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Pendulums are fascinating devices, often associated with predicting future events or outcomes. In a way a pendulum is an old-school “Magic 8″ ball, but uses a person’s energy rather than a prism in liquid and plastic. A pendulum is built out of a stone or crystal hanging from the end of a string or chain. This article discusses details of pendulums and their use in dowsing.

Pendulum dowsing started with ancient peoples as much as 8,000 years ago, as evidenced on primitive cave drawings of a man dowsing with a twig.  The ancient Egyptians provided the first recorded evidence of using a pendulum on a drawing dated at 4,000 years old, using them as a means of spiritual healing the same as we do today. The details of pendulum dowsing have held pretty steady over the centuries, offering much insight into pendulum use.

Many people claim that a pendulum should choose the owner. Hence, if a potential owner really likes a particular pendulum, they should try to go with their feeling rather than fight it. It could be that their energy is more in tune with that specific pendulum than others. When selecting a pendulum, remember that many pendulums are geometric in form and contain much symmetry in design.

After purchasing a pendulum, it is a good idea to cleanse it — not just physically, but with its energy. Make a point to free the pendulum from its “picked up energies” by either holding it under running cold tap water or soaking it in sea salt.

Pendulums can be used as a divination tool to answer a specific question. Some swing clockwise and counter-clockwise, while others swing from side to side. Prior to asking the pendulum a deep question, it is always a good idea to ask the pendulum to show its swing for yes by saying, “Show me yes.” Likewise, ask the pendulum to indicate which way it swings for no by saying “Show me no.” Do the same for “Show me neutral.” Take note, so that when asking other questions you will understand the response.

Prior to asking your questions, be sure to focus your energy. Perhaps take a time to meditate, pray, or state a request. An example intention statement would be, “It is my intention to discover truthful answers which will better the lives of all involved.” Wishful thinking or a preconceived outcome, however slight, can be magnified making the use of the pendulum in that instance ineffective. One must take steps to prevent this.

Also, make sure that the questions asked will be phrased in such a way that either “Yes, no, or neutral” will suffice as answers. Asking multiple questions about the same topic, but in different ways, is often a good way to verify the answers received and to obtain more detailed information.

When holding the pendulum, use the thumb and forefinger to hold the string about three or four inches above the pendulum. The fingers and arm should not be held rigidly, because then the pendulum would never move. The idea is for any movement of the hand or arm to be unconscious and not influenced by wishful thinking. These movements may take the form of a slight twitch or arm spasm, sending the pendulum into motion quickly.

Keep a notebook handy to record the questions and responses. In between questions, make sure to completely stop the pendulum’s motion. This resets the energies from the previous question and allows the pendulum to work accurately on the next. Then document the response. Only accept the information received if the user’s instincts assure them that it is accurate. If in doubt, retry with a different question until certain of the answer.

Finally, when finished, wash any bad energies from the pendulum and safely keep it for a future time. Small treasure boxes work great for this, as they keep the pendulum protected and in a place of high regard.

But how does a pendulum work? Is it some sort of magick? No, there is no magic involved, as the pendulum uses a natural process of tuning into one’s Higher Self. When focused, people can connect with the intuition many of us had as children. As pendulum users become more proficient, the intuition becomes so strong that the “hunch” turns into “knowing.” To connect to the Higher Self is the same as increasing awareness and raising one’s consciousness. Therefore, the pendulum can be used to detect imbalances in energy fields, in healing, in energy balancing, and in finding missing objects.

Pendulum work could be a way for people to reconnect with their youth, to rediscover the intuition they had as children, and to help find answers to the unknown. Many pendulum types exist. Some pendulums are available online at Mystical Charm.  Remember to let the pendulum choose the owner, and all should go well!

Tags: ancient Egyptians, dowsing, pendulum, pendulums

During the middle ages, dragons were a thing of everyday life.  No one ever stopped to ponder where dragons came from.  It was assumed that they had been around since the beginning of time.

