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illuminating-the-darkness · 6 years ago

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Fruits Continued...

Blueberry:

Blueberries are rounded blue berries that grow on shrubs with white or pale pink bell shaped flowers, these shrubs prefer acidic soil and plenty of light and are native to North America. Blueberries are green when unripe and then turn white-pink before finally turning blue-purple when ripe. Blueberries are sweet and juicy to taste and are often made into jellies and jams. When fermented Blueberries can be used to make wine or cider. Blueberry can be used to treat cataracts and glaucoma as well as ulcers, urinary tract infections, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, colic, fever, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Blueberry can also be used to improve blood circulation and as a laxative although when dried the fruit and leaves can treat diarrhoea. Blueberry root tea can be used to treat labour pains in childbirth and as a tonic after miscarriage. Tea made from dried Blueberry leaves can ease sore throats. Burning dried Blueberry flowers is thought to calm the mind and can be made into incense for ritual use.

Cherry:

Cherries are small spherical red berries that grow on Cherry blossom and other Cherry trees. Cherries are members of the rose family. Cherries have a sweet juicy taste and are often used in making jellies and jams and fermented Cherry produces alcohol for use in wines and ciders. Characteristically Cherries contain “stones” in their centre which is the seed, this can be carved to use as a runstone are in amulets and as usually symbolises pregnancy and fertility and can be used as an effigy in curses attempting cause miscarriage. Cherry blossom is particularly fragrant and can be used to produce insences often related symbolically to love and fertility. Cherries can promote good sleep, treat gout and lower the risks of heart disease. Cherries are very anti-inflammatory and can be used to reduce painful inflammations and stiff joints.

Chilli Pepper:

Chilli Peppers are members of the nightshade family and were originally native to Mexico before becoming more wide spread, the Chilli is a long or bulbous fruit usually green, yellow, orange or red in colour. Chilli Peppers contain a mostly hollow inside full of small seeds and the outer cortex of the Chilli Pepper is known for its intense flavour of heat used as a spice in cooking. Different Chilli Peppers have different levels of heat with the hotest variety known being the California Reaper Pepper. Chilli Peppers are associated with the Sun and Mars for their colour and firey nature relating them to passion and aggression, Chilli Spices and incense can be used to attempt to inspire passion or in curses related to burning and stinging sensations. Chilli Peppers have pain relief effects and are good for clearing up coughs, sore throats and colds. Since Chilli Peppers are high in Copper it is possible that they may act as birth control. Chilli Peppers have antioxidant effects which is good for the heart.

Coconut:

Coconuts are not actually nuts but fruit which grows on palm trees. The Coconut derives its name from the Spanish word “Coco” meaning “Skull” due to the three indentations on a Coconut which slightly resembles the eye sockets and nasal passage of a skull. Coconuts are hard shelled and begin as green-yellow coloured spherical or oval fruits which mature into hairy brown fruits. Coconut has an inner layer of moist white flesh that has a sweet taste and an internal pool of sweet white Coconut milk. Coconut flesh and milk can be processed into oil and soap while the outter shell and hairs can be used as charcoal or as fibers. Interesting the name Coconut may also be related to hispanic myths of witches or ghosts called cocos. Coconut is traditionally used by islanders to anoint their bodies in Coconut oil which is now a common place cosmetic item used in skin and hair care. Since the Coconut leaves a husk behind it can be related to Qlipothic practices and used to symbolise individual Qlipha and their cortex’s while the Coconut palm tree is often itself refered to as a Tree of Life due to its many varied uses. The sap of the Coconut palm can be drunk and also fermented into alcoholic wines or vinegars. Coconut shell and husks can be burned to repel bugs. Coconut shells are also used to create musical instruments which alongside their breast-like attributes of being rounded and full of milk seem to pair them well with Venus and the element of water which is interesting since native fisherman often offer coconuts to the sea and lakes at the start of new fishing seasons in the hope of gaining favour from the Gods and a bountiful catch. In Hinduism the Coconut is a symbol of wealth associated with the Goddess Lakshmi. The Coconut may also symbolise a womb as it is used in this capacity in Hindu weddings further cementing the connection to Goddesses and fertility. Coconut contains Copper and so could work as birth control in women if enough Copper could be gained from eating it. Coconut palm roots can be used as mouthwash and as a toothbrush and may help to treat diarrhoea and inflammation in the intestines.

Cranberry:

Cranberries are the berries of evergreen dwarf shrubs that live in marshland and bogs these plants have dark pink flowers while the berries start off as an unripe green and change to red with ripeness. Cranberry is sweet but acidic in flavour. Cranberry fruit can be turned into jellies or juice drinks and can be fermented into alcoholic wines. Cranberries are harvested been Autumn and Winter and are often associated with festivals such as Christmas. Cranberries are antioxidant meaning they are good for the heart and skin. Cranberries can be good for preventing urinary tract infections and may be good for treating diabetes.

Cucumber:

Cucumbers are long slightly phallic green fruits which grow on vines. Cucumbers have a moist savoury taste as 95% of the Cucumber is water. Cucumbers were used by the Romans to cure scorpion venom and were associated with fertility, women wishing to concieve wore then around their waist likely due to the slightly phallic shape of the plant as Cucumbers were as commonly used as natural dildos in ancient times as they are today associating them strongly with masculine energy and fertility which could also suggest that they may have been thought to relieve impotence. Cucumbers are also commonly used for skin care and can also help blood clot when eaten, improve the immune system and help the heart, lungs and kidneys to function properly.

Date:

Dates are the fruit of date palm trees, they are small and oval in shaped being yellow or red in colour and have smooth fleshy skin. Dates are very sweet to taste being about 75% sugar when dried. Dates can be fermented to make alcoholic wine. Dates contain a small stone in their centre which can be carved and made into runes and also symbolises fertility and pregnancy and thus can be used as a curse effigy in curses meant to cause miscarriage. Dates produce oil which can be used in the creation of soap and cosmetics for skin care. Dates can be processed chemically to produce biological acids. The leaves of date palms relate to palm Sunday in Christianity and are excellent sources of fibre, palm leaves also have a nice fragrance which can be used in incense. In ancient Rome dates symbolised victory, most other sources on the symbolism of dates relates to Judaic, Christian and Islamic theology where they are often attributed Tree of Life symbolism. Dates are antioxidant meaning they are good for the heart, brain and skin. Dates contain around 18% Copper so they may be useful in birth control for women however Dates are also useful in child birth and labour as they are believed to promotr cervical dialation which helps shorten labour periods.

Dragon Fruit:

Dragon Fruit is the fruit of certain species of cacti from tropical regions. Dragon Fruit takes its name from its apperance of having spiked scales around its spherical cortex, the Dragon Fruit is bright pink, red or yellow with a soft white flesh within specked black with small seeds. Dragon Fruit is mildly sweet but mostly bland. Dragon Fruit is antioxidant meaning it is good for the heart, brain and skin. Dragon Fruit is good for the gut and may also be good for treating diabetes.

Eggplant:

Eggplants are oval or pear-shaped puple fruits with white fleshy innards. Eggplants are also known as “Aubergines”. Eggplants are part of the nightshade family and have white or purple six-pointed flowers which along with the Eggplants leaves are toxic when ingested, the Eggplant is associated with insanity in Egyptian folklore and this may be due to toxic effects of coming into contact with the flowers or leaves suggesting that the toxin may be absorbed through the skin, it is also known that some people are allergic to Eggplant. Eggplant tastes bland but absorbs other flavours well making it useful in cooking. Eggplants may balance blood sugar levels making them useful in treating diabetes. Eggplants are high in antioxidants making them good for the heart, brain and skin. Eggplants may promote weight loss and has good potential for treating cancers.

Elderberry:

Elderberries are small purple-black or red spherical fruits that grow on large shrubs which have clusters of small five-pointed white flowers. Elderberries must be cooked before being eaten as all parts of the plant are toxic including the uncooked berries. Elderberries are tart and bitter when raw but sweet to taste when cooked. Despite being highly toxic and taking its name from witchcraft practices (hence “elder”) the Elder tree is thought to give protection from witchcraft and can thus be employed in antimagic while other folklores suggest that witches congregate under the plant likely harvesting its toxins. Cutting down Elder trees was thought to provoke a spirit called the “Elder Mother” who would launch a metaphysical attack or curse against the the one who had chopped down the tree in some such myths witches were thought to become Elder Trees in life or in death. Elderberries are thought to relieve flu like symptoms and constipation when made into tea.

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illuminating-the-darkness · 6 years ago

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Fruit:

Fruit is a vessel by which the seeds of plants attempt to embed themselves into fecal matter through the digestive tract of animals in order to improve the chances of growing in good moist soil and also insuring that the animal spreads the seed far from the parent plant as the animal is likely to excreet at a distance from its food source, to do this fruit has to have a pleasing taste so that animals will want to eat it and as such most fruit is full of natural sugars making most of them sweet to the taste however others are more bitter or juicy enough to provide hydration, interestingly some give off spices in an attempt to defend themselves against being eaten. Fruits tend to be high in vitamins, natural minerals and benefitial chemicals. Fruits usually grow on trees, bushes and vines. The following is a partial list of fruits:

-Some fruits are poisonous, this will be dealt with in later posts.

Apple:

Apples are rounded fruit that can be yellow, green, red or pink or some combination of these colours. Apples are sweet and moist to the taste although some can be slightly bitter. Apples are produced by Apple Tree’s which are members of the rose family. Apples have soft interiors of white-green flesh and a hard central core containing seeds, the leftover cores become the bed for the seeds within when a new tree grows. Apples begin to grow in Spring and mature in Autumn. Apples have a long association with witchcraft from their depictions in fairytales such as the poison Apple in snow white to the theological depictions of Apples as the fruit of knowledge in the garden of Eden, making Apples in turn a symbol of knowledge and curses in fact the Latin word for Apple is “Malus” which has influenced the English language as “Malice” meaning “to do evil”. In the Paganism of ancient Greece, Apples were also depicted as golden immortality bestowing fruits guarded by the Earth Goddess Gaia’s own dragons and one carved with an inscription designed to provoke a fued amongst Goddesses was used by the Goddess of chaos Eris in an event which sparked the Trojan war. Apples are Venus ruled fruits with many associations with the Goddess including love, fertility and pregnancy, a slices Apple also reveals the five pointed star pattern associated with Venus and Apple tree leaves and flowers are also five pointed, staring into the centre of a cut Apples core can be used in divination practices. Apples once fermented produce alcoholic cider. Apples scents are associated with love and fertility in inscence. Apples have a number of medical uses, Apples can clean the teeth, improve blood sugar levels, reduce stomach acidity, neutralise gout, lower cholesterol, help to purify water when mixed, sooth fever and the crushed leaves can prevent infection when applied to fresh wounds as can Apple cider vinegar which can also help sore throats.

Apricot:

Apricot is a fleshy peach-orange coloured round fruit bearing a central pip or stone which is its seed. Apricots grow on Apricot trees and have short seasons of maturing in early Spring. Apricots prefer warm climates. Apricots taste either sweet or tart and are not very juicy. Apricots are associated with Venus for their five pointed flowers and as such Apricots are associated with love, fertility, beauty, art and attraction. Apricots are most specifically associated with pregnancy due to the pip/kernal in their centre representing a baby within the womb they can therefore be used to promote fertility and health in pregnancy or as Curse effigies in attempting to cause miscarriages. The wooden kernal can also be carved for use in amulets or as runestones. Apricots are thought to be able to reduce tumours when refined as an oil salve. Apricots are also used for their juices in cosmetic skin care. Apricots also have antioxidant effects when ingested which is good for heart disease and diabetes treatments.

Avocado:

Avocados are a tropical and Mediterranean fruit that grows on trees. Avocados are pear shaped or spherical and have dark green almost ribbed, hard cortex’s which soften and brown with ripeness. The inner flesh of an Avocado is a soft light green-cream colour. Avocados prefer warm enviroments with little to no wind, lots of water and require well aerated soil. Avocado can cause allergic reactions in people with allergies and is poisonous to some animals however to humans the fruit tastes savoury. Avocados have a central kernal and like all fruit which has this characteristic the Avacado therefore represents pregnancy and is related to fertility and child birth, this means that it can also be used as a curse effigy in attempting to cause miscarriage. The wooden kernal can also be carved for use in amulets or as runestones. Avocados are good for the heart and blood and contain chemicals which are good for the eyes they are also high in benefitial fats.

Banana:

Bananas are long curved yellow, red or purple fruits that grow in clusters on Banana plants often mistaken for trees. Bananas are somewhat crescent shaped and as such have a slightly phallic apperance. Bananas are green before ripening and turn brown or black when over ripe. Bananas are soft and have a creamy yellow-white, red, purple or brown interiors under their peel. Bananas have a sweet moist taste. Bananas grow in tropical climates. Bananas can be fermented to make alcoholic wines and beers. Due to their high levels of potassium Bananas generate minuet amounts of radioactivity. Banana peels can be used to extract heavy metals from contaminated river waters, when powdered and used for filtration by mixing over 45 minuets, up to 65% of heavy metals can be removed from the water this process can also be repeated for further purification. In some cultures such as in Thailand and Indonesia Bananas are believed to be inhabited by certain ghosts and spirits. Banana fibers and bark can be used to make paper and can be boiled and worked into fibres while Banana leaves are waterproof. Due to its crescent and phallic shape Bananas are associated with the moon and with fertility particularly in cures meant to prevent impotence and thus Bananas are sometimes associated with masculine energy. Bananas are also associated with luck and fortune. Bananas can be used as food medicine in the treatments of diabetes, hypertension, cancer, ulcers, diarrhoea, urolithiasis, Alzheimer's and infections. Bananas can also be used for slight pain relief and the leaves or peels can be used to dress wounds.

Bell Pepper:

Bell Peppers are large slightly cubic shaped fruits which come in green, orange, red, yellow, purple and white colours. Although commonly thought of as vegetables Bell Peppers are actually berries. Bell Peppers prefer warm climates and moist soils. Bell Peppers have a slightly sweet but savoury juicy taste and are mostly hollow, Bell Peppers have a central lump of flesh with many small spicy yellow seeds attached to it, the walls of the Pepper are cut into slices or chunks when used in cooking. Bell Peppers contain chemicals which help the eyes and also reduce blood clotting, they also lower cholesterol and help to protect against cancers. Bell Peppers are also good for improving memory and promoting weight loss.

Blackberry:

Blackberries are small round purple-black berries which grow on thorny tangling bramble shrubs. Blackberries appear as though composed of lots of smaller berries as they have a bumpy surface of round juicy blobs in a spherical cluster that make up the berry as a whole. Blackberries contain red-purple juices which can be used as dyes. Blackberries have a sweet taste and can be fermented to produce alcoholic wine and cider, blackberries are also often ground or cooked into jellies and jams. While Blackberries are often harvested in Summer and Autumn but there are folklores that suggests fey and other spirits putrify Blackberries in mid October, this is because colder wet weather promotes molds in the fruit which may be toxic. Because Blackberry brambles are vine like and barbed they can be used in binding spells and curses, bramble thorns are often used in effigy cursing where the effigy is pierced by the thorn in an attempt to cause pain to the victim the effigy represents. Being member of the rose family and having five pointed white or pink flowers Blackberries are associated with Venus all be it with the dark side of the Goddess, this means that Blackberries take on association with love and fertility. Blackberries are effective barriers as their tightly-knit and barbed vines are difficult to pass through this means that smudge stricks made from the twigs are effective at creating spiritual barriers from the belief that as it is physically difficult to pass through so is its essence spiritually hard to pass through, this also means brambles symbolise protection. Blackberries are especially good for the liver and kidneys. The chewed leaves of Blackberries and the shoots brewed into teas can be used to treat mouth ailments such as sores. Tea made from bramble root, bark and leaves is also used in treating coughs. The bramble leaves and root can also be used to treat stomach and intestine problems such as diarrhoea. Bramble leaves also have antibacterial properties and can be used to clean wounds, they also have a cooling effect on burns and skin disorders. Blackberries are also thought to relieve menstrual issues such as period cramps.

