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In the United States, an orphan or rare disease occurs in less than 200,000 individuals. Also, there are some diseases that only affect that many individuals in the entire world. Than there are those diseases that are widespread in certain parts of the world but are rare in others. And there are some diseases that are truly one-of-a kind, usually due to a genetic defect. The United States Office of Rare Diseases (USORD) list over 6,000 diseases considered rare in the United States; Hunter Syndrome is one of those diseases.

Historical Background: The National Mucopolysaccharide Society (MPS) described Hunter Syndrome as a mucopolysaccharide (muco-poly-saccharide) storage disorder that is also called Mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II).

Hunter Syndrome is named after Charles Hunter, a professor of medicine of Manitoba, Canada, who first described two brothers with the disorder in 1917. Two types of Hunter Syndrome have been identified, mild and severe. However, there are individuals with intermediate severity who do not fit neatly in either the severe or the mild forms of the disease. Studies have clearly shown that current understanding of the enzyme and its gene demonstrated that MPS II comprises a broad spectrum of severity that individuals may be diagnosed from severe to mild Hunter with many individuals falling somewhere in between.

Researchers concluded that all individuals with Hunter Syndrome have a deficiency of the enzyme iduronate sulfatase, which results in the build up of mucopolysaccharides, more recently called glycos-amino-glycans (GAG). The accumulation of GAG is responsible for the many problems that affect individuals with MPS II.

So far, there is no cure for individuals affected with these disorders. However, there are means to manage the challenges that the individuals will experience, and assist them to live a productive life. Several treatments had been tried with limited success. Such as bone marrow transplantation with poor results. Currently, enzyme replacement therapy is being studied, which may help some individuals affected with MPS II. Researchers continue to look for more effective method to treat these disorders, and hopefully those affected will have more and better options available in the near future.

Even with stem cell transplant or enzyme replacement therapy, individuals with MPS II continue to have significant muscular and skeletal disabilities, more commonly involving the spine, hips, knees, and hands. These are rarely life-threatening, but frequently limit the individual function, activity, and quality of life issues. Surgical intervention is often required to optimize long-term function. The timing and type of surgical intervention may vary among individuals and surgeons. Still, early evaluation is important in determining proper treatment, and to optimize quality of life for those affected with MPS II.

How Hunter Syndrome is Inherited: Hunter Syndrome has a different form of inheritance from all other MPS disorders. Hunter Syndrome is a sex-linked disorder, meaning that it is transmitted on the female X-chromosome from mother to her children. In which case, the syndrome is most often seen in males. However, rare female cases have been reported. Hunter Syndrome can occur in any ethnic group; but a higher incidence has been reported in the Jewish population living in Israel. Hunter Syndrome may occur as frequently as one individual per 65, 000 births to as rarely as one individual in 132, 000 births.

As stated above, girls may be the carriers of the disease but except in the rare case, only boys will be affected. For example, if a woman is the carrier for MPS II disorder, there is a 50% risk that any male child born to her will be a carrier for the disease. It is very important to remember that not all women with only one MPS II child will be carriers of the abnormal gene. For instance, if only one individual in a family has MPS II, the carrier status of the birth mother cannot be definitavely determined. However, if additional affected individuals are known, than the mother of an MPS II child is assumed to be a carrier.

The sisters and maternal aunts of a person with Hunter Syndrome may also be carrier of the disorder and would have a 50% chance of passing the abnormal gene to a son. It is strongly suggested that all families of individuals with Hunter Syndrome should seek consultation from their medical genetic doctor or a genetic counselor before planning to have additional children. It should be noted that analysis of enzyme level, in itself, is not a reliable method to determine MPS II carrier status for many individuals.

What Causes MPS Disorders? Mucopolysaccharides are a long chains of sugar molecules used in the construction of bones, cartilage, skin, tendons, and many other tissues in the body. They form part of the structure of the body and also give the body many of the special features that make it work. For example, the slippery joint fluid that lubricates your joints contains mucopolysaccharides. The rubbery resilient cartilage in your joints is another good example. All bodily tissues have some of the substance as a normal part of their structure.

The modern word for mucopolysaccharides is glycos-amino-glycans or (GAG), which stands for sugar-amino-sugar polymer or long repeating sugar chains found in these materials. These sugar chains are submicroscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eyes, but can be studied using special scientific instruments and analytical methods.

