Signs and Stones: Leo

Leo, First Half: July 22-August 5

Yellow diamond is a brilliant soul stone, befitting the king of the zodiacal wheel. Diamond is pure carbon and the hardest substance on Earth, and its name appropriately originates from the Greek word adamas, meaning “invincible.” Yellow diamonds represent the Sun, the ruling planet for Leos and the symbol of this sign’s high level of consciousness—true heart, great generosity, and incredible courage. Yellow diamond earrings will keep you Leos in balance.

First-half Leos can count zircon as their power stone. Beloved by early cultures, the brilliant zircon was believed to safeguard against poison and was thought to be a holy healer in India. In the early Roman Catholic church, it was held to be the sign of humility. For Leos, whose downfall can be pride, zircon can guard against this and keep the astrological Lions on an even keel.

Early-born Leos have a special heart stone in lesser-known vandanite, which can be a beautiful red orange or a glorious yellow gold. Vandanite is rich in lead and also vanadium, the mineral used to strengthen steel. Vandanite is formed at intense temperatures, which can be related to our Sun, a furnace in the heavens. For Leos, this unusual heart stone can help them deal with the pressure of a lot of attention, which Leos naturally attract with their vibrant and magnetic personalities. You should keep your heart stone at home and at work for optimum stability and inspiration.

Leo, Second Half: August 6-August 21

White diamond is the soul gem for late Leos. It is regarded as the purest of all the hard, pure- carbon crystals. Old cultures deemed this diamond a guard against harm and a bringer of great fortune and enlightenment. Gemologists sometimes refer to this stone as “of the first water,” in reference to its unmatched purity. The lion is the king of the beasts, and Leo the Lion is zodiacal royalty; white diamond is as hot as the Sun itself. Leos can use this rock in all jewelry to aspire to the greatness within it.

Heliodor, named for Helios, the Greek god of the sun, is the ultimate power stone for second- half Leos. Heliodor, a member of the beryl family, is the sunny yellow sister of the popular green emerald and blue aquamarine. It is formed under extremely high temperatures and pressures. Heliodor can help you Leos call upon your greatest qualities and talents and provide the impetus to go out and try to make your dreams come true!

The heart stone for later-born Leos is the most unexpected—sulfur, called brimstone in biblical times. Sulfur is a very dynamic rock; the crystals enlarge even by the heat of a hand that holds it. If you rub sulfur, it will give off a negative charge. A cluster of sulfur is a luminous mass of gold crystals and is quite beautiful despite the images its name may conjure. Obviously, sulfur is associated with fire and has been used for centuries in explosive materials such as gunpowder, fireworks and matches. Leo is a fire sign, and Leos can hold emotions in until they ignite and explode. Keeping sulfur at home can help Leos stay balanced and release their energy in healthy and positive ways.

Mixing Crystals

Here are some tips about stones not to mix together in jewelry, as their energies cancel each other out:

    -Carnelian counteracts amethyst, as it connects more strongly with the body.

    -Lapis lazuli stimulates the mind, and blue lace agate relaxes it.

    -Lapis lazuli and turquoise are also opposites, although I can’t help but notice that this didn’t stop the         Egyptians from using them together!

    -Turquoise dampens the energy of malachite.

    -Diamonds and turquoise have such different energies that they conflict.

Magic Metals: Copper

This is the metal most consciously worn as a healer, as evidenced by the many copper bracelets you see on wrists. If worn on the left side of the body, copper is thought to have the power to actually prevent sickness. The latest fad I’ve noticed has golfers embracing copper to help strengthen their wrists to improve their swings. Healers place their faith in copper’s power to heal the body and mind based on its power as a conductor. Copper supports and reinforces the mineral content of gems and crystals so they interact better with your body. One school of thought propounds the belief that a crystal wand wound with copper is super-powered. You will notice that some of the healing rocks discussed in this book have copper as a trace element, which greatly amps up their power. Some of these copper-ore gemstones are azurite, chrysocolla, malachite, and turquoise. Copper reacts best with stones containing a lot of metal and reacts very little with stones that lack metal ore in their makeup. Tiger’s-eye, aventurine, rhodonite, and mica are metal-rich stones whose energies combine beautifully with copper. Do not place most crystalline stones in copper; the same holds true with pearls and coral. Amethyst is one of the only crystalline stones that will work well with copper. Copper also cooperates with gold and silver, and a multi-metal bracelet with the right stone is a powerful piece for healing!

