correspondence question

[FaeryChild]

I was looking through some herb and crystal/stone magic correspondence lists (in books and on the net) and I noted that many of them did not match. They had some of the common ones (like roses and rose quartz for love) consistant among them but some of the less well known ones were all over the board. Some of the lists listed 30+ traits for one crystal (though I think most of these are from people who just take all of the lists on the net and throw them together onto one list)

So I was wondering are most of these traits simply attributed to each item at random? Or are people simply using different folk lore and thus getting different correspondences? Does anyone know what most authors use to determine what attributes to assign to each stone or herb?

[Xirian]

So I was wondering are most of these traits simply attributed to each item at random? Or are people simply using different folk lore and thus getting different correspondences?
I believe what you are seeing are variations of many different cultures and people. For instance, in another area of the world, the sodalite might not have as much meaning as another stone that is more prevelant there. The same with herbs. Herbs that grow here, might not be connected with the same correspondence as an herb that grows more prevelantly elsewhere. Different people feel that the energy of these items have different affects on them depending upon their personal perspective and their cultural upbringing and thinking.

At least, that's why I feel that the meanings are different. Which is why when I cook, I use herbs that mean something to me personally and that have a certain feel, based on its personal energy. The meanings are different in my home than what I see on the internet, but they still work because they are a symbol of the energy that I am looking for and help me to channel that energy where I wish for it to be, if that makes any sense.


Does anyone know what most authors use to determine what attributes to assign to each stone or herb?
Now, this I can't answer.

[Lolair]

Usually traits are taken from mythology, folklore and use in history. Those who use stones in Chakra workings will give the traits of the chakras to the same coloured stones. Unfortunately the internet isn't the best source of info for correspondences of herbs and stones as information is constantly copied without knowing the sources or knowledge behind it. If you find a gemstone correspondence list online with sources - use that one! There a many books out there on gemstones and healing, the correspondences usually differ from magical uses. If you're reallly into learning about them here are some recommended books (for ones on healing just type 'gemstone healing' in Amazon):

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic (http://www.jewelryfacts.net/jbn_lc_body-care-instructions-for-natural-material-body-jewelry.asp)

The Virtues of Stones by Damigeron (https://protected.bizland.com/arsobs/titles_for_sale.html) (scroll down)

[Cindlady2]

I think it has allot to do with culture. Many cultures were exposed to the same or similar herbs and stones and made use of them as they saw fit to suite their needs. To them that's just the way it was. It wasn't until people traveled more and cultures began to cross, that ideas of what these things could be used for started to merge. Now that ideas and traditions can be exchanged at the speed of light the uses of many stones and herbs of many cultures are exchanged as well. It can get confusing.

To help you out as to what to use I'll tell you this.....
I am self taught. I did spells and such as a child before I even realized what a real witch and witchcraft were. I used stones and herbs and things I found in the woods that just seemed to feel right for what I wanted to do. Most of what I did turned out just fine. I kept using many of theses things as I got older and when I finally defined myself as a witch and started to study the craft I found that much of what I have been using was the same as some of the books I read! And those that weren't still hold some personal use to me.

I guess what it comes down to is like I have said before...
If it feels right use it! Books can be used for a guide, but Trust Your Instincts!

[Tigerlily]

I personally use those correspondence charts as guides. I try to find a stone, herb, color, etc, that I am drawn to. :)

[Sage Rainsong]

So I was wondering are most of these traits simply attributed to each item at random? Or are people simply using different folk lore and thus getting different correspondences? Does anyone know what most authors use to determine what attributes to assign to each stone or herb?

I think that there are many factors in determining correspondences (even though now a days people simply look at large correspondence lists). One of them is definitely culture. For example roses are associated with love in our culture which may not nessesarily be true in another one. Another factor may be personal. I know a witch who will not use roses in love spells because his family always gave roses at funerals. I think the biggest reason IMO is the authors interpretation of the plant itself (it ties in the cultural and personal interpretations). For example if I went went out and found a large oak tree and to me it looked strong and powerful, I might take some leaves and use them for a stregnth spell. SO if you are in doubt I would suggest holding the stone or herb (preferably fresh) in question and writing down your impressions.

[~Owl~]

I happen to agree with a lot of the posts here. I myself use crystal/gems for magickal purposes quite a bit, and color as well.

For example, rose quartz is pink. That's WHY it's called rose. That's all.
But as it has a pink "vibe" it is attributed to love, etc.

I use Malachite for healing. It has many different uses as well, but as I see it, it has a healing, as well as prosperity vibration to it.

IMO, what it "feels" like to you is important.

Lolair made a good reference. Cunningham has many good bo0ks on the Craft in general for Novices, and Adepts alike. His book that Lolair mentioned above is very good. I'd recommend it.

In addition, I noticed somone didn't like Hematite. I love it. I use it to ward off/neutralize bad vibes, or "hexes" thrown at me, etc.

[RainInanna]

I agree with using the lists as guides, but I would go even further and say just use them for ideas. If you are searching for something to match an intent, go to those sources and take a look at their lists, then pick and choose what makes sense to you. They're excellent for when you have an intent and need some ideas, which is why the resources that list by intention are so much more helpful IMHO. 9 times out of 10 you have a need you want to fill, not extra "things" you want to use.

[RavenStars]

I'm sort of collecting correspondence lists, so any suggestions of beefy ones in books or on-line would make me very happy. :)

I have resigned myself to create my own correspondence lists. First, I don't belong to a tradition where they are handed down. Second, I like things to be logical and indexed for future reference. Third, the wide variations in meaning drive me nuts. I know this is a huge project... hence why I want to use other people's research.

[Glory]

A safety net could be to fall back on colour. Colour correspondances are usually pretty intuitive as well as universal. So if you have a stone in question and one website says one thing and another says something else... what colour is the stone? What does that colour say to you?

Or you could look at the area it's most common in and see if it has any culturally influenced correspondences. Be prepared to do a little research!

[Meadhbh]

I would take the ones I was most doubtfull about and see if I could find the same information some where else. That doesn't mean its the right information but if I found in more than one place and those places seemed to kno what they were talking about then chances are that they at least know a little about what they're talking about.

[HetHert]

The bibliography usually tells you what references the author used as researching material for the correspondences.