Blackcurrant:

Blackcurrants are small spherical black berries that grow on flowering marshland shrubs. Blackcurrants taste sweet and are commonly used to create jams and jellies. Blackcurrants produce deep deep purple juices which can be used to make blue or purple dyes and when fermented produce alcohol cider. Blackcurrants rippen in midsummer and can be harvested through till late Autumn. The Blackcurrant shrub produces strong aromas which can make it useful in producing incenses. The entire Blackcurrant plant can be used to produce teas which are good for promoting blood flow, helping the immune system as well as promoting eye, gut and kidney health and may reduce risk of diabetes. Blackcurrants are full of antioxidants which are good for treating heart and brain diseases and has cosmetic applications in promoting healthy skin for anti-aging treatments. Blackcurrants can also soothe sore throats and treat flu symptoms. Blackcurrant leaves are antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitoxin, antiseptic and provide treatment of cancer. Since Blackcurrants have anti-inflammatory properties they can also be used to treat pain, stiffness, soreness and reduce joint and musclar pains. Blackcurrant seed oil can also treat menstrual issues and relieve period cramps. Blackcurrant leaves are diaphoretic and diuretic promoting urination and relief for constipation when made into teas and drunk they are also good for the nerves and nervous system related ailments.

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illuminating-the-darkness · 6 years ago

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Herbology:

Having now understood the mineral crystals and metals of the natural world we must progress our understanding towards plants. Plants are living organisms which come in a wide variety of apperances. Plants leech water and minerals from soil for food and so individual plants require different mineral soils and conditions such as temperature to survive, some plants are necrophages - feeding on dead and decaying matter and some are even carnivorous eating small bugs and animals. Plants convert light into energy through a process called photosynthesis, plants do this by developing specific green pigments in their leaves called chlorophyll which are exceptionally good at absorbing and trapping light which is then directly converted into energy to feed the plants growth, plants also absorb CO2 gases which they use as fuels and expell the oxygen we breath as a biproduct, this means that plants are likely partially responsible for generating wind and strong air currents. Plants also provide food, medicines, poisons, useful chemicals and psychedelic experiences to humanity. Caring for plants is part of our task as stewards of this planet. In order to grow plants we must first understand the lifecycle of plants. Most plants start life in the form of seeds, grains, nuts, bulbs or spores, in some cases these only need to find soft earth to be planted in to get started however some fruits and vegetables impart their seed when eaten, passing through the digestive tract of animals and insuring they are planted in the warm moist droppings the animals leave behind. In the case of seeds we can assist their growth by a process called germination. Before we can germinate a plants seed we must insure the time of year is right, different plants require sowing into the ground at different times of year in order to flourish, most seeds need planting in early spring. In order to germinate most if not all seeds we begin by wetting cotton wool, drying it until damp and the wrapping the seeds up in the moist cotton. Over a period of a week we should add drops of water to keep the cotton wool moist, eventually the seeds will open revealing a long white tap root, when this happens it is important to remove the seed from the cotton wool and place the seed tap-root down into a small container filled with appropriate soil, taking care to insure that the seed is near the top layer of soil only lightly covered over as this is where the first shoots of the seedling will crop up. Seedlings will at first develop as a small green stem that will eventually grow leaves, it is important to keep seedlings inside or in a greenhouse at first, as the seedlings grow they will quickly develop leaves and will need sunlight to begin photosynthesis thus it is important to expose seedlings to sunlight via a window or special lighting, we must also be careful that the plant does not burn up or wither in the sun and that it maintains moist soil, too much water will however drown the plant so take care when watering. When the seedling has developed a thicker stem and more broader leaves it is time to acclimatise the plant to outside (unless the plant is an indoor or greenhouse kept plant) the shock of the outdoor environment may kill a plant and so we must gradually adjust the plants resistance to the cold and weather conditions of outdoors by leaving the plant outside for short periods of time over a month, we could for example try leaving the plant outside for an hour or two each day in the first week and increase this to two to four hours in the second week, so long as the plant remains healthy eventually it will be able to stay outside indefinitely. As the plant starts to grow it will need a larger pot or area of ground to allow its roots to spread or it will stop growing and likely die, when transplanting the plant from one container to another or directly into the ground we must be sure to use suitable soil with a ph level that matches the needs of the plant since certain plants prefer their soil more acid or alkaline, which can be adjusted by treating the soil.

Soil can be treated with acid or alkaline rich minerals and solutions to adjust the ph balance to suit the needs of the plant. In order to move the plant from one vessel to another it is important not to damage the plants roots and to try to dig around the plant when uprooting it, we should take care to preserve some of the soil the plant was already using that will be attached to its roots, this can be planted into a hole in the ground or in the new soil of a pot to help ease the transition and reduce stress on the plant as well as helping to insure health as the plant was already thriving in its initial host soil. The plant should now be mostly self sufficient, it should be shaded if it needs it but also have access to sunlight, we can continue to monitor the ph level of the soil to insure it remains top quality to the plants needs and should water the plant during long periods without rainfall, we may also need to prune the plant of dead materials such as decayed leaves and flowers in order to help promote rejuvenation and further growth. Be aware that plants object the cycles of nature and that many die off in the Autumn and Winter only to revive in the Spring and Summer months.

To begin our study of herbology the practisioner will obtain seeds and nurture a flowering plant from seed to bloom making notes on the progress of the plant, its asthetic and biological features.

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illuminating-the-darkness · 6 years ago

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Jewellery Craft and Forging Ritual Items:

Jewellery craft is the process where our metallurgic, blacksmithy and crystal knowledge and skills are married into the formation of magical amulets these same processes will also be used to form armours and weapons. Since the fundemental tools of a ritual magician include a metal amulet/pentacle and a metal ritual sword/knife these will be the first object we intend to create. We begin by gathering the materials we require, although we may wish to make test crafts forged from basic materials we will be aiming to make the amulet from Copper, Silver or Gold and the blade of the ritual dagger from Iron. To begin we will start with the amulet which may be made into an enclosed circle pentagram or hexagram at the discression of the practisioner who will first draw the design to scale on some easily manipulated foam which will then be cut out and shaped to the exact dimensions, for this initial craft we will not imbue the amulet with incantations which we may instead wish to engrave at a later date, the design must also incorporate a smaller circle at the top of the large outter circle to run cord through. The amulets pattern will then be inserted into a sand mold and removed. The practisioner will select an appropriate crystal gemstone to be set into the centre of the amulet, this will be carved to an appropriate shape and may be engraved with symbols, a small metal coin will then be dripped with a drop of hot metal and allowed to cool, while it is still malluable the gemstone will be fixed to the coin using this heated metal and a pair of tongs to set the gemstone into the coin, the gemstone will then be burried into the centre of the sand mold so that none of it is exposed except the metal coin now attached to its negative face, the molten metal will be poured into the flask covering and binding to the coin and then allowed to cool and remove revealing a sacred geometrical metal shape with a carved crystal fused to its centre, imperfections in the crystal must not be tolerated, if the crystal cracks or breaks the operation must be repeated with a different crystal or by setting the crystal into a small gap in the metal after it has already cooled or by utilisation of metal clay. During the process the practisioner must remember to treat the casting as a spell and keep focus on the intention they wish to imbue into the metal and the crystal. When the process is complete the amulet must be cleaned and finished to a good standard.

For the creation of the ritual dagger we will have to forge hot iron on an anvil using a forge or furnace and a hammer. A suitably long and thick chunk of Iron will first be obtained which will then be heated and shaped by hammer strokes until a crude blade has been formed, the practisioner will again keep ritual intention in mind and will not be attempting to imbue the dagger with words which can be etched later or with crystals which can be added once the handle is made. For the time being the practisioner seek only to forge a long, thin but strong and sharp blade no shorter than five inches and no thinner than half an inch this blade must include an extra minimum of three inches of metal at the back to be used at a later date to fix the knife to its handle. The blade must be cleaned and finished to a good standard.

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illuminating-the-darkness · 6 years ago

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Metallurgy and Blacksmithy:

Metallurgy is the study and practical application of sciences surrounding the material engineering of metals, metal compounds and metal alloys. In Metallurgy there are considered to be three primary components to the work:

Feed - Meaning raw materials such as ore to be processed.

Concentrate - Meaning extracted materials such as base metals and useful chemicals.

Taillings - Meaning waste materials left over from the process.

After ore feed is mined from the ground it is crushed down and divided into concentrate or tailings, the concentrate is kept and the tailings disposed of. Ore often contains more than one valuable metal. Tailings of a previous process may be used as a feed in another process to extract a secondary product from the original ore. Additionally, a concentrate may contain more than one valuable metal. That concentrate would then be processed to separate the valuable metals into individual components.

In order to better understand metals, metal compounds and alloys or to identify them, metallurgists in the modern age use two techniques called metallography and crystallography. Metallography involves taking a small sample of an alloy, grinding it flat, polishing it and etching it so that it can be studied under a hi-power microscope to determine its composition and exact form (i.e. which alloy has been created). Crystallography is a process of using defracted x-rays or electrons to identify unknown materials and reveal the crystal structure of the sample which allows for indepth analysis.

Blacksmithy is a skill and group of techniques used to forge and work metals into a desired form. Some of the main techniques of Blacksmithy are as follows:

Sintering:

Sintering is the practice of heating and applying pressure to metals and/or metal powders so that they congeal together into a solid state when cooled. Sintering does not necessarily require the metals to be in liquid state to be effective and is sometimes used to work metals with exceptionally high melting points.

Smelting:

Smelting is the process of applying heat to ore through a furnace or crucible in order to extract a base metal. Smelting uses heat and a reducing agent to decompose the ore converting unwanted impurities in the form of chemicals into gases or waste slag and leaving the base metal exposed. A reducing agent is a substance which easily loses or rather donates electrons, it does this because the electrons orbiting its atoms are fairly distant from their host atom meaning they are not strongly attracted to it and easily passed to a new atomic host with stronger attraction which is found in the material being exposed to the reducing agent, this process of the reducing agent losing electrons is known as “oxidisation” while any material which is capable of accepting donated electrons is known as an “oxidising agent”, in effect the reducing agent leaches oxygen from the oxidising agent. In smelting the most commonly used reducing agents are coke, coal and coconut shell charcoal or other fuels that are sources of carbon, these are used for their deoxygenating effects, to remove/reduce the amount of oxygen present in the ore and leaving extracted base metal which alongside the heat acts as a means of removing impurities. As these gasses are released during the smelting process there is a possibility of inhaling dangerous chemicals and proper safety precautions should be taken such as wearing a ventilator mask and working in a well ventilated enviroment, proper care to protect oneself against heat and burning should also be observed. In order to begin smelting we must first gather an ore for example malachite which is an ore containg copper. Malachite has a melting point between 250-350 °C, when heated the ore releases its carbon as carbon dioxide and its water as water vapour gasses leaving behind a compound of Copper (II) Oxide which is now ready for exposure to a reduction agent which is heated with the compound of Copper (II) Oxide to remove the oxygen leaving Copper metal behind, different temperatures are required for different metals based on their specific melting points. Fluxes are materials and chemicals which can be used after the reduction step to further bind to impurities in the metal which can then easily be removed from the purified metal when the flux is scrapped away, one example is antimony while another is lime.

Casting:

Casting is the process of pouring liquid metal into a mold usually via a crucible. The term “Casting” and to “cast” metals likely relates to the esoteric origins of Blacksmithy as a black art since spells are also said to be cast. The molten metal must be poured into a mold which is an imprint or solid 3D negative image of the shape the metal is desired to take. Since the we do not want the liquid metal to rush out of the crucible a metal sprue is used to channel the stream and regulate the flow of metal making it easier to accurately and evenly pour into the mold. In Occult belief the exact intention and any spiritual forces channeled during this process will be imbued into the final result of the cooled metal object likewise by applying sacred geometry to the overal shape or details of the objects design further intended magical connotations can be achieved for example a necklace can be made in the shape of a pentagram for its ritual uses in invoking the powers of that symbol. Once the molten metal has cooled it can be extracted from the mold and worked further. A mold is created by making an exact replica of the shape we intend the metal to take called a pattern, this replica is made out of an easily manipulated material such as foam, meassured and cut to exact specifications, a molding material (material used to create the mold) is then packed around the replica pattern which can be removed once the mold has set leaving a hollow imprint in the shape we intend to cast, the molding material is held together by a metal or wooden frame called a flask. Materials can be inserted into the mold to block the flow of metal which must travel around the material this can create effects such as holes in the finish metal casting. Molding materials are various the most common candidates include: Sand, plastic, shell, plaster, wood and wax.

Forging:

Forging is the process of shaping metal using compressive force applied via a hammer or machine pressed die meaning that a blacksmith beats the material into a desired shaped that can be cleaned up by other processes. Forging can be done cold (see under cold working) but is most often done while the metal is heated to be in a more malleable form via a furnace or forge. While there are many advanced techniques involved in the forging process the basis is to form a shape from hot metal by applying preassure and force.

Cold Working:

Cold working is a term for working on a material by one of the other methods while the material is cold, working on materials which are cold causes the material to develop minor defects which cause it to resist further changes to shape meaning that the material becomes harder however cold work can often become brittle and split or break if the defects are too numerous or deep.

Fabrication:

Metal Fabrication is the shaping of metal by cutting, bending and/or assembling pre-made components such as by welding. Many of the processes of fabrication are in todays world machine driven and automated however hand craft can be employed to for example sharpen edges with a whetstone or remove impurities via a chisel.

Machining:

Machining is a process of using semi-automatic or automatic manufacturing tools and machines to cut metal to shape likewise this process also applies to 3D printed metals and metals cut and heated with lasers. Machining can also apply to rolling and extrusion which utilise mechanical components to process metal into shape.

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Heat Treatments:

The properties of metals can be altered under specific heat treatments which are as follows:

Annealing:

Annealing is the art of treating metals by heat to make them less hard and more ductile thus making it easier to work with. Metals are heated to white hot and then cooled and then can be worked while warm and malleable.

Precipitation Hardening:

Precipitation hardening is used to increase the yield strength of malluable materials and most alloys. This method relies on changes to a solid matterials ability to be dissolved in other substances known as solubility. Heat over many hours is used to create fine particles within the matterial that impedes changes to its internal crystal lattice structure, since the ability of the internal crystal lattice structure of a material to move, dislocate or become defected influences the elasticity of a material this method of slow heating prevents those movements making the material harder and less malluable.

Quenching:

Quenching is the art of rapidly cooling a material in air, water or oil, the fast cooling prevents certain defects from occuring that may occur with natural cooling of the material. Quenching also causes the material to hardern.

Tempering:

Tempering is a heat treatment used to increase the toughness of iron-based alloys. Tempering is performed after harderning to reduce excess hardness and is achieved by heating the material below its melting point over time and then allowing it to cool in air. The higher the heat the more hardness that will be removed.

———————————————————————

Finishing Techniques:

Once a metal object has been crafted it must be finished, finishing strengthens an object helping to improve durability and increase resistance to stress. Some finishing techniques are as follows:

Electroplating:

Electroplating is a process of coating and plating a metal material with another metal material this is done by passing electricity between the two metals, as the electricity passes through the first metal or donor metal into the second metal or receptive metal some of the metal from the donor metal is passed to the receptive metal coating the receptive metal in an outer shell made up of the donor metal. Electroplating can also be done via a metal coated electrode introduced to a solution of dissolved metal salts called an electrolyte when a power supply is introduced to the electrode and a metal object is immersed in the solution the metal particles coating the electrode pass to the metal object coating it in whatever material the electrodes coating consisted of. Since this process can give metals the physical appearance and sheen of Gold or Silver it has some interest to the Alchemical works that influenced it.

Shot Peening:

Shot peening is a cold working process whereby metal powders are fired at a cold metal at high velocity to coat the metal in an outter shell of the powdered material used, usually this is done via an air compression system or via lasers.

Thermal Spraying:

Thermal spraying is a finishing technique and coating process whereby a metal powder or metal wire material is burned under intense heat into the surface of the metal requiring finishing, the particles expelled from this process therefore coat the metal, plating it with an outer layer of the original metal powder or wire regeant.

