Crystals and Tarot
I love working with the tarot, so combining the cards with crystals has been a delightful project for me. I spent weeks combing through all my various decks and resources, compiling general key words and investigating the stones that seemed to best resonate with each card.
You probably already know that using crystals to purify and protect a tarot deck is a common practice. You can also hold stones during readings or place them on the table near the cards. There are some exercises, meditations, and spells in this chapter that are more specific; they are connected to an individual card and allow you to access the potential and qualities each one possesses. You can combine stones and tarot cards in grids and layouts, as well as using them for visualization and meditation. Often a card you receive in a reading, or one you draw for the day, has a special significance—crystals can help you manifest that influence or give you insight into something you need to know.
Card and Crystal Combinations
For each card I have listed some key words—this is not intended to replace an in-depth study of the tarot. However, those who do study and use the tarot will be able to add their own insight to this process. If you’re new to tarot, using key words is a good way to introduce yourself to the various interpretations and characteristics of each card.
The stones listed come from my research and subtle ways the stone matches the “personality” of the card. There are several stones to choose from for each card, allowing you to narrow the focus of your intention. See the appendix for detailed descriptions of each stone.
After the list of stones for each card, you will find some questions for exploring the qualities of the card. These are intended to guide your spell work. For example, if you receive a particular card in a reading, you can use these questions to explore what that card’s appearance means for you, then choose a stone (or stones) that corresponds to that card, and meditate on that meaning. Alternately, select an area you wish to work on, choose that card and a corresponding stone, and meditate on developing those skills. I have also listed each card’s possible uses in magic. Techniques for spells are provided at the end of the chapter, along with some specific spells and meditations.
The brief card descriptions offered here are general and are not full-fledged divinatory meanings; rather, they are descriptive of the experience each card represents on the Fool’s journey through the Major Arcana—often described as the journey of the soul through life’s challenges. The key words and symbols used here are based on the Rider-Waite deck, but they have been cross-referenced with at least two other decks to include a wide range of possibilities. Reversed meanings are not explored here.
Remember: While the stones I’ve listed are my personal interpretations, don’t discount your existing associations and your instinct. If my selections don’t feel right to you, explore and find those that resonate with your personal experience. And, naturally, there may be some overlap. The characteristics of some of the cards have commonalities, as do many of the stones.
You may want to designate a deck to use specifically for spells—that way any residual energy the cards pick up will not affect your readings. Plus, as with crystal dedication, repeated use of an item for the same purpose reinforces its power.
0: The Fool
Most tarot resources describe this card as the beginning of a journey—the journey of the soul through the stages represented in the Major Arcana, a journey of development that contains the entirety of the human experience.
Key words: innocence, risk-taking, impulse, inner child, enthusiasm, adventure, a quest—also foolishness and carelessness or extravagance
Ask Yourself: Where are you going in life? What fun, exciting, and new experiences would you like to have? Do you let faith and trust guide you? The possibilities are wide open at this time.
Magical Uses: To lighten up and learn to be present in the moment, free from worry about the past or the future. To open the way for new opportunities and possibilities.
1: The Magician
This card represents the spark of something new—creation, training, the development of skill and power; the Magician stands for the power of life itself.
Key Words: the mind, beginnings, willpower, goals, creativity, skill, personal power, individuality, self-control, confidence, and imagination
Ask Yourself: Do I have clear objectives and a focus for my energy? How do I communicate and express myself? Are there skills I need to learn or perfect? Do I have a strong sense of self?
Magical Uses: Use with your personal power stone (see The Book of Crystal Spells); to enhance focus, attention, and magical skills; to enhance intellectual ability.
2: The High Priestess
If the Magician can be said to represent a masculine figure, the High Priestess can be seen as a feminine archetype of power. Often associated with the Moon Goddesses of many cultures, she guards many secrets, mysteries, and wisdom about life. This card can also symbolize the subconscious mind—our inner wisdom. At this early stage of the journey, this card represents that there are great truths and life lessons to be learned.
Key Words: intuition, knowledge, mystery, awareness, the subconscious mind, peace, serenity, psychic abilities, wisdom, perception, initiation (and science)
Ask Yourself: Am I seeking knowledge? What aspects of myself do I need to discover? Am I developing my insight? Do my dreams seem to be telling me something? Seek the knowledge within.
