Madame Z's Corner: Moonstone

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.

This month's featured stone is Moonstone. Moonstone, also known as hecatolite, is associated with the Goddess Hecate and is considered a woman's stone. It is believed to promote hormonal balance and fertility, to relieve menstrual pain and PMS symptoms, to ensure easy pregnancy and delivery, and to be helpful for menopausal women. It is thought to promote feminine characteristics in women and to allow men the freedom to express their feminine side. Moonstone is believed to encourage a 'zest for life' feeling and youthful attitude, even into old age. It is also thought to bring inner harmony, to stimulate love, and to diminish anxiety. Believed to stimulate inner reflection, it is considered an ideal stone for past life regressions. Rainbow moonstone is thought to bring vitality and joy, and also to be capable of aligning all chakras while keeping one grounded. In addition to rainbow, moonstone also can be found in white, blue, beige, gray, brown, peach, and black.

Physically, moonstone is considered beneficial for the lymphatic and immune systems. It is also thought to help alleviate thyroid issues, to aid digestion, and to have a positive effect on the glands.

Magically, moonstone is associated with wish granting, protection during travel, and divination.

Moonstone is also believed to promote dreaming, to cleanse negative energy, and is associated with psychic ability. Other associations include: children. peace, love, comfort, long life, and the Goddess.

Moonstone should be charged by the light of the moon. If used for menstrual issues, cleansing and charging should take place after each menstrual cycle. The chakras associated with moonstone are the third eye, crown, and sacral.