———————————————————————

Metal Testing:

In order to determine the composition of metal alloys the alloys can be tested in a laboratory by specialist equipment, tests can be destructive or non-destructive for example destructive tests involve stress and elasticity tests which can break the metal or in purposefully breaking an alloy down into its original components and then messuring those components to determine the percentage used and the type of metal they are in order to identify the alloy. Non-destructive tests use computer analysis or specialist materials and equipment to determine an alloys composition without damaging or breaking it. Most tests try to identify the alloy by seeing if it adheres to specific known properties of the alloy it is believed to be such as melting point. Without access to these types of equipment there is little we can do to insure that our alloys are correct other than using the correct percentage of materials, insuring the materials are not contaminated with unwanted chemicals and trying to insure via research that we use the right type of each material as for example there are thousands of variants of aluminium and difference in steel can be down to minute differences in the percentage of carbon to iron used in its compositions.

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illuminating-the-darkness · 6 years ago

Text

Alloys Continued...

-Plutonium-Aluminium (Plutonium-Aluminium)

Mixtures of Plutonium and Aluminium

-Plutonium-Cerium (Plutonium-Cerium)

Mixtures of Plutonium and Cerium

-Plutonium-Cerium-Cobalt (Plutonium-Cerium-Cobalt)

Mixtures of Plutonium, Cerium and Cobalt

-Plutonium-Gallium (Plutonium-Gallium)

Mixtures of Plutonium and Gallium

-Plutonium-Gallium-Cobalt (Plutonium-Gallium-Cobalt)

Mixtures of Plutonium, Gallium and Cobalt

-Plutonium-Zirconium (Plutonium-Zirconium)

Mixtures of Plutonium and Zirconium

-Nak (Potassium-Sodium)

40-90% Potassium

60-10% Sodium

-Kli (Potassium-Lithium)

Mixtures of Potassium and Lithium

-Mischmetal (Alloys made of rare earth metals)

Mixtures of rare earth metals

-Ferrocerium (Rare earth metals-Cerium-Iron)

20.8% Iron

41.8% Cerium

4.4% Neodymium

4.4% Praseodymium

4.4% Magnesium

24.2% Lanthanum

-Psuedo Palladium (Rhodium-Silver Alloy)

Mixtures of Silver and Rhodium

-Smco (Samarium-Cobalt)

64% Cobalt

36% Samarium

-Scandium Hydride (Scandium-Hydrogen)

Mixtures of Scandium and Hydrogen

-Argentium Sterling Silver (Silver-Copper-Germanium)

93.5-96% Silver

Remaining % in Copper and Germanium

-Goloid (Silver-Copper-Gold)

87.3% Silver

9.1% Copper

3.6% Gold

-Platinum Sterling (Silver-Platinum-Gallium)

92.5% Silver

1-5% Platinum

2.5-6.5% Gallium

-Shibuichi (Silver-Copper)

75% Copper

25% Silver

-Sterling Silver (Silver-Copper)

92.5% Silver

7.5% Copper

-Beta C (Titanium-Vanadium-Chromium-Zirconium-Aluminium)

75% Titanium

8% Vanadium

6% Chromium

4% Zirconium

3% Aluminium

-Gum Metal (Titanium-Niobium-Tantalum-Zirconium-Oxygen)

74.2% Titanium

23% Niobium

2% Zirconium

1% Oxygen

0.7% Tantalum

-Titanium Hydride (Titanium-Hydrogen)

Mixtures of Titanium and Hydrogen

-Titanium Nitride (Titanium-Nitrogen)

Mixtures of Titanium and Nitrogen

-Titanium Gold (Titanium-Gold)

Mixtures of Titanium and Gold

-Babbitt (Tin-Copper-Antimony-Lead)

0.8-92% Tin

0.35-85% Lead

2.5-8.5% Copper

4-8.5% Antimony

0.25-1.4% Arsenic

-Britannium (Tin-Copper-Antimony)

92% Tin

6% Antimony

2% Copper

-Pewter (Tin-Antimony-Copper)

85-97% Tin

1-13% Antimony

2% Copper, Bismuth and/or Silver

-Queen’s Metal (Tin-Antimony-Lead-Bismuth)

70% Tin

10% Antimony

10% Lead

10% Bismuth

-White Metal (Tin-Copper-Lead)

40-93% Tin

3.5-11% Antimony

1.5-28.5% Copper

1.5-48.5% Lead

-Uranium Hydride (Uranium-Hydrogen)

Mixtures of Uranium and Hydrogen

-Zamak (Zinc-Aluminium-Magnesium-Copper)

99.9% Zinc

0.1% Aluminium, Magnesium or Copper

-Electroplated Alloys

Alloys created from electroplating

0 notes

illuminating-the-darkness · 6 years ago

Text

Alloys Continued..

-Constantan (Copper-Nickel)

55% Copper

45% Nickel

-Copper Hydride (Copper-Hydrogen)

Mixtures of Copper + Hydrogen

-Copper-Tungsten (Copper-Tungsten)

10-50% Copper

50-90% Tungsten

-Cunife (Copper-Nickel-Iron)

60% Copper

20% Nickel

20% Iron

-Cupronickel (Copper-Nickel-Iron)

85% Copper

10% Nickel

5% Iron

-Cusil (Copper-Silver)

72% Silver

28% Copper

-Cymbal Alloys (Copper-Tin)

80-92% Copper

8-20% Tin

-Devarda’s Alloy (Copper-Aluminium-Zinc)

49-51% Copper

44-46% Aluminium

3-7% Zinc

-Electrum (Copper-Gold-Silver)

70-90% Gold

1-9% Silver

1-9% Copper

-Manganin (Copper-Manganese-Nickel)

84% Copper

12% Manganese

4% Nickel

-Melchoir (Copper-Nickel)

70-95% Copper

5-30% Nickel

-Molybdochalkos (Copper-Lead)

90% Lead

10% Copper

-Nickel Silver (Copper-Nickel-Zinc)

60% Copper

20% Nickel

20% Zinc

-Nordic Gold (Copper-Aluminium-Zinc-Tin)

89% Copper

5% Aluminium

5% Zinc

1% Tin

-Shakudo (Copper-Gold)

90-96% Copper

4-10% Gold

-Alga (Gallium-Aluminium)

Mixtures of Gallium and Aluminium

-Galfenol (Gallium-Iron)

Mixtures of Gallium and Iron

-Galinstan (Gallium-Indium-Tin)

68% Gallium

22% Indium

10% Tin

-Coloured Gold (Gold-Silver-Copper)

Mixtures of Gold, Silver and Copper

-Crown Gold (Gold-Silver Copper)

91% Gold

2-8% Silver

2-8% Copper

-Rhodite (Gold-Rhodium)

57-67% Gold

34-43% Rhodium

-Rose Gold (Gold-Copper)

91% Gold

9% Copper

-White Gold (Gold-Nickel/Silver/Palladium)

90% Gold

10% Nickel/Silver or Palladium

-Fields Metal (Indium-Bismuth-Tin)

33% Bismuth

51% Indium

16% Tin

-Elinvar (Iron-Nickel-Chromium)

52% Iron

36% Nickel

12% Chromium

-Fernico (Iron-Nickel-Cobalt)

29-42% Nickel

15-17% Cobalt

41-66% Iron

Trace amounts of Carbon, Silicon and/or Manganese under 0.7% total

-Ferroalloys (Iron-Other Metals)

Mixtures of Iron and other metals

-Invar (Iron-Nickel)

64% Iron

36% Nickel

-Cast Iron (Iron-Carbon)

96-97% Iron

1-4% Silicon

2% Carbon

-Pig Iron (Iron-Carbon)

95-97% Iron

3-5% Carbon

-Iron Hydride (Iron-Hydrogen)

Mixtures of Iron and Hydrogen

-Kanthal (Iron-Chromium-Aluminium)

63-76% Iron

20-30% Chromium

4-7% Aluminium

-Kovar (Iron-Nickel-Cobalt)

54% Iron

29% Nickel

17% Cobalt

Trace amounts of Carbon, Silicon and Tin

-Spiegeleisen (Iron-Magnese-Carbon-Silicon)

85% Iron

15% Manganese

Trace amounts of Silicon and Carbon

-Steel (Iron-Carbon)

Mixtures of Iron and Carbon

-Chromoly (Steel-Chromium-Molybdenum)

Alloys of Steel with Chromium and Molybdenum

-Crucible Steel (Pig Iron-Steel-Sand)

Pig Iron, Iron and Steel mixed with Sand, Glass and Ashes in a crucible

-Hadfield Steel (Steel-Manganese)

77% Steel

13% Manganese

-High Speed Steel (Steel-Carbon)

Remaining % Steel

7% Chromium/Tungsten/Molybdenum/Vanadium or Cobalt

More than 0.60% Carbon

-Mushet Steel (Steel-Tungsten-Manganese-Carbon)

81.5-92.5% Steel

4-12% Tungsten

2-4% Manganese

1.5-2.5% Carbon

-Silicon Steel (Steel-Silicon)

Remaining % Steel

Up to 6.5% Silicon

Up to 0.5% Manganese and Aluminium

-Spring Steel (Iron-Manganese-Carbon)

Remaining % Iron

0.03-0.4% Phosphorus

0.03-0.5% Sulphur

0.2-2% Manganese

0.08-1% Carbon

May contain traces of Silicon, Nickel and/or Vanadium instead of Sulphur and Phosphorus

-Stainless Steel (Iron-Carbon-Nickel-Chromium)

Remaining % Iron

11% Chromium/Nickel

1.2% Carbon max

-Solder (Lead-Tin)

5-70% Tin

30-95% Lead

-Terne (Lead-Tin)

10-20% Tin

80-90% Lead

-Type Metal (Lead-Tin-Antimony)

50-86% Lead

11-30% Antimony

3-20% Tin

-Magnox (Magnesium-Aluminium-Beryllium)

99.196% Magnesium

0.8% Aluminium

0.004% Berylium

-Amalgam (Mercury-Other Metals)

Mixtures of Mercury and other Metals

-Alumel (Nickel-Aluminium-Cobalt)

95% Nickel

2% Aluminium

2% Manganese

1% Silicon

-Chromel (Nickel-Chromium)

90% Nickel

10% Chromium

-Cupronickel (Nickel-Iron-Manganese-Copper)

60-90% Copper

10-40% Nickel

Iron and Manganese can be used to strengthen if less Nickel is used

-Ferronickel (Nickel-Iron)

1.6-80% Nickel

98.4-20% Iron

-Inconel (Nickel-Chromium-Iron)

44-72% Nickel

14-31% Chromium

3-13% Iron

Trace amounts of other metals and chemicals

-Monel Metal (Nickel-Copper-Iron-Magnese-Silicon)

52-67% Nickel

30-45% Copper

Up to 18% Iron, Manganese and Silicon

-Nickel-Carbon (Nickel-Carbon)

Mixtures of Nickel and Carbon

-Nicrosil (Nickel-Chromium-Silicon-Magnesium)

85.1% Nickel

14.4% Chromium

1.4% Silicon

0.1% Magnesium

-Nimonic (Nickel-Chromium-Cobalt-Titanium)

50% or more Nickel

20% Chromium

Remaining % Cobalt, Titanium and Aluminium

-Nisil (Nickel-Silicon)

95.5% Nickel

4.4% Silicon

0.1% Magnesium

-Nitial (Nickel-Titanium-Aluminium)

50% Nickel

40% Titanium

10% Aluminium

-Mu Metal (Nickel-Iron-Copper-Chromium-Molybdenum)

77% Nickel

16% Iron

5% Copper

2% Chromium or Molybdenum

-Permalloy (Nickel-Iron-Molybdenum)

80% Nickel

20% Iron

May contain trace amounts of Molybdenum

-Supermalloy (Nickel-Iron-Molybdenum)

75% Nickel

20% Iron

5% Molybdenum

-Nickel Hydride (Nickel-Hydrogen)

Mixtures of Nickel and Hydrogen

0 notes

illuminating-the-darkness · 6 years ago

Text

Alloys:

Mixing metals or metals and chemicals by metling them down and combining different amounts of the materials and then treating them in various ways results in new metallic compounds called “Alloys” while this was known to Alchemists who experimented with such practices, in todays world largely thanks to their efforts and the efforts of modern scientists we know of the following alloys and their make-up, please note that the exact percentage of metals and methodology used to make the alloys defines the difference between alloys using the same materials, the percentages used must add up to and not exceed 100%.

-Aluminium-Lithium Alloy (Alluminium-Lithium)

97.55% Aluminium

2.45% Lithium

-Alnico (Aluminium-Nickel-Copper-Cobalt)

Remaining % Aluminium

15-26% Nickel

5-24% Cobalt

6% Copper

-Aluminium-Scandium Alloy (Alluminium-Scandium)

99.5-99.9% Aluminium

0.1-0.5% Scandium

-Birmabright (Aluminium-Manganese)

93-97% Aluminium

1-7% Manganese

-Duralumin (Aluminium-Copper-Manganese-Magnesium)

91-95% Aluminium

3.8-4.9% Copper

0.3-0.9% Manganese

1.2-1.8% Magnesium

Up to 0.5% Iron, 0.5% Silicon, 0.25% Zinc, 0.15% Titanium or 0.10% Chromium

No more than 0.15% maximum composition from other metals

-Hiduminium (Aluminium-Copper-Iron-Nickel)

93.7% Aluminium

2.0% Copper

1.4% Iron

1.3% Nickel

0.8% Magnesium

0.7% Silicon

0.1% Titanium

-Hydronalium (Aluminium-Magnesium-Manganese)

Remaining % Aluminium

1-12% Magnesium

0.4-1% Manganese

-Italma (Aluminium-Magnesium-Manganese)

96.2% Aluminium

3.5% Magnesium

0.3% Manganese

-Magnalium (Aluminium-Magnesium)

95% Aluminium

5% Magnesium

-Nitial (Aluminium-Nickel-Titanium)

10% Aluminium

40% Titanium

50% Nickel

-Y Alloy (Aluminium-Copper-Nickel-Magnesium)

92.5% Aluminium

4% Copper

2% Nickel

1.5% Magnesium

-Lockalloy (Aluminium-Beryllium)

62% Beryllium

38% Aluminium

-Cerrosafe (Bismuth-Lead-Tin-Cadmium)

42.5% Bismuth

37.7% Lead

11.3% Tin

8.5% Cadmium

-Rose Metal (Bismuth-Lead-Tin)

50% Bismuth

25-28% Lead

22-25% Tin

-Woods Metal (Bismuth-Lead-Tin-Cadmium)

50% Bismuth

26.7% Lead

13.3% Tin

10% Cadmium

-Chromium Hydride (Chromium-Hydrogen)

Up to 99.04% Chromium

Up to 0.96% Hydrogen

-Nichrome (Chromium-Nickel)

80% Nickel

20% Chromium

-Ferrochrome (Chromium-Iron)

50-70% Chromium

30-50% Iron

-Megallium (Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum)

60% Cobalt

20% Chromium

5% Molybdenum

Up to 5% other metals

-Stellite (Cobalt-Chromium-Tungsten-Carbon)

Four-six of the followin elements in varying percentages: Cobalt, Chromium, Tungsten, Carbon, Nickel, Iron, Aluminium, Boron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Silicon and Titanium.

-Talonite (Cobalt-Tungsten-Molybdenum-Carbon)

Four-six of the followin elements in varying percentages: Cobalt, Chromium, Tungsten, Carbon, Nickel, Iron, Aluminium, Boron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Silicon and Titanium.

