I believe in ghosts and have seen several in my lifetime. Old Adelaide Gaol ghost tour was quite exciting with a ghost watching everyone there while I watched him.
A ghost has followed me and lived with me for many years now and generally doesn’t bother me, although lately he has been making trouble and I wish he would stop it. Anything electronic he finds fair game for his antics. Members of my family have seen him at different times as well.
My parents-in-law lived next to an old cemetery and my mother-in-law and I would hold seances using an ouija board back in the 1960s with various results. The main deterrent was that the menfolk were unbelievers and scoffed at us. Still, we persevered and found the mixed results interesting.
Back in the 1970s, I began to seriously study Astrology and various methods of divination as well as many of the diverse occult practices and beliefs. At that time I also delved into reincarnation and karma which I found fascinating and answered many of my questions about life and how things worked out.
But, what I want to know today, if anyone has the answer, is…………………………….If a person who has passed over is reincarnated, how can we be visited by them in dreams, meditation or seances? Do they leave an essence of their spirit behind which can be contacted? I imagine if they are ghosts then they haven’t yet been reincarnated.
The news of the death of our Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, with all the outpourings of grief, brought up a lot of memories of my own mother and her death.
After the death of my father in 1970, my mother just lived to die. This became even more so after the death of my brother in 1990. He had always been her favorite and it destroyed her when he passed. She was always happiest when she was with him.
My brother, Graham’s weddingOther times she was happy was when she traveled
She died 3 1/2 years after Graham died. Her funeral was such a sad little affair with only a few family members there. Her friends had all passed and she didn’t want to make new friends when she came to live with me. It was a very different affair to the pageantry associated with the Queen’s passing.
Mum and I never got along, I found her strict and unapproachable.
After I grew up and had long left home, my brother told me one day, that Mum had been adopted. She had told him but not me. She just told Graham he could tell me if he wanted to.
After my brother died my mother came to live with me and she told me a few things about her adopted family. Mum said she had spent a little bit of time in an orphanage before being adopted. She believed that her adopted father was her biological father but her adopted mother was not. She adored her father and was very upset when he left the family while she was still young. Her adopted mother was strict and Mum was sent to a boarding school run by nuns, also very strict. Her adopted mother was an invalid and unable to have children which I imagine, was why they adopted a child.
This would have been after she was adopted and I always feel she looks a bit scaredand apprehensive.
When I look at this photo of her, I just want to pick her up and hug her.
As we lived together, I began to understand my mother a bit more, and why she was the way she was. I don’t think she had a very warm relationship with her mother, looked after mostly by maids. She probably didn’t know how to deal with a daughter.
Moving on about 25 years after she died, I had my DNA tested. This was mostly because I wanted to know more about my ethnicity. I had always known about my Irish grandmother on my father’s side, but also had strong feelings regarding Scotland. I searched for years to try and find a link to Scotland through my mother’s adopted family but there was never anything to find. Anyway, my top ethnicities were Ireland and Scotland.
From there I decided to see if I could find my mother’s biological mother which I was able to do through DNA matches and there was a strong Scottish link. I was able to find out quite a bit about my new grandmother and her ancestors. I also found out a lot about my father’s ancestry, but this is not about him at this time.
The shock was discovering that the man my mother had always considered her biological father was, in fact, no blood relation at all. I had grown up with all his siblings and their children and suddenly they were no longer blood relatives of mine. I always felt they were my family and I had quite a bit to do with them.
So then the mystery deepened and it became exhaustive research to find out who he was. Eventually, with a lot of help from my daughter, and several DNA matches, we narrowed it down and found out who he was.
My grandmother, Kathleen, was a widow at the time my mother was born and my newly discovered grandfather was married and his wife was expecting a child.
The other surprise was when I received a copy of her birth certificate under the name she was born with (her adoptive parents changed her name). Her date of birth was different from what we had always believed. The day and month were the same but the year was a year previous. I then checked through papers I had stashed away after she died and discovered on a couple of them her age was a year older than expected. Hmmm.
