====== Obsidian ======
<div #singlebox>
---- dataentry gem----
latin_names: 
folk_names: 
energy_tags: Projective
gender_tags: 
planet_tags: Saturn
element_tags: Fire
deity_tags: Tezcatlipoca
effect_tags: Protection, grounding, divination, peace
----
</div>
<ifauth @user>
===== Magical Uses =====
Obsidian is a grounding, centering stone. Hold it in your hands or place your bare feet on two small, polished pieces when you're flighty or can't seem to get your physical life in order. Remember-the physical is the path to the spiritual. Each is a reflection of the other.

Obsidian is effective when carried or used in protective rituals. One involves surrounding a white candle with four obsidian arrowheads that each point to one of the directions. This sets up aggressive energies that guard the place in which it is set up.

Spheres of obsidian, still fashioned in Mexico, are fine scrying tools. If you don't have good results scrying with quartz crystal, try a piece or sphere of obsidian. For some, the blackness of the stone allows easier access to the subconscious mind.
===== Ritual Lore =====
Obsidian is simply lava that cooled so fast that the minerals contained within didn't have time to form. It is a naturally occurring glass.

The ancient Aztecs fashioned flat, square mirrors of this black glass for use in divination. According to legend, the famous Dr. Dee, a magician-alchemist hired by England's Queen Elizabeth I, may have used one of these mirrors in his scrying sessions.

It was a popular material for fashioning stone knives, spear points, and arrowheads, and when used for these purposes. it is often known as "flint." Such arrowheads have magical properties. (See flint.)</ifauth>