-Ultimet (Cobalt-Chromium-Nickel-Iron-Molybdenum-Tungsten)

Majority Cobalt with Chromium, Nickel, Iron, Molybdenum and Tungsten

-Vitallium (Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum)

65% Cobalt

30% Chromium

5% Molybdenum or substitute material

-Arsenical Copper (Copper-Arsenic)

95.5% Copper

0.5% Arsenic

-Beryllium Copper (Beryllium-Copper)

97-99.5% Copper

0.5-3% Beryllium

-Billon (Copper-Silver-Mercury)

Majority Copper with Silver or Mercury

-Brass (Copper-Zinc)

Majority Copper and Zinc but can allow trace amounts of other materials, the percentages used vary to create different types as shown below

-Abyssinian Gold (Copper-Zinc)

90% Copper

10% Zinc

-Admiralty Brass (Copper-Zinc-Tin)

69% Copper

30% Zinc

1% Tin

-Aich’s Alloy (Copper-Zinc-Tin-Iron)

60.66% Copper

36.58% Zinc

1.02% Tin

1.74% Iron

-Aluminium Brass (Copper-Zinc-Aluminium)

77.5% Copper

20.5% Zinc

2% Aluminium

-Calamine Brass (Copper-Zinc)

Majority Copper using Zinc from undefined Calamine Ore

-Cartridge Brass (Copper-Zinc)

70% Copper

30% Zinc

May contain traces of Lead under 0.7%

-Chinese Silver (Copper-Zinc-Nickel-Cobalt-Silver)

58% Copper

17.5% Zinc

11.5% Nickel

11% Cobalt

2% Silver

-Common Brass (Copper-Zinc)

63% Copper

37% Zinc

-Delta Metal (Copper-Zinc-Iron)

55% Copper

41-43% Zinc

2-4% Iron

-Dutch Metal (Copper-Zinc)

85-88% Copper

12-15% Zinc

-Free Machining Brass (Copper-Zinc-Lead)

61.5% Copper

35.5% Zinc

3% Lead

May contain traces of Iron under 0.35%

-Gilding Metal (Copper-Zinc)

95% Copper

5% Zinc

-High Brass (Copper-Zinc)

65% Copper

35% Zinc

-Low Brass (Copper-Zinc)

80% Copper

20% Zinc

-Manganese Brass (Copper-Zinc-Manganese)

70% Copper

29% Zinc

1% Manganese

-Muntz Metal (Copper-Zinc)

60% Copper

40% Zinc

-Naval Brass (Copper-Zinc-Tin)

59% Copper

40% Zinc

1% Tin

-Nickel Brass (Copper-Zinc-Nickel)

70% Copper

24.5% Zinc

5.5% Nickel

-Nordic Gold (Copper-Zinc-Tin-Aluminium)

89% Copper

5% Zinc

1% Tin

5% Aluminium

-Pinchbeck (Copper-Zinc)

89-93% Copper

7-11% Zinc

-Princes Metal (Copper-Zinc)

75% Copper

25% Zinc

-Rose Brass (Copper-Zinc-Tin-Lead)

85% Copper

5% Zinc

5% Tin

5% Lead

-Tombac (Copper-Zinc)

80-95% Copper

5-20% Zinc

-Yellow Brass (Copper-Zinc)

67% Copper

33% Zinc

-Bronze (Copper-Tin)

88% Copper

12% Tin

-Aluminium Bronze (Copper-Tin-Aluminium)

Compound of Copper and Tin with around 5-11% Aluminium, may also contain trace amounts of Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Nickel and/or Arsenic

-Arsenic Bronze (Copper-Arsenic-Tin)

Compound of Copper and Tin with more than 1% Arsenic. Arsenic may also be used instead of Tin

-Bell Metal (Copper-Tin)

78% Copper

22% Tin

-Florentine Bronze (Copper-Aluminium/Tin)

90% Copper

10% Aluminium or Tin

-Glucydur (Copper-Tin-Beryllium-Iron)

Majority Copper mixed with Tin, Beryllium and Iron

-Guanin (Copper-Tin-Gold-Silver)

25% Copper

18% Silver

56% Gold

1% Tin

-Gun Metal (Copper-Tin-Zinc)

88% Copper

8-10% Tin

2-4% Zinc

-Phosphor Bronze (Copper-Tin-Phosphorus)

87.65-99.4% Copper

0.5-11% Tin

0.01-0.35% Phosphorus

-Silicon Bronze (Copper-Tin-Manganese-Zinc-Iron-Lead-Silicon)

Majority Copper and Tin with 2.80-3.80% Silicon may contain trace amounts of Manganese, Zinc, Iron and Lead

-Speculum Metal (Copper-Tin)

67% Copper

33% Tin

0 notes

illuminating-the-darkness · 6 years ago

Text

Metals:

Some of the following metals were known to Alchemists but were believed to be lesser aspects and variations of the planetary metals.

-Exotic radioactive metals with incomplete data excluded.

———————————————————————

Key:

Metal (Chemical Symbol - Atomic Number)

-Hue -H/S = Hard / Soft

-MP = Melting Point / BP = Boiling Point

-T = Toxic / M = Magnetic or Paramagnetic / DM = Diamagnetic / EC = Electrically Conductive / HC = Heat Conductive / MD = Malleable Ductile / R = Radioactive / L = Luminous-(colour) / CR = Corrosion Resistant / LR = Light Reflective / SC = Superconductor

———————————————————————

Actinium (Ac A# 89)

-Silvery White - S

-MP 1227 °C / BP 300 °C

-T / EC / HC / R / L-(Blue)

Aluminium (Al A# 13)

-Silvery White - S

-MP 660.32 °C / BP 2470 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD / CR / LR

Americium (Am A# 95)

-Silvery White - S

-MP 1176 °C / BP 2607 °C

- T / M / EC / HC / R / CR

Barium (Ba A# 56)

-Silvery White - S

-MP 727 °C / BP 1845 °C

- T / M / EC / HC / MD

Berkelium (Bk A# 97)

-Silvery White - S

-MP 986 °C / BP 2627 °C

- T / M / EC / HC / R

Beryllium (Be A# 4)

-White Gray - H

-MP 1287 °C / BP 2469 °C

- T / DM / HC / R

Bismuth (Bi A# 83)

-Silvery White - H

-MP 271.5 °C / BP 1564 °C

- DM / LR

Cadmium (Cd A# 48)

-Silvery Blue-Gray - S

-MP 321.07 °C / BP 767 °C

- T / M / EC / HC / MD / CR

Calcium (Ca A# 20)

-Silvery Gray-Yellow - S

-MP 842 °C / BP 1484 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD

Californium (Cf A# 98)

-Silvery - S

-MP 900 °C / BP 1470 °C

- T / M / MD / R

Cerium (Ce A# 58)

-Silvery White - S

-MP 795 °C / BP 3443 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD

Cesium (Cs A# 55)

-Silvery Golden - S

-MP 28.5 °C / BP 671 °C

- M / EC / HC

(Reacts explosively with water or air)

Chromium (Cr A# 24)

-Silvery - H

-MP 1907 °C / BP 2671 °C

- M / EC / HC

Cobalt (Co A# 27)

-Silvery Gray - H

-MP 1495 °C / BP 2927 °C

- M / EC / HC

Curium (Cm A# 96)

-Silvery - H

-MP 1340 °C / BP 3110 °C

- T / M / R / L-(Purple)

Dysprosium (Dy A# 66)

-Silvery White - S

-MP 1407 °C / BP 2562 °C

- M / EC / HC

Einsteinium (Es A# 99)

- Silvery - S

-MP 860 °C / BP 996 °C

- T / M / R / L-(Blue)

Erbium (Er A# 68)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 1529 °C / BP 2868 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD

Europium (Eu A# 63)

- Silvery White-Yellow - S

-MP 826 °C / BP 1529 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD / SC

Gadolinium (Gd A# 64)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 1312 °C / BP 3000 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD

Gallium (Ga A# 31)

- Silvery Blue - Soft

-MP 29 °C / BP 2400 °C

- DM / EC / HC

Hafnium (Hf A# 72)

- Gray - Soft

-MP 2233 °C / BP 4603 °C

- T / M / EC / HC / R / MD / CR

Holmium (Ho A# 67)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 1461 °C / BP 2600 °C

- M / EC / HC

Indium (In A# 49)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 156 °C / BP 2072 °C

- T / DM / EC / HC / MD / SC

Iridium (Ir A# 77)

- Silvery White - H

-MP 2446 °C / BP 4130 °C

- M / EC / HC / CR

Lanthanum (La A# 57)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 920 °C / BP 3464 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD

(Antimicrobial)

Lithium (Li A# 3)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 180 °C / BP 1330 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD / SC

Lutetium (Lu A# 71)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 1652 °C / BP 3402 °C

- T / M / EC / HC / R / MD

Magnesium (Mg A# 12)

- Gray - S

-MP 650 °C / BP 1091 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD

(Burns brightly)

Manganese (Mn A# 25)

- Silvery - H

-MP 1246 °C / BP 2061 °C

- T / M / EC / HC

Molybdenum (Mo A# 42)

- Silvery Gray - H

-MP 2623 °C / BP 4639 °C

- M / EC / HC

Neodymium (Nd A# 60)

- Silvery White - H

-MP 1024 °C / BP 3074 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD

Nickel (Ni A# 28)

- Silvery White-Golden - H

-MP 1455 °C / BP 2730 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD / CR

Niobium (Nb A# 41)

- Gray - S

-MP 2477 °C / BP 4744 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD / CR / SC

Osmium (Os A# 76)

- Bluish White - H

-MP 3033 °C / BP 5012 °C

- M / EC / HC / CR

Palladium (Pd A# 46)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 1554.9 °C / BP 2963 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD

Platinum (Pt A# 78)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 1768 °C / BP 3825 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD / CR

Praseodymium (Pr A# 59)

- Silvery - S

-MP 935 °C / BP 3130 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD

Potassium (K A# 19)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 63 °C / BP 759 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD

Rhenium (Re A# 75)

- Silvery Gray - H

-MP 3186 °C / BP 5630 °C

- M / EC / HC / CR / SC

Rhodium (Rh A# 45)

- Silvery White - H

-MP 1964 °C / BP 3695 °C

- M / EC / HC / CR

Rubidium (Rb A# 37)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 39 °C / BP 688 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD

Ruthenium (Ru A# 44)

- Silvery White - H

-MP 2334 °C / BP 4150 °C

- M / EC / HC / CR / SC

Samarium (Sm A# 62)

- Silvery - H

-MP 1072 °C / BP 1900 °C

- T / M / EC / HC / R / SC

Scandium (Sc A# 21)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 1541 °C / BP 2836 °C

- M / EC / HC

Strontium (Sr A# 38)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 777 °C / BP 1377 °C

- MD / EC / HC

Sodium (Na A# 11)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 97 °C / BP 882 °C

- M / EC / HC

Tantalum (Ta A# 73)

- Bluish Gray - H

-MP 3017 °C / BP 5458 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD / CR

Terbium (Tb A# 65)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 1356 °C / BP 3123 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD

Thallium (Ti A# 81)

- Gray - S

-MP 304 °C / BP 1473 °C

- T / DM / EC / HC / MD

Thulium (Tm A# 69)

- Silvery Gray - S

-MP 1545 °C / BP 1950 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD

Titanium (Ti A# 22)

- Silver - H

-MP 1668 °C / BP 3287 °C

- M / EC / HC / CR / SC

Tungsten (W A# 74)

- Gray - H

-MP 3422 °C / BP 5930 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD / CR / SC

Vanadium (V A# 23)

- Silvery Gray - H

-MP 1910 °C / BP 3407 °C

- T / M / EC / MD / CR

Ytterbium (Yb A# 70)

- Silvery White - S

-MP 824 °C / BP 1196 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD

Yttrium (Y A# 39)

- Silvery - S

-MP 1526 °C / BP 2930 °C

- T / M / EC / HC / CR

Zinc (Zn A# 30)

- Bluish Silver - H

-MP 419 °C / BP 907 °C

- DM / EC / HC

Zirconium (Zr A# 40)

- Gray White - S

-MP 1855 °C / BP 4377 °C

- M / EC / HC / MD / CR

0 notes

illuminating-the-darkness · 6 years ago

Text

Metallurgy, Blacksmithy, Electrometallurgy and the beginings of operational Alchemy:

Having now understood the properties of many types of crystals our study must seek to expand into the Occult applications of metal and metal working also known as metallurgy. Metallurgy is an art that developed at the start of the Bronze Age where copper ore was smelted down into jewellery, weapons, armour and components for technology, this advanced knowledge is mythologically and theologically cited as being given to mankind by angelic, demonic or divine beings. As developments in mining and metallurgic techniques became wide spread the art of working metals naturally mixed with the medicinal and chemical studies of Alchemy and thus Blacksmithy was invented which used chemical treatments and advanced knowledge to work new materials into desired shapes. Blacksmithy takes its origin from Alchemy as proven by its name drawn from the term “black art” which is a close translation of what the word Alchemy means. As Alchemy developed into working with metals and chemicals eventually the ability to build batteries out of reactive and conductive metals and acids was realised which resulted in the new art of Electrometalurgy which would come to influence the development of our current advanced hi-tech society now capable of harnessing and storing electrical energy. In order to understand the Occult applications of metal working we must revist the Alchemical understanding of metals.

The Seven Planetary Metals:

By the Alchemical renaissance of the 18th centuary seven major metals had been discovered along with seven celestial bodies including the Sun and Moon and excluding the Earth, the Earth was excluded since it was seen as a source of all materials including metals while the seven remaining known celestial bodies and seven major metals became married to one another as the seven planetary metals which are as follows:

———————————————————————

Saturn ♄- Lead (Pb A# 82)

Lead is a heavy dark grey-black metal which is also soft and maluable with a low melting point of 327.46 °C and a boiling point of 1749 °C, Lead is a good conductor of heat and electricity. Lead is non-magnetic. Lead is chemically unreactive to most stimulus. Lead is highly toxic attacking the nervous system, bones and biological enzymes meaning that it can lead to nuerological problems such as brain damage, in ancient Rome those suffering from Lead poisoning were called “Saturnine” meaning dark and cynical in respect to characteristics of the God Saturn, Lead also has slightly cubic faces leading black cubes to be associated with Saturn. Lead is resistant to weak acids but will dissolve in strong ones producing salts. Lead is unreactive and known to transform into few other chemical compounds however Alchemists believed that lead was an impure base metal which could be transmutated via chemical process into pure Gold. Lead is generally associated with Saturn because it is dark in colour, heavy to hold and unyielding in most experiments, these features match aspects of the God Saturn and thus symbolic aspects of the planet Saturn in Astrology were aligned with Lead in Alchemical theory. In old world Astrology Saturn rules over Aquarius and Capricorn.

Jupiter ♃ - Tin (Sn A# 50)

Tin is a relatively soft and malleable, silvery coloured metal with a slight yellow hue. Tin has a melting point of 231.93 °C and a boiling point of 2602 °C, Tin is also electrically conductive and becomes a superconductor at extremely low temperatures, it is also a good conductor of heat. Tin is paramagnetic meaning it can be weakly attracted to strong magnets. Tin is chemically reactive and will transform into many compounds under different stimulus, Tin is also easily corroded by acids. Tin is mostly non-toxic however some Tin organometal (organic+metal compounds) can have lethal toxcicity. Since Jupiter is the Romanised version of the Greek lightning God Zeus it can be asserted that Tins electrically conductive and maluable properties along with its bright hue may have associated it to Jupiter where other more conductive metals such as Silver and Copper were found to be more symbolically aligned with other deities/planets due to their other qualities, Tin also has relatively good strength especially when made into alloys and so like Jupiter has protective symbolism from being made into armour, tin also does not oxidise and therefore does not rust and was used to store and preserve foods likewise Jupiter was known as a preserver of life, when shaken Tin produces a sound like distant thunder which further associated the metal to Jupiter. In old world Astrology Jupiter rules over Pisces and Sagittarius.

Mars ♂- Iron (Fe A# 26)

Iron is a grey coloured hard metal with a melting point of 1538 °C and a boiling point of 2862 °C, Iron can be paramagnetic being weakly drawn by strong magnets but can also become magnetically charged via electricity to generate magnetism, some magnetic Irons are naturally forming and likewise Iron is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. Iron is non-toxic and is chemically reactive being fairly easy to transform into other compounds via various stimulus. Iron will disolve in strong acids and react with weaker ones. Iron oxidises in air and water creating an orange-red hue and decayed, flakey asthetic called rust, iron is also found in the blood stream of living animals causing blood to take a red hue when oxygenated via the same process. The colour of rust associates Iron to Mars who was the Roman God of war thus association with blood and bloods Iron taste further emphasise this connection, Iron is also associated with Mars because it was used to make Iron Age weaponry, armour and technology which gave the Roman empire its cutting edge advantage in warfare over their Bronze Age rivals, in Occult terms following the precesion of the Zodiac, the Iron Age took place under the rulership of the star sign Aries whose name and traits are taken from the ancient Greek Spartan war God Ares whom the Romans based their own war God Mars upon. Interestingly the planet Mars is a rust-hued planet. Mars is also symbolic of masculinity which is interesting because men actually store more Iron in their bodies than women do. In old world Astrology Mars rules over Scorpio and Aries.

