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Achroite
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Achroite is a rare variety of tourmaline. The very pale pink tourmalines are sometimes heat treated to produce a colorless stone. The name comes from the Greek word achroos meaning "without color". It has a hardness of 7 1/2.
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Agate
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Agate is a member of the chalcedony family. Agate has been a prized gem since antiquity. Agate comes in many
colors and types. Moss agate or mocha stone often has moss like inclusions. Dendritic agate has black
inclusions. Some agate is banded. The agate is associated with the Moon and the planet Mercury. Its different colors
were believed to have magical powers. The agate was a symbol of St John in the early Christian texts. Agate is
used in jewelry as well as carved. Agate is found in most place in the world. Germany, Uruguay and Brazil have
large deposits of agate. It has a hardness of 7.
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Alchemy
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Alchemy has come to be thought of as the fraudulent art of turning base metals to gold. This is not totally
true. Alchemy was primarily a philosophy seeking the refinement of the soul. There were some alchemists that did
hope to find gold, but usually after spending years seeking knowledge.
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Alexandrite
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Alexandrite is a unique chrysoberyl that is rare and very valuable. Alexandrite changes from green in daylight to red, mauve or brown under incandescent light. Alexandrite was discovered on the birthday of Tsar Alexander II and so named for him. Synthetic stones have been produced to imitate alexandrite's color change, but synthetic stones do not have the value of the genuine stone. Alexandrite is found is Russia. It has a hardness of 8 1/2.
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Aloe
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Aloe has been called "agave". It is a symbol of penitence and suffering.
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Altar
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A special place to do rites and keep symbols.
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Amber
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Amber is a fossilized resin form coniferous trees that are now extinct. Most amber is golden yellow to golden orange, but green, red, violet and black amber have been found. Amber may contain insects or flowers that were trapped millions of years ago while the resin was still sticky. When rubbed, amber produces a negative electrical charge. The best amber comes from the Baltic region. It is said to ward off ghosts and bad dreams. It is associated with the planet Mercury. Amber has a hardness of 2 1/2.
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Amethyst
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The amethyst is considered a symbol of modesty, peace of mind and piety. It was also thought to increase mental
powers and protect against drunkenness. It is said to be the stones of the "Age of Aquarius". Amethyst
is a quartz (see Quartz). It comes in shades of purple from very pale to deep purple. Some of the best amethyst
comes from Brazil. It has a hardness of 7.
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Amulet
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An amulet is a protection charm. Am amulet may be a gemstone, ring, carving or anything that protects the holder of the object.
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Anemone
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This flower is a symbol of fading hope.
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Anchor
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Anchor is a symbol of stability and security. The anchor has become an image of trust and security. In
the early Christian era it was a symbol of salvation.
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Angel
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The maleachim in the Old Testament became angeloi in Greek and angeli in Latin or angel in English.
They are the messengers of God.
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Ankh
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The ankh is an Egyptian symbol of life. Early Christians used the ankh as a symbol of eternal life. It is also
the same shape as the tau cross or St Anthony's cross.
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Ant
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A symbol of diligence.
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Apatite
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Apatite is usually blue, but it is also colorless, yellow, violet and green. Depending on the color, some of the countires apatite has been found are Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Canada, Africa and Spain. The apatite found in Spain is usually greenish-yellow and called "asparagus stone". Apatite has a hardness of 5.
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Ape
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A symbol of strength, loyalty and self-sacrifice.
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Apple
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An ancient myth says Dionysus was the creator of the apple, which he presented to Aphrodite, goddess of love.
Apple blossoms symbolize feminine beauty. In the Christian era the apple represents the Fall of Adam and Eve.
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Aquamarine
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Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family. The colors range from sea green to deep blue. Many aquamarines are
heat treated to enhance the color. The best gems are from Brazil. Some of the places aquamarine is also found are
Russia, Afghanistan and India. It has a hardness of 7 1/2.
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Argonite
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Aragonite is usually white or colorless. Impurities may cause yellow, blue, pink or green shades to appear. It is found in Turkey, France and USA, to mention a few. Aragonite has a hardness of 3 1/2.
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Aster
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This flower is a symbol of the love of variety.
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Astrology
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Astrology is the study of the planetary influences on the Earth and the people on the Earth.
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Autumnal Equinox
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The Autumn Equinox falls on September 22 or 23. This is a time of balance.
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Bat
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The bat has much symbolic significance. In China the bat is a symbol of good fortune. African myths say the
bat was especially intelligent. In antiquity the bat symbolized vigilance. In Greek fable the bat is shrewd but
timid.
