This month’s wintery newsletter brings you Mica as our featured crystal. See what’s new in the shop, find out where we are in the Wheel of the Year, and get your Spirit Prompts to fill your July with magick.
Estimated reading time: 21 minutes
In This Month’s Edition:
CRYSTAL OF THE MONTH: MICA
GEOLOGICAL
Mica is a very big group of sheet-forming silicates. The name comes from the Latin ‘micare‘ – meaning to flash or glisten. Mica is everywhere. If you pick up any rock and see something like glitter sparkles when you turn it in the light, that’s Mica. And much of cosmetics sparkle (for example as seen in eye shadows, bronzers etc) comes from powdered Mica.
The family tree branches out expansively under the Mica family. There are True or Common Micas, and Brittle Micas. There are also Dioctahedral and Trioctahedral Micas. Let’s take a look at the Micas we stock in the shop:
Muscovite from the Dioctahedral family – this is the most common Mica, and what you typically see in glittering rocks (and make-up). Muscovite was used as window glass and as mirrors in ancient times. It forms in layers of sheets that are called ‘books’. It’s naturally clear to silver but can be many different colours depending on trace minerals present.
FUCHSITE is an example of Muscovite that is green thanks to the presence of Chromium, which replaces the Aluminium content in Muscovite. It was originally discovered in Austria in the 1700s. Verdite is a rock containing Fuchsite along with other minerals found here in South Africa. Green Aventurine contains Fuchsite, too
From the Trioctahedral family, we have LEPIDOLITE. It occurs in shades of purple to pink (other colours are possible depending on trace elements) due to the presence of Lithium. It gets its name from the Greek ‘lepidos’ for ‘scale’ and ‘lithos’ for ‘stone’. We’ve seen some stunning translucent books of Lepidolite, as well as various purple shades, sometimes with pink Rubellite (Tourmaline). We have also seen Lepidolite form in eye-catching flashy ‘scales’ within a solid purple background – a variety trade named Silverleaf Lepidolite.
EPHESITE is another member of the Trioctahedral Mica family. It’s a rare mineral and a very pretty, pearly to translucent pink. This mineral gets its name from the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey (10 BC to 15 CE) where it was originally found. We also get really pretty specimens here in South Africa. (We are currently sold out.)
METAPHYSICAL
Mica is a mystical stone with a strong connection to the Angelic Realm. It stimulates awareness of your Higher Self. Mica can aid you in recognising the flaws in humanity, while accessing unconditional love and thus acceptance. Making it a very potent support stone for trauma recovery.
Mica boosts the mind, helping with problem-solving and stimulating quick-wittedness. It helps you clearly express your thoughts and feelings, while easing insecurities, self-doubt and resulting clumsiness. Mica is associated with improving your appearance! Its said to put a sheen to hair, add a sparkle to the eye and even aid the body achieve its most appropriate weight
FUCHSITE accesses knowledge with great practical value. Receives guidance on health matters & well being. Helps you understand your interaction with others & relates to basic concerns about life.
Reverses tendency towards martyrdom, excellent for those who fall instantly into the “saviour/rescuer” mode & then become victims themselves. Teaches true self worth. Combines unconditional love with “tough love”, teaching you when to say no more. Especially helps those cast into the “patient” role
LEPIDOLITE can clear electromagnetic smog (EMF). It is a stone that insists on being used for the Highest good. Aids in accessing the Akashic Records. Takes you towards the future.
Lepidolite can assist in removing negativity. By halting obsessive thoughts, reducing stress and relieving feelings of despondency. It is extremely useful in stabilising moods. Thus lending itself to supporting various disorders including depression and bipolar. Especially helpful in supporting the treatment of eating disorders and syndromes.
EPHESITE is a stone of strength and perseverance. Connecting the heart and higher heart chakra, Ephesite activates your centre of love for yourself and others. This leads to greater empathy and ability to forgive. This crystal brings the vibration of unconditional love, compassion and joy.
It can help you access deep and profound truths beyond words. Ephesite heals through stimulating your sense of humour and lifting your mood, allowing you to release and rise above through healing laughter
BOOK OF THE MONTH: CRYSTAL GRIDS DEMYSTIFIED
By us! Shaz & Russell Perks <3
Full-colour A5 hardcover.