To understand how GAG accumulate and cause MPS II, it is important to know that in the course of normal life, there is continuous process of constructing new mucopolysaccharides and breaking down old ones; a recycling process. Interesting enough, this ongoing process is necessary to keep your body healthy. This process of break down and recycling requires a series of special biochemical tools called enzyme. In order to successful break down GAG, a series of enzymes or tools work in sequence one after another to split the GAG into pieces. Each enzyme in the process has its special purpose in the body and does just one special function; like a screwdriver works on screws and a hammer works on nails.

According to several studies individuals with MPS II are missing one specific enzyme called iduronate sulfatase, which is essential in the process to break down certain GAG called dermatan sulfate and heparin sulfate. The incompletely broken down dermatan sulfate and heparin sulfate remain stored inside cells in the body and begin to build up, causing progressive damage. GAG itself is not toxic but the amount of it and the effect of storing it in the body leads to multiple physical problems. Babies may show little sign of the disorder, but as more and more GAG accumulates symptoms begin to appear. Sugar or other foods normally eaten will not affect weather there is more or less build up of GAG.

Individuals diagnosed with Hunter Syndrome almost always have neurocognitive degeneration with progressive and profound mental retardation. When the diagnosis is made in children younger than three years old a progressively severe decline in intellectual functions occurs. Children with MPS II typically have the skeletal changes referred to as dysostosis multiplex. These individuals also exhibits progressive coarsening of facial features, short stature, joint stiffness, hepatosplenomegaly, and hernias as common presenting signs and symptoms. info@mpssociety.org

Individuals inflicted with MPS II may have popular skin lesions that are ivory in color and located on the upper back and the lateral upper arms and thighs. Other skin lesions are hypertrichosis and thickened skin. And extensive Mongolian spots associated with Hunter Syndrome have also been reported. These individuals tend to have severe mental retardation and deafness. Other symptoms include cerebral ventricular dilation. The facial features of Hunter Syndrome are coarse, but the children still have faces that resemble other family members.

Mildly affected children may behave in a normal manner and they can be quite affectionate with a sunny nature. On the other hand, they can become short-tempered when frustration sets-in due to physical limitations which often make life very difficult. Children who are mildly affected with MPS II should be encouraged to be as independent as they can; since many adults with Hunter Syndrome lead a relatively normal and enjoyable life.

According to one study done by the National MPS Society, many mildly affected Hunter adults have found productive employment as a teacher of the deaf, a marine architect, and another a sergeant in the army. info@mpssociety.org As for education, it is suggested, that some MPS II children could benifit from having a mainstreamed education enjoying the social interaction with peers. However, it is very important that parents and caretakers work closely with professional educators in the school system and develop the best Individualized Education Program (IEP) for children with Hunter Syndrome and other rare diseases.

Finally, I believe that families, caregivers, and educators should go the extra mile to educate themselves about Hunter Syndrome and other rare debilitating diseases that inflict children at such an early age. However, too often, any developed thirst for knowledge in this area may be left unsatisfied due to the lack of information about these diseases available to the public. Nevertheless, this barrier can be overcome with the advancement in technology and more people are introduced to the Internet.

Dr William Smith is a psychologist and consultant with many years experience working with individuals and groups. Dr Smith specializes in working with Adult Children of Alcoholics, and Survivors of Sexual Trauma such as Rape and Incest. For further information visit my website at: http://insightconsultant.com
For additional information on Hunter Syndrome go to info@mpssociety.org

The public does fall in love with some games and the old saying “If it looks to good to be true” still remains strong. Sure the books still cash big when the public overwhelmingly loves a side of an NFL game. But let’s look at the Sunday NFL schedule as an example. Let’s say we look at the most popular 10 games and have the public pick the winners of each of those 10 games. Most likely the public will hit an average of 4-6 of those 10 games. Simple mathematics will tell you that fading the public as your only method of handicapping may prove to not be a wise decision. When you take in to consideration in the NFL that the public often does bet the better team you have to wonder if only fading the public can even win.

Sure we recommend using the “public” as part of your handicapping but make sure you use other tools. The best handicapper will never be stubborn or never think they are smarter than the oddsmakers. Never discard important handicapping methods. Take it all in to consideration. Here are some important factors a handicapper should take in to consideration in the NFL.

1. Quarterbacks – Sure you need more than just a quarterback but often it’s a very simple question you have to ask yourself.

2. Running Game – Often if you have no chance of running the ball you are in for a long day on the field. Also with a favorite who can run the ball will have a better chance of covering that favorite spread.

