IRON

Energy: Projective
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Deity: Selene
Associated Stones: Quartz Crystal, Holey Stones
Associated Metals: Lodestone, Meteorite
Powers: Protection, Defensive Magic, Strength, Healing, Grounding, Return of Stolen Goods

Magical/Ritual Lore:

Because iron is seldom found in pure form except in meteorites, the earliest iron available for use by humans was obtained from these strange celestial objects. Meteorites, which were observed falling from the heavens, were used to make simple tools, supplementing bone and stone implements by earlier humans.

Throughout most of the world, humans eventually learned how to remove iron from its ore, which made it available for wider use.

Once this occurred, it was soon limited to purely physical applications and was restricted in magic and religion. In ancient Greece, for example, no iron was brought into the temples. Roman priests could not be shaved or scraped with iron during bodily cleansing.

Ireland, Scotland, Finland, China, Korea, India, and other countries have severe taboos against iron. Again and again in ancient rituals fire was made without iron, altars built without its use, and magical rituals performed only after divesting the body of all traces of the metal.

Herbs were usually collected with non-iron knives, owing to the belief that the vibrations of this metal would “jam” or “confuse” the herb’s energies.

The Hindus once believed that the use of iron in buildings would spread epidemics, and, even to this day, a gift of iron in any form is thought by some to be unlucky.

However, iron did have its place in magic. Specifically, it was worn or used in protective rituals. Its powerful, projective vibrations were thought to be feared by demons, ghosts, fairies, genii and other fantastic creatures.

In China, dragons were thought to fear iron. When rain was needed, pieces of the metal were thrown into “dragon pools” to upset the creatures and send them into the sky in the form of rain clouds.

In old Scotland, iron was used to avert danger when a death had occurred in the house. Iron nails or knitting needles were thrust into every item of food-cheese, grain, meat and so on-to act as a lightning rod, attracting the confusing vibrations that death may arouse

within the living and thus sparing the food of possible contamination.

Classical Romans drove nails into their house walls to preserve their health, especially during times of plague.

Because of its protective effects iron was sometimes thought, conversely, to be sacred, and thieves in ancient Ireland wouldn’t dare to steal it.

Magical Uses:

Iron-pure projective power, active, seeking, blinding, confusing, guarding.

For heavy protection, place small pieces of iron in each room of the house or bury at the four comers of your property. In earlier times, iron fences were sometimes used to halt the flow of negativity into the home.

During protective or defensive magic, wear an iron ring engraved with the symbol of Mars. Or, obtain a three-inch thick white candle and eight old iron nails. Warm the nails by a fire (or in a red candle's flame), then thrust each into the white candle in a random pattern. Light the nail-studded candle and visualize yourself as guarded, protected, secure.

Wearing iron or carrying a small piece of this metal enhances physical strength and is an excellent talisman for athletes.

Iron is also used during healing rituals. A small piece is placed beneath the pillow at night. This was originally done to scare away the "demons" that had caused the disease but can be thought of as strengthening the body’s ability to heal itself.

Iron rings or bracelets are worn to draw out illnesses from the body. This dates back to at least ancient Roman times.

A curious ritual from Germany to cure toothache: Pour oil onto a piece of heated iron. The fumes which rise from the iron will act on the problem.

In old Scotland, healing stones-quartz crystals or holey stones were kept in iron boxes to guard against supernatural creatures who might steal them.

Iron is also worn for grounding, for closing down the psychic centers, and for impeding the flow of energy from the body. This, of course, isn’t the best during magical ritual but is fine when the subject is under psychic or emotional attack, is physically depleted or wishes to focus on physical matters.

Iron horseshoes and the nails that attach them to the hooves are ancient magical tools. They might have first been used in ancient Greece, where they were called seluna and were associated with the Moon and the goddess Selene.

A horseshoe hung in the home over the front door confers protection.

While theories differ as to the “proper” way to hang the horseshoe, I always place it points up. Ideally, it is to be nailed with three of its original nails.

An old iron horseshoe nail is sometimes bent into a ring (if you can find one long enough) and worn for luck and healing.

If you have had something stolen from you and have a fireplace handy, try this spell. Take a horseshoe nail that you’ve found by chance. Drive this into the fireplace, visualizing the stolen object returning to your home. It is done.

There are still magicians and Wiccans who remove all traces of iron from their bodies before working magic, but this custom is fading into oblivion.

