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Here on a monthly or so basis, we'll be showcasing various gemstones and magickal symbols, giving you a more in depth look at their metaphysical uses and qualities, and how you can use them in magick to enhance and empower your life. Be sure to also check out our pages on Magick Symbols: Their Meanings and Uses and Gemstones & Crystals: Properties and Magickal Uses. Gemstone and Symbolism ShowcaseBlack Onyx
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You plod along the grimy city street, no goal in mind, just an urge to get away from this latest problem . . . but it follows you like a nagging ghost . . . your mind barely processes the passing of neon-lit storefronts as you replay the scenes of your troubles again and again . . . . And then a sign above one of the doorways catches your eye. A simple sign, painted in clean black lettering: "Rest." You peer into the glass of the windowed door, but can see little beyond the curtains, nothing to give you an idea of what kind of shop this is. With a weary shrug you turn the latch and step in. Clearly you could use a rest. Beyond the door is a small room with a curtained arch leading beyond. The room is bare save for a table on which sits a bowl of black stone filled with water and a washcloth. Next to the bowl is a small card with just one word on it: "Cleanse." You dip the washcloth into the bowl, and wash your face and hands in the herb scented water. It is cool and soothing on your flushed skin. For a moment you just stand there with the cloth over your eyes. Finally you put down the washcloth and step beyond the curtain to the next room. Slightly larger than the hallway, this room is even more barren than the first. It holds nothing but a simple black pillar candle in a dish on a floor of seamless black stone. The light fron the candle illumes a single word carved into the stone of the floor. "Release." With a soft sigh, you sink down to your knees on the cool floor, the energy of your past worries draining into the stone . . . .
The energy of Black Onyx is slow moving and soothing, offering a stillness that allows the wearer to release negativity and to let go of stress and tension. It is a grounding stone, which can be used to create and remember our connection to the earth and find our center, making it a powerful ally during troubling times. By stilling and clear the mind, it allows the user to focus and also to gain access to their intuition and inner guidance. Thus Black Onyx is an excellent stone for decision making. It can be used to banish anything from grief and worry to old habits. Black Onyx is also a powerful protective stone, and historically was carried when facing adversaries in battle and conflict, acting to ground and banish negative energy directed by one's enemies. Helping the wearer to remain rooted and free of negativity, Black Onyx helps to absorb needed energies from the Universe, bringing happiness and good fortune. Release Stress Tea Mix 1/4 teaspoon each of : Chamomile Empower a chunk or bead of Black Onyx to release stress, and add it to the herbs. Pour 1 cup boiling water over all and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten to taste. Save the stone for next time. Decision Stones In any group there are bound to be times when members disagree on a course of action. This process is one way that the group can work toward making important decisions. This process is especially useful in groups that work via concensus. Each member of the group receives one black onyx stone and one clear quartz. The black stone represents a "no" vote, while the quartz represents a "yes". (Black Onyx is used for the "no" vote because "no" vote is not necessarily bad, but as shown below will allow participants an opportunity to explore and thus release their negativity about the situation under discussion.) Take a moment and allow members to ground and center themselves. If desired, someone can lead a grounding meditation or prayer, asking for clarity of thought, groundedness and wise decisions. Pass around a cup and allow each person to put one stone into the cup. No one should look into the cup until all votes have been taken. If all the stones are clear quartz or black onyx, then the vote is unanimous, and nothing further need be done. If however, there is a mix of quartz and onyx, go around the circle and have every person speak about their negative feelings regarding the project. The theory behind this is that in a closely knit group, if one person has negativity towards something, then it is likely that each of them do, even if some of them are pushing to further the course of action. As you go around the circle, each member should not say whether they voted for or against the action/idea. Instead they should express any concerns they have - even if they are in favor of the action. By exploring all the worries of the group, members can work to find the main challenges that create anxiety, and suggest ways to modify the plan so that everyone is comfortable with it. Once the situation has been discussed thoroughly, hold a 2nd vote. If there are any black onyx stones in the cup this time, then it is wise to cancel the plan or to table any action until it can be further explored and new ideas generated. (I don't know who originated this method, but credit for teaching it to me goes to Lord Ash.) Release Worries From Your Home Before They Enter Take a Black Onyx stone and empower it to ground stress and negativity. Place this in a bowl of water and add three pinches of salt. Stir seven times clockwise. Place the bowl near the entry way to your home so that it can ground negative energies from those who pass by. When enter your house, you can take a moment and wash your hands and face in the water. Change the salt water once a month, or more frequently during stressful times. |
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