Beginners Guide to Getting Stoned... I mean Stones! (Iron?)

Triple Moon Chalice

   Today's blog is a bit of a deviation from the usual as it doesn't involve stones at all (as you can probably tell from the chalice pictured). I know, it takes some stones to not write about stones in a crystal and gemstone blog, right?

Yes, that was the sound of my bosses groaning!

   Right now, there is little else they can do as I am at home convalescing. While I like to think I am hard as nails, two broke ribs say otherwise. Just speaking about nails and bones got me thinking about iron...

   Why Iron? Well, because Iron is a necessary chemical component for bone to repair and rebuild itself. Iron helps the body to make collagen to rebuild bone, something which I need right now. Which then got me thinking about products in the shops that contain iron, none of which are really used to repair broken bones, but I wondered, what else might Iron be good for?

Turns out... a lot!

      Cold Iron is regarded as repelling negative energy and there is a belief that ghosts or spirits cannot cross iron, so many old cemeteries were built with iron fences around them. Wrought iron around family burials and mausoleums may have been placed for the same purpose. Often, iron is used in rituals to anchor oneself to a property.

Coffin Nails

   Talking about cemeteries brings to mind - coffin nails! Many coffin nails are made of
wrought iron combining the natural properties of iron with rich traditions. The nail is most often associated in the Christian tradition with the crucifixion of Christ, symbolizing his passion, but it also represents the Cosmic Axis, or Axis Mundi, around which the heavens rotate. Tapped into the steps just before a main entrance to a house, coffin nails are believed to ward off mal-intent and prevent people from carrying bad magic into a home to leave there. Additionally, it is thought that scraping the rust and dirt from a nail until it is shiny and setting it in a place where the rising sun will shine on it will make it a protective talisman to be carried.

Railroad Spikes

   A much larger relation to the coffin nail is the railroad spike. Railroad spikes may seem
like an unlikely magical tool, but like coffin nails, they are often used in home protection. The basis of the magical properties in the spikes is in their function as anchors, the time they have spent fulfilling this mission, and the fact that they are made of iron. Once again we are reminded of strong mineral properties of building and holding things together, from bones to transportation, to protection.

 

Then there are horseshoes! 

Horseshoe

   When you think horseshoes, you think luck (something which I don't seem to have a lot of lately). The horseshoe symbol provides a combination of luck, protection, religion, and even magic. Many believe that not only will a horseshoe bring gool luck into their lives, but also to any special event or occasion, as well as ward off evil, misfortune, or bad luck.

Perhaps I should hang one over my doorway!

   Iron, classically known as the Metal of Mars, has been universally perceived as the symbol of human strength, obstinacy, fortitude, honor, courage, sharpness (of body and mind), tenacity, and confidence in power. It can be found in many products, from the ones listed above to candlestick holders and cauldrons. Although not a crystal or gemstone, iron is a mineral worth considering!

Chime Candle Holders

Triple Moon Cauldron

Looking to possess this mineral yourself? Visit us in person or online at https://justwitchys.com. Just Witchys carries a number of books to increase your understanding of this mineral as well as many other stones and crystals. They also carry a variety of products that contain iron to share with someone you love, pair with your favorite outfits, use in rituals, and adorn your home.

That's all now from the Shinyite School of stones!

Shinyite School of Stones is an unregistered trademark of Duckwrites.com. Used by permission to Just Witchys. 😁