam" or "confuse" the herb's energies. The Hindus once believed that the use of iron in buildings would spread epidemics, and even today, a gift of iron in any form is thought by some to be unlucky. However, iron did have its place in magic. Specifically, it was worn or used in protective rituals. Its powerful, projective vibrations were thought to be feared by demons, ghosts, fairies, genii and other fantastic creatures. In China, dragons were thought to fear iron. When rain was needed, pieces of metal were thrown into "dragon pools" to upset the creatures and send them to the sky in the form of rain clouds.

In old Scotland, iron was used to avert danger when a death had occurred in the house. Iron nails or knitting needles were thrust into every item of food--cheese, grain, meat and so on--to act as a lightning rod, attracting the confusing vibrations that death may arouse within the living and thus sparing the food of possible contamination. Classical Romans drove nails into their house walls to preserve their health, especially during times of plague. Because of its protective effects iron was sometimes thought, conversely, to be sacred, and thieves in ancient Ireland wouldn't dare to steal it. Magical Uses: Iron--pure projective power, active, seeking, binding, confusing, guarding. For heavy protection, place small pieces of iron in each room of the house or bury at the four corners of your property. In earlier times, iron fences were sometimes used to halt the flow of negativity into the home. During protective or defensive magic, wear an iron ring engraved with the symbol of Mars. Or, obtain a three-inch thick white candle and eight old iron nails. Warm the nails by a fire (or in a red candle's flame), then thrust each into the white candle in a random pattern. Light the nail-studded candle and visualize yourself as guarded, protected, secure.

Wearing iron or carrying a small piece of this metal enhances physical strength and is an excellent talisman for athletes. Iron is also used during healing rituals. A small piece is placed beneath the pillow at night. This was originally done to scare away the "demons" that had caused the disease but can be thought of as strengthening the body's ability to heal itself. Iron rings or bracelets are worn to draw out illnesses from the body. This dates back to ancient Roman times. A curious ritual from Germany to cure toothache: Pour oil onto a piece of heated iron. The fumes which rise from the iron will act on the problem. In old Scotland, healing stones--quartz crystals or holey stones--were kept in iron boxes to guard against supernatural creatures who might steal them. Iron is also worn for grounding, for closing down the psychic centers, and for impeding the flow of energy from the body. This, of course, isn't the best during magical ritual but is fine when the subject is under psychic or emotional attack, is physically depleted or wishes to focus on physical matters. Iron horseshoes and the nails that attach them to the hooves are ancient magical tools. They might have first been used in ancient Greece, where they were called seluna and were associated with the Moon and the goddess Selene.

A horseshoe hung in the home over the front door confers protection. While theories differ as to the "proper" way to hang the horseshoe, I always place it points up. Ideally, it is to be nailed with the three of its original nails. An old iron horseshoe nail is sometimes bent into a ring (if you can find one long enough) and worn for luck and healing. If you have had something stolen from you and have a fireplace handy, try this spell. Take a horseshoe nail that you've found by chance. Drive this into the fireplace, visualizing the stolen object returning to your home. It is done. There are still magicians and Wiccans who remove all traces of iron from their bodies before working magic, but this custom is fading into oblivion.

LEAD
Receptive, Saturn, Earth Herbs: Rose, Nettle, Rue, Cumin

Powers: Divination, protection, defensive magic

Ritual Lore: Lead has long been used in magic. In ancient Greek times tablets of this metal were ritually charged and inscribed with 'words of power'. These tablets were generally used in negative spells because the lead ensured the spell's long continuance. In India during the 11th C, charms and figures designed to cause conception or to increase the fertility of gardens and orchards were engraved on lead tablets.

Magical Uses: Lead is a heavy metal which causes death when it's absorbed by the body. The ancient Romans discovered this by using lead dishes and cooking utensils. A curious divination, recorded in the 1800's in Italy by Charles Godfrey Leland, uses lead. Take three rose seeds (remove them from the 'hip' that forms after a rose has lost its petals), three nettle leaves, two rue leaves and three cumin seeds. Put these on a metal plate along with a small quantity of lead. At midnight, while clearing your mind of needless mental clutter, burn two yellow candles and light a fire. Place the metal plat over the fire. Then fill a large basin with water. Once the lead has melted, pour it along with the herb ashes into the water. When the lead nodule has cooled, remove it from the water and gaze at its shape. The ritual and the lead itself should allow access to the psychic mind. If nothing comes to you, place the nodule beneath your pillow and let your dreams guide you. Lead is worn or used in protective spells and also plays its part in defensive magic. It can be placed near the entrance of the house to prevent negativity from gaining access.

