Of the Birthday Dec 20 & 21 HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE AND BLESSED YULE!!

Crystal

Azurite

Deep Blue
Very small, shiny crystals
Easily obtained, often in combination with Malachite
US, Australia, Chile, Peru, France, Namibia, Russia, Egypt

Azurite guides psychic and intuitive developnent. It urges the soul toward enlightenment. It cleanses and stimulates the third eye and attunes to spiritual guidence. Emotionally, it is known to clear stress, worry, grief, and sadness, allowing more light into the emotions.

It treats throat problems, arthritis and joint problems, aligns the spine, and works at a cellular level to restore any blockage or damage to the brain

Wear it touching the skin on the right hand or place as appropriate directly on the body.

When combined with Malachite, the combinatinon of the qualities of the two crystals is a powerful conductor of energy.

Beryl

Pink, Golden, Yellow, Green, White, Blue

Prismatic crystals, may be transparent and pyramidal

Readily available in most forms but may be expensive. 

US, Russia, Australia, Brazil, Czech Republic, France, Norway

Beryl teaches you how to do only that which you need to do. It is excellent for dealing with a stressful life and shedding unnecessary baggage. Representing the purity of being, Beryl helps to actualize potential and is an excellent stone for scrying. 

Golden Beryl is a seer's stone and is used for ritual magic, It aids scrying and magical workings 

Morganite (Pink Beryl) attracts love and maintains it.

Bixbite (Red Beryl) opens and energizes the base chakras. 

Herb

Black Catechu 

Parts Used: Dried extract prepared from the heartwood of the tree. 

This herb is used for chronic diahrrhea, dysentery, and mucous colitis. 

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water on 1 teaspoon of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drunk 3 times daily. 

Black Cohosh

Parts Used: Root and Rhizome; Dried not fresh!

Collection: The roots are unearthed with the rhizome in the fall after the fruit have ripened. They should be cut lengthwise and dried carefully.

Black Cohosh is a most valuable herb. It has a most powerful action as a relaxant and a normalizer of the female reproductive system. It may be used beneficially in cases of painful or delayed menstruation. Ovarian cramps or cramping pain in the womb will be relieved by Black Cohosh. It will be useful in labor to aid uterine activity while allaying nervousness. It will also reduce spasm and aid in the treatment of whooping cough. (There's a whole list of things this plant helps with)

For Uterine conditions, combin with Blue Cohosh; for rheumatic problems use with Buckbean

Decoction: Pour a cup of water onto 1/2-1 tsp of the dried root and bring to boil. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk 3 times a day.

Rune

BEORC 

This is a fertility rune- a rune of birth and of the family. It often represents your mother or your children, and it usually indicates an event which brings joy to the family, such as, birth or a wedding. BEORC represents your true home, the "home where your heart is"

This rune always presages a birth, whether it is an actual birth or the formation of an idea. 

Reversed it will usually indicate family problems and domestic troubles. It shows friction between you and those closest to you. 

EHWAZ

EHWAZ is a rune of physical movement, physical shifts, or new dwelling places. Its main significance is change, but a change for the better and usually an anticipated one. It stands for gradual development and steady progress. 

Reversed  EHWAZ is the one rune that does not automatically assume a negative meaning. If grouped with positive runes, it can mean exactly the same reversed as it does upright. Sometimes this indicates a far journey. In some cases it can show an unexpected change. Unless associated with negative runes, it is not likely to be a bad change. When it is associated with negative runes EHWAZ's councel is to hold fast and not implement any changes you may be considering at this time as they are likely to result in misfortune and loss. 

Tarot

XVII The Star

Upright, The Star, means hope, love, rebirth, pleasure, satisfaction, purpose, and guidance. 

The reverse represents disappointment, pessimism, crushed dreams, bad luck, and imbalance.

XVIII The Moon

This is the card of the subconscious and refers to those things which are hidden and sometimes feared. It represents imagination, uncertainty, and fluctuation. 

The reverse means minor deceptions avoided. 

Birthday

Sagittarius (November 22- December 21)

Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Jupiter, the philosopher
Symbol: The Archer
Tarot Card: Temperance (Moderation)
Number:3
Favorable colors: Blue, Purple, White
Key phrase: I want to be Challenged
Love Matches: Aries, Leo, Libra

December 20

"I am greatful for the precious breath of life"

The birthday of the producer.

Your greatest challenge is learning from mistakes.

On the dark side: Superficial, hasty, and stubborn. 

At your best: productive, energetic, and fast

December 21

"Whatever the question, I know that love is the answer"

The birthday of the secret.
Your greatest challenge is trusting and sharing with others
On the dark side: domineering, inflexible, self-involved.
At your best: strong-willed, authoritative, intriguing.

