Crystals + Properties (2)

*Note: These stones, crystals and rocks are usually most powerful/helpful in their raw form. Polished versions work too but may need more cleansing and more time working with them.*

AMETHYST: 

The main properties of this stone are aiding in physical,emotional ailments and boosting energy. This stone may also be able to help with preventing nightmares,insomnia and balancing the nervous system. 

EMERALD:

Emeralds can aide in self esteem and confidence. Emerald can often calm strong or overwhelming emotions/feelings. It is a wonderful tool in boosting creative thinking and igniting deep thought. Some believe that Emeralds may be able to aide some people in rejuvenation of weak or tired organs. It is also believed to help ease headaches, allergies, among other ailments. 

AQUAMARINE:

Aquamarine is most well known for being an aide in spiritual awareness and alignment. It can be a great tool to use in deep meditations. The stone can help you communicate clearly and become more self aware. To the Egyptians, this stone was a sign of unending happiness and youthful energy. Continuing with the theme of this stone helping people to see clearly and understand, it is also believed to be an aide for good eyesight. Of course, there are a vast amount of beliefs about this stone, so I encourage you to read up and see how it may be able to help you. 

JASPER:

Jasper, while it may not be considered one of the prettiest stones. It surely does not fall short of meaning and properties that can aide an individual. In fact, it may be one of the best stones to use for mediums and Empaths. Jasper has been called the "Supreme Nurturer", its properties help one ground themselves, which, in turn allows one to become comfortable and secure. It also is believed to have healing properties as well as giving the individual inner strength. Other feelings associated with Jasper are, relaxation and gentleness. 

Crystals + Properties (1)

Crystals are often used by many for their healing properties. They are also used to protect individuals and their homes from certain paranormal occurrences. Below I will feature some of the most commonly used and widely known crystals/stones along with their uses and properties. 

ROSE QUARTZ:

Rose Quartz properties are unconditional love, opening your heart,romance, self love, inner peace, protection. I personally use it to help when I have anxiety and as protection from nightmares/to bring love and light into my spaces. 

RUBY:

Ruby properties are happiness, devotion, integrity, etc. The Ruby is centered around the heart, and some believe it can help stabilize health and wellness. 

CALCITE:

Calcite in general is believed to help reduce stress, settle fearful feelings/energy and boost your energy. There are many types/colors of calcite and they all have slightly different properties and uses. For example, PINK CALCITE is used in Reiki healing and ORANGE CALCITE is focused more on emotional healing. 

CLEAR QUARTZ:

Clear Quartz is known as a master healer / master stone. It can charge other stones and boost energy of an individual, room, etc. This type of quartz can also help heal and balance emotional, physical, mental and spiritual aspects/planes of an individual. 

Examining + Debunking "Orb" Photos

Photos depicting "orbs" have become increasingly common and popular. They seem to have become a major talking point and commonly used as "evidence" of hauntings. While it is important to note that SOME photos featuring orbs may be legitimate, it is clear that the preponderance of these images are in fact, able to be logically explained and are not connected to anything paranormal. 

It is also crucial to note that orbs didnt start showing up so frequently until the popularization of digital cameras, specifically in paranormal research. Because of the way light reflects and the way the cameras flash feature works, it is very common for dust, pollen,dirt and bugs to appear to glow or become transparent when they show up on camera. The things listed above are almost always the cause of "orbs."

To drive this point even further, Id like to refer to a section of an article, superbly written by Troy Taylor:


>"With three other researchers, I went out to a cemetery that we picked at random on a warm summer night and took several rolls of film. We had no readings, stories, or reports to justify the decision, but we took the photos anyway. After having them developed,we discovered a number of the photos were filled with semi-transparent "orbs". 

On a hunch, we then went to a nearby football field that was roughly the same size as the cemetery we had already visited. We walked around for a few minutes and again shot a few rolls of film. I was unfortunately not surprised to find that these photos were also filled with orbs. Was the football field haunted? Of course not!

What we did was walk around both areas and stir up dust and pollen from the grass. When we took the photos, these particles in the air caught the reflection of the camera flash and appeared to be "orbs." We also discovered that such photos could be taken after walking or driving on a dusty road. The dust particles would reflect the light, just as moisture can do, and make it seem as though the air was filled with "orbs"."<
( Taylor, Troy. "Orbs Debunked!" Orbs Debunked! N.p., 2008. Web. 21 Aug. 2016. )

> What to look for in a more authentic orb photo:

1. Bright orbs are more likely to be authentic
2. Faded orbs are less authentic (most likely dust)
3. Multiple orbs are usually because of dust or bugs
4. Orbs that are bright / seem to be vibrating are more authentic
5. Slight trails / tails at end of orbs are more authentic

Taking photos in a paranormal investigation are best done without digital cameras and BEST done WITH, a 35mm camera. These are far less likely to pick up "dust motes." <
(Eaton, James W. "The Truth about Orbs!" The Truth about Orbs! N.p., 2001. Web. 21 Aug. 2016.)

Because of the amount of exposure that "orbs" have gotten, unfortunately, many people are misinformed and think every particle picked up on their cameras is a spirit. Remember to stay open minded, keep a logical eye and always try to debunk before you shout spirit!

 

Origins + Misconceptions/Debunking of "Witchcraft" ( Part 1 )

I have come to the realization that people of today have an extremely delusional and misinformation view and practice of Witchcraft, Wicca and Paganism. Too many people, mostly young females are obsessed with the practice of spell casting. They have convinced themselves that they can cast spells on others for personal gain or harm people through spell casting. This practice is simply false. Can you effect someone by deflecting your intentions and energy onto them? Yes, in many cases. However, you CANNOT chant some words and put together a "potion" and alter someones feelings or behavior. 

Now, to get into the REAL origins of "Witchcraft". The word itself comes from a bastardization of the term/practice "Craft Of The Wise." People of today confuse Wicca with Witchcraft, when in fact, these two things are NOT synonymous. Wicca, was introduced through the theories and nonsensical thinking of Anthropologist and Egyptologist Margaret Murray in the early 1920s. Her works feature out of context quotes from witch trials and deceptive representation of REAL, "old world" practices. Murray's claims have ZERO evidence to back it up. She often claimed evidence to depict things that they did not. Her irresponsible choices and works have birthed a modern generation of delusional, misinformed individuals who are practicing a religion that never existed. 

Her claims are much more akin to New Age Mysticism, which has also proven to be false. Below, is a short list of things and practices that are falsified and NOT connected to original practices. 

1. Cauldrons
2. Robes
3. Wands
4. Magic
5. Pointy Hats
6. Altars
7. Daggers
8. Stars / Pentagrams
9. Spell Casting
10."Potions"

Original practitioners of the Wise Craft were regarded as healers, intellectuals and more comparable to Shamans. They understood and had a deep connection with nature and animals. Common practices of said individuals included:

1. Math
2. Science
3. Holistic Healing
4. Questioned/ Challenged the Christian and Catholic Churches
5. Logic + Thinking for yourself
6. Deep, concentrated prayer or meditations (mistaken for spells)
7. Natural / Holistic Medicine (mistaken for potions)

Breakdown:

Wicca = Neo-Pagan / Centered around the elements
Wicca = Belief in karma ---> "As it harm none, do as thou wilt" ---> Harm No One / Harm no living being

Witch --> (Old English) --> Wicca --> (Germanic Root) Wic --> Means to bend or turn.