Stones may be thought of as the very backbone of our world. Most stones come from, and are a part of our Mother Earth. Some are gifts from regions beyond our own planet, such as Moldavite. Stones possess and exhibit different energies, just as the Earth herself does. People throughout time have understood this and worked with the energies of the stones to help achieve their goals, whether magickal, healing or aesthetic. Even those that are not aware of the inherent energy within the stones are still drawn to them, some simply because of their perceived value but many simply because ‘they like them’. Many times they don’t realize that what they are responding to, what ‘they like’ is the energy the stone emits, the very life force of the stone itself.
Some stones seem to possess an active, invigorating presence while others are calming. Again, most people aren’t consciously aware of these differences, but many are. And it is a sense that can be cultivated and honed; allowing us to appreciate and focus the energies within these stones is our goal in this study.
While visually pleasing stones may be very attractive it’s important to remember that they are not necessarily the most powerful. Sometimes the ugly duckling is the one that packs the whollop. So when choosing stones the best gauge is your intuition. While colors and standard properties can be a guide there are always surprises waiting.
Naturally, the first step we normally use in choosing stones is the color. Knowing the general attributes of colors is very helpful. But the real key to choosing the right stone for you is its energy. Hold the stone in your receptive hand (normally your left hand if you are dominantly right handed), quiet your mind, and focus your attention on feeling the energy emitting from the stone in your palm. It may feel strange at first to stand in front of stack of stones in a store grabbing one after another and holding it in your hand briefly but with practice you’ll not only feel more comfortable about the process but enjoy the confidence of a wine connoisseur with the confidence to say what is right or good for you without being told by someone else.
Stones are used magickally in many different ways. Some examples include
Many methods of using stones for healing are similar to magickal methods. Stones may be:
Stones are generally considered to contain either receptive or projective energies, but as with most things in life there are exceptions some stones combining both properties. It’s also important to understand that these properties can be manipulated – charged – to accomplish what, on the surface, might not seem an attribute of that stone.
Projective and receptive properties can be associated with:
|
PROJECTIVE |
|
RECEPTIVE |
|
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Electric |
|
Magnetic |
|
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Hot |
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Cold |
|
|
Day |
|
Night |
|
|
Physical |
|
Spiritual |
|
|
Bright |
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Dark |
|
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Summer |
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Winter |
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Knife |
|
Cup |
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Active |
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Inert |
|
We all contain both receptive and projective energies and it is our goal to both balance these energies and use them to achieve our goals. Too much projective energy can make you aggressive, anxious – but the proper level can increase our energy level. Too much receptive energy can lead to moodiness, lethargy.
Although we generally study and use specific types of stones, an unknown stone found on a mountain path, riverbed or anywhere else could be just as powerful as a stone purchased because of its purported properties. On major thing to consider when choosing stones for various uses is the color of the stone.
These stones are projective, related to the planet Mars and the element of Fire, both aggressive energies.
Red stones can be used to increase energy (sexually and otherwise), promote courage, and strengthen the body and willpower and to provide additional power to rituals.
In healing red stones are intimately linked with blood. They are often worn to relieve anemia, to halt bleeding and to heal wounds. They also work on rashes and inflammation. Red stones were once carried to prevent miscarriages.
Pink stones are receptive and packed with loving vibrations. Ruled by Venus, pink stones are often used to attract love or strengthen a relationship.
They are calming, soothing, and used to de-stress and relax the physical body as well as the mind. They can be worn to promote self-love, self esteem. They promote peace, happiness, joy and laughter. They stimulate the lighter emotions, help attract friends and encourage openness toward others.
Orange stones are projective, containing some of the Fire properties of red but are gentler in their effects. They are often used as symbols of the Sun.
These stones are ideal for use in protective rituals and are related to personal power. They are excellent for increasing self-esteem as they expand your awareness of self-worth. Orange stones are thought to attract luck and are symbols of success.
Yellow stones and minerals are projective and ruled by the Sun (some also say Mercury); they relate to the Element of Air and are projective in nature.
According to Scott Cunningham they are useful for improving communication and self-expression and are also protective. Relating to the Element of Air they can be used to strengthen the conscious mind. They are stones of energy and mental awareness. Good stones for promoting clear thinking, and therefore for studying or problem resolution.
Health wise these stones are used to promote digestion, to regulate the nervous system and for skin problems.
Green stones are ruled by Venus, associated with the Element of Earth and are receptive. They are frequently used in healing rituals. They may be worn during gardening and even placed in the earth to encourage growth.
They are frequently used in spells involving prosperity, money, riches and luck. They are grounding and balancing stones, which can be used to attune with the Earth.