MERCURY
Folkname: quicksilver Projective, receptive, Planet: Mercury Elements: Water, Earth, Air

Ritual Lore: Mercury--that strange, shining, molten 'silver' that never solidifies. Mystically and magically mercury is a complex metal. it is possessed of a dual nature--projective and recpetive, yang and yin, metal and liquid. Due to its dense weight mercury is ruled by the element of Earth. Because it appears in a liquid state, it is also ruled by Water, and its rapid movements signify Air. Since mercury is so poisonous this aspect could, perhaps, be ruled by Fire. Let's face it, mercury is strange. It has been used in magic partly because of its unique appearance and properties. For example, pools of mercury were once held in the hand and used as vehicles for scrying. Also used for this purpose were clear glass spheres, filled with mercury and tightly corked, then placed upside down on a stand. A gambling talisman popular to this day consists of a hollowed nutmeg filled with mercury and sealed. This is carried for good luck with cards, dice, horses and numbers. However--mercury is dangerous to breathe, ingest or even to touch for prolonged periods of time. It's magical uses are therefore limited and, perhaps needlessly risky. The Witches' Almanac, a now-defunct annual publication that had great impact on Wiccans and folk magicians during its years of publication from 1972-1980, printed a modern version of the Witches' bottle, an old protective charm, in the Aries 1976-Pisces 1977 edition. This charm consisted of three bottles. The smallest bottle was filled with mercury and placed inside another bottle. The second bottle was filled with water and then put into an even larger jar and covered with sand, rocks and shells. After this spell was published it became immensely popular and many started to use mercury in magic once again. However, there are safer metals to use in magic--safer and cheaper as well. Don't use mercury. Please.

PLATINUM
Decreases arrogance, depression, pride, stress; also memory loss brought about by shock or tragedy.

SALT
Receptive, earth, Aphrodite, Associated herb: Ki, or Ti (Cordyline terminalis) Powers: Purification, protection, grounding, money Ritual Lore: Salt has long been a sacred substance. Mined in the earth or evaporated from ocean water in shallow basins, it is intimately connected with life and death, creation and destruction, and the feminine aspect of Earth energies. Salt is a mineral of crystalline structure and so has a place in mineral listings. Look at salt through a microscope. It is composed of regular six-sided cubes. This square structure relates salt to the Earth. It's use in religion spans the ages. Salt was frequently offered to deities, being deemed acceptable because of its scarcity and purity. In some parts of the world, such as ancient Rome and Abyssinia, salt was used as currency.

Salt is necessary for life, and yet an overabundance of it causes death. Similarly, sowing salt in fields destroys their fertility. it is sterilizing, purifying and cleansing. Related to the element of Earth (as well as to seawater, which is a combination of two elements), salt is a powerful magical tool. Salt water is sometimes used as a magical substitute for blood where called for in old rituals. (Note: any blood substitutes, such as apple cider or freshly laid, fertilized eggs, can be used in rituals of this nature.

Opening veins is a needless, hazardous magical practice, and sacrificing any life forms is useless and plays hell with your karma. Besides, would you want to be sacrificed for another's magical ritual? The only exception to this is menstrual blood, which is utilized in contemporary female magic and mysteries as it was in the past.) In contemporary Hawaii many still follow the old ritual of mixing alae salt (rock salt covered with iron-rich red earth) with water. This is sprinkled with a Ki, or ti, leaf on persons, structures and building sites for purificatory purposes. Those Mexicans still attuned with magic often hang in their homes and businesses a large wreath composed of garlic or aloe vera, to which small packets of salt are attached to spread protection and to draw money.