Magical Uses: guidance, enhance psychic ability, protection, wisdom, dream magic (use Celestite), divination, clairvoyance
3: The Empress
This card is often seen as the Great Mother archetype. If we consider her presence at this phase of the journey, she represents the primitive life force—nourishment and sensory experience.
Key Words: fertility, abundance, nurturing, warmth, prosperity, passion, wealth, luck, pleasure, nourishment, creativity, nature, home, maternal instincts, loyalty
Ask Yourself: What creative projects need my attention? Am I developing/using the nurturing aspects of the Mother figure? Do I feel inspired and nurtured? Do I explore the senses and enjoy pleasure? Fertility is not just reproduction—it’s creating things, growing.
Magical Uses: wealth, abundance, fertility, conception, creativity, passion, good fortune, healing
4: The Emperor
Often considered a disciplinary figure, the Emperor has a reputation for appearing as a stern, authoritarian ruler. We meet this character next on our journey to remind us that yes, we need the pleasure the Empress gives us, but we also need rules and order in our lives. We may not always like the rules, but they are necessary to avoid chaos. And, we must learn to follow these rules as we mature. The Emperor can be said to symbolize civilization. Think of him as a father figure.
Key Words: order, rules, power, reason, boundaries, strength, planning for long-range goals, discipline, authority, father figure, protection, leadership, courage, vitality, confidence
Ask Yourself: Am I organized and disciplined in my pursuits? What are my ambitions and goals? What type of leadership skills do I have or need to develop? How do I respond to authority? You can achieve whatever you set your mind on. Be ambitious.
Magical Uses: starting projects, building self-confidence, pursuit of a goal, strength, protection, discipline, patience, endurance, assertiveness
5: The Hierophant (High Priest)
Try not to think of this card as representing religious dogma; think instead of morality and values. The Emperor gives us laws, rules, and responsibility; the High Priest extends that with the moral codes we live by. Rooted in intelligence and knowledge, these are the social institutions and what they represent to a culture.
Key Words: social conventions, teaching, traditions, spiritual knowledge, revelation, compassion, kindness, and mercy
Ask Yourself: What are my morals and values? Do I live by them? Do I need guidance or training of some kind? Where will I find it? What traditions do I follow? Do I fight boundaries or break them—and what effect does this have on myself and others? What do I need to learn? What can I teach or give to others? Get in touch with your higher self and your inner guide.
Magical Uses: teaching, public speaking
6: The Lovers
The Lovers card represents relationships, but sometimes it stands for choice. At this stage of the journey through the Major Arcana, the soul is maturing and preparing for separation from parents—moving on to an adult life. This card can also symbolize adolescence and discovery of one’s own beliefs, desires, and ideals.
Key Words: relationships, choice, fulfillment, beauty, commitment, sex, love, attraction, union, equality between male and female—also being tested
Ask Yourself: What relationships do I have with others? Are those relationships satisfying? If not, why? Are there decisions that need to be made—am I avoiding them? Am I clinging to old ways of thought or the ideals of others? Am I being true to myself and what I need/want? Be yourself. Knowing yourself (and acknowledging that) will help bring honesty and peace to all your personal relationships.
Magical Uses: relationships, balance, choices, decision-making
7: The Chariot
This card represents accomplishment—the soul has reached adulthood. Everything that has been learned on the journey culminates here. And yet, there can be contradictions. The will of the individual is focused, energy applied to a goal, but we must not let our accomplishments represent who we are. We are more than our tasks and successes. We know our purpose, but we can’t let it define who we are.
Key Words: will and purpose, overcoming obstacles, belief in solutions, success, victory, conquest, triumph, and ambition
Ask Yourself: What face do I show to the world—is it authentic? Is it the real me? If not, why? What am I hiding, or hiding from? Am I making progress toward my goal without letting it consume me? Do I let my deeds or my occupation define who I am? What victories do I seek? Do I feel out of control? Free yourself from defining who you are by what you do or your relationships; celebrate your successes.