Suitable for complete beginners and those wishing to expand their knowledge. Learn about what crystal grids are, and how these sacred tools can help you. You’ll be taken through the process of creating a crystal grid with clear, concise steps and plenty of tips along the way.
You will learn:
*How to set powerful, clear intentions.
*Which sacred geometry grids are best to use for which goals.
*Different keystone shapes and applications.
*How to create your personal opening and closing sacred ceremonies.
*Where and when to set up and take down a crystal grid.
*How to properly cleanse and program.
*Ways to boost your grid’s effectiveness.
*Botanical and colour correspondences plus useful substitutions for all elements.
*Recipes to create your own amazing grids for everything from wealth to protection, healing, work, spiritual growth and more.
*Tips and inspiration from some of the most outstanding crystal grid creators on social media.
Plus it includes our download & print grid templates and crystal properties cheat sheet
NEW ARRIVALS DURING JUNE
Some highlights of the awesome new goodies added to the shop this month…
CRYSTALS
- Large single Mercedes formation alluvial black Tourmalines
- Lots of new unique and collectable rare mineral specimens, including Carrollite, Goethite, Bultfonteinite, crystalline Cuprite (SO), Sturmanite (SO) & more
- Gorgeous gemmy green Dioptase crystal clusters with Shattuckite
- Lovely big Smoky Quartz clusters, one with UV-reactive Hyalite Opal
- Big Leopard Serpentine spheres
- A selection of Seperye Dragonstone eggs, hearts and freeforms, some with Calcite crystals
- Large chatoyant rough pieces of Purpurite
- Large silky rough pieces of purple Stichtite with gemmy green Serpentine (a combo known as Atlantisite)
- Super dark purple Amethyst points and clusters (some almost cubic formations) from Zambia (I’ve been saving this box for over a year hoping to get more, but while the pocket is still producing, this is definitely “the best of” – so I’m sharing what there is!)
OTHER
- New card decks including Sacred Cycles Oracle Cards, Original Rider Waite tarot deck (& hardcover book available), The Runes Box kit
- SUGILITE necklaces!! Some with red Bustamite!
- Beautiful baby pink Rhodochrosite necklaces
-
Light Catcher Mini Chakra Angel 15cmR110.00 -
Light Catcher Mini Chakra 15cmR45.00
-
Light Catcher Chakra 30cmR110.00
-
Lightcatcher / Sun Catcher “Divine Love” 70cmR260.00
WHEEL OF THE YEAR
The Wheel of the Year is an ancient calendar that marks and celebrates the season changes and the equinoxes, the movement of our Earth in its relationship to the sun, warmth and cold, light and dark. LEARN MORE.
Following the change in seasons and tapping back into the rhythms of the natural world can help give your life more meaning, and help you be more present in the natural world and in your body.
YULE TO IMBOLC
On the Wheel of the Year, we are in between Yule, the midwinter solstice, celebrated last month, and Imbolc, the festival of lights that is celebrated on 1 August.
In the natural world around us…
Winter herbs and flowers poke their heads up and show green promise if we know where to look.
The buds of trees begin to swell on warmer days, birds make mating sounds.
Early Spring lambs are born.
Imbolc is a festival of renewal and of purification for the coming revival of life. It is a time of spring cleaning house and hearth, and spiritually cleansing and clearing to prepare for the new cycle. We light candles to encourage the Sun to bring on the approaching Spring. Thus the Festival is also referred to as Candlemas.
Imbolc was also traditionally the great festival and honouring of Brigid (Brighid, Bride, Brigit), so loved as a pagan Goddess that her worship was woven into the Christian church as Saint Bridget.
She is a Goddess of healing, poetry and smithcraft. A Goddess of Fire, of the Sun and of the Hearth. She brings fertility to the land and its people and is closely connected to midwives and newborn babies. She is the Triple Goddess, but at Imbolc, she is in her Maiden aspect.
JULY ASTROLOGY
Astrology looks at the movements of the planets in our solar system in relation to Earth, and how these heavenly bodies can affect the energies we experience here. Just like the Moon creates the tides of the oceans on Earth, so too can these energies have effects on the energy, emotions and desires of the lifeforms on Earth. You can use this knowledge to your advantage by planning around them and taking cues from them.