Meetings with members of my newly discovered family I have learned so much more about where I came from, but also where my mother came from. I treasure all my new cousins and have and will continue to have contact with them.
Sadly, now when it is too late, I have a better understanding of my mother and what her life must have been like. She grew up an only child when she actually had several siblings and many cousins. I would love to be able to share everything I have learned with her.
Jet and Amber necklaces were traditionally used together in witches necklaces.
I have had such a necklace for around 40 years now, made from two antique necklaces purchased a long time ago. Amber is fossilised gum or sap of a tree and Jet is fossilised wood. Jet has also been called Black Amber. Both originate from living trees so would have to have an affinity to each other. The oldest Jet jewellery was found in Spain dating from 17,000 BC.
Jet is formed from fossilized wood which looks like coal. It was used as mourning jewellery in Victorian times, is considered useful for alleviating grief. It has powerful protection energies and can ward off evil, negativity and psychic attack. This gem can also protect against illness and violence as well as protecting the stability of your finances. It helps dispel depression and mood swings and is very calming. People who are attracted to Jet are considered old souls. Although primarily related to the Root chakra, Jet can be used on the upper chakras to help the kundalini move to the Crown chakra. If you have trouble sleeping use Jet on one side of your bed and Amber on the other.
Jet may be beneficial for colds, migraine, epilepsy, glandular problems, lymphatic system, stomach pain and menstrual cramps.
Black Jasper is similar in appearance to Jet as is Onyx. Black Jasper has highly protective and healing energy. It will bring good luck in fights, whether mental, political, legal or other. It will also protect against lightning. Black Jasper has the properties of all Jaspers. It may be beneficial for relieving pain, stomach ailments, feet and hip dysplasia.
Back in 2012, I wrote a series of blogs on daily crystals. At the time I was teaching a year-long course of crystals and gems with U3A Murraylands. The course was well received. We even had a couple of road trips. One was to the Mannum Gem Museum and the other was to Crystal Wave, at Grange. These trips were very successful and we all came home with lots of goodies.
I intend to re-post some of these articles, beginning with Fluorite.
Fluorite is an absolutely beautiful gem, with all its lovely colours blending together. It is a psychic shield and protects us. All of its colours are great for aura cleansing. Clear Fluorite guards against psychic attack, blue calms and protects the emotions and restores emotional balance. Yellow Fluorite has a purity of spirit and green is excellent for all healing. Purple Fluorite will strengthen mystical insight, psychic awareness and opens the third eye. The best Fluorite, in my opinion, is one with a combination of many colours.
Fluorite is an amazing protective stone, especially in the psychic realm. This is a good stone to use when meditating or for ritual work as it will focus your concentration.
This is a great favourite of mine and I use it often. It has many uses, more than I can put down here, but they are available in “The Definitive Crystal, Gemstone & Mineral Reference Guide”. This book covers over 300 different crystals, gemstones and minerals and is excellent for reference, particularly the list of usages and correspondences in the back of the book.
Never having been diagnosed with breast cancer, I can only imagine the shock, horror and fear experienced by those unfortunate enough to have it. It must be such a devastating blow to a woman and her family.
With news just out that there may be a cure, many sufferers will be optimistic. I do worry that with all cures and vaccines that it may not be in peoples best interests to publicise something that may not happen, thus creating false hope. In my opinion, it would be better to wait until the cure or vaccine are a done deal. Then people could really rejoice in the news.
This leads me to the second part of this blog.
Bees:
There have been many reports over recent years whereby bees could become extinct. Bees are very necessary if we are to survive. If scientists use the honey bee venom to create a vaccine for breast cancer, what will happen to the bee population? On the one hand, it would be great for breast cancer patients, but bad for the bees.
I sincerely hope the scientists and big pharmaceutical companies will develop a synthetic alternative to the bee venom and thus save our bees from possible extinction.
My heart goes out to all women who have or have had breast cancer. A cure for any cancer would be welcomed around the world, but don’t kill our bees off.