3. Offense and Defense Lines – The average Joe will not pay attention to this part of handicapping and it’s so simple. Sometimes you have a mismatch in the trenches that will say a lot.

4. Home and Away – Examine this carefully. Some teams can not play to a high level on the road and some don’t care if they are home or away. With some teams who are not that good usually have the ability to turn it on in front of the home fans.

5. Trends – There is debate on whether it’s better to fade or follow trends but sometimes it’s good to know if a team has beaten a team 12 times in a row. After a while it gets in the head of players.

6. Field Goal Kickers – If you can’t kick a 40 yard field goal it changes everything. Make sure you know who your kicker is.

7. Revenge – Some people say revenge doesn’t matter but these athletes are competitive and they do remember if they received a butt kicking the last time they played.

8. Line Movement - As much as we say don’t use it as your only way of handicapping. A good handicapper will take notice. Pay attention and see if you can find a trend.

9. On Deck - More so in college football but many times you will find a team that is not 100% focused on the game at hand with an even bigger game next week.

10. Pressure - Some teams handle pressure very well and some teams are king of the chokers. You can usually get a feel for the way a team is. If it’s all on the line and a team has proven they are not very good in critical situations, don’t expect that to change over night.

Bottom Line: There is no right way or wrong way to handicap a game but always be ready to learn and take advice. Don’t let pride get in the way. Also stay away from teams that you have a rooting interest in as a fan. It’s hard to remain objective and although you think you are objective often you are not.

Handicapping is not a sprint. Do not try and get rich over night. Realize it’s a marathon and set up reasonable goals. Make sure you are prepared. Factor in everything and never think you are better than the oddsmaker. If you are able to do this objectively you might just set yourself up for a winning season.

Dr. Jack runs a sports handicapping message board at CappersMall.com. Come register and be part of a great community with no senseless bashing or touting of any kind. Visit the Cappers Mall message boards today.

You’ve heard the excuses time and again.

“I hate cold calling!” and “I shouldn’t have to cold call!” and “Cold calling is a waste of time!”

All of these are ruses.

What’s really happening is the speakers are gripped with fear. They’re afraid to fail, so sound foolish, and to even try.

In a word, they’re COWARDS!

I’ve never said that before, but I believe it cuts to the heart of the matter.

And the only cure is COURAGE.

They have to make themselves cold call. It’s not only essential to selling well, it’s essential to their character development.

First, let’s dash the notion that cold calling, selling to strangers, to people whom you haven’t spoken to before, that this activity is fundamentally flawed.

Horse feathers!

Every healthy business grows by getting new customers. “New” means people you aren’t doing business with now, with strangers.

The only way to make a stranger an acquaintance or a prospect is by meeting them. Chances are very good that they won’t contact you. You must contact them, and what’s more direct than reaching out by phone?

I’ve met people who contend that cold calling is the ONLY RELIABLE way of growing one’s business. There are other ways, I suppose.

You can grow through acquisitions, but if you go back far enough into those companies’ histories, you’ll find someone or many folks who courageously introduced themselves to strangers and built a business, as a result.

Be happy you’re afraid!

This means a lot of your competitors feel the same way and they won’t cold call, leaving this medium only to the courageous, and potentially, only to you.

With fewer people on the phones, prospects are called less, and this means they’re less resistant to sales presentations.

The coward anticipates horrors, and the person with courage anticipates treasures.

Don’t believe self-appointed gurus who play to your fears, who say, “You’re right; cold calling sucks.”

They’re feeding your weakness, making it worse.

Instead, seek out those that will literally, EN-COURAGE you.

Napoleon Hill, in the classic book, THINK & GROW RICH said it this way:

“Fear, the worst of all enemies, can be effectively cured by forced repetition of acts of courage.”

Greater than the value of all of the sales in the world, the gift we give ourselves when we cold call is one of CHARACTER.

Dr. Gary S. Goodman is the best-selling author of 12 books, over 700 articles, and the creator of numerous audio and video training programs, including ‘The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable,’ published by Nightingale-Conant-a favorite among salespeople and entrepreneurs. For information about booking Gary to speak at your next sales, customer service or management meeting, conference or convention, please address your inquiry to: gary@customersatisfaction.com.

With every passing year, it gets harder and harder to decide what to buy family and friends for their birthdays, special events, and seasonal holidays. Having the option to purchase gift certificates online is one that is certainly convenient and time saving!