During the 17th century, scientists began to doubt the existence of dragons yet still believed that fantastic creatures could exist.  Soon after, “fake” dragons began to appear in “Cabinets of Curiosities” or what we would call a museum.  At the same time, another question arose.  How did dragons come into existence?  Surely such creatures could not be of God’s creation since the Bible never says anything about them.  Is it possible there is another explanation?

Between 1683 and 1691, Eberhard Werner Happel published his Relationes Curiosae, a collection od curiosities.  So popular was this book that faked editions were printed as well as fake sequels.  The book brought together tales from far away lands, exotic countries and folk lore.  Of course, Happel could not ignore the dragon.

He first presents the story of Deodatus de Gozon, a young knight of St. John who killed a dragon on the isle of Rhodes in 1345. HappelL afterwards lists some well-known facts: Dragons are manyfold – some possess wings and others do not, some have four and others two legs. Their feet could be compared to those of goose, lions or eagles, but all dragons are said to be venomous. But then he suddenly states that they are monsters or miraculous creatures which could not spring from a copulation of two common animals of different species.

It wasn’t until the late 17th century that scientists began to unearth (literaly) the truth about dragons.  Scientists began to pull “formed stones” (or fossils as we would call them) from the Earth.  For a time it was assumed that dragons were real and that the proof was to be found in the ground.  Palentologist later discovered their true nature but the myth of the dragon has persisted through time.

Dragons today are known to be mythical but they are still facinating.  Images of dragons can be found everywhere.  They symbolize strength, beauty, destruction and rebirth just to name few.  Regardless of your own thoughts, the beauty and majesty of these mythological creatures can not be mistaken.

Tags: dragons, history, mythology

Imagine a natural way to combat skin problems, mosquitos, and bacteria all at once.  Tea tree oil is known to help in various ways, primarily skin related elements.  It can be used for both humans and animals, ideally for infestations and skin problems.  Lice, mites, scabies, and mosquitoes can be fought with tea tree oil.  In addition, skin ailments such as ringworm, dandruff, acne, athlete’s foot, and nail fungus can be treated with tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil works well after falling and skinning a knee because it targets cuts and scrapes.  Not to mention that tea tree works as a first aid remedy against insect bites, burns, and skin spots.  It is known to be deep-penetrating, and is 4-10 times more soothing than aloe.

Even bigger than its skin and infestation applications, tea tree oil in its essential form has been known to contain powerful antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal properties when used in medicine.  It is capable of penetrating into the lower skin layers with its anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, analgesic (pain-killing) and cicatrizant (wound-healing) qualities.

Interestingly, tea tree oil helps the body work on its own natural defenses, or boosting the body’s immune system.  It has a diaphoretic effect, meaning that tea tree promotes a body to sweat which enhances a body’s preventative response when threatened by infection.  The magical-like healing and disinfectant properties make it a sort of wonder-drug.

Aboriginal Australians have used the oil of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, otherwise known as tea tree oil, for hundreds of years for its potent medicinal qualities as a cure for almost all sorts of tropical infections and diseases.  Tea tree oil is derived from the plant’s sticky leaves and needles.  It is continued to be used today in home remedies around the world as a natural remedy.

Please remember, that like any essential oil, tea tree oil is not intended to be consumed and is very highly concentrated.  Conduct the correct research before using it yourself as different methods apply based upon the problem and person.

Tea tree essential oil is available at MysticalCharm.com

Tags: tea tree, tea tree essence oil, tea tree oil, tea tree oils

Why the “Viking Compass”?
The Vikings used thin slices of iolite as a light polarizer to navigate their trips. By observing the sky through iolites, the Viking navigators were able to locate the exact position of the sun on overcast days. Therefore it is called the ‘Viking Compass.’