This month’s astrology is all about emotions. The Astro Twins say:
“This July, Cancer season finds us in our feelings, with both Neptune and Saturn retrograde in watery Pisces. Explore your emotions and let your sentimental side out for a swim! Underneath it all, your intuition is asking for more of something that your soul desires. What is it? More play, more art, more free time? Let yourself bask a little more in the first half of the month, and you’ll hear its wisdom.”
“Mars, the planet of action, cruises through diligent Virgo for six weeks beginning July 10. This fix-it-fast, health-conscious transit encourages you to improve every area of your life, from your wellness to your living space to the people you hang with. While you’re tidying your life, consider going more global with your efforts while Mars travels through this earth sign. Plastic Free July is a global movement you could join to challenge yourself; participation requires that you avoid single-use plastics for the entire month.”
“As you take inventory of your inner circle, distance yourself from those who take but don’t give. The Aries North Node inspires new levels of confidence in you while the Libra South Node inspires you to let go of those pulling energy from your generator. This 18-month cycle enables you to stretch and assert yourself, thanks to Aries, but with Libra’s grace. It’s been nearly two decades since this particular Node cycle! Get ready to learn and grow!”
“Cupid hits a six-week speedbump on July 22 as Venus turns retrograde in Leo until September 3. During this cycle, the planet of love and romance shifts from being an “evening star” (appearing at dusk) to a “morning star” (glimmering in the sky just before dawn). Metaphorically, this is a key time to assess your love life and think about what issues you’d like to put to bed.”
“Chiron, the “wounded healer” begins its annual retrograde in Aries, where it’s been on a nine-year journey to help you find your voice. This backspin provides a window for introspection. Are you using the power of your voice to silence or dominate others? Try putting your energy into active listening. That way, you’ll learn and understand the other person, rather than simply respond. If you feel you’re the smallest voice in the room, the Chiron in Aries retrograde may actually help you tap into the confidence issues blocking your ability to speak up.”
JULY SPIRIT PROMPTS
Our Spirit Prompts section gives you suggestions for the month of things to do to help you connect to and enrich your spiritual world. They tie into the Wheel of the Year and astrology forecast, to help you make the most of the energies around you.
Take just half an hour each week to do one of the activities.
By doing just one, or all of these prompts, you can feel more aligned with your spiritual nature, feel a deeper richness of life and a sense of belonging to something bigger than yourself.
GRATITUDE JOURNAL PROMPT
Tapping into gratitude is one of the most powerful transformative energies you can bring into your life – we highly recommend this practice!
Studies have shown that by training your brain to think of things to be grateful for regularly, you can foster a more positive outlook on life in general, as well as become stronger and more resilient to stress and life’s pressures. If you don’t have a journal, then just use a piece of paper.
WINTER WONDERS
We are all feeling a bit fed up with the endless rain, mud, wind and cold by now! So let’s take a moment to reset our brains. Winter is its own kind of magic.
Think about what you like to eat and drink, activities you enjoy, sights and sounds, clothing or blankets, all the little things that are really special about Winter…
What 5 things do you enjoy during Winter?
What’s your favourite Winter memory?
RITUAL
Rituals are not linked to any one religion or religious belief. Rather, ritual and ceremony are acts that can enrich your life and spiritual world. These practices help you to connect to your spiritual self, stepping outside of the ‘daily grind’ and into a space of magic.
FAREWELL
We have all lost pets at some stage or another along life’s journey. Unfortunately, there’s very often a lack of support and structure to aid us in our grieving and finding closure.
This month’s ritual, in line with Imbolc’s lighting candles and spiritual cleansing, I am sharing a death ceremony.
This ceremony can be adapted to fit many kinds of deaths in our lives. The death of an old self, or life – relocating to another country, divorce, losing a job, changing house, and so on. Ceremony helps us to process these very deep emotions, to give shape and words to the ‘nebulousness’ of loss. It can offer us closure and be extremely healing.
PREP
- Get a piece of paper or cardboard. On this, you are going to write down words that described your bond, things that you loved about them, characteristics and so on. If children are involved, you could cut the cardboard into the animal’s shape – or house, country, etc. Have a container to safely burn the paper / cardboard in (e.g. a pot).
- Next, you’ll need something indestructible that reminds you of them, that can be a symbol for their spirit and their memory in your heart. You can use a crystal dedicated to this purpose, a special keepsake of them, a rock collected from the house or on the pet’s favourite path, etc.
