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Jade
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There are two minerals that are called jade; jadeite (imperial jade) and nephrite (mutton-fat jade). In China
jadeite was considered the most precious of all gem stones. Jade comes in many colors, but the emerald green is
the most prized. Jade was also a prized gemstone in ancient Mexico. In both countries jade was buried with the
nobles. Jade has symbolized the heart, making it a gemstone of love.
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Jasper
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Jasper is a fine-grained chalcedony. Red jasper is one of the most well known of the japsers, but it does come in many other colors, such as blue, yellow, brown, grayish as well as banded. Orbicular has patterns and some of the ribbon or banded jasper is called "picture jasper". Jasper is mined in many places. Venezuela, India, USA, Russia, France and Germany to name a few. It has a hardness of 7.
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Karashishi
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These are the animals guarding the gates of Japanese shrines. They have been called the dogs of Buddha and Chinese
lions. The karashishi is a symbol of vitality and endurance.
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Key
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The key is a symbol of power. Keys appear in many coats of arms. Turning over the keys of a city has been known
as a symbol of surrender. Now keys to a city are given to honored guests. Keys hanging from the belt of a married
woman were a symbol of her status.
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Knots
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Knots in string and ribbon are associated with uniting, binding and confining. Undoing of knots is a symbol
of freeing energies or setting free of previously confined power. "Cutting the Gordian knot" became an
expression for solving a difficult problem, since Alexander the Great cut the Gordian knot with his sword. The
love knot is used in spells to hold a lover.
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Labyrinth
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A labyrinth is a path-constructed in spiral- like curving lines. The labyrinth has long been a symbol in most
religions. They are seen in medieval cathedrals, which the faithful followed, praying on their knees. The labyrinth
in Chartres cathedral has a diameter of almost 40 feet. In many myths the hero has to find his way out of a labyrinth
to attain a much-wanted goal. One of the most famous myths is the Greek myth about Theseus, who killed the minotaur
in the labyrinth at Crete. The labyrinth is often a symbol used in rituals and initiations
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Ladder
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A symbol in Judeo-Christian religions of the link between Heaven and Earth, and the possibility of ascending
into heaven. A ladder with 7 rings, for the 7 known planets, appeared in the cult of Mithra.
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Lammas-Lughasad
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August 1 is a time for thanksgiving as the first bread is made from the new harvest. It is a celabration of
death and resurrection. The lion is a Lammas symbol.
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Lapis Lazuli
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The best lapis lazuli is is an intense blue with specks of brassy pyrite. It may have some white streaks of
calcite also. The best lapis is used in jewelry. Lapis is also carved. The ancient Egyptians highly valued lapis.
The best lapis is from Afghanistan. Other sites of lapis are Chile, Argentinia and Russis. Lapis has a hardness
of 5 1/2.
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Lilac
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This sweet smelling flower is a symbol of youthful innocence.
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Lilies
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These flowers are a symbol of sweetness and purity.
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Lily of the Valley
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This flower is the symbol of great happiness. Can be used in rituals for study and concentration.
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Lion
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The lion is the "King of the Beasts". It is a symbol of power and strength. In ancient Egypt it was
the lioness, Sekhmet, who was the goddess of war.
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Lotus
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In India the lotus blossom is the most important symbol for spirituality and art. In Hindu myth, Brahma, the
creator of the world, was born from a lotus blossom growing from the navel of Vishnu, who was sleeping on the water.
In Buddhist tradition the lotus is very important. Gautama Buddha has "lotus eyes, lotus feet and lotus thighs.
The Tibetan prayer "Om mani padme hum" translates as "Om, jewel in the lotus, amen". In Taoism
of China the lotus is an image of pure aspiration. The lotus is an excellent flower to have in all rituals for
spiritual insight.
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Mandala
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In Sanskrit mandala means circle. It is used as an aid to meditation in Buddhist India and Lamaistic Tibet.
Mandalas, according to Jung, symbolize submersion and internalization after periods of chaos; they express something
of the spiritual essence or kernel, a deeper reconciliation and wholeness within.
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Marigold
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This colorful flower is a symbol of hope. Marigolds are good to have on the altar for rituals for properity
and success.