They can be carried or worn to guard the health, specifically thought to improve problems involving the eyes, kidneys and stomach. They are can also be related to and used for improving fertility.
Ruled by the planet Neptune and the Element of Water, these stones are receptive and promote peace. Holding a blue stone or gazing at it by a soft light calms the emotions. For nightmares and difficulty sleeping try wearing a blue stone to bed. Blue stones are also used for purification.
Worn to promote healing in general and specifically to reduce fevers, remove ulcers, and for eliminating inflammation. They are sometimes held to reduce pain.
Ruled by Jupiter and Neptune, purple or indigo-colored stones are receptive and spiritual. They have long been associated with mysticism and purification. They are excellent stones to wear for meditation, to increase psychic powers and for protection.
Purple stones are worn to maintain health and specifically to assist in relieving problems such as headaches, mental illness, depression, concussion and help produce a restful sleep.
Ruled by the Moon, white stones are considered receptive. As such they are intimately linked with sleep and psychism. Because the Moon glows at night, Her stones are used for protection after dark, often when walking alone in hazardous places.
Some feel that white stones, because they contain all colors, can be magically charged to act as substitutes for stones of any color
Black stones are ruled by Saturn, the planet of restriction and aligned with the Element of Earth and are therefore receptive. Black stones are symbolic of self-control, resilience and quiet power. They are excellent for protection and grounding.
Stones which consist of various colors, such as bloodstone (green and red), tourmaline (many combinations), and the opal (all colors) are obviously more complex in their magickal make-up than single hued stone. The individual must determine, from the colors and energies present in each stone, its best uses.
While not falling into any of the above sections these stones are widely used and very powerful. Studying the different aspects of Quartz Crystals would be a class in itself but for brevity, the Quartz Crystal is a very universal stone. Representative of spirit and intellect they are used primarily for healing, conscious altering (great for meditation and scrying) and general magic. They are associated with both the Sun and Moon and considered both Projective and Receptive. They can be charged for almost any magickal intent and should be cleansed frequently.
There are various simple and more complicated ways to ‘cleanse’ stones of negative energies. This sounds ridiculous but the best method is whatever you feel the stone wants.
Here is just one example:
Another method is to simply place them in the sunshine for a day, several days or even a week. An outdoor location is recommended but a windowsill is acceptable. Remove the stones each day at dusk. (This is my preferred method, following a salt water washing)
Some stones preferred to be buried in the earth (even a flowerpot) for cleansing.
If you happen to have a running stream handy just leave the stones in the running water for several days.
Some people in a pinch will cleanse stones by smudging them with Sage and/or Sweetgrass.
A special cleansing for crystals suggested by Cunningham in Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic is to make an infusion of using two Tablespoons of Sage and Sweetgrass to nearly boiling water. Let the water cool, place the crystals in the infusion and let them sit for a day. Remove the crystals from the infusion and sense, with your receptive hand, whether the stone feel ‘cleared’.
Frequently you will want to charge a stone to increase its magickal properties and assist you in your work. This is also extremely simple.
Hold the stone in your projective hand (if you are right handed this would be your right hand) while visualizing and projecting your intent into the stone in your hand. When you feel the stone is pulsing with energy, you are done.
|
Color |
Projective / Receptive |
Planet |
Element |
General Characteristics & Uses for Stones |
Examples of this Color Stone |
|
Red |
Projective |
Mars |
Fire |
Protection, strength, will power, courage, energy, power, blood, birth, lust, sex, war, anger. |
Carnelian, Garnet, Red Jasper, Ruby |
|
Pink |
Receptive |
Venus |
Water |
Love, acceptance, peace, happiness, joy, laughter, calming, soothing, soothing, opening, distressing |
Rose Quartz, Rhodonite, Rhodochrosite |
|
|
Projective |
Sun |
Fire |
Protection, illumination, personal power, increasing self-worth, luck, energy, positive outcomes |
Carnelian, Orange Calcite |
|
Yellow |
Projective |
Mercury/Sun |
Air |
Communication, subconscious mind, heightening visualization abilities, travel, digestion, nervous system, skin, energy, movement, mental awareness |
Citrine, Yellow Zircon, Yellow Carnelian |
|
Green |
Receptive |
Venus |
Water |
Healing, fertility, life, plants, gardens, eyes, kidneys, stomach, money, riches, prosperity, luck, love, balance |
Bloodstone, Aventurine, Green Moss Agate |
|
Blue |
Receptive |
|
Water |
Peace, calming emotions, sleep, healing, reduce fevers, remove ulcers, eliminating inflammations, remove pain, purification |
Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire |
With a little practice, you can become sensitive to the vibrations of the different stones. All stones contain their own inherent powers: some are excellent for healing, others for protection, and still others for drawing love. Some of the associations are obvious simply
|
Color |
Projective / Receptive |
Planet |
Element |
General Characteristics and Uses for
Stones |
Examples |
|
Purple |
Receptive |
Jupiter/Neptune |
Earth |
Spirituality, mysticism, purification, meditation, psychic work, subconscious mind, healing, peace, removing headache, mental illness, depression |
Amethyst, some Fluorites |
|
White |
Receptive |
Moon |
Water/Earth |
Sleep, Psychism, luck, protection, removing headache, substitute for any other stone, |
Snow Quartz, Opal |
|
Black |
Receptive |
Saturn |
Earth |
Protection, grounding, self-control, resilience, quiet power, |
Obsidian, Jet, Apache Tears |
Amazonite - is usually a turquoise color and is
sometimes found with yellow, white or grey portions. It is soothing to
the nerves and dispels both irritating and negative energy.