- Flowers to make a circle around you (this can be leaves, sticks, tealight candles, ribbon etc). This creates a boundary – you step in for the ceremony, and when it is done, you step out. Adding to the sense of closure.
- You can add candles and a framed photo if you like, but I think it is important to keep things quite simple. You want the focus to be on inner work.
STEPS
When you are ready to begin, smudge yourself (and any other participants) before entering the circle. Alternatively, light some incense that you set next to the circle so that as you and any other participants walk in, they walk through the smoke of the incense. This cleanses you before you enter into sacred space. It’s nice to take shoes off before entering as well, adding to the sanctity and specialness of the space you are creating.
Once you are in the circle, sit down in silence and pass around the cardboard. Let each person write down words that describe the pet (exchange as suitable). When you are done, you are going to light the cardboard and let it burn. Acknowledge that they have gone. Below is a passage I wrote that you can read out, or adapt to your liking:
“Everything on Earth is part of a circle. When we die, our physical bodies return to the soil and nourish the plants that grow. The plants that grow feed the animals and us. We are all part of the cycle. Nothing is ever truly lost. When we die, the memory of us, our love, lives on inside the hearts of those we touched.
Every chapter that ends stays written inside us.”
Pick up the crystal or keepsake. Share a memory of the pet (exchange as suitable) – something about their personality, experiences, moments, whatever comes up. Pass it on. Let this go on, the crystal or keepsake going to whoever wants to share next, until everyone feels done.
Thank the pet aloud for the time you got to spend with it, and for all the beautiful gifts of memories that will live on forever in your heart, a glowing flame of love. Now ask everyone to close their eyes. You can read the below, or say something suitable along these lines.
Take a moment in silence to imagine your pet running or flying freely in a beautiful field, filled with friends and sunshine and happiness. Imagine them turning to look once more at you. Imagine smiling, waving, and saying “Go on, have fun! Thank you! I love you! I will see you again when it’s my turn to cross over.” Imagine your pet exuding love and joy, happily and freely moving on. Remember that their glowing flame of love lives on forever in your heart.
Thank everyone for being part of this ceremony.
You can now take the crystal or keepsake and place it somewhere that can be a little memorial. A place to visit and remember, with love.
EARTH TIME
Our Earth Time segment invites you to engage with our beautiful and precious earth by providing an Earth Healing or Earth Connection activity each month, in line with the energy of the month.
A LITTER WALK
Winter tends to bring rains and winds that can blow things like litter from bins all over the place. Animals also battle to find enough food in Winter and may tear open rubbish bags looking for something to eat. All the lush vegetation of Summer has died down, and in this bare landscape, we can often see lots and lots of litter.
Take a walk on your own, as a family, or best yet, as a community. Have a bag for collecting litter. Gloves are a good idea, or carry some hand sanitiser with you in your pocket. You can make the experience fun by offering a prize to the person who collects the most – a baked cake or homemade treat.
Another idea is to get your local school involved. Educating children to care for our Earth is a sacred task. To add to the fun of the afternoon, you could add a game element. You can set up two big bins or collection points which represent two different themes that the children “vote” for by putting their collected rubbish in. Two different rewards, two different movies, etc.
MEDITATION
Meditation helps to calm the mind, lessen anxiety, improve focus and concentration, lower blood pressure – and thousands of other benefits. A regular meditation practice is essential to whole body health.
Our meditation segment gives you inspiration for a meditation tied into the energies and main themes of the month. Use our basic meditation structure to prepare and enter into your meditative state
SPIRITUAL DETOX MEDITATION
Beautiful Native American flute music by Nature’s Spirit. He says:
“Close your eyes, breathe deep and relax into this sonic trance.
Cleanse the overwhelming strength of negativity, like water smoothing a rough stone.
Release the intensity of attachment and part ways with that which you have carried for so long.
It is time to rest and recharge within this moment.
May you find peace in this music and allow your spirit to soar.
This Black Walnut bass grandfather flute is made by Southern Cross Flutes – Tuned to 432Hz in the Key of B.
I hope this meditation music brings you transcendence and tranquillity.”
May your month be filled with many merry moments of magick x
Crystal Love,
Shaz, Russell and the Mystic Cat team.
