Category: Spiritual Toolbox

Ground & Center | Witchery Wednesday

Ground & Center

groundandcenter_edit

Whether you’re practicing magic or yoga, in many spiritually aware circles you will hear the term “ground and center” thrown about a lot.  Or maybe you’ve heard the phrases “live in the moment” or “be present in the now”?  This practice is essential to a successful casting, and can also help us deal with stressful moments in the more mundane parts of our lives. But rarely do we talk about what that actually means, and how to get there.  While the concept is simple, sometimes we struggle with how to accomplish it.  Especially if the traditional methods don’t work for you.  By understanding the goal of “ground and center” it’s easier to go off the beaten path when searching for a way to get there.  Remember, there is no “wrong” way to do this, there is only what works for you personally and what doesn’t.  Centering is all about connecting within yourself; finding that space of calmness within the chaos (as we wrote about here in our article The Importance of Keeping Balance).  Grounding is about connecting with the life flow outside of yourself.  By reaching for those connections, both internal and external, and strengthening them, we can reach a state of mind that makes casting easier.

Here are some of our favorite methods for grounding and centering.

Meditation:  This is probably the most widely practiced method.  It’s what everyone is familiar with, and as we’ve talked about before, Everything Is Meditation.  Even the rest of the methods we talk about for grounding and centering are essentially forms of meditation.

Visualization:  For many of us, especially those of us who are creative, visualization is a key part of any casting, and we can use it to ground and center as well.  Everyone generally finds their own image that resonates with them, but I am partial to the Tree.  If you’ve never tried visualization before, this is a good way to start as it’s an easy image to hold.  Relax your body and your breath, and imagine you are a tree.  With your first breath in, imagine you are drawing strength up from the Earth through your roots.  With your next breath out, “push” your roots down, deeper into the Earth.  Next breath in, reach towards the sky, drawing in sunlight through your leaves.  Breath out, and release any tension you’re holding out through your leaves.  Repeat this as needed until you feel calm and centered.

Chants:  Sometimes a spoken element can help us focus our minds on the task at hand.  Simple chants are often used in tandem with meditation for that reason.  It can be a soft sound that has no real meaning, like the traditional “ohm” you may have heard, or something more akin to a positive affirmation, like repeating “I am grounded.  I am centered.”  Or if you want to be a bit more poetic try “Earth below, sky above, I am still, and I am one.”

Physical connection with Nature:  Do you enjoy hiking, nature walks, kayaking or just being outdoors?  This method might be for you.  While most people find it easiest to ground and center while being still and calm, this isn’t always the right approach for everyone.  Sometimes activity can also be a kind of calmness.  However, we can’t always take the time to go on a 10 mile hike before a casting, so some quicker ways to achieve this would be standing barefoot in the grass, dipping your hands or feet in running water, or hugging a tree. (Yup, we went there!  But it works!)

Rituals:  Let me guess; you just pictured someone in a hooded robe, surrounded by candles and chalk pentagrams?  (Thanks, Hollywood!)  Often we already have small rituals in our every day lives and don’t realize it.  For example, do you find vacuuming soothing?  Maybe organizing your junk drawer brings you a sense of peace and order?  Or maybe you drink your first cup of coffee on your porch every morning, listening to the sound of the neighborhood waking up and enjoying the silence before you have to wake your monsters  … er… wonderful children for school?  All of these things could be considered rituals.

Worry Stones:  Worry stones, or similar devices such as stress balls or sensory toys, can serve to help you ground and center.  We’re partial to using actual stones ourselves, but again, choose what works best for you.

Repetitive Tasks:  We personally believe that this is one reason that knitting, and many other crafts, have such positive effects on mental health.  Remember, everything is magic! (Or at least, it has the potential to be magic.)  Knitting, crocheting, coloring, embroidery, macrame… all of these can be used to ground and center.

Do you have a favorite method not mentioned here?  Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page!

Source: Ground & Center | Witchery Wednesday

Amethyst ~ February Stone – Good Witches Homestead

Amethyst ~ February Stone

amethyst-meaning

Meaning and Uses of Amethyst

Purple Amethyst has been highly esteemed throughout the ages for its stunning beauty and legendary powers to stimulate, and soothe, the mind and emotions. It is a semi-precious stone in today’s classifications, but to the ancients, it was a “Gem of Fire,” a Precious Stone worth, at times in history, as much as a Diamond. It has always been associated with February, the month the Romans dedicated to Neptune, their water-god, and is the traditional birthstone for that month. It is the stone of St. Valentine and faithful love and signifies ecclesiastical dignity as the Bishop’s Stone. It carries the energy of fire and passion, creativity and spirituality, yet bears the logic of temperance and sobriety.

Whether its crystals are left natural, polished as tumbled stones, or faceted into magnificent jewels, Amethyst is a gem whose beauty transcends its commonality. It is a variety of Quartz found in many locations around the world, and forms as transparent, terminated crystals of all sizes in geodes, clusters and as long single terminations. It is also found in vitreous masses and polished into wonderful specimens and personal talismans. The presence of manganese in clear Quartz produces Amethyst, while additional amounts of iron vary the purple coloration. Amethyst ranges in hue from pale red-violet to deep violet and may be transparent or opaque. It is sometimes layered with white Quartz as Chevron Amethyst, found in combination with Cacoxenite, mixed with Citrine as Ametrine, or in rare cases, “rutilated” with Goethite.

The name Amethyst derives from the Greek word ametusthos, meaning “not intoxicated,” and comes from an ancient legend. The wine god Bacchus, angry over an insult and determined to avenge himself decreed the first person he should meet would be devoured by his tigers. The unfortunate mortal happened to be a beautiful maiden named Amethyst on her way to worship at the shrine of Diana. As the ferocious beasts sprang, she sought the protection of the goddess and was saved by being turned into a clear, white crystal. Bacchus, regretting his cruelty, poured the juice of his grapes over the stone as an offering, giving the gem its lovely purple hue.

Throughout history, the special virtue of Amethyst has been that of preventing drunkenness and overindulgence. Ancient Greeks and Romans routinely studded their goblets with Amethyst believing wine drunk from an Amethyst cup was powerless to intoxicate, and a stone worn on the body, especially at the navel, had a sobering effect, not only for inebriation but in over-zealousness in passion. Catholic bishops also wore Amethyst in a ring to protect from mystical intoxication. Kissing the ring kept others from similar mystical intoxication and kept them grounded in spiritual thought.

Amethyst was also reputed to control evil thoughts, increase intelligence and render men shrewd in business matters. For travelers, it was worn as a protection from treachery and surprise attacks, kept soldiers from harm and gave them victory over their enemies. It lent assistance to hunters in the capture of wild beasts and fowl and was considered to be a powerful psychic stone of protection against witchcraft and black magic. Like other royal stones, it protected its wearer from disease and contagion.

In the spiritual world, Amethyst provided a connection to the Divine. To the Hebrews, it was Ahlamah, the ninth stone in the breastplate of the High Priest, engraved with the tribe of Dan, as well as the twelfth foundation stone for the New Jerusalem. To the Egyptians, it was Hemag, listed in the Book of the Dead to be carved into heart-shaped amulets for burial. In Eastern cultures, it was listed in descriptions of sacred “gem-cities,” “trees of life,” and used in temple offerings for worship, and to align planetary and astrological influences. It was popular in rosaries and prayer beads, credited with creating an atmosphere of pious calm, imbuing a sense of mental peace and quietude.

In today’s world, Amethyst is still a remarkable stone of spirituality and contentment, known for its metaphysical abilities to still the mind and inspire an enhanced meditative state. Its inherent high frequency purifies the aura of any negative energy or attachments, and creates a protective shield of Light around the body, allowing one to remain clear and centered while opening to spiritual direction. Amethyst stimulates the Third Eye, Crown, and Etheric Chakras enhancing cognitive perception as well as accelerating the development of intuitive and psychic ability. It initiates wisdom and greater understanding and is a stone of comfort for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

Amethyst’s ability to expand the higher mind also enhances one’s creativity and passion. It strengthens the imagination and intuition and refines the thinking processes. It helps in the assimilation of new ideas, putting thought into action, and brings projects to fruition. It is a talisman of focus and success.

In nature, Amethyst at times forms in combination with other minerals. In addition to the properties of Amethyst outlined in this article, the following varieties possess additional qualities.

