ORE FEATURES
A Monthly publication of Ozark Rock Exchange
VOL 3: Issue 5, February 6, 2002
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Main: >> Start Page >> ORE Features Archives >> 2002 >> Lodestone | |
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ORE'S FEATURED GEMSTONE: Lodestone (aka Magnetite) by Stephanie Pflumm Humans were instantly drawn to the magnetic magic of Lodestone, also known as Magnetite. Chinese experiments with the gemstone's directional properties in the early 12th century would eventually play a significant role in the discovery (or demise) of the New World. Lodestone is an iron oxide. Over 70% of the stone's composition is Iron, the balance is Oxygen, sometimes with minute amounts of Manganese, Nickel, Chromium and Titanium. This fairly common gemstone is normally found as large masses in igneous stones and residual clay deposits. It occurs as placer deposits in areas where native rocks are worn away by water erosion and the Lodestone collects along the wash. In the Adirondaks it is found as lenses formed in metamorphic rocks. Magnetite crystals are rare. Isometric octahedron and dodecahedron crystals are occasionally found in igneous deposits. Gorgeous black crystals have been collected from the volcanic rocks around Nova Scotia. In Putnam County NY, crystals are found imbedded in Calcite. The stone is available almost everywhere, all over North America, China, Russia, Africa and Europe. Hematite and Lodestone have strikingly similar appearances. Both are silvery gray and heavy with Iron. Hematite is not magnetic. Though I have had pieces react to magnets because of the high iron content, the stone itself will not magnetize. Egyptians considered Hematite a stone of Set or evil. While Lodestone was considered a holy substance provided by Horus. Under close inspection, Lodestone is somewhat duller than Hematite and its surface will be slightly pitted. I have watched Lodestones form a small magnetic chain when I first remove them from their packaging. One particular pair seemed so attracted to each other that I ended up selling them as a couple. Lodestone's energy was associated with attracting lovers to each other, long before it's magnetic properties were put to practical use. It was Thales who first recognized the stones power to attract in 587 BC. Initially it wasn't even considered a navigation breakthrough. Instead this crystal's mysterious powers were believed to be an important tool in bringing partners together and pulling illness away. Dioscorides a Greek physician in the first century AD, advised husbands on how to use the stone to determine their mate's faithfulness. Husbands were told to hide the stone on their marital bed. When their mate came to the bed, if faithful, would immediately kiss him. An unfaithful mate would fall out of the bed. Working women would wear the gemstone to draw customers. Wives would keep one to bring back a wandering mate. An oil elixir from Lodestones was said to increase a man's virility. Rituals using the stone could attract a lover and ensure mutual fidelity for the relationship. In 16th century India, a king ordered all of his meals be prepared in pots made of Lodestone to maintain his sexual stamina. Today, in Mexico men wear a Magnetite in belt buckles to enhance their performance. Its role as an ancient viagra shrinks in comparison to the dramatic impact the magnetic properties of the crystal had on Human development. Before the Chinese discovered that an Iron needle magnetized by a piece of Lodestone would point North, mariners navigated by the Sky. This was not always a reliable tool, when it became cloudy all could be lost. Literally. As a result most naval exploration took place within the sight of land. Providing rather lack luster and limited results. Ancestors of the compass were nothing more than a needle or Lodestone resting on a pivot. In 1302 Flavio Gioja of Amalfi attached the needle and pivot to a card illustrating the direction of the Four Winds. Flavio called his device a compass-card and his enhancements freed mariners forever from the old constraints of navigation. Most likely setting into motion events that eventually led to Erik and Christopher finding North America. One drawback to early compasses was that the Iron needle could loose its magnetism. A prudent mariner always carried a Magnetite with him to recharge his compass. Ensuring he would never lose his way and giving the stone its popular name. Load or lodysshe are old English for way. Way stone. It also accounts for the Lodestone's reputation as an extremely lucky talisman. It's magnetic qualities work to attract money and repel danger. Alexander the Great provided all of his soldiers with the gemstone to keep away evil influences and spirits sent by the enemy. Thrones constructed of the mineral would bring wealth, success, power, love and loyalty to those who sat upon them. Not everyone looked upon the Magnetite as an attractive stone. Some believed its magnetic energies were the result of a resident demon. Puritans considered it a morally dangerous gem, drawing people into wicked behavior. However, I can state unequivocally, after carrying my Lodestone for almost a month, not once was I tempted to behave in a wicked manner. At least not what I would consider wicked. You will find Lodestone to be a wonderful companion though. The