A reference place for information on gemstones and the symbolism of everyday or interesting themes.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
The Unicorn
Unicorns symbolize innocence, purity of heart and primal perfection. Where unicorns played, the land was said to be in eternal springtime. The creature's horn was believed to have vast magickal power including the ability to negate poisons. This powerful totem helps to bring peace, gentleness, courage, inner wisdom and healing.
To many, it means power, purification, healing, wisdom, self-knowledge, renewal and eternal life. In the 4th century BC, Greek historian Ctesias told about a wild animal with healing powers and a spiral horn on its forehead. Medieval myths suggested it could only be caught with help from a virgin who would befriend it.
The unicorn has traditionally appeared as a Symbol of chastity and also an emblem of the word of God. Legend has it that the creature is tireless when pursued, yet falls meekly to the ground when approached by a virgin. It is reputed to live for a thousand years and to be the noblest of animals.
The unicorn is a legendary animal from European folklore that resembles a white horse with a large, pointed, spiraling horn projecting from its forehead, and sometimes a goat's beard and cloven hooves. First mentioned by the ancient Greeks but are not found in Greek mythology, but rather in accounts of natural history, for Greek writers of natural history were convinced of the reality of the unicorn, which they located in India, a distant and fabulous realm for them.
It became the most important imaginary animal of the middle Ages and Renaissance when it was commonly described as an extremely wild woodland creature, a symbol of purity and grace, which could only be captured by a virgin. In the encyclopedias its horn was said to have the power to render poisoned water potable and to heal sickness. Until the 19th century, belief in unicorns was widespread among historians, alchemists, writers, poets, naturalists, physicians, and theologians.
The unicorn is a very positive and affirming symbol, showcasing the best of love, strength, and purity. Unicorns have always been associated with good in nearly all cultures. Perhaps there is power to this symbol.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
The Chalice
The chalice or cup is a symbol of the element of water, a feminine element representing intuition, gestation, psychic ability, the subconscious, and the emotions. In ritual use, it can hold wine or other libations, or salt water. It is often used for scrying.
Many beautiful chalices were created for Eucharistic use in Celtic churches, and remain some of the finest examples of such work in the world. Eventually, the cauldron and chalice of Christ merged into one symbol, and became synonymous with the mythical Holy Grail.
Cauldron
The cauldron is symbolic of the Womb of the Goddess, source of all life and re-birth, creativity, inspiration, and knowledge.
Cauldrons are associated with the Element of Water and are commonly used for scrying and psychic divination. The cauldron is seen as a traditional tool of witchcraft.
The cauldron is a Female Symbol - The symbol of the Goddess and corresponds to the element of Water they are are commonly used for scrying and psychic divination.
The 3 Legs reflect the Maiden, Mother, and Crone aspects of the Goddess. It is used in ritual as a container in which magickal transformations can occur and is often a focal point of a ritual.
During spring rites, it can be filled with water and fresh flower petals and in winter, fires can be lighted within the cauldron to symbolize the rebirth of the Sun.