Brandberg Amethyst is a unique and extraordinary blend of Amethyst, Clear and Smoky Quartz together in one exceedingly high-vibrational crystal. It is found only in Namibia, Africa, and is imbued with remarkable phantoms, enhydros, and other rare formations and inclusions. It attunes to pure consciousness and is a potent talisman of healing and perfection with the capacity to restore one back to their etheric blueprint in order to realign with the Divine Source.

Chevron Amethyst displays v-shaped chevrons of deep purple and white Quartz that “seep” into beautiful layers. It is one of the finest Third-Eye stones for stimulating vision within the self as well as the physical world, filtering the life force from the cosmos via the Crown in its white layers and opening up spiritual and psychic channels through the purple. It has a strong, focused energy for dissipating and repelling negativity, and is the perfect crystal for learning any form of spiritual healing. Hold one in each hand for powerful but safe out-of-body travel, shamanic journeying or pathworking, and between the hands while praying or reciting mantras.

Cacoxenite in Amethyst mingles dark brown to yellow tufts of Cacoxenite, a phosphate mineral and major component in the Super Seven crystal, with the host crystal Amethyst. This combination brings a high level of creativity and new ideas to humanity by fostering thoughts that have never been thought of before. It is a calming stone, good in times of upheaval, and raises spiritual awareness of the creator essence in the beauty of nature and the kindness of people. Carry on the night of the crescent and full moon to transfer healing energy to the Earth and create an ethereal connection between all of the universe.

Ametrine is a combination of Amethyst and Citrine within the same crystal, a harmonious blend of the two energies. It brings spirituality into harmony with the intellect and inspires a profound flow of creativity, new ideas and insights. It is a remarkable healing stone, removing pain and tension while bringing energy and a sense of well-being to the mind and body. It brings the greater focus in meditation, protection in astral travel and is a gateway crystal for opening angelic or spirit guide contact. Leave in natural light from noon on the day of a full moon and through the night to catch lunar rays then carry on the person to bring luck in money ventures.

“Rutilated” Amethyst is a rare form of Amethyst which appears to contain Rutile, but actually, contains brownish crystals of Goethite, an iron hydroxide mineral also found in the Super Seven crystal. Goethite is a stone for finding the link between the deep self and Earth, and together with Amethyst clears the Earth and Base Chakras, aligning the whole chakra system to the higher mind. It purifies the emotional body and is particularly helpful in grief work. It facilitates clairaudience, communion with angels, and connections with other worlds. To program as a wishing stone or with intentions, messages, and prayers, simply hold the stone with the intent in mind.

Amethyst is an exceptional crystal for wearing on the body, for use in healing rituals, and for enhancing one’s environment. It has been known to fade in direct sunlight and care should be taken. It is also good to clear its energies from time to time by holding the stone under running water for a short period while affirming that the stone be cleared. Keep unpolished Amethyst near other crystals to recharge them.

Amethyst Uses and Purposes

Amethyst is a wonderful talisman for use in the creative arts, especially in darker shades. It assists endeavors where new, original results need to be created using tools and methods of the past. It is often used as the Artist’s Stone, the Composer’s Stone, the Inventor’s, Poet’s and Painter’s Stones. Keep an Amethyst crystal or cluster in the area to focus and amplify the creative elements of the Universal Life Force.

Called the “All-healer,” Amethyst is one of the most effective crystals for healing people, plants, and animals. Natural unpolished Amethysts or geodes are particularly helpful placed where plants will not grow or animals refuse to sit. It also counteracts negative earth energies beneath buildings or anywhere that feels hostile.

Amethyst protects against psychic attack, paranormal harm or ill-wishing, and returns the energy back to the universe after being transformed into positive, loving energy. To increase this power and attract good luck, draw an image of the sun and the crescent moon over an Amethyst in lavender incense smoke.

Referred to as “nature’s tranquilizer,” Amethyst calms and soothes, assisting the transmission of neural signals through the brain. It relieves obsessive compulsive disorder and hyperactivity in children and animals. Place under the pillow or mattress, or rub the center of the forehead counter-clockwise to cure insomnia and stimulate pleasant dreams. It is especially effective for children’s recurring nightmares and fears of the dark and may help alleviate homesickness.

Amethyst is an excellent stone for diplomats, negotiators, and business people. It calms angry temperaments and gives a distinct advantage in situations where debating is required. Wear or hold Amethyst to bring in spiritual insights coupled with intellectual reasoning. As a luck and prosperity crystal, Amethyst is good for reducing the tendency to overspend, gambling addictions or unwise investments.

Amethyst is connected to the Temperance card in the tarot, representing balance. It is a stone dedicated to curbing overindulgence and bad habits and is an excellent aid to quitting smoking, drinking, and drug use, as well as unhealthy physical passion. It also provides the strength needed to obtain freedom from addictive personalities, one’s own or another’s. Placing an Amethyst on the navel is believed to protect a person from intoxication, and in conjunction with other treatments such as counseling, helps cure addictions. A naval piercing makes it possible to always keep an Amethyst in this spot.

Amethyst is the stone of St. Valentine and of faithful lovers because St. Valentine was thought to have worn an Amethyst ring engraved with the image of Cupid. It is also referred to as the “couple’s stone” and gives meaning to relationships that over time, transcends the carnal union and gives way to deeper connection and a more soulful communion. Wear as an engagement or eternity ring for fidelity, or as a locket to call back lost love.

amethyst-healing-properties-1050x700Amethyst Healing Therapies

Amethyst has healing powers to help with physical ailments, emotional issues, and in Energy Healing and Chakra balancing. Amethyst crystal therapies are primarily associated with physical ailments of the nervous system, the curing of nightmares and insomnia, and balancing the crown chakra. The therapeutic uses of Amethyst have a long and well-documented history.

Amethyst Physical Healing Energy

Amethyst boosts the production of hormones and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and endocrine glands to optimum performance. It supports oxygenation in the blood, and aids in treatments of the digestive tract, heart, stomach, and skin. Amethyst also strengthens the immune system and reduces bruising, pain and swellings. It has been used with excellent results as an elixir in the treatment of arthritis.

Amethyst is thought to relieve the symptoms of tinnitus and other hearing disorders and is highly beneficial in treating insomnia, especially when caused by an overactive mind. It is calming and soothing to the neural impulses in the brain. Its energy ameliorates the pain of headaches and migraines and reduces stress and nervous tension. It may be used to treat psychic disturbances and to stabilize brain imbalances, but should not be used in cases of paranoia or schizophrenia.

Amethyst Emotional Healing Energy

Amethyst is especially supportive of the emotional body, bringing those who are overworked, overstressed or overwhelmed back to center. It eases the mental anxieties that lead to physical tension and headaches and is a great crystal to calm those who tend to be hot-headed and easily angered.

Amethyst helps in identifying the root causes behind one’s negative behaviors, habits and emotional patterns that create imbalance and disease. It also helps one understand the reality of cause and effect in behavior and assists in better decision making. Amethyst is a marvelous aid in overcoming addictions by counteracting the effects of drugs and alcohol on brain function while imparting its own peaceful sustaining energy. 

Because Amethyst initiates wisdom and greater understanding, it is a comforting crystal for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Its presence communicates that there is no death, only transitioning and changing of forms. It encourages the release of sorrow and rejoicing in a loved one’s spirit being freed from the confinement of the physical body. Called “the soul stone,” Amethyst assists in understanding and connecting to the eternal existence of the soul and initiates one’s own deep soul experiences. It is an ideal crystal to hold or meditate upon during the death experience, of another or oneself, allowing the release of the temporal physical body with more ease, assuredness, and peace. It is a perfect stone to gift to those with terminal illnesses or to use in preparation for a conscious death experience.

amethyst-1Amethyst Chakra Healing and Balancing Energy

Amethyst carries a high, sweet energy, particularly stimulating to the Third Eye, Crown, and Etheric Chakras.

The Brow Chakra, also called the Third Eye, is the center of our perception and command. It directs our sight and everyday awareness of the world. Our consciousness is located here, and we relate to ourselves through this chakra. When the Brow Chakra is in balance our thoughts and internal communications within ourselves are healthy and vibrant. We are open to new ideas, dreams, and visions, and can control the flow of energy within all the chakras. The dark blue/purple crystals of indigo are used to treat imbalances of the Brow Chakra. It is a quiet color, one of mystery and wisdom and judgment.

