Solar Eclipse/New Moon in Aries
Lunar Eclipse/Full moon in Virgo
New Moon in Pisces
amethyst: the stone of protection and opening
As I began exploring stones and crystals on my blog, one of the first crystals I covered was Amethyst. So, here are my thoughts now, and then: It is kind of interesting to see how I have evolved in the 11 years since this was first published.
From Baby Angie:
Amethyst draws you in with its beautiful color, which ranges from pale lavender to a deep purple. And a deep deep purple that appears almost black. There is a type of amethyst called chevron amethyst, which is banded in a chevron pattern. Gorgeousness. It has a Moh's hardness of 7 and is indeed a member of the quartz family, making it resonate beautifully with other quartz stones like citrine, clear quartz, smoky quartz, aventurine, chalcedony, agates, carnelian, among others. Amethyst, like malachite and lapis lazuli, has a rich history and mythology. It is said to be in the ninth stone on the breastplate of the high priest of Israel. And amethyst was one of the stones where each of the twelve tribes were written. In medieval times, soldiers wore it as protection on the battle field. As far back as the Neolithic era, 25,000 BCE, amethyst was found in archaeological digs as part of gravesites and ritual. Through the Common Era, amethyst was seen as a stone of royalty, and used in crowns and rings of Kings and Queens.
Amethyst's name is derived from the Greek word for drunk (methustos). Actually, amethyst is a translation of amethustos, or not drunken. The Ancient Greek wore amethyst, and made wine glasses from amethyst, because they believed amethyst prevented intoxication. Indeed, amethyst today is considered the stone of sobriety, worn to help balance the mind, and bring clarity. It also emits calming energy, which helps relieve the frustration that often brings the first drink. I am personally working on a list of stones to be used with each of the Twelve Steps and the virtues associated with each step. I think amethyst is a beautiful first step stone, and one that works well with each stage of recovery.
The belief of amethyst's power of sobriety may stem from the myth of Amethyst in Ancient Greek Mythology, which may or may not have first derived from the French poet, Remy Belleau, who wrote often about crystals and precious stones. I can't find any documentation besides Wiki either way, so I am just sharing the entire mythology part of from Wikipedia page on amethyst.
In his poem "L'Amethyste, ou les Amours de Bacchus et d'Amethyste" (Amethyst or the loves of Bacchus and Amethyste), the French poet Remy Belleau (1528–1577) invented a myth in which Bacchus, the god of intoxication, of wine, and grapes was pursuing a maiden named Amethyste, who refused his affections. Amethyste prayed to the gods to remain chaste, a prayer which the chaste goddess Diana answered, transforming her into a white stone. Humbled by Amethyste's desire to remain chaste, Bacchus poured wine over the stone as an offering, dyeing the crystals purple.[16][17]
Variations of the story include that Dionysus had been insulted by a mortal and swore to slay the next mortal who crossed his path, creating fierce tigers to carry out his wrath. The mortal turned out to be a beautiful young woman, Amethystos, who was on her way to pay tribute to Artemis. Her life was spared by Artemis, who transformed the maiden into a statue of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the brutal claws. Dionysus wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue. The god's tears then stained the quartz purple.[18]
This myth and its variations are not found in classical sources. Although the titan Rhea does present Dionysus with an amethyst stone to preserve the wine-drinker's sanity in historical text.[19]
Because of its association as an anti-intoxicant, in medieval times, it was said to also prevent the intoxication of love, so priests and monks often wore amethyst as a symbol for their vows of chastity. It has strong spiritual roots. Even Buddhists in Tibet used amethyst in prayer beads and carvings.