Magical Uses: Salt is a fine grounding and cleansing material. To purify gemstones, place them in a bowl of salt and leave for a week or so. Add some salt to your bath water. This creates an alchemical change--you've converted a solid (the salt) into a liquid. Bathe in this mixture to create a similar change in yours. Visualize your doubts, worries, illness (if any) and all negative energies which plague you as leaving your body and entering into the water, where they are neutralized. If you prefer showers, place a small amount of rock salt and a half-handful of hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) in a washcloth and scrub your body. To protect a home, sprinkle empowered salt in the corners of each room, visualizing it sterilizing and burning away negativity. Pour salt in a circle around you on the floor, visualizing the salt's energies spreading down into the earth and up above you to form a protective sphere of brilliant white light. Within this circle is a perfect environment to perform protective or defensive magic. Tasting salt brings you firmly down to Earth. It closes off you psychic centers (if working to awaken your psychic mind, avoid salt in your diet). It is also a protective and purificatory act. If you feel the need to focus your energies and attention, to take a "tunnel-vision" approach to life for a while, carry a bit of salt in a green bag. This is especially important for those who tend to concentrate solely on the spiritual and neglect physical necessities. Rock salt is also added to money-attracting talismans and is used in such spells.

A salt wealth spell:
On your altar or a large plate, carefully pour salt to form a pentagram (five-pointed star). Empower a green candle with money-attracting vibrations and place this, in a small holder, in the center of the pentagram. Light the candle. Next empower money-attracting stones. Place one on each of the pentagram's points. Use stones such as: Tiger's-eye, Peridot/Olivine, Jade, Lodestone, Opal, Pyrite or any of the money-attracting stones you may choose. Five of the same stones or any combination of these can be used. As you place each stone, starting at the top-most point of the pentagram say something like: "I place this stone to draw money." Let the candle flame for 10-13 minutes as you settle yourself before it, visualizing. Repeat each day for a week. Then place the salt in a small green bag, add the stones and any drippings from the candle, and carry with you to continue attracting money. When you feel the spell has fully manifested, pour the salt into running water (a faucet will do if nothing else is available), bury the wax and cleanse the stones. It is done.

SILVER
Receptive, Moon, Water, Isis, Diana, Luna, Selene, Lucina; all Moon and night goddesses.

Associated stones: emerald, pearl, jade, lapis lazuli;

powers: invocation, love, psychism, dreams, peace, protection, travel, money.

Ritual Lore: Silver is the Moon's metal. Because it is found in its pure form, it was one of the first metals to be used by humans. The metal's beauty and scarcity caused it to be fashioned into divine images and offering pieces. Throughout the world silver is identified with the lunar manifestations of the Great Mother, the eternal goddess. To this day Wiccan High Priestesses and those who view the Moon as a sacred symbol of the Goddess wear silver crescents in Her honor. Silver objects are also placed on the altar during Wiccan Full Moon rituals. Worshippers of the Goddess may ring silver bells to invoke Her presence during rituals. Since the bell itself is a goddess symbol and since silver is dedicated to Her, this is a most effective and magically accurate ritual procedure.

Silver is also a popular protective amulet. In China small children are guarded by silver lockets worn around the neck. French couples about to be married are protected by a silver chain. The notion that silver bullets destroy vampires and werewolves has been spread by modern literature and the cinema. Silver is the metal of emotions, of the psychic mind, and of love and healing. Magical Uses: Silver jewelry or empowered stones, such as emeralds, pearls, jade or lapis lazuli, mounted in silver rings are worn to attract love. Or, etch the symbol of Venus on a small round silver disk. Place a pink candle over the disk and burn while visualizing love coming into your life. Because silver is linked with the emotions, some feel overwrought or emotionally overwhelmed if they wear it at the time of the Full Moon. If this occurs, be aware of it and, if necessary, wear some gold to balance yourself. Or, simply remove the silver.

Silver is also a psychic-influencing metal. When worn, it stimulates psychic awareness while lulling the conscious mind. Many psychics constantly wear silver in order to more easily tap into the subconscious. On the night of the Full Moon scry with silver. Take any piece out into full moonlight. Compose yourself and hold the silver about two feet from your eyes, resting your hand. Catch the reflection of the Moon on the silver and gaze at this until psychic impulses become known. Donning silver jewelry before sleep is one method of producing psychic dreams. If the piece is set with moonstones or any other psychic stone, its effects will be more powerful. An alternative is to place a piece of silver beneath your pillow. still your mind as you lie above the metal. Visualize your need for a psychic dream. See yourself as remembering your important dreams in the morning.