Sun ☉ - Gold (Au A# 79)

Gold is a shiny golden coloured malleable soft and ductile metal meaning it can be easily shaped without breaking making it ideal for jewellery making. Gold has a melting point of 1064.18 °C and a boiling point of 2970 °C, Gold is non-magnetic however Gold is a good conductor of electricity and heat and a non-toxic material. Gold will not dissolve in weak acids but is known to dissolve in exceptionally strong acids such as Aqua Regia (a mix of Nitric and Hydrochloric Acids). Gold is very unreactive to chemical changes and transitions giving it its symbolic purity and incorruptibility and making it exceptionally hard to transfigure however it can still be changed into a variety of compounds under the right stimulus. Gold compounds such as the inaccurately named “Gold Salts” can be used in medicine to treat inflammation. Gold strongly reflects red and yellow light meaning that it absorbs the rest of the light spectrum which is useful in light projection practices and for rending objects invisible to infrared and thermal imaging technology. Gold has always been associated with the Sun and solar deities as well as with the human soul, this is likely due to its shinning golden asthetic, value, desirability and association with royalty who often wore Gold and equated themselves with solar deities, interestingly in the modern age science suspects that Gold is an element formed of star dust directly from nuclear fusions taking place within stars from the association with the soul Gold is also used to make wedding rings symbolising the marriage of soul mates/opposition, which is the objective of the Great Work of Alchemy. In old world Astrology the Sun rules over Leo.

Venus ♀- Copper (Cu A# 29)

Copper is a soft, malleable and ductile, shiny orange-brown metal meaning that it can be easily shaped making it ideal for jewellery making. Copper has a melting point of 1084.62 °C and a boiling point of 2562 °C, Copper is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity and is a non-toxic material that does not corrode in most acids but will dissolve in Sulphuric Acid over time. Copper is very weakly magnetic and only very strong magnets can attract this material. Copper is chemically unreactive but will form various compounds under the right stimulus. Copper oxidises to form a blue-green patina called virdigris in the form of crystal salts. Copper is a good antibacterial agent and can be used to treat wounds. Copper is related in Alchemy to the Goddess Venus and thus the planet Venus. Although in the old world of the Bronze Age Copper was the primary technology and used mainly for warfare Copper has also always been used in art such as sculpture and in the creation of musical instruments which are ruled over by Venus who is a Goddess of love, art and beauty, Copper has also always been used in jewellery making and was polished to create mirrors which are cosmetic items relating to beauty, similarly marrying art and beauty, verdant Copper salts were used in the old world in the creation of make-up. In ideological opposition to war-like Mars who rules over masculinity, Venus rules over women and femininity which is especially interesting considering that women have around 20% more Copper in their blood stream than men and Copper levels in a womans body almost double during pregnancy to support the fetus. High levels of Copper in the vagina indicate pregnancy and so birth control often involves Copper implant insertion or medicine that increases Copper in the body this works since it tricks the womans body into believing she is already pregnant and since Copper is also a natural spermicide however women also regain their fertility when these implants are removed or when the levels of Copper in their systems lower. Interestingly the planet Venus is a blue-green or verdigris-hued planet. In old world Astrology Venus rules over Libra and Taurus.

Mercury ☿ - Mercury (Hg A# 80)

Mercury also known as “Quicksilver” is a silvery heavy metal which is liquid at room temperature in fact Mercury will remain liquid unless cooled to −38.8290 °C which will solidify the substance. Mercury has a boiling point of 356.73 °C. Mercury does not conduct heat well but does conduct electricity. Mercury is not very magnetic and is repelled by magnetic fields. Mercury is a toxic material especially in water-soluable forms and is known to cause both physical and mental disorders if ingested or inhaled (as a vapour). Mercury will not dissolve in most acids but will corrode in concentrated Sulphuric and Nitric Acids or in Aqua Regia. Mercury is capable of dissolving other metals such as Silver or Gold to form amalgams (alloys of Mercury and other metals). Mercury is not very chemically reactive but will form compounds under the right stimulus, despite this Mercury is the second of the three primary regeants of Alchemy along with Sulphur and Salt, Mercury is named after the Roman messanger God Mercury and thus the planet Mercury, as a God of messangers Mercury was very fast, depicted with winged sandals, helmet and caduceus staff which relates to metal Mercuries liquid nature and alternate name “Quick Silver”. Mercury is a Romanisation of the ancient Greek messanger God Hermes who shares a name with the Hellenistic Alchemist and magician Hermes Trismegistus who wrote the Arcanum Experiment of the Emerald Tablet of Thoth on the use of Alchemical regeants such as Mercury, Sulphur and Salt and their compounds towards the completion of the Arcanum Experiment. In old world Astrology Mercury rules over Gemini and Virgo.

Moon ☾- Silver (Ag A# 47)

Silver is a shiny silvery soft, ductile and malleable metal. Silver has a melting point of 961.78 °C and a boiling point of 2162 °C. Silver is the best conductor of heat and electricity of any known metal. Silver is non-magnetic only reacting to the strongest magnets. Silver is a non-toxic material however Silver is antibacterial and can be used to treat wounds. Silver will dissolve in strong acids however Silver is not a very reactive material and can be made into few compounds under the right stimulus. Silver is the most reflective of metals and in sharing this quality with the Moon has long been associated with the Moon and with lunar deities such as the ancient Greek Moon Goddess Artemis who was also a Goddess of the hunt equipped with a Silver Bow and Arrows likewise the use of Silver bullets or projectiles is in folklore said to be effective against werewolves who draw power from the Moon in the same way that human beings are largely water based lifeforms and yet capable of drowning. Interestingly NASA astronauts found traces of Silver and Gold on the Moon further strengthening this connection since Silver and Gold are seldom found without one another in natural ores a quality which caused Silver to be associated with the feminine Moon and lunar cycles such as menstruation and Gold to be associated with the masculine Sun.

———————————————————————

In the modern age we have discovered a number of new metals and also the planets Pluto, Uranus, Neptune and our solar systems exo-planet Eris. It stands to reason that in continuing the Alchemical planetary metal listing the new list would include the following additions:

Pluto ♇- Plutonium (Pu A# 94)

Plutonium is an unstable and radioactive metal named after Pluto. Pluto was the Roman God of death and the underworld which actually makes the very dangerous plutonium a fitting metal for his likeness.

Uranus ⛢ - Uranium (U A# 92)

Uranium is an unstable and radioactive metal named after Uranus. Uranus was the Roman God of the sky and wisdom which could suggest that very light metals used in aviation such as aluminium might be a better candidate however Uranus was known for his tremendous power and so an unstable, radioactive metal may indeed be suitable.

Neptune ♆- Neptunium (Np A# 93)

Neptunium is a radioactive and highly unstable metal which draws its name from Neptune. Neptune in Roman mythology was the God of the sea which just like its metal counterpart can be extremely volitile and dangerous however I would suggest that in a modern reconstruction of the old Alchemical planetary metals system that Platinum would be a suitable counterpart as the rarest and most valued metal since Neptune in Kabbalistic and Astrological thinking is synonymous with divine power.

Eris ♁ - Antimony (Sb A# 51)

Eris is a planet named after the ancient Greek Goddess of chaos. This planet was known from Sumerian times as Nibiru, it is a planet thought to bring change, disaster, upheval and war, coincidentally the astrological glyph for this planet coincides with the Alchemical symbol for antimony which has a similar effect when used in the Alchemical work in over-coming, “devouring” and changing the metallic element it is exposed to. Antimony is a soft, malluable and ductile gray metalloid. Antimony has a melting point of 630.63 °C and a boiling point of 1635 °C. Antimony is a good conductor of heat and electricity and is diamagnetic meaning that it is repelled by magnetic fields. Antimony is chemically reactive and is toxic.

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illuminating-the-darkness · 6 years ago

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Precious Stones and Crystals:

The vast majority of crystals in nature are formed by heat and preassure and then cooling deep within the Earth however crystals can also form by the evaporation of water, by changes in temperature and via the combination of different chemicals exposed to specific environments. While the vast majority of information available on the Occult use of crystals falls within the pseudoscientific and often misinformed or profit driven new age movement’s scope the use of precious gems, crystals and geological objects in magic is as ancient as human spirituality and is first observed in stone age talismans thought to ward off evil spirits and extends across many different folklores such as the European belief that an adder stone with a natural bored hole in it revealed fairies and other invisible fey-like creatures when looked through. It is also true scientifically that many crystals and stones have interesting properties which could be harnessed towards Occult purposes. Even as you read these words it is important to understand that crystals make modern computer technology possible from LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens to silicon crystals that form components of computer circuitry and therefore the idea that crystals can be harnessed to achieve a power or energetic result holds slightly more merit at least scientifically than it does when viewed through the lense of new age cult distortion. Crystals may also have enhanced qualities based on their sacred geometrical shape and are thought to be chargable through a direct focusing of energy into the crystal which can be achieved via meditative trance, astral projected interaction, by touch, by the projection of emotion and intention towards the crystal or by activating the crystals inate electrical abilities if it has them. Crystals (especially quartz) are great at storing information and responisive to light therefore projections of mental information onto a crystal or of light based information onto a crystal over time can imbue and imprint specific energies and intentions onto that crystal that can be utilised later in ritual, for example a crystal that has been focused around pure loving energy can be utilised to transfer that energy into a practisioner to recieve a recharge of energy and protective properties likewise a crystal imbued with the powers of specific elemental spirits can be used to gain quick access to those powers when they are needed and called upon in ritual through this process of programming crystals to psychic intention it is possible to create magical charms and amulets with specific properties and functions useful in witchcraft and ritual workings. Below are some of the properties of some crystals and precious stones which could be applied to Occult practices:

Adder Stone as previously stated are glassy stones with natural water-bored holes in their centres thought to give a person looking through the stone the perception of faries and other invisible forces. The adder stone has a long history of use in witchcraft and is variously known as hags stone, witch stone, serpents egg, druids egg and druids glass. The adder stone was said in myth to be formed from the venom of spitting serpents and had the ability to cure poisons otherwise it was sometimes said to be taken from within the head of a snake. In folklore an adder stone will always float in water. The druids were said to form adder stones from the venom of three adders twisting a knot into the venom which is dried in summer and tossed into the air to help cool and must be caught in a cloak before it touches the ground, the catcher must then travel quickly across stream from the belief that serpents would persue them until they crossed water, according to the druids the adder stone could only be formed under certain moon phases. In regards to being able to reveal hidden things it is possible that if snake venom really was used to construct adder stones that the small amounts of poison absorbed by handling them could produce psychoactive effects and hallucinations. The adder stone is associated with Beltane and the Summer Solstice.

Agate is a volcanic stone of many colours believed to protect from curses and to prevent people from stumbling and falling, it was often fixed to horses bridles to insure safe travel and bountiful harvests when the horse was used for agriculture. Agate was believed to protect from storms and was carried by sailors to prevent sea sickness and insure safe travel across water. Agate was believed to calm storms and also believed to have a calming effect on enraged persons and animals. Agate worn to bed was believed to insure peaceful dreams and good sleep. The Romans believed that powdered agate mixed with fruit juice was effective relief for insanity, boils and kidney disease.

Alectorius also known as cock stone is a small transparent pink mineral found in the gizzard of cockrels, the best stones were believed to be formed by castrating cockrels at age three and killing the bird at age seven, it was believed that due to the size of the stone in its throat that the bird would refuse to eat or drink signalling that the stone was ripe. The cock stone was believed to bestow the essence of the cockrels fighting spirit and virility and could quench thirst and cause invigoration when held in the mouth the stone was also thought to give the gift of eloquence and had a sedating effect on women the stone was also believed to sometimes confer the power of invisibility.

Alexandrite is a colour changing crystal which appears to be a different hue under different light conditions appearing green or yellow or even pink in full daylight and red in incandescent light this may mean that Alexandrite can be used to channel specific spectrums of light, this may be interesting when worn as a bead over the third-eye area of the forehead for regulating the colour of the light absorbed by the pineal gland which may in turn yield interesting effects. Alexandrite is considered to be the birth stone of June associating it with the star signs Gemini and Cancer although its dualistic coloured nature is more relevant to Gemini.

Amber is fossilised tree resin or sap and often contains small insects, animals and plants caught in the sticky substances that bleed out from trees. Amber is often prized for its beauty in jewellery and was used as a healing agent in folk medicine and may produce mild sedative effects. Amber was related to the due to its distinct bright yellow, orange or brown colour and because it is a stone formed from sun dried resin, amber featured in mythology as the tears of the ancient Greek Sun God Helois’s daughter who changed into a poplar tree and wept for her dead brother. Amber is a piezoelectric crystal able to create a static electrical charge powerful enough to attract lightweight objects. Amber can be rubbed or burned to produce a fragrant inscence or oil that has uses in ritual for driving away evil spirits, the scent of amber is a pine wood smell, when burned amber leaves behind a black residue which can be dissolved in turpentine or linseed oil to create varnish. Amber can have different colours when other materials are absorbed into the resin that forms it such as pyrite rich amber which appears blue in hue while other ambers can appear pink to red or even green. In todays world amber is mostly used in the creation of perfumes.

Amethyst takes its name from the ancient Greek “Amethystos” meaning “Intoxicate” referencing the belief that the stone protected the wearer from drunkeness and amethyst was sometimes carved into drinking vessels intended to stave off intoxication. Amethyst is a purple coloured crystal of the quartz family and therefore a piezoelectric crystal capable of producing a static electrical charge and taking on the other aspects of quartz listed further below, due to its colour amethyst is often used in jewellery. Amethyst was believed to offer protection and work as a healing agent in particular it was believed to ward off evil spirits when carved with names of the sun and moon and made into an amulet with swallows feathers, amethyst was often powdered and made into elixirs to heal the soul from the belief that purple hues convey spiritual powers, the ancient Egyptians carved heart-shaped amethysts and placed them on the chests of mummified pharoahs. Amethyst is considered the birth stone of February relating it to both Aquarius and Pisces however its associations with vessels of liquid associate the stone more closely with Aquarius.

Aquamarine is a blue-green beryl crystal gemstone that fades to white when exposed to sunlight. The Romans believed that aquamarine protected against the dangers of travel by sea, improved the catch of fishermen, provided energy and cured laziness, the stone can be mildly toxic to handle however it was believed to provide a tonic cure for poisons when submerged in water and was associated with deities of water. Aquamarine is considered the birth stone of March relating it to both Pisces and Aries however the jewels name and percieved ability to protect those traveling at sea more closely relate the stone to Pisces.

Autunite is a yellow-green phosphate mineral crystal. Due to deposits of uranium within autunite the crystal is radioactive and glows green after exposure to light.

Bezoars are stones recovered from within the bodies of animals and were believed to have powers related to the powers or qualities of the animal they were taken from and were believed to provide effective relief from poison. Bezoars were believed to give youth and vitality, prevent ashthma and when ground into fine powder and made into an elixir or tincture were believed to act as treatment for bladder and kidney diseases.

Biophotonic crystals are small crystals produced in the brain to channel light encoded information across biophotons, in certain bioflourescent, bioluminous and biophosphorent creatures such as fireflies this crystal allows for the generation of bright biological lights. Biophotonic crystals are hard to produce in a useful size but may one day revolutionise light-based technology and information sharing, since these are the crystals used by the brain to send conscious data their use in the Occult practices, particularly those related to light projection and psychic powers are potentially numerous.

