Lodestone (aka Magnetite) Article

[Windigo]

Humans were instantly drawn to the magnetic magic of Lodestone, also known as Magnetite. Chinese experiments with the gemstone's directional properties in the early 12th century would eventually play a significant role in the discovery (or demise) of the New World.

Lodestone is an iron oxide. Over 70% of the stone's composition is Iron, the balance is Oxygen, sometimes with minute amounts of Manganese, Nickel, Chromium and Titanium. This fairly common gemstone is normally found as large masses in igneous stones and residual clay deposits. It occurs as placer deposits in areas where native rocks are worn away by water erosion and the Lodestone collects along the wash. In the Adirondaks it is found as lenses formed in metamorphic rocks.

Magnetite crystals are rare. Isometric octahedron and dodecahedron crystals are occasionally found in igneous deposits. Gorgeous black crystals have been collected from the volcanic rocks around Nova Scotia. In Putnam County NY, crystals are found imbedded in Calcite. The stone is available almost everywhere, all over North America, China, Russia, Africa and Europe.

Hematite and Lodestone have strikingly similar appearances. Both are silvery gray and heavy with Iron. Hematite is not magnetic. Though I have had pieces react to magnets because of the high iron content, the stone itself will not magnetize. Egyptians considered Hematite a stone of Set or evil. While Lodestone was considered a holy substance provided by Horus. Under close inspection, Lodestone is somewhat duller than Hematite and its surface will be slightly pitted.

I have watched Lodestones form a small magnetic chain when I first remove them from their packaging. One particular pair seemed so attracted to each other that I ended up selling them as a couple.

Lodestone's energy was associated with attracting lovers to each other, long before it's magnetic properties were put to practical use. It was Thales who first recognized the stones power to attract in 587 BC. Initially it wasn't even considered a navigation breakthrough. Instead this crystal's mysterious powers were believed to be an important tool in bringing partners together and pulling illness away.

Dioscorides a Greek physician in the first century AD, advised husbands on how to use the stone to determine their mate's faithfulness. Husbands were told to hide the stone on their marital bed. When their mate came to the bed, if faithful, would immediately kiss him. An unfaithful mate would fall out of the bed.

Working women would wear the gemstone to draw customers. Wives would keep one to bring back a wandering mate. An oil elixir from Lodestones was said to increase a man's virility. Rituals using the stone could attract a lover and ensure mutual fidelity for the relationship. In 16th century India, a king ordered all of his meals be prepared in pots made of Lodestone to maintain his sexual stamina. Today, in Mexico men wear a Magnetite in belt buckles to enhance their performance.

Its role as an ancient viagra shrinks in comparison to the dramatic impact the magnetic properties of the crystal had on Human development.

Before the Chinese discovered that an Iron needle magnetized by a piece of Lodestone would point North, mariners navigated by the Sky. This was not always a reliable tool, when it became cloudy all could be lost. Literally. As a result most naval exploration took place within the sight of land. Providing rather lack luster and limited results.

Ancestors of the compass were nothing more than a needle or Lodestone resting on a pivot. In 1302 Flavio Gioja of Amalfi attached the needle and pivot to a card illustrating the direction of the Four Winds. Flavio called his device a compass-card and his enhancements freed mariners forever from the old constraints of navigation. Most likely setting into motion events that eventually led to Erik and Christopher finding North America.

One drawback to early compasses was that the Iron needle could loose its magnetism. A prudent mariner always carried a Magnetite with him to recharge his compass. Ensuring he would never lose his way and giving the stone its popular name. Load or lodysshe are old English for way. Way stone.

It also accounts for the Lodestone's reputation as an extremely lucky talisman. It's magnetic qualities work to attract money and repel danger. Alexander the Great provided all of his soldiers with the gemstone to keep away evil influences and spirits sent by the enemy. Thrones constructed of the mineral would bring wealth, success, power, love and loyalty to those who sat upon them.

Not everyone looked upon the Magnetite as an attractive stone. Some believed its magnetic energies were the result of a resident demon. Puritans considered it a morally dangerous gem, drawing people into wicked behavior. However, I can state unequivocally, after carrying my Lodestone for almost a month, not once was I tempted to behave in a wicked manner. At least not what I would consider wicked.

You will find Lodestone to be a wonderful companion though. The versatile nature of the magnet (attract and repel) means you can use your Lodestone for almost any kind of creative work.

When you start a new job or move to a new town, carry a Lodestone to help you connect with new friends or co-workers. Ask the gemstone's energy to bring to you those who will understand and relate to you, while keeping away those that might cause you harm or trouble.

Undertaking new goals or just feeling a little off target? Use a Lodestone to stay your course. The stone can eliminate obstacles, relieve burdens that are weighing you down and give you the determination to complete your tasks. As you begin to reap the fruits of your labors, this stone will boost your motivation and self confidence, wiping out your insecurities and self doubt. Learn to let go of the shore and sail for the open sea.

Lodestone makes an especially poignant gift for children leaving for college, the military or just moving to the other side of town into their first apartment. Let it serve as their compass through life, provide them protection and tell them it will always point the way home.

Because Lodestone is a magnet for the Heart as well as North (North in some traditions symbolizes the hearth or home).

Use the crystal to add a little spice to a relationship that is spending too much time on the couch. Place the gemstone under your mattress (or a couch cushion) and see if you can generate some new sparks when you are together.

For your spiritual journey, Magnetite can help you in receiving from the Universe. Many believe, if you place the stone in your ear, you can hear the voices of the Earth gods. It certainly represents a powerful connection to Mother Earth and can activate your base Chakra. It also provides a temporary balancing for the other Chakra. You can use a Lodestone to align your
male/female energies. The stone will teach you to find great joy in the most simple moments. When you are lost, use your Lodestone to point your way home.

Healers have long been attracted to the healing potential in Magnetite. About the time Thales was recording the gemstone's magnetic qualities, Greek physicians were using it to treat disease by rubbing a stone on the patient's skin. It is still very effective at helping to draw out illness and pain.

Practiced healers use the stone to activate the body's own healing energies. When you are sick your natural rhythms become imbalance and energy gets blocked. Lodestone can break through these blocks and help the physical body regain its balance, allowing your strength to flow freely.

This stone may help relieve headaches, rheumatism and rejuvenate anemic blood. Some traditions credit Lodestone with reducing the pain of childbirth, especially when used with Moonstone or Coral. Athletes may find their injuries heal quicker when they carry the crystal. An American folk remedy suggests putting a gemstone in a black bag and tie it around your neck with a black ribbon to treat gout.

Lodestone Notes:
If you use a Lodestone to draw out disease during healings, you should cleanse after every session. A simple Sage smudge or your favorite cleansing ritual should be enough.

Some Lodestones are classified as male/female, especially for use in mate and fidelity energies. A pyramid shape or pointed stone is Male; cubical or rounded stones are Female.

Feeding Lodestones - there are traditions that consider a Lodestone a "living stone" (as if others are dead somehow) and recommend feeding and watering your gemstone. Iron shavings or magnetized sand sprinkled over the stone is the preferred method of feeding. To water your stone, set it overnight in a dish of water then allow to dry in the Sun the next day. One source suggested watering and feeding at the same time, except with all that Iron, you may end up with a lot of rust if your stones don't dry quickly. Since my Lodestone never mentioned being hungry (and I carried him all month), I'm not sure how often to recommend doing this. Do what feels right for you.

Abundant blessings,
~Windi