Gift certificates have increased in popularity since getting access to many of the top online retail stores via the Internet is fast, easy, and simple! When many of you are starting to choose the online shopping route to save time and money, certificates make it even more effortless to please your family, friends, and many of your co-workers and business clients.

So Why Are Gift Certificates Becoming Just As Popular As Giving Traditional Gifts?

We live in a society that is more demanding when it comes to gift giving, and the recipients are becoming harder to shop for when it comes to clothing, toys, electronics, and even the people that enjoy unique collectables!

With merchandise being advertised daily through the media streams, kids and adults alike are changing their styles and personal choices constantly. So you may know one day what games or gourmet food they like, then one day they change their tastes, and before you know it, what you thought was their favorite item is not anymore.

This is why a gift certificate, also available as gift cards or e-cards, is a great option! For example, you may know that your child or adult friend loves to receive video games or DVD movies, however you may not know exactly what they’re interested in playing or watching.

With a personalized certificate for movies and DVDs, you will win every time with your gift recipients having choice, and they can select exactly what they want in the convenience of their own home and enjoy the gift when it arrives at their door.

There Are Many Online Gift Stores That Satisfy The Hardest People To Buy For!

I’m sure there are many recipients on your gift list that are impossible to shop for, and when it comes to special holidays such as Christmas, or occasions such as an Anniversary or Wedding, the last thing you want to do is get a gift that your recipients will not be happy with!

Some of you may not care what they think, but if you do, the last thing you want is for them to be talking to other family members or guests about the gift they hated from you.

To eliminate this from ever happening, you can send a beautiful bouquet of flowers, or a gift basket of gourmet fruit and wine, and add a gift card or certificate to one of their favorite stores online, and they will be raving about your generosity and thoughtfulness!

Also, if you have family and friends that love to travel, but you don’t know where they plan on going next, you can even give the gift of travel with convenient travel certificates! This way, if you have a wedding couple on your list that happen to be arranging their honeymoon, or someone close to you that is celebrating a special occasion and they would like to venture off somewhere, but they’re not sure where, giving them a holiday of choice with a travel certificate is a surprise that they will never forget!

E- Certificates and personalized e-gift cards are a great way to reach the people on your gift list when you just can’t make your recipient’s special day, whether you live out of town, or that business trip popped up that will make it impossible for you to attend. In your own way you can offer your loved ones and special friends the gift of convenience and choice this year with gift certificates.

William is the Author and owner of “Gift Certificates Online” available at http://www.gift-certificates-online.com Your one-stop-shop for Gift Certificates Online! We encourage you to view over 200 Online Stores that offer everything from Fashion to Jewelry, Sporting Goods to Home Products, plus many other Unique Items and services that you may not find anywhere else.

It can be really difficult to share your teenager’s enthusiasm when they are ready to start driving. For them, it’s exciting and fun. For you, it’s a knuckle-biting time full of worry about their safety and your bank account.

It’s important to plan for car insurance before your child actually starts driving. Unfortunately, it is going to cost your quite a bit more to insure your teenage driver. However, you can try to contain those costs while still making sure your child is protected:

• Start by comparison shopping. Get a quote from your current auto insurance company, and at least two or three other companies.
• If you plan to buy your child a car, a new sporty vehicle will cost considerably more to insure than an older, safer used auto.
• If you have multiple vehicles ask your insurance company to list your teenager as the driver on only one of your vehicles — preferably the oldest and least expensive one. Of course that is the vehicle your teenage needs to drive.
• Talk to your teenager about the financial importance of good grades. Many insurers offer good student discounts.

It’s not a good idea to reduce the limits of liability on your teenage driver, just to save some money. Teenage drivers are among the highest risk drivers on the road. If they cause an accident, you’ll be responsible for the difference between the limits on the policy and the actual damages.

If your child can keep a clean, accident-free driving record they will eventually be rewarded with lower rates. And you will be rewarded with peace of mind.

Scott Lunt is a freelance writer with over 15 years experience writing insurance-related articles. You can find more tips on saving on car, home, life, health and long-term care insurance at LowerYourInsurance.com.

Adjustable beds can be configured to alter their shape in order to alleviate pain attributed to certain medical conditions and ailments. They can be adjusted to maximize the most comfortable sleeping position, thus permitting the user to fall asleep much more quickly and have a longer period of pain free sleep.