The power of the Witch is undeniably enchanting. Awareness of one’s surroundings, working with, rather than against the elements, finding unity in all things. This empowering symbol has grown to mean so much to me over the years. What does it mean to you?
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Pentacle Talisman now in my parlour www.whitewitchparlour.com
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#talisman #pentacle #pocketstone
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzvls14hfiK/?igshid=1cyspftgoppvc

Niño Sabio

Ceramic amulet with Agate Dzi beads and wood

Agate is a stone of strength.  It is protective and grounding.  Agate has the ability to balance yin and yang energy, stabilise the aura, build self-confidence and improve concentration.  Agate can overcome negativity and bitterness and is useful for any kind of emotional trauma as it has a cleansing effect for both physical and emotional levels.   Traditionally Agate has been used as a charm for pregnancy as it is very protective and beneficial for the uterus.  Agate is also believed to be especially protective of children.  All Agate stones are able to remove blockages from any chakra.

Physically Agate:
*Has a cleansing effect on the lymphatic system and the pancreas.
*Helps in dealing with skin disorders.  
*Is beneficial for the digestive system, stomach and eyes.  
*It is also effective in helping the uterus return to normal size following childbirth and protecting against a prolapsed uterus.

Mentally and Emotionally Agate:
*Great stone for relationships as it intensifies love and can eliminate resentment and bitterness.
*negates anger, rids internal anxiety and helps in dealing with emotional distress.
*Stimulates intellect and creativity and promotes rational thought.
*Encourages positive emotions such as courage, emotional strength, stability and security.

Spiritually Agate:
*Encourages us to reflect on life experiences which in turn enables us to grow and aids spiritual maturity.  
*Grounds and brings balance on all levels and is able to remove blockages from any chakra.

Rowr

Ceramic amulet with Tiger’s Eye

Tiger’s Eye is a very powerful, protective and grounding stone. It can deflect unwanted and negative energies. It was traditionally carried as a talisman against curses and ill wishes. It can enhance good luck and bring prosperity.

Physically Tiger’s Eye:
*Can treat the eyes, heal the throat and is useful for repairing broken bones.
*Helps to relieve congestion in the digestive system.
*Alleviates pain and dampens an overactive nervous system and overstimulation of the adrenal glands.

Mentally Tiger’s Eye:
*Has the power to focus the mind and promote mental clarity. This can assist to solve problems objectively and clear from emotions.

Emotionally Tiger’s Eye:
*Enhances integrity, willpower, purpose courage and practicality.
*Is helpful for dispelling fear and anxiety.
*Boosts confidence and energise the emotional body.
*Balance yin and yang.
*Alleviates depression and lifts dark moods.
*Is helpful in resolving internal conflicts.

Spiritually Tigers Eye:
*Help to get through difficult periods without losing courage.
*Enhance psychic abilities.
*Balance the lower chakras.
*Is an excellent grounding stone.
*Still the mind and helps to achieve a deep meditation.

Photo credits: facebook.com/RasaPupelytePhotography/

aevum

Ceramic amulet with Dragon Blood Jasper

Dragon Blood Jasper is a member of the quartz family (chalcedony). It is a fantastically patterned gemstone with deep red tones of matrix joined with a combination of forest green hues. Dragon Blood Jasper is found only in western Australia. Local legend there says that the stone is the remains of deceased ancient dragons – the green being the skin and the red the blood.

Dragon Blood Jasper, also known as Dragon Stone, stimulates creativity, attracts money and love, and helps you to achieve your goals. With its green and red coloring, it connects directly to the Heart Chakra, helping you to hear your heart, and encouraging love, compassion, and forgiveness.

Physically Dragon Blood Jasper:
*Enhances fertility and helps resolve conditions arising from a blocked Base and/or Sacral Chakra.
*Encourages recovery and regeneration.
*Strengthens the immune system, nervous system, brain, thyroid, liver, gall bladder, and digestion within the small intestine.

Mentally Dragon Blood Jasper:
*Provides strength, courage, and purpose to help face difficulties and to heal repressed emotional issues.
*Encourage and support social interaction.

Emotionally Dragon Blood Jasper:
*Helps to lift the emotions, bringing vitality and joy.

Spiritually Dragon Blood Jasper:
*Encourages spiritual growth and supports spiritual self-healing.
*Ignites self-reflection, helping to dissolve false self-perceptions so that you can begin to build upon your true self.

Energetically Dragon Blood Jasper helps you to become centered and grounded. It stimulates the kundalini, activates the Chakras, and aligns meridians. It also activates the Earth’s kundalini, also known as Dragon Energy, assisting in Earth healing and bringing order out of chaos.

Eyeyeye

Ceramic amulet with Amethyst

Amethyst is a powerful and versatile stone. It vibrates at a very high spiritual level and has strong healing and cleansing properties. Amethyst can encourage self control, calm severe emotions and aid sleep and meditation.

