Ore Features: Labradorite

Labradorite is a magical gemstone. It has the ability to capture light. Once trapped inside its crystal prison, Light dances a brilliant ballet of colors

The geological reason for this is as fascinating as the effect it creates. Labradorite consists of silica, alumina, iron, lime, soda and potash. When these minerals have been melted together, their chemical structures are very compatible. As they cool, however, they become incompatible creating varying crystal layers that have separated at different depths. This inter growth or structure is called lamellar.

When light enters a Labradorite, it literally becomes ensnared in these layers. Reflecting from one layer to the next. When the light finally exits the stone its wave length has slowed considerably.

The thickness of these layers and the speed of the light wave determine what colors you’ll see in a Labradorite. The most familiar color is blue. Rarer specimens will reflect red, gold, green or violet. Labradorescence or Schiller effect are terms jewelers and geologists have given this amazing phenomenon

It is unusual for Labradorite to form crystals. When it does, they are triclinic (similar to Tourmaline crystals) and often twinned. Usually the gem is found as huge masses in metamorphic or igneous stones.

Labradorite is a member of the Feldspar family. Its history is much younger than its siblings Moonstone and Sunstone. The gem was discovered by missionaries along the Labrador coast in 1770. Some of these first stones (one slab was two feet by one foot) were presented to the British Museum in 1777.

Today specimens are found in Canada, Scandinavia, Finland, Madagascar, Russia, Romania, Australia, New South Wales and Newfoundland. Unique, clear Labradorite specimens have been found in Utah.

Though it has only been among humans a short time, Labradorite was quickly adopted as a power stone. It is associated with both Moon and Sun energies. Appropriate when you consider the stone’s dark appearance, until light is captured within.

This balance of light and dark make Labradorite a powerful tool. Use the strength of perfect balance to persevere through obstacles and emerge with a brighter spiritual light.

Use transformative properties in the gem to understand your destiny, then know and make the changes needed to achieve it. Allow your intuition to become part of your thought process.

Labradorite is a great stone for teachers. Especially teachers bringing a new message of love and light for humankind’s advancement. It will illuminate your lesson and aid assimilation.

It will also eliminate illusions, light a clear path to your goal. Keep a Labradorite near to stimulate your imagination, or when your inner child needs play time. You may find some bright new ideas shining through.

I know a couple of light workers that are highly attracted to Labradorite. Both are trying to awaken the imprisoned light within and bring about enlightenment.

An excellent gem for Journeys or meditation, allowing you to calmly move through various dimensions of being.

Use the Moon and Sun energies in Labradorite to bring your physical and spiritual bodies into alignment with the natural cycles of the Universe. Building this bond with the universal cycles will instill the confident knowledge that you face nothing alone.

If you deal with a stressful job, the stone will help replenish your physical and emotional stamina. These calming energies are wonderful for lowering blood pressure.

Other healing energies from Labradorite include for relief from cold symptoms. I can attest to its effectiveness. Friends and family have been falling victim to a recent cold virus. All this week I have carried a Labradorite (something I do for each article I research), and have barely had a sniffle.

You may find some relieve for rheumatism and gout with this gem. It will bring your body into a healthy regular cycle, aiding digestion and elimination. It can bring clarity to patients suffering from brain disorders.

CREATING A CEREMONY
by Stephanie Pflumm

This is my favorite time of year. I love celebrating the Solstice, watching as Grandfather begins arriving just a little bit earlier each morning. I rejoice at how all the world seems to celebrate together, even if we are lighting different candles.

There are warm loving memories and great creative energies attached to this season for me. These strong emotional bonds to North make it easy for me to honor in ceremony this quarter of the Medicine Wheel.

Would you like to create your own ceremony to honor North? To show gratitude for the gifts supplied by Spirit, to thank Mother Earth for her support and Father Sky for his inspiration? You can. Creating a ceremony or ritual does not have to be mysterious nor dramatic. It can be simple quiet gestures or an elaborate dance of drum and song beneath the midnight stars.

For now, we'll keep it simple and pretend this is your first time. First, let’s look at a list of energies associated with North in the Medicine Wheel.

Earth
Abundance
Gratitude
Wisdom
Knowledge
Purification
Fulfillment
Renewal
Evaluation
Magic

Are any of these energies that you would like to manifest or express? Did some wonderful things happen for you this year and you’d like to show your thankfulness? Are things going a little haywire, perhaps you need to evaluate your circumstances. Do you want to increase your prosperity?

North is the best position on the Medicine Wheel to bring extra strength to these needs.
After choosing your intent, your next step is to create a gesture to express your desire or gratitude.

Midnight is the best time for utilizing Winter energies. Though, it is not imperative that your ceremony be performed precisely at Midnight. It is always the intent that is most important.

If your intent is to express your gratitude, a Giveaway is an extremely simple and powerful gesture. I do two types of Giveaways. One is a gift back to the Creator. Another is a gift to an individual.

As the season passes, I collect gifts that I receive, then enclose them in a Prayer Pouch. To strengthen my intent, I will write a few lines about why I am grateful for the items enclosed.

Words do not need to rhyme or be lyrical. Just use them to say what you need.

Prior to presenting my Giveaway, I usually (though, not always) cast a circle to cleanse my gifts. During circle, I compose my note, put my gifts into the pouch and tie it off.

For a North Giveaway, you may consider burying your gift. However, if weather makes digging impossible, try leaving your Giveaway in special spot at Midnight.

Were you thinking more along the lines of a ceremony for attracting prosperity? Get creative. Collect some tokens that represent prosperity to you. Be careful what you choose.

Cast a circle, and one by one introduce your needs to the Universe. Perhaps you can write down each item and the prosperous energy it represents to help your memory.

You may consider building a small altar for your items. Use a circle of stones to protect your coming prosperity. Set Fluorite in the North, Aventurine in East, Tiger Eye for South and Citrine in the West. Set four Amazonite or Jade between each of the directional stones. Then be willing to accept what comes.

Do you feel the need to purify yourself of some nasty habits? Write down the traits you’d like to see yourself rid of, then burn your list and bury it. Or blow it away under a Winter New Moon.

Ceremonies do not have to be intimidating. As you get more comfortable in expressing your intent, you’ll become more creative in your expression. Just don’t be afraid to start, The Universe is not here to criticize.