Copper is found around the world and has been utilized since ancient times for tools, for decoration, and for jewelry. It has played a significant role in the cultures of the Greeks and Romans, Native Americans, Egyptians, and peoples in India, China, and Japan. Copper, which is ruled by Venus, was believed to be able to protect against evil and is said to attract love, especially if set with emeralds. The Egyptians relied upon copper for the ritual of burying the dead. Copper is deeply ingrained in our human history for its use as sacred knives, candleholders in early churches, Asian prayer diagrams, purification vessels, and countless other holy instruments.

This metal stimulates the flow of energy throughout the body and also the mind. Anyone who suffers from lethargy should wear copper to get out of his or her rut. That reminds me—where are my copper bracelet and wand? Copper is believed to be a helpmate to the body’s blood, soft tissue, immune system, metabolism, and mucous membranes. It has also been credited with being a purifier, lending feelings of freedom and possibility, and having positive effects on self- esteem, communication skills, and confidence levels. Even better, it is known as a lucky metal, and you’ll be twice as lucky if you combine it with cat’s-eye, coral, opal, or Apache tear. Quite frankly, who could ask for anything more?

Herbal Helpers for Quick Protection Magic

You need look no further than your kitchen cabinet for other commonplace herbs to ward off unsettling energy:

    * Lemon rind: Rubbed on furniture, doorjambs, and window frames, cleanses negative energy.

    * Rosemary: When added to potpourri, woven into a wreath, or sprinkled on your doorstep, helps                 protect you.

    * Salt: On the threshold of your home will keep away unwanted guests.

    * Kava kava: Kava kava root guards against negative energy. Boil ground kava kava in a quart (1 liter)     of water, let it cool and pour the water on your front step and walkway. To ramp the power up even            more, add in 1 tablespoon each of ground cloves and cinnamon. Safety first!

Lunar and Solar Sign Connections

When the sun or moon is in a certain zodiac sign, it carries that astrological energy. The zodiacal year starts with the sun in Aries, usually on March 21, and the sun then goes through all twelve astrological signs each month. The moon moves more quickly than the sun and stays in a sign for two days before moving on to the next.

You might notice you feel highly energetic one day and more laid back the next. Why is that? Look to the moon for answers. I recommend consulting a reliable source for tracking the sign of the moon—see Resources, page 141. Keep track in your Book of Shadows of the effect that these solar and lunar connections have for you. You can further enhance these astrological associations by using the associated crystals and colors for your candles with the energy of these signs.

Aries, Mars-ruled sign of the Ram, is a high-energy time, which is good for new beginnings. Associated with diamond, amethyst, topaz, garnet, iron, and steel, and the color red.

Venus-ruled Taurus is the Bull and is very abundant in all ways: money, farming, and love. Associated with coral, sapphire, emerald, turquoise, agate, zircon, and copper, and the color azure.

Gemini is ruled by Mercury and is about smarts, quickness, communication, and travel. Associated with aquamarine, agate, amber, emerald, topaz, and aluminum, and the color electric blue.

Lunar Cancer is connected with family and home, and is most fertile of all for farming. Associated with opal, pearl, emerald, moonstone, and silver, and the colors pearl and rose.

Leo is ruled by the sun and it is romantic, brave, showy, and a time to lead. Associated with diamond, ruby, gold, sardonyx, and chrysoberyl, and the color orange.

Mercury-ruled Virgo is good for health, nutrition, and detailed hard work. Associated with jade, rhodonite, sapphire, carnelian, and aluminum, and the color gray-blue.

Libra is ruled by Venus and is artistic, loving, abundant, and balancing. Associated with opal, sapphire, jade, quartz, turquoise, and copper, and the color pale orange.

Plutonic Scorpio is very sensual and sexual, bountiful, and a time for strategy. Associated with bloodstone, topaz, aquamarine, jasper, and silver, and the color dark red.