This makes perfect sense to me, because amethyst is a beautiful meditation ally, because it resonates and stimulates the crown chakra, as well as the third eye. It is also an incredibly protective stone, and I encourage people to use it in their toolkit of protection right alongside black tourmaline, onyx, smoky quartz, and other stones. It enhances your intuitive abilities and helps you activate your Higher Self. It is wonderful in environments, and works well in grids for protection and transmuting energy. Or just sitting in a room that you want purified and high vibrational. So, a large cluster of amethyst is a great addition to any room, but particularly a room for healers. It helps shield energy, as well as assist healing. One of the most beautiful aspects of amethyst is how it gently helps you see the root of your dis-ease. Naisha Ahsian says that amethyst assists "in eliminating emotion-based decision-making, allowing one to take actions based on higher guidance and spiritual understanding." WOWEE!
Amethyst works well with other stones. Amethyst works beautifully in grids for addiction, protection, healing, health, disease, emotional balance and a whole host of other things. I personally love using amethyst in grid with black tourmaline as a protector, purifier, and transmuter of negative energy.
Because it works so hard for you, work hard for you amethyst by re-tuning it fairly often with a tuning fork, singing bowl or other resonator. Amethyst is particularly sensitive to sunlight, so be kind to her and help amethyst keep its beautiful color by keeping her out of sunlight. Amethyst is able to withstand water, so cleanse her through running water of the ocean, a stream or other natural body of water, and of course, you can set amethyst out in full moon light to soak up all that wisdom.
A beautiful affirmation for amethyst comes from Naisha Ahsian's work in Book of Stones.
I am purified, uplifted and protected through my connection to the Divine.
Okay, Modern Angelica Yingst, aged warrior of the Earth Medicine:
I agree with all Baby Angie said. Amethyst is the jack of all trades crystal. One of the most abundant on earth. Amethyst is a purple Quartz crystal with colors that range from light lavender to dark almost black purple. It is one of the most prevalent and recognizable crystals out there. The name derives from the Greek for Drunk (Methustos). Amethyst actually means Not Drunk. The Ancient Greeks took this a step further by making wine goblets of Amethyst to help them not feel as intoxicated while drinking from it. Today, Amethyst is considered the stone of Sobriety, and it helps with clarity,
Amethyst probably remains the most popular, easily obtained and effective crystal for crown and third eye work. Amethyst, like malachite and lapis lazuli, has a rich history and mythology. Amethyst is a beautiful meditation ally, because it resonates and stimulates the crown chakra, as well as the third eye. It is also an incredibly protective stone, and I encourage people to use it in their toolkit of protection right alongside black tourmaline, onyx, smoky quartz, and other black stones. It enhances your intuitive abilities and helps you activate your Higher Self. It is wonderful in environments and works well in grids for protection and transmuting energy. Or just sitting in a room that you want purified and high vibrational. So, a large cluster of amethyst is a great addition to any room, but particularly a room for healers. It helps shield energy, as well as assist healing. One of the most beautiful aspects of amethyst is how it gently helps you see the root of your dis-ease. I also find it really useful for honesty with oneself. It is wonderful for sleep and dream work, working with anxiety and depression, overcoming addiction and working with panic attacks and trauma. Holding an amethyst in each hand can bring energy down and calm an individual in the midst of a panic attack.
I personally use Amethyst a lot for trauma work with clients, holding space for healing old wounds—generational, karmic and whatnot. It is a beautiful ally and it is a goto for so many of us. I am particularly fond of elestial amethyst or elestial smoky amethyst for shamanic work…and I love the scepters if you can find them.
Violet
There is nothing like walking into my yard on a Spring afternoon to violets covering the yard, peeking through the growing green grass. It fills me with so much pleasure to see the early blooms which we do sometimes get as early as March, but more often in April. It gives me hope that the cold, gray weather is coming to an end.
The Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia) is native to central and eastern North America. These little beauties begin sprouting up in lawns, along the roadside, within sidewalk cracks, and beside forest paths in late March/Early April. There is a variation (cultivar) that is white with purple streaks that will grow alongside the typical purple/blue. And the leaves and blossoms of the Common Blue Violet are edible.
