Partial Solar Eclipse: 1st of June 2011

On the 1st of June, there is a partial solar eclipse and will be visible from high latitudes in the northern hemisphere. In ancient times, eclipses were seen as negative events but today we known this to be a misconception.

What does this mean for pagans? For the most part, not a lot but you can use the energy in spells or for meditation should you chose.

As you will be aware, a solar eclipse in when the sun is blocked out in part, or wholly by the moon. So we could say this is a melding of lunar and earth energy, which is why it is very good for meditation or any inner workings (lunar), or any earth-based spells and grounding work.

If you have a preference for shamanic workings, or other trance workings, this is a good time to do it.

As mentioned, this is a time of part lunar energy and so any psychic work will go well on this day. Although it is a partial eclipse, it is still a powerful time.

Divination would be a perfect way to go on this day – especially with a crystal (the combination of earth and lunar energies). It doesn’t have to be a crystal ball, a fair sized crystal held in the hand would suffice.

The other way to tap into these energies would be to connect with lunar and earth deities that you have been trying to meet/ask something of/honour.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope the partial solar eclipse will bring good tidings and a greater awareness of the energies around you.

NB: Just to prove that there is always balance in nature: there is another partial solar eclipse on the 1st of July in the southern hemisphere – if you live in the southern hemisphere – this will apply to you then.

The wonderful world of crystals

Many people have mixed feelings about crystals. Some love them and use them by the truckload, while others won’t touch them with a barge-pole.

The thing is, our ancestors used them without whim, but would have used them sparingly. They did not have the dilemma that mining brings.

My old teacher once told me that crystals were the veins of the earth, that we were killing it by mining them. This is not true. If we want to use a human body as an analogy we should state that they are parts of the uppermost skin cells of the body, and what we are doing is not harming the earth (the workers is another matter altogether). I have a degree in Geology, so I say that with a level of authority.

Back to the ethical debate. The mining itself, and the exploitation of the workers is the real ethical dilemma. This is one that I do take issue with. Mass production means that many of the miners are working for pennies a week! I am not telling you what to, I simply ask you to choose carefully, and wisely.

There are ethically sourced shops/companies out there that, while slightly more expensive, are most definitely worth it. You don’t need hundreds of crystals. I can’t think of a need for more than twenty or so. You require a minimum of 7 for a full healing, and these crystals should not be used for any other purposes.

Also, there are a great variety of crystals you can find:
• Riverbeds
• Beaches
• Caves (be careful not to get lost)
• Quarries (go with a guide), there are many ways of obtaining the most common of minerals. Polishing them is easy enough, many people know someone with a rock tumbler. Failing that, simply clean it up, cleanse it and use at your convenience.

In conclusion, crystals are amazing items to have in your spiritual arsenal and are not the evil that many people portray, nor are they the pretty little trinkets that others see them as. Choose according to your own ethics.

Here’s an introduction to their properties if you’ve never worked with them before:
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/227271_introduction-to-crystal-properties

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin