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The Magic of Rocks and Stones

Herkimer Diamond

by Patricia J. Martin

As clear as a bright summer day - as lofty as the Sun sits above us  - and as energized as a bonfire burning strong - for Litha, I introduce you to a Quartz crystal at the peak of its strength... Herkimer Diamond! 

Herkimer Diamond is the name given to the beautiful, rare and widely sought after, naturally double-terminated Quartz crystals that were named after the place they were first formally discovered in the late 1700s - a small town called Little Falls in Herkimer County, New York.  For this, they are sometimes also called Little Falls Diamonds or Middleville Diamonds after the towns from which they are now copiously mined.  Though rare throughout the world, Herkimer Diamonds can be found abundantly all across the Mohawk River Valley in upstate New York.  Some fine places to go where you can find and/or mine your own Herkimer "Diamonds" are at places called, what other than, "Ace of Diamonds Mine" and Herkimer Diamond Mine", both in Middleville, town of Newport, Herkimer County, NY, or "Diamond Acres" (Hastings Farm), Fonda, Mohawk Township, Montgomery County, NY.   Although predominantly found in the northeast U.S., this unique form of Quartz has also been found in Arizona in the U.S., Afghanistan, Tibet, China, Norway and a few other places throughout the world.

    

Mined at the Ace of Diamonds mine  -  A typical vug (or pocket) filled with Herkimers

Commonly called simply Herkimers for short, these hexagonal (6-sided, 18 facets) brilliantly clear Quartz crystals formed in cavities within the dull gray sedimentary form of Dolomite, called Dolostone - a relative of Limestone - approximately 500 million years ago during the Cambrian Age.  At that time, a shallow sea whose waters lapped against the shores of the ancestral Adirondack Mountains, deposited the sediments which under years of weight and pressure became Dolostone.  While still under the sea, water seeped into the forming rock, dissolving part of it and creating cavities within - cavities, called "vugs", that ranged anywhere from pea size to several feet across.  Like most geode style crystals, Herkimer Diamonds began their journey of growth when a tiny amount of that mineral rich water stayed trapped within the cavity.  The double termination of the Herkimer occurs because they were allowed to grow with virtually little or no contact with the host stone while nestled inside the vug.  On the hardness scale, and as with all Quartz crystals, they register a 7.  They can be found clear, cloudy or with impurities - the clearest specimens coming out of the NY locations - and can also be found in Quartz's various forms and styles, such as clusters, scepters, twins, phantoms, enhydros, etc.  I prefer the single crystals and am amazed at their clarity.  In fact, it was their crystal clear appearance that led the founders to liken them to, and almost mistake them for, real Diamonds.  But Quartz crystals they are.  And like the water from which they are birthed, these sparkling natural wonders do carry the attributes of the Element, Water - the feminine qualities of intuition, psychic ability, the knowledge and wisdom of the mystical and the magickal, etc., but as a Quartz, they contain the attributes and metaphysical properties of all four Elements - Earth, Air, Fire and Water.  Most of the Herkimers that I own and work with lean strongly toward Fire and Air, lending them the ability to create the spark of action to my thoughts and inspirations. (In other words, they light a fire under my... um, intentions.. hehehe.)

Herkimer in matrix

On top of the many fine attributes of Quartz, Herkimer Diamonds come with an added punch.  Their clarity and dual-points give them what I call "the laser effect" - the ability to pinpoint and hone in on what's relevant.  They are also known to create balance.  And, being a Quartz, they will amplify everything. 

Called the "Stone of Attunement", I find it to also be the "Stone of Total Awareness".  Herkimer Diamonds can be used to attune oneself to another person, place or thing.  They are excellent in aiding us in getting to know something or someone more intimately and fully.  They can be used by two people who are not physically together, to keep in 'touch' and to help bind themselves further to one another, as the crystal enhances their knowledge and awareness of each other.  This works well for groups too, helping them work together harmoniously so that what they are working to accomplish will manifest in the most cohesive manner and with the best results.  In another aspect, Herkimers may be used to garner information as well as give it, as they possess an uncanny 'give & take' ability, meaning they are exceptionally adept and handy at simultaneously sending and receiving.  They are a very nice bridging stone.  There is no problem in programming a Herkimer; they quickly deliver messages or work to manifest whatever they are programmed for.