Magically
Amazonite is related to (successful) gambling and success
Magickally
Amethyst - a variety of quartz found in pale
lavender to deep purple, with deeper colors generally being the most sought
after.
Amethyst
is a stone of spirituality and contentment. It balances the energies of
the intellectual, emotional, and physical bodies and provides a clear
connection between the higher frequencies of both the spiritual and ethereal
levels. It can be used to protect against psychic attacks.
Magickally
Amethyst is used to produce pleasant sleep and dreams. It is also used
for healing, all forms of psychic work and protection from thieves. It is
also related to peace, love, courage, and happiness
Apache Tears - A
variety of obsidian, volcanic glass. The Apache Tear has traditionally
been considered to be the tears of Native American women, mourning for the
warrior driven from a cliff by the cavalry.
It has
been used to comfort grief, stimulate analytical abilities and promotes a
forgiving attitude.
Magickally,
Apache Tear is used for protection and luck.
Apopholite - Used to create a conscious connection between the physical and
spirit realm. It facilitates attunement
of energy to the body. Facilitates
astral travel and provides a clear and enhances a definite physical
connection. Allows access to Akashic
Records of past-life experiences.
Enhances energy stimulation of white light and is used to open the heart
charka. Also used to “charge” objects.
Aquamarine -
Aquamarine is a semiprecious variety of beryl, a pale blue-green color and so
has long been associated with the sea and the element of Water. The stone
may be worn or carried to enhance psychic powers. It has a soothing and
calming effect on the emotions. It is also purifying, stimulates,
activates and cleanses the throat chakra, facilitating communication.
Black Onyx - Onyx is
a projective stone connected to the element of Fire. It is used for
protection and defensive magick. It is also an excellent stone for
centering and alignment of the total person with the higher powers. It
can also be used to banish grief and increase self control.
Bloodstone - Also known as Heliotrope, Bloodstone
is a form of quartz which is deep green with flecks of red. The red
flecks can sometimes be difficult to see.
This
stone was once carried by soldiers to halt bleeding although it was actually
the pressure and coolness of the stone that aided in this. It is still
used today for treatment of blood related diseases.
It is
thought to increase physical strength and is therefore a favorite of
athletes. The stone lends courage, calms fears and helps eliminate
anger.
It has
long been used in spells for victory in legal matters and it's green color
relates it to all monetary concerns.
Blue Lace Agate - As it name indicates Blue Lace Agate displays a pale blue and white
lace pattern. It is thought to be useful in reaching high spiritual
places and has been used in treatments involving the skeletal (including nails)
system.
Magickally,
the stone is used for peace and happiness.
Blue Calcite - calcite in general is thought to clear
and activate the chakras. The blue color of this stone would relate best
to
It is
a healing stone when used or worn on the body. In my home it is used to
facilitate good communication and peace, much like the Blue Lace Agate.
Green Calcite -
Green Calcite is a healing stone and has been used to rid the body of
infections.
Magickally
it is thought to draw money and prosperity to the household, especially when
surrounded by flaming green candles every morning for a few minutes.
Orange Calcite - due to it's color, Yellow Calcite is an energizing stone and
may be used in conjunction with the third chakra.
Magickally
it is considered a protective stone, lending energy to the body when held.
Red Calcite - based on it's color, Red Calcite is
energizing and cleansing for the base or first chakra.
Carnelian - Stones range from pale to vibrant
orange. and is associated with the second chakra. It helps awaken
creative and artistic energies. It helps manifest our innate ability to
manifest things and may be useful in past life information. It is also
thought to stimulate sexual impulses.
