Amethyst

Amethyst is a variety of quartz with a purple to lavender appearance, which is derived from its iron content. It is commonly known for its healing abilities and works most effectively with the brow (third eye) and crown chakras. It is the birthstone of those born in February.

Amethyst is frequently used in its raw form in densely packed geodes of short crystals that point towards the centre of the hollow. While always typically purple in colour, this can range from an almost black intensity through to a subtle, light violet. Amethyst may sometimes be found with a darkened yellowish tinge, known as pineapple amethyst.

Due to its very high vibrations, amethyst is an excellent crystal for working with the third eye and spiritual development. Its ability to enhance intuition by placing it on the forehead or above the crown makes it a popular meditative aid. Chevron amethyst is thought to be the most powerful third eye stimulator.

As a healing and protection stone, amethyst helps to cleanse the aura and brings harmony to the immune system. Its grounding properties make it particularly effective for both spiritual and physical work.

In magic, an amethyst crystal is often used in pendulums or fixed at the end of a wand. Amethyst is associated with the planets Jupiter and Neptune, the element water and the deities Bacchus, Dionysus and Diana. It has the power to enhance dreams, healing, peace, love, courage, happiness, protection and can assist in overcoming alcoholism. Amethyst is also symbolic of commitment in relationships and is the equivalent of rose quartz in its attraction of women when worn by a man.

Georgian Wicca

Founded in 1970 by George ‘Pat’ Patterson, Georgian Wicca is highly eclectic in that, although it follows many Alexandrian and Gardnerian beliefs and practices, it encourages practitioners to seek their own inner guidance and develop their own rituals. The focus is on ‘whatever works’ for each individual practitioner and while there is solid foundation in tradition, questioning is openly encouraged as a means to greater understanding of the Wiccan path.

According to the Georgian Tradition website, the Georgian Manifesto outlines the aims and purposes of the Georgians as follows:

* to honor the Gods of the Old Religion,
* to aid the members to progress and improve themselves mentally, physically and spiritually;
* to work magick for the benefit of members and any others who may seek out aid for right purposes;
* to aid others in learning the Craft who truly desire the knowledge of the Craft for proper reasons;
* to combat the untruths and to spread the truth about the Craft to those outside the Craft;
* to work for peace, harmony, and unity among the various branches of the Craft;
* to work for a better understanding of and a better relationship between man and nature.

Georgian Wicca includes an initiatory system and require covens to be lead by a High Priestess or High Priest who is at least a third degree initiate according to the Georgian Council of Elders. The actual details of the initiatory system are covered in secrecy, which all Georgian Wiccans are oath bound to protect. The Georgian Tradition is usually passed from male to female and female to male.

Georgian Wiccans follow the path of the God and Goddess and celebrate the eight sabbats. Circles are usually by invitation only, often choosing to work sky clad. Although George Patterson passed away in 1984, current members span the United States, Europe and Australia.

If I Could Help Them

On Tuesday night I dreamt that I arrived at Stroud and it was like a school camp. I got there early and didn't realise until hours of walking around catching up with old school friends that I hadn't organised a bed. The Starchild was there but he had a single bed and didn't seem interested in changing locations. Even though it was a school camp, there were some older parents (who in the dream were of grandparent age as all of the school kids are in their 30's now) and some partners, but still a lot of the same friends hanging out in groups together.

The place was only a little like where we are staying this weekend. In the dream there were more buildings and there were beds lined up along an enclosed veranda. There was also an oval over a rise and as I walked up the slight hill and looked out I noticed there were many more people walking around than were staying there. I noticed that some of them were injured or bleeding and then I realised that some of them were dead. They were walking amongst the living but no one else saw them. After watching them for a few minutes, I could start to tell them apart from the real people, even the ones that weren't hurt.

At first I felt repulsion, mostly at the injuries, and also fear. It was like something horrible to watch but that I was absolutely captivated by and couldn't look away from. I then felt great sorrow and compassion for these lost souls. I wondered briefly if this was just a one-off but I felt sure that I was always going to be able to see them. This scared me, the thought of seeing hurt and lost people all of the time, every where I looked. At this point, one of them, a lady with a blood trickle down her right temple, saw that I was staring at them and started walking up to me. She was the only one of them with purpose and she seemed very intense - sort of excited with underlying anger at the same time.

She started talking very quickly and I can't remember what she was saying but I knew she needed my help. The last thing I remember before I woke up was looking up from her face and seeing more and more of these ghost people noticing us and starting to come to see if I could help them, too.