When working with the Herkimer Diamond you can expect stimulated clairvoyance and clairaudience.  You will better see and hear things that are beyond the normal perceptions, as your ability to read between the lines is amplified.  Herkimers help you hear the truth, whether verbalized out loud or not.  They create a clear channel and you will better hear what is truly being said when words or actions are muddied or not freely given.  But whatever information is garnered will always hold the essence of spirituality filtered through from our Higher Self, making the knowledge received the purest it can be, and the mind focused on the best intent.  Herkimers help keep things on the up and up.  This is because the Herkimer Diamond's vibration is closer to (and thus works well with) the Brow (Third Eye) and Crown Chakras - the intuitive, higher vibration and spiritually attuned Chakras.  Herkimers promote divine grace. 

In their crystal-clear visions, Herkimers are powerful for tapping into hidden knowledge.  There are no secrets kept from these scrutinizing crystals.  They are both sleuth and messenger, as they laser in on the hidden and unearth what you need to know.  I call them one of the great spies of the mineral world...your own personal private detective...but always helping to keep your intent pure.  In this viewing and being viewed capacity, these little gems are most helpful for Astral Travel, psychic insight and, of course, for such telling revelations. 

Like the Sun, Herkimer Diamonds contain a sparkling brilliance.  This brilliance not only is used for clarification of things, but also is useful for elevating the spirits.  Depression, melancholy and the general blues are dispelled and replaced with a sunnier outlook.  Stress and tensions are alleviated.  For aid in physical health, Herkimers can be used to disseminate and help remove toxins from the body and for correcting and realigning imbalances in any capacity.  They bring about a greater clarity - a helpful clearing of dis-ease, along with a crisp and clear flow of thoughts and ideas on how best to help oneself.  As the Protector that Quartz is, Herkimer Diamonds can aid in dispersing and diluting radioactivity from our surroundings or during medical procedures.  They are also well-known for helping with the Immune System.

Various sizes of Herkimer Diamonds

For aid with the mystical, the magickal uses of Herkimer Diamonds are many.  Astrologically, this stone resonates with Libra, Aries and Sagittarius.  Its planet is the Sun.  Its Element is all four, but with a propensity toward Fire and Air - thus, masculine and projective.  In ceremonial ritual, along with in Feng Shui, Herkimers are used to clear and purify space, and will remove any stagnant energies that happen to reside there.  Herkimers are good to hold during past-life regressions, as they help open the telepathic channel and maintain the bridge between what we perceive as then and now.  And they are excellent in crystal grids or for energizing and amplifying and keeping the connectivity of any spell, chant, ritual or magickal endeavor.  They are a good magickal substitute for actual Diamonds.

Herkimer Diamond & Amethyst Pendant

And last but not least, another fine quality of the Herkimer Diamond is its strong ability to promote and enhance dreams, lucid dreams and to aid us in dream recall.  Place a Herkimer inside your pillowcase and then record what dreams you have.  I guarantee you, your dreams will be prolific, although possibly just a bit strange at first as the crystal aligns itself with how best to transfer the information to your psyche. (I can readily attest to this..lol)  In meditation, and for enhanced visualization, hold two Herkimers, one in each hand, and with one of its points facing inward toward your body while the other faces outward.  Place your receptive hand on your brow (Third Eye) and your dominant projective hand on your Solar Plexus area.  This will help arc your gathered insights from the Brow to your area of personal power at the Solar Plexus.  What you envision or what spark of wisdom comes to you will immediately be bridged to your reaction and actions.  Herkimers work with an unrestrained enthusiasm and possess the power to bring those sudden flashes of inspiration, knowledge or wisdom.  When working with these crystals, be prepared for many an "ah ha!" moment... not much unlike the feeling you get when you actually take your hammer and chisel to a piece of Dolostone, crack it open and have it suddenly reveal a pristine Herkimer Diamond surprise inside!  Breathtaking. 