Purpose of Iolite:
Legends describe iolite as a way to strengthen one’s eyesight. There are also many emotional attributes to the stone. Iolite has been said to enhance curiosity and achievement, guiding one through spiritual growth. It has also been said to overcome co-dependency with a partner. It brings friendliness and higher, purer thoughts, promotes charity and helpfulness. The stone awakens our hunger for the love of our whole self, aiding in accepting ourselves. Once we can accept ourselves truly, we come to understand that our level of self-acceptance reflects in our relationships with others.

Other tidbits:
Iolite comes from the Greek “ios” meaning “violet”. Iolite is the official jewelry gift for a 21st wedding anniversary. Only officially named in 1912, iolite has been used and admired for centuries. It was especially popular in jewelry in the 18th Century in Europe.

Mystical Charm Storefront

Tags: gemstones, Iolite, Iolite gemstone, Viking Compass, Vikings

A very popular oil in modern days is rose oil. Its benefits vary, from improving circulation, strengthening the immune system, and assisting the body in healing itself. Depending upon how one uses rose oil, it can offer help in various ways. It takes approximately 60,000 roses to produce 1 ounce of pure rose oil or 2 ½ dozen roses for just 1 drop. Pure rose oil is a highly concentrated product and the smallest drop can exhilarate the senses. This article describes various ways to use rose oil as an everyday remedy and discusses some benefits rose oil may offer.

Take 2 drops of pure rose oil and place in a tub of warm water. Keep the bathroom door closed so the scented steam will remain around you. This fills the bathroom with wonderful rose fragrance. Soaking in the rose oil bath will often sooth your mind and body. In addition, rose oil has been known to bring the female hormones back into balance and help with regulating the period and improving fertility.

For centuries rose oil steam has provided relief for respiratory infections, asthma, coughs, hay fever, liver congestion, and nausea. To create a breathing steam bath, fill a large bowl with almost boiling water and add 3 or 5 drops of rose oil. Leaning over the bowl, breathe deeply until you feel relief (usually within minutes). Placing a towel over your head may help direct the vapors better.

If you suffer from chronic aches and pains, monthly cramps, or headaches, this remedy may be right up your alley. A highly effective form of pain relief can be found in a compress. Hot compresses primarily help to relieve chronic pain such as cramps for menstruation or muscle cramps. Cold compresses are better at relieving and reducing swelling, sprains and headaches. Place 4 to 6 drops of rose oil into very hot or icy cold water. Gently dip a folded cloth into the mixture, without fully immersing. Wring out the excess water and apply the cloth compress directly on the affected area. Finally, cover this with either a towel or a polythene wrap as your body soaks in the relief.

Statistics show that stress is a major contributor to illness and poor health, so lessening one’s stress level can be extremely beneficial to overall good health. Rose oil offers a way to target stress. Rose oil fragrance is beneficial in soothing the mind, helping with anger, grief, depression, fear, stress, and tension. When inhaled, minute molecules of oils are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. As the lungs work to oxygenate the blood, the aroma sends signals directly to the Limbic System. Therefore, spraying a mist of rose oil around the room would one strategy of dispersing the fragrance. To do so, fill a plant mister with 250 ml or a ½ pint of water, ¼ teaspoon sea salt and 5 or 6 drops of rose oil. Shake thoroughly. Spray the room and inhale. Feel the sense of calm wash over you.

Rose calms and supports the heart, helping to nourish ‘heart-yin’ and restore a sense of well-being. The flower has been known to bring warmth to the soul with its ability to heal emotional wounds. Rose oil was first distilled by the Arabic Physician Avicenna, who wrote an entire book on its many healing properties.

There are many brands of rose oils on the market, some claiming to be essential oils while others suggest that rose oil is not considered to be an essential oil. Whether “essential” or not, rose oil appears to have helped millions of people over the centuries in many ways.

As always, oils should not be consumed orally or be used during pregnancy. They should be kept away from children. Contact with eyes should be avoided. It is not recommended to apply rose oil directly on the skin – always check with small amounts for any allergic reactions.

Mystical Charm currently sells high quality rose oil. Be sure to check out their excellent sale prices!

