Masonic & Occult Symbols Illustrate

“In earlier cultures, shamans, witch doctors and medicine men utilized gems, believing them to have mystical healing powers. Certain stones were also used for protection against supposed mental and physical evils. They have been used to adorn Egyptian pharaohs’ death masks and sarcophagi, European crowns, and the fingers, wrists, and necks of innumerous women in love. With the coming of the New Age we are seeing a revival of the use of stones and gems for these same purposes.” Prisma catalog advertises jewelry. It says that ruby “increases vigor and renews vital life forces.” “This beautiful stone,” claims Scott Cunningham, “was considered the most perfect offering to Buddha in China and Krishna in India....In 13th-century magic, rubies were well established as wealth-increasing stones. They were especially effective if engraved with the image of a dragon or snake before using.” Opal is supposed to heighten “the emotions and restores dim vision. Known as ‘The Gem of the Gods,’ it is believe to open the Third Eye.” Another book proclaims: “Opals are worn during astral projection for protection as well as to facilitate the process.” Opals are also used to help recall one’s past lives, which is the false teaching of reincarnation. Witch Cunningham continues: “The stone is favored by many to develop psychic powers and is often worn in jewelry for this purpose. Earrings are ideal.... "Black opals are prized by magicians and Wiccans as power stones. They are often worn in ritual jewelry designed to increase the amount of power aroused and released from the body during magic.” Moonstone “symbolizes the Third Eye, sharpens spiritual awareness, and assists in the astral realms.” Psychic ability is improved by wearing azurite, this catalog claims. So, the gemstones have an occult meaning behind them. “In some contemporary Wiccan coven women— usually High Priestesses—wear necklaces consisting of alternative amber and jet beads. Though reasons for the use of these materials vary, it is said that these two stones represent the Goddess and God, the feminine and masculine principles, the projective and receptive forces of nature. They also heighten magical effects....