What stones should witches have?
Since ancient times, the bathhouse has been considered a place of rest, moral and physical relaxation. For some people, visiting a steam room is a mandatory weekend event; for others, such visits are extremely rare. However, both experienced bathhouse visitors and infrequent guests may not know about the stones and their functions. Few people know that it is the stones in the bathhouse that are responsible for the quality of the steam – without them, relaxation in the steam room is impossible.
How to choose stones for a bath?
- Form. It can be round or oval. It is better that the surface is smooth. This combination of parameters ensures the passage of air in the cracks between the stones – due to this, the air heats up faster. And the smoothness provides protection against cracking.
- Fraction. It is worth considering that the dimensions of the stones must correspond to the stove. Accordingly, the larger it is, the larger the stones should be. The ideal size is considered to be 5-20 cm. It is better if the texture does not contain inclusions of other rocks, since their presence can lead to cracking of the stone in the future.
IMPORTANT: You should regularly inspect and check the stones – if cracks or other external defects appear, you should get rid of them.
The best stones for a bath
Gabbro-diabase is a fine-grained rock. As a rule, stones of this type are dark in color – the shade can vary from dark gray to greenish. This is one of the most affordable and, at the same time, popular breeds for baths that are used.
The service life of this material is approximately two years. This bath stone is not very durable, but has good heat capacity. The level of litho-therapeutic properties is slightly lower, but this value is not critical.
Raspberry quartzite – also called the royal stone. It has a purple color and can become a bright accent in the interior of a bathhouse, attracting the attention of guests and emphasizing the good taste of the owners. Quartzite does not contain foreign impurities and is characterized by minimal radioactivity.
This stone can be used almost twice as long as gabbro-diabase – the service life is 4,5 years. The litho-therapeutic properties are also twice as high as the parameters of the stone described above. However, the heat capacity of crimson quartzite is somewhat less than the temperature retention of gabbro-diabase.
Soapstone – a stone that can accumulate heat and is perfect for a steam room. There can be several shades – from dark gray to light. It is able to withstand extreme heat and not lose its performance properties. The radiation of soapstone promotes the production of vitamin D. It has a slightly shorter shelf life than crimson quartzite. But the heat capacity of soapstone is simply amazing – several times greater than that of the two stones described above. The litho-therapeutic properties are also higher than those of the two “competitors”.
Choosing stones for a bath is not as difficult as it might seem. The main thing to do is to carefully inspect each pebble for damage. And then it’s a matter of your imagination and taste. Three excellent stones will help make your visit to the bathhouse more useful: soapstone, crimson quartzite and gabbro-diabase!
Crystals and gemstones are like people, each one is unique and emits a specific energy. How are gems chosen? Analyze their properties and rely on your intuition. Here is a list of several of the most popular crystals and precious gems used in magical work and rituals, as well as ways to use them in practice.
In the article you can find a brief guide to which gems can help you in your practice.
A brief excursion into the history of the use of crystals
Many ancient cultures believed that stones contained life force, and so shamans and magicians used them for rituals and healing. It is believed that crystal energy was widely used in the lost city of Atlantis.
Minerals have also played an important role in various religions. The most ancient jewelry was found in the tomb of Queen Pu-Abi at Ur in the Sumerian Empire. They date back to around the beginning of the third millennium BC. Ancient priests believed that crystals were a force that defied all evil. The Egyptians depicted the eye of the sun god Ra with lapis lazuli, and to the Cherokee Indian culture this same crystal was sacred, used for healing.
The best stones for magical rituals
Agate
Agate is responsible for the work of thinking. The crystals of this stone are usually earth-colored, and striped specimens are sometimes found. Subspecies, such as moss agate, come in shades of green or blue.
Agate is associated with the Earth, the third eye chakra and mental issues. Direct the work of the stone into practices aimed at obtaining positive energy, treating mental disorders and getting rid of depression. Popular uses of the gem are in rituals associated with discovering new things, receiving truth, memories and healing, as well as overcoming feelings of loneliness or sadness.