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Michaelmas
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September 29th is a Celtic Harvest Rite. It is also known as the day that George killed the dragon, which is
really a re-telling of the old story of St Michael. The dragon is a symbol of raw energy or untamed force. The
color of Michaelmas is green.
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Midsummer Day
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June 24 is Midsummer Day. See Summer Solstice.
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Mirror
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In ancient cultures it was believed a mirror could hold a person's life force. This is why in some cultures
mirrors are covered in a home that a person has died. The Islamic mystic Jelaleddin Rumi saw the mirror as a symbol
of the heart, which must be clean and pure if it is to reflect Allah's intense light. In feng
shui mirrors are used to circulate Ch'i or the life force and to push bad energy or "poison arrows"
back to where it came.
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Mistletoe
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Celtic Druids especially prized Mistletoe growing on oak trees. Mistletoe is the Golden Bough. Put mistletoe
on your altar while doing rituals for fertility. Today we hang mistletoe at Christmas, and feel free to kiss anyone
standing under it.
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Moldavite
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Moldavite is a deep green color. See "Tektite".
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Moonstone
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Moonstone is a orthoclase, which is a alkali feldspar. It has a blueish or white shen. Moonstone can be found in Myanmar and Sir Lanka and a few other places. It has a hardness of 6.
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Muscari
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This little flower is a symbol of timidity.
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Narcissus
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A symbol of self love. The name comes from the myth of the boy who stopped to drink from a stream and fell in
love with his own reflection. He stayed by the stream and died and was then turned into a flower.
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Nine
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Nine is significant as the square of the number three. This higher power of three is important is many religions,
from ancient Egypt to the Christian Trinity.
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Obsidian
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Obsidian is natural glass from volcanic lava that cooled too quickly for significant crystallization to occur. It is mostly black, but brown, gray and rarely red, blue and green is produced. It may have a metallic sheen or have crystallites that produce "snowflake" obsidian. Nodules found in Arizona and New Mexico are called "Apache tears". Obsidian has been used since prehistoric times for tools and weapons such as arrowheads and daggers. Obsidian can be found in any volcanic area. It has a hardness of 5.
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Opal
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Opal is hardened silca gel. It containes water and may eventually dry out and crack, which may be the base of the idea that opals are bad luck. There is iridesence precious opal, which has flashes of color and has a great range of colors. The precious opals with dark backgronds are call black opals. The best stones are transparent and not milky. The common opal, is more white and has less flashes of color. The fire opal is an orange color and usually transparent. Australia is the main producer of opals, but it is also found in USA, Brazil, Mexico and Africa. It has a hardness of 6.
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Orchid
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This flower is a symbol of refinement.
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Owl
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The owl was the bird of Pallas Athena, as it was thought to be wise, patient, introspective, brooding and able
to see in the dark. The owl was the bird of soldiers on watch, to help them keep awake at night.
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Ox
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The ox is the symbol of peaceful strength and patient servitude. In ancient China it was considered immoral
to eat the meat of the animal that pulled the plow. The ox is also one of the animal signs in Chinese astrology.
In Christian iconography the ox appears with the donkey in the stable at Bethlehem.
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Pagan
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Pagan means "country dweller". As Christianity became the more widely held religion of the world,
the ancient Roman and Greek gods had to be worshipped in secret or out in the country, away from the cities. Thus
these people, who were not Christians, became know as pagans. Today anyone who is not Christian, Jew or Muslim
is usually referred to as a pagan. The people who refer to themselves as Pagans usually celebrate the changes of
the Seasons and nature.
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Peacock
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This beautiful bird comes from India and was a symbol of the sun. It is considered sacred to Hindus. The peacock
was sacred to the Greek goddess Hera. It was a symbol of the cosmos or the sun and moon for Muslims. In early Christianity
it was a symbol for renewal and resurrection.
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Pendulum
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A pendulum is an object that is suspended from a fixed point so the action of gravity moves the object. A pendulum can be made out of many materials. It is often used to answer questions that require a yes or no answer.
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Peony
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This flower is a symbol of dignity and honor.
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Phoenix
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The phoenix is a legendary bird associated with immortality and resurrection. Its name comes from the Greek
work for red, the color of fire. The phoenix was said to arise again and again from its ashes. In the form school
of feng shui the red phoenix is in the front position to guard the home.