Birthstone

Of the Birthday, Dec 19?? Yeah, I like that combo LOL

Crystal

Azeztulite

Colorless or White

Clear or opaque quartz with striations 

Rare and expensive

North Carolina (one seam, mined out)

A rare and light-bearing crystal, Azezulite is a stone for the New Age. Its extremely pure cibration, one of the most refined in the mineral kingdom, is attuned to the highest frequencies. This crystal expands your consciousness. At a physical level, this crystal treats cancer, cellular disorders, and inflammation. It aids the chronically sick by revitalizing purpose and restoring the will. 

Herb

Bittersweet

Parts Used: Leaves and stems. 

CAUTION : BERRIES ARE POISONOUS

Collection: The stems are collected in September and October, the leaves are collected in the summer.

The primary use of the stems of Bittersweet is in the treatment of skin and rheumatic complaints. It may be used in psoriasis, exzema and pityriasis. Rheumatic and arthritic inflammations are eased, as well as gradually improved. 

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoonful of the dried herb and leave to infuse fo 10 minutes. this should be drunk twice daily.  

Rune

TIR

Tir is the other great rune of victory. representing success in any comeptition. It is a rune of extreme motivation, showing a strenth of will and a singleness of mind that can enable you to overcome all odds. It often shows an increase in money or power, sometimes both. TIR shows you rising up in the world through your own abilities and strength of character. 

Reversed, it stands for waning enthusiasm, failure in competitive enterprises and a lack of fidelity in both love and friendship. It ogten signifies an impeded energy flow on some level.  Reversed, TIR can indicate a dearth of ideas and creative thoughts and often shows extreme impatience on the part of the querant. 

Tarot

XVI The Tower

Upright The Tower represents unexpected events and a temporary loss of stability. It can also mean catastrophic and irriversible change, on almost every conceivable level. 

Reversed it symbolizes destroyed ambition and boredom. 

Birthday

Sagittarius (November 22- December 21)

Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Jupiter, the philosopher
Symbol: The Archer
Tarot Card: Temperance (Moderation)
Number:3
Favorable colors: Blue, Purple, White
Key phrase: I want to be Challenged
Love Matches: Aries, Leo, Libra

December 19

"When I focus on positive things, it helps me and also the world."

The birthday of revealing honesty

Your greatest challenge is turning your back on self pity.

On the dark side, you're negative, depressed, and perplexing, but at your best you are courageous, honest, and expressive.  

Birthstone

Of the Day and Birthdays for Dec 17th and 18th

Crystal

Atacamite

Deep turquoise

Tiny crystals on a matrix

Quite rare but becoming more widely available

US, Australia, Mexico, Chile

A newly discovered crystal and its properties have not been fully explored sometimes confused with Chrysocolla. What is known is that it forcefully opens the third eye creating powerful visual images and a strong spiritual connection. Despite its forcefulness it is a safe crystal to use to stimulate spritual vision. 

Aventurine

Green, Blue, Red, Brown, Peach

Opaque, Speckled with shiny particles

Readily available

Italy, Brazil, China, India, Russia, Tibet, Nepal

A positive stone of prosperity. It has a stong connection to the devic kingdom and is used to grid gardens or houses against geopathis stress. Wearing Aventurine absorbs electromagnetic smog and protects against enviromental pollution. 

Blue Aventurine

This form is a powerful mental healer.

Green Aventurine 

This specific color is a comforter and a heart healer, and general harmonizer, protecting the heart. 

Herb

Birch (Silver)

Parts Used: young leaves and bark

Collection: leaves are collected in the late spring or summer. When collecting bark, it is important not to girdle or ringbark the tree- in other words, not to take off the cark all around the circumference. This will kill the tree

Birch leaves act as a remedy for cystitis and other infections of the urinary system, as well as removing excess water from the body. 

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 lteaspoonfuls of the dried leaves and let infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 times a day.

Bistort

Parts Used: Root and rizome. 

Collection: Roots and rhizomes are dug up in the fall. The large roots should be cut longitudinally and dried in the sun

Bistort is a powerful though soothing astringent that can be used widely, whenever astringency is needed. 

Decoction: Pour a cup of water onto 1 teaspoonful of dried herb, bring to boil, simmer 10-15 minutes. Drink 3 times a day. Can also be used as a gargle or mouthwash. 

Rune

Eolh

This rune signifies a fortunate new influence entering your life, often through unconscious emotions or instincts. This could be a new career opportunity or course of study. Eolh is a rune of frendship and often shows a new relationship with someone who is outgoing, generous, and fun to be around 

Reversed it is a sign of culnerability, of sacrifice with no personal gain. Usually it indicates that you are being deceived and misled by others. 

Sigel

Great rune of victory and assures success. It is a rune of great power, and much power will be available to you at this time to effect changes in your life. Oppositions you may encounter can be swiftly overcome, leaving you time to relax and take it easy. 

Tarot

XIV Temperance

Upright Temperance stands for moderation, compromise, harmony, and mixing separate elements into a whole. 

Reversed it signifies conflict, lack of harmony, hostility, frustration, and impatience.

XV The Devil

Upright  The Devil symbolizes self indulgence, greed, conroversy, and a self preservation instinct. It can also mean temptation, lust, narrowness, animal nature, danger, ambition, and obsession

Reversed means liveration and healing. 