Magical Uses: confidence, finding one’s purpose, victory
8: Strength
Outward success has been achieved; maturity has been reached. Now it’s time to look within. Much of the journey of cards 1‒7 concerns outward experiences—society, learning, growing up, relationships. The journey now takes an inward turn. There is a subtle feminine quality to this card; the strength displayed here is not one of physical power but more of persuasion, gentleness, and trust. It takes real strength to look within, to find inner strength, to discover who we really are.
Key Words: confidence, self-discovery, emotional and mental strength, determination, restraint
Ask Yourself: What I am passionate about? Am I following my passion? Do I feel strong and courageous enough to pursue my dreams? Do I have the courage to take risks? Do I have a harmonious balance of emotional and physical love in my life? Do I love without judgment? Strength is not always physical. We need emotional strength as well.
Magical Uses: strength for physical body and/or emotions, desire, courage, creativity
9: The Hermit
The journey within continues. Hermits often withdraw from society to pursue some kind of individual quest—usually for knowledge or spirituality. This character looks within to learn more about himself and the world. In darkness, they find light. This character can be seen as a guide, sharing what he or she learns. Spending time alone, contemplating life and seeking knowledge, the Hermit grows in many ways. The soul continues to mature.
Key Words: study and analysis, looking inward, meditation, solitude, soul-searching, enlightenment, spiritual inspiration, reflection
Ask Yourself: Do I use my time wisely? Do I feel enlightened? What
do I seek? What knowledge or experience is missing from my
life? Do I meditate regularly? Let your higher self guide you.
Magical Uses: vision quests, spiritual journeys, patience, study, meditation
10: The Wheel of Fortune
Like games of chance, many things in life are out of our control. The Wheel turns, bringing fortune as well as misfortune. The only thing we can control is our reaction to what life brings. Additionally, this card represents a kind of rebirth, the turning of the wheel of life.
Key Words: success, good fortune, rebirth, acceptance, destiny, fate, consequences, culmination, conclusion
Ask Yourself: How do I adapt when faced with change? Are there issues in my life that need to be resolved? Do I feel out of control when faced with unexpected challenges? Meet new experiences with the attitude that you will grow and learn from them.
Magical Uses: to induce a change, luck in gambling, expansion of opportunity, acceptance of change
11: Justice
We’re still on the inward journey—this time, Justice asks us to take an honest look at ourselves and our lives. The symbol of the scales demands that we seek balance in a variety of ways. This can be very challenging.
Key Words: balance, honesty, self-assessment and self-reflection, cause and effect, integrity, equilibrium, equality, fairness, honor, poise, virtue, harmony
Ask Yourself: How do I respond when I need to make a decision? Do I feel balanced? Am I being honest with myself? Do I recognize my strengths and weaknesses? Go deep and get in touch with the “darkness”—the unacknowledged parts of yourself.
Magical Uses: legal matters, truth, clarity of thought, self-reflection
12: The Hanged Man
Some see this card as the Fool being stuck—hung up—on some problem or challenge. Others say this card represents self-sacrifice and change. These two interpretations can go hand in hand. Getting stuck can be a catalyst for change; these situations can also require some kind of personal sacrifice that is necessary to move forward. This character can also represent someone who is comfortable in his own skin—this kind of confidence prepares the Fool for the next stage of the inward journey.
Key Words: sacrifice, wisdom, transformation, transition, change, inner peace, new perspective
Ask Yourself: Are there sacrifices I need to make in my life? How do I feel about sacrifices I have made? What am I avoiding? Do I feel trapped or stagnant? Achievement often requires sacrifice for greater gains.
Magical Uses: mystical visions, altered states, to end stagnation, surrender
13: Death
If the Justice card represents self-understanding, and the Hanged Man stands for trusting the process of change, the Death card symbolizes a third part of this transitional experience—letting go of part of ourselves we no longer need. This card is often the source of fear and anxiety when it appears in readings, but it does not mean physical death. It’s interesting to note that the French phrase la petite mort is sometimes used to refer to an orgasm as the “little death,” as particularly a state of weakness or change in consciousness. Another type of release of the self is found here.