Calcite is a white crystal that displays a different glow of colour depending on the type of light passed through it which may be useful in channeling specific light spectrums through the third eye/pineal gland. Calcite crystals display an optical property called birefringence which refers to the ability to refract light that passes through them into two beams, a specific calcite crystal called Iceland Spar was used by Vikings to navigate since when held up to the sky on a cloudy day it would produce two beams of light when in alignment with the sun meaning that the suns location could be known even under intense cloud cover, this same property means that any objects viewed through calcite crystals appear doubled and makes calcite a useful matterial in refracting or bending light meaning that it is a useful component for lenses and shields used in invisibility cloaking technologies, calcite was also used to make lenses for gun sights in world war 2. The ancient Egyptians carved calcite alabaster and related it to the cat Goddess Bast. Calcite can be used to stabalise damaged soil.

Cats Eye also known as “Chrysoberyl” meaning golden-white bar is a crystal that can easily reflect light making it useful in light projection workings. Cats eye was believed to protect from curses and was sometimes believed to confer invisibility.

Citrine is a golden-yellow quartz crystal as such it is piezoelectric and able to produce a charge of electricity as well as having the other properties of quartz described further below. Citrine is known as the “merchants stone” or “money stone” and is superstitiously thought to bring prosperity and because it was valued for jewellery making. Citrine is considered the birth stone of November relating it to both Sagittarius and Scorpio however its association with money relate the stone more strongly to Scorpio which alongside wealth is ruled by the planet Pluto.

Diamond is the strongest known naturally forming Earthly mineral surpassed only by diamond variants arriving from space on meteorites, diamond owes its hardness to tight bonds between its atomic make-up which form a latice of interlinking tetrahedrons. Diamond is the most thermal conductive natural material and is formed from carbon crushed under heat and preassure deep within the earth. Diamond comes in a variety of colours and is able to disperse light of different colours which can be useful in the channeling, focusing and projection of light based energy. Diamonds are prized in jewellery and also in cutting and smashing tools owing to their hardness. Diamond is biologically compatible (meaning it is not usually rejected by the body when implanted), non-reactive to most corrosive substances, has high electrical resistance, has the highest sound velocity (meaning sound travels faster through diamond than any other material) and low adhesive and friction properties. Diamonds are also associated with engagement for marriage since the jewel is often sought as a traditional engagement ring. Diamond is considered to be the birth stone of April relating it to the star signs of Aries and Taurus being a hard armoured substance with great thermal conductive qualities diamond seems to equate better with Aries however the stone is also symbolic of wealth which is interesting since the star sign of Taurus are often highly materialistic.

Eagle stone also known as an Aquileus or Pragneus was a stone said to be found in the nests of eagles or within the body of an eagle it was a hollow stone with another stone rattling around inside it that was believed to promote pregnancy and childbirth when strapped to the thigh.

Emerald is a green beryl crystal and precious gemstone. Emerald was believed to grow or diminish along with the phases of the moon. Emerald was used by the Hellenistic alchemist and magician Hermes Trismegistus to record the Arcanum Operation of the Emerald tablet of Thoth associating the stone with knowledge and wisdom. The ancient Egyptians placed emerald carvings on the throats of mummified corpses believing that the emerald revitalised the body due to its green health giving hue. Emerald talismans were used to exorcise demons as it was believed the stone warded off evil spirits. Emerald was believed to be a symbol of a long happy life when given as a gift between lovers but would diminish in brilliance if either partner was unfaithful meaning the stone represented truth. Emerald was believed to cure poison and venom and ward against epileptic attacks. Emerald is considered the birth stone of May relating it to the star signs Taurus and Gemini its association with the emerald tablet of thoth relates emerald to Gemini since Thoth in ancient Greece became known as Mercury - the ruling planet of Gemini also its association with the throat as a means of communication and with lovers further emphasise this connection, however its associations of wealth, relationships and the throat also tie the precious stone into the symbology of Taurus.

Flint is a hard stone used as a tool in the stone age for crafting and as knives and arrow heads, the stone can be struck to create sparks and was used to light fires thus flint became symbolic of fire and lightning. In the Middle Ages flint talismans were believed to ward off malicious spirits and was believed to protect against fire and lightning storms. Flint soaked in water was believed to cure illnesses and wet flint thrown over the shoulder was believed to encourage and evoke storms.

Flourite is a crystal which comes in a variety of colours and which under ultra violet light displays a bright blue glow of excited energy the material is carved into ornaments or used to create low light dispersing glass lenses.

Fulgurite takes its name from the Latin “Fulgur” meaning “Lightning”. Fulgurite is formed when lightning strikes sand or other lose earthly matterials causing it to bind into long tubular twisted shapes of crystal in the intense heat which are usually white, brown, yellow or golden in colour. Fulgurite is associated with storms, lightning and deities of storms and lightning and could be used as a charm to prevent or evoke storms.

Garnet is an abrasive gemstone that comes in a variety of colours most commonly dark red, the colour and transparency of the stone effects its ability to transmit light although it is generally believed to be great at reflecting light when the underside of the gem is carved into a curve, when the stone is made this way it is refered to as a “Carbuncle”. Garnet can be magnetised by strong magnets. Garnet was often used in jewellery. Due to its usual red hue Garnet is often associated with blood and believed to treat wounds and blood disease which made it a protective talisman of soldiers during the Crusades. Garnet was also believed to be used in curses to inflict physical wounds or blood disease. Garnet takes its name from the pomegranate and shares its association with the womb and fertility. Garnet was considered to have a stimulating effect on the heart and senses. Garnet is considered the birth stone of January relating it to the star signs Aquarius and Capricorn however due to its association with passions, fertility, hardness, war and its dark hues Garnet resonates much better with the symbologies of Capricorn.

Glass is a transparent crystal formed from heated sand, glass has many industrial uses especially in the field of optical effects and focusing light energy. Glass can also be molded to form shapes which make it useful in a wide variety of ways including as decoration or in the making of vessels.

Hematite is also known as “Heliotrope” and “Blood Stone” and is a dark mineral which bleeds droplets of red liquid when its outter shell is pierced, it was associated with the Sun and with blood. This material likely coined the term “getting blood from a stone” and is often associated with health and the blood since it takes its redish hue from iron within it rusting in contact with air similar to blood this red liquid was also used in the production of dyes and also used to create red chalk in early cave paintings, the iron in hematite also renders it to attraction by magnets and can allow it to become a magnetic stone although its magnetic field is often very weak. Hematite is sometimes worn in an effort to heal joint pains although this seems largely ineffective it was also known as “Lapis Sanguinarius” and was used to alleviate blood diseases. The ancient Egyptians called the stone the “Blood of Isis” and believed it could help with menstrual problems. Hematite was also believed to be able to reflect the suns light to dazzle and blind people.

Ice is a crystal form of water that is created by freezing water at temperatures of 0 °C and below. Ice is useful in preventing the decay of flesh and plant matter and also in freezing and cooling materials exposed to it. Ice crystals often form interesting unique patterns such as snowflakes and can be used to demonstrate how water takes on intention by the way that different patterns of snowflakes form under different stimulations such as words or projections of emotion and intent. Ice crystals are also slightly piezoelectric and can generate a static charge when passing in clouds causing lightning, ice crystals forming on the ground or around the sun and moon indicate cold weather and impending snow or rain. Ice can be employed in cursing where the intent is to freeze water that is imbued with the intended curse allowing the curse to release its victim only when the ice has melted.

Jacinth is an orange-red zircon crystal believed to insure safe travel and protect against lightning. Jacinth was also used in antimagic to remove spells and curses where the stone would be used to make markings in bread which once eaten would cure the victim of bewitchments. Jacinth is said to change colour as an omen or warning and was said to turn red when storms were approaching since it actually dose turn cloudy in damp air and resumes its brilliance in hot sunny weather. Jacinth promoted good sleep and happiness but was also said to cause miscarriages when worn by pregnant women.

Jade is a mineral stone often green which features heavily in oriental carvings. Jade is sometimes refered to as the “loin stone” and was believed to cure ailments of the loins, stomach and kidneys. Jade was considered a sign of royalty around the world but especially in China, jade is also used by the Maori tribes of New Zealand in creation of ceremonial tools, ornaments and weapons and was also used by Mesoamerican tribes in their rituals and as a sign of wealth. Jade is associated with midwives and jade talismans were used as an aid in giving birth which probably relates to the Sumerian story of the Goddess Ishtars descent into the underworld where she was forced to remove her clothing including a Jade girdle believed to help with birth. In China powdered jade was also made into a tonic for the nerves.

Jasper is a form of easily carved quartz crystal meaning that it is piezoelectric and able to generate electricity and has the other capabilities of quartz crystals such as a high propensity for storing information this especially interesting since Jasper was favoured in the making of magic amulets and talismans where it was thought that the stone somehow had the ability to understand the engraved image, this is likely due to the projection of intention by the person carving the image being absorbed by the crystal and eminating outward the same resonant energy/information making Jasper ideal for magical workings. The ancient Egyptians used red Jasper to make the Tyet or “Knot of Isis” relating the amulet to cures for menstrual problems and as an aid in childbirth.

Jet is a form of long since decayed and petrified wood crystal in a deep black colour often associated with death, burial rites and mourning. Jets association with death make it an excellent tool in necromancy and mediumship. Jet was believed to repel serpents when burned as incense. Jet could be disolved and boiled in wine and then used as a treatment for toothache. Jet can become statically charged when rubbed and generate static electricity and when rubbed briskley gave off a smoke that was believed to have properties of driving away demons and evil spirits in exorcisms.

Lapis Lazuli meaning “stone of blue” is a blue stone flecked with gold thought to reprisent the sky and the stars. Lapis lazuli was prized for its vibrant colour and often crushed to powder to make deep blue pigments, make-up, dyes and hues the stone was also used for the creation of jewellery, vessels, weapons and magical amulets used in Mesopotamian rituals and ancient Egypt. Amulets of lapis lazuli were believed to encourage miscarriages and so it was also known as the “stop stone”. Lapis lazuli was believed to be potent in treating disorders of the eye when applied as make-up and was thus associated with seeing clearly and the truth making the stone associated with the Goddess of truth, Ma’at.

Lapis Philosophorum - The philosophers stone was the goal of Alchemists to create this stone through alchemical process and purify it through colour changing stages where upon it gifted the abilities of eternal life and transmutation as well as wisdom, it refers to the pineal gland/third eye once empowered since it was also known as the “power of projection”.

Lodestone is a black or dark brown magnetic material known as magnetite natutally it displays magnetic properties in attracting certain metals and suspended pieces of the material was used in the creation of the first compasses leading them to be used in navigation and gaining the loadstone the alternative names “leading stone” and “course stone”. Lodestones were sometimes used for divinition where a carved piece might point to the North or South pole with either direction being predetermined to mean yes or no in answer to a question. Lodestone was symbolic of attraction due to its magnetic quality and was believed to attract business and lovers and helped to harmonise oppositions it was not to be worn in storms however as it was believed to attract lightning.

Malachite is a copper crystal of verdigris and so has a green-blue colour that was crushed to make green pigments and dyes. Malachite was believed to ward off evil spirits and promote good sleep. Malachite is believed to have protective qualities from lightning and disease and attracted success. During the Middle Ages malachite was engraved with symbols of the sun to work as a health giving talisman. In ancient Egypt due to its green colour malachite was considered symbolic of fertility, death and resurrection making it a useful tool in necromancy and mediumship. Due to its association with copper, malachite is symbolically related to Venus, this is especially true if the malachites natural markings resemble a peacocks tail known as “peacock malachite”. Malachite powdered and drunk in milk was also believed to ease the pain of heart attacks.

Moon Stone is so named because it emits a slight pallid glow and as such is associated with lunar powers and properties. The Romans believed moon stone was from solidified moon rays and it was often used in jewellery and believed that it waxed and wayned in shine along with the moon. When held in the mouth the moonstone inspired greater intuition and was believed to enhanced psychic powers. The moon stone was believed to protect travelers and to attract lovers if worn on a full moon.

Obsidian is a naturally occuring black volcanic glass that was used as early as the stonage to make tools and weapons but also later to make vessels and even polished to make mirrors. Black obsidian mirrors can be used for scrying, divination, necromancy and in the invocation of demons. Obsidian can also be related to volcanic deities due to its formation by lava.

Onyx meaning “nail” or “claw” is a black stone sometimes with white bands giving it the apperance of an eye, onyx also comes in a red variety known as sardonyx which was used by the Romans who carved it into seals for sealing wax since wax never stuck to the stone. Onyx was considered a protective stone however it was also used in rituals intended to conjour up and evoke demons. When worn at night onyx was believed to encourage nightmares and the stone in some cultures was believed to drain energy which may actually be true since black colours absorb and retain light and heat. Onyx could be soaked in wine for three days and used to touch the eyes to promote clear sightedness. Onyx was believed by both the ancient Indians and Egyptians to cause lovers to break up and part when worn by either one of them. Onyx was worn by Roman soldiers in amulets depicting the war God Mars or his symbols to bestow courage and protection in battle. In Europe sardonyx was believed to bestow eloquence and was also used by midwives who placed it between the breasts of a mother in labour to help ease childbirth. Although not a birth stone onyx is associated with the star sign of Capricorn due to its dark colour and symbology surrounding demonology and the eyes.

Opal comes in two varieties, common and precious the difference being that precious opal is flecked with many different sparkling colours while common opal is plain, precious opal also defracts light into a display of many colours associating it closely with light projection practices. Opal comes in a variety of colours and can be transparent however it is rarest in its black form. Opal is often believed to attract luck and was believed to graunt invisibility if wrapped in a fresh bay leaf and held in hand. Opal is associated with water since it retains a lot of water and is particularly sensitive to heat, since water is a good element for retaining intention and emotion this quality is passed to the opal. Changes in temperature can cause opals to change colour and they were often employed in mood rings designed to show a relation between body temperature and emotional state. Opal is believed to glow brighter around a person who is soon to die and therefore can act as an omen or warning of death and may have uses in necromancy however this may be related to fever in the unwell whose temperatures change the sheen of the stone. The opal is also associated with vision and clear-sightedness and also to the concept of second sight and enhancement of psychic powers. The opal was believed to bestow protection. Opal is considered the birth stone of October relating it to Libra and Scorpio while the associations with death, change and water tie the opal to the symbology of Scorpio, its associations with clear sight, protection and light link the opal to Libra.

Pearls are produced within sea and lake dwelling mollusks who chew grit into malluable balls that become beautiful pearls in various colours naturally this origin connects the pearl to the element of water and it is associated with the star sign Cancer which rules over mollusks and is associated with water and the moon - another symbology that the pearl as a round white orb adopts. Pearl is sensitive to temperature and dull pearls are said to signify sickness of their wearer. Due to its whiteness pearls are associated with brides, virgins, marriage and purity however since the pearl is formed within a mollusk which symbolically represents the vagina the pearl is also associated with pregnancy, fertility and motherhood, especially large pearls are thus also known as “mother of pearl” due to these associations ground pearl was often used as an aphrodisiac ingredient in love potions.

Peridot is a transparent olive green crystal. The peridot was used to make amulets by both the Romans and the ancient Egyptians, Egyptian variants often featured carved vultures designed to ward off evil spirits. The name peridot may come from the ancient Greek “peridona” meaning “to gain wealth” and such peridot amulets with a carved burning torch on them were thought to attract riches. Wearing peridot jewellery was believed to lighten the wearers mood and protect against jealousy it could also stave off nightmares and aid with good sleep. During the Middle Ages peridot was believed to ease liver problems and muscular aches. Peridot is considered the birth stone of August relating it to the star signs Leo and Virgo although few parallels can be drawn it is interesting that peridot was carved with the torch fire symbol and at least in Hawaiian culture related to the volcanic Goddess pele, these factors may help to tie the stone into the fire element of Leo while peridots protective qualities and its association to the mother vulture Goddess of Egypt, Nekhbet may tie it more strongly to Virgo.

Piropholos is a stone believed to formed in the heart of a man killed by poisons it is a bright read material which is impervious to fire and thought to guard against lightning and storms and sudden death. It is possible that certain poisons and venoms would create a hard material substance within the heart that if fire proof could be regarded as a piropholos.