Identification
There are many species of violet. In addition to Viola sororia, there is Viola oderata, (Sweet Violets). You can identify these by their light sweet scent. However, it is most likely the flowers growing in your yard are the Common Blue variety. But whether you are foraging from your yard or at another location, it is always good to know how to identify the plant so you are 100% sure before you use them.
Common Blue Violets have a basal rosette (a crown of leaves radiating from a stem) of toothed, heart-shaped leaves, and drooping flowers with five petals that do not produce seeds. The blossoms are blue, purple, and white.
There is a yellow variety that some people might come across when foraging. It is important to note that Common Violet does have a look-alike that is poisonous. Ficaria verna, also known as lesser Celandine or Pilewort. While the yellow flower of this plant looks different from the yellow violet, the basal leaves are very similar. So, if you are foraging and you come across leaves you believe are violets, wait until the flowers bloom to be certain of their identification.
These wildflowers are often called “weeds” but to me, they are wonderful forageable medicine. Violets have a wide variety of uses as food, medicine, and magick.
According to Greek mythology, the god Zeus fell in love with a priestess named Io. This wasn’t the first time for the philandering Zeus, so when his wife Hera found out, she was understandably miffed. To keep Io out of his wife’s way, Zeus turned her into a white heifer. When Io-the-heifer complained that she had nothing to eat, he created a field of violets for her—and while he was at it, he probably sent a bunch of violets to Hera, as an apology. The flowers soothed the jealous goddess, so the Greeks began using them to calm anger and induce sleep.
In the Middle Ages, Hildegard von Bingen used violet juice as the basis for a cancer salve. In the sixteenth century, violets were widely used to treat insomnia, epilepsy, pleurisy, and rheumatism. A couple of hundred years later, Nicholas Culpeper wrote that the plant was ruled by the planet Venus. This made it a natural as a treatment for throat ailments, since Venus also ruled the throat. They are, he said, “a fine, pleasing plant of Venus.”
In fact, violet leaves and stems do contain a soothing mucilage, as well as salicylic acid, the precursor of aspirin. They’re also rich in vitamins A and C, and for people who didn’t have access to fresh veggies in the winter, an early spring salad of violet leaves was a very good idea. The flowers themselves taste sweet, and they’re often made into syrup or even marmalade. You may have seen them in popular cookbooks, candied or crystalized and used to decorate pastries or cakes.
Violets have been associated with many magical properties, including protection, love, and fertility. They have also been used in aromatherapy and as a remedy for various ailments.
Protection
Violets are thought to keep evil spirits away and protect against nightmares.
African violets are believed to bring good fortune and create a harmonious atmosphere.
In medieval times, violets were grown in monastery gardens to protect against evil.
Love and fertility
In ancient Greece, violets were a symbol of love and fertility.
They were used in love potions and to make violet-flavored wine.
Aromatherapy
Violet oil can be used as an anointing oil for magical workings.
It can also be used to treat skin conditions like acne, eczema, and dermatitis.
Violet oil can also be used to stimulate circulation and aid rheumatism.
Medicinal
Violets have been used to treat respiratory infections, swellings, and bruises.
They have also been used as a demulcent, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant.
There are a number of ways to use violets. They are a soothing herb with a gelatinous (mucilaginous) consistency. Violets have antioxidant properties which means they are a great source of Vitamins C and A. They are also anti-inflammatory which means they can support the body when dealing with discomfort, pain, swelling, etc.
Violets are helpful for coughs and sore throats due to colds, flu, and allergies by infusing them into a tincture, syrup, etc. They can be used topically in infused oil, balm, or lotion for rashes and other skin irritations, eczema, dry skin, bug bites, and varicose veins.
Violet is also said to be helpful for headaches, to calm nerves, ease emotions, and aid in achieving restful sleep when enjoyed as a soothing cup of tea.