Physically Amethyst:

*Help overcome addictions and reduce over indulgences.

*Can assist in treating insomnia.

*Helps to strengthen the immune system and the cleansing organs such as the kidneys and liver.

*Help the metabolism, endocrine system and boost the production of hormones.

*Can ease headaches and tension.

Mentally Amethyst:

*Heighten awareness and concentration by reducing mind chatter.

*It enhances memory, increases motivation and enables creativity.

*Amethyst can be helpful to psychiatric conditions but should be avoided in cases of schizophrenia and paranoia.

Emotionally Amethyst:

*Dispel sadness, rage, anger, fear and anxiety.

*Can alleviate grief and can assist in coming to terms with loss.

*Assists emotional centring by balancing out highs and lows.

Spiritually Amethyst:

*Increase spiritual awareness.

*Is an exceptional stone for meditation.

*Raises vibrations, helps to find inner peace and enables higher levels of consciousness.

*Heightens intuition and enhance psychic abilities.

*Protects against psychic attacks and negative environmental energies.

Photo credits: facebook.com/RasaPupelytePhotography/

Plantago

Ceramic amulet with African Turquoise

Collection“Herbal Wisdom”

My instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milda_miaraku/

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/MiAraku-332429003986796/

Photo credits: https://www.facebook.com/RasaPupelytePhotography/

Stone’s properties:

Turquoise is a versatile and powerful healing stone which has the ability to absorb negative energies, purify and heal the body and is also able to balance and align all chakras.  It is connected, in particular, to the heart, throat and 3rd eye chakras.  It can increase confidence to speak easily and fluently in public and can also strengthen communication generally.

PhysicallyTurquoise:

*Is known as a stone of purification and is also considered by crystal healers a Master Healing Stone.

*Has a detoxifying effect, particularly on the liver.

*Has anti-inflammatory effects and can ease cramps and pain.

 *Improves the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and boosts the immune system.  

*Alleviate headaches.

*Helpful in treating rheumatism, gout, stomach problems and viruses.

*Helps to soothe and heal sore throats. 

*It is believed to help the regeneration of body tissue and heal the whole body.

Mentally and Emotionally Turquoise:

*Balances and align all chakras. 

*Dispels any negativity surrounding its owner. 

*Great for dealing with depression and exhaustion. 

*Stabilises moods, prevents panic attacks and promotes an inner calm.

 *Increases confidence regarding public speaking, alleviating any nervousness connected to this.

*Encourages love and friendship.

*Attracts prosperity and success.

SpirituallyTurquoise:

*Stimulates the heart chakra enabling its owner to give and receive love,

*Stimulates throat chakra enabling stronger communications.

*Stimulates 3rd eye chakra, enhancing insight and meditation.

Malva

Ceramic amulet with Lepidolite&Quartz

Collection“Herbal Wisdom”

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/milda_miaraku/

FB page:https://www.facebook.com/MiAraku-332429003986796/

Photo credits: https://www.facebook.com/RasaPupelytePhotography/

Stone’s properties:

Lepidolite is excellent for clearing negativity, clearing blockages and is very useful in the reduction of stress and depression.  It is great for absorbing electromagnetic pollution from computers.  It is a calming stone which is helpful for stabilising mood swings, soothing sleep disturbances and emotional stress. Lepidolite can help to release and re-organise old behavioural patterns and can gently induce change

PhysicallyLepidolite:

*Strengthens the immune system.

*Relieves exhaustion.

Mentally and EmotionallyLepidolite:

*Assists in cases of bipolar disorder as it is fantastic for stabilising and balancing the emotions. 

*Alleviates stress and is great for depression. 

*Encourages independence and guards from undesirable influences. 

*Helps break detrimental behaviours and can therefore be helpful in overcoming addictions.

SpirituallyLepidolite:

*Clears blockages from the throat, 3rd eye and crown chakras.

*Aids meditation and astral travel.