Carry agate with you if you are stressed or unwell. You can also place one crystal under your pillow while you sleep, so you will have more energy while you are awake.
Amazonite
Amazonite sets external energetic boundaries, helps get rid of strife and condemnation. It has supportive properties, helping to recover from trauma and psychological bullying. Excellent for cell regeneration after physical injury, gout and arthritis. Fasting helps balance the thyroid and adrenal glands after stress.
Astrophyllitis
Unpopular both among yogis and among jewelry, the stone is in vain ignored. Astrophyllite opens all chakras and increases the ability to communicate and interact with multiple dimensions, as well as the past, present and future. It activates all chakras and brings light and energy.
Amber
Fossilized resin typically comes in yellow and orange hues. It is the color of the resin that gives a hint that it is associated with solar and fiery energy. It is recommended to use it in practices aimed at the throat chakra, confidence, and also as a protective amulet.
If you need a little magical boost when it comes to communication and career, wear an amber pendant, or leave a crystal on your desk. So amber will work as a talisman against office gossip.
Amethyst
Amethyst is a type of quartz crystal and comes in a wide range of purple tones. The mineral is one of the universal stones that is used to develop magical abilities. Associated with water, it is also associated with the zodiac signs of Pisces and Aquarius.
Use the stone in healing practices aimed at the crown chakra, such as relief from depression and anxiety, mood swings and stress relief. On a magical level, amethyst comes to the rescue for sharpening the mind and enhancing intuitive abilities. It also helps in cleansing the sacred place.
On the recommendation of shamans, the ancient Greeks wore a crystal to protect against the influence of alcohol, so if you plan to spend the night idly, take the stone with you to prevent overwork.
Purple crystals relieve stress and tension, calm irritability, balance mood swings, dispel anger, rage, fear and anxiety. The stone helps to remember and understand dreams and alleviates insomnia.
Heliotrope
Heliotrope, or bloodstone, is a green crystal with red or gold flecks. He is under the influence of the warlike Mars and the Sun. Add heliotrope to the group of crystals that you use in healing practices, as well as in rituals aimed at financial and physical well-being.
When it comes to bodily matters, this stone is often associated with the health of the circulatory system. Carry a crystal with you to earn more money.
Diamond
Diamonds are said to be a girl’s best friend, and this sparkling mineral has long been associated with marriages and engagements, but is also used in love rituals. Diamonds are associated with air, fire and the Sun, and are most often transparent or sometimes have yellow stripes. They can also be used for works related to astral travel and observation, meditation and intuition.
Hematite
The stone is a conductor of powerful protective magic, especially that which relates to home and property. It is he who is very popular in Feng Shui.
To avoid negative influences from the outside, place crystals in door and window openings.
People trying to get rid of bad habits such as smoking, alcohol abuse, nail biting, nervous eating will benefit from regular meditation with this stone. The mineral dissolves negativity and helps prevent the absorption of negativity. Hematite is a strong gem that increases self-esteem and survival, increases willpower and reliability, and gives confidence.
Garnet
Scarlet garnets are associated with the fire elements and the goddess Persephone. They also have the greatest influence on the higher chakras and are used in the treatment of fertility problems.
Use grenades in rituals that balance the incorporeal and corporeal principles. Add the mineral to a group of meditation stones to enhance the magical power of other gems, or use them during lunar rituals to develop intuitive abilities.
Interestingly, followers of some cultures believe that a stone obtained by fraud will bring a curse on the person to whom it belongs, which will remain in effect until the garnet is returned to its rightful owner.
Quartz
Second only to feldspar, quartz is the most common mineral in the earth’s crust. Since the Middle Ages, mediums have used gemstones to predict the future. Even now, beginners use quartz to develop the gift of clairvoyance.
Associated with the heart chakra, rose quartz is often associated with love relationships. Use the crystal in rituals aimed at love and friendship.
What are the differences between white and rose quartz? Thus, white quartz is often transparent. The white gem is recommended for use in healing ceremonies, as well as rituals aimed at spiritual growth and development.
Both stones are associated with the four elements. That is why the mineral is universal – if you lack a particular gem for practice, quartz can easily replace it.
Lapis lazuli
Lapis lazuli occurs in different shades of blue, from pale blue to deep electric blue. It is often spotted or striped. The color depends on the region from which the gem comes. The color reminds that the mineral is associated with water elements.
The gem is recommended for treating depression, uplifting mood and brain disorders as it is associated with the crown chakra. For a more powerful magical effect, use it in rituals involving altered states, trance and meditation.
Moonstone
As the name of the gem suggests, it is associated with lunar deities, especially Diana, Selene and Hecate. On a magical level, add the stone to rituals aimed at the mind and intuition. Carry a stone in your pocket if you feel nervous. This way it normalizes the processes in your body.
Obsidian
The gem is used to remove toxins from the body by placing the crystals near the feet during practice. In magical rituals it is used to enhance observation and intuition. Interestingly, in Feng Shui, obsidian is used to remove obstacles.
Opal
Opals come in several shades, from dull white to dark gray or blue. As a rule, in addition to the main color, stones contain other shades, so one gem can replace several.
Opal crystals are rarely included in a working set, as they are simultaneously associated with all four elements. They are often used for spiritual and emotional healing, as well as in protective rituals.
Pyrites
Good old “fool’s gold”. Great for especially sensitive people, it helps maintain your own energy and block negative influences from the outside, including black magic. Because of these properties, the mineral is very popular among empaths and children.
Pyrite helps integrate high frequency energy into the energy field and physical body. It is a stone of creativity and a talisman for overcoming fear.
Sapphire
Sapphire stones are found in white and yellow, while most corundum stones have various shades of blue – from light blue to dark blue. It is the color that indicates the strong connection of the gem with water and the zodiac sign of Libra. Crystals are associated with the throat chakra and the respiratory system. On a magical level, use sapphire for rituals with spirits and prophecies.
Selenite
Selenite is a crystalline variety of the mineral gypsum. If you place a stone in water, it will turn into plaster. Most often, the gem is transparent and colorless, which is why it got its name from the Greek word for the moon. However, there are specimens in gray, green, orange and brown shades.
Selenite helps promote mental clarity, expanding awareness of yourself and your surroundings. It is used in rituals to open the crown and higher crown chakras to gain access to higher ideas. The stone has calming properties, instills deep peace and is great for meditation and spiritual work.
In white magic, selenite together with amethyst ensures good dreams. Since it is a good conductor, it is used for astral projection.
Eye of the Tiger
Tiger’s Eye reduces anxiety, allows one to speak the truth with ease, and also opens the throat chakra. It stimulates the third eye chakra but protects rather than suppresses it.
Zircon
Zircon is found in different colors. That is why it is often used in jewelry to replace more expensive precious gems. Associated with the sun, use zircon in healing rituals. On a general level, the gem is suitable for practices aimed at beauty, love, peace and relationships. Since the mineral resembles a diamond in appearance, in many traditions zircon is used to replace the often unavailable diamond.
Jasper
Also known as Egyptian marble, jasper is a stone that occurs in a brownish-red color, sometimes containing white stripes. Most strongly associated with the elements of the Earth, the crystal is used for healing magic aimed at curing cancer.
On a magical level, this gem is ideal for grounding and centering after rituals, and is also a talisman that brings good luck.
Ways to use crystals every day
Each crystal has pre-programmed energy to operate. If a person formulates his intention before starting practice, a properly selected crystal will resonate with the energy and enhance it.
There are many ways to use gems. For example, for a comfortable sleep, you can put an amethyst crystal under your pillow. Place gems around flowers in your home to help them grow healthy, or place them near your computer to dissipate electromagnetic energy.
Keep one crystal on your desk while you work to get a boost of inspiration. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, wear a crystal amulet to ward off negative energy and protect your psyche. Place a crystal in every area of your home to create harmony.
Don’t forget to care for the stones in your collection – proper care will extend the life of the gems for you.
