Crystals for the Arthurianist: Part 1

(Listen to this blog post as a podcast episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1SgC9T19IPArHc3gbGUUMA Recorded in November.)

Happy spooky season! Seeing as it’s prime time for witchy, pagan and spiritual folk, it seemed like a good time to talk about a fun topic I’ve always wanted to delve into– the Divine Arthuriana. ❤ Particularly via crystals for the moment, since many of us are decking our Samhain altars or Halloween tables with herbs and crystals for this delightfully spiritual October. (But you don’t have to be pagan or into witchcraft for this post– it’s for anyone interested in crystals and Arthurian legend. 🙂 ) I’m still learning about crystals, myself. But over the last year or two, I’ve been collecting more of them and enjoying their properties as I educate myself on such matters (thanks to my dear friend, Maddy Tamms! Follow her on Instagram at @maddytamms!) For those like me who practice a mostly Celtic spirituality not only inspired by nature and Celtic paganism but also by Arthurian legend, here are some crystals to add to your collection! I find that these particular crystals embody different energies associated with Arthurian figures, just as crystals often connect us to different deities. (Disclaimer: I’m not an expert on crystals, nor am I an expert in Celtic or other pagan spirituality. This is just based off of my personal spiritual experience and love of the Legend. ❤ )

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The characters of Arthurian legend have been woven into stories for centuries. Their names are spoken continuously in our households, in English classes, in films and books, on merchandise, on our tongues when speaking with friends. That’s a lot of energy! On a spiritual/metaphysical level, we’ve given these figures our energy over many centuries, just as one does deities, and when you think about it, that gives them power. Power used in such a way makes them “real”, in a sense. I personally have felt Guinevere’s feminine comfort in springtime, Morgan’s darkness in the whisper of autumn winds, Gawain’s bright boldness in summer, Arthur’s protective warmth in winter. Crystals are a great and simple way of keeping this energy with us wherever we go. So next time you feel the urge to connect to the Divine Arthuriana– perhaps in the coming days leading up to All Hallow’s Eve– try some of these! We’ll look at Arthur, Morgan and Guinevere this time but there’s plenty more to come if y’all are interested in this!

GUINEVERE

1. Rose Quartz

Perhaps the most obvious choice of crystals for Guinevere is rose quartz. Associated with divine femininity, love, romance and passion, rose quartz sounds like a stone made solely for Guin. Our High Queen as a divine figure is a goddess of love, beauty, inner peace, springtime, flowers and female empowerment. Rose quartz has a light, feminine energy that can be used to open up the heart chakra, aid in relationships and self-love and provide a beautiful, peaceful aura perfect for inner healing.

2. Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a courage stone with a calming aura, used mostly for reducing anxiety and fear. Aquamarine’s light blue hue connects one to the throat chakra and aids in speaking your truth, despite tense situations. Guinevere’s courage as queen in a man’s world comes through with this beautiful stone. I think she would have loved this stone and would have made great use of it during diplomatic dinners and high-stake events (like the many that marked her life!) She might have made daily use of it by keeping one tied on her wrist as a bracelet or perhaps as the centerpiece of a dainty ring. You can do the same and invite her divine aura into yours through this water-based stone. It helps one go with the flow, adapt easily to difficult situations and keep the crown steady on one’s head. ❤

3. Amethyst

Another calming stone is amethyst. Often seen as a relaxing crystal connected to feminine energy, this soothing beauty can be easily associated with Guinevere. (Maybe it’s just me but I love to picture Guin with amethyst earrings, or an amethyst stone in her golden crown.) Let amethyst slow your heart rate, ease your body and relax your mind, so you can de-stress and better focus on your royal duties.

4. Rhodonite

If ever there was a crystal made specially for Guinevere, it would be rhodonite. This stunning rose-pink healing stone is a hug for the heart chakra. It heals inner wounds from the past and gently pushes you to work with your emotions so that you stay true to your heart. It also encourages mutual understanding and the ability to embrace compromise, so it works perfectly as an aid in relationships. (This would have worked well for Guinevere’s relationship with both Lancelot and Arthur!) Rhodonite’s darker swirls can also be said to connect you to your root chakra, grounding you when your surroundings may feel chaotic. Physically, it’s said to act as an energy boost for your body after physical and emotional trauma, becoming an aid for the circulatory system. So it would definitely come in handy after being kidnapped by Lord Maelegant or being trapped in a tower for two months or, in many versions, almost getting burned at the stake. Homegirl went through a lot, okay? And though perhaps not to that degree today, we as women still do. But we can come out on top through self-healing. Channel your inner Guinevere by wearing rhodonite as a necklace or meditating with it on your chest to open up your heart chakra. Looking at Guinevere as a divine figure, she would encourage us to do so. Use rhodonite to allow yourself to fall better in tune with your heart. ❤

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ARTHUR

1. Red Jasper

Our legendary High King can be seen as a divine figure called upon for hope, courage, decision-making and ambition. Bro pulled a sword out of a stone, was told he now runs all of Britain, and had to get cool with that quick because invaders crept in every corner of the island. Sounds like a panic attack on a silver platter. But he said, “Nah, I got this,” and with Merlin’s help, took care of business like a boss. We can turn to Arthur for inspiration with big decisions, big transitions/life changes, or just general courage. One crystal that will definitely get that ball rolling is red jasper.