Magickally
it is frequently used for protection, healing, courage and sexual energy.
Chalcopyrite - A very interesting stone with colors
ranging from brass, yellow, gren and bright iridscent purple. It often
occurs with copper and/or zinc.
It is
used to assist in finding lost objects. Chalcopyrite can be used to clear
energy blockages as well as aid in maintaining physical energies in the body.
Chrysocala - colors range from blue to green
and are sometimes black or brown. Our Chrysocala is a beautiful deep aqua
or teal color with black veins.
Chysocala
has been used to help regenerate the pancreas, to assist in the regulation of
insulin and balance the blood sugar. It has also been used to strengthen
the muscular structure of the legs, arms, back and abdoment as well as in the
treatment of blood disorders.
The
stone increases ones capacity for love and communication with the spiritual
forces of the earth.
Magickally
it is used to attract love as well as imparting wisdom and peace.
Chrysoprase - Another green stone, this one tending
towards apple green with darker traces in it. Physically it can be used to
increase fertility. It has also been used to encourage fidelity in
business and personal affairs and facilitates deep meditative states.
Magickally
the stone is used to to lift the emotions, banish greed and envy and to prevent
nightmares. Worn as a magical amulet in the 13th century it is still used
as a general shield against negativity and to attract money.
Citrine - colors range from pale yellow to
golden brown or burnt amber. It is one of the two minerals on the planet
which does not hold and accumulate negative energy, but dissipates and
transmutes it. Hence it never needs cleansing or clearing. It
activates the third or solar plexus chakra emparting personal power, creativity
and energy. It is an excellent stone for clearing auras and
stabilizing the emotions.
Citrine
has been used to balance the thyroid and to activate the thymus.
Magickally
Citrine is used to prevent nightmares and to increase psychic abilities.
Flourite - color range includes pink, blue,
green, yellow, purple, magenta, red, black and shades of all of these.
Used at the outset of an illness such as cold or flu it is thought to help
dispel the disorder. It had also been used in the treatment of staph
infections, ulcers and herpes.
Flourite
produces a stabilizing energy, combating chaos.
Magickally
it is used to increase mental powers.
Blue
Flourite produces a
calm ernergy, excellent for stimulting clear, concise communicative skills,
both within the physical reality and between this plane and the other worlds.
Colourless
Flourite stimulates
the crown chakra, clears and energizes the aura. It has been used to
align the chakras, to open the pathways between the universal energy and the
physical body, and to facilitate transmittal of energy from other minerals
during healing.
Green
Flourite helps to
diminish mild trauma and to eliminate negativity within a room. It can be
used in the treatment of disorders of the stomache.
Purple
Flourite - a third
eye stone. It brings an orderly connection and conscious association to
both psychic and spiritual growth. It is excellent in helping to prepare
the physical, emotional, intellectual, and/or spiritual realms of ones being
for healing.
Yellow
Flourite - Enhances
creativity and supports intellectual pursuits. Good for creating a
cooperative connection between individuals of a group. It can be used in
the treatment of unbalanced cholesterol, disorders of the liver, and to assist
in the release of toxins from the fatty deposits within the body.
Jade - Although frequently associated with
the Chinese culture, Jade was revered by the Mayan culture as the
"Sovereign of Harmony". It is said to bring accord tot he
environment, to transmute negativity, and to instill resoucefulness.
Magickally
Jade is related to love, healing, longevity, wisdome, protection, gardening,
prosperity and money. A piece of jade worn or carried while gardening is
said to increase the health of the plants. Jade is protective against
accidents and misshaps.
Kyanite Blades - Kyanite forms in long bladed crystals which may be either
twisted or straight. Colors range from from black to white, including
blue, green, yellow and pink. The Kyanite we carry is a pale lively
blue. This is another stone that never needs clearing or cleaning as it
doesn't absorb negative energies.
Kyanite
aligns all chakras automatically and brings tranquility and a calming effect to
the the whole being. It also facilitates meditation.
Lapis Lazuli- Lapis is a lovely deep blue
color. Lapis activates and energizes the throat chakra. It helps
expand awareness, intellectual capacity and intuition. It is said to help
overcome depression and enhances serenity and self acceptance. It
is
Moonstone - Moonstone seems to be a favorite of
almost everyone, very popular in jewelry. The stone varies in color from
white to rose or light brown with some varieties including sparks of many
colors. The energy of Moonstones is balancing, introspective and
lunar. It helps one absorb what is needed from the universe. It
also enhances intuition and cleanses chakras.