Jupiter-ruled Sagittarius connotes philosophy, spirituality, treks, and higher understanding. Associated with lapis lazuli, topaz, turquoise, coral, and tin, and the color purple.

Earth-ruled Capricorn is good for business, money, jobs, goals, and politics. Associated with onyx, jet, ruby, lead, and malachite, and the color brown.

Uranus-ruled Aquarius is a time for intellect, risk, innovation, and interaction. Associated with aquamarine, jade, fluorite, sapphire, zircon, and aluminum, and the color green.

Neptune-ruled Pisces is for psychism, dreams, affection, and creativity. Associated with amethyst, alexandrite, bloodstone, stitchite, and silver, and the color ocean blue.

Chakra Crystals

The concept of chakras originated many thousands of years ago in Asia. The ancient philosophers and metaphysicians identified seven main energy centers around the body and saw each chakra emanating energy in the form of a rainbow color that affected the mental, physical, and spiritual balance in a human being. Chakra theory is the basis of many Eastern healing practices. One of the simplest ways to achieve well-being is to place crystals on the parts of the body where certain chakras are centered. Many people I know credit their clarity and well-being to chakra therapy. One sure way to relieve stress and fortify the emotional body is this laying on of crystals.

Chakra	Color	Energies	Corresponding Crystals
First, root (base of spine)	Red	Security, Survival	Garnet, Smoky Quartz
Second, sacral	Orange	Pleasure	Amber, Carnelian
Third, solar plexus	Yellow	Drive, Personal Power	Amber, Citrine, Topaz
Fourth, heart	Green	Abundance, Love, Serenity	Peridot, Rose Quartz
Fifth, throat	Blue	Creativity, Originality	Blue Quartz, Tiger’s-Eye
Sixth, third eye	Indigo	Intuitiveness, Perception	Fluorite, Lapis Lazuli
Seventh, crown	Violet	Holy Bliss, All Is One	Amethyst, Diamond

Mystical Crystal DIY: Elixir of Love

 

An elixir is a very simple potion made by placing a crystal or gemstone in a glass of water for at least seven hours. Then you remove the stone and drink the water, which now carries the vibrational energy of the stone, the very essence of the crystal. This is one of the easiest ways to receive crystal healing and is immediate.

The red stones always hold a lust for life. So, for the Ecstatic Elixir, we are going to push the envelope here and put as many red stones into our potion as we can! Place the following into a glass of water: carnelian, garnet, rough ruby, red coral, red jade, jasper, red sardonyx, cuprite, aventurine, and red calcite. If you don’t have all of these, just mix and match. Even a single rough ruby and a tiny chunk of jasper is a lot of love in a jar.

Place the Ecstatic Elixir on the love corner of your room or altar. Light amber incense and a red candle and speak this spell: “This jade is my joy, the garnet my grace.”

Leave the water on your altar for seven hour or overnight, and drink it upon awakening. Your life energy will quicken, and you should feel very upbeat and good to go. 

Energy Management—You and Your Crystals

The first thing you need to do with a crystal is charge it, which means syncing it up with your personal frequency and vibrations. You’re placing your desires and wishes into the vessel of the crystal. The crystal’s inherent energies will come into play with your personal power, and your intentions can be manifested, or made real, through the crystal.

The very first step in this process, however, is the dedication of the crystal toward the greater good of all beings. An essential part of this process is the cleansing of the crystal in order to purify its energy. Although this is a straight-forward task, it is of supreme importance for your use of the crystal down the road. If a gem or stone is not as effective as you had hoped, the problem could stem from the initial dedication. Think of this primary step as the honing and direction of the intention. Here is how: simply hold the crystal in the palm of your right hand, and in your mind picture a glow of light surrounding the stone.

When the rock is completely enveloped by light in your mind’s eye, state out loud, “This crystal is only for exacting good of the highest order. In this stone of the earth, there is only love and light.” I like to leave the crystal out in the light of the natural rays of the sun and the moon for a twenty-four-hour period for the maximum dedication of light and love from the universe and the heavens above as part of the purification process. But, if time is of the essence, you can move right on to step number two, charging the crystal itself.