The Crown Chakra is located at the top of the head and is our gateway to the expanded universe beyond our bodies. It controls how we think, and how we respond to the world around us. It is the fountainhead of our beliefs and the source of our spirituality. It connects us to the higher planes of existence and is the source of universal energy and truth. When the Crown is in balance, our energies are in balance. We know our place in the universe and see things as they are. We are unruffled by setbacks, knowing they are an essential part of life. Imbalances of the Crown Chakra are treated with Light Violet crystals. Their violet rays have the universal life force of magic, dreams, inspiration, and destiny.

The higher vibrational White and Lavender/White crystals are associated with the Higher Crown, Soul Star, and Stellar Gateway Chakras. They are attuned to higher, more spiritually enlightened things, and embody true humility. They provide a soul connection and the highest self-illumination, as well as a cosmic doorway to other worlds. They represent personal identification with the Infinite, and oneness with God, peace, and wisdom. 

Amethyst Spiritual Energy

Amethyst carries a high spiritual vibration of humility and devotion to the Divine. It is highly conducive to stilling one’s thoughts in prayer and meditation and surrendering to that which is greater than the self. Amethyst also stimulates the higher mind to receive one’s spiritual power as a creation of the Divine being and to open to the insights, wisdom, and guidance that is offered.

Amethyst is a stone of spiritual protection and purification, cleansing one’s energy field of negative influences and attachments, and creating a resonant shield of spiritual Light around the body. It acts as a barrier against lower energies, psychic attack, geopathic stress and unhealthy environments. It is a valuable protection for those doing psychic or intuitive work and enhances personal environments with a healing and protective circle of Light.

Amethyst Color Energy

Amethyst embodies the red-violet ray that connects both time and color, of beginnings and endings, as the old year wanes and the new is about to arrive. It tempers the fiery red ray with the intuition of the violet ray, bringing passion and imagination, emotion and logic. It stimulates creativity and is particularly helpful in artistic endeavors. Light Amethyst helps us peer into our souls and see ourselves as others see us. It is the ray of self-esteem and self-knowledge. Dark Amethyst gives us the deep vision needed to see the future. It gives us powerful insight and enhances our perception of the potential effects of our decisions.

Meditation with Amethyst

Amethyst is one of the best crystals for meditation. The amethyst color stimulates the highest vibration of the Third Eye and placing an Amethyst stone directly over this area ushers in a serene meditative state that stills conscious thought and guides the mind toward deeper understanding. Amethyst energy encourages the mind to be humble and surrender to that which is greater than itself in order to gain some understanding of how the powers of the universe can direct and guide one’s life.

To relax the system and increase awareness, hold single Amethyst crystals or small clusters in the left hand (termination towards the arm) during meditation to draw Amethyst energy into the body. Large clusters of Amethyst are ideal for meditation altars or as concentration objects to train the mind to be centered and calm while awareness is focused on the objective world. 

Amethyst may be used to occupy the North-East point on a crystal medicine wheel, used for healing and balancing one’s life. The north-east is the place of choices and meditating in this direction facilitates the decision-making process, bringing in spiritual guidance, common sense, and realistic goals. It encourages new ideas and relates cause with effect. It also balances out highs and lows for emotional and spiritual centering.

Amethyst Divination

The Divinatory meaning of Amethyst: I do not need to reward myself any excesses of any kind to feel good. 

Dreaming of Amethyst signifies freedom from harm. 

Amethyst and the Angelic Realm

The beautiful purple Light of Amethyst is particularly conducive to communion with angels. [Ahsian, 29] It ranges in color from pale red-violet (amethyst color) to deep violet. If your birthday falls in any of the following periods, an Amethyst of the color listed can be a valuable conduit to your Guardian Angel. The table also provides the name of the Guardian Angel of those born in the time period.

Date Crystal Color Name of Guardian Angel
January 16 – Jan 20 Dark Amethyst Mitzrael
February 15 – February 19 Amethyst Manake
February 25 – February 29 Amethyst Habuhian
April 26 – April 30 Amethyst Cahatel
July 17 – July 22 Dark Amethyst Hahaiah
Sept 18 – Sept 23 Violet Menadel
Oct 29 – Nov 2 Lt Amethyst Ielahiah
Nov 23 – Nov 27 Amethyst Vahuel

 

There are other Angels that are partial to Amethyst. The table below gives you the information about them.

Purpose Crystal Color Name of Angel
Guardian of the Twenty-Sixth Mansion of the Moon Amethyst Tagriel
Master of the 3rd Tarot Card “The Empress” Dark Amethyst Hagiel
Guardian of the Thirteenth Mansion of the Moon Dark Amethyst Jazeriel
Master of the 6th Tarot Card “The Lovers” Light Amethyst Ambriel
Guardian of the Twenty-Seventh Mansion of the Moon Light Amethyst Atheniel
Guardian of the Twenty-Fifth Mansion of the Moon Light Amethyst Aziel
Angel of Saturday and Ruler of Saturn. Cassiel is the Master of the 21st Tarot Card “The World”. Cassiel is also the Angel of Temperance, the Angel of Solitude, and the Angel of Tears Light Amethyst Cassiel
Master of the 20th Tarot Card “Judgment” Light Amethyst Nuriel
Master of the 21st Tarot Card “The World” Light Amethyst Phorlach
Guardian of the Twenty-Eighth Mansion of the Moon Violet Amnixiel
Healing Emotions Violet Jeremiel
Dealing with Adversity Violet Mastema
Michael is the Beauty Angel, Tree of Life. He is the Ruler of Sunday and the Sun. Michael is also the Master of the 19th Tarot Card “The Sun” and the 20th Tarot Card “Judgement”. He also helps you Heal Fear and Nervousness as well as being the aster of the East wind and the Angel of Sound Sleep, Repentance, and Truth Violet Michael
Guardian of the Seventh Mansion of the Moon Violet Scheliel
Master of the 8th Tarot Card “Strength” Violet Sheratiel
Master of the 13th Tarot Card “Death” Light Violet Barachiel
Master of the 12th Tarot Card “The Hanged Man” Light Violet Taliahad

 

Amethyst Goddess Crystals

Amethyst honors Artemis, the Greek Goddess of the Hunt, and Childbirth. She represents the love of the mountains and the forests where she chooses to spend her life. Her comfort is sought by women in labor.

Amethyst also honors Diana, the Roman Goddess of the Moon, and Protector of Animals.

Birthstones

There are several ways to find an appropriate birthstone. The traditional one is listed first. These are from the popular lists that most people are familiar with. The second way is to find your natural birthstone by the color wheel of life. You can click on the Natural Birthstone graphic below to learn more. Finally, many people use the traditional stones of the Zodiac.

In this section, you will find information on all three approaches.

 Amethyst Traditional Birthstone

Amethyst is the traditional birthstone of those born in the month of February.

 

Amethyst Natural Birthstone

Amethyst is one of the natural birthstones of those born as the old year wanes and the new is about to arrive at the winter solstice (November 21 – December 20). Amethyst crystals bring you creativity, perception, self-knowledge, and insight.

Amethyst – Zodiac Stone of Pisces

Amethyst is the zodiac stone for those born under the sign of Pisces as winter makes way for spring, from February 19 to March 20. Pisces’ symbol is two fish swimming in the opposite directions of each other and illustrates the problem of dealing with conflicting emotions and goals. Pisceans love making friends and being around them, and often put their friends’ interests and needs before their own. They are very empathetic and enjoy giving gifts. They are quite resilient in life and are successful in the businesses of art, music, marketing and drama.

Amethyst Talismans and Amulets

In the ancient world, Amethyst was an amulet of protection worn around the neck of Egyptian dignitaries when they traveled outside their major cities. They believed it safeguarded them from personal treachery and ambush.

A talisman of ecclesiastical dignity and spiritual protection, Amethyst is the Bishop’s Stone, still worn on the second finger of the right hand of a Catholic bishop.

Amethyst is a talisman of focus and success, used in meditation, to enhance creativity and refine thinking skills.

Amethyst is a Seeker Transformer crystal. Seekers contain a crystal energy structure that aligns the natural energy of the crystal to the natural power of the human mind in finding the way to new horizons and new capabilities. They’re pointers, directors, and compasses; the fresh start crystals. These are talismans of the scientist, the adventurer, the hunter, wanderer, and explorer. They’re also crystals of the student and the researcher.

Transformer crystals enhance efforts to change our situations, prospects, health, outlook or relationships. By transforming ourselves we transform our lives. We learn to dance, speak a new language, grow stronger, or become a better spouse or child. Seeker crystals with the earth power of the Transformer are excellent talismans to aid our efforts to grow, develop new capabilities and change our lives.

Amethyst Feng Shui

Amethyst utilizes Fire Energy. Fire energy is the energy of enthusiasm, warmth, brightness, illumination and activity. It is Yang in nature. It is the energy of heat, action, emotion and passion – of ideas, of concepts, and sex. It is traditionally associated with the south area of a home or room, and with the fame and reputation area of your dwelling. Use its energy to give your life the boost it needs to enhance your standing in the community and within your family

Amethyst in Ancient Lore and Legend

According to Ovid, the Roman poet, Amethyst was a nymph pursued by Bacchus. Desperate to escape him, she called on the goddess Diana who rescued her by transforming her into a shiny stone of “pure, cold crystal.” Furious, Bacchus threw his glass filled with wine on the stone giving it its purple color. There are various stories and sources for this legend, sometimes with Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, sometimes with Dionysus, the Greek god of intoxication. All credit wine as the reason for the crystal’s hue.

The use of Amethyst can be traced as far back as 25,000 B.C. to the Neolithic people in Europe. It’s spiritual and legendary energies made it popular for beads and amulets in many cultures, and later as a stone of royalty, it was utilized in crowns, scepters, and jewelry. Ancient Egyptians used Amethyst as a healing stone to ease fears and guilt, and as a strong protector while traveling. Greeks and Romans used it constantly to protect themselves from excesses of overindulgence with food and drink, and its powerful healing effect upon the mind made it valuable for placement under the pillow at bedtime to cure insomnia and induce pleasant dreams. For headaches, it was warmed and placed on the forehead or temples to reduce throbbing.

Amethyst was considered a powerful psychic stone of protection against witchcraft and black magic and was said to lose its color and turn pale when placed near an angry attacker.

The Peruvians held a belief that if the names of the sun and the moon were engraved on an Amethyst and hung around one’s neck with a baboon’s hair or a swallow’s feather, it would act as a spell against witchcraft. The ancient philosopher Pliny the Elder claimed an Amethyst engraved with figures of the sun and the moon immunized people against poisons.

A bear engraved on an Amethyst had the virtue of putting demons to flight and defended and preserved the wearer from drunkenness.

In folklore, Amethyst was thought to deter animal fleas.

It was once believed a person could summon any love by speaking his or her name in an Amethyst, even if the person was committed to another.

Amethyst, listed as the twelfth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem, was considered by some to be inscribed with the name of the apostle Matthew and was emblematic of his conversion and sobriety. Andreas, bishop of Caesarea, in the tenth century believed the Amethyst, with its fiery aspect, signified Matthias, who in the gift of tongues was so filled with celestial fire and zeal to please God who had chosen him, that he was found worthy to take the place of Judas. 

The Rosicrucian society, who combined pagan with Christian types and figures, saw Amethyst and its color as a symbol of the divine male sacrifice since the stone and color were typical of love, truth, passion, suffering and hope. The love of Christ led him to make the ultimate sacrifice and suffer the agony of the cross, and the crucifixion was followed by the resurrection; thus came the hope of mankind to enjoy eternal happiness in heaven.

Amethyst, the stone of February, should also be worn on Thursdays, “Thor’s Day.” It is considered a Gem of Spring, and though historically given as a gift on the seventeenth wedding anniversary, it is now listed as the official anniversary gemstone for the sixth anniversary.

Source: Amethyst ~ February Stone – Good Witches Homestead

Lunar Eclipse February 2017 ~ Space Dust – Darkstar Astrology

Lunar Eclipse on February 10 2017 at 22º Leo  Aspects: Trine Uranus/Eris & Sextile Jupiter. Fixed star: Pherkad in the right foot of the Little Bear

Moon Leo 3 does not sugar-coat for the sake of popularity. In a sign that seems so ego-driven, the maternal energy of the bear is actually more about helping others than themselves. It depends on how evolved the soul is, with other harsh aspects there can be a ruthless drive and tyrannical tendencies. At this time we might have to face traits caused by a difficult childhood, one where we had to fight to be ourselves. Of course this eclipse can work to toughen the soul up too, and by the end of the 3 months more belligerent.

Despite all, even if decisions taken at this time rub people up the wrong way, they are still admired for being courageous choices. As the head of a nation, company or family, this eclipse enables trail blazers who will do whatever it takes to protect those little cubs in their care.

At the mundane level this is the great patriot willing to die for their country. (Country = descendants.) Loyalty is the number one demand at this time, so woe betide traitors. Those who stoop to revenge at this time will suffer greatly, but they won’t care who else they bring down with them. So keep a wide berth from the great sinking bear!!

Three fixed stars found around the eclipse degree: The first is Tania Australis  (21º 41′) a red star in the paw of the great mother bear. These stars in Ursa major have a Mars quality according to Ptolemy. “It is said to give a quiet, prudent, suspicious, mistrustful, self-controlled, patient nature, but an uneasy spirit and great anger and revengefulness when roused.” Ras Elased Borealis (21º 26′) is in the lion’s head. The Ebertins say it can give rise to mental illness and depression depending on how it is configured. Since this is an eclipse, there is always a ‘wild card’ element to this energy. We have already seen so many celebrities meltdowns in the media, just expect more from those with 22º Leo in their charts!

Noonan says the Lion’s head stars “are said to indicate those with an appreciation for language and a power of expression, but also those who may be heartless and cruel.” So this star adds a mocking, satirical quality then. The brightest of the stars and closed to the eclipse degree is Pherkad (21º 36′) is found in the Little Bear Ursa Minor. The constellation gives “indifference and improvidence of spirit, and to lead to many troubles.” We can also bear in mind that even though these stars have very rough edges, the ancient navigators looked upon them as guardians and guides since they are close to the poles. Rough diamonds then!

Lunar Eclipse February 2017 ~ Aspects

The Sun is opposite the Moon in a lunar eclipse. This opposition is part of a mystic rectangle aspect pattern which links the eclipse with Jupiter opposite Uranus at 21º/23º Aries/Libra. Lets look at the aspects that make up this rectangle.


Moon trine Uranus brings an abundance of radical and innovative energy to the public. Self-assured rebellion occurs from those who don’t give a fig about conforming to the status quo. The trine brings to fruition personal freedom, revolution and electric genius. At this eclipse the more outlandish people behave, the more popular they become.

Sun sextile Uranus creates brilliant, visionary situations and the courage to break through conventions. This rebelliousness comes from having gone through a period of conformity and orthodoxy. The stability of the past, at least provided a stable anchor from which this Uranian ship can explore. So conversely, it is the very fact that we have had such a safe, stable background in the past that we feel secure enough to take great leaps into the Uranian unknown.

Moon sextile Jupiter. The imagination is expansive and pioneering, inspired by overseas or inner travel. The eclipse energy will still support the roots though, no matter how far afield we might voyage. Those touched by this moon should attract benefactors. Sometimes this comes as a reward from generously nurturing and supporting other artists in the past.

Sun trine Jupiter has strong beliefs, so this aspect of the eclipse probes people to do their duty and support those who they deem worthy enough or not as the case may be. There is a strong sense of justice and a look at how fair some laws are. Reforms in the law could be made at this time. Sun trine Jupiter gives the foresight to spot talent and potential in apprentices. Agents are on the look out for fresh blood at this time.

Jupiter opposite Uranus creates exciting new utopias and visions for the future that can inspire others to follow the path to illumination. Uranus is the great enlightener, so it can be a Kundalini awakening also since with Jupiter spirituality and sex merge. Jupiter and Uranus also both share thunderbolts in common!

Lunar Eclipse Mystical Rectangle

https://pathsiwalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/fm-feb.gifWe had a mystical rectangle pattern back at the Gemini Full Moon December 2016 where I likened it to opening a Christmas present. I called it ‘Unveiling’ and pondered wether the packaging was more glamorous than the actual contents. The theme this time is similar with Jupiter opposite Uranus being activated again.