Tags: aromatherapy, rose oil, rose oil baths, rose oil fragrance

Of course, given the prefix “tri”, the Triquetra symbol is historically based on multiple interpretations of triune depending on what group was involved at what point in history.

In terms of ancient usage, the triquetra appeared on a variety of Germanic coins. It appeared often throughout Northern Europe and was a symbol associated with Odin due to its resemblance to the Valknut.

Historically, the triquetra symbol has been used for the past two centuries as a sign of special things and persons that are threefold, such as Mother, Daughter and Grandmother – Past, Present and Future -and especially the Holy Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A common version of the symbol includes a circle that goes through the three interconnected loops of the Triquetra. The circle emphasizes the unity of the whole combination of the three elements. The symbol is also sometimes used by Wiccans and some New Agers to symbolize either the Wiccan triple goddess, the interconnected parts of their existence (Mind, Body, and Soul).

In recent years, the symbol has become well-known due to its various pop culture uses. The triquetra appeared on the cover of the “Book of Shadows” used by the three sisters on the American TV show Charmed. It represented the three sister witches working together as one. The triquetra has recently been adopted as the logo of the Ontario New Democratic Party in Canada, as a stylized trillium, Ontario’s provincial flower. In addition, a necklace with a triquetra (Trinity Knot) pendant was used in the film Constantine giving its bearer a spiritual-like bulletproof vest. The triquetra is often used artistically as a design element when Celtic knot work is used. Many who identify themselves as Modern Celts may use the symbol to display their identification with Celtic culture.

Triquetras appear in many different amulets, jewelry, and other artifacts. They were used extensively in rune stones, used in ancient days as grave markers or plaques boasting of particular achievements. Their symbolism appears among differing cultures, making the triquetra a very popular symbol.

Many items are available at Mystical Charm which include the Triquetra symbol. Click on the links below to view some of them. They really are interesting to look at and to feel, giving a sense of infinite to the wearer.

Treasure Box
Book of Shadows
Celtic Knot Pendant (Very unique)
Celtic Cross Amulet
Celtic Eternity Amulet (Most common)

Tags: celtic knot, celtic symbol, celtic triquetra, Triquetra, triquetra circle

The Eye of Horus itself is represented, not by a human eye as many people think, but by a falcon’s eye with a tear in one corner, and the separate parts of the eye can be divided in ancient Egyptian measurements into six parts. These six parts correspond to the six senses – Touch, Taste, Hearing, Thought, Sight, Smell. Since the eye is considered the receptor of *input*, it has these six doors, to receive data.

The construction of the eye follows very precise laws. The senses are ordered according to their importance. And according to how much energy must be received by the eye for an individual to receive a particular sensation. All of the sensory data input is considered the eye’s “food”.

In the Ancient Egyptian measurement system, the Eye of Horus represented a fractional based system to measure parts of a whole. The entire eye measured 1 heqat. And each of the parts of the eye measured fractions of the heqat. More specifically, the corresponding sense data and their equivalent heqat fractions are:

Sense of Touch: Part of the eye pointing downward, representing planting a stick into the ground. It is 1/64 of a heqat. This part of the Eye of Horus is like planting a stalk that will take root in the Earth. Since the Earth represented touch to the Egyptians, planting itself represents physical contact and touching.

Sense of Taste: Part of the eye that spirals down to the left, representing the sprouting of wheat or other grain from the planted stalk. It is 1/32 of a heqat. The spiral is like the food we put into our mouths, so it represents taste. Since the tastes we experience come from touching different shapes, taste is based on touch, so is a larger part of a heqat.

Sense of Hearing: The left half of the eyeball is the part of the eye representing the ear. The figure points toward the ear and also has the shape of a horn or musical instrument. It is 1/16 of a heqat. When hearing a sound, we find this to be either pleasing or unpleasant. The sound has a taste for us, causing a preference. Thus, sound requires requires both “touch” and “taste”, and is hence a combination of the lower senses.