Violet Blossom Infusion (Herbal Tea)
1 Cup of Boiling Water
2-3 Tsp Violet Blossoms (fresh or dry)
Pour the water over the flowers. Allow the violets to steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
Violet Leaf Oil Infusion
1 cup Coconut Oil
1 Cup Violet Leaves
1/2 Cup Violet Blossoms
Clean, dry lidded canning jar
Fill the canning jar with the leaves and flowers. Pour the coconut oil over the plant material until covered to just above (add more oil if necessary). Put the lid onto the jar. Give a gentle twist, shake to stir the oil and violets. Place in a sunny spot for two weeks. Strain the flowers and leaves. Use topically as needed.
Since these little flowers are high in vitamins, they make a great addition to salads or nourishing soups. Violets make an attractive decoration for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Or, you can use them in a baked recipe such as muffins. You can make a simple syrup with violets to add to lemonade or iced tea. Here is an easy recipe:
Violet Simple Syrup
1 cup Sugar
1 cup water
1/2 – 1 cup violet blossoms (stems removed) loosely packed in a lidded canning jar.
Bring water to boil in a small saucepan.
Pour the hot water over the blossoms.
Leave the flowers to steep for several hours.
Strain flowers from water into a double boiler.
Heat over low temperature and add sugar.
Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Pour into a lidded glass jar.
Keep in the refrigerator until used.
Violets in Magick
Tiny though they may be, these flowers are powerful aids in magickal workings. They are useful for spiritual growth, protection, healing, faithfulness, love, and glamour. They are also associated with psychic abilities, dreams, and visions.
Violet is associated with tranquility and peace. The leaf offers protection from evil, and can be sewn into a pillow or sachet for a new baby. Carry the petals with you to bring about luck and enhance nighttime magic.
These pretty purple flowers are everywhere in the spring and early summer, so it’s a perfect opportunity to do a bit of flower magic.
Dry the flowers in the sun, and use them in an incense blend to bring about sweet dreams and restful sleep. You may even want to sew them into a pillow to help bring about good vibes as you snooze.
Take a square of plain muslin or cotton, and place a bundle of freshly picked violets in it. Tie the square shut and hang it over the faucet in your bathtub.
Run hot water, and allow the steam to spread the deliciously sweet scent of violets. Use this as a relaxing, cleansing bath prior to doing rituals or spellwork.
The violet is also associated with dedication and loyalty. If you want your lover to be constant and true, offer a bundle of violets as a gift, or plant a patch in front of the person’s home!
In addition to being magical, violets are one of the many edible plants you may find in the wild or in your garden. Violets can be candied–it’s time consuming, but the end result is lovely–or brewed into a water, a vinegar, or even a tea.
Wear violet in a small muslin bag as an amulet of protection.
Place them beneath your pillow for dreams and visions.
Allow them to grow near your door to ward off evil.
Drop the blossoms in a ritual bath for healing.
As you can see, there is a multitude of ways that Common Violets can aid you in your life. And it is easy to come across them. Ask these lovely plants to aid you as a spirit ally, then see where your intuition and creativity take you.
Blessed Full Moon in Leo
jaguar medicine
Jaguar is the largest cat found throughout the Americas. Many Native tribes throughout North and South America consider the jaguar, especially the black panther form of jaguar, to be especially powerful. Shamans shapeshift to jaguar and use jaguar as an ally for healing, for dismemberment journeys and for exacting revenge.
Jaguar are spotted, except for the Black Panther, which is completely black. Jaguar is especially revered in the Mayan and Incan religions.
The Mayans used Jaguar as a totem for Huzanek, the God of the Southern Sky, who would enter the dreams of the community’s shaman and leaders to be sure they were telling the truth to their people. The Jaguar priest was the most powerful of the Mayan priests. In South America, Jaguar was used as the God that inhabits the Underworld, or the Night Sun. Jaguar is seen as the protector for the shaman from evil and negativity, and you can also use Jaguar as a protector. Jaguar can move through the realms, dimensions and shamanic worlds without being detected, so it is a natural guide for the shaman and medicine people. Jaguar/Black Panther shows up as a guide for those going through spiritual opening and can be called up as an ally for opening to psychic and healing gifts.