Back then Saturn was opposite the Moon. “The internal pressure caused by the oppositions could lead to a breakdown. If the internal tension is not diffused, substance is lost. Sometimes the bottled-up pressure leads to mental confusion, there is a conversion, a transformation from Saul to Paul. That leads to a wholesale abandonment of what was important before, thus enabling a spiritual rebirth.” [1]

Before Christmas there was a lot of tension waiting to be released. People were sitting on the Gemini fence, flip-flopping from left to right, not knowing if Trump would make it to inauguration. The end of the year does have a certain doomladen “End Times’ vibe. This rectangle is different. It actually has Saturn crowning it and looks like the apex of a roof. This eclipse can be more hopeful.

Lunar Eclipse February 2017 ~ Summary

In order for real change to take place in society, there has to be a concerted effort to organize and get one’s message across in a non-violent fashion. The Lunar eclipse activation of one of the most positive aspects of the year is something to be excited about! It looks like truth and integrity will shine through. Uranus is the new technology which we can use as a way to awaken ourselves and others. The cyber world is a double edged sword and we must always remember to unplug ourselves so that we get good dose of earthing energy too. With this eclipse we see the good side of technology and how we can use it to unchain ourselves from slavery.

Knowledge is power, but unfortunately state-sponsored education works to dumb down the younger generations. These days they are also crippled by debt as soon as they enter their adult lives. In effect, today’s youngsters are enslaved as soon as they leave college whereas their ‘uneducated’ grandparents left school, went to work and could afford to start a family straight away. They matured very early learning through having responsibilities in life. Jupiter is about higher-learning so at this eclipse we look at what ways we can educate ourselves so that we can make better life choices and be truly free and sovereign human beings.

Another point about slavery is that it is also about being a sex slave. Young people are being groomed into sex slavery through internet porn. As mentioned, Jupiter opposite Uranus can symbolize the Kundalini. The internet can be a great awakener, but there are so many rabbit holes you can fall into. It is only a very small percentage of people who follow the priestess snake of wisdom, while others get vectored into the prostitute snake of the lower chakras! However just a small percent is all it takes to move the masses, as long as a critical mass is reached. Looking back at the mystic rectangle, Saturn makes a minor grand trine with the Sun and Jupiter. This this may be where the trickle-down effect starts from. Saturn is actually pretty close to Galactic Center too at 26º Sagittarius, so maybe there is just something in the star dust!

1. Aspect Pattern Astrology. Bruno & Louise Huber. P 163

Source: Lunar Eclipse February 2017 ~ Space Dust – Darkstar Astrology

Crystal of the Week: Ammonite – Holistic Experiment

Ammonite is a very powerful earth healing fossil with a spiral shape that symbolizes continual change and evolution. It is often used for activating kundalini energy and life path energies.

Often put in homes to attract health, prosperity, and success; it draws all of the negative energy and releases them as fresh, positive, and loving life force energy. It’s known as a powerful stone that balances the mental energies and brings higher forms of truth to the physical plane.

This stone can help balance the thoughts and internal communications so that they are both healthy and vivacious. It’s also great for helping the user understand the balances inherent to relationships.

Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Purposes

On a physical level, Ammonite lowers blood pressure, increases vitality and stamina, and heals any problems with the ears, lungs, and degenerative disorders. It’s often used for childbirth to give the mother strength and vitality and can balance body heat, any electrolyte imbalance, restores cellular fluids, and regulates the metabolism.

Ammonite is also used to increase life span and eliminates inside the subtle bodies that are not in perfect alignment due to their lineage. It can be used to purify and restructure the body and promotes the absorption of minerals. This stone also helps reduce pain and swellings as well as inflammations, restores mobility and eases cramps, and lubricates the joints.

On an emotional level, it lifts the heaviness that is sometimes felt during depression, it releases negativity and promotes a successful and positive attitude. This stone lends valor to get out of bad situations and helps the user accept permanent changes which positively affects the user’s lifestyle.

This stone is often used to strengthen the user’s will to live and helps appreciate life in order to live it to the fullest. It brings growth, wisdom, and wealth, and provides stability to its user and encourages their survival’s instincts.

On a spiritual level, Ammonite is a grounding stone that focuses on the Base/Root Chakra as well as the Third Eye Chakra. It’s often used to awaken the Kundalini energy and it is loved by Feng Shui practitioners because it has a positive effect on the flow of Chi or energy, helping its user to cleanse and detoxify the body.

It’s often used to draw off all of the negative energies from the surrounding aura and carries the spirit of change and personal growth.

Disclaimer: Crystal of the Week are a spiritual support to healing and are not prescription or healthcare information.

Source: Crystal of the Week: Ammonite – Holistic Experiment

~ Oya – Orisha Of Wind and Change ~

Oya-by-James-C-Lewis

SYNCRETISM: Our Lady of Candlemas, St. Therese, Our Lady of Mount Carmel

PALO COUNTERPART: Centella

AREAS OF INFLUENCE: Storms, wind, lightning, tornadoes, death and the cemetery, the marketplace and business, change, witchcraft, athletics

ATTRIBUTES
The thunderbold, the iruke, cemeteries, a skirt made of nine colors, a rainbow, the flamboyan tree, purple fruits and vegetables, such as eggpants and plums: flowery prints also belong to her and masks.  Her main symbol is a copper crown with nine points, from which hang the working impliments of several of the orishas, especially Oggun and Ochosi. Among her other attributes are an ox cart, a machete and a hammer.

BEVERAGES: Aguardiente, red wine, beer.

COLORS: All colors except black, her main color is wine, she likes flowery prints which her initiates must never wear.

DAYS OF THE WEEK: Friday, which is chosen by the Orishas to inflict punishments on those who have broken the law.

FAVORABLE NUMBERS: 646 387 421

FEAST DAY: February 2

FOODS: White rice with eggplant and small balls made of pigeon peas. Rice with fish, rice with corn, rice with sesame seeds and rice with black beans are also among the favorites food of Oya, as are yams and chocolate pudding.

FRUIT: Papaya, legumes, plums and purple grapes

GARMENTS: Crimson and multi-colored prints

HERBS: Altamisa, cambia voz, yanten, vergonzoza, tamerindo, verbena, espanta muerto, caimito, maravilla, palo rayo, marpacifico, cimarron, palo hacha, palo caja, granada, baria, guasimilla and meloncillo.

MINERALS: Amethyst, Black Opals, Bloodstone, Bronze, Garnet, Labradorite, Tourmaline, Smokey Quartz (red stones)

NECKLACE: Her main necklace is made of red and brown beads with white and black stripes. Among her other necklaces there is one made of violet beads with yellow stripes and another alternating white beads with nine black beads.

NUMBERS: 9

ORIGIN: Celestial

SACRIFICES: She-goats, pigeons, black hens and guiena hens.

SYMBOLS: Graves, Lighting Bolts, Masks, Tornadoes

TABOOS: Rams, Palm Oil, Her initiates wearing floral prints.

TRADITIONAL COLORS: Black, Oranges, Purples and Reds

Oya is the orisha or storms and changes. She is a much feared orisha due to her powers as she can create a storm so powerful that she can destroy towns upon towns. The winds, tornadoes and lighting are at her every command. Oya also known as Xansa, Oya Yansa (Mother of Nine) was the wife of Ogun before Chango took her away from him. Oya is said to be a lovely tall amazonic woman who is dressed in a wine color dress with a belt that holds a grass skirt with 9 different color cloths. Oya is also the owner of the market place where she would go and sell her goods to maintain her children. Oya’s main home or domain is the cemetery. Now a lot of people say or believe that she is the owner of the cemetery. That’s all not true. Oya is the gatekeeper. She stands at the cemetery gates and she lets the dead into the cemetery where her sisters Obba and Yewa tends to the body.

Oya is a great warrior who loves to go to battle alongside her husband Chango. Stories say the Oya would put on a pair of pants and grow a beard just to fight like a man at war. Oya has a younger sister named Ayao who is the orisha that resides in the clouds in the sky. It is Ayao that gives her sister Oya the ability to take the spirits of the dead to go fight alongside her which makes up her powerful army.