Sense of Thought: The curve at the top of the eye is like our eyebrow, which we often use to express our thoughts. It is 1/8 of a heqat. Eyebrows are also the facial feature that is closest to the part of the forehead associated with thinking.

Sense of Sight: The circle, or pupil, of the eye represents seeing, or the sensation of light. It is 1/4 heqat.

Sense of Smell: The right side of the eye points to the nose and even looks like a nose. It represents the sensation of smell. It is 1/2 of a heqat.

Putting all of these six senses together created one whole Eye of Horus:
1/64 + 1/32 + 1/16 + 1/8 + 1/4 + 1/2 or with common denominators:
1/64 + 2/64 + 4/64 + 8/64 + 16/64 + 32/64 = 63/64 (almost one whole)

According to Egyptian legend, the Eye of Horus’ first use as an amulet was actually performed by Horus himself who offered it to his dead father Osiris, restoring him to life. The great healing and protective powers of the wedjat eye as an amulet were widely known and believed as early as the Old Kingdom (2300 B.C.E.). Large numbers of them were often placed among the wrappings of mummies in addition to being worn as pendants and rings. The unique form of the eye, with the downward spiraling element which starts at the forward corner is taken from the distinctive facial markings of hawks. The most common colors used for the amulets were blue and green since these represented regeneration to the ancient Egyptian.

The Eye of Horus, sometimes also called the eye of Ra, represents a sign of power given to the wearer by the gods of the time. It can also be a symbol that you are protected from harm by the god represented in the eye, whether that be Horus or Ra. The Egyptian word for this symbol is Wadjet, which literally translated means god or goddess. Horus himself was the falcon headed Egyptian god that originally represented the sky, but also came to be recognized as the sun and moon god as well.

Currently, Mystical Charm offers a few products depicting the Eye of Horus. One of them is a beautiful Eye of Horus Treasure Box useful for storing all sorts of unique jewelry, mementos, or special keepsakes.

Tags: Ancient Egypt, Egyptian, Egyptian gods, Egyptian mythology, Egyptian symbols, Eye of Horus

Amber resin is a semi-solid mass of tree resins or gums mixed with essential oils, bees wax and fragrant plant powders. Amber resin is not a resin that is tapped directly from a mysterious tree growing in the Himalayas! If it were there would be a pure amber essential oil, an amber absolute, or an amber co2 extract. Amber resin is always a blend of different ingredients from many different sources. Every manufacturer of amber, or amber oil uses a different blend of ingredients, hence the consistency and aroma varies considerably. Each amber resin maker uses his or her own, unique and secret formula.

Since the ingredients vary in each amber resin, so do its colors and scents. The colors of amber resin range from golden (called honey amber) to reddish, brown and near black. The consistency also varies from very soft to quite hard. Some ambers are waxier, while others contain more crystals. The aromas vary from sweet, floral ambers, to woody, musky ambers. The types of essential oils used when making amber resin are what determine the final scent of the product.

The amber necklace available at MysticalCharm.com is unique because the amber resin’s soft scent remains for years while remaining in close proximity of the wearer’s nose.

Tags: amber, amber description, amber jewelry, amber necklace, amber resin

Usually when speaking of astrology or the zodiac people think of the Chinese.  However, the meaning of “horoscope” may technically be derived from an ancient Egyptian astrological system.

The Egyptians designed the Zodiac of Dendera, which was discovered on the ceiling of the Temple of Hathor in Dendera of Central Egypt.  The Zodiac of Dendera depicts aspects of Nile Valley astronomy, astrology, agriculture and calendar making.  It has two circles of figures in its design.  The inner circle of figures move counter-clockwise like the stars, showing the astrological signs of the zodiac circling the North Pole (symbolized by the deity Anpu.)

The outer circle of figures uses the concept of “decans.”  The Egyptian calendar year was comprised of 36 ten-day weeks, each of which was called a decan. The total days of a year, then, created a circle (360 degrees).  Likewise, the twelve figures outside of the circle represent 12 months of the year and their arms meant the 24 hours of the day.