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Bear
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Even in the Ice Age the cave bear was a powerful symbol. In Christian symbology the bear's hibernation
is seen as symbolizing the old age of humans, which will be followed by their resurrection. The bear is also associated
with several Christian saints. The bear has feminine qualities or Earth - like qualities (warm, very caring in
the rearing of offspring).
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Bee
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The bee symbolizes the soul. Bee keeping has been documented as far back as 2600 B.C. in Egypt. Bees have been
used in heraldry, symbolizing diligence.
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Bell
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Almost every religious sect uses a bell in some way. Bells hang at the entrances to Shinto shrines. In the early
Christian era bells were used to summon worshippers, as they still are in some places. It is said bells drive away
supernatural beings. There is the "Liberty Bell and don't forget "bell, book and candle".
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Bellflower
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This flower is a symbol of gratitude.
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Bloodstone
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Bloodstone is a variety of chalcedony. It is also called heliotrope. Bloodstone is deep green with reddish spots. Another form is green with yellow spots, which is called plasma. Some of the best bloodstone comes from India. It is also mined in Brazil and China. Plasma comes mainly from Zimbabwe. In the middle ages the red spots were thought to be the blood of Jesus. The hardness of bloodstone is 7.
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Beltane or Beltaine
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The first of May eve is an important festival. This is the time for the Great Rite of fertility. Then May first
is a day to light the Bel fires and dance around the May Tree or pole. The pig is a Beltaine symbol.
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Blue
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Blue is a cool color and is a symbol of thing of the spirit and the intellect. It is the color of the
heavens. Blue amulets are supposed to neutralize the evil eye. The Norse god Odin has a blue mantle. The Virgin
Mary has a cloak of blue. Vishnu in ancient Indian myth is colored blue as is Krishna.
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Boar
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The wild boar is usually male and aggressive. In Norse mythology the goddess Freyja and her brother Freyr were
associated with the boar. The boar is the symbol of courage on the battlefield. It was a sacred animal for the
ancient Celts.
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Bodhi Tree
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This is the sacred tree that Gautama sat under when he received enlightenment and became the Buddha.
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Brown
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Brown is not a primary color and has little significance in the symbology of colors. In the Christian
world brown is the color of the earth, autumn, sorrow, humility, and poverty. It is considered a warm, calm and
simple color.
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Buddha
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A fully enlighten being. The first fully enlighten being was Gautama, a prince of India.
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Bull
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Wild cattle were one of the most common animals in Ice Age cave drawings. The bull is a symbol of vitality and masculine
strength. Bulls have been worshipped in many cultures, especially as a symbol of potency and for their horns, which
suggest the lunar crescent. The Cretan ritual of the bull and the leaping dances come down to us today in the "bull
fight". In Egypt the bull, Apis, was mummified. In the Mithraic religion the bull was a symbol of fertility,
death and resurrection. Then there is the Minotaur of ancient Crete, half man and half bull.
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Butterfly
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In many cultures the butterfly is a symbol beauty, metamorphosis and the transitory nature of happiness. In
Japan the butterfly is a symbol of young womanhood. In China it symbolizes a young man in love. Butterflies can
be seen on very old tombstones as a symbol of the transformations undergone by our own souls.
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Cabochon
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A gem cut and polished to have a domed upper surface. The stone is said to be cut en cabochon.
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Calcite
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Calcite is found in most parts of the world. It is a component of limestone and marble. It can be found in serveral colors, including blue, pink, orange, green and brown. It has a hardness of 3.
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Camel
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The camel is a symbol of moderation. The Christian St Augustine made it a symbol of the humble Christian shouldering
life's burdens without complaint. The camel is one of the animals mourning the death of Gautama Buddha. The other
animals with the camel are the water buffalo, the elephant and the tiger.
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Carat
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A carat is a unit of weight used for gems. A carat is one-fifth of a gram. It is also used to describe the purity of gold. Pure gold is 24 carat. It is abbreviated as CT.
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Carnation
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The pink carnation frequently depicts the Madonna and Child. During the Renaissance the pink carnation was a
love token of an engagement. The carnation has symbolized good fortune.
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Carnelian
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Carnelian is another form of chalcedony. It is also called cornelian. Iron oxide give the stone the reddish-orangish-brownish colors. The best carnelian is from India but Brazil and Uruguay also produce carnelian. The hardness of carnelian is 7.
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Cat
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This is the domesticated cat we are talking about. The cat has a very mixed reputation. In ancient Egypt cats
were mummified and feline deities appeared, represented with a cat's head and a woman's body. The cat has most
always been associated with the female for good and bad. Cats have often been thought to have magical powers.