Oya has brought down many men, many towns and many lands. But as a warrior she protects her children with a strong look and with her destruction she brings changes. Whenever there is a storm that brings destruction, change is needed to rebuild. Sometimes the land is expanded for new homes or new business. That’s Oya. She has helped all the orishas in one time or another. As well she has feuded with the orishas at one time or another. Oya is the one that convinced Obba to cut her ear to feed to Chango. Oya is the one that brought down Osain’s gourd where he kept most of his secrets of the herbs.

She also had a feud with her sister Yemaya in which she does not eat ram anymore. At one time she did but due to that disagreement she doesn’t anymore. Let me clear something. Oya and Yemaya are not enemies. The only dilemma between them is the ram. It is said that one day Chango was eating with his mother Yemaya and Oya and with his court and Oya saw that he was giving all of his attention to his mother and Oya became very jealous. Oya saw that Chango gave his mother Yemaya first bite of the ram and since that day, Oya said she will never eat it again. One of Oya’s characteristics is the wind that causes hurricanes. Hurricanes come off the coast of Africa where her town is and logically, a hurricane needs the assistance and strength of the ocean to come on shore to bring change.

Pataki of Oya 

Chango was at a party one day having the time of his life. Chango was drinking and dancing like no ever. He was swaying his hips and showing all his sexual masculinity. His crown was kept firm on his head as every moment he did, it did not move. That was to show all that he is truly Chango, a king. Everyone in the party was enjoying Chango and was cheering him on. The great king of Oyo kept on drinking and did not realize that some of his enemies were outside of the party noticing Chango.
The party was dying out and Chango decided to leave the function. He went around the room giving his good bye to everyone. He was eyeing some of his mistresses that were there to see if they would go home with him. Chango staggered to one of the corners of the party where his enemies were hiding. Within a minute, his enemies grabbed him and tied him up. No one in the party saw and Chango was taken to a cell where his enemies kept him.
Days passed by and Chango was no where to be found. Oya who was married to Ogun already had left Ogun and had a fling with Chango. Oya also did not hear anything from Chango. She did notice that Chango had left his pilon (a wooden pillar that Chango sits on) and his mortar (where Chango hides his secrets) in her house. Oya grew very weary and was worried about Chango. But besides her worries Oya was very inquisitive and wondered what was so special about Chango’s pilon and mortar. She moved the red cloth that was covering his pilon and mortar and saw nothing special about it. When she touched the mortar she noticed that it had a gleam to it. Inside the mortar there was some kind of clear liquid that vibrated. She looked closer and an image started to form in the liquid.
In the image in the mortar was the face and body of Chango. Oya saw that Chango was being held captive by his enemies. She saw that he was locked in a cage fit for a dog and his enemies were surrounding the cage making mockery of him. Oya looked harder into the mortar and saw that Chango was in a rage but he couldn’t do anything because he didn’t have his oshé and his powers. Oya grew upset and lighting sparks started to form in her hair. She yelled up in the sky and called for a centella (lighting) to come and help her and she would ride it to find Chango. With that the image of Chango’s face reflected in the liquid and Oya grabbed the liquid and put it to her lips, as in to kiss the face of her loved Chango.
In that instant Oya’s lips and mouth started to burn her furiously. She staggered back and forth wondering where the heat was coming from. She ran outside of her house to where she had a well to grab some water. The water did not do anything to ease the pain. She finally opened her mouth as she could not stand the burning sensation and when she did a huge fireball came from her mouth. Everywhere she turned and screamed out, fire was released from her mouth and everything was burned on fire. At this moment a centella crackled in the sky and fell right to her feet. Oya screamed and stepped onto the centella. The centella rose to the sky and Oya was standing on it and the centella proceeded to take her to where Chango was held captive.

In a second the centella was above the place where Chango was kept and when the centella started to come down, Oya who was riding it screamed a war cry and fire was released from her mouth. Another centella came from the sky that broke the locks that were holding Chango. When Chango’s enemies saw Oya coming down on a centella breathing fire they all ran for cover.
Chango was wondering how was he released and when he ran outside he grabbed his oshé and he saw his mistress Oya standing in the fields surrounded by centellas that crackled around her and that she was breathing fire. Chango was reluctant to run the other way because he never saw Oya in this state. Oya sent another centella to grab Chango and he to was standing on a centella alongside with Oya. Chango started to throw thunderbolts with the help of his oshé while Oya was throwing lighting and fire upon the enemies of Chango as they rose into the sky together.

They both arrived at Oya’s place safe and Chango was still in amazement of Oya’s actions. He told her that the only one who knew the secret of him throwing aiña (fire) was him and that secret was kept with his pilon and mortar. Oya turned to her lover and told him that she looked into his mortar and tasted the secret that he had there. Chango was upset that she discovered his secret but he was grateful that she saved him. From that day when Chango goes into battle, his mistress Oya goes in alongside him fighting.
Oya’s feast day is February 2nd. She is associated with Our Lady Teresa and Our Lady of Candelaria. Her number is 9 and all its association. Her color is maroon or a dark wine. Oya also takes 9 other colors that are her children. Those children make up the rainbow and they live in the skies making the crown of the orisha Ochumare. She is the queen of the dead. Oya is the official secretary of Olofi. She knows when life is being born and when life is dying. She is the air we breathe everyday. Oya stands at the cemetery gates and she marks down every body that comes through the gates of ile iku (cemetery). In the house of the priest, Oya lives in a brown or wine color tureen where her secrets and mysteries are kept. Some houses have her with water and some do not. I believe she shouldn’t be with water. The only time I put water on her is to calm her down when she is upset and to refresh her. She also takes an iruke that she uses to clean the dead and clean new paths.
Her crown is made up of copper in which that is her main metal. All of her tools and weapons are made up of copper. Oya’s sacrificial animals are black female goats, hens, pigeons and guinea hens. Oya’s children are very outgoing and strong willed people. There are very spiritual individuals at they have the gift if used correctly, to communicate with the dead. She is initiated on the heads of her followers in which is a lengthy and mysterious procedure. Her ceremonies are one of the most gorgeous due to all of the many colors that are used. Her zarasa (the throne of the dead) is made up of multiple plates that are placed for the dead. These plates range from 29 all the way to 209 plates of different offerings to the dead of her initiate and the spirits that her initiate collects to walk alongside her.
Oya is the owner of the mask as she at times is wearing one. Some people say that no one can stand to look at the face of Oya because it is too horrific to look at. I don’t believe so. I believe that she is a beautiful woman; she just doesn’t like to be messed with or fooled with. She is good to use to take masks off of people who you believe that are being two faced with you. She is also good to use when one wants change in their lives. She is a good healer but she loves to defend and be at war when war is present.

Ayao 

Ayao is the younger sister of the orisha Oya. Ayao is said to reside high in the clouds of the sky or at the top of the cieba tree. She is said to sit there and help guard the spirits that pass through her clouds to reside at the kingdom of Olofi. Ayao is an orisha that is given to the children of Oya. Now any priest or priestess can receive Ayao. Her secrets are kept in a tureen that is kept high in the house of the priest. This orisha can never touch the ground as her ceremonies are done on top of a table. It is said that when an initiate of Oya is performing their consecrating birth, the spirits that they pick up are tended by Ayao. When Oya is getting ready for battle she calls her sister Ayao who releases those spirits to aide Oya in battle. She is not initiated on the heads of anyone.

 

Source: ~ Oya – Orisha Of Wind and Change ~ – Ye Olde Dark Arts

~ Imbolc – Candlemas – Lupercalia ~

imbolc

Candlemas (Imbolc, Imbolg and Oimelc) is a Major Sabbat that is a celebration to mark the return of the sun and the end of winter. We celebrate the waxing sun and the beginning of Spring. Candlemas is a celebration of hope, the light returns and Spring is just around the corner.

Altar: Candles, Grain Dolly, Sun Cross

Animals: Wolf, Snake, Swan, Vulture, Robin, Burrowing Animals, Sheep, Lamb, and Deer

Birds: Cockerals, Cranes, Crows, Ducks, Eagles, Goose, Owls, Ravens, Swans and Wrens

Colors:  White, red, pink, yellow, blue

Deities: Aradia, Arachne, Arianrhod, Athena, Brighid, Blaize, Branwen, Cupid/Eros, Diancecht, Dumuzi, Februa, Februus, Gaea, Inanna, Lucina, Vesta, and Oya

Foods: Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, and Raisins.