Diamond, Herkimer Diamond and Clear Quartz Crystal
Diamond:
This is the hardest gemstone known to mankind. Being Clear and pure carbon, it is believed to help form relationships and enhance purity and fidelity, bringing honesty between lovers and friends. This beautiful gem dispels negativity and purifies the physical and etheric bodies. it repairs ruptures in the aura and assists with spiritual development. Diamond attracts abundance and is an excellent stone for medium work and creating lucid dreaming. It is extremely beneficial for a wide range of health issues.
Diamond is associated with the month of April and Aries is generally the Zodiac sign, but some lists also align it with Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Pisces. Personally, I use April and Aries as reference points.
Herkimer Diamond:
Herkimer Diamonds are the purest Quartz Crystals. They aren’t Diamonds but Quartz and because of their brilliance and shape have been named such. Herkimer does not need to be cut by man as it comes faceted already by nature.
This is a powerful amplifier for energies and other stones. It will store information for later use. As a transmitter, it can project your intent out to the Universe in all directions at once. It is also a receiver and is able to pick up vibrations from both inner and outer space. Herkimer is very effective in releasing energy blockages and, as with all Clear Quartz, will balance and enhance the energy of any crystal placed near it.
Keep your Herkimer Diamond close to you as you get to know it. It is useful for meditation, astral travel, telepathy, clairvoyance, psychic ability and past-life recall. It can cleanse the aura and open any chakra.
This crystal can be programmed to attune you to an environment or a situation.
Clear Quartz:
Clear Quartz is Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) and is the most common found on earth. It can store, amplify, focus, transmit and transform energy on all levels. Because it is the only truly transformable crystal, it can be programmed for particular healing. Then it can be cleansed and reprogrammed. The clearer pieces have more masculine, or yang energy and are stronger, faster-acting energy. The cloudy crystals are feminine, or yin energy and are better for chronic or long-term conditions.
It is the basic stone for all magick and enhances psychic ability. A Quartz point is more powerful than a tumbled Quartz as the point directs the energy. Wearing Clear Quartz enables you to have influence and power over situations.
This powerful stone is extremely protective. It is a master healer and is beneficial for pineal and pituitary glands. It aids pain, arthritis, bone injuries, depression, fibromyalgia, mental and physical energy.
(You can read more about these crystals in my book, “The Definitive, Crystal, Gem and Mineral Reference Guide)
Carnation, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley and Magnolia:
I have chosen to associate the above gems with certain white flowers. White flowers are associated with innocence, humility and reverence.
Magnolia
Lily of the Valley
Jasmine
White Carnation
Magnolia:
Magnolia increase psychic power and heightens psychic abilities. Use it magickally for fidelity, love, passion, dignity and love of nature.
Lily of the Valley:
Lily of the Valley brings inner peace and calm, is soothing and wards off negativity. Use it in magick to stop and prevent harassment. This plant and oil are very healing. It will also attract faeries. Use it in rituals and spells. As it is poisonous, use with caution, perhaps just burn the oil.
Jasmine:
Jasmine is used for attraction and is good for divination. It is especially excellent for charging Quartz Crystals. Burn the oil or flowers to attract prosperity. It can help induce sleep and bring prophetic dreams. Jasmine is effective for new and groundbreaking ideas. Use it when you wish to invoke the Goddess.
White Carnation:
This will protect, strengthen, heal and enhance magickal powers. When burned it will increase creativity.
Conclusion:
Because the crystals and gems mentioned here are all-purpose and extremely powerful, they, of course, can be used with almost any oils, herbs and flowers. These are just some suggestions for specific objectives.
These three watched and supervised every move I made when fertilising the garden. It is a lovely day today for them to be out and about getting some fresh air while criticising my efforts.
The above candles were found in Cheap as Chips but are probably available elsewhere. They had several colours of these Citronella candles, which are great if working outdoors. They will ward off the little bitey things …. especially if working skyclad.
The colours of the candles are important in elemental magic.
Green:
Represents the element of Earth, Winter and Midnight. It rules Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Its spirits are gnomes and rock crystal its jewel. The Angel or Guardian is Uriel. Green candles are used for abundance, success, luck, fertility and generosity. The Heart Chakra.
