The beautiful sheen of moonstone seems to wax and wane like its namesake - and this crystal has featured in much lunar folklore.
Moonstone is considered a sacred link to the Moon in many cultures. In ancient India, people thought that the stone grew under the rays of the Moon and absorbed its mystical qualities, while a curious Sri Lankan belief recounted that every 37 years waves influenced by the Moon hurled opalescent moonstones onto the seashores.
Lunar Associations
Many qualities are attributed to this crystal in connection with the Moon. It is thought to protect those traveling by moonlight and is sometimes known as the Traveler's Stone. Moonstone was used in the Middle Ages to treat consumption (on a waxing moon), for divination (on a waning Moon), and to reconcile lovers (on a full Moon). The Romans also believed that the stone had the power to endow love, wealth and wisdom.
Moonstone in the Mouth
In the Middle Ages, it was believed that placing a moonstone in your mouth improved your memory. The stone was rinsed in water and placed on the tongue. You would then think about your affairs, while the stone fixed important issues in your mind and let more trivial problems slip away.
Oral divination
This is similar to the Indian belief that placing a moonstone in the mouth during a full Moon would enable lovers to divine their future together.
Another old legend says that if a person is unsure about a situation he should hold a moonstone in his mouth and concentrate on the matter. If attempted during a waning Moon, a solution will come to him.
Using Moonstone
The benefits of moonstone are many fold: use its powers to divine the future, strengthen you psychic abilities and relieve the discomfort of water retention.
Moonraking
Moonraking is an old technique used in magic to charge water for scrying or spells. Under a full Moon, a silver or crystal bowl is half filled with dew or spring water. A moonstone is then placed in the water.
Charge the Water
Using hand gestures, imagine you are "raking" the rays of the full Moon into the water in the bowl. Visualize silvery light filling and charging the water. The "moonwater" may then be used for scrying, cleansing your crystals or casting lunar spells.
Psychic Work
Use moonstone to help develop your psychic abilities. During meditation or attempts at astral projection, place a moonstone over your third eye Chakra. This will enhance the energies of your mind and sharpen your focus. It is best to practice this exercise with the Moon's light shining on you.
Lunar Lens
Imagine the moonstone acts as a lens, focusing the Moon's rays into your mind to enhance your intuition and psychic abilities.
Gardening Spells
Moonstone is associated with the growth of plants through its connection with the Moon. It is a good stone to use to help your garden bloom.
* To boost plants and trees that refuse to grow, place a moonstone at teh base of the stem or hang it from the branches. The crystal will draw the energy of the Moon to encourage growth.
* You can also water plants with the 'moonraked' water to promote growth.
Easing Water Retention
With its lunar connections, moonstone is a good crystal to use for relieving the discomfort of water retention.
* Carry a moonstone in your hip pocket or attach it to a hip chain. This will allow the crystal's lunar influence to easily reach the stomach area and help encourage the body to release excessive water stored there.
* During the waning phase of the Moon, take a moonstone and place it on a windowsill. The Moon's rays will recharge the moonstone and attune its energies to the receding tides.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Ivy Moon-- October
The lunar month of Ivy offers the opportunity to give thanks for life's blessings and to prepare for a period of spiritual growth.
The Ivy Moon coincides with the end of the harvest season when successes and losses must be accounted for. In ancient times, intoxicating ale was brewed from ivy and was used to induce visions of the battlefield.
The plant teaches us that restrictions are necessary to help us hone our skills. During this month remember that your enemies are your teachers and that opposition is a blessing in disguise. Focus on magic that strengthens your resolve.
Prepare for the Future
Spells that boost your sense of responsibility will make you ready for what lies ahead. Be prepared to take the long-term view and accept and celebrate your life as it is right now. Trust that the Ivy Moon will prepare you to receive an answer to your prayers at exactly the right time.
The Ritual of the "Ivy Girl"
Ivy grows in a spiral formation reminding us that each cycle of the seasons brings us closer to the center, to the spirit. The last harvest sheaf to be cut in the village was once bound with ivy and called the "Ivy girl". This was given to the farmer whose harvest was last, as a reminder of his responsibility to the spirits of the land.
Ivy Mythology
Ivy is ruled by the planet Saturn and is often linked with horned gods such as Pan and Dionysus, and as such, is a plant of protection, sexuality, property and faith. Ivy was also believed to protect from alcoholic intoxication. For this reason, intertwined vines of grape and ivy, representing balance, were depicted in ancient images of Dionysus.
Ivy Moon Magic
You can use the month of the Ivy Moon for spells and rituals for protection, or harness its energy to make charms that will strengthen resolve and help you face challenges.
House Protection Spell
Utilize the magic of Ivy to protect your home form negative influences.
You will need:
*A black candle
*Lots of ivy stems
1. Light the candle and say, "I call upon the spirits of this place, come in peace."
2. Make a circle of ivy stems on the floor and step into the center.
3. Turn to the east and recite, "Spirits of the Air, protect me."
4. To the south say, "Spirits of Fire, protect me."
5. To the west say, "Spirits of Water, protect me."
6. To the north say, "Spirits of the Earth, protect me."
7. Place the stems that formed your circle at the boundaries of your property.
Women's Ivy Charms
Ivy is a feminine plant and it is particularly lucky for women. Use the following ivy charms all year around to utilize ivy's powerful magical properties.