Pyrite is a golden coloured metallic stone also known as “fools gold” is a common sulphuric mineral which takes its name from its ability to be struck like flint to produce fire from its sparks thus pyrite was known as “fire stone”. Pyrite likely takes its title fools gold from misguided and failed Alchemical attempts to produce gold from sulphur, an endevour that could be both dangerous and costly meaning that a would-be Alchemist would feel foolish wasting time and resources to end up creating common pyrite.

Quartz is often clear or rose coloured crystal which is piezoelectric meaning it can produce an electrical charge when stimulated it is thus used in batteries and watches and can be used to recharge battery cells through kinetic motion. Quartz has incredible capacity to store information and attempts by modern computer scientists have demonstrated how quartz crystal data banks vastly out preform existing rival technologies which is interesting in Occult practices since it means quartz crystals will be very susceptible to absorbing and storing intention and projected energies. One theory about quartz suggests that it may be able to record visual information through light absorption and play back those recordings as projections of light this may explain some ghost sightings as visual projections of an event captured in the past. Quartz also features heavily in the make-up of the sacred blue stones used to construct sacred Celtic monuments such as stone henge. Rose quartz in particular is associated with love and attraction due to its pink hue and its electro-staric attraction properties. Quartz is also able to split light into its rainbow colour spectrum being often used in light prisms this is useful in practices that utilise the projection of light and energy.

Ruby is a hard red gemstone that can be used with mirrors and the projection of light to create high intensity ruby laser beams of a bright red colour this means that ruby is obviously useful in practices involving the psychic projection of light also and the ruby specifically in myth is thought to generate its own internal light further emphasising this ability. Ruby is a stone often connected to royalty. Rubies are connected symbolically to fire and believed to make water boil they were also associated with passion and vitality it was also thought to protect against storms and promote good harvests. Due to the rubies colour it is symbolically connected to the heart and circulatory blood systems and so it was believed to promote good health if worn on the left side and was believed to protect a person from harm when imbedded into their skin. The ruby is considered the birth stone of July relating it to the star signs Cancer and Leo, as a force of protection it relates rather weakly to Cancer and finde symbolic connection to royalty in the symbolism of both Cancer and Leo however its association with the colour red and fire and the heart the ruby more strongly resonates with Leo.

Salt is one of the most common minerals on the planet impregnating oceans and lakes with crystals associated with purity and obviously also water but also with earth due to its mineral form, salt is known for its distinct flavour and is often used to prevent the decay of flesh and for cleaning the skin and cleansing wounds but was also gathered by early Alchemists in the form of Natron/Saltpeter found in evaporated lakebeds from which by adding water nitric acid could be created, a useful step in the purification of metals and other materials. Salt was believed by Alchemists to be a sacred material that was essential to all forms of matter and life on Earth, they believed that over the course of time all elemental materials would convert into crystal form based on experiments with the elements which when brought to their ultimate conclusion often yielded crystals, salt was so important to Alchemists it became the third of their principle regeants alongside mercury and sulphur. Salt crystals are hallucinogenic at certain doses since they cause dehydration which is dangerous however certain Native Americans tribes were known to drink salt water to embark on vision quests to meet their spirit guides in coming of age rituals. Due to its protective and cleansing qualities salt can be employed to create a spiritual barrier by using it to draw a line across thresholds such as doorways or in the creation of magical circles used to bind spirits within the circle or to prevent external spirits from entering it.

Sapphire is a hard precious gemstone commonly blue in colour although a variety of different coloured sapphires also exist. The word sapphire actually translates as “of Saturn” relating the stone to the Roman God of time this is also held true by the Indians who believe wearing sapphire bestow Saturns blessings. Sapphires blue colour connects it to the sky and water symbolically. Pastes made from powdered sapphire were believed to cure ulcers and boils when applied to the skin, it was also said to be good for the eyes and vision, sapphire paste was also considered to be a cure for poison and to promote clear thought and good sleep. Those seeking the advice of the powerful Delphic oracle were advised to wear sapphires to gain her favour and amulets of sapphire were said to be used by witches to regulate and seal their energies in spellcraft. Sapphires also relate to virtue most especially faith. Sapphire is considered to be the birth stone of September relating it to the star signs Virgo and Libra, the supposed curative, protective and virtuous properties of Sapphire, particularly its relation to faith and its association with the sky tie it in well with both Virgo and Libra who also share its clear sightedness, regulation of energy and clear thought properties.

Selenite is a milk white crystal named after the ancient Greek moon Goddess Selene and as such is associated with lunar powers and properties. Selenite feels warm to the touch having natural thermal insulation properties. Selenite is capable of absorbing light and emitting light after absorbing it this means that it is a great material to project intention and light based information or visualisations onto as it will store the information and radiate it. Selenite is soft and slightly flexible and breakable when bent.

Serpentinite is a green rock mineral with a slippery texture and pattern similar to snake skin. Serpentinite is believed to cure snake bites of their venom and can in itself be toxic to plants as when placed into soil it seems to exude chromium and nickel which plants find toxic while robbing the soil of calciums and other nutrients therefore in large enough amounts it can be used to kill crops and leave soil barren. Serpentinite can provide good shielding from radioactive materials.

Sulphur is one of the most common materials in the world produced in volcanic rocks and ore deposites, sulphur smells strongly of rotten eggs when burned and when weathered with water forms sulphuric acids. Sulphur was prized by Alchemists as a masculine firey elemental which alongside mercury and salt was the first of their three principle regeants which was considered vital to life on Earth. Sulphur is a yellow crystal or powder and was once known as “Brimstone” or “burning stone” due to its corrosive properties.

Time crystals were manufactured in 2017 and are crystals which do not maintain a solid structure but continue to change shape over time, their uses remain theoretical.

Topaz is a crystal which usually appears transparent but can come in a variety of colours it also displays golden yellow or cream glowing under UV light. In English folk medicine Topaz was believed to cure insanity. Topaz due to its usual yellow-gold colour was often associated with fire, the sun and solar deities. Topaz cools rapidly after exposure to heat and so is thought to have the same effect in cooling flared tempers and fevers, it was also believed to cure ulcers and blisters when touched to the afflicted area. Topaz was also believed to cure visual imparement by soaking it in wine for three days and then applying the liquid to the eyeball. Topaz is considered the birth stone of December relating it to the star signs Sagittarius and Capricorn, the associations between topaz and the element of fire and to the sun mildly link the stone to the symbollogy of Sagittarius while its proported ability to cure the vision somewhat connects it to the symbology of Capricorn.

Tourmaline is a crystal which comes in a variety of colours they are pyroelectric meaning that they can generate electrical fields when heated and cooled and can display magnetic properties, tourmalines can also polarise light that passes through its cut and polished surface, all of these inate abilities suggest that tournaline has potent uses in Occult practices involving the working of energy and the projection of light. Tourmaline was considered sacred to the sun in ancient Egypt where a belief was held that it absorbed its many colours from rainbows. When magnetically charged tourmaline has dualistic magnetic poles at either end making it symbolic of opposition, harmony and balance. Tourmaline forms a natural wand shape making it an ideal candidate for a crystal wand and it is also associated with protective abilities.

Turquoise is a blue stone mineral which can change under stimulation from chemicals or heat. Turquoise is said to pale when its wearer dies until a new wearer revitalises it the same was true for if the wearer was sick as the stone would appear to pale with their health. The Aztecs elevated turquoise to sacred statues claiming that only the deities own the stones which were used to make death masks. Turquoise was believed to act as a protective power against curses and poisons, particularly the venom of snakes and scorpions. Turquoise symbolised generosity and affection and was thought to reconcile fueds.

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Psychoactive Crystals:

Alongside these natural crystals certain mind altering substances come in crystal form further emphasising the power a crystal can have on the human body, mind, emotional and spiritual states, for example some well known mind altering crystal substances are listed as follows:

Cocaine is a white crystalline powder which delivers a numbing sensation when touched, because of this it has uses in surgery for anesthesia, when ingested via being snorted it induces a dangerous stimulant effect on the mind and body promoting movement and communication however it is also well known to promote aggressive, violent behaviour and egocentricity. Cocaine is highly addictive, especially when mixed with alcohol and also very damaging to the body to the point of having a high record of fatalities. Cocaine is a synthetic product of the coca plant and an indigenous Mesoamerican sacrement used to sharpen the senses and vigour.

Crystal Methamphetamine is a crystalline variant of amphetamines which is very addictive and a cause for severe disorders of both the mind and body with a high rate of fatality, it was first synthasised and utilised by the Nazi’s during world war 2 in an attempt to create super soldier who didnt need to sleep or eat and had exponential energy. Methamphetamine does cause alertness and supress apetite and need for sleep and does indeed provide additional energy however it is also highly psychologically damaging and causes deterioration of weight and physical health practically eating its host user alive.

Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occuring white or cream tryptamine crystal produce in the pineal gland and bodies of animals and humans it is also found in a majority of plant species from which it can be extracted as a crystal freebase. Dimethyltryptamine is not physically harmful nor addictive but does create short incredibly intense hallucinations often similar to near death and out of body experiences and often featuring contact with other worldly entities when smoke or ingested with an MAOI. DMT can be richly rewarding, ecstatically enjoyable and enlightening and is a powerful tool of spiritual exploration not to be disrespected or underestimated. The DMT journey can be incredibly frightening and may distabilise a persons perception of reality in the long term particularly if their journey on the substance was traumatic.

Ketamine is a white crystal horse tranquiliser used by vets for surgery on horses and used recreationally by drug users as a dissacociative and sedative. Ketamine can make movement difficult and lead to vomiting and all manner of intense dissasociative hallucinations. Ketamine can be thoroughly unpleasant and can lead to a feeling of temporary paralysis for which it is used by rapists to overcome their victims. Ketamine is enjoyable to some who find the sensation it offers plesant while others experience deeply disturbing effects. As a sedative ketamine can be dangerous as it can shut down bodily functions, damage internal organs and stupify the brain.

Lithium is a sedative white crystal developed for use in psychiatry where it acts as an antidepressant and antipsychotic having a somewhat zombifying effect on the brain. Lithium can have serious toxic side effects however it is nether-the-less still produced as a medicinal drug to treat mental disorders.

Lysergic Acid Diethlymide-25 (LSD) is an intensely long lasting hallucinogenic compount derived from ergot infected rhy and wheat. LSD is non-harmful to the body and non-addictive however it can exhasibate or cause mental disorders. LSD is currently undergoing clinical trials to treat memory and mental illnesses. LSD is first synthesised into an exponentially potent crystal form that can come in a variety of colours before being diluted down into a more common liquid variety used to initiate a powerful hallucination that can last over 12 hours a drop. LSD hallucinations tend to be vivid and colourful and often revolve around deep mental realisations, again LSD is a useful spiritual tool that is to be respected and should only be used in moderation.

Methyldioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an amphetamine based white, pink or purple crystal derived from the sassafras plant, the more purple MDMA appears the better quality i is. MDMA is non-addictive and non-harmful but can result in death if users develop an allergic reaction. MDMA promotes a breakdown of barriers and feelings of invigorated energy, ecstatic happiness and loving openess. MDMA is a beautiful experience which is not to be abused and has uses in treating relationship difficulties and certain mental disorders such as depression.

Meacaline is the psychoactive ingredient of psychedelic cacti it can be synthasised into a powerful white crystal variety. Mescaline is sacred to Native American and Mesoamerican peoples and enduces a bodily purging experience followed by a floating sensation and powerful vibrant hallucinogenic experience and enlightenment that is a useful tool to be respected and not abused.

Psilocybin is the active psychedelic compound of magic mushrooms and can be crystallised into a blue crystal in a laboratory. Psilocybin induces euphoria, bright visual hallucinations and interesting abnormal bodily feeling, the substance is non-toxic provided the correct mushroom species are used and non-addictive it is currently undergoing clinical trials to test its use in improving memory and treating mental disorders however it can trigger and worsen such disorders if the resulting trip is traumatic in nature, psilocybin is a power tool to be respected and not to be abused.

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illuminating-the-darkness · 6 years ago

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Glamour, Shapeshifting and Lycanthropy:

Glamour:

Glamour is a sub-catagory of illusion it deals specifically with giving the false impression of beauty and wealth, in making the ugly appear beautiful or the beautiful appear to be even more beautiful then they already are. In todays world most women (and some men) use make-up as a form of glamour without giving a second thought to its origins in ancient Egypt high society to ancient Greco-Roman prostitution and later European witchcraft, for example the Belladonna “beautiful lady” plant better known as nightshade is well known for its uses in witchcraft and takes its name from droplets derived from the plant used to enlarge the pupils giving the glamour of exceptionally beautiful eyes, however it is worth noting that this practice was discontinued due to its tendency to leave practisioners blind. Make-up and prosthetics can not only make the old appear younger and the ugly appear beautiful but also enhance natural beauty, make-up can also be used to create special effects which are now common place on television and film but in the past may have been used for all kinds of trickery. Another form of glamour is disguise enabling an old witch to appear young or a young witch to appear old, to paint the skin to blend into the environment as camouflage, to assume a new persona or identity by using make-up, prosthetics and dyes to disguises oneself and also in the case of transvestites who employ a form of glamour in making themselves appear to be the opposite gender. In todays world glamour is a term used to describe the rich, beautiful and famous and may hint that their public lifestyles are more illusion than reality. In any case a practisioner of the occult should learn to master glamour and disguise as these are useful tricks of the trade and one of few remaining effective illusions that does not require a staged setting.

Shapeshifting and Lycanthropy:

Shapeshifting is a shamanistic art that dates back to stone age in the form of animal spirit worship and totemism. Stories of shapeshifters are common in folklore, fairytales and mythology and are usually initiated by the mystical agency of a Deity, angel or demon, for example the demonic president Ose listed in the Goetia is said to be able to bewitch the senses and create an illusion which causes people to believe they have been changed into animals, this also suggests that such a bewitchment could be used on people to convince them that the practisioner had taken an animal form. The demonisation of the soul is often connected to the animalisation of a person, the de-evolution towards a more beastial nature in contrast to the ascending evolutionary sentience man strives to achieve, the demonic passions, lust, wrath and greed are animalistic base natures that can overcome the consciousness and render a person feral, likewise stories of shapeshifting were often considered to be by the agency of the devil who bares the title “the beast”. In some cases transformation into a beast was against the will of the shapeshifter often centred around the theme of curses such as Lycanthropy which caused a person to become a werewolf under certain conditions such as a full moon in some cases these curses were caused by divine or demonic punishment or by the magic of witches while in other cases they were spread by a cause such as canibalism or being bitten by an infected person both of these concepts suggest a viral cause to Lycanthropy such as rabies while other causes such as mental illness may play a part since psychotics sometimes experience clinical lycanthropy - the perception of animalistic traits or the belief that the afflicted person becomes an animal or shares their body with animal spirits. Genetic traits such a hypertrichosis can cause a person to grow hair in irregular places such as over the face however these genetic abnormalities are rare and unlikely to have influenced these very widespread mythologies. In shamanistic and druidic cultures the channeling of animal spirits and the adoption of animal spirit guides are common practice and can humble a person to acceptance of their place within the natural order as well as revealing much about the personality of a person through common traits they share with their animal counter parts in Norse viking tradition druids were known to brew hallucinogenic potions from fly agaric mushrooms which were given to ferocious warriors before battle, this potion enhanced the sense, dulled pain and imbued the drinker with superhuman strength, stamina and rage, such warriors became known as “Berserkers” (“bear skinned”) and channeled an animal spirit such as a bear or a wolf in battle even wearing the pelt of such animals which gave rise to their title, the berserkers were so fiercly animalistic that they could not tell friend from foe and displayed their bloodlust to anyone who got in their way with a ferocious unyielding barrage of attacks. Psychedelic experiences can often lead to the discovery of animalistic traits and spirit guides and could give the illusion or impression that a person had from their own perception at least changed into an animalistic form this was especially true of more potent psychedelic poisons used in the creation of flying ointments and magic salves which had strong hallucinogenic effects including lycanthropic displays of animalistic nature, violent, sexual and primitive mind states and sometimes the perception of having changed into a beast, interestingly one such poisonous plant used in the production of flying ointment is aconite also known as “wolfsbane” probably both because its intense poison was used to kill wolves and because of the connection to percieved Lycanthropy induced by magic salves.