Quartz crystal is valued for its piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties, by which it can transform mechanical pressure or heat into electromagnetic energy, and vice versa. Its ability to focus, amplify, store and transform energy is used throughout the technology world in ultrasound devices, watches, microphones, radio transmitters and receivers, memory chips in computers and other electronic circuitry. [Raphaell, 10-11][Simmons, 317][Melody, 503]

The same properties of energy amplification, programmability and memory also make Clear Quartz the most versatile and multidimensional stone in the mineral kingdom for healing, meditation, expansion of consciousness, communication with guides, past-life recall, attracting love or prosperity, or virtually any purpose. However, with this power comes responsibility. To benefit from Rock Crystal’s blessings, one must feel in harmony with it and deserve its gifts. Intent other than for good inevitably brings harm back on oneself. [Simmons, 318][Megemont, 73]

(Source:https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/quartz)

Convallaria

Ceramic amulet with MoonStone

Collection“Herbal Wisdom”

My instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milda_miaraku/

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/MiAraku-332429003986796/

Photo credits: https://www.facebook.com/RasaPupelytePhotography/

Stone’s properties:

Moonstone is strongly linked to the moon. The most powerful result of moonstone is that of calming the emotions. Moonstone is excellent for clearing tension from the emotions and the abdomen.

PhysicallyMoonstone:

*Excellent for assisting the digestive and reproductive systems.

*Stimulates the pineal gland and through this is able to balance the hormones.

*Has a very powerful effect on the female reproductive system.

*Can eliminate toxins and fluid retention.

*Can ease degenerative conditions of the skin, hair eyes and other organs such as the pancreas and liver.

MentallyMoonstone:

*Opens the mind to sudden, irrational impulses.

*Promotes inspiration, gentleness and compassion.

EmotionallyMoonstone:

*Encourages inner strength and growth and can protect the wearer if they are of a sensitive nature.

*Calm emotions without repressing them.

*Provides deep emotional healing and can assist with disorders that are related to stress.

SpirituallyMoonstone:

*Is excellent for meditation and for understanding oneself.

*Enhances intuition.

*Cleanse negativity and chakras

*Promote spiritual understanding.

*Can be used to enhance psychic abilities and clairvoyance.

Anemone

Ceramic amulet with Labradorite

Collection“Herbal Wisdom”

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/milda_miaraku/

FB page:https://www.facebook.com/MiAraku-332429003986796/

Photo credits: https://www.facebook.com/RasaPupelytePhotography/

Stone’s properties:

Labradorite is traditionally thought to bring good luck. It is a grounding and centering stone and is believed to provide strength, determination and intuition in times of change or conflict.

PhysicallyLabradorite:

*Helpful in treating eye and brain disorders.

*Eases stress.

*Balances hormones and alleviating Pre-Menstrual Tension.

*Can also help the digestive process and assist weight loss by regulating the metabolism.

Mentally and EmotionallyLabradorite:

*Alleviate negative emotions such as anxiety, hopelessness, depression and is said to banish negativity as it reveals power games and humbles egos. 

*Has a calming effect on the mind.

*Stimulates creativity and the imagination.

*Increases patience, focus and concentration.

*Is a great stone for building self esteem.

SpirituallyLabradorite:

*Brings wisdom.

*Stimulates intuition and psychic gifts.

*Encourages true self expression.

*Also improves the ability to work together with others.

handful of magic

These beauties are all available in my Etsy shop if one of them speaks to your soul!

The five-colored-rope bracelet which was given at Hasedera temple in Nara for the occasion of Eleven-face Kannon (a Bodhisattva) special viewing (usually hidden). I have not known what to do with the rugged, easily slackening rope loop, showing a tie to the humongous Kannon, but recently found that Hasedera introduces with footage untying and remaking to agemaki-musubi (a decorative rope work with supernatural intention) for a talisman.

As I went into agemaki knotting, I knew it’s been used for quite a long time (since the tumultuous period—the mid-third century to the seventh century) and there two types exist: hito-gata (人型) to protect against evils and dangers, and iri-gata (入型) to invite good luck and happiness (the 人 and 入 kanji letters are according to how two sides crossing of the knot looks like. 型 means shape). Whereas hito-gata is often used for samurai’s helmets and armors (protection), iri-gata is used for bridal costume and furnishings (happiness). I also found Hasedera’s footage showed hito-gata (against evil), though shrines use iri-gata (good luck), so it turns out shrine and temple are using opposite-direction knotting—I don’t know what it means.

I just simply followed Hasedera’s iri-gata knotting (protection) since the rope should be connected to Buddha, not god (kami). Then I removed silk scarf from my Coach bag and tied the rope to the handle. …Pretty stands out unexpectedly. I could even say traditional something of Spain or Italy (something’s what?).

Anyway, the five-colored-rope bracelet is effectively utilized and now I’m protected. Great.