Birthday

Sagittarius (November 22- December 21)

Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Jupiter, the philosopher
Symbol: The Archer
Tarot Card: Temperance (Moderation)
Number:3
Favorable colors: Blue, Purple, White
Key phrase: I want to be Challenged
Love Matches: Aries, Leo, Libra

December 17

"Life for me is a joyful dance''

The birthday of the practical realist.

Your greatest challenge is seeing the funny side.

On the dark side, you are prosaic, tactless, and uninvolved. At your best, you are honest, structured and steady.

December 18

"Using and trusting my intuition leads to clarity"

The birthday of possibility
Your greatest challenge is silence.
On the dark side, you're unrealistic, preoccupied, unfocused; at your best you are imaginative, energetic, and determined.

Birthstone

December 16 Birthdays

Sagittarius (November 22- December 21)

Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Jupiter, the philosopher
Symbol: The Archer
Tarot Card: Temperance (Moderation)
Number:3
Favorable colors: Blue, Purple, White
Key phrase: I want to be Challenged
Love Matches: Aries, Leo, Libra

December 16

"The univerrse flows through me and my intuition continually guides me"

The birthday of the creative anthropologist.

Your greatest challenge is resisting the impulse to criticize

On the dark side you are impractical, isolated, unaware. At your best, youre innovative, thorough, and a visionary.


Birthstone

Of the Day

Crystal

Aragonite

White, Yellow, Gold, Green, Blue, Brown

Several forms usually small, chalky and bibrous or translucent or transparent with distinct protrusions like little sputniks

Easily obtained

Nambia, Britain, Spain

Attuned to the Earth Goddess, it encourages conserbation and recycling. It gently takes you back into childhood or beyond to explore the past

Aragonite warms the exremities, bringing energy through the body. It treats Reynaud's Disease and chills.

Herb

Betony

Parts Used: Dried Aerial 

Collection: Collect before flowers bloom, dried carefully in the sun. 

Betony feeds and strengthens the central nervous system and also has a sedative action. It finds use in Nervous debility associated with anxiety and tension. It will ease headaches and neuralgia when they are of nervous origin.

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 tsps of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. Should be drunk 3 times a day. 

Rune

Perdhro

This rune is a mystery rune. It deals with things hidden, secrets, and occult abilities. Upright it isusually positive, such as a new opportunity or perhaps a retrieval of an object thought to be lost for good.  Reversed it signifies that events may not turn out as you had hoped. unpleasant surprizes and nasty secrets. 

Tarot

XIII Death

Upright this card means unwelcome change leading to a rebirth, changes, renewal, destruction (but not suddon radical destruction).

Reversed represents stagnation and fear of change. 

Dec 15 Birthday

Sagittarius (November 22- December 21)

Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Jupiter, the philosopher
Symbol: The Archer
Tarot Card: Temperance (Moderation)
Number:3
Favorable colors: Blue, Purple, White
Key phrase: I want to be Challenged
Love Matches: Aries, Leo, Libra

December 15

"I appriciate my life in this moment, just as it is"

The birthday of the optimist

Your greatest challenge is accepting your limitations
On the dark side, you are uncontrolled, manipulative, and foolish. At your best, you are energizing, inspirational and popular.


Birthstone

Of the Day

Crystal

Aquamarine

Green-blue

Clear to opaque in crystal

Readily Available

US, Mexico, Russia, Brazil, India, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Pakistan

This is the stone of courage. It's calming energies reduce stess and wuiet the mind. It harmonizes its surroundings and protects against pollutants. Aquamarine, in ancient times, was believed to counteract the forces of darkness and procure favor from the spirits of light. It was also carried by sailors to protect against drowning. 

It has the power to invoke tolerance of others

Aquamarine is useful for sore throats, swollen glands, and thyroid problems. 

Herb

Bearberry

Parts Used: Leaves

Collection: The evergreen leaves may be collected throughout the year, but preferably in spring and summer. 

Actions: Diuretic, astingent, antiseptic, demulcent

Bearberry has a specific antiseptic and astringent effect upon the membranes of the urinary system. It will generally soothe, tone, and strengthen them. It may be used in the treatment of infections, such as pyelitis and cystitis, or as part of a holistic approach to more chornic kidney probleams. With its high astringency, it is used in some forms of bed wetting. As a douche, it may be helpful in baginal ulceration and infection. 

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 tespoonfuls of the dried leaves and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. Should be drunk 3 times a day. 

Rune

Eihwaz

This rune symbolizes the yew and has powerful associations with protection

EIHWAZ indicates you have set your sights on a reasonable target and are well able to achieve your goals. It can show a slight delay or minor trauma which either will never fully materialize or else will eventually turn out in your favor. This rune informs you that only through foresight, perseverance and right action can difficulties be avoided. 

Tarot

XII The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man symbolizes willing sacrifice, lack of progress, stamina, and changing directions or perspectives. 

Reversed it indicates the futile sacrifice and selfishness.