====== Flint ======
<div #singlebox>
---- dataentry gem----
latin_names: 
folk_names: Thunderstone, elf-shot, fairy-shot, elf-arrow, adder stone
energy_tags: 
gender_tags: 
planet_tags: Mars
element_tags: Fire
deity_tags: 
effect_tags: Protection, healing, divination
----
</div>
<ifauth @user>
===== Magical Uses =====
As mentioned above, ancient flint implements are protective amulets. It is thought to be particularly potent when placed above the door.

If you obtain an ancient flint knife (or a modern replica), place it on the altar or hold during protective rituals.

Flint is used in modern-day Brazil in divining gold, water, gem stones, and other underground treasures.

*A modern American flint spell:* To cure a headache, strike a flint several times. As the sparks fly, visualize the pain traveling out from your head, into the sparks, and dissipating with them.
===== Ritual Lore =====
Flint, a term vaguely applied to varieties of opaque quartz, was widely used in religio/magical rites by American Indians. Among the Cherokee, for instance, flint was invoked by shamans prior to medicinal treatments.

One of the first trade articles of early peoples, flint was used extensively to make blades. Ancient flint knives, found throughout Europe, were and still are used as protective amulets. They were known as "thunderstones" and "elf-shot," revealing that their origins long remained unknown.

The Irish set flint knives in silver and carried them to guard against mischievous "fairies." In Scandinavia, flint knives were sometimes honored as family "gods." Beer and melted butter were poured over them, much as holy statues are revered in contemporary India.</ifauth>
===== Notes =====
==== Related Metals ====
* [[metal:silver]]