Gems and Herbs
Gems and Stones
This colour Gems and Stones carry the living force, or energy just like people. Various religions use them for different things. The force of gems and stones can be absorbed into the human body. They can be used in spells or hands-on healing and things like enhancing people's spiritual qualities and power. When using gems and stones they always should be cleansed, consecrated and empowered. One way is to let them soak in a glass of spring water, or hold them in a stream under a running faucet, or holding it in the sun or the full moon light. Gems and stones are to be worn as close to the body as possible, like on necklaces under a shirt. Also you can put them in a pouch, some they then they are protected, and the power is kept within, and only to the person who holds it. Size of the gem or stone isn't important, big or small, all is always welcome.
Try holding a stone/gem in your hand, be somewhere quiet for the first time, have a variety of stones and gems too. And when you hold them close your eyes and see what you are feeling. If one of them makes you feel good, then obviously that's one that you mix well with. If one makes you feel uncomfortable leave it for a while, then come back to it, and see what happens. If nothing comes through don't stress, or get frustrated, that deosn't help. Write down what you feel for each one in your book of shadows (just like a private notebook will do the trick too).
Aventurine
Colour: green, red or blue.
It appears tightly packed with mettallic speckles. Also known as the "Indian
jade". It has a tendancy to add that extra favor or push in a winning direction.
Agates
Colour: varies
There are different types of Agates. The Banded relieves stress and emotional
pain. The Dendritic is white with blue/black spots and protects when traveling.
The indianis used it for protection and survival. The moss stone is milky with
moss inside. They help in healing, stimulating wound closure. It can act as
a cleanser, stimulator and strengthener. Its got a smooth surface and looks
like liquid. They are great soothers for a child's little accidents. The Plume
agate is milky with fiery red grasses inside. This stone helps with visualization
practice, and reaching goals. All Agates in general combined with other stones
and gems are good when working with magick. They provide an active link for
the harmonious blending or several properties.
Amber
Colour: yellow or orange.
It is made of fossilized resin of extinc organic matter. This is an all-purpose
gem. Its good for protecting children or strengthening spells. It is also known
to activate the flow of money towards you. High Pristess's of covens wear amber
and jet beads to signify their position. It is said Amber is one of the most
magickally used stones by Witches of the Old Religion.
Amethyst
transparent crystalline purple.
These are used to transform negativity and strengthen people's third eye vision
or your intuitive sense. People put it under their pillow or on the headboard
of a bed for protection against nightmares and bad dreams. This gem is also
good against headaches and preventing overindulgence in alcohol!
Bloodstone
Colour: very dark green with red/orange spots or bands.
This gem is full of unique properties. It's also known as a Heliotrope. It's
very good as an aid in removing both mental and physical blocks. It's been used
for centuries in healing of both external and internal difficulties. It's carried
to avoid wounds, bring money, increase production, and protect pregnant women,
plus provide 'cloaking' when you don't want to be seen. It is said that if the
energy is used up, the red/orange spots turn white.
Carnelian
Colour: translucent red or orange.
This agate is a success stimulator for career minded people. It's a very powerfull
action stone.
Flourite
Colour: a variegated translucent blue, purple, blue/green or pink.
This stone is quite new. It's great for using while meditating to contact your
higher self. It can also assist in tuning you in to the Akashic records, making
it possible to find answers to some of those hanting past-life questions. At
first they will appear in quick flashes, but they usually have all the answers
necesarry to formulate a complete scenario. Some use it to empower analytical
and intellectual talents.
Geodes
These are stone balls with crystal with amethyst or topaz zentres, others are
a collection of mineral deposits which look beautiful when sliced. These are
also known as "thunder eggs". They empower dance and the free spirit within
us. In magick, these can be used to concentrate power prior to it's release.
Jaspers
Colour: varied.
This is a hard opaque stone, also known as the "rain gatherers". They strengthen
energy flow and relieve of stress. RED ones are for night protection, they return
negative energy. GREEN ones are used in healing. BROWN ones are used for grounding
and stability.
Malachite
Colour: blue or green with varieated bands.
This stone has a unique ability, if it breaks into two pieces it's warning you
of the imminent danger. Also believe to greatly enhance vision in questing.
Moonstone
Colour: pink, blue, green or white.
They are all soft. It enhances love, compassion, and sympathy both in yourself
and others. This gem also enhances psychic powers and should be kept with your
divinatory tools. Placing the moonstone under your pillow will let you sleep
peacefully. It can also help unblocking emotions between two lovers, helping
communication between the two in an atmosphere of unconditional love.
Obsidian
Colour: black
It's made up of a type of volcanic glass. The pebbles are called "Apache tears".
It is said that when the Mother or the Apache sisters saw when brave warriors
died in battle, they cried, and as their tears hit the earth they turned to
black transparent stone. This stone is used for protection.
Rhodochrosite
Colour: variegated pink and white.