Key Words: change, transformation/transition, alteration, a new phase, new experiences and possibilities, release of the ego, liberation, cycles
Ask Yourself: Is there something in my life I need to let go? How can I grow based on releasing what I no longer need? What changes am I going though? Free yourself from whatever is holding you back from reaching your highest potential.
Magical Uses: release, easing transitions, transformation
14: Temperance
It’s worth noting that the word temperance comes from the Latin temperāre, which means “to combine properly.” I always think of the phrase “all things in moderation,” when I encounter this card—avoiding extremes and seeking compromise when solving problems.
Key Words: moderation, a calm approach, understanding, navigating the “middle” path, harmony, balance, discipline, a combination of forces, patience and self-control, frugality, alchemical work, spiritual healing
Ask Yourself: Do I feel balanced or do I act quickly, rashly, and with extremes? Do I overindulge in anything? How do I balance all aspects of my life—work, family, school, pleasure, etc.? How do I solve problems? Do I compromise with others? How do I react when challenged? Be optimistic and learn to “combine” well and cooperate.
Magical Uses: guidance, general balance, balancing the aura, healing, harmony, tolerance, understanding, cooperation
15: The Devil
Another one of the most ominous of the Major Arcana cards, the Devil is often as misunderstood as the Death card. On the journey through the cards, the Devil follows Temperance because we need the lessons learned from Temperance to confront our own “devils”—so we can avoid becoming trapped. On this stage of the journey, the soul is preparing to face great forces of the universe beyond human control. As in the archetypal Hero’s Journey, the hero must descend into darkness before he can emerge into the light of victory and revelation. This is the first step on the next stage—we must face our fears and break the bonds in order to become strong enough for what lies ahead.
Key Words: illusion, confrontation, facing fears, breaking bonds, temptation
Ask Yourself: What is holding me back? What are my fears? What boundaries do I face and how do I approach them? What are my limitations? Facing fears causes us to look within our deepest and darkest places—our hidden selves. Acknowledge this place; learn to change barriers into opportunities.
Magical Uses: breaking barriers, facing fears
16: The Tower
Here’s another card that looks frightening, but is actually liberating. Building something new often requires the destruction of something that exists. On this inward journey, after experiencing the self-reflection and breaking of bonds, it’s time to shake things up. This card can also represent revelations and new situations that can be beneficial. If we don’t surrender to release, eventually it will happen anyway—and this could be painful. But, ultimately, we are set free.
Key Words: release, dramatic change or disruption, liberation, freedom, bouncing back, secrets revealed, change of beliefs or opinions, upheaval
Ask Yourself: Have changes or upheavals in my life caused me pain or anger? How do I deal with this? Have any foundations in my life given way to instability? Have I experienced a sudden change? Seek the revelation that comes from surviving a difficult time. Hope is just around the corner.
Magical Uses: clearing obstacles, breaking bad habits, adapting to change
17: The Star
The release given from the Tower is found here—the calm that follows the storm. The Star represents hope. A great weight has been lifted. The clouds part and we can see the clear sky.
Key Words: hope, healing, optimism, new life, faith, guidance, satisfaction, renewal, peace, wishes granted
Ask Yourself: What inspires me? What are my hopes and dreams? Have I received recognition for something? Celebrate who you are and be grateful for your gifts.
Magical Uses: cleansing, stress relief, purification, ritual and ceremony, meditation, spiritual guidance, freedom
18: The Moon
The journey is not finished. While the Fool may have been allowed to rest and have a moment of peace, there is still much to learn. Remember the lesson of the Hermit? Ultimately, after one gains knowledge, it needs to be shared with the world. The Fool must learn to do this. The soul has learned many lessons so far. The next step in this journey, after self-assessment, is a higher realm—intuition and imagination.
Key Words: instincts, dreams, myths, primal emotions, solitude, development of psychic powers, illusions, intuition, wisdom, possible deception
Ask Yourself: What illusions do I cling to? Do I have the ability to recognize them? What confuses me? Do I listen to my instincts and insight? Learn to trust your inner guide. Face the unknown.