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Cat's Eye
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Cat's eye is chrysoberyl cut en cabochon, that has a almost white line across a yellowish gray stone. The eye is the result of inclusions of rutile. The most prized cat's eye is is a light golden brown color, with a "milk and honey" effect. Tiger's eye, which is a member of the quartz family, is sometimes incorrectly called cat's eye. Cat's eye in found in Brazil, China and Sri Lanka. It has a hardness of 8 1/2.
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Cave
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Caves have been turning up in myths and legends from the Ice Age to today. They have been sanctuaries or passages
to the underworld. The temple of the Roman god Mithras was built in the form of a rock cave. The cave comes to
Christian iconography by the stable in Bethlehem often portrayed as a rock cave. Caves are usually associated with
the female. Caves have been the home of dragons and gnomes guarding treasures.
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Cedar
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King Solomon used cedar for the construction of the great Temple in Jerusalem. It has long been prized for its
fragrant aroma.
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Celestine
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Celestine is a fine grained colorless, milky white, yellow, orange or pale blue stone. It is usually found with limestone or sandstone. It is found in many parts of the world including USA, England and Italy. Celestine has a hardness of 3 1/2.
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Centaur
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Mythical being with a horse's body and the upper human body was attached where the horse's neck would be. The
most famous centaur was Chiron, the teacher of Jason and Achilles.
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Chalcedony
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Chalcedony includes agates, jaspers, chrysoprase, carnelian, onyx, sard, sardonyx and bloodstone. It is microcrystalline quatz. Chalcedony can be found in almost any color, as well as with bands and spots. Chalcedony is found all over the world and has a hardness of 7.
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Charm
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A charm can be an amulet or a talisman. A charm often brings good luck to the carrier.
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Cherry
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In ancient China the cherry was considered a symbol of immortality. The cherry blossom was the symbol
of a maiden. The wood of the cherry was believed to drive away evil spirits; and cherry branches were placed on
the door on New Year's Day.
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Chimera
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In antiquity, a being part lion, goat and serpent.
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Chrysanthemum
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This flower is a symbol of cheerfulness.
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Chrysoberyl
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Chrysoberyl come in many colors, including green, greenish yellow, yellow and brown. Alexandrite and cat's eye are chrysoberyls. Many chrysoberyl mines have been exhausted. Some has been found in Sri Lanka, Brazil and Madagascar. The name come from the greek chrysos meaning golden and beryllos, which refers to the beryllium content. It has been known as a protection stone for hundreds of years. It has a hardness of 8 1/2.
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Chrysoprase
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Chrysoprase, or prase as it is sometimes called, is a variety of chalcedony. The presence of nickel results in the green color. It can be confused with jade. The finst chrysoprase are found in Poland. It has a hardness of 7.
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Circle
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An important geometric symbol in most cultures. The circle stands for God and heaven. In Zen Buddhism the circle
stands for enlightenment. In The Chinese symbol of Yin and Yang, duality is enclosed in a circle. Many dances are
done in a circle. The circle has also been used a symbol for the Sun or Moon.
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Citrine
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Citrine is a member of the quartz family (see Quartz). It ranges in color form pale yellow to deep brown. Gem
quality citrine comes from Brazil and it has been called Brazilian topaz. It has a hardness of 7.
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Clover or Shamrock
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The shamrock is generally a 3-leafed plant. The shamrock is the symbol of the Irish and Celtic national consciousness.
The Druids revered the shamrock as a sacred plant. It has symbolized the Christian Trinity. A 4-leafed clover is
rare, and so considered lucky.
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Coral
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Coral is usually red, white or black. The red coral has been used as a protection against the evil eye.
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Cornucopia or Horn of Plenty
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The cornucopia is a symbol of bounty. Pictured as a goat's horn, from which fruit and vegetables pour.
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Crane
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In the Christian era, the crane is the symbol of Christ resurrected. In ancient China the crane was one of the
symbols of longevity.
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Cross
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The cross is one of the most important Christian symbols, but is has been used before the Christian era in many
cultures. It has been used to represent spatial orientation. In the Mayan culture the cross was a world-tree, representing
the cosmos. There are many kinds of crosses, such as the T cross and the X cross.
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Crystal
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Crystal is a clear transparent mineral or crystallized quartz. It is also a mineral that has a definite internal atomic structure with a characteristic external shape and physical and optical properties. As a popular term it used to refer to many stones, but not always correctly.
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Cypress
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The cypress is a tree associated with death and burial. It is often planted by graves even today.
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Daffodil
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This flower is a symbol of unrequited love.