versatile nature of the magnet (attract and repel) means you can use your Lodestone for almost any kind of creative work. When you start a new job or move to a new town, carry a Lodestone to help you connect with new friends or co-workers. Ask the gemstone's energy to bring to you those who will understand and relate to you, while keeping away those that might cause you harm or trouble. Undertaking new goals or just feeling a little off target? Use a Lodestone to stay your course. The stone can eliminate obstacles, relieve burdens that are weighing you down and give you the determination to complete your tasks. As you begin to reap the fruits of your labors, this stone will boost your motivation and self confidence, wiping out your insecurities and self doubt. Learn to let go of the shore and sail for the open sea. Lodestone makes an especially poignant gift for children leaving for college, the military or just moving to the other side of town into their first apartment. Let it serve as their compass through life, provide them protection and tell them it will always point the way home. Because Lodestone is a magnet for the Heart as well as North (North in some traditions symbolizes the hearth or home). Use the crystal to add a little spice to a relationship that is spending too much time on the couch. Place the gemstone under your mattress (or a couch cushion) and see if you can generate some new sparks when you are together. If anyone falls off the bed, however, you must report it to webmaster@ozarkrockexchange.com immediately! For your spiritual journey, Magnetite can help you in receiving from the Universe. Many believe, if you place the stone in your ear, you can hear the voices of the Earth gods. It certainly represents a powerful connection to Mother Earth and can activate your base Chakra. It also provides a temporary balancing for the other Chakra. You can use a Lodestone to align your male/female energies. The stone will teach you to find great joy in the most simple moments. When you are lost, use your Lodestone to point your way home. Healers have long been attracted to the healing potential in Magnetite. About the time Thales was recording the gemstone's magnetic qualities, Greek physicians were using it to treat disease by rubbing a stone on the patient's skin. It is still very effective at helping to draw out illness and pain. Practiced healers use the stone to activate the body's own healing energies. When you are sick your natural rhythms become imbalance and energy gets blocked. Lodestone can break through these blocks and help the physical body regain its balance, allowing your strength to flow freely. This stone may help relieve headaches, rheumatism and rejuvenate anemic blood. Some traditions credit Lodestone with reducing the pain of childbirth, especially when used with Moonstone or Coral. Athletes may find their injuries heal quicker when they carry the crystal. An American folk remedy suggests putting a gemstone in a black bag and tie it around your neck with a black ribbon to treat gout. Lodestone Notes: If you use a Lodestone to draw out disease during healings, you should cleanse after every session. A simple Sage smudge or your favorite cleansing prayer should be enough. Pictures of Lodestone --+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SUBSCRIBER'S SPECIAL: FREE Lodestone! --+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SKY NOTES -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- My Journey To Self-Love Learning to love ourselves is one of the most difficult and rewarding journeys you can take on. For me, it was very much like raising my children. With similar challenges and benefits. In fact, the most powerful moment in therapy came when I was relating my inner dialogue to my therapist. As she listened to me explain how I talked to myself, she asked me two very powerful questions. "Is that how you talk to your children?" "Then, why do you talk to yourself that way?" That set of simple questions turned out to be the sledge hammer that eventually would break down the walls I'd built between my head and my heart. But these were strong walls, it had taken me 30+ years to build them and they did not come down easily. Somewhere early in my life, I learned not to cut myself any slack. If I did well in school, instead of feeling proud, I would tell myself it was expected of me. I'm smart, I should do well in school. Never in my internal dialogue would I congratulate myself or give myself comfort, regardless of the circumstances I found myself in. My greatest fear was of becoming a slacker, of giving up and no longer trying. I was sure the moment I allowed myself to feel good about an accomplishment, I would quit trying to achieve more. My thought process had equated self-congratulations with stagnating. The idea of nurturing myself was completely alien to me. So, when I was faced with a crisis (like the impending divorce), instead of being able to turn to myself for comfort and support, all I got was some B____ cracking a whip in my face telling me to suck it up and move on. Not really healthy. When my therapist hit me with her wrecking ball question, "Why do I talk to myself that way", I knew deconstruction would not be easy. First, I would have to learn to talk to myself in a totally different way. The internal dialogue had to be completely