Here's to your Litha celebrations (or Yule in the Southern Hemisphere) being equally as breathtaking!

Sources:

Love Is In the Earth: The Crystal and Mineral Encyclopedia - The Liite Fantastic and the Last Testament, Melody 

The Book of Stones: Who They Are & What They Teach, Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian 

http://geology.com/articles/herkimer-diamonds.shtml 

http://www.herkimerdiamond.com/mining.html

Herkimer Diamond, itself. 

Photos by: Patricia J. Martin 

http://www.thecrystalhealer.co.uk

© Patricia J. Martin, August 22, 2008

Best wishes and Blessed Be

 

Site Contents - Links to all Pages

 

Home Page

 

A Universal Message:

 

Let there be peace in the world  -   Where have all the flowers gone?

 

About me:

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Wicca & Witchcraft

 

Wicca/Witchcraft /  What is Wicca What is Magick

 

Traditional Writings:

 

The Wiccan Rede Charge of the Goddess Charge of the God  /  The Three-Fold Law (includes The Law of Power and The Four Powers of the Magus) /  The Witches Chant The Witches Creed Descent of the Goddess Drawing Down the Moon The Great Rite Invocation Invocation of the Horned GodThe 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief /  The Witches Rede of Chivalry A Pledge to Pagan Spirituality

 

Correspondence Tables:

 

IncenseCandlesColours Magickal Days Stones and Gems Elements and Elementals

 

Traditions:

 

Traditions Part 1  -  Alexandrian Wicca /  Aquarian Tabernacle Church (ATC) /  Ár Ndraíocht Féin (ADF) /  Blue Star Wicca /  British Traditional (Druidic Witchcraft) /  Celtic Wicca /  Ceremonial Magic /  Chaos Magic /  Church and School of Wicca /  Circle Sanctuary /  Covenant of the Goddess (COG) /  Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) /  Cyber Wicca /  Dianic Wicca /  Eclectic Wicca /  Feri Wicca /

 

Traditions Part 2 Gardnerian Wicca /  Georgian Tradition /  Henge of Keltria /  Hereditary Witchcraft /  Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (H.O.G.D.) /  Kitchen Witch (Hedge Witch) /  Minoan Brotherhood and Minoan Sisterhood Tradition /  Nordic Paganism /  Pagan Federation /  Pectic-Wita /  Seax-Wica /  Shamanism /  Solitary /  Strega /  Sylvan Tradition /  Vodoun or Voodoo /  Witches League of Public Awareness (WLPA) /

 

Other things of interest:

 

Gods and Goddesses (Greek Mythology) /  Esbats & Full Moons Links to Personal Friends & Resources Wicca/Witchcraft Resources What's a spell? Circle Casting and Sacred Space  Pentagram - Pentacle Marks of a Witch The Witches Power The Witches Hat An esoteric guide to visiting London SatanismPow-wowThe Unitarian Universalist Association /  Numerology:  Part 1  Part 2  /  Part 3A history of the Malleus Maleficarum:  includes:  Pope Innocent VIII  /  The papal Bull  /   The Malleus Maleficarum  /  An extract from the Malleus Maleficarum  /  The letter of approbation  /  Johann Nider’s Formicarius  /  Jacob Sprenger  /  Heinrich Kramer  /  Stefano Infessura  /  Montague Summers  /  The Waldenses  /  The Albigenses  /  The Hussites /  The Native American Sun DanceShielding (Occult and Psychic Protection)  The History of ThanksgivingAuras  - Part 1 and Part 2 Doreen Valiente Witch” (A Book Review) /   

 

Sabbats and Festivals:

 

The Sabbats in History and Mythology /  Samhain (October 31st)  /  Yule (December 21st)  /  Imbolc (February 2nd)  /  Ostara (March 21st)  /  Beltane (April 30th)  /  Litha (June 21st)  /  Lammas/Lughnasadh (August 1st)  /  Mabon (September 21st)

