11.04.09
Posted in Fantasy, Information, Jewelry, Runes, Symbols at 10:21 am by Administrator
Simply put, amethyst is a purple variety of quartz. Impurities in the quartz, such as ferric iron and possibly manganese. Somehow, science has a way of taking the mystical portion away from just about anything. Amethyst is much more than a simple crystal.
Amethyst has been a precious stone for thousands of years. The name comes from a-(not) and -methustos (intoxicated). Amethyst literally means “not drunk” since the ancient Greeks and Romans believed it had the power to keep one from feeling the effects of wine. They would make charms and drinking vessels out of amethyst believing it could keep them from getting drunk.
There are stories about how amethyst got it’s purple color. Most involve Dionysis (the Greek god of wine) turning a beautiful woman into crystal and then weeping tears of wine over her because of what he has done (ancient gods seem to have a very ADD quality about them) thus turning the crystals purple.
Today, amethyst and other crystals are better understood. There is no evidence to suggest that wearing an amethyst crystal will keep you from getting a hangover, but there is evidence that amethyst works in concert with your bodies natural electromagnetic field to induce healing and tranquil feelings. Amethyst can also be used in meditation to channel your thoughts and open blocked energy paths.
Whatever your feelings, amethyst is a beautiful crystal with more than it’s fair share of mystery and romance.
Mystical Charm hopes you have a wonderful holiday season full of fun and family.
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11.02.09
Posted in Fantasy, Information, Jewelry, Runes, Symbols at 11:23 am by Administrator
For a number of years, we have had stories of people with superhuman powers battling for control in one way of another. We have Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Wonder Woman and many more. These are stories most of us a familiar with us from comic books and movies.
Thousands of years ago, ancient people had the same thing. They told stories of gods with superhuman powers fighting monsters and traveling to far away lands. Each culture had it’s particular gods and stories to tell about them. In the far north in ancient Scandanavia tales were told of Thor and his hammer, Mjollnir.
Thor’s hammer is said to have the power to level mountains. If thrown it would return to Thor’s hand. To wield Mjollnir, special gauntlets had to be worn and a belt that would increase the power of the hammer. There are many stories about how the hammer was forged and not everyone agrees which is the most accurate.
Today, the stories are told in comic books and soon to be in the movies. Thor and Mjollnir have endured the centuries and is still today a major icon. Scandanavian people still pray to Thor just as some people pray to a saint. The symbol of Mjollnir is found in many places all over Scandanavia, in towns and on the crest of many families of Nordic descent.
Germanic Neopagans are fond of wearing pendants depicting Mjollnir as a sign of their faith. There has been some controversy in the United States as to it’s religious undertones since it resembles an upside down cross. These are usually the rantings of overzealous Christians who have little or no understanding of cultures outside their small town.
Mystical Charm hopes you have a wonderful Autumn season and looks forward to your comments and insights.
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10.23.09
Posted in Essential Oils, Fantasy, Information, Runes, Symbols, travel at 3:05 pm by Administrator
Lycanthropy is the mythological ability of a man to shapeshift into a wolf, or wolf-like creature. Sometimes this is done willingly, other times is is done because the person was bitten by another werewolf or placed under a curse. The transformation accompanies the appearance of a full moon.
These are the attributes associated with the werewolf as we know them today. Stories of werewolves have been around for centuries. Petronius of ancient Greece wrote stories about men who could turn into wolves at will.
Herodotus wrote in his Histories about a tribe in the north-east of Scythia, the Neuri, were transformed into wolves once every 9 years. This was to symbolize Earthly regeneration and rebirth. Another myth tells the tale of Lycaon, who was transformed into a wolf by Zeus after consuming human flesh. This is actually one of the earliest examples of the werewolf legend.
Other stories from ancient Greece and Rome tell similar tales as a way of teaching morality. These were often used to teach the younger generation about how to live and treat other people.
Mystical Charm hopes you have a wonderful Halloween season full of fun and frights.
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10.20.09
Posted in Egyptian, Essential Oils, Fantasy, Information, Runes, travel at 12:30 pm by Administrator
The vampires of today are often suave and charismatic. We have Bram Stoker to thank for this modern interpretation of the vampire. His late 19th century book, Dracula, gave artists through the years the framework upon which to build the modern vampire.
Although vampires are generally not believed to exist, vampire sightings still occur today. In fact, vampire hunting societies still exist and are gaining in popularity. In late 2002 and early 2003, allegations of vampire attacks swept the country of Malawi in Africa resulting in the stoning to death of one man and the attack of at least 4 others.
I Europe, where most vampire tales originates, vampire are believed to be fictitious. There can still be found the occasional village that claims to have vampires but these are for economic purposes and not because they are real.
Vampire superstition can still be found in the more rural areas of Romania. In 2004, relatives of Toma Petre believed he had become a vampire. They dug up his corpse, tore out his heart, burned the heart and drank the ashes with water. Clearly, vampire superstition is still around.
Mystical Charm hopes you have a wonderful Halloween season full of fun and frights.
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06.15.09
Posted in Runes at 11:40 am by Administrator
Rune stones began to appear in the 4th and 5th century in Norway and Scandinavia. These were placed next to graves with inscriptions about the deceased. Most Rune Stones are dated to the Viking Age.
The main purpose of Rune Stones was to mark territory and to boast about constructions, bring glory to dead kinsmen and to tell of important events. As Vikings traveled west, Rune Stones began to appear outside of Norway and Uppland.
Almost 50% of Rune Stones found have Christian inscription on them. Religion played an important part in the history of Runes. Historians can mark events in a region based solely on the inscription found on a Rune.
Now you can have your own set of small runes stones. Polished stones carved with runic symbols and inlaid with gold. Beautiful stones that always start a conversation.
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