In case you did not know, adjustable beds may qualify for a medical deduction. Physicians prescribe the use of an adjustable bed for a number of physical ailments and conditions. Check with your physician or health care professional to ascertain if you may qualify for a deduction on the purchase of your new adjustable bed. Less pain, better sleep, and money back are an extremely attractive combination.

Adjustable beds are generally prescribed for individuals who suffer from acid reflux, debilitating back pain, hiatal hernias, sleep apnea and many work related injuries. In the event that either you or your loved one happens to have a problem with snoring, you will be ecstatic to know that an adjustable bed can alleviate or eliminate the problem.

If you or a loved one have had the misfortune of suffering a stroke, have multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or any other physical condition that restricts the ability to move unimpeded, an adjustable bed can improve ones mobility. Adjustable beds can be positioned to assist in sitting up, watching television, eating, drinking, reading, writing etc… etc.

Acid reflux is a particularly annoying condition, particularly during sleep that allows stomach acid to back up into the esophageal area causing discomfort that ranges from mild to extreme, depending on the individual. An adjustable bed can alleviate acid reflux by allowing the individual to elevate their head. Sinus conditions are another physical condition that can made much more bearable by simply raising the head section of the bed.

If you suffer from edema or swelling of the legs, an adjustable bed can be positioned to elevate the legs and facilitate the flow of blood by letting gravity assist in doing the work. Any sufferer of a circulatory condition or back pain can probably feel some comfort in the folds of an adjustable bed. Some models even have heat and vibrating features to soothe away minor or major aches and pains. I would have these features on all the time!

The content provided in this article is strictly for information purposes only and is not intended or designed to provide medical advice. If you have a medical condition, I am sure everybody and his mother can give you free medical advice. If you have any medical questions that this article may have triggered, please consult your doctor or health care professional.

If it is determined that you qualify for a tax deduction on the purchase of a new adjustable bed, your next step is to have a little chat with your accountant or tax expert. You will then be in a position to use the shopping resources available on the internet to find the right adjustable bed at the right price. Then, hopefully, all you have to do is lie down and enjoy true comfort and all the healthy benefits of your new adjustable bed.

Emmanuel DeFreitas is the administrator for Adjustable Bed Center providing detailed information on electric, medical, cheap, and used adjustable beds, as well as adjustable airbeds and adjustable bed reviews. http://www.adjustable-bed-center.com

Everyday, hundreds and perhaps thousands of dejected, beaten and disappointed Web business ‘entrepreneurs’ throw in their marketing chips and resign themselves to a life of mediocre ambitions.

They reluctantly slink off to reconsider whatever inadequate options they were trying to escape when they first decided to go online. Many can be heard echoing the usual excuses that masquerade as explanations.

If you’ve been in this business for any length of time you’ve heard several of them before:

• The market in my niche is saturated.
• There’s just too much information to sort through.
• These days it’s too late to make any real money online anyway.
• Online marketing concepts are too complex to wrap my mind around.
• Things change on the Web so quickly that it’s difficult to keep up.
• It was costing me more than I had budgeted.
• There are too many experts telling you their way is the way.
• I tried everything I knew and nothing worked.
• I gave myself six months to become successful.
• My spouse wasn’t very supportive.

Whether or not any of these statements is true is immaterial. The reality is that at this very moment, they are succesful business owners who are enjoying the good life and managing profitable enterprises, in spite of any of the above.

So what is it that separates them from those who fail or simply give up? At first glance the answer may seem paradoxical, but on closer inspection you’ll recognize the logic and its surprising simplicity.

The single reason most Web businesses fail is that the owners do not start out with a definitive end result in mind. They do not have a clear vision of exactly what it is they intend the business to accomplish.

By accomplish I’m referring to more than reaching a revenue goal, developing a responsive customer list, or writing persuasive promotional copy. My statement goes directly to the purpose for creating the business in the first place.

Many years ago when I was a teenager, my best friend announced to his dad that he was thinking of becoming an accountant. My friend’s dad complimented him on his choice, then calmly asked, ‘Do you want to be an accountant because it’s what you really want to do, or because you think others would be impressed with your choice of profession?’

My friend thought for a moment, then admitted he found the idea of being an accountant more appealing than actually preparing balance sheets and income statements for the rest of his life.

A high percentage of Internet marketers today are in love with the idea of working from home, lured by the promise of earning a healthy monthly income for little work. But they are totally unprepared for the effort, discipline and persistence it demands.

