Of the Birthday May 12-17 (Wow I'm easily distracted)

I'm going to save and publish this after I finish each section. So, If you're watching, you can read it as I go :D 

Crystals 

Dalmation Stone

White with Black and Brown Spots

Spotted Stone

Easily Obtained

Mexico

Opening the base, sacral and earth chakras, Dalmation Stone imparts a sense of physicality to the soul and reminds that you are a spiritual being on a human journey. 

(I've read that this stone is a form of Jasper) 

Golden Danburite

Yellow or Golden Yellow

Translucent or transparent, striated crystal

Becoming widely available

Madagascar, Myanmar, Afghanistan

Attuned to the golden flame of the illumined mind, Golden Danburite works on the highest frequency of the heart and higher heart energy, linking to the universal mind and angelic realms. 

Aqua Aura Danburite is enhanced with gold to provide high-vibration link to All That Is. Connecting the spiritual and physical hearts and activating compassion and forgiveness for the past, this stone opens its arms and welcomes soul fragments home. 

Drusy Danburite is coated in fine Quarts points, amplifying heart energy to a finer vibration and drawing in archangels and higher powers, promoting an inflow of Buddha energy and universal love.

Datolite

Yellow or Green

Transparent to opaque, vitreous crystal or mass

Rare

Mexico, US, South Africa, Tanzania, Scotland, Russia, Germany, Norway, Canada

Datolite has a strong connection to the Akashic Record and, placed on the third eye or past-life chakras, provides a download of karmic and historic information that may take time to process and integrate but ultimately shows the overall soul plan for all your lives. 

Dendritic Chalcedony

Black and White

Fern Markings in opaque stone

Easily obtained as a tumbled stone

Worldwide

Dendritic Chalcedony encourages living in the present moment and offers support when facing unpleasant matters.

Diopside

Green, Black, White

Long crystals often on a matrix or cluster

Easily Obtained

US, Sweden, Canada, Germany, India, Russia, China

A stone of service, Green Diopside increases compassion, opening your heart to the suffering of others and encouraging you to be of service to the planet through a profound sense of connection with the earth. 

Dumortierite

Blue or Blue-Gray

Dense, dusty, mottled opaque stone with iridescent flashes, blue inclusion, or crystalline

Easily Ovtained

US, Brazil, Namibia, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Canada, France, Poland

Dumortierite makes you more receptive when in contact with angelic or spirit guides. Spiritually, it shows your archetypal eternal self, reconnecting to innate wisdom. 

Herbs

Pine, Scots

Parts Used: Needles and young buds

Collection: The needles and young buds are best collected with twigs in the spring as young shoots.

The Scots Pine may be used in cases of bronchitis, sinusitis, or upper respiratory catarrh, both as an inhalant and internally. It may also be helpful in asthma. The stimulating action gives the herb a role in the internal treatment of rheumatism and arthritis. There is a tradition of adding a preparation of the twigs to bathwater to ease fatigue, nervous debility, and sleeplessness, as well as aiding the healing of cuts and soothing skin irritations. 

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1/2 teaspoonful of the twigs and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. 

Inhalant: bring 2-3 handfuls of the twigs to the boil in 4 pints or 2 liters of water, simmer for five minutes, and then use as an inhalant by covering the head with a towel and inhaling the steam for 15 minutes. Repeat often.

Bath: leave 3 handfuls of twigs to stand in 1.5 pints of water for half an hour, then bring to the boil, simmer for 10 minutes, strain, and add to the hot bath. 

Plantain, Greater

Parts Used: Leaves or aerial parts

Collection: Gather during flowering throughout the summer. Dry as fast as possible, as the leaves will discolor if dried improperly.

Both the Greater Plantain and its close relative Ribwort Plantain have valuable healing properties. It acts as a gentle expectorant while also soothing inflamed and sore membranes, making it ideal for coughs and mild bronchitis. Its astringency aids in diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and also in cystitis where there is bleeding. 

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. 

Pleurisy Root

Parts Used: Rhizome

Collection: The rhizome should be unearthed in March or April. Clean well and split  up. Dry in shade or sun

Pleurisy Root is effective against respiratory infections where it reduces inflammations and assists expectoration. It can be used in the treatment of bronchitis and other chest conditions. The addition of diaphoretic and antispasmodic powers will show why it is so highly valued in the treatment of pleurisy and pneumonia. It can be used in influenza. 

