September 2022 – Howlite, Violets , The Hermit

September, the time the world begins to cool down, the leaves are beginning their slow turning of colors and the world begins its preparation to slow down and gather for the time of Winter.

The metaphysical meaning of manifestation, slowing down, improving your current situation, as well as philosophy, Perfection, Clairvoyance, supernatural forces, awareness, spiritual path, revelation, loyalty, and celebrating the bounty of the year.

Howlite

The ‘Imitation Stone” as named by some due to some dyeing it to look like Turquoise. 

Howlite is used for both patience and perspective (for those who feel they need to slow it down, absorb, and clear the constant stream of chatter from the mind). It s a stone that helps you to form a strong bond to a more mindful way of life.

This unique little crystal provides healing in body, mind and spirit as it assists in the slow down of the heartbeat, cool calamitous tempers, and show you the way of wisdom. 

With its calming, gentle energy vibration, it connects you and helps you to flow easier by raising one’s awareness and granting clear vision. 

A borate mineral found in sedimentary rock, a Canadian chemist, mineralogist and geologist named Henry How first discovered it in Canada in 1868 when a group of miners brought it to his attention when they came across it while mining, finding it to be a nuisance because it was harder to mine than gypsum. 

Though first named by Henry How  “silico-boro-calcite”, James Dwight Dana, an American geologist and mineralogist later gave it the name Howlite in honor of Henry How.

Howlite has a white marble-like appearance with threaded gray, black or brown veins running through it. Some forms of Howlite are just pure white however. Howlite is a porous stone that can absorb dye well, which is why it’s often used to imitate other gems, hence the name Imitation Stone.

Violets

Ahh the dainty and beautiful Violet!  The smell of this dainty little flower is very subtle, reminiscent of the iris with hints of softness, sweetness almost candy – like a woodsy floral. 

With a very rich history, they symbolize innocence, everlasting love, modesty, spiritual wisdom, faithfulness, mysticism, and remembrance.

With over 100 different varieties, Violets are also edible, though some are more palatable than others. The common blue violet is the most harvested and used mostly fresh (as in salads) or made into jams and jellies

Violets are steeped in history. In Greek mythology, it is said that violets were created when one of Artemis’ nymphs, who had all sworn to stay maidens, was being pursued by her twin brother, Apollo. To protect her nymph, Artemis transformed her into a violet, which in turn led the violet to become a symbol of modesty.

In Christianity, the violet flower is often seen as a symbolic emblem of humility. Because of its three leaves, medieval monks called violets “the herbs of Trinity” or “flowers of Trinity”. It is also said that violets symbolize the Virgin Mary’s humility and purity. These blossomed when the angel Gabriel told Mary that Jesus would be her baby.

Looking deeper into the usage of violets in history, we can often see it being used in religious art as well. For the violet flower meanings are often portrayed as a symbol of modesty and humbleness, especially in many paintings of the Renaissance era, the Virgin Mary is often seen with baby Jesus in her arms with purple flowers, in symbolic reference to her modesty. In addition, the works of Leonardo da Vinci (“Madonna and child with flowers”) and Giovanni Paolo (“Madonna of humility”) feature the violet flower prominently.

The Hermit

The images on the Hermit Tarot Card depict an old man standing alone at the peak of the mountain while holding a lantern in one of his hands and a staff on the other. 

The mountain denotes accomplishment, development, and success. 

This card also refers to the level of spiritual knowledge that he attained, and that he is ready to impart that knowledge to everyone. 

A deep commitment to his goal and a solid awareness of the path that he is taking is also depicted, as his head is bowed, looking at his path. 

Look closely at the inside of the lantern, notice there is a star with 6 points which is also known as the Seal of Solomon, which represents wisdom. 

The staff that he holds also depicts authority and power.

The Hermit, when it is drawn, is about seeking, from within, a need to understand, of personal introspection and thoughtful temperance.

It simply tells the reader that it is not time to remove or withdraw from any event or relationship so that personal introspection can be done and strength can be gathered in order to move forward.