So as their attempts to grow their businesses meet resistance. the superficial curiosity they began with, slowly erodes and eventually crumbles from frustration and despair. They soon run out of steam and quit because they never had a firmly established vision to keep them focused and motivated.

The trick then is to begin with the end result and never lose sight of it. Every thought and deed that follows must be designed to get your business to that place.

If your business is Starbucks, the objective is not simply to brew a refreshing cup of coffee, but to provide the best coffee experience for your patrons. If your business is Google, the objective is not simply to be a search service, but to make the world’s information universally accessible and useful.

Therefore, your ultimate purpose should always overshadow the business, which is simply a pawn in your quest to snag the bigger goal. The business then becomes the final stepping stone to your ultimate achievement.

When you create your business around a purpose that motivates and inspires you, and your intention to make it happen is as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar, it becomes almost impossible to be discouraged by the inevitable hurdles you will encounter. Your natural impulse will be to find alternative ways to overcome each challenge.

Embrace that mindset and you will significantly improve your chances of growing your business to deliver your vision. At the same time you’ll be avoiding the scrap heap of broken dreams, dashed hopes and miserable failure.

Hermas Haynes is an Internet marketer and Webmaster. He offers an informative and compelling blueprint that shows you how to create and manage your own profitable online business in six simple steps. You can download a free preview at: http://SixFigureProfits.net.

The Bernese mountain dog is a wonderful and beautiful dog for anyone to own. They are distinct in the colors that they are and their other great features. They have great looking eyes and a strong body builds. They are sturdy in appearance and will have the strength to do just about anything that they are needed to do.

Having a great dog like the Bernese mountain dog is going to be a great pleasure for just about anyone to have. They will have a friend and a companion to watch over them for a long time to come. This is something that can be counted on for as long as you have the dog in your company.

The dog has a beautiful coat that has to be maintained well in order for it to stay looking nice. They should be taken to a dog groomed on a regular basis and need to be brushed out regularly. Vitamins and nutrients are also a must for most Bernese mountain dogs. It is a great way to make sure that they stay healthy and strong.

Bernese mountain dogs will shed a great deal. They are going to do this just like any other dog can. It is going to be a good idea to keep them brushed out and shampooed with the proper formula. Another great thought is to keep the dog on a good flea medication. They will sometimes have an allergy to them and it is better to keep the fleas away so that there are no problems to deal with.

Bernese mountain dogs are a very quick dog. They can climb trees and chase after many different things at the same time. They like to play and move around and it is a good idea to have a large space for them to get exercise in. Having an open area that the dog can go out and enjoy the fresh air in is a great idea. They will be happier and healthier when they can have the right diet and exercise that is necessary for them to have.

Bernese mountain dogs will be a dog like no other. They can be shy at some point and other times they are outgoing and will protect their owners. They are a very loyal dog that will be a friend forever. They will be a strong willed dog that will have an independent outlook on life. They will do what they want to do. They are a lovable dog that will be there for their owner on any occasion and will have a life span of ten to fifteen years.

If you are looking for a great dog, this may be the one for you. You can purchase on through a private breeder or you can go online to find one. Another option is some pet stores in some local areas to find the one that you can take home as your buddy.

http://www.bernese-mountain-dog.net

The witchcraft supplies I am going to discuss fall into 2 categories…Crystals/Stone, and Herbs…

Crystals/Stones

Each rock (whether it is a crystal or not) has a higher or lower density vibration. This makes certain rocks (crystals & stones) powerful collectors of Magick energy.

Whenever you are in a situation where you are about to buy stones or crystals, it is important to physically touch different ones before buying them. It helps to close your eyes and really “feel” the stone – concentrate on how the stone resonates with you, and select the ones that are special.

