Moonstone
Moonstone In Magic, a semiprecious stone linked to the supernatural forces of the Moon and that brings luck. Moonstone is a type of opaque feldspar ranging in colours, such as silvery gray, milky white, blue-white, pale yellow, pale pink, and brown. It is best known in its silvery gray form, which gives it the appearance of hardened teardrops formed from the moonbeams that fall to Earth, hence its alternate name tears of the moon.
The ancient Greeks and Romans wore Amulets made of moonstone to protect against epilepsy, insanity, and “wandering of the mind.” They also hung it in orchards, gardens, and among trees to assist the growth of all vegetation and to ensure an abundant harvest.
The Greeks associated moonstone with the lunar goddesses Aphrodite and Selene. In fact, another name for moonstone is selenite.
In Eastern lore, moonstone is considered one of the luckiest of stones. Along with the star sapphire and cat’s eye, it possesses a moving light on its surface as it reflects the light falling on it, a sign of inhabitation by a powerful and beneficent spirit. In India, the stone is sacred and according to tradition must not be displayed for sale except on a sacred yellow cloth.
In European lore, one may divine the future by gazing into a moonstone during the waning moon. It is a gift for lovers and newlyweds, as it will help arouse tender passion. It will help the lovers foretell their future if it is placed in the mouth when the Moon is full.
Moonstones, along with pearls, are a birthstone for the month of June. Moonstones are popular in Wicca.
The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley Copyright © 2006 by Visionary Living, Inc.