Metal Properties

The first seven planets recognized by our ancestors as the planets visible to the naked eye, have had a lasting influence on mankind. Each of these planets had a mystical metal linked to it. These seven metals, gold (sun), silver (moon), copper (venus), iron (mars), mercury (mercury), lead (saturn) and tin (jupiter), are the seven metals which modern civilization was founded. Of these seven metals, five can be found in their native states (gold, silver, copper, iron, and mercury). The other two, tin and lead, must be smelted from ore. Within the Dharmic religions, sacred artifacts such as temple statue and singing bowels are made up of a mixture of all seven metals.

A metal is a material (an element, compound, or alloy) that is typically hard when in solid state, opaque, shiny, and has good electrical and thermal conductivity. Metals are generally malleable and they can be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking, as well as fusible (able to be fused or melted). About 91 of the 118 elements in the periodic table are metals.

A precious metal is a rare, naturally occurring metallic chemical element of high economic value. Chemically, the precious metals tend to be less reactive than most elements. They are usually ductile and have a high luster. Historically, precious metals were important as currency but are now regarded mainly as investment and industrial commodities.

Iron

Iron was considered The Warrior’s Metal. Ruled by Mars it corresponds to emerald, and its astrological houses are Aries and Scorpio. Used as a protector to ward against ghosts and spirits, iron represents strength, competition, protection and command. Iron encourages determination, will-power, assertiveness and aggression, It is used in fertility rites, new beginnings and undertakings, speed, power and courage.

Tin

Tin is not found in its native state and must be smelted from ore. This silvery, malleable poor metal is not easily oxidized in air and is used to coat other metals to prevent corrosion. The first alloy, used in large scale since 3000 BC, was bronze, an alloy of tin and copper. In modern times tin is used in many alloys. Tin resists corrosion from water but can be attacked by acids and alkalis.

Alchemy & Astrology

The Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn are the 7 traditional planets first discovered in the ancient world. They were consequently associated with everything from metals to minerals, angels to elements.

Alchemy in the European and Western World was widely practiced was (and in many cases still is) allied and intertwined with traditional Babylonian-Greek style astrology; in numerous ways they were built to complement each other in the search for hidden knowledge (knowledge that is not physical, but metaphysical). Astrology has used the concept of classical elements from antiquity up until the present day. Most modern astrologers use the four classical elements extensively, and are still viewed as a critical part of interpreting the astrological chart.

Cleansing & Charging Metals

~ Tarnished silver can be cleaned by bringing one liter of water, one tablespoon of baking soda, and one piece of aluminum foil to a boil. Drop silverware in the pot for 10 seconds (longer if it’s very tarnished), then remove using kitchen tongs. wipe cleean.

~Clean gold by Soaking a ring or chain in hot water with a drop of dish liquid for five minutes. Remove it, brush it with a soft toothbrush, then rinse and dry it well.

~Clean copper by Cutting a lemon in half and apply salt. Rub copper with lemon. Use the lemon directly on the surface instead of an applicator. Continue to rub the surface and apply salt as needed until tarnish is removed.

The Power of Color

Color plays a major role in determining how your crystal can help you.  A crystal’s color is due to its combination of minerals, which give it it’s own personality.  It contributes in what attracts you to it.  The psychological aspects of color determine how a crystal’s healing properties work.

Copper

Copper is ruled by the planet Venus. It is one of the oldest metals and copper metallurgy has flourished in different cultures, including the Middle Eastern, Asian, European, Central & South American and Native American. Copper embodies the nurturing aspect of women and their youthfulness. It is associated with the matters of love & lust, and symbolizes characteristics like charisma, feminine beauty, artistic creativity, affection, caring and balance. It is also considered a healing metal that teaches about living a fulfilling life.

Gold

The celestial body represented by Gold is the Sun. The metal was highly valued by the ancient Egyptians, Irish, Romans, Asians, Africans and Central Americans. It was believed to represent perfection and purity. Gold was often used as offerings for the gods, for ceremonial purposes and for beautification of the chieftains’ courts. Most of the cultures across the world have seen this metal as a symbol of wealth, prosperity, authority and charisma. It was supposed to aid in healing, protection, growth and knowledge.

Iron

One of the most abundant elements in the universe, Iron is dominated by the planet Mars. The metal was widely used by the Asian, African and European civilizations. Iron symbolizes the male energy and is connected to physical power, aggression, growth, dependence and protection. It promotes emotions such as lust, confidence, courage, strength, stamina and resilience. It is considered to be the most ‘human’ metal and so, is distrusted by the ethereal entities and spirits.

Lead

Governed by the planet Saturn, Lead has dark connections and is related to death and transformation. This toxic metal represents impurities, of the metals as well as the humans and its burning is metaphoric with cleansing and removal of imperfections. It was associated with divination spells. Lead was one of the earliest metals known to man and was widely used by the ancient Romans, Egyptians, Greek and Chinese.

Silver

This is a regal metal and is connected to the Moon. It is one of the most versatile metals, one of the 3 base metals in Alchemy. It is associated with philosophical traits of intuition, self-reflection and inner wisdom. It is a feminine metal, a symbol of purity and is connected to the goddesses and spirits. Its energies include divination, healing, protection, emotion, love, wisdom, dreams, luck and wealth. It is symbolic of attributes such as vision, clarity, awareness, focus, persistence and subtle strength.

Tin

Tin is representative of Jupiter. It embodies wisdom, logic, education, maturity and knowledge and is believed to be the metal of the sages and scholars. It is associated with mediation, balance and a philosophical view of life. This metal is also connected to prosperity and wealth. The popularity of tin is dated to the Bronze Age with civilizations around the world making extensive use of it.

Mercury

Associated with the planet of the same name, Mercury is an unusual metal that exists in the liquid form at room temperature. It is a toxic metal and is associated with death, mystery and transformation. It is connected with divination and scrying. Mercury is also related to travel and movement, be it of physical or spiritual nature. The metal was known to the ancient Romans, Greeks, Hindus and Chinese. The alchemists considered it one of the 3 principal substances on Earth, along with salt and sulphur.