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Daisy
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This lovely flower is the symbol of loyal love.
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Diamond
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The most precious of gem stones. It is the hardest mineral on Earth with a hardness of 10. Diamond come in several
colors. They are found in South Africa; Australia and Russia.
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Dioptase
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The color of dioptase is a bright emerald green with a hint of blue. It is very brittle and fragile and breaks easily. Dioptase is found in Russia, Namiba, Zaire, Chile and Aruzina. It has a hardness of 5.
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Dog
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The dog is believed to be the first domesticated animal. It is a symbol of loyalty and vigilance. Dogs have
a part in almost all cultures. The dog is also one of the animal signs in Chinese astrology.
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Dolomite
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Dolmite is unually found in lilllllmestone and marble. It colorless, white, pink and yellow. It can be found in Italy, Switzerland, Germany and USA. It has a hardness of 3 1/2.
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Dolphin
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The dolphin is the friendly animal of the seas. The dolphin is a symbol of good communication between people.
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Door
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See Gates.
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Dove or Pigeon
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These birds have been important symbols since ancient times. The dove has been a symbol of peace and love since
ancient times. Doves have been associated with love goddesses in several cultures. In the Bible the dove symbolizes
the end of the great flood when it brings an olive branch back to the ark. When Jesus was baptized in the river
Jordan a dove descends on him. The Holy Spirit is very often portrayed as a dove.
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Dravite
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Dravite is a brownish tourmaline. It is sometime heat treated to lighten the color. It has a hardness of 7 1/2.
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Dragon
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The dragon is always reptilian, sometimes with wings. In East Asia the dragon is a symbol of happiness. The
dragon is capable of producing a potion of immorality. In Chinese philosophy the dragon represents the yang essence.
It was also the symbol of procreation, fertility and activity. Pictures of the dragon were used to ward off evil
spirits and watch over the health of the home. According to the form school of feng shui, the Green Dragon gives
protection to the home in the east. The dragon is also one of the animal signs of Chinese astrology. In Christian
symbology the dragon embodies the diabolical element.
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Druid
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The word druid means "oak knowledge". Druidism was more than a religion; it was learning, teaching
and the keeping of the history. The Druids were philosophers and seekers into the supernatural world. They were
involved in the local politics. The Druids were poets. One of the few facts surviving about the Druids, is that
the bard, who traveled and was a messenger, singer, poet and keeper of history, came out of the Druid school.
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Eagle
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The eagle is the "King of Birds" and a symbol of might and valor. Many ancient sources have an eagle
as part of their myths, very often associated with the sun god. Among the Christian symbols, the eagle is often
seen on baptismal fonts. An eagle on a field of gold refers to God the Father.
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Egg
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The egg is a symbol of new life and has been associated with the Resurrection of Christ. The Druids had a "hatching
myth", that said the world started in an egg.
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Elephant
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In most cultures the elephant is a very positive symbol. A white elephant told of the birth of Gautama Buddha
and is also the "Vahan" symbol of the one who brings salvation from worldly entanglements. In Hinduism,
Ganesha, god of writing and wisdom, has an elephant's head and is the chief of the attendants of the god Shiva.
In China the elephant is a symbol of strength and intelligence. The saying "to ride on an elephant" is
synonymous with happiness.
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Emerald
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Alchemists believed the emerald brought reason, wisdom and dexterity. It was said because of the green color,
the emerald was most powerful in the spring. It is a symbol of love. The Christians use the emerald to symbolize
faith and hope. Emerald is a beryl, as are aquamarine, heliodor, goshenite and morganite. The finest emeralds are
found in Colombia. It is also found in Brazil, South Africa, and Norway to name a few. Emerald has a hardness of
7 1/2.
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Feather
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In ancient Egypt the feather was a symbol of Ma'at, the goddess of justice and order. In ancient Mexico, only
kings wore capes and head-dresses made of feathers. In North America the feathered headdress was a symbol of the
brave acts of the wearer.
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Feng Shui
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Feng shui is the art of living in harmony with nature, energy and your living space.
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Fish
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Many ancient religions fish were associated with love goddesses and fertility. It was a secret sign of
the early Christians. In ancient China the fish was a symbol of happiness and plenty.
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Five
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This is the number of the Pentacle, which is also an upright human form with head, arms and legs. The Pentateuch
is the five books of Moses of the Old Testament that form the Torah. Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves of
bread. There are five stigmata. In ancient China 5 was a sacred number. There are said to be five forms of earthly
happiness; wealth, longevity, peace, virtue and health. In Japan there is the tradition of five "Gods of Happiness".
