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The Magic of Rocks and StonesSunstone
by
Pari
As the longest day of the year approaches, when the Sun
is at its peak and sits highest in the sky, what better stone to help celebrate
the Summer Solstice than Sunstone! To start, it is wise to mention that there are several
stones that carry the name Sunstone ~ one being a type of Aventurine that is a
sparkling reddish-orange to brown color, and another being a transparent orange
to yellow crystal that was formed through volcanic activity and birthed within
basaltic lava flows - a true fire stone that usually goes by the name of
"Golden Sunstone". But for this article I have concentrated on what is
considered to be the oldest known and most widely used Sunstone - the shimmering
plagioclase Feldspar Sunstone, also formed within lava fields. The name "Sunstone" is self-evident of
course, but this captivating stone has another name - Heliolite, from the Greek
"helios" meaning "sun" and "lithos" meaning
"stone". It is a hard stone registering 7 on the Mohs Scale which is
right up there with Quartz, and forms in granular masses or tabular euhedral
crystals within magmatic and pegmatitic rock. It's luster is vitreous (glassy)
to dull, and its streak is white. Favorite locations that host an abundance of
this type of glistening Sunstone are India, Norway, Russia, and the states of
New York, Pennsylvania and North Carolina in the U.S. Another kind of Sunstone,
whose inclusions are of Copper instead of the usual Hematite, is located in
Oregon, and is called Oregon Sunstone by the trade. In 1987, this Sunstone was
made Oregon's state gemstone. Sunstone is most often found in hues of orange, peach,
yellowish brown, and sometimes green or gray, but each with areas of iridescent
salmon-colored schiller. This sparkle and lustrous shimmer, though revered by
the ancients as a captured and imprisoned piece of the Sun itself, is actually
caused by the refraction of minute and very thin platelets of Hematite or
Goethite inclusions. But none of this takes away from the true magick of this
mystical stone, as you will see. Myth & Lore
Sunstone has a long list of mythical lore attached to
it, but here are some of the highlights. In ancient Greece, Sunstone was used to
represent the Sun God, Helios (or Apollo). Ancient Greeks believed Sunstone
invigorated and greatly improved the state of the physical body and the spirit,
bringing renewed strength and good health to both. They also believed it brought
abundance, prosperity, and protection - so much so with the latter, that they
would adorn their drinking vessels with this stone in order to prevent
poisoning. In India, natives wore Sunstone to protect themselves against any
intrusive or negative forces. Sunstone was used by certain Native American Indian
tribes to assist their medicine men in contacting Spirit Guides. Placing the
stone in the center of their medicine wheel, it was believed to assist in
harnessing the healing powers of the Sun. It was said that the stone would glow
a bright golden color if successful contact was made. Another
"glowing" spot of lore regarding Sunstone is that Pope Clement VII was
said to be in possession of a piece which held within it a glowing spot, one
that would actually move across the surface of the stone from east to west in
conjunction with the sun. In myth, ancient Vikings used what they called a
"sunstone" to aid their navigations... perhaps both in life and death,
as in fact this Feldspar type of Sunstone has been discovered in Viking burial
mounds and is thought to have been placed there to aid one's journey to
Valhalla. Current speculation is that their navigational "sunstone"
may have been the Sunstone we know today, but the double refracting Iceland Spar
(a form of Calcite) is also a possibility, as is the transparent mineral
Cordierite which turns from yellow to blue whenever held at right angle to the
sun. Either way, the theory is well thought out, as these stones exhibits the
exact property which would be needed to navigate by the position of the sun -
the property of refraction. Refracted light makes it possible to locate the sun
during storms, fog, or darkness. So just as certain insects use refraction of
light to find direction, so may have these remarkable ancient mariners. Crystal healers of today use Sunstone to rid one of
depression and alleviate stress, anxiety and phobias. Medicinally, Sunstone is
said to be helpful with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), depression, emotional
heartache, anxiety, and stress, along with regulating the nervous system and
calming the discomfort of ulcers. This stone may also be used in treatment of
cartilage problems, spinal irregularities, and for relief from rheumatism and
arthritis. *NOTE: Stone therapy should NOT take the place of
medical evaluation and procedures, and should be used merely to enhance one's
health and well-being. Magickally, you can use Sunstone in all solar workings. This stone excels at attracting wealth, prosperity, promotion and good fortune of all kinds. Its powers are in health, vitality, energy, protection, and sexuality. Sunstones are often used in Solstice rituals. To cleanse and clear these dazzlers, place in fresh running water and then set them in the sunlight to dry. Metaphysical Properties of Sunstone
Sunstone is a power stone, projecting the male god
energy, and is connected with both the Sacral and Solar Plexus Chakras. This
stone's strength and vitality are unmistakable, and it can kindle the fire
within one's own spirit as it increases its user's own vitality, strength and
stamina. Known for its energizing and empowering properties, this optimistic
stone brightens the self-esteem and self-confidence of those who wear it or work
with it. As with any stone, merely holding one will have some
effect on its user. A stone's own intrinsic vibrational energy can and will
affect a person's aura, physical body, or mood. Sunstone's energy is very vital
and uplifting, and its flashes of glowing iridescence can't help but make you
want to explore its life force. Like its sister stones, Labradorite and
Moonstone, Sunstone exudes an inner light that bursts forth and practically
shouts, "Look at me!" Where Labradorite and Moonstone may ask you to
look inside, Sunstone will ask you to bring what's inside... out. Working with
this stone, that is noted for helping expand one's consciousness and creativity,
can help you determine not only what your special talents are, but how best to
bring them forth and use them for the benefit and good of all. I do agree with
Robert Simmons, co-author of The Book of Stones, who wrote, "Sunstone is
the yang which balances the yin of Moonstone." Excellent
at banishing fears and phobias of all sorts, Sunstone removes inhibitions and
releases feelings of unworthiness. It is also believed to be able to clear away
any lingering and unwanted entities or energies that may have attached
themselves emotionally or physically to another. Independence and freedom are
definitely highlighted in the attributes of this stone. Many
say that Sunstone brings "good luck," but the true definition of
"luck" simply means being in the right place at the right time... more
so a fortunate synchronicity. The way Sunstone brings on this synchronicity is
by prompting its user into the spotlight where he or she is more noticeable and
visible to the world. This, enhanced by the stone's projective energy and
willful abundance, will provide you with many of the key factors - the courage
and strength, the discipline and conviction, the optimism and energy - which are
needed to keep things flowing in that "lucky" fortunate direction. Sunstone
brings warmth and openness, romance and sexuality, clear vision and originality,
leadership and ability, and is prized as the bringer of good fortune. It
strongly promotes a positive attitude and cheerfulness, not to mention a sunny
disposition. ;) This
bright and illuminating stone says, "Come dance with me and you shall see
the veritable joy that life can be." Sunstone is associated with the
astrological sign of Leo, and its Element is Fire ~ a most appropriate stone as
we gather to honor and celebrate the Sun, and as we look forward to the rich
bounty of Summer's offerings. Sun-Blessed may you be!Sources:
http://webmineral.com/data/Oligoclase.shtml http://www.mindat.org/min-10984.html http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,899649,00.html "The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They
Teach" by Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian "The Illustrated Directory of Healing Crystals"
by Cassandra Eason Sunstone, itself. First published in The
Controversial Cauldron - the group newsletter of Email Witches
June
2008 ©
Patricia J. Martin
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