Herbs: Angelica, basil, bay Laurel, blackberry, celandine, coltsfoot, heather, iris, myrrh, tansy, violets, and all white or yellow flowers.

Incense: Basil, myrrh, frankincense, wisteria, jasmine, camphor, cinnamon, and lotus.

Oils: Jasmine, Apricot, Carnation, Sweet Pea, Neroli and Olive

Stones: Amethyst, bloodstone, garnet, onyx, ruby, turquoise

Trees: Rowan

Zodiacs: Aquarius and Pisces


Imbolc Traditions and Symbols

Brigid Corn Dolly – a very old custom involved making a “Brigid” corn dolly that can be placed in a “Bride’s bed” to bring fertility and good fortune to the home.  If you made a “Corn Mother” at Lammas, you may simply re-use it.  Dress the Corn Mother as a bride in colors of white, red and or gold, and your Harvest Crone transforms herself into the Brigit Spring Bride. Place the Bride in a “Brigit’s bed” along with a priapic wand to symbolize fertility.  A priapic wand is a be-ribbonned fruit wood wand with a pine cone on the end which symbolizes the God.

Brigid’s Bed – to show your hospitality and to encourage the Goddess to spend the  night at your home, create a “Brigid’s Bed” near the hearth fire.  By inviting Brigid to stay overnight in your home you’re symbolically asking that her powers of fertility, blessing and healing be with your family all year long.  A Brigid’s bed can be a pretty wooden or cardboard box, a wicker basket or anything large enough to hold your Brigit corn dolly.  Be sure to decorate it with ribbons, flowers, herbs etc. and place a comfy blanket on the bottom of the bed. Don’t forget to place the priapic wand in the bed so that the Goddess will not be lonely.

Hearthfire  – the hearthfire is sacred to Brigid and is her altar in every home.  At Candlemas in the depth of winter the fire was more important than ever.  It was not allowed to go out and in the evening the fire was smoored ( covered with ash to preserve the hot coals) by the lady of the house

Brigid’s Crosses – are a form of woven straw or rushes symbolizing the Sun and used as talismans to bring fertility, prosperity and protection to the home.  They would be created at Candlemas and hung on the door, near the hearth, under the eaves or in the barn to bring luck and protection.

Burning the Yule Greens– the evergreens for Yuletide decoration are gathered and burned by Candlemas.  It is a symbolic way to let go of the old year and make way for the new.

Springs and Wells – toss coins in wells springs, fountains or any running water as an offering the the Goddess Brigid

Source: ~ Imbolc – Candlemas – Lupercalia ~ – Ye Olde Dark Arts

~ Saint Magick – Saint Brigid of Kildare ~ – Ye Olde Dark Arts

saint-brigid

FEAST DAY: February 1

DAY OF THE WEEK: Sunday

CANDLE COLOR: Yellow

LEGEND: Daughter of Dubtach, pagan Scottish king of Leinster, and Brocca, a Christian Pictish slave who had been baptized by Saint Patrick. Just before Brigid’s birth, her mother was sold to a Druid landowner. Brigid remained with her mother till she was old enough to serve her legal owner Dubtach, her father.

She grew up marked by her high spirits and tender heart, and as a child, she heard Saint Patrick preach, which she never forgot. She could not bear to see anyone hungry or cold, and to help them, often gave away things that were Dubtach’s. When Dubtach protested, she replied that “Christ dwelt in every creature”. Dubtach tried to sell her to the King of Leinster, and while they bargained, she gave a treasured sword of her father’s to a leper. Dubtach was about to strike her when Brigid explained she had given the sword to God through the leper, because of its great value. The King, a Christian, forbade Dubtach to strike her, saying “Her merit before God is greater than ours”. Dubtach solved this domestic problem by giving Brigid her freedom.

Brigid’s aged mother was in charge of her master’s dairy. Brigid took charge ,and often gave away the produce. But the dairy prospered under her (hence her patronage of milk maids, dairy workers, cattle, etc.), and the Druid freed Brigid’s mother.

Brigid returned to her father, who arranged a marriage for her with a young bard. Bride refused, and to keep her virginity, went to Bishop Mel, a pupil of Saint Patrick’s, and took her first vows. Legend says that she prayed that her beauty be taken from her so no one would seek her hand in marriage; her prayer was granted, and she regained her beauty only after making her vows. Another tale says that when Saint Patrick heard her final vows, he mistakenly used the form for ordaining priests. When told of it he replied, “So be it, my son, she is destined for great things.”

Her first convent started with seven nuns. At the invitation of bishops, she started convents all over Ireland. She was a great traveller, especially considering the conditions of the time, which led to her patronage of travellers, sailors, etc. Brigid invented the double monastery, the monastery of Kildare that she ran on the Liffey river being for both monks and nuns. Saint Conleth became its first bishop; this connection and the installation of a bell that lasted over 1000 years apparently led to her patronage of blacksmiths and those in related fields.

PETITION SAINT BRIGED: for childbirth, protection from fires, fertility, the hearth, healing, physcians, agriculture, animal husbandry, inspiriation, learning, poetry, prophecy, smithcraft, love.

PATRONAGE: babies; blacksmiths; boatmen; cattle; chicken farmers; children whose parents are not married; dairymaids; dairy workers; fugitives; infants; Ireland; Leinster, Ireland; mariners; midwives; milk maids; newborn babies; nuns; poets; poultry farmers; poultry raisers; printing presses; sailors; scholars; travellers; watermen

REPRESENTATION: abbess, usually holding a lamp or candle, often with a cow nearby

Source: ~ Saint Magick – Saint Brigid of Kildare ~ – Ye Olde Dark Arts

Astrorisa Moon Blast – Jan.Aquarius New Moon 2017

January 27, 2017
Aquarius New Moon 8° at 7:07 PM EST 
in House 6
Aquarius Sun 8°, in House 6

Planetary Energies
  Moon (Osupa / Yemoja), Sun (Orun), Mercury (Esu-Elegbara), Mars (Ogun), Jupiter (Obatala), Saturn (Obaluaiye), Uranus (Sango).
Aquarius 8°  the archetype of Kabieysi Sango
 
New Moon Themes:
Leadership, a command of one’s words, self-protection, open invitations, agreements, disagreements, self-defense, and intrigue.
Aquarius, the archetype of Uranus is visited by both the sun and the moon on Jan.27th. The planet Uranus is strongly aspected during this lunar time. Aquarius in the 6th house is unconventional in his diet regime, jumping on new healing or health fads. Or discovering new approaches towards finding a remedy for anything, from health to social injustices. Even the creation of strange out of this world laws.
Uranus Aspects
Jupiter opposite Uranus
Saturn trine Uranus
Uranus square Pluto
Mercury square Uranus
Moon quintile Uranus
Sun quintile Uranus