All stones possess natural energies of their very own. You want to merge your energies with those of your crystals so that the crystals will be in sync with your vibratory channel. Remain mindful of the great power your stones have and you will be in a good position to work with it. Consider carefully what kind of energy you want to place into your crystal. Take a stone that has been cleansed by sitting in a bowl of sea salt overnight and in the light of the sun for a day. Sit in a comfortable position and hold the crystal in your right hand. Focus on the energy you desire your crystal to hold and project it into the stone. Bear in mind, the use of crystal magic should not be used solely for your purposes, but also for the greater good. Please make sure you’re projecting positive energy and not anger or hatred. You should ask aloud for your crystal to work together with you for the highest good. You are doing creative visualization here, so keep concentrating until you can see and feel the energy flowing into the stone. You will feel when the charging, or programming, is complete; your intuition will tell you.

While it is not the best-case scenario, you can charge a stone for someone else. For example, if you have a friend who is very ill and halfway around the world, you could charge the crystal with positive, healing energy and send it to your friend to help them. Ask the crystal to work for the highest good of this person and then release that crystal to them.

Dressed to Thrill: Charging Your Jewelry with Enchantment

Before a special date night or big evening event, you can enhance your own energy field with jewelry magic. Charging a gem or crystal imbues it with your intent. Upon charging your jewelry, you can use it in spellwork or anytime you want to surround yourself with the magic you put into the gemstones. While picturing your truest wish and hope and what you ultimately want to achieve through this process, anoint a candle with an essential oil that most expresses your energy. Perhaps it is rose, or as in my case, amber.

Begin by lighting the candle and gazing into the flame. Then, place the piece of jewelry in front of the candle and say aloud:

    Into this jewelry, I imbue my essence.

    In these stones lies the power of this blessed earth.

    This gem of great hue is charged until my magic is through.

    With harm to none, so mote it be!

You can further empower the jewel by scratching your desire into the wax of the candle. Then, each time you burn the candle, place the gem before it and think upon your purpose.

Color Magic: The Supernatural Spectrum

Candle magic and color magic are deeply intertwined. Ritual candles are chosen for their color correspondences and then carved and anointed with special oils chosen for their own special energy. Color is a deeply intuitive form of magic, and its effect on the human mind is widely recognized and is supported by an array of scientific studies. Think about color therapy, for example! The way that colors elicit a subconscious response from your brain is its own form of magic. Even skeptics will agree that different colors can change the energy of a room and alter your mood. You may also find that your favorite colors have something to do with your response to certain vibrational energies and or some things that you are unconsciously lacking in your life.

Color magic is incredibly simple and can be incorporated into all areas of your life, from your home decoration to all the items you adorn yourself with such as clothes, makeup, nail polish, and so forth! Creating a candle spell involving color can be as simple as applying the basic precepts of color magic: Have a clear picture of your desired outcome, and choose a candle in a color you feel is appropriate. Then, just light your candle and let it burn while you focus on your intention. Because color magic is so subjective, some differences of opinion do exist, and color itself is a magical system. You may study the following guide as you select your candles, but remember to let your instinct lead you above all else here.

WHITE

Because white contains the whole spectrum of colors, it can often be used as a catch-all candle color and can replace other candles in a spell if necessary. White is specifically associated with protection, purity, peace and harmony, truth, binding, sincerity, happiness, spirituality and the higher self, tranquility, and new beginnings. You might wish to use the power of a white candle either to get a fresh start to your day or to create a sense of calm throughout your space.

RED

Red is the color of passion! Signifying the lifeblood running through your veins, it can be used for protection, strength, health, energy, vigor, sex and sensuality, love, courage, and power. Red candles are fierce and bold, useful in love magic as well as to ignite your personal power and charisma. They will help you to overcome obstacles and become the most daring and confident version of yourself.

BLACK

Black candles are best known for their ability to absorb and destroy negativity. They have strong banishing powers, protecting you from any harm that might come your way in the form of negative energy or ill intentions. Black is also an excellent color to help you cope with fears of the unknown and is associated with acceptance, determination, grounding, security, release, endings, and grief.