Magical Uses: dream magic, sleep, reveal mysteries, receptivity, concealment, past lives, astral travel, general magic
19: The Sun
After the Moon comes the Sun, as day follows night. This bright light of optimism represents success and happiness, time to shine, time to see things clearly and celebrate accomplishments.
Key Words: success, happiness, harmony, achievement, contentment, material success, sincerity, friendship
Ask Yourself: What goals have I reached? Am I celebrating success? Have I committed myself to goals? What have I learned and achieved? Am I energized and active? Do I pay attention to my health? Celebrate your moments in the sun. Be joyful and thankful. Realize your true worth and take care of yourself.
Magical Uses: energy, vitality, health, childbirth, combine with the Moon for balance, success, relaxation, creativity
20: Judgment
After learning wisdom and reaching maturity, the Fool arrives here—Judgment. But the Fool is not necessarily being judged. Instead, this card stands for a kind of return to life with a renewed sense of wonder and excitement. The Fool—the soul—sees the world with new eyes. Reap what you sow. This is a blending of spiritual wisdom, inner peace and balance, and an understanding of the world.
Key Words: wisdom, maturity, renewal, destiny, reflecting on the past, awareness, rebirth, second chances
Ask Yourself: In what ways am I being judged or judging others? Am I fair? What are my responsibilities and how do I handle them? Have I experienced any rites of passage? How do I handle criticism? Do I know my purpose? Do I see the wonder and beauty in the world around me? Do I acknowledge it? Approach each new day with a renewed spirit.
Magical Uses: visualization, criticism, transformation and transition
21: The World/Universe
We have arrived at last. This card is the culmination of all parts of the journey—a new beginning, fulfillment. This is a state of deep understanding. We are all connected and that insight and wisdom is fulfilled here. It’s the ultimate feeling of peace and harmony with the universe.
Key Words: fulfillment, culmination of a journey, ultimate goal, completion, reward, wholeness, joy, spiritual connection and wonder
Ask Yourself: Do I recognize my potential? What makes me happy? Do I feel fulfilled? Do I see my connection with others and the world—the connection of all things in the universe? Do I act accordingly, with love, humility, patience, and joy? What life lessons have I learned? What still needs attention? Know that you are in this world for a reason and that you deserve joy and abundance.
Magical Uses: psychic protection, connections, insight, new beginnings, journeys
Spells and Spell Techniques
Before providing specific spells, here are some basic techniques you can use to customize your own spell or meditation.
One very simple way to combine tarot cards and crystals is to pick the card first, based on your need, or use a card you drew at random or received in a reading. Select appropriate stones from the corresponding list and place them near the card on your altar or other place where you will see them each day. You can create a meditation altar, or create a spell based on the properties of the card and stone. To do this, consider all the various properties of both the card and the stone when creating your spell—which elements are associated with it? How does it relate to your personal life? Use the key words and questions listed for each card. Read over the metaphysical properties of the stone(s) in the appendix and see if any of those characteristics are relevant to you at this time. The card and stone(s) can then be used together as you either take action or meditate to receive guidance.
You can also find your personal card and choose stones that resonate with it. One way to do this is to calculate your birth number by adding together all the numbers in your birthday before reducing them down to a single digit—for example, January 1, 1988 would be 1+1+1+9+8+8 = 28; 2+8 = 10; 1+0 = 1. In this case, your birth number is 1 but since 10 is also a tarot card number, both the Magician (1) and the Wheel of Fortune (10) cards could hold special significance for you. Consider also incorporating your natal stone or personal power stone, as discussed in The Book of Crystal Spells. There are many tarot books that contain other ways to determine cards that could be of particular use—including calculations for specific years, cards associated with your astrological sign, and more. I encourage you to use crystals as you investigate these various tarot card uses.
There are so many varieties of decks and meditation cards that exist—the deck you use could have many subtle differences from the classic card traits described here. Consult the book that accompanied your deck, if possible, for variations, then choose a stone from the appendix.
Simple Spell Guidelines
Here’s a basic outline for creating a tarot and crystal spell or meditation altar that still allows plenty of personal freedom.