 
Another powerful new moon occurring for January 27th through February 24, 2017, let’s welcome this Aquarius new moon as it arrives with a Bang! I’ve always said, “be alert during any Aquarian moon time as it’s power to bring justice and revelations is unequivocal.” Now we’re experiencing both sun and moon in Aquarius, the archetype of Sango at 8° lending to its power and authority, this is a “Justice Moon” and who would not want to be on the correct side of Ose Sango (Sango’s double edged ax)?
A “Justice Moon” cuts away at the pillars of any falsehood, it will expose and punish, as well as offer healing, and justice. We will see this and other current lunar themes play themselves out throughout the next 28 days. This moon time can spark the encouragement of entrepreneurship, and the championing of some outlandish adventure. It’s an action oriented moon time that can give fire and devotion not only to one’s personal causes but to group causes. These causes can be as minuscule as feeling dedicated to beginning or maintaining a work out regiment or can be as grand as joining, funding or creating an activism for humanitarian rights.
This is that moon time which influences our collective consciousness to develop or manage high standards and morals, because its the right thing to do, as suppose to doing it because one feels like it. This moon time brings the message of a “Sense of Duty,” and it awakens situations surrounding partnerships, business connections, and marriages. The moon semi-squares Venus, Oshun’s planet. This transit definitely encourages the tightening up of any loose ends which previously floated around. What we got away with before, in the aforementioned  institutional areas, won’t continue, at least for now. Also with this transit, any marriage, or business partnership  that is not up to par, will likely be thoroughly investigated, an the use of every available means will likely be requested.
Though anxiety and combative energies surround us at this time, the higher octave of Aquarian vibrations brings people of all walks of life and backgrounds to gather in solidarity, for the upliftment of humanity, and that was self evident during the Women’s March on January 21, when the sun was in Aquarius. An energy field was created by that event which shifted some of the intense, angry, and combative vibrations which were current at the time. We can harness that divine humanitarian love-energy and work with it this month by way of mediation, prayers, lightening candles, and or sharing our good inner light with others.
We may even experience this Aquarian Universal love, through situations of inspiration. This is because this moon time also carries a tone of “Inspiration.” Look within yourself and around yourself. Are more people feeling inspired to step out of their comfort zone?Are there more acts of inspirational support and  encouragement  towards the creation or completion of something occurring? This moon time at its highest octave encourages “Group greatness.”
During this moon time (28 day cycle)
During this moon time, at its lowest octave, cunningness lurks in the air. Aquarian moons activate humanitarian love,  personal greed, and comradery amongst groups. Be mindful of deceptive behaviors and self-deception, instead balance thought and logic.
Example: You left something at the house, and decide to return home to get it, but you’re in a rush.  You quickly dash upstairs forgetting to close the front door, then for whatever reason, you get distracted, and stay upstairs longer than planned. At this point you’ve left yourself vulnerable, and lost focus.
During this moon time some people may need to be extra attentive to what they say or do, so to avoid legal problems. Resolve the issue quickly if you can.
During this moon time  some people will experience confrontations and combativeness that is likely created through gossip.
During this moon time involving oneself in another person’s personal affairs or sharing their business is not good, it can lead to confrontations or violence.
During this moon time keep trying to get your projects, plans, and work off the ground, as our determination is likely to be tested.
During this moon time, some people’s business will get exposed. Protect yourself interests, keep your personal business personal, and secure what needs to be secured.
Moon Semi-square Saturn (Obaluaiye’s planet).
This transit can bring up challenges triggered by our thoughts of the past. There could be father-mother complexes surfacing which need attention. Even our focus and concentration can become weak. We could find ourselves day dreaming more. But with the semi square, we maybe more aware of our personal challenges than before. And this transit though challenging can offer us  a stronger chance to work through them.
Maneuvering Through this Aquarius Moon towards blessings (ire)
1. Receiving a personal readings is helpful.
2. Receiving rogation, eboleri, ibori is helpful, to open awareness and insight.
3. Listen to your instincts.
4. Good time to do new moon meditations to enhance or encourage perseverance of spirit and to lessen or eliminate emotional fatigue.
5. Encourage the higher octave of Aquarius in you. Be the leader and voice you wanted to have in your life.
6. Lock, secure property, avoid gossip, avoid crowds, avoid contracts without thorough investigation. Avoid fights, avoid destructive personality types.
7. Good moon time to avoid depressive thoughts, again, use meditation.
8. Good moon time to build positive relationships 1st with Self, and with others. Create the protective, safe space needed to make decisions. Then set the tone for how you want the rest of your year to look like.
9. New Moon Exercise: Use this moon time to begin the process of building and fortifying  (fill in the blank) ____________________ Then place a rose quartz in one fist and an amethyst stone in the other fist. Speak your desire as a mantra.
 
  
Have a Universally Loved, and Self Honoring New Moon Time!
Written by Iya Olusoga ~ Bisi Ade
For Astrorisa Moon Forecaster
January 24, 2017

Source: Astrorisa Moon Blast – Jan.Aquarius New Moon 2017

Crystal of the Week: Snowflake Obsidian – Holistic Experiment

Snowflake Obsidian is a gorgeous jet black colored stone with white or gray snowflake patterns on top of it. In addition to carrying the genetic properties of Obsidian, it’s considered a stone of purity, bringing balance to the body and mind as well as spirit.

This stone makes the user receptive before bringing them to their attention any ingrained pattern of behavior and gently releases emotional blockages. It makes isolation and loneliness empowering and teaches how to surrender in meditation and to value mistakes as well as successes.

Snowflake Obsidian shows the gift in every experience and promotes dispassion and inner centering.

Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Purposes

On a physical level, Snowflake Obsidian is often used by people who have arthritis, joint pain, hardened arteries, cramps, injuries, pain, bleeding, circulation issues and can warm extremities. This stone can also be used for any issues with the veins and can also be used for detoxification and wound healing.

It can also be used for abdominal pressure, it balances the digestive system and can help with anything that has to do with ears and hearing as well skeletal issues. Snowflake Obsidian promotes a smooth skin.

On an emotional level, this stone can remove not only negative experiences in the environment but also one’s own negative emotions (anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, etc).

It’s often used for releasing “wrong thinking”, stressful mental patterns and fear, promoting compassion and soothing energy.

This stone helps to keep the user centered and focused when any type of chaotic situation presents itself. It removes negativity from a space or person with ease. Snowflake Obsidian draws emotions to the surface and helps examine harmful thought pattern. It’s a soothing stone and it’s often used by people who suffer loneliness and are in dire need of soothing energy.

On a spiritual level, Snowflake Obsidian is used to heal old karmic patterns and to dispel negativity. It’s a wonderful stone for those who are clairaudience and can be used for astral travel. Once you meditate with this stone, you’ll feel calm and centered and it will increase your sensitivity to energy. It’s also used as a protection stone during psychic work, promotes synchronicity, and positive transformation.

It’s often used for healing and releasing energy blockages and has a tendency to work quickly to move truths to the surface to be resolved in a positive manner. It’s often used for issues in the Root, Sacral and Solar Plexus Chakras.

Disclaimer: Crystal of the Week are a spiritual support to healing and are not prescription or healthcare information.

Source: Crystal of the Week: Snowflake Obsidian – Holistic Experiment

Dragon – secretsoftheserpent

34d3b6c9607dd648024f7a13f35a1cb5

 

I love the symbol of the dragon. The Greeks saw the dragon as enlightenment. The Gauls saw the dragon as sovereignty. The Chinese saw the dragon as good fortune. Christians made the dragon sinister and meddlesome because they were against learning. They made the keeper and bringer of wisdom a heretic. Stay tuned to this blog and you will see that christians did this quite often. Dragon comes from the Greek “draken”, meaning serpent. It is clearly seen in the word edraken, which means to clearly see. So serpent means one who sees clearly. Having clear vision meant you were wise.

The Dragon is a symbol of the four levels of consciousness. There are four levels of consciousness represented by the elements. Earth(body), wind(thoughts or mind), water(emotions) and fire(intellect). The wings of a dragon represent air. The claws represent earth. The scales represent water and the blazing breath represents fire. When you have mastered all elements of consciousness, you release, slay or control the dragon.
Whenever you see a dragon in a story, it has to do with enlightenment. You slay or release the dragon, so now you have mastered your consciousness. Save the girl (which is the feminine side of your brain) from the dragon to reach enlightenment. Slay the dragon that is guarding the treasure and the riches of enlightenment are yours. My favorite is to release or train the dragon by becoming enlightened. When you become enlightened, you are the dragon rider. Anyone who is a student of magic should see why magic and dragons are usually in the same story.  I love myth. Really. I can’t get enough of it.

Now that you know what the dragon means in myth, I will give you the occult meaning.  In Lemurian Magic I showed you that the Sphinx was created to show exactly when Egypt originated.  The Sphinx was the head of a goddess and body of a lion.  Showing the time between Virgo and Leo.  Later the Patriarchs of Lower Egypt did not like the goddess symbol so they adopted the lion as their logo.  Lower Egypt is also the red crown.  This is why you see a red lion as a logo for royalty, religions and corporations.  Yes the Judah lion is pointing to Egypt.  They are showing the people in the know where their loyalties lie.

As I have said before, everything comes out of Egypt.  Upper Egypt had the Cobra as their symbol and they also had the white crown.  The Cobra refers to the goddess Wadjet.  So the Lion refers to Lower Egypt and the  Cobra refers to Upper Egypt.  When the sides decided to work together out of necessity they combined the lion with the cobra and made the dragon.  When you hear about or see a white dragon it is referring to Upper Egypt and the red dragon is Lower Egypt.  Same goes for red and white serpents.

Source: Dragon – secretsoftheserpent