rewritten. Fortunately I was involved in sales and had participated in numerous sales training events. I was very familiar with the power of positive affirmations and used them frequently in professional situations. Now, I began incorporating them into my personal life. I started listening to how I talked to my children, how I comforted them and began working on telling myself the same things. If a child stumbled and cut himself, I would hug, treat and heal with all my love. Now I had to learn how to hug myself, and heal my own wounds with my love. When a child made a mistake, I would correct her gently, explain why her actions were wrong and assure her that regardless of what happened my love was still there for her. That we both will be stronger and better from the learning experience. Learning to tell myself it was OK to make a mistake, that I might even be better for the error was so HARD! If I can tell my child this and mean it, why can't I tell myself the same thing and mean it? Eventually, the internal dialogue began to change. But only with my most conscious efforts. When I heard the B____ getting her whip out, it would take considerable concentration to put that voice away and allow my own voice to be heard. When the children got extremely rowdy and I lost my temper, I would catch myself starting to say "you are the worst mother, don't you have any patience at all". Instead I made the conscious effort to reword my thoughts "children need to know boundaries, they need to know people have limits and buttons and the consequences of pushing them. It is my responsibility to teach them where to draw the line". Which thought do you suppose made me the better mother? Instead of saying you're so smart how did you get in this mess, I said, I'm smart, I can figure this out. Instead of saying quit crying everyone has problems. I said, getting a divorce sucks no wonder I feel awful. But at least my babies are healthy and I have food to feed them. Instead of saying you're going to be a big fat pig if you don't exercise. I said what a beautiful morning to be out walking and watching Grandfather Sun wake up the day. Instead of saying you better get this proposal right or you'll never make a sale. I said I've done my homework and know exactly what this client needs. I can write an awesome proposal with the information I have. The results astounded me. Instead of becoming lazy and stagnate, these new thoughts made me vibrant, excited and more filled with passion than ever. When I was laid off my job in 1989, it took a moment for me to work through the devastation and the bombardment of "loser" thoughts that flooded into my mind. Eventually, I began the internal dialogue that led to healing and resolution. After all, my boss laid me off to give my job to his girlfriend. Not because of any lack of skill on my part. I gave myself a good hug and said no wonder you feel like crying. I then allowed myself to think that this was actually opportunity holding a door wide open for me. I jumped into the job hunting process with all the vigor and relentless innocence of a college graduate. As the world turned, it was a wide open door of opportunity. Being laid off brought me to the Ozarks where my broadcasting career skyrocketed. I was successful beyond my wildest dreams and that success opened a brand new opportunity for me. The chance to start my own business and build a dream. If I had not taught myself to nurture my dreams, comfort my dreads and support my successes, would I have had the strength and power to make my own wishes come true? What's going on in your head? Is that how you would talk to your child? -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR: Newbies and Nitwits! -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- CONGRATULATIONS To Christie R. of New Jersey, Winner of the Snowflake Obsidian Contest! Christie has won a large, raw Snowflake Obsidian, a small polished Snowflake Obsidian and a 36" Snowflake Obsidian strand. Thanks to everyone that entered the contest. -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- What's Happening At Ozark Rock Exchange? I hope to have pictures taken of all the new spheres (Iron Wood, Rutilated Quartz, Rhodonite and Rainbow Obsidian to name a few) and the raw Labradorite by this weekend. I'll send you a note as soon as I've updated the New Arrivals. Vote for Ozark Rock Exchange as one of the Top 50 Pagan Sites. You'll find the link to vote, plus information on new arrivals, special sales and upcoming events at http://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/event.shtml --+--+--+-- MOBILE ORE STORE Schedule --+--+--+-- STONE POWER CIRCLE You do not have to join Stone Power Circle to continue receiving ORE FEATURES via email. ORE FEATURES will be free as long as email is free. --+--+--+-- ORE FEATURES by Snail Mail! --+--+--+-- If you have a special announcement for the next issue of ORE FEATURES, please send it to stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com for consideration. -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- ©Copyright 2002, Stephanie Pflumm, All Rights Reserved Worldwide. No portion of this newsletter may be reproduced without the written permission of the editor/founder, Stephanie Pflumm. Please feel free to share with a friend. |
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