Choose the appropriate moon phase and/or moon sign, day of the week, etc., as desired and create your sacred space. Place the card on your altar or other special location where it will not be disturbed. Select a stone (or stones) from the corresponding list and set the stone on top of the card. (If your stone has rough edges, place a small piece of cloth under it so it won’t scratch the card.) If you have several stones, create a circle around the card. If you have a very large stone, you can prop the card against it. You can also create a grid around the card based on numerology using stones or quartz points (see chapter Five). For example, since the Lovers is card number six, you could select six stones and arrange them around the card in a balanced way—three on each side.
Imagine the energy of the card and stone combining and visualize your specific goal. Say appropriate words if you choose. If you seek to embody a quality the card symbolizes, see yourself in the card. Imagine the scene in the picture all around you. Do this for as long as you need before completing your ritual. Burn appropriate candles and incense if you wish.
Leave the arrangement on your altar as long as you like, or create a separate space to leave your layout in place for several months, if necessary. Depending on your goal, you may wish to carry the stone(s) with you. For example, some cards (and crystals) are simply too large to carry conveniently—unless you have one of those miniature decks! One way to keep the image in mind throughout the day is to tape the card in a visible place—a bulletin board, the refrigerator, etc. Use a magnet or removable sticky tape to avoid damaging the card. If you prefer an elaborate altar layout, or have large crystals, leave the card and stone(s) but designate at least one small stone you can carry with you or incorporate a piece of jewelry into the spell so you can wear it. Also consider placing the card beneath your mattress and the stone in your pillowcase, especially if your goal involves dreaming.
Spell for Strength: A Template
Here’s an example of how you can create a spell based on your need using a specific card and the corresponding stones. The Strength card has a variety of interpretations. Let’s say, in this case, I want to boost my confidence and creativity to explore a new project. The key associations I’d like to draw from this card are courage, determination, and creativity.
I begin by placing the card on my altar. Since 8 is the number of the Strength card, I’ll use 8 clear quartz points and choose stones from this list: Hemimorphite, Rutilated Quartz, Tiger Eye, Sodalite, Smoky Quartz. To make this as personal as possible, I would choose Hemimorphite and Smoky Quartz because they’re associated with my sun sign. Additionally, I would add a Rutilated Quartz pendant to wear after the spell is complete. The properties of this stone include inspiration and clearing the way for progress, which are perfect for my specific goals.
You can arrange the items in whatever way appeals to you. I place the pendant on the card, then create a circle of quartz points around the card, facing inward, to charge the pendant. Incorporate candles or incense as desired. Meditate on the card’s meaning and the qualities you desire for at least ten minutes. Because I’m so fond of chants, I would say a few words like this:
Courage to explore and seek,
when I write and when I speak—
help me find the strength I need
for this project to succeed.
Or, if you want to use the spell for boosting your inner strength or to deal with balancing emotions, you could chant:
I am balanced, I am strong,
help me find where I belong.
I like to use candles or incense to have a way to mark the spell completion. When the candle(s) or incense burns out, the spell is complete—the pendant is charged and ready to wear. I would leave the altar arrangement in place for about a week. This, again, is up to you.
Meditation to Enhance Magical Practice
Place a piece of Wulfenite on or near the Magician card. Visualize yourself connecting with the universe and tapping into your personal power. How does this make you feel? What can you accomplish? What does this version of you look like—are you more confident? Happier? Peaceful? More energetic? Keep taking steps toward improving your skills. Read and study. Meditate. Use this card and stone as a reminder of your dedication. Spend time each day working toward your goals. Try this chant:
Each day I grow in wisdom, becoming more adept—
this knowledge and responsibility I do accept.
I polish my skill, I strengthen my will—
with dedication I become aware.
Let me not forget.
The Fool: Opportunity Spell
For this spell, carry or wear a piece of soapstone. This is intended to pave the way for new opportunities to come your way—and for you to be ready and willing to receive them. For this spell to work, you must truly and sincerely be open to new experiences, even though they may present challenges and result in change.
Visualize and place the stone on or near the card, then carry or wear the stone. Chant:
I am open, I am willing,
new adventure, come to me.
I am ready, I am seeking,
something new that’s good for me.
The Chariot: Manifestation Spell
For this spell you will need a very special type of quartz point called a Manifestation Crystal (see chapter Three). If you don’t have one, just use a clear quartz point or any combination of the crystals associated with the Chariot card.