Yellow:
Represents the element of Air, Dawn and Spring. It is associated with Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Its spirits are sylphs and its Archangel is Raphael. The jewel for this element is Topaz. Yellow is the colour of intellect and imagination. Use a yellow candle for creativity, attraction, to dispel evil, drive away jealousy and calm tension. The Solar Plexus Chakra.
Red:
Red is for the element of Fire, Noon and Summer. Its Zodiac signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. The Fire spirits are salamanders and the Archangel Michael protects. Garnet, Ruby and Fire Opal work with this element. Red is the colour of life and red candles can be burned for courage, energy, strength, health and love. The Root Chakra.
Blue:
Water is represented by the colour Blue, Twilight and Autumn. Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are the associated Zodiac signs. Its spirits are undines and guarded by the Archangel Gabriel. Aquamarine is its gem. Blue is the colour of truth and inspiration. Blue candles are used for health, wisdom, immortality, loyalty, serenity, tranquillity, occult powers and protection. The Throat / Third Eye Chakras. (Blue and Indigo)
Meditation with Candles and Elements:
Cast a circle using your Athame and call up the Watchtowers. You can make this a simple or complicated circle cast. Also, it is up to you and your purpose, whether you work alone or in a group.
Light the green, yellow, red and blue quarter candles, then sit quietly for a few moments.
When you are ready, begin to visualise the candle colours swirling and mixing in a mist around you in the circle. Absorb this mist into your body and feel it energising you. Keeping your purpose in mind concentrate on separating out the appropriate colour from the mist. Be sure of the result you expect and see it already happening. When this is clear in your mind, let it go. The swirling mist will gradually dissipate and disappear.
Don’t be surprised to see the spirits enter the circle or for the element to make its appearance in some form.
Bearing in mind your purpose and the element needed, choose a full Moon in a suitable sign of the Zodiac.
Once everything is done, banish the watchtowers and cut the circle. Extinguish the candles.
The Definitive, Crystal, Gem and Mineral Reference Guide Facebook page has changed its name and joined together with Witchery, Magic and Cats Facebook page to become Witchery, Magic, Crystal and Cats.
Witchery, magic and crystals all form part of the life of a witch…..but all witches have cats as well….. don’t they?
This revamped page still has all the previous posts but future posts will all be on the same page instead of on both or just one of the previous sites.
Please feel free to post, comment and share my page.
Orange or Tangerine Calcite can get the energy moving around you. It enables you to find new ways to solve problems because the answer was right there but there was no energy to see the solution.
It reduces chronic fatigue, increases psychic abilities, intuition and dispels fear. Orange Calcite can relieve emotional fear, mental breakdowns, depression, accidents, divorce and suicidal tendencies and it will also help with phobias. Particularly helpful for the reproductive system, it will clear blocked energy in female organs as well as balance sexual energies. It is beneficial for the genitals, intestines, irritable bowel syndrome, kidneys, joints and calcium deficiency and can help with viruses.
Orange Calcite can be an immense boost for financial issues.
This crystal can be used by children to bring confidence into their hopes and dreams.
Use it for meditation and when you want to manifest projects into the physical level. It will ground your wishes, hopes and dreams. Orange Calcite relates to the Sacral Chakra.
My own piece of Orange Calcite looks like you could just take a bite, see above photo.
Sweet Orange:
Sweet Orange can be worn to attract a partner, good luck, prosperity and love. It acts as an antidepressant and brings harmony, magical ability, purification and transformation.
This essence attracts abundance and stability and when used in a herbal bath promotes attractiveness.
Sweet Orange blends well with grapefruit, ginger, clary sage, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove and lavender essential oils.
If you eat oranges they are a great source of vitamin C which is vital for a healthy immune system and helps in preventing colds or ear infections. They are also rich in vitamin B6, therefore, may help to keep blood pressure under control. There are many other health benefits to eating oranges.
If you use Orange Calcite and Sweet Orange together you have the ability to achieve many things.
I have included here a recipe for a beautiful Bath Oil which was given to me by a couple of my early coven members. Everyone I made it for loved it.