BLUE

Blue represents emotion, honesty and trust, relaxation, and calm. It is a color that can bring peace to a restless heart and mind, and it is also associated with communication. There are a variety of shades of blue that have even more specific correlations and uses.

Energy Management—You and Your Crystals

The first thing you need to do with a crystal is to charge it, which means syncing it up with your personal frequency and vibrations. You’re placing your desires and wishes into the vessel of the crystal. The crystal’s inherent energies will come into play with your personal power, and your intentions can be manifested, or made real, through the crystal.

The very first step in this process, however, is the dedication of the crystal toward the greater good of all beings. An essential part of this process is the cleansing of the crystal in order to purify its energy. Although this is a straight-forward task, it is of supreme importance for your use of the crystal down the road. If a gem or stone is not as effective as you had hoped, the problem could stem from the initial dedication. Think of this primary step as the honing and direction of the intention. Here is how: Simply hold the crystal in the palm of your right hand, and in your mind picture a glow of light surrounding the stone.

When the rock is completely enveloped by light in your mind’s eye, state out loud, “This crystal is only for exacting good of the highest order. In this stone of the earth, there is only love and light.” I like to leave the crystal out in the light of the natural orbs of the sun and the moon for a twenty-four-hour period for the maximum dedication of light and love from the universe and the heavens above as part of the purification process. But, if time is of the essence, you can move right on to step number two, charging the crystal itself.

All stones possess natural energies of their very own. You want to merge your energies with those of your crystals so that the crystals will be in sync with your vibratory channel. Remain mindful of the great power your stones have and you will be in a good position to work with it. Consider carefully what kind of energy you want to place into your crystal. Take a stone that has been cleansed by sitting in a bowl of sea salt overnight and in the light of the sun for a day. Sit in a comfortable position and hold the crystal in your right hand. Focus on the energy you desire your crystal to hold and project it into the stone. Bear in mind, the use of crystal magic should not be used solely for your purposes, but also for the greater good. Please make sure you’re projecting positive energy and not anger or hatred. You should ask aloud for your crystal to work together with you for the highest good. You are doing creative visualization here, so keep concentrating until you can see and feel the energy flowing into the stone. You will feel when the charging, or programming, is complete; your intuition will tell you.

While it is not the best-case scenario, you can charge a stone for someone else. For example, if you have a friend who is very ill and halfway around the world, you could charge the crystal with positive, healing energy and send it to your friend to help him. Ask the crystal to work for the highest good of this person and then release that crystal to him.

Energy Work: Managing Energy and Creating Sacred Space

Liz Ashling is a shamanic leader in Larkspur, California, who has worked with hundreds of people in her practice to help them live in balance and “awaken oneness.” She has inspired the following meditation. This uniquely holistic approach to energy management provides the opportunity for deep inner work, since within sacred space you experience meaningful exploration to transform your life.

I suggest that you create a special space for yourself, a safe space for healing, such as an altar or healing sanctuary. You want to focus on what you wish to heal. You may wish to write out an intention list with your desires. While you hold your healing intention in your mind, begin to notice what would support your intention. It may be a picture of a healed person, a symbol, or a picture of a spiritual master such as St. Francis, the Blessed Mother, Kuan Yin, or the Buddha. Choose whomever you feel most connected with. Honor Mother Earth by placing a bowl of water on the altar as well as a white candle to banish bad energy. Use something to represent the element of fire and something to represent the earth: fresh flowers, crystals, and pictures of a sculpture of your animal allies and totems. If you have a permanent sacred place with an altar, simply add items with healing powers that match your healing intentions. The ritual of creating an altar provides support to your process.

Here is where you can apply your personal design and creativity. Tap into your intuition and let it be your guide in this sacred shrine. Altars may include a variety of items, such as minerals like rose quartz, amethyst, quartz crystal, turquoise, or any other minerals that promote healing and add supportive energy during your process. Some people use sage, evergreen, or cedar to prepare themselves and their space, asking to clear away earthly demands and confusion as they smudge. The result is the enhancement of listening to yourself, which leads to a deeper inner wisdom. Some people choose to use holy water or wear a gold cross as they do their healing process, while other place a glass bowl of blessed salt water on their altar to keep the space clear. Any of these can help to create sacred space and prepare you for your process. You may wish to play classical or soothing music in the background while you process. I prefer silence of my drum and rattles.