Its fiery red color, alone, reminds one of the lava-like breath of a dragon. (A Pendragon, to be exact!) Red jasper is soaked in ambitious energy and has a long history with warriors. (I feel like Kai, Arthur’s foster brother, would vibe with this stone, too, for that reason.) Its lush red hue is also the color of the red dragon on the Welsh flag, typically thought to be the symbol of the Pendragon. A lovely coincidence, no? Bottom line is: this fiery crystal will make you feel like you, too, could pull a sword out of stone. Wear it as a necklace or pendant to give you a little extra drive.

2. Garnet

Garnet is an inspiration stone, doubling as the birthstone for Capricorn. (Arthur’s astrological sign seeing as he was born on the winter solstice!) As a Capricorn, Arthur is extremely organized, works efficiently, is just and fair, and finds most joy in prosperity and success– not just for himself but for his people. Garnet is a powerful positivity stone that grounds and encourages a flow of energy to each of these traits. Use it to get that energy cranking and those creative juices flowing!

3. Blue Aventurine

Blue Aventurine is a calming stone that works with the heart and mind to promote logical, rational thoughts in chaotic situations. Washed in a lightly masculine energy, blue aventurine aids those in leadership positions. In the workplace, it helps when approaching new projects with calm and confidence, and provides focus for performances or public speaking. (Perfect for a commoner-turned-king.) It’s said to be ideal for managers, teachers and those in authoritative positions, as it encourages vision, inspiration, and effective communication. I like to think Merlin would have given Arthur a blue aventurine pendant to wear under his shirt during war councils and diplomatic meetings. ❤ Invoke Arthur’s divine energy by keeping blue aventurine on a desk, at the workplace or simply on your person during high-stress or high-productivity days. (I keep one in my purse.)

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MORGAN

1. Obsidian

It’s almost Halloween, so I have to do Morgan! The great thing about her is that when looking at her as a divine figure, she can be seen in many ways, for she has a number of faces. The fae woman, the queen, the witch, the priestess, the sorceress, even the goddess. Obsidian is perfect for those that prefer a darker Morgan but it could technically be all-encompassing of her many sides. It’s a grounding stone that aids in protection. Ideal for our great sorceress who often delved into darker arts, obsidian blocks and transforms negative energy. It’s made from volcanic glass, carrying with it the raw energy of a volcano, and has a smooth, dark and dreamy look, aesthetically perfect for Morgan. It’s also a Scorpio stone! (We believe Morgan is a Scorpio in this house.) Whether your favorite version of Morgan le Fay is an Avalon spirit loyal always to Arthur, a faery woman more supernatural than human, or a dark witch after the crown of Camelot, Morgan can almost always be associated with the Otherworld and magic. And for that, it seems right to call this black volcanic glass her primary stone. No matter the story, I could totally see her wearing an obsidian crystal necklace or wearing an obsidian ring on her finger as a daily part of her wardrobe.

Obsidian is also a clarity stone with the ability to release emotional, physical, and spiritual blockages, drawing out stress and tension. (Much needed for Morgan, no matter how she’s depicted.) Also ideal for a sorceress, it’s used in meditation and dream work. It can even be used in weaponry! Obsidian was crafted in swords and daggers in its heyday, and was once considered just as valuable as gold. I could definitely see Morgan carrying around an obsidian knife with her on her belt, couldn’t you? *Insert heart eyes*.

Anyway, keep black obsidian by your bedside to ward off nightmares or wear it as jewelry to keep you grounded, clear-headed and protected as you go about your daily work. Keep some on your altar, table, or simply on your person to tap into Morgan’s energy as a dark and encouraging divine figure. ❤

2. Bloodstone

Bloodstone is a dark green vitality stone (almost black), with light swirls of red. It’s used for protection and grounding, strengthening the lower chakras, but also used for vitalization. Physically, it aids the circulatory system, strengthens the immune system and regulates the heart, getting blood flowing and pumping properly. (Because of this, it’s also great for menstrual flow and ease in cramps! As someone with ovarian cysts, ladies, I can personally say that it actually does help a little! It’s also said to help greatly with childbirth.) From blood flow to strengthening bone marrow and even upping the purification levels in your blood, this stone is known for its iron-rich connection to the life force that sweeps through all of us. This works well for the darker versions of Morgan, who might have used bloodstone as a motivation stone, both physically and emotionally.