Muscovite – Colour range includes colourless, pink, grey, brown, green,
violet, yellow and rose-red, this stone can be used to lessen self doubt. Facilitates looking clearly at past lessons
and to the future with optimism. The
energy of Muscovite brings quick-thinking, succinct and concise expression of
feelings and comfort in exploring emotional pain. It strengthens the intuitive processes and
assists in discovering solutions to problems, for yourself or others. Muscovite stimulates the heart chakra and
allows layers of insecurities and uncertainties to disperse. It has been used to treat allergies, balance
the pancreas, control blood sugar levels, regulate the kidneys and to relieve
the mental distress caused by disease.
Nebula Stone – A rare stone only found in
Rose Quartz - stone colors range from pale to deep
pink. It is a very calming stone, emitting loving energies. It is
effective in treating conditions of the emotions.
Selenite - A
crystalized form of gypsum, this mineral provides clarity of the mind,
expanding ones awareness of the self and of ones surroundings.
It can
be used to access past and future lives.
It is
an excellent all around healing tool.
Tigereye - Stone color range includes red, brown,
gold, cream, black and blue. Cerridwyn's carries brown, red and blue
Tigereye.
Tigereye
relates both to the sun and the earth. It tends to stimulate
understanding of ones own needs as well as the needs of others. It produces
a soothing vibration.
Magickally
Tigereye is related to money, protection, courage, energy, luck and
divination.
Tourmaline - this
stone is found in a variety of colors, each with it's own properties.
Black
Tourmaline - is grounding and protective. Repels and protects against
negativity. Protects one from being victimized by the negative energy of
another. It has also been used as an energy deflector, being an excellent
stone for those with potential for exposure to excessive amounts of radiation.
Green
Tourmaline - Used to draw money and success in business. Also worn to
stimulate creativity. It has been used to open the heart chakra .
Green Tourmaline holds the essence of the plant kingdom; it provides an energy
conducive to healing plants and tends to readily transfer energy from the
mineral kingdom to the vegetable dimension of vibrations. It is also
useful in the study and practice of herbalism. It can transform negative
energy to the positive state without releasing it to the atmosphere.
|
Chakra
and Location |
Associated Color |
Main Issue
|
Associated
Body Parts |
Physical
Dysfunctions |
Emotional
Dysfunctions |
Stones/Crystals
|
|
Root (1st) Between anus & genitals |
Red |
Survival, physical needs |
Bones, skeletal structure |
Osteorarthritis |
Mental lethargy, “spaciness”, incapable of inner
stillness |
Hematite, Tigers Eye,
Bloodstone |
|
Sacral (2nd) Lower abdomen between naval
and genitals |
|
Emotional balance / Sexuality |
Sex organs, bladder, prostate, womb |
Impotence, frigidity, bladder and prostate
problems, lower back pain |
Unbalanced sex drive, emotional instability,
feelings of isolation |
Citrine, Carnelian, Golden
Topaz |
|
Solar Plexus (3rd) Between naval & base of
sternum |
Yellow |
Personal power, Self will |
Digestive system, muscles |
Stomach ulcers, digestive problems, chronic
fatigue, allergies, diabetes |
Oversensitive to criticism, need to be in control,
low self-esteem |
Aventurine quartz, Sunstone,
Yellow Citrine |
|
Heart (4th) Centre of chest |
Green / Pink |
Love & Relationships |
Heart and chest, lungs, circulation |
Shallow breathing, high blood pressure, heart
disease, cancer |
Fears about betrayal, co-dependent, melancholic |
Watermelon tourmaline, Rose
quartz, Emerald |
|
Throat (5th) Centrally at back of neck |
Blue |
Communication and Self Expression |
Mouth, throat, ears |
Sore throats, neck ache, thyroid problems,
tinnitus, asthma |
Perfectionism, inability to express emotions,
blocked creativity |
Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise,
Aquamarine |
|
Third Eye (6th) Above and between eyebrows |
Indigo |
Intuition, Wisdom |
Eyes, base of skull |
Headaches, poor vision, neurological disturbances,
glaucoma |
Nightmares, learning difficulties, hallucinations |
Amethyst, Fluorite, Azurite |
|
Crown (7th) Top of Head |
Violet, gold, white |
Spirituality |
Upper skull, cerebral cortex, skin |
Sensitivity to pollutants, chronic exhaustion,
epilepsy, Alzheimer’s |
Depression, obsess ional thinking, confusion |
Amethyst, clear quartz,
diamond |
Notes:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham
The Book of Chakra Healing by Liz Simpson
The Craft – A Witch’s Book of Shadows by Dorothy Morrison
Love is in the Earth - Melodie