Crystal Work: The Magic of Emerald

emerald

Emerald occupies an important place in many mythologies. According to the bible, it was believed that when Lucifer was cast out of paradise an emerald fell from his forehead, from which formed the Holy Grail. The ancients also believed that the Greek god Hermes recorded the laws of magic upon an emerald tablet. Mythical gem … Read moreCrystal Work: The Magic of Emerald

Aromatherapy: Lavender for Beauty and Home

Soothing Hand Lotion 50ml unperfumed lotion (available at chemists, health stores and supermarkets) or a base body lotion. 10 drops diluted lavender oil 5 drops pure palmarosa essesntial oil Stir well to blend in the oils and store in a small cosmetic pot. Use a small amount after doing housework, washing up or gardening, or … Read moreAromatherapy: Lavender for Beauty and Home

Crystal Work: The Magic of Turquoise

turquoise

The ancient Egyptians prized green turquoise very highly, naming it ‘mefkat’, which means ‘joy’ or ‘delight’. In Egypt, the blue-green colour of the stone symbolised fertility and resurrection. They used it to make mosaics, ornaments and cosmetics, an it was an important stone to shamanic tribes in Tibet. Indeed, demand for turquoise has been so … Read moreCrystal Work: The Magic of Turquoise

Aromatherapy: The Magic of Lavender

Lavender can take much of the credit for the revival and interest in aromatherapy today. At different stages in history lavender has been valued for its impressive healing powers and it is these healing properties that make it one of the most important essential oils. Not only is it a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-depressant, sedative … Read moreAromatherapy: The Magic of Lavender

Crystal Work: The Magic of Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is a mixture of hauyne, lazurite and sodalite in a matrix of calcite, with pieces of pyrite providing the golden flecks. Its name means ‘sky stone’, from the Latin ‘lapis’ meaning ‘stone and the Persian ‘lazward’ meaning ‘blue’, or ‘sky’. It has been used since at least 5000BC, and was very popular with … Read moreCrystal Work: The Magic of Lapis Lazuli

Aromatherapy for Babies and Children

The most important concern when using aromatherapy and essential oils with babies and children is safety. Choose only suitably gentle oils to use in low concentrations. Babies and children have immature body systems and organs, which means they could have difficulty in eliminating the more powerful oils. They also tend to be far more responsive … Read moreAromatherapy for Babies and Children

Crystal Work: The Magic of Clear Quartz

The quartz family of crystals is large and diverse. It is estimated that quartz makes up about 12% of the volume of the earth’s crust and clear quartz crystal is very common throughout the world. Our ancient ancestors were certainly familiar with it, even if they misunderstood its nature. Because of its resemblance to ice … Read moreCrystal Work: The Magic of Clear Quartz

Aromatherapy: Understanding Plant Families

There are millions of species of plants living on the planet, with a diversity of characteristics. Fortunately, botanists have completed the difficult task of correctly identifying one plant from another by setting up a system of classification and assigning species according to their common characteristics. These might be similarities in germination, growth, shape or chemistry. … Read moreAromatherapy: Understanding Plant Families

Crystal Work: The Magic of Diamonds

Diamond

The word ‘Diamond’ has its origin in the Greek word ‘adamas’, which means unconquerable. Ancient civilisations discovered that diamond could cut any other stone, and so it became known as the ‘ruler of stones’. Diamond has been mined for more than 4,000 years. Such is its value that across time and culture, people from ancient … Read moreCrystal Work: The Magic of Diamonds

Aromatherapy: Understanding Plant Essences

The chemist might describe essential oils as chemical compounds generally made up of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen derived from a single botanical species. The manufacturer might say they are volatile materials extracted from plants by means of physical processing. Both definitions are correct, but neither explain the origin of essential oils. The purest form Essential … Read moreAromatherapy: Understanding Plant Essences