Volcano Spit Stone..Also Known As...

Hematite. Hematite is one of the most grounding of all stones (root chakra) and aids in intuition. Used as a meditative stone, Hematite grounds information through the crown chakra and energies from other realities into this physical reality.

Hematite jewelry was highly sought after and popular in Europe during the Victorian era, and regained popularity when rediscovered in jewelry pieces carved by Native Americans. Known best as carved and sculptured pieces, it sports a unique, unmatched dark metallic color, a shade of smoky-silvery black with a unique and an unmistaken shiny charcoal charm. It encourages spontaneity and zest for life and is said to protect the wearer's vital energy and guarantee survival.
FOLK NAME: Volcano Spit
ENERGY: Projective
PLANET: Saturn
ELEMENT: Fire
POWERS: Healing, Grounding, Divination

MAGICAL/RITUAL LORE:
Hematite is a strange stone. It is heavy, solid, and silvery black. It's name alone is something of a mystery. To ancients, hematite was what we now know as bloodstone, so virtually all magical information relating to "hematite" in old books refers to bloodstone. In Italy and elsewhere, it is fashioned into necklaces which are sold as "volcano spit." Magical information relating to this stone is scarce. Hematite possesses the curious property of "healing" itself. Make a small scratch on the surface of the stone, and then rub your finger over it. The scratch may disappear.

Hematite is said to be powerful in drawing illness from the body. As with all stones, it's held in the hands while visualizing, then placed on the skin directly over the afflicted area. A necklace of small stones can also be worn for healing. Hematite is worn for grounding and stabilizing purposes, and to focus the attention on the physical plane.

Hematite is said to have been traditionally used in the construction of "magic mirrors," and is believed to be able reflect back any negativity from whence it came. It is often used in scrying.

In ancient Egypt, Hematite was carved into "pillows" and was often used in death/rebirth ceremonies with their deceased. It was also utilized as an inscription stone for certain passages from the Book of the Dead. It was in this part of the world that Hematite's magic was also put into service by being made into protection amulets, and also as jewelry worn by those in mourning. The original "Bloodstone," the ancient Egyptians used this mineral to aid in curing abnormalities and diseases of the blood, to reduce inflammation, and to treat hysteria. Hematite amulets have been found in nearly every pharaoh's tomb as a support in the afterlife.


The early Romans would crush the mineral and rub its red powder onto their bodies, believing this would bestow courage, strength, and a general invulnerability. Native Americans utilized Hematite to make red face paint called red ochre, often when on a warpath. Ancient myth has it that large deposits of Hematite were formed wherever battles were fought and wherever blood flowed as a result of those battles.

Engraved seals made of Hematite have been found in the ancient ruins of Babylon.

To cleanse and restore the properties of Hematite, bury the stone in the earth for 24hours or more. For the polished stones a quick rinse under running water helps revitalize the mineral's natural water element properties adding further enhancement to its heavy earth element structure.

Metaphysical Properties:
Astrological Sign(s): Capricorn, Aries
Element(s): Earth, Water
Chakra(s): Root
Mental attunement
Clarity
Focus
Memory enhancement
Courage
Strength
Grounding
Cooling
Clearing
Calm reasoning
Promotes tranquility
Dissolves negativity
Meditative
Promotes self-control, strength, stability, originality
Attracts harmony
Protection

This stone also gives physical aid in treating: Leg cramps, blood disorders, anemia, kidney disorders. Helps with nervous disorders, insomnia, anxiety.