Perform this spell during a waxing or full moon phase—choose the appropriate moon sign based on your needs.
Place the stone on or near the card, lighting a candle if you wish. First, visualize and say out loud what you wish to manifest. Are you seeking a new career, developing new skills, looking for love, a new home, or education? Are you working on a project, overcoming an obstacle, or hoping for abundance and success? Be as specific as you can. See it happening in your mind. Chant:
That which I seek shall manifest
for me in the way that’s best.
Carry the stone with you or keep it where you can see it each day. In addition, be sure the card is visible each day as well.
Tarot Elemental Spells and Meditations
Each of these spells and meditations uses the Ace card of the suit. Choose stones from the list provided for each of the four elements and place the stones around the card (or on it); meditate on the qualities of the element as you visualize your specific need or goal. An optional chant is provided for each. These spells can be used to tap into the qualities of each particular elemental energy.
Elemental Associations
This list was compiled, like most lists in this book, by cross-referencing at least half a dozen sources. Many stones are too new in metaphysical usage and don’t have such associations as we can find in folklore. Therefore, if you feel that a particular stone is associated with a certain element, but it’s not listed here (or you simply disagree with its classification), go with it. Use your instinct. For unclassified rocks, you can base your decision on the minerals that make up the stone. Or, you can decide based on color.
Earth: amazonite, agate (especially dendritic, moss, and tree), amber, bronzite, calcite (especially green), green jasper, emerald, fossils of plants and land animals, galena, granite, malachite, olivine (peridot), onyx, jet, salt, tourmaline (green and black), turquoise, petrified wood, clear quartz
Air: mica, aventurine, fluorite, fuchsite, opal, pewter, pumice, tin, topaz
Fire: amber, brass, bloodstone, carnelian, citrine, diamond, fire opal, garnet, gold, hematite, iron, obsidian (Apache tear), pyrite, pyrolusite, ruby, rhodocrosite, rhodonite, sulfur, tangerine quartz, tiger eye, topaz, zircon
Water: amethyst, aquamarine, azurite, celestite, chrysocolla, copper, blue lace agate, geodes, jade, labradorite, lapis lazuli, lepidolite, lodestone, moonstone, pearl, platinum, sapphire, silver, sodalite, blue tourmaline, fossils of sea animals, and shells
Chalice Meditation—Water Element
In Irish folklore, the cauldron was a common magical symbol. Some believe this may be the source of the grail stories of Arthurian legend. In magical practice, the cup and cauldron symbolize water, the womb, and the goddess, as well as regeneration, calm, and healing. Water has long been associated with creation (as well as destruction). Many creation stories in mythology begin with water.
Getting in touch with the element of water can help you with creativity, emotions, intuition, cleansing, dream issues, and sensuality. It’s receptive, so if you feel the need to increase this quality in your life, work with the water element. Water is also associated with the moon, the sense of taste, the season of autumn, and the middle-age stage of life.
Use the Ace of Cups and any of the stones associated with the water element.
Bowl and chalice, cup and cauldron
water running, rivers flow—
deepest wells and shallow puddles
falling rain and drifting snow.
Lakes and oceans, ponds and springs
womb of life and restless tides,
water of the world embrace me
where the mystery resides.
Wand Spell—Fire Element
Rods, wands, and staves are the magical tools associated with the element of fire. These are the items that most commonly come to mind when one pictures a magician. The wand is an instrument of change and transformation, as is the element of fire. Use the Ace of Wands/Rods card for this spell. Fire is transformative—it’s used in magic for change, power, purification, strength, and courage. The energy of fire is projective; it’s associated with the season of summer, the sense of sight, and youthfulness. Fire is the realm of passion.
Use this spell to bring out the qualities of fire for transformation or change. Additionally, you can use this for charging a wand.
Flames of fire dancing bright,
stirring heat, the spark of life—
let your power now ignite.
Sword Spell—Air Element
The tools of the air element are the dagger and sword. Air is associated with birth, the season of spring, and the sense of smell. Air rules magic for the intellect and the mind. Like fire, air is projective. Use air magic for all aspects of communication, learning, and studying. It’s also excellent for symbolizing new beginnings.