Based on this design, the 12 signs of the Egyptian zodiac were created to regulate agriculture.  Each sign governed three decans (30 days) and was called one of “the watchers of the hours.”  Since the word “hour” derives from the god Horus, the signs of the Egyptian zodiac were also considered “the watchers of Horus” — thus the origin of the word “HOROSCOPE”.

The 12 Egyptian Birth Signs are thus based on different gods and being born within a particular sign influences a person’s character.  These birth signs are available as individual amulets or necklace charms at Mystical Charm’s website.  Find out what Egyptian birth sign you have!

Tags: astrology, Egyptian birth signs, Egyptian zodiac, horoscope, Mystical Charm, zodiac

A new trend involves the use of essential oils to help with all sorts of problems. Rather than immediately turning to the doctor, some people prefer trying natural remedies first. One such remedy includes the use of essential oils, either as a rub or diffused into the air and breathed inward.

The following essential oils are known particularly for their ability to help with coughs, colds, and even bronchitis:

1. Anise — Anise has the rich and sweet scent of licorice. It is typically used to target bronchitis, colds, coughs, flu, muscle aches, and rheumatism. If someone has endometriosis, skin problems, or hyper-sensitive skin, they should be careful using anise. Anise blends well with other essential oils such as cardamom, Cedarwood, dill, fennel, mandarin, or rosewood.

2. Basil — Basil is sometimes known as the “royal remedy”, and is a beloved culinary plant in India, Asia, and many other Mediterranean countries. It has a sweet, herbaceous scent, and slightly licorice-like. It is typically used for bronchitis, colds, coughs, exhaustion, flu, insect bites, muscle aches, and sinusitis. In addition, basil is often used to treat nausea, motion sickness, diabetes, and constipation, providing Vitamin A, magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium.

3. Benzoin — Benzoin, also known as gum Benjamin, is one of the classic ingredients of incense and as an aid to respiratory problems. Benzoin gives off a rich, warm, and slightly woody creamy vanilla scent. It targets respiratory system related ailments such as bronchitis, coughing, and laryngitis, and also can help skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, mouth ulcers, and scar tissue.

4. Cedarwood — The scent of cedarwood is fresh, woody, and balsamic. It targets bronchitis and coughs in addition to lowering stress. It is considered warming, uplifting, and toning in nature, sometimes even as an aphrodisiac because it is both grounding and inspiring. Some other interesting uses of cedarwood are as insect repellant, a help to acne and arthritis, and an aid with dermatitis.

5. Clove — Clove is used particular for asthma, bronchitis, and rheumatism. It can also, however, target arthritis, sprains, and toothaches. Clove is rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and vitamins A and C. Avoid clove if involved with alcoholism, haemophilia, or having kidney or liver problems.

6. Eucalyptus — Eucalyptus is considered a refreshing and up-lifting essential oil. It can be used to treat skin problems as well as combating the effects of colds and the flu. More specifically, it helps arthritis, bronchitis, cold sores, colds, coughing, fever, flu, poor circulation, and sinusitis. Although toxic if ingested, using eucalyptus as an essential oil is quite safe. Eucalyptus blends well with other oils such as thyme essential oil, rosemary essential oil, marjoram essential oil, lavender essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, frankincense essential oil.

7. Peppermint — Peppermint not only helps asthma, headaches, nausea, and sinusitis, it can also aide in colic, exhaustion and vertigo. Peppermint has the reputation of being antiseptic and antibiotic in nature, providing a refreshing and energizing effect in aromatherapy.

Keep in mind that essential oils are for external use only, so be careful while handling them. Essential oils’ purpose in aromatherapy is to have the brain (lymbic system) channel the effects of the oils to balance your body’s systems. Overall, essential oils may not be a cure, but are often considered at least an aide in healing. Their effects could be beneficial to many.

Tags: alternative medicine, aromatherapy, diffused oils, essential oils, oils