This stone energizes the family. If you feel tired, or down, and you have to
finish cleaning the house or finish a project let this handy stone help you
out.
Rose quartz
Colour: Pink
This crystal has a soft rosy hue. It encourages peace and love. It promotes
beauty, and love of self and others. This stone makes everyone feel good. If
you're having an argument sit down with the stone in your hand, your once gloomy
face has a beautiful smile on it once again.
Smokey quartz
Colour: Translucent grey/black
This stone looks like it's been infused with lot's of soot. It is a protection
and energy bringing stone.
Sodalite
Colour: deep blue with strands of white Relieves you of any stress. This stone
let's you get through the day without huge hassles. It's also good for when
meditating. Have a performance or show of some sort, hold the stone a while,
and think of seeping all your stress into your hand, into the stone.
Sunstone
Colour: tangering.
This is a energy bringing and cellular healing stone. It looks like a piece
of orange, feels like one too. Its usually associated with the Sun and the element
of Fire. Also known to be used in cancer recovery.
Tiger eye
Colour: honey, brown with banded tints.
This is the stone of honesty. It brings luck and truth. If annyone tries to
lie to you while you are carrying the stone they better be carefull. Veils are
lifted with this stone.
Turquoise
Colour: baby blue.
If you are highly stressed and you are holding the stone, it'll loose it's colour.
It is also known as the "speaking stone". It encourages communicatino and allows
thoughts to flow in perfect sentences. If you have to give a speech or a presentation,
or your going on a first date with someone and your nervous, take the stone
along. Its also known to function as a protector of the Spirit. These are only
some of the stones. There are many more, too many to list. The best way to get
to know the stones you work best with is to practice, work with different ones.
Crystals
Crystals are great when doing spells and workings. Many people have a crystal
at the end of their wand. They are used often for projectors. A crystal's power
is enhanced by direct moonlight shining on it. It fills it up more with power.
Rituals in the full moon often have crystals in them. They can also be used
as protectors and enhancers. They are all round great use everywhere. Used with
gems and stones they can direct their energies to specific chakra points, if
you put it on the body to clear blockages or pains. Store gems, stones and crystals
in pouches, cracking and chipping can occur. Have different pouches for different
stones. If one is very special to you, make a nice pouch. I'm sure you'd like
a nice home too.
Herbs
Amaranth (cockscomb): repair a broken heart.
Aloe: Beauty, protection, success and peace.
Angelica: Protection.
Anise: Protection, purification, awareness
and happiness.
Basil: love, wealth and protection, fertility,
healing relationships and courage.
Bay: Wisdom, psychic powers and protection.
Birch: cleansing.
Caraway: Protection and passion.
Carnation: protection and healing.
Cedar: purification and healing.
Cinnamon: Spirituality and healing, cleansing,
love and success.
Clove: money, cleansing and protection.
Clover: money, luck and love.
Cornflower: Helps with psychics.
Catnip: Cat magic, familiars, friendship
and love.
Chamomile: Good as a meditation incense,
for centering, peace, protection, healing and money.
Comfrey: Safe travel spells, money and healing.
Coriander: Protection of home, peace , incenses
for longevity and love, security.
Dandelion: Divination and welcoming.
Fennel: Purification, protection, healing
and money.
Garlic: protection, healing and courage.
Ginger: money, power and success.
Ginseng: Love, wishes, beauty and desire.
Holly: dream magick, and balance.
Iris: wisdom.
Ivy: healing and protection.
Lavender: Sleep, long life, peace, protection,
love and purification.
Lemon: Purification, love and blessings.
Lilac: protection, beauty and love.
Marigold: Legal matters, seeing magical
creatures, love, dreams and business affairs.
Marjoram: Love, healing and protection.
Mistletoe: fertility, healing, and protection.
Mint (spearmint and peppermint): Money,
healing, strength, luck and travel.
Myrrh: Good to bless objects with, energy,
spiritual growth, focus.
Nettle: To advert danger, protection, healing.
Orris root: divination.
Pine: Good for centering, cleansing, healing
and productivity.
Poppy: Fertility and Prosperity.
Rose: Love, friendship, luck, protection,
psychic power and divination.
Rosemary: love, power, healing and sleep
(very good in tea for sleeping).
Sage: protection, fertility and wisdom.
Thyme: healing and psychic power can also
help sleeping.
Valerian: Love, calming helps sleep.
Willow: love and divination.
Witch Hazel: Protection, and healing the
heart.
Yarrow: Courage, love, psychic abilities
and divination.
Herbs are like stones and gems, they have a life of their own, and each carry
a different power. I think the best way to get herbs is grow them yourself,
then you know your herbs better. Use plants that are native to your area and
work with them first, before exploring more.
When wanting to dress a candle you can make potions with the essential herbs
depending on what you want to do. A lot of these herbs, like Lavender are used
in teas.