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A crystal or crystalline solid is a solid material whose constituents (such as atoms, molecules, or ions) are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. In addition, macroscopic single crystals are usually identifiable by their geometrical shape, consisting of flat faces with specific, characteristic orientations. The scientific study of crystals and crystal formation is known as crystallography. The process of crystal formation via mechanisms of crystal growth is called crystallization or solidification.

Crystals, or crystalline solids, are often used in crystal healing therapy, and, along with gemstones, are sometimes associated with spellwork in Wiccan beliefs and related occult practices. The Sumerians utilized crystals in their magical formulas as long as 6000 years ago. Examples of large crystals include snowflakes, diamonds, and table salt.

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Did you know...

Jean Bodin

• ... that the Jean Bodin wrote the first published definition of witchcraft?
• ... that the Book of Isaiah describes the Seraphim?
• ... that the Book of Magical Charms includes charms for healing a toothache?
• ... that some Abrahamic religions historically believed in Reincarnation?
• ... that Thiess of Kaltenbrun claimed to be a "holy werewolf?"
• ... that The Empress tarot card corresponds to Venus?
• ... that the ancient Egyptian goddess Nut is revered in Thelema?
• ... that Cassiel is one of the Angels of Death in Judaism?

This month in history Urbain Grandier being accused of witchcraft 2 June - Trial of Urbain Grandier for witchcraft and adultery begins. (1630) 2 June - The Salem Witch Trials commence. (1692) 4 June - Occultist and author Travis McHenry is born. (1980) 8 June - Occult horror film Hereditary is released in the United States. (2018) 10 June - Accused witch Bridget Bishop is executed by hanging. (1692) 10 June - Psychic medium Hélène Smith dies in Switzerland. (1929) 12 June - The occult horror film Rosemary's Baby is released in the United States. (1968) 13 June - Author W.B. Yeats is born. (1865) 15 June - Margaret Jones is hanged in Boston for witchcraft in the first such execution for the Massachusetts Bay Colony. (1648) 15 June - New Orleans voodoo practitioner Marie Laveau dies. (1881) 16 June - Vlad the Impaler leads a daring night attack against Sultan Mehmed II near Târgoviște. (1462) 17 June - Michael Servetus is convicted of heresy and sentenced to death by burning. (1552) 17 June - Occultist engineer Jack Parsons dies. (1952) 22 June - The Inquisition finds Galileo Galilei guilty of heresy. (1633) 25 June - Occult horror film The Omen opens in the U.S. and Canada. (1976) 26 June - Richard III becomes King of England. (1483)

Featured image Lilith is a female figure in Mesopotamian and Judaic mythology, theorized to be the first wife of Adam or a primordial demon. She is thought to be mentioned in the Biblical Book of Isaiah, and in Late Antiquity in Mandaean mythology and Jewish mythology sources from 500 CE onward. Lilith appears in various concepts and localities that give partial descriptions of her. She is mentioned in the Babylonian Talmud (Eruvin 100b, Niddah 24b, Shabbat 151b, Baba Bathra 73a), in the Book of Adam and Eve as Adam's first wife, and in the Zohar as "a hot fiery female who first cohabited with man." Many traditional rabbinic authorities, including Maimonides and Menachem Meiri, reject the existence of Lilith. Artist: John Collier (More Images)

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