NMR ISSUE 1

Astrological Forecast 1
Beltane
Closer Look at the Tarot: Aces
Earth's Coronation
Eastern Insights
Editorial
Evolutionary Astrology
Guardians of the Four Gateways
How to Eat Meat
Olivine
Solitary Beltane Ritual
Solitary Summer Rite
Stone Banishing Ritual
Summer Solstice
Tarot Images
The Kabalah in Everyday Use
The Oldest Magick
The Other Editorial
Witchcraft: Problems of Study

Articles
Authors
Rituals
Book Reviews
NMR Issues
NMR Covers

The Crystal Man

John Burchard

John was born and raised in Rochester, New York. At the age of seven, his mother took him to an Indian "learning cave," deep in the hills of the fingerlakes region of central New York. There she told him of his heritage. She was descended from generations of Seneca Indian medicine women. They had always passed their sacred teachings from mother to daughter, but since she had born four sons and no daughters, she chose John as her student. This was the beginning of many years of study.

Among the many things he learned of were rocks, crystals and the "Indian ways." John studied with his mother and her people until he was twenty-two. At that time, his mother passed on and he entered the realm of the United States Navy. During his twenty-one year naval career, John found many teachers in various parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America and many Atlantic and Pacific islands.

Since his retirement from the military, John's path has been to share much of his knowledge through lectures, classes workshops and seminars, and to use his special talents to help others.

Olivine

Olivine, magnesium iron silicate, is a volcanic stone, often called volcanic glass. It ranges in both color and clarity from a milky yellow green to a very clear lime green. On the hardness scale, it comes right after quartz at 6.5 to 7. Because of its hardness, it is well suited for jewelry or talismans.

In Hawaii, olivine is called "Hawaiian diamond" and is sacred to the fire goddess, Pele. When discovered as one of the most abundant substances on the Moon, it was called "Lunar Glass" and said to be dear to the Moon Goddess. In many parts of the world, mines produce gem quality pieces which sell under its most common name, peridot.

Because it amplifies the green color range, in its static (unprogrammed) state, olivine works very well with the heart chakrum energies. This makes it very helpful to those with troubled or sad hearts. Because of the strong feminine aspects of this stone, it amplifies one's ability to share one's true feelings with others, especially lovers. It has thus gained another nickname as the "lover's communication stone."

May you walk with the wisdom of the stones.

Ask the Crystal Man

Is there a stone to help solve lover's quarrels?

Talk about coincidence. There are two. The first is olivine/peridot (see above article). The second is selenite, also known as a "reconciliation stone." They don't solve quarrels; they promote a more honest and greater degree of understanding.

What stone or crystal can help deal with rape?

My initial answer may sound like a cop out, but please read on. First, before you seek stones, seek professional help, a crisis center or therapist, for example. When considering stones, you must understand that many levels of your being have been traumatized and you need to address each:

The physical level— may require medical attention.

The emotional level— lepidolite for calming, rose quartz and pink tourmaline for healing and balance. The mental level— again lepidolite, this time for mental anguish and nightmares. Moss agate for balance. Fire agate or carnelian for self-image.

The spiritual level— all of the above plus amethyst or sugilite for spiritual healing.

I would even suggest that you use stones in all seven colors (of the chakra) for rebalancing. Finally, I recommend a piece of rutilated quartz to reaffirm your stability and self-esteem.