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1/2- 1 teaspoonful of the herb and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. 

Pokeweed Root ( AKA Poke Root)

Part Used: Root

Collection: The root should be unearthed in the late fall or spring. Clean it and split is lengthwise before drying. 

Pokeweed Root has a wide range of uses and is a valuable addition to many holistic treatments. It may be seen primarily as a remedy for use in infections of the upper respiratory tract, removing catarrh and aiding the cleansing of the lymphatic glands. It may be used for catarrh, tonsillitis, laryngitis, swollen glands, mumps, etc. It will be found of value in lymphatic problems elsewhere in the body and especially for mastitis, where it can be used internally and as a poultice. Pokeweed Root also has a use in rheumatism, especially where it is long standing. Care must be taken with this herb as in large dosage it is powerfully emetic and purgative. Externally as lotion or ointment it may be used to rid the skin of scabies and other pests. 

Caution: In large dosage, Pokeweed Root is a powerful emetic and purgative

Decoction: only small amounts of this herb should be used. Put 1/4-1/2 teaspoonful of the root in a cup of water, bring to the boil, and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, This should be drunk three times a day.

Pomegranate

Parts Used: Bark

Various parts of the Pomegranate can be used in medicine; however, the bark has marked anti-tapeworm activity. It can be rather strong and traumatic, associated as it often is with nausea and vomiting, since the treatment for tapeworm includes a regime of strict fasting followed by purging or enemas. 

Decoction: Mrs. Grieve gives a dosage of 4 ounces of bark to 20 fluid ounces of water made into a decoction. Of this, 0.5 fluid ounce is taken. 

Prickly Ash

Parts Used: Bark and berries

Collection: The berries are collected in the late summer, and the bark is stripped from the stems of this shrub in the spring. 

Prickly Ash may be used in a way that is similar to Cayenne, although it is slower in action. It is used in many chronic problems such as rheumatism and skin diseases. Any sign of poor circulation calls for the use of this herb, such as chilblains, cramp in the legs, varicose veins, and varicose ulcers. Externally, it may be used as a stimulation liniment for rheumatism and fibrositis. Due to its stimulating effect upon the lymphatic system, circulation and mucous membranes, it will have a role in the holistic treatment of many specific conditions. 

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the bark and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. 

Birthdays

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Element: Earth

Ruling Planets: Venus, the lover

Symbol: The Bull

Tarot card: The Heirophant (determination)

Number:6

Favorable colors: Green, Pink, Pale Blue

Key phrase: I have what I need.

Love Matches: Cancer, Virgo, and Capricorn

May 12

"Today I will make compassion the heart of my life."

The birthday of lucidity

Your greatest challenge is to be tactful when expressing your opinions.
On the Dark Side: Sarcastic, difficult, distant
At Your Best: Observant, ironic, analytical

May 13

"I can choose how I will respond to every situation in my life."

The birthday of the wild child.

Your greatest challenge is learning to control your impulses
On the Dark Side: Wild, flighty, superficial
At Your Best: Impulsive, natural, energetic

May 14

"Today I live in the moment"

The birthday of the progressive outlook.

Your greatest challenge is being kind to yourself
On the Dark Side; Perfectionist, difficult, stressed
At Your Best: Innovative, articulate, energetic

May 15

"I choose to love my life"

The Birthday of delightful introspection

Your greatest challenge is overcoming a tendency toward shyness.
On the Dark Side: Passive, unfulfilled, detached
At Your Best: Imaginative, intelligent, charming

May 16 

"Today I will be cool, calm, and collected."

The birthday of bright color.

Your greatest challenge is adopting a more considered approach to yourself and others
On the Dark Side: Moody, unstable, volatile
At Your Best: Expressive, colorful, sensual

May 17

"I will always ask for whatever I need."

The birthday of profound simplicity.

Your greatest challenge is asking for help.
On the Dark Side: Tactless, judgmental, stressed
At Your Best: Dedicated, honorable, insightful

Birthstone