You should do the following exercises in silence, without interruption, and in a safe place. Once you have created your space, sit quietly without being disturbed for an hour or so. Turn off your phone and get comfortable. I suggest that you sit rather than lie down because you will be less likely to fall asleep. Now close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to quiet yourself. Note: I suggest that you read these exercises into a tape player, so you can simple close your eyes and listen to the process. 

Murcha—The Euphoric Breath

Murcha in Sanskrit means “to retain,” so murcha is the “retaining breath.” Murcha will help you hold on to some of your natural energy that business drains away. Restore yourself through this ritual. Pranayama is the fine art of breathing and controlling the flow of oxygen in and out of the lungs. Conscious breathing can vastly improve your health and make you more alert. This is a yoga exercise for achieving a state of ecstasy through pranayama. Done properly, murcha will enhance your mental capacity, center you, and create a sense of euphoria.

Sit down on the floor or a mat and make yourself as comfortable as possible. Now close your eyes and calm yourself completely. Begin the process of murcha by taking a few mindful breaths. Breathe through your nose. Don’t hold your breath; just breathe in and out in a natural manner, but remain aware of your breathing.

When you are ready, take a deeper breath through your nose and visualize the new air and oxygen traveling throughout your body, cleansing and relaxing you. Hold that deeper breath, bend your neck, and bring your chin as close to your lungs and chest as possible. Keep this position as long as you can do so comfortably. When you need to, raise your head again and slowly exhale through your nose. When your lungs are empty, repeat the murcha breath. Repeat this cycle of breathing five times only. After the fifth breath, notice how you feel and be “in the moment.” Like most breathing meditations, you will experience a subtle sort of ecstasy with raised energy and a sense of bliss.

In pranayama, it is important to remember not to place any stress on your body. Don’t hold your breath beyond your comfort level. To do so would be to go against the grain of the technique and teachings of pranayama.

With practice, you will notice you can hold your breath naturally and comfortably just a little bit longer each time. As with all things, pranayama yoga breathing gets better with practice. The beginning breath cleanses the pulmonary system and raises your energy level. 

The Three Principles of the Wiccan Way

The Wiccan Rede

In his book, The Meaning of Witchcraft, Gerald Gardner states, “An ye harm none, do as ye will.” This statement encourages the individual freedom to do as you see fit so long as it does not affect anyone negatively. While you pursue your own interest, that is, think of how what you do affects others. This applies to all aspects of life, but especially with rituals and spell work because you are working with energies that have wide-ranging powers. This rule requires real attention and a high degree of consciousness in terms of assessing the repercussions of any action in regard to all the possible physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychological consequences as a result of all ritual work. 

The Threefold Law 

"What you do comes back to you threefold” resembles the Buddhist principle of karma. the Threefold Law is a directive to always think of the consequences of personal actions, including rites, ceremonies, and spells you perform. Negativity comes back to you three times over, so attention to attitudes and thoughts is absolutely essential. The flip side of this law is that positive energy also comes back to you threefold. Kindness, love, and generosity are all magnified. This is also a reason to do ritual work for long-distance healing and for global issues such as peace, the environment, and world hunger. Send good works and helpful intentions out to others and you yourself will benefit. 

