Mandela © by
lilyas 2014
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SPIRIT
LODGE
LIBRARY
Stones
& Minerals Information
Page
27
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(Main
Links of the site are right at the bottom of the page)
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 Cunninghams 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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Copyright: Cinnamon Moon & River WildFire Moon (Founders.)
2000-date
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