Behind the Book: A Magical Discovery at The Star & Stone
- Apr 26
- 5 min read
You asked, I'm delivering! 🌟
Several weeks ago, I asked you what you wanted to read more of, and you all responded you wanted MORE behind-the-scenes glimpses of the research I'm conducting into my latest series, Chronicles of the Dark Covenant (COTDC). Since I'm always aiming to please, I'm bringing back the "Behind the Book" series, but this time, we're focusing on my newest project, a new adult paranormal romance called, A Kiss of Ruin (AKOR).
Writing this dark, paranormal romance has led me to explore all sorts of mystical practices and ancient beliefs, and during my most recent adventure, I found myself walking into a local metaphysical shop for the very first time. The store is called The Star & Stone, and let me tell you, it was like stepping into another world.
As I wandered through the shop, surrounded by crystals, incense, and a variety of spiritual tools, I felt like I had stepped into a treasure trove of magical energy. There were books on Catholic mysticism, idols from different cultures, and—of course—tons of crystals. Now, I’m not new to crystals; I’ve used them in my own spiritual practice for years, but I never realized how much they could inspire my writing.
One crystal, in particular, caught my eye: Blue Kyanite. This stone is a deep, celestial blue, and it’s known for its high vibrational energy and connections to the Throat Chakra (helping with clear communication) and spiritual protection. But here’s the fun part: the woman at the shop mentioned that Blue Kyanite is rumored to be the material the sword of Archangel Michael was made from. Now, that really got my creative juices flowing!
A Heavenly Connection: Blue Kyanite & Archangel Michael
Archangel Michael is a powerhouse of protection, courage, and divine strength, so naturally, the idea of his sword being made of a stone that embodies truth, clarity, and spiritual defense felt so fitting. I couldn’t help but picture this radiant, shimmering blade cutting through darkness with ease. Further research told me that Blue Kyanite’s energy is said to be especially helpful when confronting negative forces, which perfectly aligns with Michael's role as a divine warrior casting out demons.
This little nugget of information completely shifted how I viewed my magical system in Chronicles of the Dark Covenant. It made me rethink the weapons my characters would use when combating evil forces and how these divine tools would be crafted. If Archangel Michael's sword is made of Blue Kyanite, what other crystals, woods, and metals could play a role in the creation of angelic and divine weapons in my world?
The Divine Weaponry of Chronicles of the Dark Covenant
In A Kiss of Ruin, as you may know, there’s an ongoing battle between angels, demons, and those caught in between. One of the key themes of the series is the struggle between light and darkness, and that battle is often fought with weapons that are far from ordinary. I started imagining weapons that weren’t just tools of destruction but were infused with sacred power, capable of casting out demons or banishing evil with just one swing. And of course, they would need to be made from materials that reflected the divine essence they held.
Here are a few ideas I’ve been toying with:
1. Blue Kyanite Blade (Michael’s Sword)
As mentioned, Blue Kyanite’s high-vibrational energy would make it an incredible material for a sword that can cut through not only physical enemies but also metaphysical barriers. Imagine a gleaming, crystal blade that could slice through demons with the power of truth and divine light. Maybe one of my characters—perhaps an angelic being or even a chosen mortal—wields such a blade as part of their celestial calling.
2. Iron Sword (A Demon’s Weakness)
Now, this one is a bit of a throwback to ancient beliefs, but it’s something I’ve always found fascinating. Iron has been long considered a powerful material in folklore and various spiritual traditions, and it’s often thought to be a demon’s weakness. The idea is that iron, with its cold, solid nature and its association with the Earth element, has the ability to repel dark or otherworldly forces. Some legends even say that carrying iron can prevent evil spirits from entering certain spaces.
In the Chronicles of the Dark Covenant universe, imagine that when demons are faced with a sword forged from pure iron, it would burn them. The cold, unyielding nature of iron is the perfect counterpoint to the fiery, chaotic nature of demons, making it an ideal weapon for the heavenly warriors who stand between humanity and the forces of darkness. So, maybe one of my characters—someone with a strong connection to the Earth, or perhaps even a fallen angel—wields an iron sword that can cut through the demon’s essence, neutralizing their dark powers.
3. Jujube Wood Staff (The Crown of Thorns Connection)
Speaking of divine weapons, this one really captivated me. While conducting research at the Santa Barbara Mission, I discovered Jujube wood. Though not widely known in modern magical practices, it has a deep connection to Christian mysticism and has been identified (in certain traditions) as the wood used to weave Christ’s crown of thorns. How powerful is that? A staff made from Jujube wood would carry the symbolism of Christ’s sacrifice, the weight of divine love, and the strength to overcome evil.
In my universe, Jujube wood could be carved into mystical staffs that could be wielded by powerful divine beings—perhaps an angel or a high-ranking holy warrior—who use it to cast out demons. The connection to Christ’s crown of thorns would imbue the staff with sacred, transformative energy, able to channel divine wrath and healing power. And maybe, just maybe, there’s a piece of Christ’s essence that resides within the wood, making it not just a weapon, but a conduit for divine intervention.
Crafting a Magical System with Meaning
As I thought more about these divine weapons, I realized just how much the materials used in their creation could reflect the character's purpose, personality, and connection to the divine. A Kiss of Ruin (and the larger Chronicles of the Dark Covenant series) is all about the balance of light and dark, the clash of powerful forces, and the complex nature of good and evil. Crafting these weapons, with their divine and demonic origins, helps add a deeper layer of complexity to the world-building process. Each weapon tells a story and has a unique purpose in the battle that’s unfolding.
What really excites me about this is how much potential there is to explore these materials. Whether it’s the way the metals shimmer in the light, the way a crystal vibrates when it’s near a demon, or the ancient rituals used to forge these weapons, there’s so much to dive into. I can't wait to share more of these discoveries with you as the story unfolds.
Final Thoughts: Inspirations and New Directions
Visiting The Star & Stone wasn’t just about shopping for crystals—it was an adventure in exploring the deeper layers of magic, mysticism, and how they connect to my characters and world. Sometimes, all it takes is one visit to the right place to spark a whole new idea, and Blue Kyanite was the perfect catalyst for pushing my magical system in fresh, exciting directions. The discovery of Jujube wood’s connection to Christ’s crown of thorns only deepened the sense of sacredness I want to imbue into these weapons.
I hope you enjoyed this little peek behind the curtain of my creative process. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—what kinds of divine weapons do you think would be most fitting for my characters in Chronicles of the Dark Covenant? And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for even more updates, sneak peeks, and exclusive content. 💫
Happy reading (and crystal hunting)! ✨
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