*Brides who carry or wear ivy will have a long committed and prosperous marriage. Sew an ivy leaf into a small pocket of white linen, and give this to a bride to slip into the hem of her wedding dress for luck.
*To guard against accidents while driving, carefully secure an ivy leaf on your car's dashboard.
*Grow ivy vines around the front door of your house to prevent negativity from entering your home.
Facing Challenges
Performing this ritual during the Ivy Moon will help you to learn from difficult circumstances and move on. To perform this ritual you will need:
*A piece of paper
*A pen
*A white candle
*A fireproof dish
1. Write a list of the troubles that you are experiencing
2. Next to each one, write what you have gained from it, for example "It made me stronger".
3. Light the candle saying, "This flame represents my faith in the universe. I give thanks for the lessons I have learned."
4. Burn the paper and feel yourself grow stronger.
Ivy Spell Bags
Use the magic of Ivy to strengthen your willpower.
* Ivy leaves, ginger and echinacea (ek-in-AY-sha) placed in a yellow spell bag will guard against addictive behavior.
* Ivy leaves, chicory, sea salt and sage in a navy blue bag will guard against overspending.
* A charm of ivy leaves, hawthorn leaves, and red chili seeds placed in a white spell bag will help to keep you faithful to your lover.
* Placing ivy leaves, lily petals and lilac flowers in a blue spell bag will prevent you from returning to a destructive relationship.
The Ivy Moon coincides with the end of the harvest season when successes and losses must be accounted for. In ancient times, intoxicating ale was brewed from ivy and was used to induce visions of the battlefield.
The plant teaches us that restrictions are necessary to help us hone our skills. During this month remember that your enemies are your teachers and that opposition is a blessing in disguise. Focus on magic that strengthens your resolve.
Prepare for the Future
Spells that boost your sense of responsibility will make you ready for what lies ahead. Be prepared to take the long-term view and accept and celebrate your life as it is right now. Trust that the Ivy Moon will prepare you to receive an answer to your prayers at exactly the right time.
The Ritual of the "Ivy Girl"
Ivy grows in a spiral formation reminding us that each cycle of the seasons brings us closer to the center, to the spirit. The last harvest sheaf to be cut in the village was once bound with ivy and called the "Ivy girl". This was given to the farmer whose harvest was last, as a reminder of his responsibility to the spirits of the land.
Ivy Mythology
Ivy is ruled by the planet Saturn and is often linked with horned gods such as Pan and Dionysus, and as such, is a plant of protection, sexuality, property and faith. Ivy was also believed to protect from alcoholic intoxication. For this reason, intertwined vines of grape and ivy, representing balance, were depicted in ancient images of Dionysus.
Ivy Moon Magic
You can use the month of the Ivy Moon for spells and rituals for protection, or harness its energy to make charms that will strengthen resolve and help you face challenges.
House Protection Spell
Utilize the magic of Ivy to protect your home form negative influences.
You will need:
*A black candle
*Lots of ivy stems
1. Light the candle and say, "I call upon the spirits of this place, come in peace."
2. Make a circle of ivy stems on the floor and step into the center.
3. Turn to the east and recite, "Spirits of the Air, protect me."
4. To the south say, "Spirits of Fire, protect me."
5. To the west say, "Spirits of Water, protect me."
6. To the north say, "Spirits of the Earth, protect me."
7. Place the stems that formed your circle at the boundaries of your property.
Women's Ivy Charms
Ivy is a feminine plant and it is particularly lucky for women. Use the following ivy charms all year around to utilize ivy's powerful magical properties.
*Brides who carry or wear ivy will have a long committed and prosperous marriage. Sew an ivy leaf into a small pocket of white linen, and give this to a bride to slip into the hem of her wedding dress for luck.
*To guard against accidents while driving, carefully secure an ivy leaf on your car's dashboard.
*Grow ivy vines around the front door of your house to prevent negativity from entering your home.
Facing Challenges
Performing this ritual during the Ivy Moon will help you to learn from difficult circumstances and move on. To perform this ritual you will need:
*A piece of paper
*A pen
*A white candle
*A fireproof dish
1. Write a list of the troubles that you are experiencing
2. Next to each one, write what you have gained from it, for example "It made me stronger".
3. Light the candle saying, "This flame represents my faith in the universe. I give thanks for the lessons I have learned."
4. Burn the paper and feel yourself grow stronger.
Ivy Spell Bags
Use the magic of Ivy to strengthen your willpower.
* Ivy leaves, ginger and echinacea (ek-in-AY-sha) placed in a yellow spell bag will guard against addictive behavior.
* Ivy leaves, chicory, sea salt and sage in a navy blue bag will guard against overspending.
* A charm of ivy leaves, hawthorn leaves, and red chili seeds placed in a white spell bag will help to keep you faithful to your lover.
* Placing ivy leaves, lily petals and lilac flowers in a blue spell bag will prevent you from returning to a destructive relationship.
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