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Pig
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The pig often represents fertility and prosperity in many cultures. To dream of a pig is considered very lucky.
It is also one of the animal signs in Chinese astrology.
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Pine
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In Asia the Scots pine is the Tree of Life. It is a symbol of long life
and married happiness.
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Poppy
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This flower is a symbol of success and wealth.
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Pyrite
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Pyrite has been called "fool's gold", because of its golden color. Pyrite is found worldwide and has
a hardness of 6.
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Quartz
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Quartz is one of the most common stones found as well as a highly prized stone. Crystal quartz also known as
rock crystal is clear and used in jewelry. A polished ball of crystal quatz is valued as a means of concentration.
The other colors of quartz are purple which is amethyst, yellow-brown which is citrine, pink know as rose quartz,
gray-brown is smoky quartz and cream colored quartz is milky quartz. Aventurine is also quartz and the colors range
from shades of greens, blues, reds and oranges. There is also chatoyant quartz which includes tiger's eye. All
quatz is used in jewelry and carvings. Quartz is found all over the world and has a hardness of 7.
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Rabbit
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See Hare.
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Rainbow
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The rainbow is God's covenant with Noah that never again would a great flood cover the earth. In ancient Greece,
Iris was the rainbow goddess. In China the rainbow was seen as a symbol of the union of Yin and Yang.
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Red
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Red is a warm color and was used as far back as the Ice Age. It is known as the color of vitality, strength
and aggression. In Christian artistic tradition, red was the color of the sacrificial blood of Christ. When a person
dreams of red, it means the person needs action in their lives.
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Rhodochrosite
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Rhodochrosite is shades of pink and sometimes has brown or black bands of spots in it. Argentian has the oldest rhodochrosite mine. It has been called Inca rose. It has a hardness of 4.
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Ring
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The ring is a traditional symbol of infinity or eternity. In ancient Rome prominent citizens wore iron rings,
while priests of Jupiter wore gold rings. In the Middle Ages rings came to symbolize marriage. The signet ring
or seal ring was passed down from generation to generation. There are many legends and fairy tales that center
around rings or a ring. One legend about a magic ring is the very popular movie "The Lord of the Rings".
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Rooster
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The rooster is known as the animal of the sun, as it crows at dawn. It was said that the crowing drove off nocturnal
demons. The rooster is one of the animals in Chinese astrology. The rooster can be used in protection rituals.
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Rose
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The rose has long been associated with love.The red and pink roses are symbols of love. The yellow rose is a
symbol of friendship and the white rose a symbol of faithfulness. Use the color of rose to match the ritual you
are doing. Red rose is a strong love flower. It has also come to mean discretion. Sub rosa, which mean under
the rose, has come to mean a seal of secrecy.
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Rubellite
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Rubellite is pink and red tourmaline. It has a hardness of 7 1/2.
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Ruby
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Ruby is a red corundum that varies in shade from pink to brown including some that are purplish. It is considered a valuable gem. A carochon cut may produce a star ruby if rutile inclusions are present. It is mined in many parts of the world including Thailand, Afghanistan and Pakistan. There are synthetic rubies. It has a hardness of 9.
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Rune
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A rune is one of the twenty-four characters of the old Scandinavian alphabet. The runes are used as an Oracle.
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Samhaine
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October 31st is the end of the year on the Wicca calendar. It is a fire festival and it is a very old festival.
It is the time when the veil between our world and the otherworld is very thin. This date is also Halloween.
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Sapphire
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Sapphire is a corundum that is a valuable gem. Most sapphires are shades of blue, from dark blue to a clear deep blue, which is the most valuable. Rutile inclusions will produce a star sapphire in a cabrochon cut. A rare pinkish orange sapphire is called padapradscha. The name padaparadscha mean lotus blossom in Sinhalese. It is found in Sri Lanka. Good quality blue sappphires are found in Sri Lanka and India. Sapphire also colorless, which is rare, and when heat treated becomes blue. Green sapphire is known as "oriental peridot". Sapphires are also pale pink and yellow. There are synthetic sapphires. Shapphire has a hardness of 9.
