Friday, June 22, 2012

Gemstones of the Zodiac - Part 4 - Moonstone



Welcome to Part 4 of our “Gemstones of the Zodiac” series. 



The fourth sign of the Zodiac is Cancer (June 21 - July 21).  The Mystical Zodiac stone for Cancer is Moonstone.

Origins

Although named for the moon, moonstone is actually a feldspar known as “adularia”, because it was found, among other places, in the Adula Group of the European Alps.  The shimmering effect inside the stone is knows as “adularescence”. 

The classic moonstone comes from Sri Lanka.  Other moonstones can be found in the USA, Australia, Brazil, Myanmar and Madagascar.



Historical Beliefs

Ancient civilizations believed you could see it in the moon during a waning phase.  Because of this, some civilizations would use moonstone during the waxing phase for a love charm, and, during a waning phase, to tell a person’s future.
The Ancient Romans believed it was actually formed from moonlight.
The Ancient Greeks called the stone “Aphroselene”, a combination of the love goddess Aphrodite and the moon goddess Selene.
In India, it is a very sacred stone.  The Indians will only permit it to be displayed on a yellow colored cloth.  They believe that having the light of a full moon touch this stone will awaken its magical powers, which will bring good fortune and let people see the future.
A ring with a moonstone is a great talisman for one in love, especially if that loved one is far away.  It symbolizes that you are both “under the same moon”, a wonderful sentiment.


Formation

Moonstone is an opalescent type of Orthoclase, an alkai feldspar.   The sheen inside a moonstone is created when light reflects off the internal layers of albite.  The albite adds that little touch of blue that can be seen inside a moonstone.


Colors of Moonstone

Peach or Apricot Moonstone - it will calm and brighten the emotions and will help with the wearer’s self image.



Rainbow Moonstone - helps to strengthen intuition and perceptions, and will bring balance to the wearer.

Silver Grey Moonstone - eases frustrations and allows you to move more easily, more in harmony with the ebb and flow of life.


Healing and Metaphysical Properties

Because this stone is so closely tied to the moon, this stone is used in many fertility symbols and rituals.  It is also believed to help people get more in touch with the feminine side of their psyche.
It is believed that if you put a moonstone under your pillow, it will help cure your insomnia.  If you pair it under your pillow with amethyst, that will only increase the power.  Additionally, the combination will make for purer dreams that will be easier to remember.  (hyperlink “amethyst” to the amethyst article).
When worn in contact with the skin, it is said to help with epilepsy, depression, hormonal and endocrine system issues. 
Although moonstone shares a similar opalescence to the opal, it works in the exact opposite fashion.  Whereas opals can intensify and exaggerate emotions, moonstone works to calm and soothe them.  It brings the positive qualities of the moon and promotes joy, as well as spiritual growth.





Moonstone vs Selenite

The stone known as Selenite, which is a gypsum, was named for Selene, the moon goddess.  Selenite translates as “the moon stone”.  However, it is not to be confused with actual Moonstone.  Moonstone is a feldspar and selenite is a gypsum.  They are not the same stone.

For information on how to cleanse your stones, you can refer to the recent article by Diane Fergurson, published recently on Mind Body Spirit Odyssey.


~ Giani

 

You can read Giani's Tarot reviews in the Review section of this blog.
This is the fourth article in this wonderful series, and I am definitely looking forward to more of
 in the upcoming months.  I thank Giani
 for his wonderful continued contributions to Mind Body Spirit Odyssey.
                                                                                   ~ diane
 

Series Article Part 1 - Opals 
Series Article Part 2 - Sapphire
Series Article 3 - Amethyst
Series Article 6 - Agate 

 



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