Madame Z's Corner: Rhodonite

Madame Z provides monthly posts featuring a different healing stone each month. She gathers her info from many different sources including the books: The Pocket Book of Stones; The Way of the Green Witch; Healing Crystals and Gemstones; The Essential Guide to Crystals, Minerals, and Stones; and Grimoire for a Green Witch; the websites: That Crystal Site; Wings of Spirit; and Healing Crystals for You; as well as relying on personal experience. Healing stones are not a substitute for medical treatment. Anyone with serious medical or emotional issues should consult with a health care professional. When purchasing a healing stone, it is best to buy the stone you are drawn to. Healing stones should be cleansed and charged periodically. We cleanse our personal stones at least once a month, and sometimes more often if we feel they need it. Cleansing can be accomplished by holding the stone in a stream of water. A natural stream is best, but since most of us do not have access to one, filtered water is a good substitute. Stones that include metals should not be placed in water because of the risk of rust. These stones can be placed in dirt or smudged with white sage. To recharge the stones, place in a sunny window or in moonlight for a few hours.

February's featured stone is Rhodonite. Rhodonite is derived from the Greek word rhodon, which means "rose red". It has long been considered a protective stone for travelers, and is associated with the heart and root chakras. Rhodonite is believed to have a stimulating effect on sexuality and to promote the energy of love. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, those qualities have a lot to do with why we chose to spotlight it this month! The pink in Rhodonite is thought to enhance passionate love, while the black helps one to stay grounded. It is believed to help open one up to unconditional love, and to sharing ones gifts and talents with others. Rhodonite is thought to offer support during times of stress and sorrow, and to help in coping with change.  It is considered to be a stone useful in calming anxieties and balancing emotions.   Rhodonite is also believed to help one find and understand their life's purpose, and to build self esteem. Physically, Rhodonite is thought to help improve early stage cardiac deficiencies, to strengthen the immune system, and to protect against allergies. It is also believed to have a detoxifying and purifying effect on the body, and to support weight loss. Our personal experience is of a stone with very calming energy, that also brings a feeling of happiness. This wonderful stone can be cleansed in a stream of water and re-charged in a sunny window.