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Gemstone Facts and Folklore: Citrine

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

Gemstone Facts and Folklore: Citrine

Bright and cheery Citrine is a member of the Quartz family. Citrine comes in shades of honey, amber, and deep gold--sometimes with tiny rainbows inside.  It's one of the best stones for attracting positivity, dispelling stale energy, and lifting the mood.  History Some say that Citrine is mentioned in the Bible, but the "golden stone" in Genesis was probably Topaz.  The Romans likely acquired Citrine in trade with the East.  Their jewelers were among the first to regard it as as a precious stone.  Medieval Celts prized Citrine as a health-bringing amulet, and it was thought to ward off poison...

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About our Wands: Info and FAQ

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

About our Wands: Info and FAQ

I'm excited to present a new line of handcrafted wands for Grove and Grotto.  Our wands are made from solid hardwood for durability and continuity of energy.  The wands are turned on a lathe and lovingly finished by hand.  I use a simple natural finish to bring out the unique beauty of the wood.  Lengths vary from 9.5 inches up to about 14.5 inches.  Each wand is an individual creation, and will never be exactly replicated.  My wands are made with beautiful woods, loving energy and exceptional care. Want to know more?  Here's some frequently asked questions: Are these "real"...

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Gemstone Facts and Folklore: Green Aventurine

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

Gemstone Facts and Folklore: Green Aventurine

Shimmery green Aventurine is a marvelous addition to your crystal collection.  Aventurine is a form of microcrystalline Quartz.  It doesn't grow into points and clusters like some other types of Quartz, but forms chunks and slabs of opaque crystal.  Green Aventurine gets its color and shimmer from small amounts of the mineral Mica. It varies from frosty pale green to a deep, vibrant emerald. (Peach- and orange-colored Aventurine also exist, and are colored by iron oxide.)  Most Green Aventurine comes from India. Because of its beauty, low cost, and moderate hardness, Green Aventurine is a popular stone for carving.  Tibetan...

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Tarot vs. Oracle decks: What's the difference?

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

Tarot vs. Oracle decks:  What's the difference?

Lots of people approach our Tarot display with this question:  I'm trying to choose my first deck, but I see there are Tarot and oracle decks.  What's the difference, and which one should I get? The sheer number of options for your first deck can be mind-boggling, but understanding their similarities and difference will help you make an informed decision.  Read this short article, and you'll be an expert in no time! The Name Technically, an oracle (meaning "that which speaks") can refer to any item used for divination.  So Tarot decks are actually a type of oracle--as are runes,...

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The Eight Witch's Runes

Posted by Michelle Gruben on

The Eight Witch's Runes

The Witch’s Runes are a set of magic symbols used as an oracle. (They’re unrelated to the Norse runes and other archaic alphabets.) While the exact age of this symbol set is unknown, it draws upon familiar images that will be instantly recognizable to the unconscious mind. Over time, Witch’s Runes have gained a reputation as an easy-to-learn, no-frills method for divining the past, present, and future. Author Dana Corby published an article in the Crystal Well magazine in the 1970s outlining a traditional divination method using 13 runic symbols. (It has since been expanded and re-released as a paperback...

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