Here I list the most commonly used stones that will help you with your Magick work (along with their Magick properties):

Amber – changes negative energy into positive energy; protection

Amethyst – courage, psychic energies, dreams, healing addictions (especially alcohol), peace, happiness, love; opens crown chakra

Apache’s Tear – protection, luck

Aventurine – money, luck, mental agility, visual acuity, peace, healing; opens heart chakra

Azurite – psychic energy, dreams, divination (the art of looking into the future), healing, concentration, transformation

Bloodstone – courage, strength, victory, wealth, self-confidence, success in business and legal affairs; stops bleeding; helps regulate the first four chakras

Carnelian – courage, sexual energy, verbal skill, peace; alleviates jealousy, apathy, fear, and rage

Chrysocolla – wisdom, peace, love, communication, vitality

Citrine – psychic powers, protection, creativity, sexual energy; deflects nightmares

Clear quartz – intensifies energy (both positive and negative)

Coral – protection from evil; resolves conflicts

Diamond – courage strength, healing, protection, spirituality, mental and sexual abilities

Dolomite – relieves sorrow

Emerald – prosperity, mental and psychic abilities, dreams, meditation, visual acuity, love, peace, balance; opens the heart chakra

Fluorite – balances and stabilizes relationships

Garnet – strength, physical energy, healing, protection, purification, compassion; opens the root and crown chakras

Geode – fertility, childbirth, meditation, freedom of spirit, psychic abilities, dreams, astral travel

Hematite – grounding, calming, healing, divination, intuition, physical strength; aids restful sleep

Herkimer Diamond – enhances psychic abilities and clairvoyance

Jade- healing, protection, wisdom, prosperity, love, long life, fertility, courage, peace

Jasper- healing, protection, health, beauty, energy

Jet- protection, hex breaking; dispels fear

Lapis Lazuli – courage, joy, love, fidelity, psychic abilities, protection, healing, beauty, prosperity

Lepidolite – peace, spirituality, psychic, strength, luck, protection, psychic abilities, emotional balance; deflects nightmares

Lodestone – cleanses crystals and aligns their energies, balances the chakras, removes obstacles

Malachite – power, energy, protection, love, peace, success in business, vision quests, gardening

Marble – protection, dream recall, meditation

Meteorite – enhances work with spiritual and celestial beings

Moonstone – grounding, love, divination, sleep, gardening, protection, youth, harmony, peace, magick, travel

Obsidian – grounding, divination, protection; deflects negativity

Onyx – emotional balance, self-control (especially in sexual matters), binding, protection (especially against someone else’s magick), strength

Opal – beauty, prosperity, luck, power, psychic abilities, visual acuity, emotional balance

Pearl – manifests truth, peace, and serenity

Peridot – protection, prosperity, sleep, health, emotional balance, intuition

Rose Quartz – love, peace, happiness, healing (especially of the emotions)

Ruby – prosperity, power, courage, integrity, joy; deflects nightmares

Sapphire – psychic abilities, inspiration, love, meditation, peace, healing, power, prosperity, protection

Smokey Quartz – healing, directing and absorbing energy, altered states; dissolves negative energy

Sodalite – healing, meditation, wisdom, calm, grounding, stress reducer
Sunstone – protection, energy, health, passion, sexuality

Tiger’s Eye – courage, prosperity, protection, energy, luck, judgment and common sense, honesty, divination; eases depression

Tourmaline – love, friendship, prosperity, business, peace, sleep, energy, courage, protection, inspiration; opens the third eye center, or the sixth chakra

Turquoise – courage, protection, prosperity, luck, friendship, healing, communication, happiness, emotional balance, astral travel; strengthens all the chakras

Zircon – protection (especially from theft), beauty, love, peace, sexual energy, healing, mental alertness, emotional balance

Herbs

Herbs also bring unique Magick energies to the table when doing spell work. Not only do we Witches use them for spells, but herbs are also becoming more popular to treat health ailments throughout the world.

Before ever ingesting herbs (for any reason), it is important to consult with a doctor or herbologist who can make sure that nothing you drink or eat will be harmful.

In your Magick you will usually ground herbs into fine powders, or stuff poppets with herbs that will release the energies you are looking for to bring about the best spell results.

Here is a listing of the herbs with their Magick properties:

Acacia – Protection, psychic powers

Allspice – Money, luck, healing

Almond – Money, prosperity, wisdom

Amber – For stability, self-confidence, and peace

Ambergris – To awaken love and emotion

Angelica Root – Used for protection and exorcism and to cause visions

Anise – Protection, purification, youth

Apple Blossom – For love and friendship

Balm of Gilead – Attract new love, mend broken heart, protection, healing

Bayberry – Money, good luck, peace, harmony, well-being

Benzoin – Purification, prosperity

Bergamot – Money, hex-breaking

Blessed Thistle – For purification and protection from evil, used in hex-breaking spells