The Golden Rule 

"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” Many people might find it amazing that Neo-Pagans and Christians share this basic rule of morality that places personal responsibility at the highest level. In other words, the “right action” is up to you and is of ultimate importance. The Bible tells us that “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). You don’t have to be Wiccan to appreciate these basic principles for responsible use of ritual. These few, simple For the Good of All: The History and Use of Ritual 23 guidelines are universal in nature and can apply to any walk of life and to any spiritual practice. It is also vital to respect the diversity of religions. Respect others as you wish to be respected. In their ability to impact others, magic and ritual are serious undertakings. With good intentions and heightened awareness about managing energy, you can learn to become a responsible ritualist. Anne Niven, publisher of the excellent SageWoman, PanGaia, and newWitch magazines, recently related a story of a writer who was unintentionally teaching a less than responsible ritual. This writer’s recommendation was for teenage girls to go for a walk near a body of water and invoke the spirit of a suicidal banshee there to help work through their depression. To work with such an unbalanced spirit while in an extreme emotional state is potentially dangerous. We need to think our rites through in regard to short-term effects, long-term effects, and how we and others will be affected by our ritual work. Careful consideration will go a long way toward increasing the effectiveness of your work. A simple rule of thumb is to trust your instincts and do your research really well. Also, never take the gods and goddesses lightly, as these ancient energies are very powerful. To protect yourself, learn as much as you can about the deities, as well as the herbs, flowers, oils, and essences you intend to use. Honoring the earth and caring for our precious environment is absolutely essential as well. Ritual requires consciousness and integrity, traits that will serve you well in every path of your life. As a ritualist, you should walk your talk and act responsibly in all your work. 

Mystical Crystal DIY: Elixir of Love

An elixir is a very simple potion made by placing a crystal or gemstone in a glass of water for at least seven hours. Then you remove the stone and drink the water, which now carries the vibrational energy of the stone, the very essence of the crystal. This is one of the easiest ways to receive crystal healing and is immediate.

The red stones always hold a lust for life. So, for the Ecstatic Elixir, we are going to push the envelope here and put as many red stones into our potion as we can! Place the following into a glass of water: carnelian, garnet, rough ruby, red coral, red jade, jasper, red sardonyx, cuprite, aventurine, and red calcite. If you don’t have all of these, just mix and match. Even a single rough ruby and a tiny chunk of jasper is a lot of love in a jar.

Place the Ecstatic Elixir on the love corner of your room or altar. Light amber incense and a red candle and speak this spell: “This jade is my joy, the garnet my grace.”

Leave the water on your altar for seven hour or overnight, and drink it upon awakening. Your life energy will quicken, and you should feel very upbeat and good to go.

The Scent of Happiness

The minute you walk into someone’s home, you can almost immediately tell how happy a household it is. Much of that is determined by the smell. A home with the fragrance of sugar cookies or a freshly baked pumpkin pie is one you may well want to visit often. Similarly, a space redolent of the bouquet of lilies or tea roses is one where the residents take care to make their home beautiful to both the eye and the other senses. There are lots of small things we can do in regard to “energy maintenance” for our home. To sweeten any mood, this recipe works wonders on you or anyone in your environment who might need a lift. Combine the following essential oils:

• 2 drops neroli
• 4 drops bergamot
• 4 drops lavender
• 2 drops rosemary

Add the mixture to a quart of distilled or fresh spring water and spray the air for an easy home makeover!

Capricorn: Oak Prevents Overwhelm

Our love-able goats are unbelievably strong, but that can lead to never stopping (even when rest is really needed) and burnout. Capricorns also try to do everything on their own, drawing too much on their own can-do spirit, yet this can be a grueling path to getting to your goals and achievements. Oak is a marvelous flower essence helps with boundaries, energy preservation, and maintaining and not draining yourself while you get to the top of that mountain.

Turquoise

Here we have one of the oldest stones known to man. The Egyptians loved turquoise amulets and gifted them to their dead. The famous tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamen was replete with turquoise, lapis, carnelian, and carved-stone talismanic figures such as scarabs. Egyptians were mining turquoise in 3200 B.C. in Sinai, and it has been held in the highest regard by many ancient peoples. The ancient Mexicans gave this stone the ultimate respect, using it only for the gods; it was never worn by mere mortals.

Turquoise is a copper-based stone, giving it the delightful blue-green coloring. the name comes from a word meaning “Turkish stone,” as it first traveled to Europe along the Silk Route from Turkey. The black-veined specimens are called Navajo turquoise and are especially beloved for the grounding they provide. This stone opens the heart chakra and also affords a heart-centered quality, a loving connection with others. Turquoise releases negative emotions and draws out unsettling vibrations. If you use turquoise as a “drawing stone,” I recommend that you place it on the ground afterward, because the earth can absorb and process the negativity that is no longer inside you.