 

Rituals contributed by Crone:

 

Samhain / Yule Imbolc Ostara /  Beltane Litha Lammas Mabon

 

Tools:

 

Tools of a Witch  /  The Besom (Broom) /  Poppets and DollsPendulums / Cauldron Magick Mirror Gazing

 

Animals:

 

Animals in Witchcraft (The Witches Familiar and Totem Animals) /  AntelopeBatsCrow Fox Frog and Toads Goat / HoneybeeKangarooLion OwlPhoenix Rabbits and HaresRaven Robin RedbreastSheep Spider SquirrelSwansUnicornWild Boar Wolf /  Serpent /  Pig /  Stag /  Horse /  Mouse /  Cat /  Rats /  Unicorn

 

Trees:

 

In Worship of Trees - Myths, Lore and the Celtic Tree Calendar.  For descriptions and correspondences of the thirteen sacred trees of Wicca/Witchcraft see the following:  Birch /  Rowan / Ash /  Alder /  Willow Hawthorn /  Oak /  Holly /  Hazel /  Vine /  Ivy /  Reed /  Elder

 

Sacred Sites:

 

Mystical Sacred Sites  -  Stonehenge /  Glastonbury Tor /  Malta - The Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni /  Avebury /  Cerne Abbas - The Chalk Giant /  Ireland - Newgrange /

 

Rocks and Stones:

 

Stones - History, Myths and Lore

 

Articles contributed by Patricia Jean Martin:

 

Apophyllite  / Amber Amethyst Aquamarine Aragonite Aventurine Black Tourmaline Bloodstone Calcite Carnelian Celestite Citrine Chrysanthemum StoneDiamond  /  Emerald / Fluorite Garnet /  Hematite Herkimer Diamond Labradorite Lapis Lazuli Malachite Moonstone Obsidian Opal Pyrite Quartz (Rock Crystal) Rose Quartz Ruby Selenite Seraphinite  /  Silver and GoldSmoky QuartzSodalite Sunstone ThundereggTree AgateZebra Marble

 

Wisdom and Inspiration:

 

Knowledge vs Wisdom by Ardriana Cahill I Talk to the TreesAwakening The Witch in YouA Tale of the Woods I have a Dream by Martin Luther King /

 

Articles and Stories about Witchcraft:

 

Murdered by Witchcraft The Fairy Witch of Clonmel A Battleship, U-boat, and a Witch The Troll-Tear (A story for Children) /  Goody Hawkins - The Wise Goodwife /  The Story of Jack-O-Lantern The Murder of the Hammersmith Ghost Josephine Gray (The Infamous Black Widow) /  The Two Brothers - Light and Dark

 

Old Masters of Academia:

 

Pliny the ElderHesiodPythagoras

 

 

Biographies

 

A "Who's Who" of Witches, Pagans and other associated People

(Ancient, Past and Present)

 

Remembered at Samhain

(Departed Pagan Pioneers, Founders, Elders and Others)

 

Pagan Pioneers:  Founders, Elders, Leaders and Others

 