In my Earth Medicine studies, I was taught to use Black Panther as a symbol for the shadow and doing work around one’s own shadow. Jaguars are apex predators, known for preying on smaller rodents and game. Predators have been relentlessly hunted around the world, because farmers demonized the animal killing their farm animals, but without predators, the prey population grows and expands and overruns the land, leading to disease, starvation, and overpopulation. When we work with panther as a guide for the shadow, we think of him as keeping that overrun population of our traumas and unconscious shadow reaction. Panther is a nocturnal hunter, adept at being in the dark, hunting, and being highly attuned to subtle movement. My teacher Pixie says in her book, Think of your shadow reactions as the scurrying creatures panther stalks, whose subtle presences are overrunning your internal processes with habits no longer useful to you and that do not serve your well-being.
To Jaguar, truth and integrity are integral and non-negotiable. It quickly removes itself from any situation that does not align with their personal truth. As a guide for healers and circle keepers, Jaguar can work with you to identify imbalances in the body of yourself and your clients, and remove unwanted energy. It is also an ideal guide for dismemberment journeys.
Here are a few journeys I have recorded in the past with Jaguar/Black Panther that might be good for working in-depth with Black Panther.
Guided Shamanic Journey with Jaguar and the Hierophant:
Guided Shamanic Journey with Jaguar for Dismemberment:
Blessed Imbolc
February Astrological reading and Medicine
February, already? January moved quickly around these parts, and I am not saying I’m glad it is over, but also I hope it can rest in peace. I will be recovering for a while from January’s shenanigans.
Here is the astrological and medicine reading of the month. The Earth Medicine is aligned with my desktop calendar for the year, but if you do not have it, no worries, I talk about it all in the Podcast, and will be covering the medicine each week in depth with ideas, meditations and what not. Our thought of the month is this:
A secret: I learned to hold my boundaries after many wild storms of tears and betrayal.
If you want to work with this thought of the month as a journal practice, I would ask these questions:
Which storms through your life have taught you how lousy you are at boundaries?
How?
What are the betrayals you have gone through in your life?
What lessons did you learn from betrayals?
How did your boundaries change?
How did trust change?
Have you learned to trust again once you had secure boundaries?
If you haven’t, how can you adjust your boundaries to ensure you feel safe?
Blessed New Moon in Aquarius
Blessed Full Moon in Cancer
And here is a personal Tarot Layout for you.
welcome to the black moon in capricorn \m/
blessed full moon in gemini
Blessed december!
blessed new moon in sagittarius
Blessed New Moon in Sagittarius!
Here is your new moon reading, and some extras, including a brief video about how to read a chart for things like which house is what and goes where. It is under the reading link.
Quick overview of the Houses in Astrology:
First House: The self, identity, and how you communicate
Second House: Money, possessions, and finances
Third House: Communication and siblings
Fourth House: Home, family, and roots
Fifth House: Self-expression, romance, and creativity
Sixth House: Health, daily routines, and work
Seventh House: Partnerships, relationships, and collaboration
Eighth House: Personal evolution, transformation, and shared resources
Ninth House: Higher learning, philosophy, and travel
Tenth House: Career, public image, and rank and status
Eleventh House: Hopes, goals, and social networks
Twelfth House: Secrets, spirituality, subconscious patterns, and karma
Blessed Full Moon in Taurus
new moon in scorpio
Here is the direct link t your New Moon Reading:
november's medicine
Welcome to November with its call for sacred rest. This month we are working with the medicine of Sloth, Chamomile and Lepidolite. Through the month, I’ll be sharing some information about these amazing allies. Love to all!
samhain overview + reading
Blessed Samhain, Witches!!
It’s Samhain—get your grimoires out and your candles ready for our night to shine!
Here is your Samhain overview and reading:
While I used a spread called the Thinning of the Veil from Oliver Tarot, here is the layout from my book that might be useful for your work tonight.