Spiritually, it can act as a mood stabilizer and creates easier access to the darker (or less explored) parts of oneself, to better get to your core and strengthen it. Now, for those seriously into the craft, I’ll say that I personally feel like Morgan wouldn’t likely dabble in blood magic the way she would dream magic, elemental magic, divination or any other sort of Celtic magic. BUT the protective and vitalizing, fiery energy of bloodstone, I’m sure, would have drawn her to it. It was once considered a warrior’s stone, especially by the Greeks, so it has associations with war and the battlefield. And if Morgan couldn’t be on the battlefield with Arthur in the end (as she’s usually not), she would likely have used bloodstone in her craft during those last dark hours. Whether used to fight for or against Arthur in the final battle of Camlann, one could definitely see her using bloodstone to magically tie herself to the battlefield in those final moments and be part of Arthurian Britain’s grand finale from wherever stance she takes. Also, remember how I said this stone is a combo of two different stones? It’s a mix of dark green chalcedony and red jasper– and red jasper is one of Arthur’s stones! How ironic that this witchy stone she might carry around in her dress has hints of Arthur’s energy in it. As if he’s always there with her. (I’m not crying, you are.) Use bloodstone to get your blood flowing, your heart strong and to screw your courage to the sticking point!

3. Iolite

Beautiful, violet Iolite is a perfect stone for tapping into the energy of Morgan as an Avalon priestess or fae queen. Deep, lavish purple but able to take on several different hues depending on lighting, Iolite is a higher-chakra vision stone that exudes clear communication and cosmic connections, aiding in soul exploration. Physically, it detoxifies the body, especially the liver, aids in digestion, helps get rid of migraines and combats insomnia. (As someone prone to nightmares, Morgan would appreciate this.) Spiritually, it aids in self-discovery, independence, and healing from codependency. Serving as a sort of compass, Iolite protects travelers (both physical and spiritual), guides them through stormy shores, and helps them navigate the depths of their souls. It’s a stone also known for bringing you back from the edge of disorientation and planting you firmly in your own body, so that you can better journey into your soul’s depths and reorient everything. This vision stone helps you get to know yourself better so that you can stand strong, true and independent in your power, ridding yourself of fears and insecurities. Something incredibly useful for a wise-woman or priestess of Avalon whose job is to heal others. It’s a helpful stone for those who may feel as if certain events in life have ripped them apart and scattered the pieces (*cough* Morgan). Iolite will help you recover those missing pieces. ❤ It serves as a gentle reminder that we are the masters of our own choices and can steer our own destiny. And out of the entirety of the Legend, Morgan is one of the main few characters that embodies this. It’s one of the main things she stands for, no matter how she’s depicted. (It also just gives general Morgan vibes with the dark purple hue lol.) Keep Iolite under your pillow to sweep you into a restful sleep, or use it in shadow work/meditation to allow access to your deepest depths and take your soul on a beneficial journey.

4. Phantom Quartz

Lastly, for those that enjoy Morgan as a villain and dark witch figure… I mean, c’mon, it’s called “phantom quartz”. This is a unique form of quartz with a smoky appearance caused by the specks of other minerals floating in its interior (those are the “phantoms”), giving it a mysterious air that has entranced people for centuries. It symbolizes the cycle of life and death and acts as a great tool for in work delving into past lives, spiritual growth and transformation. It encourages us to look within ourselves and accept our journey through life. It’s also a trauma-release stone. Perfect for someone whose father was murdered by a cruel king (who was at the time magically disguised as her father, then married her mother and forbade the Old Ways), whose half-brother got the crown she was promised since she was a child simply because he pulled a magic sword out of a stone, and who endured loveless (and often abusive) relationships throughout her life. My girl deserves a break, okay, and this stone offers some help in that department. It also cleanses the aura and brings clarity of thought. Phantom quartz teaches us that the first step in letting go of past trauma and healing emotional wounds is leaving behind the ego (*cough* evil Morgan) and allowing the soul to learn and grow from the experience. This is a hard lesson for our favorite enchantress to learn– but so is any emotional healing for anyone.

Phantom quartz’s sacred medicine is full of wisdom from millions of years of evolution on the earth’s crust. Let it heal you and open you up to the self-truths you may need to face in order to move forward in peace and joy. It’s perfect for shadow work in the darkening mists of October, leading into the dark half of the year. Morgan can also be associated with The Morrígan, the ancient Celtic goddess of war and death. Call upon this dark goddess side of Morgan for help in reaching deep into the shadows of yourself and putting the harmful energies that no longer serve you to death. This is where the transformation comes in. Let that harmful energy die with the dying leaves that currently fall to the earth, ready to get crunched under your boots. Make room for positive, healing energy by purging yourself of this. Morgan as a witch or dark goddess figure is perfect for such spiritual work. She will strengthen you and rebuild you (with a very intimidating no-BS attitude, so be prepared). Phantom quartz is almost a guaranteed way to tap into her energy and call her spirit forward to aid you in this. Speaking from personal experience, it’s always a hard journey but one immensely needed to grow as a person. Try taking it this fall. ❤

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I hope these work well for you! These crystals are known to work pretty efficiently and have greatly positive results if you put in the intentional work, from what I’ve experienced. It’s all about the energy you bring to the table. (Intention is everything!) Keep some of them with you next time you’d like to try invoking Divine Arthuriana. And let me know if y’all are interested in this– if so, I’ve got plenty more for next time! Until then, remember to breathe, practice gratitude, enjoy this deliciously spooky season, and let the Divine Arthuriana inspire you this gorgeous autumn!