Friday, April 4, 2014

Pagan Blog Project – week 14 – G#2 – Geodes


http://www.flickr.com/photos/robopancake/sets/72157642467178925/

Pagan Blog Project – week 14 – G#2 – Geodes

I've really been into rocks and crystals for the past year or so.  I was super excited to find nicely priced crystal specimens at a tourist shop while at the beach when I went early in March.  I haven't seen geodes since I was a kid stopping at tourist shops while in the Black Hills, visiting with my Grandpa, so I was so excited to pick up a few.  

The word geode comes from a Greek word meaning "earthlike", and they are metamorphic and/or volcanic rocks that are hollow.  They look like lumps of clay or ugly rocks on the outside, but the inside can be full of beautiful wonderment that forms through chemical processes that occur within the rock due to the presence of gasses or liquids.  They can be small (like mine) or huge (like those often shown in jewelry shops, museums, or gem shows).  More spectacular specimens are usually polished or dyed, though even in their naturel form they can be very beautiful.

Magically, geodes can be a symbol for the mysterious and the hidden.  Despite a rough exterior, the safety of stone, if you take the risk, crack it open, embrace the mystery, the beauty inside can be glorious.  Spiritually, delving into ourselves might be painful, but the benefits are well worth the effort of cracking open. 

Geodes are also said to increase feelings of joy and creativity and for soothing those who are anxious or worry a lot.  (Just think about how therapeutic it is to smash something with a hammer!)  They help release stagnant energy, and help break through a mundane rut.  They can help one focus on the big picture, rather than being distracted with little details.  They can aid in decision making and in shaping one’s own future.  Just like any other gemstone or crystal, a geode can be carried with you throughout the day or kept near your bed as you sleep.  You can keep it intact, charging it up with thoughts, energy, or intentions, then break it open ritualistically to release its potential.  Or, you can crack it open or buy an already opened geode and enjoy its beauty and properties that way.
 
I took my time to crack them open, waiting for a nice day when my sister and I could have a good time with it. She had a hard time with hers. It kept on bouncing all over the driveway! But her crystals were really pretty. Before cracking open mine, I thought a little bit about my life. What am I cracking open? An initiation, a possible ordination, graduation, a job… and SMACK! One hit with the hammer and it was in a billion little pieces. I don’t think my pieces are as pretty, but they’re mine, and that’s all that matters.

References:


2014
Pagan Blog Project - week 1 – #1 - Arcade Fire (or, "Hey, Orpheus!")

2013

4 comments:

  1. Great post! I love geodes. In fact, on my last visit to CO, my friend gave me a geode keychain. It's like a tiny cavern that a tiny me could go into...hey, that gives me an idea! Geode meditation, anyone???

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    1. You should show off your key chain next time I see you, Tanaria! I love admiring pretty things, especially crystals! and I love the idea of going into a tiny cavern... geode meditation sounds awesome! (also reminds me of some other stuff we've talked about with crystals and stuff). Something tells me that there's a lot of work to be done with geodes and that I haven't even skimmed the surface yet!

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  2. Excellent post. Geodes are so darned awesome and a wonderful stone for anyone

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    1. thanks for stopping by, and yes! I agree! they do have quite a universal appeal =)

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