Buckeye – Carry to attract money and to ward off aches and pains

Camphor – To awaken past life memories, stimulates psychic awareness

Carnation – Protection, strength, healing, vitality

Catnip – Creates a psychic bond with cats, attracts good spirits, love and luck

Cedar – Healing, courage, purification, protection, money, hex-breaking

Chamomile – For sleep and meditation, and to attract money

Cherry – Divination, love

Cinnamon – Lust, love, success, power, psychic awareness, healing, protection

Clove – Money, love, lust, exorcism, protection

Clover – Protection, money, love, fidelity, success, exorcism

Coltsfoot – Draws peace and tranquility, promotes visions, also used in spells involving animals

Comfrey – For safety during travel and to draw money

Cyclemen – To draw love and truth

Cypress – For comfort and solace, to ease feelings of loss

Damiana – Used for lust and love

Dragon’s Blood – Power amplifier, protection, love, banishing, potency

Eucalyptus – Healing, protection

Five Finger Grass (cinquefoil) – Protection, prophetic dreams, wisdom, and success in court cases

Frankincense – Spirituality, protection, exorcism, consecration

Galangal – For courage, strength, and for avoiding legal problems

Gardenia – Love, peace, healing, spirituality

Geranium – For fertility, health and love

Ginger – Success, power, money, love

Ginseng – For attracting love, luck and health

Gota Kola – Meditation

Heliotrope – To attract money and gain power

Hemlock – To induce astral projection, to purify magickal knives or swords

Hibiscus – For love, lust, divination

Honeysuckle – Money drawing, psychic awareness, memory, healing, power, honesty

Hops – Healing, sleep

Hyacinth – For love and protection

Hyssop – Purification, protection

Jasmine – Love, prophetic dreams, money, sleep, love, healing, health, meditation

John the Conqueror – Money, love, happiness, hex breaking, protection

Juniper Berries – Protection, health, increases psychic powers

Lavender – Chastity, love, peace, happiness, clairvoyance, longevity, sleep, protection

Lemon – Longevity, purification, love, friendship

Lemongrass – For lust, psychic powers and to repel snakes

Lilac – Protection, banishing

Lily of the Valley – For peace, harmony and love

Lotus – Spirituality, love, protection

Magnolia – Peace, nature spells, hair growth

Mandrake – For protection, fertility, money and love

Marigold – Protection, prophetic dreams, legal matters, psychic powers

Mistletoe – Protection, love, fertility, health, exorcism

Mugwort – Strength, psychic powers, healing, astral projection

Musk – Courage, fertility, lust

Myrrh – Spirituality, healing, protection, exorcism, transformation, consecration

Narcissus – For peace and harmony

Nutmeg – Fidelity, luck, money, health

Orange – Divination, love, luck, money
Orange Blossom – For beauty, love

Orris – For love

Passion Flower – Peace, sleep, friendship

Patchouli – Fertility, lust, money, protection, divination

Pennyroyal – For strength, protection, peace

Peppermint – Love, psychic awareness, lust, mental stimulant, energy

Pine – Healing, protection, exorcism, fertility, money

Plumeria – For love

Primrose – For protection and love

Rose – Love, beauty, psychic powers, divination, healing, luck, protection

Rose Geranium – Protection, fertility, love, health

Rosemary – Mental powers, youth, protection, love, lust, purification, sleep, exorcism

Rue – Healing, mental powers, protection, love

Sage – Wisdom, animal guides, wishes, immortality

Sandalwood – Spirituality, protection, wishes, healing, exorcism

Sassafras – Health and money

Spearmint – Healing, love, mental powers

Spikenard – For good luck, fidelity, and health

Strawberry – Love, luck and beauty

Sweet Pea – For friendship, courage and strength

Tangerine – Psychic powers, mental powers

Tea Tree – Healing, anti-fungal

Tonka Beans – Love, money, courage, wishes

Vanilla – Magickal powers, mental powers, love, lust, rejuvenation

Vervain – Love, protection, purification, peace, money, youth, healing

Vetivert – Hex breaking, peace, luck, love, protection, exorcism

Violet – Animal guide work, wishes, peace, love, luck, lust, protection

Witches Grass – Happiness, lust, love, exorcism

Wormwood – Psychic powers, calling spirits, protection, love

Yarrow Flowers – Courage, love, psychic powers, exorcism

Yerba Santa – Beauty, healing, psychic powers, protection

Rose has been practicing different forms of Witchcraft for over 27 years. For more information on witchcraft supplies visit her site The Ask Rose Ariadne Witchcraft Site

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