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Sard or Sardonyx
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Sard and Sardonyx are both another variety of chalcedony. Sard is brownish red . Sardonyx is a blend of sard and onyx, which may be black, white or brown. The layers can be very beautiful, therefore is often used for carvings. This is a stone that is found in many parts of the world. It has a hardness of 7.
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Schorl
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Schorl is the name for black tourmalilne. It has a hardness of 7 1/2.
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Seven
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Seven is a very important number in ancient civilizations. In Judaism it is the number of branches of the Menorah.
The number seven appears in the Book of Revelation many times; seven churches, the seven horns and eyes of the
lamb. Seven heads of the dragon, the seven vials of the wrath of God and sealed with seven seals. Jesus cast seven
devils out of Mary Magdalene.
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Shadows
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Shadows have been thought to be dark entities with a nature all their own. In some languages the same word means
image, soul and shadow. The psychologist, Jung, said the shadow symbolized the unconscious layers of the personality;
some of the layers may have a dark side we do not wish to see.
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Shamrock
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See Clover.
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Siberite
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Siberite is a variety of tourmaline that is lilac to reddish blue. It has a hardness of 7 1/2.
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Snake
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The snake has very ambiguous symbols. The snake has symbolized the underworld or place of the dead. In some
ancient cultures a house snake brought the blessings of dead ancestors. It also symbolizes rejuvenation because
it sheds its skin. The Greek uroborus, which is a snake biting its own tail, stand for eternity. Quetzalcoatl,
a snake-bird, was a very powerful pre-Columbian god. In the Garden of Eden the serpent led Eve to disobey God,
associating the snake with the Devil. Older cultures viewed the snake more positive and it was usually associated
with fertility and renewed life. Two snakes are twined on the caduceus, a symbol of the medical profession.
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Snapdragon
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This flower is a symbol of graciousness.
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Spring Equinox
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See Vernal Equinox.
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Sodalite
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Sodalite can be confused with lapis lazuli. Lapis has tiny specks of pyrite. Sodalite has white patches of calcite.
Sodaltie is a deep blue and is used in jewerly and to carve statues. Sodalite is found in USA, India and Brazil.
One of the most important sites of sodalite is in Canada. It has a hardness of 5 1/2.
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Smithsonite
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Smithsonite, also called bonamite, is unually blue-green or green. It may be pink, yellow or colorless also. It may be found in Namibia, Zambia, USA, Spain and Greece. t has a hardness of 5.
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Summer Solstice
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June 21st is the Summer Solstice. This is the longest day of the year. The fun and celabration often continues
until June 24, MidSummer Day.
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Sunflower
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This flower is a symbol of pride and devotion.
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Talisman
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A stone, ring or any object engraved with figures or characters. A talisman usually has powerful influences on the person who possesses it. A charm or amulet can be a talisman.
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Tektite
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There are many theories about the mysterious tektite. One theory is that they came to Earth from outer space, melting in the atmosphere and forming the characteristic shape and surface texture. Another theory is that the impact of a meteorite caused the surrounding rocks to melt and scatter. The firest tektites were found in 1787 in The Moldau River in Czechoslovakia and were names moldavites after the river. Tektites are a natural glass and are usually rough and scarred. The colors of tektites are black, brown, gray and sometimes green. The Moldau River is the main location of tektites. They have a hardness of 5.
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Tiger
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Alexander the Great was the first to bring word of the tiger from India. Ancient symbolism of the tiger is only
in Asia. In China the tiger was called the "King of the Mountain". The tiger was so feared that pictures
of it were placed on doors to keep demons away. The tiger is one of the Chinese animal signs. The White Tiger guards
the west side of the home in form school feng shui.
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Topaz
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The beautiful topaz occurs in many colors and shades. Several shades of yellow (some shades are called sherry) and pink are the most valuable. It also is found in shades of blue, clear and green. Topaz is found in Brazil, USA, Sri Lanka and Pakistan to name a few. The name "topaz" may come from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning fire. Topaz has a hardness of 8.
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Totem
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A totem is usually a natural being, such as an animal, fish or bird to guide and help a person or group of people.
