Grayfeather - Botswana Agate

In addition to the properties listed under Agate, this mineral exhibits the following:

In it's native land of Botswana this type of agate is known as the "Sunset Stone" [2] since it retains sunlight to comfort those in need through dark and lonely nights or through periods of grief. In a similar fashion to the guiding light of the Hermit's lantern, Botswana Agate encourages ones quest towards enlightenment by stimulating the exploration of unknown possibilities. This allows one to arrive at the recognition and understanding of the complete picture rather than dwelling on the surrounding problems, mysteries, distortions and confusions.

The Sunset stone can point out the tendancy of one to be uncomfortable in company, especially in crowds, and also a sensitivity to energetic vampirism [4]. It can provide protection against this and lend it's calming and soothing energies to the release and healing of repressed emotional issues. Furthermore it stimulates the bodies release of toxins and counteracts poisoning on all levels from the physical and emotional to the spiritual.

Botswana Agate has been thought to resemble the human brain, with its formation most commonly in nodules, and is believed to resonate with it [4]. It can bring relief from depression and stress and help in the overcoming of addictions and other compulsive destructive tendancies. Coupled with the fact that this stone helps with the oxygenation of the body [5] it is particularly useful to those giving up smoking [6] when taken as an elixir. This type of agate is also known by the third name of "Change Stone" [7] since it smooths the transitions and minor changes in daily life, helping one to handle them in a positive way.

Through it's characteristic swirl, Botswana Agate instinctively connects us to wood and the entire plant kingdom [5] and is thought to draw positive energies from plants and trees , especially those around water, to favourably influence anyone working with them [8].

Lastly on a physical level Botswana Agate is also thought to help with the healing of broken bones [7].

Botswana Agate / Sunset Stone
	Crystal System:	Trigonal
	Manner of Formation:	Primary
	Mineral Class:	Oxide, Quartz Group
	Mineral Group:	Chalcedony
	Hardness:	6.5
	Chemical Formula:	SiO2
	Vibratory Number [1]:	3
Element:	Fire [9]
Associated Fragrances [2]:	Cherry Blossom, Geranium, Magnolia, Peach
Personal Association with Tarot	The Hermit
Astrological Sign:	Gemini[2], Scorpio [1]& Virgo ([3]via Hermit)
Planatery Association [via Astrological Sign]	Mercury
Jin Shin Point [via Tarot]	Point 22
Associated Sabbat	Lughnassadh (August 1st) [11]
Method of Cleansing & Charging:	Any stone with a hardness under 7 should not be cleaned in salt water.[10] Place amongst trees and plants to recharge (see below). Personally I feel that Botswana Agate would also benefit from a cleansing and charging when the planet Mercury turns direct after a period of retrograde.
In addition to the properties listed under Agate, this mineral exhibits the following: In it's native land of Botswana this type of agate is known as the "Sunset Stone" [2] since it retains sunlight to comfort those in need through dark and lonely nights or through periods of grief. In a similar fashion to the guiding light of the Hermit's lantern, Botswana Agate encourages ones quest towards enlightenment by stimulating the exploration of unknown possibilities. This allows one to arrive at the recognition and understanding of the complete picture rather than dwelling on the surrounding problems, mysteries, distortions and confusions. The Sunset stone can point out the tendancy of one to be uncomfortable in company, especially in crowds, and also a sensitivity to energetic vampirism [4]. It can provide protection against this and lend it's calming and soothing energies to the release and healing of repressed emotional issues. Furthermore it stimulates the bodies release of toxins and counteracts poisoning on all levels from the physical and emotional to the spiritual. Botswana Agate has been thought to resemble the human brain, with its formation most commonly in nodules, and is believed to resonate with it [4]. It can bring relief from depression and stress and help in the overcoming of addictions and other compulsive destructive tendancies. Coupled with the fact that this stone helps with the oxygenation of the body [5] it is particularly useful to those giving up smoking [6] when taken as an elixir. This type of agate is also known by the third name of "Change Stone" [7] since it smooths the transitions and minor changes in daily life, helping one to handle them in a positive way. Through it's characteristic swirl, Botswana Agate instinctively connects us to wood and the entire plant kingdom [5] and is thought to draw positive energies from plants and trees , especially those around water, to favourably influence anyone working with them [8]. Lastly on a physical level Botswana Agate is also thought to help with the healing of broken bones [7].
Magical: Provides personal direction, ends indecision, protects and regulates energy [9]
References: [1] Melody, Love is in the Earth Earth, Pg.84, Love Publishing House, 1995, ISBN: 0-9628190-3-4 [2] Eason, Cassandra, The Crystal Bible, Pg. 54, Carlton Books Ltd, 2010, ISBN 978 1 84732 597 6 [3] http://www.psyche.com/psyche/tarot/RevivedTarot/index9.html [4] http://gemstemple.com/gemspowers.html [5] Lee, John, The Crystal and Mineral Guide, Pg. 6, Aeon Press, 1998, ISBN 0-9534784-0-8 [6] http://www.charmsoflight.com/agate-healing-properties.html [7] http://www.crystalsandjewelry.com/metaphysicalproperties_a.html [8] http://www.spiritedenterprise.com/metaphysicalgemstones.htm [9] http://www.prcupcc.org/stones/ad/agate.htm [10] http://www.amerindea.com/magic-cleanse.html [11] http://www.cassandraeason.com/wheel_of_the_year/july.htm