How to knot agemaki-musubi (hito-gata/for protection)—Hasedera’s footage
http://www.hasedera.or.jp/sp/promotion/1/blog_detail.html?key=entry&value=254

How to knot agemaki-musubi (iri-gata/for good luck) and actual use at shrine—by a Shinto priest with pictures
http://blog.tennjinn.net/-how%20to-縄・紐の結び方/あげまき結びの結び方

Hasedera Temple (of Nara prefecture, Japan Visitor)
http://www.japanvisitor.com/japan-temples-shrines/hasedera-nara

奈良の長谷寺の特別拝観でもらった五色線の腕輪。十一面観音様との結縁紐だが、ゴツくてすぐ緩むので持て余していたところ、長谷寺のHPで「ほどいてあげまき結びにしてお守りにすると宜しい」と動画で紹介しているのを知った。

調べてみるとあげまき結びは相当古くからある結び方（古墳時代以降）で、厄除の人型と招福の入型の2種類があることを知った（人・入は結目の2辺の交わりの形に由来）。人型は侍の鎧兜に使われるのに対し（厄除）、入型は花嫁衣裳や調度品に使われる（招福）。また、長谷寺の動画では人型（厄除）になっているのに対し、神社の説明では入型（招福）が使われていた。ということは、寺と神社で逆方向の結び方を採用していることになる。これってどういうことなんだろう？ 謎だ。

仏さんとの結縁紐（けちえんひも）なので、自分は素直に長谷寺の厄除・入型結びに従ってみた。それでコーチのカバンに巻いていたシルクスカーフを外し、付けてみた。・・・思いのほか派手である。スペインかイタリアの伝統的な何かっぽく見えないこともない（何かって何よ？）

ともあれ五色線の腕輪は有効活用され、私は加護を得た。素晴らしからんや。

あげまき結び（人型、厄除）ー長谷寺の動画
http://www.hasedera.or.jp/sp/promotion/1/blog_detail.html?key=entry&value=254

あげまき結び（入型、招福）と実際の使用風景ー神主さんの説明図
http://blog.tennjinn.net/-how%20to-縄・紐の結び方/あげまき結びの結び方

総角結び（あげまきむすび）の解説
http://yuunet.jp/demo/pg137.html

長谷寺（奈良県)
https://ja.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/長谷寺
http://www.hasedera.or.jp/sp/

I finally find 5 minutes of my time to review an exciting and fun mini-collection which was released some days ago: Solange Azagury-Partridge for Amazon!

If you don’t know who Solange is - I’m not talking about Beyonce’s sister - just google her name and take a look at some of her work, which have become extremely successful among celebrities - just to name a few, Katy Perry and Sarah Jessica Parker have fallen in love with her work.

Her aesthetic is all about colour and fun, her work have the ingenuity of a child and she doesn’t really use precious metals and stones - which, of course, doesn’t mean you’re going to pay less for her jewels.

This time she designer a capsule collection of five pieces, all pendants, for amazon.co.uk . How cute are they? You have an eye, a rainbow, a sun, a flaming heart and red lips. 

My favourite ones are absolutely the rainbow and the sunshine. while I don’t understand the flaming heart, at the beginning I thought it was a thorn-crowned heart :s Each pendant comes with a chain in oxidised silver (nothing special really, I also think the chain is really ugly, but in general it goes with the simplicity of it all) and they are all lacquered by hand (made in London, folks!). 

But the nicest thing about them in my opinion is that each pendant has a specific meaning: the sun, for example, helps bringing brightness to your day; the flaming heart is, of course, LOVE; the hot lips (predictable again) wishes you never-ending kisses; the eye is the most talisman-like, being like the ‘entrance’ to your soul and defending the person that wears it against evil; the rainbow, which is my favourite among all, is of course the most boring (-.-) and represents colour therapy.

If you want to have one of them, or if you maybe think it can be a good idea for a Christmas gift, you have time just until Christmas to buy it only on amazon.co.uk for £480 ($680 - it’s so expensiiiive!). But be quick: there are only 5 pieces left for the eye and the hot lips (but again, the best ones are the sun and the rainbow :3).

Stay tuned because something juicy is coming - a little hint? Louis Vuitton monogram in Milan :P

xxx

Halloween Sneak Peek! These mini toadstools will become keyrings and mini garlands to be released early this month for sale! I’m stitching up a few Halloween and Autumn inspired pieces for October, then onto Holiday and Summer pieces in November - stay tuned!

Pattern:http://boysandbunting.blogspot.com/

P.S. If you’d like to see more of my crochet and amigurumi projects please “like” my Facebook crochet page “Yarn Witch”! All likes and shares of my posts/photos are greatly appreciated! My partner and I have just moved to be closer to family and medical services for my chronic illness and pain conditions, and the move put us into debt. I’m unable to work due to my health, but I’m hoping I can make a little bit selling my crochet work to ease the burden. xo