Turquoise will help you find your deepest, truest self. It is a spirit stone that inspires and uplifts, literally offering elevation to the chakras. Turquoise tunes in to an individual’s energy and projects it into the world. The stone tunes in to an individual’s energy and projects it into the world The stone gives gratitude and generosity and is a sign of friendship. Found all around the world, turquoise is revered in Native American and Asian traditions. These ancient cultures have had a belief that survives to this day that turquoise is a representation of the earth and sky.

The properties of this stone are as practical as they are spiritual—igniting intuition and enabling the wearer to grow toward wholeness. As a healer, turquoise can be placed gently upon an area of affliction for quick pain relief. It is especially helpful for headaches. Worn as a necklace, this stone touches upon the throat chakra, enabling eloquence in speech and encouraging absolute honesty. Turquoise is regarded as a planet-loving crystal, offering protection and preservation to the environment.

Ruby

This gem is ruled by the energy of the sun and was considered to be the stone of nobility. One of the most precious of all gems, ruby is at least as valuable as diamond—and is more valuable than diamond if unflawed. The red beauty is especially revered in China and India, where it is seen as a harbinger of health and happiness. In days long past, both these countries believed that a fading of the stone warned of impending problems. Like most other stones in the pink and red shade of the spectrum, ruby is a heart stone and corresponds strongly with this chakra. Ruby heals the heart and carries the red ray of emotional wellness through the expression of love. This divine energy and as such there is a striving for the highest love vibration. Ruby brings joy into your life and gives you permission to follow your bliss.

Most commonly found in India, Sri Lanka, and North America, this jewel comes in a range of colors, from a really vivid red to a deep purplish crimson. The most valuable occurrence of this precious stone is the delicate rose color. You should be careful before selecting any ruby, as this gem is another energy amplifier. Ruby will magnify whatever energy is there to begin with, whether is positive or negative. Its energy is extremely intense. Ruby’s red color can quickly give rise to passions of a romantic and sexual nature as well as of anger and rage. You must bear this in mind when wearing ruby and remain conscious of your feelings.

People who do energy work and healing say that this gem can fill in and repair holes in the aura. Ruby affects the root chakra and is therefore connected to our most primal drives as humans—sex and survival. Ruby is a stone of loyalty, confidence and courage. It will protect you. If you are exhausted, this wonder worker will replenish your drained chi and restore you to peak levels of vitality, strength, and stamina. Ruby is also said to eliminate blockages of the reproductive system and encourage healthy energy flow. It is even good for hypoglycemia.

I love this jewel because it helps overcome and eradicate negative thought patterns and habits. Ruby holds the singular power of love for the self and for others. If set in white or yellow gold, ruby’s regenerative love power is greatly enhanced.

Smoky Quartz

Smoky quartz, like many other brown stones, is a grounding crystal and affects the parts of the body closest to the earth—the lower torso and the root chakra. As a healer, smoky quartz helps the kidneys, abdomen, pancreas, and sexual organs. It can help a person stuck in a decadent cycle of sexual gratification and promiscuity break out of that meaningless cycle toward real love.

I like how smoky quartz facilitates the creation and achievement of business goals as well as higher personal aspirations. Smoky quartz is one of the only crystals I know that can generate an attitude of patience and fortitude. This dark stone also helps with perspicacity and perseverance—slowly but surely you can get to the top of the mountain! Smoky quartz is calming and is a wonderful antidepressant stone. In the same vein, it abets issues of possessiveness and addiction and can help people struggling with codependency. Smoky quartz also helps people get over negative emotions such as fear, anger, and jealousy. This tone can point out what is important in your life and what is not; it will lead you in overcoming the emotional blocks that stop you from prioritizing your wants and needs. Smoky quartz will move through your lower mind and help your soul grow toward a higher mind and new stages of creativity and inspiration. As an elixir, smoky quartz is superb for radiation illnesses.

This stone is great in combination with these relatives in the quartz family: rose quartz, citrine, and amethyst. If you work with this trinity of crystals, you can blanca female and male energies—the yin and the yang. I find that moldavite is rather un-grounding for me, but smoky quartz can ameliorate that effect and get my feet back on the earth.