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Tourmaline
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Tourmaline is highly prized as a gem. It comes in several colors, some of the colors are referred to by name. Rubellite is pink or red. Idicolite is blue. Dravite is brownish. Achroite is a rare colorless tourmaline. A common tourmaline is schorl or black tourmaline. Tourmaline occurs most in yellowish-green. The rare emerald green can be confuse with emerald. Watermelon tourmaline are crystals that have a pink center surrounded by green. Crystals have been found with two or more of the other tourmaline colors also. Depending on the color tourmalines are found in Russia, Madagascar, Brazil, USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Australia. All tourmalines have a hardness of 7 1/2.
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Tree
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Trees are part of all mythologies. Part of the tree is in the earth, but part of the tree is reaching for heaven.
Some form of the "Tree of Life" appears in most cultures. The Norse myth has Yggdrasill, the tree of
the cosmos. The Mayas had a sacred tree that grew in the center of the world and supported the sky. For the Buddhists
the bo tree, under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, is a venerated symbol. The ancient Chinese called
the pear and mulberry trees sacred. The Druids had the sacred oak. There are sacred groves of trees and even sacred
forests. There is the "Tree of Knowledge" in the Bible and the early Christians call the Virgin Mary
the "Tree of Life".
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Tulip
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The tulip has been one of the most prized of all flowers. It is the symbol of fame and enchantment. Orange or
deep yellow tulips are good to have on your altar when doing rituals for success.
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Turquoise
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Turquoise is a stone that has been used for ornament purposes for thousands of years. The color of turquoise ranges in several shades of blue and green. The most prized color is sky blue, which comes from Iran. A more green turquoise is found in Tibet. It can also be found in Mexico and USA. It has a hardness of 6.
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Turtle or Tortoise
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The turtle is a symbol of quite strength. Since the turtle lives so long, it is a symbol of longevity. It is
a symbol of universal order. Sea turtles are often the mounts of mythical heroes. In form school of feng shui the Black Tortoise guards the rear of the home.
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Twelve
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Twelve turns up in many places. Twelve apostles, twelve tribes of Jews and twelve stones in the Hebrew high
priest's breastplate; twelve months in the year, twelve signs of the zodiac, twelve deities of the highest order
in the Greek and Roman religion, etc. Add 1 plus 2 and the sum is 3, one of the powerful of numbers
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Unicorn
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A fabled being with a single horn growing out of the forehead. The origin of the unicorn myth is unsure. It
became a symbol of purity and strength. In Medieval tapestries it was a very popular theme. It was said only a
virgin could tame a unicorn.
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Vernal Equinox
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The Vernal or Spring Equinox falls on March 21 or 22. This is a happy time. The Sun is warming the Earth. The
alder is a tree that is sacred at this time of the year. The violet is a symbol of the Vernal Equinox.
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Violet
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The color violet is a mixture of blue and red and named for the flower of the same name. It symbolizes wisdom
and love. Purple has a little more red in it. The flower, violet, is a symbol of spring. Putting violets on your
altar during healing rituals will enhance the ritual. In the Middle Ages the finding of the first violet of the
year was an occasion for feasting and dancing.
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Watermelon Tourmaline
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Watermelon tourmaline crystals have a pink middle surrounded by green. It has a hardness of 7 1/2.
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Winter Solstice
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This is the shortest day of the year. This is a time for fun, games and good food and very good fellowship.
Mistletoe, ivy and holly are used at the Winter Solstice.
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Yin & Yang
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This is the Chinese representation of cosmic duality. Yin symbolizes femininity, the north, cold, the earth,
passive and dampness. Yang symbolizes masculinity, the south, warmth, light, the heavens, active and dryness.
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Yule
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Yule has ancient beginnings. It may have come from the Nordic festival of Winter Solstice or the Roaman Saturnalia
and the Feast of Ops or Father Time. Many cultures have festivals during the darkest days of winter. People make
merry and build big fires to keep the dark away. The Yule log is part of this tradition as well as the Twelve Days
of Christmas.
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Zodiac
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The zodiac is the twelve divisions of the heavens set along the ecliptic. Large cluster of stars, or constellations, make up the twelve signs of the zodiac. The twelve divisions or signs of the zodiac are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
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