In some folklore drinking rain water out of an animals footprint allowed a person to absorb that animals essence and adopt traits of the animal although this practice is highly unhygienic, a similar vein of thought would suggest that eating the meat of an animal would have the same effect. In the Native American Navajo culture shamans take the role of healers and medicine men however sometimes these spiritualists turn to the dark side of their practice and become skin walkers a term almost synonymous with the Mesoamerican Nagual shamans, both Skin Walkers and Nagual shamans are said to be able to possess the bodies of humans and animals by making and maintaining eye contact , often shamanistic rituals centred around shapeshifting involve wearing the pelt of the animal the shaman intends to become and working themselves into a (possibly hallucinogenic induced) trance state. In Europe witches were often said to take the form of animals when going about their secret business of stealing, cursing and collecting regants for magic or on route to the witches sabbath, while I find it difficult to believe that a physical morphological change to the DNA caused such witches to physically transform into animals and back into human form I can see how astral projection and out of body experiences could be employed to a similar effect using the spirit to take possession of weaker animal consciousnesses and to psychically control their bodies may allow a witch to accomplish tasks while in the form of a beast under their control made even easier if an animal familiar under the witches control is used as a host body. Another method of astral projection used to a similar effect is to transform the astral body of the practisioner into an animal shape and attempt to project this image into the physical realm to walk freely in the guise of an animal. As previously mentioned sometimes humans experienced shapeshifting as a curse and famously in folklore witches were able to transform people into frogs, while again the prospect of physically altering the morphology of a person seems fantastical the idea that their spirit could be exorcised from their physical body and forced into another available body such as that of a frog is not outside of the realm of posibility.

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illuminating-the-darkness · 6 years ago

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Illusion and Misdirection:

Although illusion is the art of stage magic this form of entertainment has its roots in Occult practices. Since ancient Egypt and possibly much earlier magicians have used Alchemical practices to miraculously generate fire, smoke, change the colour of materials or use magnetic stones to fool the uninitiated. Magicians have also long been known to perform slight of hand tricks to make objects disappear before the eyes of whole crowds. Such techniques are useful both as an entertaining display of power and as an enhancement to ritual atmosphere however they can also have practical uses in day to day life that allows the magician to hoodwink the unsuspecting.

Misdirection:

The first art of illusion is misdirection often the wand is used in an overly ceremonious way to draw attention away from what the magician is doing with the other hand although a set of quasi-magical gestures made with one hand while the other works is just as effective. The art of misdirection is to draw focus away from what is really happening by insuring that focus is drawn to something else. Often in stage magic props with hidden compartments are rigged to make objects vanish and special effects can be used to make the act more convincing. Good distractions are often bright and colourful, highly animated in their movement or mesmeric such as coloured smoke, more subtle distractions can be used to fool people into making misjudgments, for example two people who look like and dress like they are up to no good can be employed as a distraction for a well dressed person to slip by unnoticed. The act of dressing excessively and flamboyantly may attract attention but in a lot of cases will actually invoke people to ignore the overly dressed individual, camouflage such as grey outfits in cities, black clothes at night and earthly tones in nature can also help people to slip by unnoticed. Street theater where groups of people who seem unconnected work together playing different parts can be a convincing con-artist technique for making the victim believe what they are seeing this can be as simple as one person spilling a drink on the victim and apologising profusely while another steals the victims unattended items or otherwise can be a complex drama where people working together can appear to be working against each other in order to fool and distract the intended victim or gain their trust through appearing to save them from such circumstances. Distraction can also be employed by sensation, sexual displays and seduction which are well know to be good methods for retrieving information, quickly gaining trust or in drawing attention. As previously mentioned slight of hand tricks can be very effective and any practisioner should endevour to learn some. Other distractions that can be employed are bright lights and loud sounds both of which are garunteed to draw attention. Practisoners may wish to use events to their advantage for example if a large social event draws crowds practisioners can enter the crowd to go unnoticed among the attendees or can otherwise ply their trade unnoticed far from the festivities. The power of suggestion is a useful tool when employed correctly a subtle suggestion which can be verbal, visual or symbolic can be hypnotically implanted, the power to convince a person that your idea is their idea is a great tool in the practisioners command. Lying and deciet can be powerful tools of robbing a victim of their sense so long as they can be completely convinced that the lie is the truth. Misdirection can also be employed to drug or poison drinks and food, while not a plesant practice it is one with roots in witchcraft.

Creating Coloured Smoke:

Coloured smoke can be made by cooking coloured oil pastle crayons into a liquid and adding a mixed solution of 50% potassium nitrate, 40% baking sugar and 10% baking soda to the heated liquid on low heat to create a vibrant coloured powder this can then be packed into an open ended container, cutting the head off of several match sticks and place the crushed matchstick heads on top of the powder in the container, seal the container with a lid with a small hole in the centre then push a wick through this hole, once lit the container will plume coloured smoke from the hole. It is worth noting that Potassium Nitrate is derived from Nitre, a mineral form of Natron - the saltpeter used by Alchemists.

Illusion:

Illusion is different from misdirection in one main way, misdirection attempts to divert attention so that an operation can be completed unnoticed while illusion is a convincing deception which happens before the eyes of the observer. The primary tools of the illusionist are perception tricks, light, darkness, smoke and mirrors. In todays world illusion is well understood and often employed by television shows and in movies, this move from a magical art into pop culture has weakened the effectiveness of illusions since they are now common place. One of the most famous illusions is the illusion of levitation this is often used by modern street performers using a type of seat rigged into a staff, hooded robes conceal the contraption and give the illusion of a floating hooded figure holding a staff, this trick is also use in stage magic where often near invisible wires are used to levitate an assistant laying down or to give the illusion of flight around the stage. One very ancient illusion is puppetry and especially shadow puppets, these art forms can give the convincing illusion of live fantastical beings, animate objects and creatures but again these arts are now so well understood that their place in illusion is compromised another illusion involving puppets is ventriloquism which gives the audio illusion that these puppets speak and has its origins in the Necromantic arts. A very famous optical illusion is conjuration where a magician makes objects or living beings suddenly appear in a flash of light or coloured smoke or via the use of several concealed mirrors to reflect their image making them seem to suddenly appear when in fact they are just being reflected mirror to mirror from off stage and the place where they suddenly appeared is in actuality just a mirror that via tricks of the light was concealed by its reflection to appear as just another part of the background of the stage. A similar old stage illusion involves utilising a projector to cast the image of a ghost on to a plane of glass concealed by the darkness around it, in the modern age holographic projectors have made this practice nearly defunct. One of the most potent illusions remaining is the use of microdosing the unsuspecting with psychedelics, while a full dose of psychedelic substances would likely create panic in the unsuspecting victim and would be easy to attribute to a hallucinogenic experience, a microdose can create minor illusions and sensory distortions that are harder to detect and can work to convince the victim of the illusions being worked or of the power of the practisioner, however this trick is also unlikely to work on people who have previously had psychedelic experiences.

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illuminating-the-darkness · 6 years ago

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Tempestarii:

One of the oldest artforms of witchcraft is attempting to control the weather. In folklore witches are said to be able to predict and summon up storms and so we will discuss methods of doing just that.

Pertitioning The Divine/Spirits For Weather:

In every culture there are deities and spirits associated with the weather or with aspects of the weather, for example in Ancient Greek mythology the God Boreas represented the North wind. Pertitioning and praying to these deities and spirits was thought to encourage their powers to specific effects such as calling forth rain, wind or storms to this end sacrifices could be made or idols of these forces could be doused in water or threatened with violence to encourage their co-operation. It can be a useful visualisation exercise in trying to control the weather to try to embody these forces to become in mind at one with the clouds, wind, rain and lightning and thus through sympathetic energy to enact greater control over them or when attempting any of the following exercises to invoke or evoke specific spirits and deities associated with the weather phenomenon we are trying to conjour.

Folk Magic:

There are a number of folklores concerning acts thought to evoke the weather such as throwing a handfull of the herbs Broom or Lugwort into the air which is thought to encourage wind and rainfall since both herbs are associated with water, another method involved throwing wet flint over the shoulder which was thought to encourage storms since flint creates sparks when struck and for the moment it is wet and in the air it embodies storm clouds. Finally waving wooden staffs above the head as though conducting the winds to rage was a way of using the wand to command the spirits of air and water to obey.

Weather Forecasting:

Until very recently in history the ability to predict the weather was an occult science based around primitive meteorology and superstitions that were powerful wisdoms at the disposal of witches and shamans, however in todays world fairly accurate weather reports are common place and scientific advancements in meteorology mean that we can have a fair idea of the weather weeks ahead of time and easily predict incoming storms. In any attempt to control the weather in todays world we must be prepared to take the scientific data into account and instead see if we can work with what is already there in terms of incoming weather to try to control and encourage or discourage specific weather patterns and formations, some modern versions of magical weather manipulation involve attempting to spread storms out by conjuring and directing winds or in actually contradicting the scientific data to see if we can for example create rain on a day otherwise forecasted to be sunny. Some natural signs that can predict weather are as follows:

-Jacinth stones turn cloudy in the presence of damp air and resume their brilliance in hot sunny weather making them a natural barometer.

-A halo of light around the sun or moon caused by ice crystals in the air predicts rainfall or snow within three days.

-When flowers smell stronger they are anticipating rain the same is true of strong earthy smells.

-Cattle huddle and lay down together often predicts rain.

-Birds flying high denotes good weather, while flying low or not at all often suggests storms are on approach, birds also become noiser when storms are coming.

-Cats tend to clean their ears before rainfall.

-Dogs eat grass when anticipating rainfall.

-Bats flying in the evening indicates fair weather.

-Slugs, snails, frogs and toads will often be found wandering around outside when rainfall is imminent, when frogs can be heard croaking loudly it means heavy rainfall is comming.

-Spiders come down from their webs before rain.

-Smoke from fire that rises straight into the air predicts good weather while whispy curling smoke is a good indicator that rain is imminent.

-Clouds high in the sky indicate fair weather. Altocumulus clouds which appear as thinly spread clouds or like fishscales predict rainy weather within 36 hours. Cumulus clouds which are slightly rounded and fluffy developing through the day often indicate storms while towering Cumulus clouds which look like cloud versions of explosions often indicate rainfall later that day. Mammatus clouds which resemble swirling breast shaped clouds often herald imminent lightning storms. Cirrus clouds which are very thin whispy clouds in long streaks indicate rainy weather within 36 hours. Nimbostratus clouds which are heavy and low hanging grey storm clouds indicate imminent rainfall. Cirrocumulus clouds which are small fluffy clouds in rows indicate impending cold weather.

-A red sky during sunset in the West indicates dry air and strong wind while a red sky in the morning in the East indicates rainfall or a storm.

-Rainbows in the West in the morning heralds rain while a rainbow in the East in the morning means dry good weather.

-Dew on the grass in the morning indicates that it is unlikely to rain. Dew on the grass at night indicates bright mornings while three or more dewless nights indicate heavy rain is coming.

Whistle Up The Wind:

There is an old belief that whistling summons evil spirits associated with the wind because if you whistle you encourage the wind to whistle back in reply, a powerful witch was thought to be able to summon up gentle breezes and strong gales depending on the type of whistling she used, it is interesting to note that birds which are the creatures of air chirp in a manner similar to the sound of whistling. In order to whistle up the wind we must first be outside and take in a deep breath of the air and feel it within our lungs, we must let our energy unify with the air in our lungs and imbue it with conscious intention to bring forth more of the same; Wind. We must then breath the air we are holding out into a whistling noise visualising the wind it will bring the whole time, it is thought that slow quiet whistles bring gentle breezes while short loud whistles evoke gales and the intent to bring forth such winds must be at the focus of the mind while exhaling the whistling sound. Glass bottles and woodwind instruments can also be used to make the whistling sound that the spirits of the air communicate in and this in turn is thought to encourage them to reply.

Whipping/Stirring Up A Storm:

Witches were said to be able to create storms in all manner of ways wether astral projecting into the clouds to try to influence a storm or in pouring out their cauldrons into the sea which was thought to cause tempests due to the malicious intent that had been stired into the brew and its foul contents. Witches were said to focus on stirring up storms while stiring the water in their cauldrons or by pouring water out or urinating into holes in the ground which would then be stirred to evoke a storm. Witches were also said to be able to create storms by shutting spiders and toads into sealed jars, in the case of toads this is likely due to their association with wet weather, witches also made storms by sacrificing cockerels in their cauldrons, likely because of the roosters association with the sun meaning that its death in ritual could be used to veil or dim the light with cloud cover. Witches also tried to stimulate rain by sprinkling water over broomsticks while mentally embodying the clouds making rainfall. Finally witches were also said to whip streams of water with willow branches to cause storms and rainfall punishing the spirits of the water into obedience and in doing so sending droplets of water and vapour into the air to help stimulate the water cycle.

Rain Dances:

Rain dances are shamanistic ritual dances intended to cause rainfall the shaman and other participents perform enthusiastic dances while dressed in costumes designed to emulate rain spirits and deities the ceremonies are dedicated to such deities and spirits and work on the principle that as the dancers exert themselves they sweat symbolically imitating rainfall which is thought to be evoked and conjured as a result.

Wind Binding:

Wind binding is a form of witchcraft believed to work in one of two ways the first is the belief that the spirits of strong winds could be evoked and commanded into vessels such as bags and jars which would then be sealed so that the wind could be released later when it was required. The second form of wind binding involved taking a long piece of cord which symbolically represents the wind the practisioner then focusing on breathing and tries to embody the spirits of the wind and then taking the cord in hand ties the cord into three knots being careful to trap strong wind between the folds this is usually done along with an incantation proclaiming that wind is tied into the cord then when the wind is to be summoned or released the three knots are untied.

Fertility Rites:

In the ancient world sexual fertility rites were observed where a man and a woman would invoke a God and Goddess of rain and vegetation symbolically marrying those two forces together into sexual union the act of which was thought to fertilise the land and cause rainfall and insure a good harvest especially if the rite resulted in pregnancy.

Sporing Rain:

While the other methods described here are more traditional methods of controlling the weather through witchcraft the following technique is by far the most likely to work. Mushrooms are well known to appear after heavy rainfall and a single mushroom is capable of releasing mass amounts of spores into the air, when mushrooms spore the spores can impregnate low flying clouds and cause those clouds to release trapped rain therefore by pouring water into fields mushrooms can be encouraged to ascend from the earth and can be stimulated to release their spores into low cloud cover to cause rain and storms. Mushrooms are also known to communicate across their mycelium root networks and thus it is likely that each mushroom stimulated to rise and spore will encourage other connected mushrooms across the field to do the same it is also possible that psychoactive mushrooms could be communicated with directly by ingesting them in the fields where they grow and channeling the focus of the psychedelic experience and the mushroom spirit you have embodied towards signalling the mushrooms to rise, spore and cause rainfall.

Seeding Lightning:

Lightning is caused by ice particles within clouds rubbing up against each other and creating an electrical charge which falls to the earth as lightning however ice is difficult to transport since it is prone to melting especially when crushed into small fragments. In order to seed clouds with lightning a practisioner should get up high when low down rainclouds are forming in strong winds that blow in the direction of the clouds and throw powdered quartz crystal into the air above them, quartz is a piezoelectric substance meaning that it generates the exact negative and positive charge needed to create lightning when pressure or friction is applied, as the wind carries the powdered quartz into the cloud it will create strong charges which will fall to the ground as lightning. If the clouds are too high for throwing to be effective fill the quartz powder into a small light weight bag with small holes in it and tie the bag with rope so that it can be whirled around like a sling before being let go of in the direction of the cloud. It may be safer and more effective to drop the quartz powder down into the clouds from above on mountain tops. A final method could be employed by filling a balloon with quartz powder and helium and releasing it into the cloud and then utilising some form of projectile to pop it once it reaches the desired height.

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