If you are angry or nervous, wear some silver. There is an old belief that anyone touched with a silver ring, no matter what stone was set in it, would immediately become calm. Silver is used for protective purposes. As the Moon reflects the light of the Sun, so too does its metal reflect negativity away from the wearer. Tiny silver globes (or any silver jewelry) are worn for magical security. Silver crescents, whose 'horns' turn back evil, are popular worldwide. This metal is also fashioned into jewelry, empowered, and then worn to keep its wearer's thoughts and moods in line. Silver is said to be particularly potent in guarding travelers from dangers, especially wile at sea. Something like 2/3 of the world's population use silver (or silver-coated coins) as money. It is extensively utilized in money-drawing magic. Empower a silver dime with money-attracting vibrations. If you don't have a silver dime, try a silver bead or some other small piece of silver. (Note: only those American dimes minted before 1964 are wholly silver.) Place this in or under a candleholder and then enchant a green candle. Burn the candle in the holder and visualize unexpected money flowing into your life.

STALAGMITES AND STALAGTITES
Stalagmites: Projective

Stalagtites: Receptive

Element: Earth

Ritual Lore: Stalactites (which hang from cave roofs) and stalagmites (which project up from the floors of caverns) are produced by lime-rich water dripping into caves from above. Over eons, they produce masses of calcite familiar to anyone who has entered such a cave. Sometimes they meet and form columns of stone. In the past they were thought to be petrified earth. A hundred years ago it was a common practice for cave visitors to break them off as souvenirs. Such needless, senseless destruction has, hopefully ended. Historically, small stalagmites and stalactites were carried, often in small bags, as amulets against negativity and "evil". Their phallic shape probably contributed to their protective properties, in the popular mind. This is ancient magic and is included because of its historical interest. There's no reason to destroy the beauty of caves for magical purposes. Substitute any other protective stone.

STEEL
Projective, Mars, Fire, protection, anti-nightmare, healing Ritual Lore: At one time steel was thought to offer protection against fairies, who could apparently be mischievous.

Magical Uses: Steel is a relatively modern metal and has no great history in magic. However, some uses have been discovered and preserved. For example, small pieces of steel are carried to guard against negativity. A steel ring is also worn as a protective amulet. Hold any dull steel knife. Visualize it piercing and driving away negativity. Block negative impulses from disturbing you. See yourself waking up in the morning refreshed and rejuvenated. Then place the knife beneath your bed and sleep over it. You should have no nightmares.

American folk magic: a steel ring worn faithfully on the hand prevents rheumatism. This, like many of these minor rituals, is rather difficult to prove!

SULPHUR
Folk Names: Sulphur, Sulfer Projective, Sun, fire, Protection, healing

Ritual Lore: Sulfur is a yellow mineral. When burned it emits a powerful, familiar smell. This odor, and its coloring, has caused people to use it in magic for centuries. During the height of ceremonial magic, sulfur was often burned to drive off "demons" and "devils." This was related to the concept that positive forces were attracted by sweet scents, while negative forces abhorred foul odors and would flee from them. Later, sulfur was burned as a magical fumigant to protect animals and dwellings from 'fascination' or magical enslavement.

Magical Uses: Sulfur was prescribed until quite recently for colds, rheumatism and bodily pain. It was usually placed in a small red bag and worn around the neck. Pieces of sulfur are also placed on the altar during protective rituals or in the home as a general magical 'ward'.

TIN
Projective, Jupiter, Air, divination, luck, money Ritual Lore: An old Cornish spell states that to turn tin into silver, all the magician need do is place it in a tank of ants on a certain night of the Moon's cycle. Typicaly, the spell neglects to tell us which night--the first? The seventeenth? The twentieth?

Magical Uses: Tin, metal of Jupiter, is used in a divination similar to that of lead. On New Year's Eve, a prime night for foretelling future trends, melt a small quantity of tin in an iron cup over a flame (a gas jet will do). Once the metal is melted, throw it into a bucket of icy water. Mop the floor, if necessary, then look at the metal's shape and at the folds or patterns that may be present on it. Divine the future from the nodule. Tin is also carried as a good-luck piece, and the metal may be shaped into money-attracting talismans such as minutely carved, tiny images of dollar bills.



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