Raging wind and gentle breeze,
breath of air with force or ease—
swirling air bring expertise.
Pentacle Meditation—Earth Element
In the tarot, earth is associated with the suit of pentacles. The earth element rules aspects of the material world, the body, sensations, growth and abundance, and things of a practical nature. Earth is associated with the sense of touch, the season of winter, and old age. Like water, earth is receptive and sometimes associated with nurturing and healing (think Mother Earth). Since earth is associated with old age and death, it may seem that earth is cold and unyielding, but this is not the case. It’s where things grow. Earth represents the cycle of life—things grow in earth and return to it.
Deep within the earth,
the home of sleeping seeds,
soil, roots, and stones—
earth, fulfill our needs.
Fifth Element Spell
The pentacle symbol has further magical significance, as you most likely already know. The four classical elements and the spirit are each associated with a point on the pentagram. Therefore, you can also use the Ace of Pentacles for other spells and meditations, not just earth magic. Spirit, also called Akasha (Sanskrit) is associated with the sense of hearing and the entire wheel of the year. Forms of light such as lamps and candles are also symbolic of the spirit. To get in touch with the spirit, or all the elements, use a clear quartz point or Spirit Quartz (see chapter Three).
Fire, water, earth, and air—
let my senses be aware.
Spirit, fill me with your light,
all the elements unite—
balance of the dark and light.
Court Card Correspondences
Court cards typically suggest a particular type of personality. For these meditations, choose a card that represents a quality you desire to possess. Or, you can choose a card based on an archetype—for example, use one of the queen cards to serve as a mother figure or a king as a father figure. Perhaps you’re seeking a mentor or you will be in a mentoring role yourself—be as specific as you can when focusing on your need.
Traditionally, the court cards represent the following traits. Keep in mind there is a great deal of variety in these card personalities, depending on the deck you use. I have selected stones that I believe to be good personality matches for each particular characteristic; you can also choose stones from the list of elemental associations earlier in this chapter—the element that corresponds to each card plays a role in each character’s symbolic meaning. You can also use your personal power stone or natal stone, if you wish. Use the stone that feels right for you.
Court Card Meditation
So now that you’ve matched a card with a stone (or stones), what’s next? You can use the Simple Spell Guidelines in this chapter to design a spell or altar layout. Carefully consider the card you’ve chosen (or drawn at random). Are these qualities you have or need? Are they qualities that are deficient, or that you seek to enhance? This kind of soul-searching can be difficult and time-consuming. Be patient. Daily meditation can help—focus on the card’s image while holding the crystal(s) in your receptive hand.
Decks and Readings
You can use corresponding stones before, during, and after a reading to aid insight and focus or to protect and purify your deck. Clear quartz is always a good option, but you can choose a stone of awareness instead to intensify your skills (see chapter Seven). Clear quartz amplifies the energy of other stones, so select a collection of stones and keep them with your deck. You can also hold stones in your hand before a reading to help you focus. Keep them on the table while you read; use them for grounding after a reading.
Post-Reading Meditation
Perhaps you’ve been confused or unsure about cards you received in a reading. Contemplating what message(s) the card(s) hold can be difficult. Often we’re told to meditate on this—but how should we approach this process? Here’s a ritual you can use to get started.
Whether it’s a single card or an elaborate layout, sit before the cards and study them. Gain what meaning you can from the cards first and their position in the layout (if applicable). Then examine the list in this chapter that contains key words and questions associated with the cards. As you’re looking at the list, see if any of the corresponding stones appeal to you and, for the ones you choose, read more about the properties of that stone (or stones). See if any information about the stones resonates with you.
You can either create a display on your altar that combines the selected card(s) and stones or choose stones to wear or carry with you. Whichever you choose, first spend time considering the implications of both the cards and stones. Perhaps choose a special quartz point from chapter three or an intuitive stone from chapter seven and use those to help gain insight on the interpretation.
Light a candle near the cards and stones you’ve chosen, close your eyes, and chant:
Message from the cards, message from the stones—
make it clear to me, what I need to know.