Abramelin the Mage /  Agrippa Aidan A KellyAlbertus Magnus - “Albert the Great” Aleister Crowley - “The Great Beast” /  Alex Sanders - “King of the Witches” /  Alison Harlow /   Allan Bennett - the Ven. Ananda MetteyyaAllan Kardec (Spiritism) /  Alphonsus de SpinaAmber KAnn Moura /  Anna FranklinAnodea JudithAnton Szandor LaVey /  Arnold CrowtherArthur Edward Waite /  Austin Osman SpareBalthasar Bekker /  Biddy EarlyBarbara Vickers /  Bridget Cleary - The Fairy Witch of Clonmel /  Carl " Llewellyn" Weschcke Cecil Hugh WilliamsonCharles Godfrey Leland /   Charles WaltonChristopher PenczakChristina Oakley Harrington Cornelius Loos /  Damh the Bard - "Dave Smith" /  Dion Fortune /  Dolores Aschroft-NowickiDonald Michael Kraig Doreen ValienteDorothy MorrisonDr. John Dee & Edward Kelly /  Dr. Leo Louis Martello /  Edain McCoy /  Edward FitchEleanor Ray Bone - “Matriarch of British Witchcraft” Eliphas Levi /  Ernest Thompson Seton /  Ernest Westlake /  Fiona Horne /   Frederick McLaren Adams - Feraferia Friedrich von Spee /  Francis Barrett /  Gavin and Yvonne Frost and the School and Church of Wicca /  Gerald B. Gardner - The father of contemporary Witchcraft /  Gwydion Pendderwen Hans HolzerHelen Duncan /   Herman Slater - Horrible Herman /  Heinrich KramerIsaac Bonewits Israel RegardieIvo Domínguez Jr. /  Jack Whiteside Parsons - Rocket Science and Magick /  James "Cunning" Murrell - The Master of Witches /  Janet Farrar and Gavin BoneJean Bodin Jessie Wicker Bell - “Lady Sheba” / Johann Weyer  / Johannes Junius - "The Burgomaster of Bamberg" /   Johann Georg Fuchs von Dornheim  -  the “Hexenbrenner” (witch burner) /  John Belham-Payne John George Hohman - "Pow-wow" /  John Gerard /  John Gordon Hargrave and the Kibbo Kith Kindred /  John Michael Greer /  John Score /  Joseph “Bearwalker” Wilson /  Joseph John Campbell /  Karl von Eckartshausen Lady Gwen Thompson - and "The Rede of the Wiccae" /   Laurie Cabot  - "the Official Witch of Salem" /  Lewis SpenceLodovico Maria Sinistrari Ludwig LavaterMadeline Montalban and the Order of the Morning Star /  Margaret Alice MurrayMargot AdlerMichael Howard and the UK "Cauldron Magazine" /  Margaret St. Clair - the “Sign of the Labrys” /  Marie Laveau - " the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans" /  Marion WeinsteinMartin Antoine Del Rio Matthew Hopkins - “The Witch-Finder General” /   Max Ehrmann and the "Desiderata" /  Michael A. Aquino - and The Temple of Set /  Monique WilsonMontague Summers /  Nicholas CulpeperNicholas RemyM. R. SellarsMrs. Maud Grieve - "A Modern Herbal" /  Oberon Zell-Ravenheart and Morning GloryOld Dorothy Clutterbuck /  Old George PickingillOlivia Durdin-Robertson - co-founder of the Fellowship of Isis /  Paddy SladePamela Colman-SmithParacelsus /  Patricia CrowtherPatricia Monaghan /  Patricia “Trish” TelescoPaul Foster Case and the “Builders of the Adytum” mystery school /  Peter Binsfeld /  Philip HeseltonRaven GrimassiRaymond Buckland /  Reginald Scot /  Richard BaxterRobert CochraneRobert ‘von Ranke’ Graves and the "The White Goddess" /  Rosaleen Norton - “The Witch of Kings Cross” /  Rossell Hope Robbins /   Ross Nichols and the " Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids" (OBOD) /  Rudolf SteinerSabrina Underwood - "The Ink Witch" /  Scott CunninghamSelena Fox - founder of "Circle Sanctuary" /  Silver RavenwolfSir Francis Dashwood /  Sir James George Frazer and the " The Golden Bough"S.L. MacGregor Mathers and the “Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn” /  Starhawk /  Stewart Farrar /  Sybil LeekTed Andrews The Mather Family - (includes:  Richard Mather, Increase Mather and Cotton Mather ) /   Thomas AdyT. Thorn CoyleVera ChapmanVictor & Cora Anderson and the " Feri Tradition" /  Vivianne CrowleyWalter Brown GibsonWalter Ernest ButlerWilliam Butler YeatsZsuzsanna Budapest /  

 

 

Many of the above biographies are briefs and far from complete.  If you know about any of these individuals and can help with additional information, please contact me privately at my email address below.  Many thanks for reading  :-)

 

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