How do you actually *use* gems?

[Godgifu]

So, most of my training is in the hoodoo tradition, which isn't too big on gemstones -- most of the minerals are cheap and unattractive, or employed in the form of coins. Most of the time it'll get powdered and mixed into a formula, or occasionally added whole to a mojo hand, or ritually buried or something.

I've been getting interested in gem magic but I get the impression these things aren't used in the same way as the above much at all. So basically, what do you actually DO with gemstones? None of the texts ever seem to specify anything, do you just set them out somewhere and that's it?

[lightdragon]

Gem magic or stone magic as a lot of them are not true gems are sometimes employed that way. Jet will sometimes get powdered up . While other stones are used in bags and carried . As used as a coin, I am not used to that concept so i can not tell you.

Usually they are used in the help of scrying as in crystal balls. they are also used as magical jewelry. A good example is a stone will have the carving of some image and/or symbol then put on a ring of a specific metal. another way is to employ them around a candle during a spell. And there are few more other ways.

[Toki Wartooth]

Melody's Love is in the Earth can help. The beginnings of the book explain how to do things like cleanse them, charge them, program them, &c.

Besides as talismans or amulets, they can be programmed to work on specific things. They can aid in chakra work, or they can help with something you're trying to do (like balance yourself, destress, ground yourself, &c.).

They can also be placed around the house to help with the energies in the household.

[lightdragon]

Melody's Love is in the Earth can help. The beginnings of the book explain how to do things like cleanse them, charge them, program them, &c.

Besides as talismans or amulets, they can be programmed to work on specific things. They can aid in chakra work, or they can help with something you're trying to do (like balance yourself, destress, ground yourself, &c.).

They can also be placed around the house to help with the energies in the household.

eventhough those are metaphysical and to a certain extent magical. Melody's books do not deal with the magical aspects of it.
It would be good for healing and meditation but nothing really more.

[Toki Wartooth]

*Shrugs* I see metaphysical and magical as sometimes greatly overlapping. I don't always bother to make a distinction, but I suppose you're right.

However, crystals can be used magically, particularly if they're used as wands. They help to direct, draw, build up, whatever, &c. energy, of course.

I also think that stones can be used as parts of spells and rituals, should one have a certain theme or purpose that works well with certain stones.

[lightdragon]

there isn't really much of a difference between metaphysical and magical. except maybe in spell working. especially if it goes into darker magics like curses. and yes you can employ certain stones in curses.

[rainbowspirit]

An alternative read would be Scott Cunningham's book - "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic" :)

[lightdragon]

An alternative read would be Scott Cunningham's book - "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic" :)

that's a somewhat good book. another one would be Gerina Dunwich's book-"Dunwich's Guide to Gemstone Sorcery"
ISBN 1-56414-672-3

[Shawn Blackwolf]

I have used gazing into faceted gemstones ,
of various types , as a way into the energy
of the particular stone...

Geometric windows , varying in size and shape ,
and dimensional interface...( pun intended )

I may also first study the "latticework structure"
of its composition...

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Crystal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unit_cell#Unit_cell

I am still young in this science...yet there is much
to apply as far as chaos , and ordering systems ,
in the fabric of spacetime , and the imprinting of
pattern , by will...

Part of the reason this works for me , is I "see"
feelings , mental and psychological states , and
experience reality , "at times" , as geometric forms ,
and swirling chaos...

Of course the other methods of gem magic mentioned...

I also have , and do apply...:uhhuhuh:

[Lapis_Lazuli]

that's a somewhat good book. another one would be Gerina Dunwich's book-"Dunwich's Guide to Gemstone Sorcery"
ISBN 1-56414-672-3
I went to a metaphysical shop a week or two ago. I was looking for that Gerina Dunwich book, since I felt I was abusing it's tables on Deities and stones sacred to them on Google Books. They told me they didn't have it instock, and checked if they could order it. I then was told they couldn't order it since it's out of print.

Borders doesn't have it anymore but Barnes and Noble does - but since it is now out of print who knows how long it they will have it. ~ http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Dunwichs-Guide-to-Gemstone-Sorcery/Gerina-Dunwich/e/9781564146724/?itm=2 (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Dunwichs-Guide-to-Gemstone-Sorcery/Gerina-Dunwich/e/9781564146724/?itm=2)

Here is another good site that has it. I've never used it, but it I heard good things about it and it has a great cause. ~ http://www.betterworldbooks.com/Dunwichs-Guide-to-Gemstone-Sorcery-id-1564146723.aspx (http://www.betterworldbooks.com/Dunwichs-Guide-to-Gemstone-Sorcery-id-1564146723.aspx)

I have "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic". I also recommend it.

[Owd Scrat]

I went to a metaphysical shop a week or two ago. I was looking for that Gerina Dunwich book, since I felt I was abusing it's tables on Deities and stones sacred to them on Google Books. They told me they didn't have it instock, and checked if they could order it. I then was told they couldn't order it since it's out of print.

Borders doesn't have it anymore but Barnes and Noble does - but since it is now out of print who knows how long it they will have it. ~ http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Dunwichs-Guide-to-Gemstone-Sorcery/Gerina-Dunwich/e/9781564146724/?itm=2 (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Dunwichs-Guide-to-Gemstone-Sorcery/Gerina-Dunwich/e/9781564146724/?itm=2)

Here is another good site that has it. I've never used it, but it I heard good things about it and it has a great cause. ~ http://www.betterworldbooks.com/Dunwichs-Guide-to-Gemstone-Sorcery-id-1564146723.aspx (http://www.betterworldbooks.com/Dunwichs-Guide-to-Gemstone-Sorcery-id-1564146723.aspx)

I have "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic". I also recommend it.


I am not sure why you overlooked Amazon but they have it there for as low as $6.88! http://www.amazon.com/Dunwichs-Gemstone-Sorcery-Gerina-Dunwich/dp/1564146723/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256194272&sr=8-16

[lightdragon]

oh yeah. Amazon.com is one of the best places to look.

also another place is eBay. but the selection on eBay is rather limited. although you will sometimes get excellent bargains on used books.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dunwichs-Guide-to-Gemstone-Sorcery-by-Gerina-Dunwich_W0QQitemZ330365577582QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Nonfiction_Book?hash=item4ceb52a96e
although this is just a tad higher.

[Allytria]

Read the Book of Stones...By Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian

ISBN-13: 978-1556436680 (source amazon)

[lightdragon]

Read the Book of Stones...By Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian

ISBN-13: 978-1556436680 (source amazon)

it's an ok book, but not for beginners

[Astara Seague]

some great book ideas:thumbsup:
to answer your question on how I use them
mostly in healing and chakra balancing
also in spells and as talismans
Oh and of course as jewelry

[Moonlight's Daughter]

stones are also used in healing, laying stones on the body, bodywork and energy healing.

[Deorwynn]

stones are also used in healing, laying stones on the body, bodywork and energy healing.

I actually bought a book about using stone wands with acupressure. It's very interesting, especially since I'm a bodyworker.