There are also five elements; wood, fire, earth, metal and water; also five points of the compass including center.
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Fluorite
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The ancient Egyptians used fluorite to carve scarabs. The Chinese have used it for over 300 years to carve statues,
especially Kuan Yin. Fluorite comes in several colors including blue, green , violet, purple and clear. It is a
grounding stone. It is a soft with a hardness of 4. Fluorite is found USA, Canada, South Africa and China to name
a few of the many places.
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Forget-me-not
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This flower is a symbol of constant love. A good flower to use in riutals of friendship and for all good relationships.
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Freesia
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A flower of innocence and a symbol of trust.
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Frog
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The frog is a small animal, but much legend is attached to it. It is a symbol of beginnings and reproduction.
Many cultures saw the frog as a positive symbol of growth and change. In Coptic Egypt, the frog was a symbol of
the Resurrection of Christ.
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Gardenia
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This sweet smelling flower is a symbol of joy. Gardenia is also a flower that can bring peace and harmony to
a household, so it can be used in many rituals.
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Garnet
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You may think of garnet as red, which some are, but they also come in orange and more than one shade of green.
The shades of red also vary. It is a stone of purity and truth as well as a stone of compassion. Garnet is often
used when searching past lives. The hardness of garnet ranges from 6 to 71/2. Garnet is found in many parts of
the world including USA, Germany, Mexico, Canada and Brazil.
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Gates, Portals and Doors
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Often a gate is the symbol of secret power or something hidden. The opening of a gate or walking though a portal
marks many religious rituals. Christ said in John " I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be
saved."
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Gemstone
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Gemstones are minerals. Not all minerals are gemstones. A gemstone should have beautiful color. It must be durabel or hard enough to cut. It must be valuable. Minerals that are not of a quality to be cut, such as emerald or aquamarine, are a good way to collect gemstones that would otherwise be too expensive for most people.
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Gladiolus
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This tall flower is a symbol of strenght of character.
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Golden Bough
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Mistletoe is the Golden Bough. Hang it with red ribbons in door ways during all winter festivals.
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Green
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Usually green is a color of hope. It is the color of spring and vitality.
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Griffin or Griffon or Gryphon
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A fabulous being with the body of a lion and an eagle's head and wings. It is a very ancient symbol usually
meaning vigilant strength.
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Hare or Rabbit
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The hare and the rabbit are the same. In ancient Mexico the hare was a symbol of good luck. In ancient China
it was one of the symbols of longevity. In most cultures the hare was associated with the moon. The rabbit has
been considered a symbol of vigilance. There is a Buddhist legend that a rabbit jumped into the fire to feed the
starving Buddha. Thus the rabbit became a symbol of self-sacrifice and faith in salvation. The rabbit is one of
the animal signs in Chinese astrology. In Christian iconography 3 hares in a circle symbolize the Holy Trinity.
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Heather
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This flower is a symbol of beauty in solitude.
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Hedgehog
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The hedgehog has been called the animal that is armed, and yet a hero of peace.
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Hematite
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Hematite has a metallic luster. When cut into thin slices it is blood red and was once called "bloodstone". It is used in carvings and jewelry. Depoists of hematite are found in Canada, Brazil, Venezuela and England. It has a hardness of 6 1/2.
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Hippopotamus
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Hippopotamus means river horse. In ancient Egypt it was a symbol of protection, especially in childbirth.
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Horoscope
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A horoscope is the placement of the planets at the time of birth. This could be the birth of a person or country, etc.
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Horse
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In Ice Age cave art the wild horse was the most important subject. The horse has been used as a sacrifice to
the dead. Later it became a symbol of vitality and speed and pulls the chariot of many heroes. There is the famous
winged horse, Pegasus. Later the horse became seen as a noble and intelligent animal. Until recent years every
home wanted a horse as a means of transportation and a work helper. The horse is one of the animal signs in Chinese
astrology.
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Hydrangea
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This flower is a symbol of heartlessness.
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Imbolc or Candlemas Day
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February 2 is when the return of the goddess is celabrated. Spring will come soon. Christians have the Festival
of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This festival is especially for all woman. The color of Imbolc
is white.
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Indicolite
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Indicolite, sometimes referred to as indigolite, is blue tourmaline. It is often heat treated to bring out the blue. It has a hardness of 7 1/2.
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Iris
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The Iris is a symbol of wisdom and eloquence.
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Ivy
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Ivy is a symbol of true love and friendship. Put ivy on your altar when doing rituals of protection. Because
ivy will climb a dead tree and stays green all year, Christian symbolists called it a symbol of the eternal life
of the soul after the death of the body.
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